New Job Advocates in the City of Casey will assist local residents who are struggling with the impact of unemployment, by connecting them to additional support, information and advice.
Council secured $1.3 million in funding through the Victorian State Government's Jobs Victoria Advocates Program, which has been used to appoint five Casey Job Advocates for the next two years.
As one of the fastest growing communities in Victoria, Casey is experiencing high rates of unemployment (8% compared to 6.5% average across Victoria as of 31 December 2020), which was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The advocates will support jobseekers, including youth, culturally and linguistically diverse residents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and older residents.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Council was grateful for the State Government's funding and is pleased to see Council launch another program that supports community members to find employment.
"Council recognises the challenges that many unemployed residents in Casey continue to face," Ms Duff said.
"With the support of the State Government, this program allows Council to assist our residents that have found it difficult to enter or remain in the workforce."
"Over the next two years, these Job Advocates will support unemployed residents to obtain work, which in turn will help fill staff shortages across local businesses and further support the recovery of Casey's economy."
The team of advocates will be located across 14 local community centres, and will work closely with employment, education, training and other support services, to offer a one-on-one service, which will guide jobseekers and connect them to the most appropriate assistance.
