The Victorian Government is supporting 29 Aboriginal organisations including Traditional Owner Groups to employ Aboriginal jobseekers and meet the increased demand for services created by the impacts of coronavirus.
More than 130 jobs will be created across the state through the $500 million Working for Victoria initiative to support Aboriginal jobseekers in taking up roles including community outreach, food preparation and distribution, delivery of online arts programs, land management and crisis services for family violence.
Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association will use the funding to maintain its Gathering Place in Hastings and deliver meals, groceries and care packages to community elders on the Mornington Peninsula.
Workers will plant out a community vegetable garden and complete a traditional stone and mud hut and firewall, and build a walkway though the wetlands for cultural tours.
Regional communities across Bairnsdale, Cann River, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers and Orbost will benefit from funding to GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation to employ new staff to prepare and deliver meals to vulnerable Aboriginal community members, particularly elders aged over 50.
Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative in the Grampians will increase its mobile service to provide essential community healthcare such as electrocardiogram (ECG) readings and blood collections supporting vulnerable members of the Aboriginal community to remain safe at home while still receiving high-quality health care.
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service will deliver 20 roles, more than half in clinical operations support. The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service will launch an outreach program to identify families, especially those vulnerable to family violence, in need of emergency relief funds, food packages and legal help.
Since its launch in April, Working for Victoria has created more than 10,000 jobs. Working for Victoria creates employment for people who have lost their jobs including those that have been impacted by coronavirus, while delivering a valuable community service.
Jobseekers can register for Working for Victoria to be matched to suitable jobs at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“Aboriginal jobseekers face barriers to employment that non-indigenous people will never know. That’s why initiatives like this are so important.”
“Whether it’s in Hastings or Wangaratta, Mildura or Preston – we know that these jobs will make a real difference to workers and the local communities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“We’re making sure Victoria’s Aboriginal community are still receiving the high quality, essential healthcare and services they need, while staying safe at home.”
“This is getting Aboriginal people back into employment and helping Aboriginal community organisations that are supporting Victorians doing it tough.”
