Skills injection supports community

Thirty-one people whose employment was impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are now putting their skills to use to support Strathbogie Shire, thanks to the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria scheme.

Staff members participating in the scheme are getting down to work and assisting in areas such as parks and gardens, roads, community projects, engagement, and building and infrastructure.

Strathbogie Shire’s involvement in the $500 million Victorian Government program is part of the response to the ongoing pandemic.

Council has received funding for up to 43 positions. Thirty-one roles have been filled, five more are in final approvals and the remainder are advertised on www.vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.

“I’m proud to say by adopting Victorian Government’s Local Jobs First Policy we have employed people from Avenel, Euroa, Nagambie, Gooram, Violet Town, Ruffy and Sheans Creek,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Amanda McClaren said.

“Along with some from outside our Shire in Nunawading, Wangaratta, Albury, Dookie, Collingwood, Merrijig and Arcadia.

“This is providing us with the people power to support our COVID-19 Recovery Program – RE3 Reset, Reboot and Revitalise – for our community.”

Each member’s role is well-defined and is designed to guide the community through present challenges and assist during recovery.

Euroa resident, Shanna Bradley, has commenced her role as Human Resources Field Support Officer and is looking forward to making a positive contribution.

Ms Bradley was made redundant at her former workplace, after it was affected by the coronavirus.

“I’m not great at not being able to work,” Ms Bradley said.

“So, being given this opportunity to work for the Shire and work locally – when there was a possibility I couldn’t do that, is amazing.

“How often would you get a chance to come into Council and make a difference like this. Imagine getting this chance during a pandemic.”

The main function of Ms Bradley’s role is to support the Working for Victoria staff members.

“Because I’m participating in the scheme myself, it’s a major advantage,” she said.

“I’m going through this journey with them.”

Meanwhile, fellow Working for Victoria member and Ruffy resident David Russell has started his role as Economic Recovery Officer.

Mr Russell, who had been working as a contractor, said his ability to ‘land contracts’ had been greatly reduced as business and government battled through the effects of coronavirus.

He said it was a great chance to use his expertise to help the local business community during its time of need.

“Our aim is to create solid connections between the Shire and small businesses, so we can find out how to best help,” Mr Russell said.

“Small business-owners locally need some connection; they need some leadership – they need to know there are people here working for them during the pandemic.

“We’ll be looking at how businesses can – first of all – survive then potentially come back.

The Coronavirus pandemic has been tough on everyone, particularly in Victoria and Strathbogie, and this is one way I can help.”

Cr McClaren said Council was excited about its involvement with this initiative and was looking forward to further supporting our community.

“There’s no doubt 2020 is a challenging year for everyone,” Cr McClaren said.

“We’re grateful for the Victorian Government funding that allows us to provide this support to people whose work has been directly affected by COVID-19 and our community more broadly.”

Operational areas to benefit due to the Working for Victoria scheme:

• Outdoor Operations • Community Wellbeing • Communication & Engagement • Project Delivery • Planning & Asset Management • Economic Development • Tourism & Events • Information & Communications Technology • People & Culture • Governance & Customer Service • Waste