MEDIA STATEMENT
November 8, 2021
Haines welcomes funding for jobs for the North East
Helen Haines, independent federal member for Indi, has welcomed significant funding to boost jobs in North East Victoria, after Business Wodonga was named the successful provider of the federal Local Jobs Program.
Business Wodonga will receive funding until 2025 under the program, which supports tailored approaches to increase re-skilling, up-skilling, and employment across 51 employment regions across the country.
The region covered by this grant includes Albury Wodonga, Echuca, Seymour, Shepparton, Wangaratta, and the Alpine area.
“This is great news for jobs in our region, particularly on the border,” Dr Haines said.
“I was proud to work with Business Wodonga in applying for this grant. Business Wodonga has strong business connections and a deep understanding of the business community and this success reflects that.”
Staff at Business Wodonga will develop and review the Local Jobs Plan, and chair the Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce meeting, as well as collaborating with other stakeholders to develop local employment solutions. They will assist with Local Recovery Fund projects and National Priority Fund initiatives.
“Businesses in our region have been doing it really tough throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and now need support so they can make the most of the opportunities available for them,” Dr Haines said.
“This funding will ensure businesses get relevant and useful support from locals who understand just what our businesses have been through, with border closures, lockdowns across two states and the impact of lost tourism from the capital cities.”