By Laura Michell
Whittlesea council has created about 260 jobs which will be open to people who are unemployed or have been stood down from work as a result of COVID-19.
The council is one of the first 28 councils to partner with the state government to create jobs under the Working for Victoria Fund.
The $500 million fund helps people who have lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19 to find new work opportunities.
People registered on the Working for Victoria database can be matched to suitable jobs.
The state government will provide funding to eligible organisations to cover employment costs.
Whittlesea council is looking for outdoor workers, social workers, counsellors, digital technicians, delivered meals drivers and more.
The jobs will be based at council or with a partnering community organisation and will complement the council’s existing workforce.
Whittlesea administrator Lydia Wilson said the council was pleased to support the Working for Victoria initiative, which could see thousands of Victorians back at work sooner.
“COVID-19 has affected many people and businesses in our community and it is going to take some time to recover from the hardship it has caused,” she said.
“Working For Victoria has multiple benefits – connecting people with jobs, helping our organisation respond to the pandemic, and supporting many community organisations that have been overwhelmed by people experiencing hardship.
“When put together, these benefits all mean one thing – a brighter future for the community living and working in the City of Whittlesea.”
Hume council has also submitted a proposal to the state government to employ 160 people for six months as part of the fund.
Under Hume council’s proposal, priority would be given to locals and council employees in need of work.
A report to last week’s council meeting said workers were needed to collect rubbish on streets, along waterways and in parks and other open spaces; to clean and replace street signs; paint house numbers on kerbs and bins; support residents and community groups to apply for grants; and digitise council meeting agendas and minutes.
Cr Naim Kurt said the council was also proposing to create a “green army” of workers who would help “beautify” the city.
