Funding to support women in Hume and Whittlesea

The Whittlesea Community Connections's employment team supporting women in the automotive industry. Jenny Nicholls, Kimberley Chu, Thanyarat Azzorpardi, Enzo D’Agostino and Irina Zdraveska. (Supplied)

Anne Parisianne

Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) will receive $164,570 in state government funding to deliver the Redefining Women’s Work project in Hume and Whittlesea.

This initiative aims to assist women, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, who face barriers in pursuing careers in the manufacturing and energy industries.

The project will offer various programs, including skill-building opportunities, peer networking, and tailored career support.

WCC equity and impact general manager Emma Antonetti said WCC hoped to engage more than 250 women for this project.

“It’s a really great opportunity to support women who really want it and need it, and to see women thrive in our community, particularly in the energy and manufacturing sectors,” Ms Antonetti said.

WCC is one of 10 organisations in Victoria that will receive a grant through the Women in Energy and Manufacturing program.

The $1.3 million in grants is part of the government’s effort to close gender gaps across the workforce in Victoria, particularly to help the male-dominated energy and manufacturing sectors better attract and retain women.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said, “Supporting women to enter, stay and progress in energy and manufacturing careers is a win, win situation for women and Victoria’s industry employers.

“These grants support better economic outcomes for women, help organisations address skills shortages in some of Victoria’s strongest growth sectors and contribute to driving greater gender equality across the state.”