From medical clinics to chocolate companies – the Andrews Labor Government is helping long-term jobseekers in Mildura find meaningful opportunities in some of the town’s leading businesses.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan today visited two companies in Mildura which have helped Victorians who face barriers to work find meaningful employment.
Tristar Medical Group has employed two young people through Real Jobs, Real People – a Jobs Victoria program managed by the Mildura Rural City Council.
The company employs more than 500 staff nationwide in a variety of roles including nursing, medical records and administration, cleaning and warehousing.
The Labor Government provided Mildura Rural City Council $1.2 million to help 75 people into sustainable jobs across the north-west of Victoria.
Real Jobs, Real People has 169 registered participants and has so far placed 47 people in work.
The Government’s $63 million Jobs Victoria initiative is supporting more than 4,000 jobseekers statewide into sustainable employment, with 1,300 already successfully placed.
Minister Noonan also visited the Mildura Chocolate Company – a not-for-profit social enterprise which employs adults with a disability or experiencing disadvantage.
The company was recognised as one of the Faces of Small Business at last year’s Small Business Festival. Two of its employees were also awarded Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia medals.
The Mildura Chocolate Company is part of Victoria’s nation-leading network of social enterprises which employ around 75,000 Victorians.
The Government has invested nearly $11 million to implement Australia’s first Social Enterprise Strategy to grow the sector. To access the strategy, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“Having a job brings a sense of meaning and dignity to someone’s life – but we know not every Victorian travels the same path to get work.”
“At the heart of Jobs Victoria is a will to give everyone an opportunity to shine in the workplace.”
“I want to congratulate Mildura Rural City Council, Tristar Medical and the Mildura Chocolate Company for their efforts in employing people who face barriers to work. You are changing lives.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020