Workers will cultivate vegetables and experience at the Collingwood Children’s Farm in the latest round of jobs created by the Andrews Labor Government’s Working for Victoria initiative.
More than 145 new jobs will be supported at 20 social enterprises, benefitting the economy and the community while providing employment for Victorians including young people, people with disability, refugees and newly arrived migrants.
An extra nine people will be employed at the Collingwood Children’s Farm to help relaunch the much-loved attraction after an eight-month closure.
Throughout 2020 the Collingwood Children’s Farm was able to transform one of its paddocks into a market garden and a horticulturist employed through Working for Victoria will help to maintain and improve the garden and run horticultural workshops for the community.
Anecdotal evidence suggests Melbourne residents started home vegie patches in large numbers during lockdown – these new workshops are expected to be highly popular with this new breed of urban farmer.
The market garden has already grown 3,000 kilograms of fresh produce including zucchini, basil, beetroot, spinach, rhubarb, corn and parsley.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today met with new employees, also including the farm’s first volunteer co-ordinator who is supporting the farm’s work with local community and corporate volunteers.
Neighbouring Abbotsford Convent has received support for 13 positions through Working for Victoria as it reopens its doors to the public, includingvisitor assistance, event coordination and community arts roles.
Enable in Broadmeadows will be able to hire computer testing, repair and retail workers to disassemble e-waste, repair donated computer equipment and distribute repaired and refurbished technology. The organisation is planning to distribute more than 100 user-ready tech items to disadvantaged Victorians.
Kinfolk will be able to hire an emergency relief coordinator, delivery driver, chefs and a baker to continue their emergency food relief program, which has involved providing 10,000 emergency relief meals and re-stocking 450 pantries for women and their families who have fled family violence.
The new Working for Victoria roles also include community development and social workers, workplace mentors, instructors and coaches, carpenters, production and manufacturing jobs and technology and IT positions.
Since launching in April 2020, the Working for Victoria initiative has created more than 12,000 jobs. For more information or to register, go to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“Social enterprises tackle disadvantage and provide valuable jobs for a range of workers – we’re ensuring that they’re able to continuing to do that.”
“This is about creating valuable jobs for Victorians and providing real benefits to the community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Richmond Richard Wynne
“The Collingwood Children’s Farm has been a vital part of the community for more than 40 years and we’re proud to be able to provide this significant boost as it emerges from its toughest year on record.”
Reviewed 05 March 2021