Local workers who have lost work due to the coronavirus pandemic will have access to new jobs through the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria initiative, as part of a campaign to keep communities safe and get people back into work.

Hume City Council is one of 15 new councils to have signed up to the Labor Government’s $500 million program, providing 164 jobs in areas including  supervisory and management roles, community support, cleaning across the municipality, civic asset renewal, open space and environmental works and communications.

This is on top of an initial 28 councils across Victoria that are supporting more than 2,300 people into jobs that include cleaning, land and asset management, community outreach, hardship relief delivery and crisis co-ordination.

Under the latest program, more than 1,000 workers will be deployed across the state.

Working for Victoria is matching thousands of Victorians who have lost their job due to the coronavirus crisis with employers that need workers.

More than 6,700 people have started in new roles since the fund was launched in April. The initiative also provides people with access to training where required to take on new positions.

More than 250 businesses have signed up to find staff through Working for Victoria and more are encouraged to get on board. For more information and to register for employment, go to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.

Quotes attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence

“This support will deliver crucial jobs in Melbourne’s outer north, helping people who have lost their job due to no fault of their own and providing an opportunity for local residents to support our community.”

“We’re backing and supporting people when they need it most and fighting for every local job.”