Ballarat Looks To The Sky To Create Jobs

The Andrews Labor Government is helping Ballarat jobseekers into meaningful work thanks to Jobs Victoria.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll and Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard today visited the Ballarat Municipal Observatory Museum to meet a young Victorian who has secured work through Jobs Victoria.

Phillip Yordonopulo battled homelessness and manages autism spectrum disorder.

With the help of Jobs Victoria partner Westvic Staffing Solutions, Phillip has found a part-time trainee role at the Ballarat Municipal Observatory Museum’s café.

Westvic is a community-based group training organisation that has placed 54 long-term jobseekers into meaningful work across the state.

The historic Observatory Museum site has been a part of Ballarat’s community for 130 years, and today is a thriving centre for astronomical activities.

The Labor Government’s $68 million Jobs Victoria employment program is about changing lives and breaking down barriers to employment.

It has already helped place more than 2,350 long-term jobseekers into work – around 40 jobs a week – since the program began a year ago.

Jobs Victoria has a goal of placing more than 5,000 long-term jobseekers into meaningful work.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

“Jobs Victoria is giving people like Phillip Yordonopulo the second chance they deserve.”

“There are many Victorians who face multiple barriers to getting into the workforce – we are tearing them down and giving people every opportunity to make a contribution.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“It’s fantastic to see local icons like the Ballarat Municipal Observatory Museum join the Jobs Victoria family and create meaningful work for long-term jobseekers.”