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GameChange News - Adeeb’s Spot

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Why are we Trying to Change the Local Employment System?

Since 2023, I’ve been a community member in the GameChange – Shaping a Local Employment Strategy initiative in Greater Dandenong. Every month, we gather for two hours to talk openly about how the local employment system is failing many of us, especially young people, migrants, and refugees. These discussions aren’t just theoretical; they come from lived experience. Many of us have applied for dozens of jobs, attended unpaid internships, or sat in programs that never led to real employment. After being part of these conversations for more than two years, and drawing on research, I believe it’s clear: the employment system in southeast Melbourne needs to change.

The Problem is Bigger than it Seems

Greater Dandenong is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia — more than 70% of residents were born overseas (ABS, 2021). Yet despite this richness, suburbs like Greater Dandenong experience youth unemployment rates as high as 22–24.5%, well above the state average (Star Weekly, 2022). One major issue is the structure of English language education programs. Many migrants are enrolled in English programs to improve their language skills. While the goal of these programs is to support new arrivals in learning English, in practice, some students remain in Certificate I or pre-intermediate levels for more than 12–18 months, without meaningful progress. In my own extended family, a woman has remained in the same introductory English class for over a year and a half. In that time, she could have completed an entire Certificate III or even a Diploma.

What we see on the ground is that some education providers may be keeping students in low-level programs not to support their success, but because the longer a student stays, the more government funding the institute receives. This is supported by national concerns raised about the new AMEP funding model, which some fear rewards enrolments over outcomes (SBS News, 2023). In some cases, institutions are not able to focus on helping students transition into further study or employment due to complex factors including funding models, staffing and the high demand for these services. This delay in progression keeps people dependent, rather than helping them thrive.

Resettlement and Job Services are not doing Enough

Another issue lies with resettlement organisations. While these services are meant to support newly arrived refugees and migrants, they primarily focus on early settlement — housing, documents, and orientation. They do not consistently refer people to employment pathways or job service providers and often aren’t contracted to do so. Many people finish their initial support period and are left alone, with little understanding of how to search for a job or connect with the right services (Red Cross, 2022). Meanwhile, job seeker agencies, like those under Workforce Australia, often push people to apply for jobs but don’t actually teach them how to search effectively. Clients are told to send in resumes or attend interviews but aren't taught how to write a proper cover letter, how to network, or how to present themselves professionally. They’re not given tailored support, and this results in frustration, repeated failure, and discouragement. As we’ve said in GameChange meetings, “It’s better to teach someone how to fish than just to give them the fish.” 

What GameChange is doing Differently

This is why GameChange – Shaping a Local Employment Strategy exists. Supported by the City of Greater Dandenong and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, GameChange brings together people with lived experience, service providers, employers, and government. Together, we co-design solutions based on real life, not just policy.

Our primary focus areas are:

  • Creating a centralised employment hub that simplifies job access and support.
  • Building better communication between services, education providers, and job seekers.
  • Designing targeted training that actually leads to jobs.
  • Supporting people who face multiple barriers (e.g., language, disability, no qualifications)
  • Encouraging inclusive and flexible workplace practices.

These changes are not only about improving job numbers — they’re about giving people dignity, purpose, and a fair chance at building a future.

If we don’t act now, we will continue to waste the potential of so many people in our community. The current system benefits institutions more than it support individuals. It’s time to rethink how we train, inform, and empower job seekers in southeast Melbourne. Real change comes from listening to those affected and acting on their feedback. That’s what GameChange is doing, and that is why I continue to be involved.

References

City of Greater Dandenong

Dandenong Civic Centre

225 Lonsdale Street

Dandenong

Victoria Australia 3175

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Greater Dandenong City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Bunurong People, and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their continuing connections to climate, Culture, Country and waters.