It's a new year, with new opportunities for change, collaboration and learning. GameChange is community-led and creating positive outcomes in the local employment landscape.
But first, how did we get here?
The five community-led Priority Action Groups (PAGs) drove change in 2023. A coalition of employers, training organisations, support services, employment providers and government forged ahead, bringing to life projects designed to test, try, and learn ways to improve the fundamental issues in our local employment sector.
The PAGs weren’t alone in championing change. The Job Seeker Reference Group became a pillar for testing barrier-breaking ideas, providing valuable insight for meaningful change.
Let’s celebrate some of the things we’ve achieved:
- ‘Greater Dandenong Connect’ launched as an online tool for professionals to assist clients to navigate our complex employment and support space.
- The three, ‘Future Focus’ support fairs held across May and June brought together services aiming to increase participation and employment for people in our community. Focused on three cohorts who face socio-economic disadvantage, the fairs were tailored for Women, Youth and the CALD community.
- A two-week, pop-up ‘Central Employment Hub’ secured work for 12% of the people who visited the hub and resulted in lots of learnings for the next pop-up hub, launching soon.
- ‘Learn From a Local Employer’ was an online forum which was an opportunity for employers and education providers to showcase what their workforce did and the job and career opportunities available. It also encouraged job seekers to connect with employers and trainers during the forum, with many chatting, asking questions and building their career plan during the session.
- A seven-piece series of case studies showcased local employers who are doing things differently. The series highlights flexible workplace models, organisational support and some effective ways to create desirable workplaces in times of change.
We have a lot to be proud of and much to look forward to in 2024. Some of our PAGs have joined forces this year and we hope the new formation of people will bring ideas, new connections and help to streamline resources.
Email the team to find out how you can be part of the change: gamechange@cgd.vic.gov.au