As the impact of COVID-19 began to hit local industries, GSSC prepared a successful bid to the state government for $8,872,430 under the Working for Victoria Program.
The $500 million state government funding targeted roles amongst employers disrupted by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, and created outdoor and indoor jobs to fill demand from slowed industries.
Shepparton was one of 10 local government authorities to have signed up to the scheme - receiving almost double the funding of nearby Greater Bendigo and just below Greater Geelong.
For asylum seekers and people on bridging visas left stranded - having travelled interstate and overseas for harvest work - the short-term employment came as a vital boost.
Stuck with no option, many sought the help of The Brotherhood of St Laurence for training and support to secure a job.
Working with the Brotherhood, GSSC enabled 21 Work and Learning Centre participants to gain employment with council in a diverse range of indoor and outdoor roles across the municipality.
Participant Yusron Yusoff said being able to work while the borders were closed relieved "a lot of stress" for himself and his family.
After two years of service, Mr Yusoff was laid off his factory role when COVID-19 hit.
Ineligible for JobKeeper as he remained on a bridging visa with no work rights, he feared for what might have happened if he hadn't been referred to the Work Learning Centre.
“At the start of the pandemic I was worried we would end up homeless and stuck in Shepparton with no work,” he said.
“This opportunity has made a difference to our future”.
Employed as a parks officer with GSSC, Mr Yusoff was promoted to team leader within six months.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O'Keeffe said council "acted quickly" and was "proactive" in applying for and gaining funding for the program.
“Council are proud of the major support this provided and to be involved with such a great initiative,” she said.
“We have seen our community come together during this pandemic, and we have sadly seen community members and businesses suffer.”
