A new Employment Facilitator will help connect employers and job seekers in the Wimmera Mallee Employment Region as part of the Australian Government’s $276 million Local Jobs Program.

Mr Tony Laria, who has extensive stakeholder and project management experience, will work with communities across the region, which takes in a large part of country Victoria, to help identify job opportunities for locals.

Mr Laria started in the role on 6 October. He will focus on matching job seekers and employers in industries including agriculture, horticulture, health care and social assistance, retail and tourism.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said the appointment of Employment Facilitators through the Local Jobs Program is a key part of the Australian Government’s wider economic recovery plan.

“Mr Laria and Employment Facilitators across the nation will be integral to the Australian Government’s skills-led economic recovery,” Minister Robert said.

“We are committed to helping communities come up with local solutions, bringing together businesses, trainers and educators to develop projects that deliver real-world opportunities.”

Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, the Hon Luke Howarth MP, said Mr Laria was keen to boost youth skill development and employment, particularly through apprenticeships and traineeships.

“He will build on his existing strong relationships with industries to help drive jobs growth throughout the Wimmera Mallee,” Assistant Minister Howarth said.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said the Local Jobs Program will help to ensure the Wimmera Mallee Employment Region will have skilled workers when and where they are needed.

“I look forward to working with Tony to ensure we can develop solutions that work for our community and make the most of the Australian Government’s investment in the Wimmera Mallee region,” Dr Webster said.

The Wimmera Mallee Employment region covers communities including Horsham, Mildura, Wycheproof, Warracknabeal, Swan Hill, Cohuna and Kerang.

The Local Jobs Program was extended in the 2021-22 Budget to cover all 51 Employment Regions across Australia.