An initiative of Moonee Valley City Council, Victoria, to help residents of a local housing estate find work has resulted in 104 jobs in the space of a year.
The Flemington Works program helped Council find local jobs for some of its most disadvantaged residents.
The program, supported by $650,000 funding from the State Government, is helping young people and women living at Flemington Housing Estate to find meaningful employment through direct recruitment, social procurement, work experience, micro-enterprise development and community-driven employment initiatives.
Moonee Valley Mayor, Narelle Sharpe, said residents of the Flemington Housing Estate had some of the highest unemployment rates in the country.
“Long-term unemployment has a profound effect on both current and future generations who grow up in these areas of social disadvantage.
“We have recognised the most effective way to respond to the high level of social and economic disadvantage experienced by residents of the estate is through participating in meaningful work.”
The program has allowed Council to continue to develop relationships within the community, build trust and focus on building employment pathways.
Council has also helped residents establish micro-businesses, creating 20 jobs, offering them flexibility and autonomy in their work.
“This is just one way that we as a council are aiming to improve the quality of life for our residents and address intergenerational disadvantage.”
Council is now advocating for further funding to help create more jobs for their most vulnerable residents before the funding runs out
mid-next year.
