Jobseekers in Melbourne’s western suburbs are being given new opportunities to find work thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Jobs Victoria employment program.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas visited Fresh Select in Werribee South today to meet Jobs Victoria participants from Myanmar who have found work at the company with the help of Jobs Victoria Partner, Westgate Community Initiatives Group.

One of those jobseekers is local resident and Myanmar refugee, Paul Lausaweh, who is thrilled to be given the opportunity after many months of looking for work.

Once Mr Lausaweh linked up with Jobs Victoria, through the Wyndham Community Centre, he rapidly found long-term work with Fresh Select as a farm hand.

He has since been promoted to team leader at Fresh Select and now mentors new staff, providing language support for other employees from Myanmar.

The Labor Government’s $68 million Jobs Victoria employment program is delivering tailored employment services for long-term jobseekers who face barriers to employment.

Jobs Victoria’s flagship program, the Jobs Victoria Employment Network has now placed more than 2500 long-term jobseekers in work – about 40 jobs a week since the program started.

The Labor Government goal of placing more than 5000 long-term jobseekers into meaningful work is well on its way to achieving that target goal.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP:

“Congratulations to our Jobs Victoria partners, Fresh Select, Westgate Community Initiatives Group and the Wyndham Community & Education Centre for continuing to give long-term jobseekers an opportunity to find work.”

 “Victoria is leading the nation when it comes to employment growth, and that includes growth in Melbourne’s western suburbs.”

 “It’s fantastic to see high quality local businesses, such as Fresh Select, joining the Jobs Victoria family by offering  meaningful work for Victorians with barriers to employment.”