The LVA has worked with partners across Gippsland and in government to support businesses, help people find jobs, protect the things that make our region special and create the conditions where every Gippslander has the opportunity to thrive, now and into the future
Programs and projects
- Backed the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley program to engage 226 young people, with 80 finding employment post program and 61 re-engaging with secondary or vocational education. 105 young people have also been matched with community or workplace mentors.
- Partnered with the Gippsland Trade and Labour Council (GTLC) to deliver the Inclusive Employment and Workforce Transition project which registered 190 participants experiencing barriers to employment, with 6 gaining permanent employment, 6 gaining part-time jobs, 20 acquiring casual work and 4 gaining apprenticeships.
- Delivered the GROW Gippsland Program in partnership with Committee for Gippsland and Arc Blue to deliver 40 jobs including 21 full time, 13 part time and 6 casuals over the last 12 months.
- Created the Possible Me Early Years Project in partnership with Federation University to assist 132 families partner with teachers and researchers to design and implement successful strategies for promoting career knowledge among children.
- Co-designed a Priority Workforce Project with Jobs Victoria and worked with Solar Victoria, employers, service and training providers to plan for and create up to 100 entry-level new energy jobs in Gippsland by 2024.
- Extended the Broadening Horizons program in Gippsland until December 2023 to enable over 800 students within 15 Gippsland schools to continue developing skills and aspirations to enter the world of work until the end of the school year.
Research and reports
Three reports were commissioned and released:
- Gippsland Regional Labour Force Participation Report - factors influencing labour force participation in Gippsland including recommendations of interventions that will increase participation among specific groups.
- Gippsland Energy Skills Mapping Report - maps the current skills of Gippsland’s energy workforce and how they align to meet the needs of future projects in Gippsland.
- Assessing the potential for seaweed aquaculture in Gippsland – a first-of-its-type study in Australia exploring the viability of a seaweed aquaculture industry in Gippsland.
Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan
- Led the development of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan that sets out a shared community vision for a thriving region in 2035, including opportunities for a strong, diversified economy and job creation in industries that will have a long-term future in Gippsland as the region undergoes significant change.
Events and community engagement
- Partnered with state and local government and the tourism sector to secure events and community engagement activities for the region including the Victorian Bowls Open the Australian Netball Championships and Melbourne Boomers.
- Worked in partnership with regional leaders to deliver the inaugural Festival of Big Ideas over two days at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. The festival provided an opportunity for the community to talk to regional leaders about their aspirations to help shape the future of Gippsland. It was attended by approximately 1,500 people, with over 45 speakers presenting their ideas.
- Supported the delivery of the inaugural Gippsland New Energy Conference. It was the first of its kind in Australia and was attended by over 400 government, industry, educational and community representatives.