The first group of members today signed the GROW Compact committing their business to increasing local spend in Gippsland and creating job opportunities for those with barriers to work.
As part of an official ceremony today in Morwell, representatives from the twenty eight businesses signed the Compact, including major employers in the region, committing them to review their purchasing, employment and supply arrangements.
With many of these businesses already leading the way in purchasing locally and from social enterprises, Aboriginal businesses, or businesses that employ job seekers with barriers to work, it is hoped this commitment will inspire other businesses to follow.
The Compact is part of the GROW Gippsland program, which is working in Gippsland to strengthen social and economic outcomes by maximising local spend and increasing job opportunities in the region.
The program was established in early 2018 based on the success of a similar program in Geelong, and is supported by the Latrobe Valley Authority after feedback from business and community that maximising local purchasing was a key driver of economic growth and jobs.
The Compact members are aiming to shift 5% of their spend from non-local to local suppliers by 2020, and to collaborate with other GROW Gippsland members to identify ways to support local people with barriers to work.
Compact members will be supported by the GROW Gippsland program to identify, deliver and measure their progress towards the Compact in line with their own business objectives.
For more information on GROW Gippsland and the Compact go to growgippsland.com.au
