More than 60 organisations have now committed to improving their local and social procurement practices and opportunities for employment for the collective benefit of the Gippsland region, by signing on to become a GROW Gippsland Compact Member.
Funded by the Latrobe Valley Authority and Regional Development Victoria, GROW (Growing Regional Opportunities for Work) Gippsland is a collaborative program that seeks to strengthen social and economic outcomes and introduce job opportunities in the region.
“We’re extremely pleased to welcome the newest GROW Gippsland Compact Members – with over 60 organisations now committed to make small changes in their procurement and employment practices for the collective benefit of our region," said LVA CEO Karen Cain.
In addition to increasing local employment opportunities, the program focusses on employment opportunities for young people, transitioning workers, Aboriginal people, people with a disability and long-term unemployed.
Gippsland Physiotherapy Group is one of the 60 organisations to have signed the GROW Gippsland Compact and is already putting the GROW principles into practice after employing a number of young people from diverse backgrounds.
The organisation is also supporting young people into training and traineeships to help prepare them for employment opportunities at one of their 10 practices across Gippsland.
GROW Gippsland is modelled on the G21 Geelong GROW program which has seen $16.75 million in spend redirected back into the region.
Currently, over $17 billion is spent each year in the Gippsland region, however almost half is spent with suppliers located outside of the region.
GROW Gippsland is working with both local organisations and ones with significant contracts in the region to ensure their spend contributes to the Gippsland economy.
For more information and to find out how to get involved visit growgippsland.com.au
