Bushfire Employment Network Meeting - A great start!

At the invitation of the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations [DEEWR], the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN was represented by its CEO at a meeting of Employment Services Providers, Centrelink, Australian and State Government departments and the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, in South Morang today, Friday 29th May 2009.

The CRLLEN was pleased to be invited to make a presentation to the assembled groups, highlighting the challenges and opportunities created by the bushfires for employment, education, training and skills development across the region.

The Board has been represented in meetings and corresponded with both the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfire Recovery, Mr. Bill Shorten MP and the Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Ms. Christine Nixon. The board is advocating a view that identifies a real opportunity to establish a skills and training dividend from reconstruction activity that will support the affected communities long after the visible and physical re-construction efforts have finished.

DEEWR is looking to engage with communities affected by the Victorian bushfires and to work in partnership with other agencies to ensure that all available resources are used effectively to promote local employment opportunities and support those who have been affected by these tragic events.

We commend this approach and look to actively support such networks.

The meeting today brought together a number of key stakeholders to ensure that all available resources will be used effectively to promote local employment and support those affected by the Victorian Bushfires.

Presentations focused around both the immediate tactical and the longer term strategic challenges and opportunities facing the skills and employment sectors.

The aim of the meeting was to:

• identify existing and emerging opportunities for employment and skills development
• support existing initiatives such as the Community Service Hubs
• facilitate connections between service providers, employers, councils and Local Recovery Committees
• contribute to the development of an ongoing, locally driven employment strategy

Although in the early stages, it appears the aims of the meeting were well and truly achieved. We look forward to briefing members further as developments occur.

Bushfire Authority Reports On Progress 100 Days On

Members may not be aware that the VBRRA has also released its first report on activity to date. The 100 Day Report was presented to the Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, and Parliamentary Secretary for Bushfires, Bill Shorten, at the official opening of the Marysville Temporary Village on May 17th.

We highly recommend all members and stakeholders take the opportunity to review this report.

Download

The 100 Day Report

Related Links:

Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority

Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations

• Central Ranges Environmental Scan

• CentralRanges LLEN Bushfire Support Fund

• Rising from the Ashes Concert - Tonight, Yea May 29th!

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