Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) has welcomed the recent budget announcement regarding the Australian Government’s $18.4M Regional Employment Trials Program, as an opportunity to drive economic growth and boost employment capabilities on the Central Coast.

The program will be introduced in ten selected regions across Australia from 1 October 2018, with RDACC Chief Executive Officer, John Mouland, calling on local members and government organisations to work together to secure this funding for the region.

“These trials will inform the delivery of future employment services and help us better access localised employment and economic growth opportunities,” said Mr Mouland.

“As part of the program, RDACC will work with stakeholders including Central Coast Council, employers, training organisations, not-for-profits, employment service providers and other community organisations to tailor local employment opportunities to best meet our individual needs.

“It’s imperative that we work together to provide a strong, unified voice for the Central Coast region to successfully secure this funding that will produce flow-on benefits for our entire community.”

Mr Mouland said the program will support one of the main strategic aims of the Central Coast Food Innovation Project – creating local jobs.

“One of the six strategic deliverables of the Central Coast Food Innovation Initiative is to drive jobs growth in the local food industry and develop the skill base necessary to fill the roles required in future generations,” added Mr Mouland.

“Due to the large number of entry level jobs available in our local food, hospitality, logistics and manufacturing sectors, the Regional Employment Trials Program would effectively support residents to find work locally on the Central Coast in these areas.

“In addition, the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between RDACC, Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) and the University of Newcastle as part of the Food Innovation Project, will allow the Australian Government to partner with three significant regional organisations to deliver this pioneer program.”

A key component of the Regional Employment Trials Program is the $1M Local Employment Initiative Fund, in which stakeholders in selected regions can develop project proposals that help address local employment challenges for consideration by their local RDA committee.

The ten successful trial regions will be announced in mid-2018.

Read more about the Regional Employment Trials Program.

Read more about the Central Coast Food Innovation Initiative.