Dan Murphy – Bega Valley Shire Economic Development Manager, Cr Kristy McBain – Bega Valley Shire Mayor, and Bega Valley Economic Development Officer, Alison Vandenbergh. Photo: Ian Campbell.
Big ideas for tackling local unemployment and creating new job and education opportunities are being encouraged at two community workshops in Bega and Eden next week.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s ‘Jobs & Skills Bega Valley’ project aims to get a better understanding of the local jobs market as it currently is and what needs to happen to expand employment opportunities?
Council’s Economic Development Officer, Alison Vandenbergh, says “these Big Ideas workshops, are a once in a decade opportunity to have voices heard about our jobs future.”
“The outcomes will become a part of a resource used by industry, government and education and training providers to make decisions affecting our community’s future.
“The workshops, are open to every member of the community are a key part of the Jobs & Skills Bega Valley consultation process.”
Ms Vandenbergh believes this is key opportunity for the Bega Valley to be seen as the unique place it is, “in the past studies like this have grouped us with the Shoalhaven or Queanbeyan and that skews the result, this is 100% Bega Valley.”
“The intention is to bring local representatives of business, employees and future job seekers together to understand priorities and generate ideas on how locals can fill the kinds of jobs that are required in our local economy now and into the future.
“What are the nuggets of information and insight that only a local would know?
“Eden is a particular focus because of the infrastructure investment from other levels of government. We want to capture the voices and ideas of the Eden community and those with an interest in Eden.
“Should the event be successful in capturing the unique challenges and opportunities at a town level, future workshops in other towns may be planned.”
The Western Research Institute is working with Council on the project and will be running the workshops, they have already surveyed and interviewed around 80 local business people.
CEO, Kathy Woolley, says technology will be used at the workshops to capture all the ideas, “this means we will have a list of ideas and participants will have voted on them to gauge which ones are supported.”
“It is an easy process and only requires the use of your smartphone, tablet or laptop,” Ms Woolley said.
Big Ideas for Bega Valley will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm at the Bega Civic Centre. Visit Eventbrite to book your spot, it’s free.
Big Ideas for Eden will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm at the Eden RSL Memorial Hall. Visit Eventbrite to book your spot, it’s free.
For more information on the Jobs & Skills Bega Valley project and the Big Ideas workshops, contact Council’s Economic Development Officer, Alison Vandenbergh, on 6499 2423.
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