All systems go for Port Macquarie jobs supermarket
New South Wales media release
Monday, 19 April 2010
It’s all systems go for the Port Macquarie ‘Keep Australia Working’ Centrelink’s Jobs Expo being held at the Port Macquarie Sports Stadium on Thursday 29 April.
Preparations are well underway, transforming the stadium into a one-stop jobs supermarket for an expected crowd of up to 2,000 job seekers.
Centrelink’s Jobs Expo National Manager Malcolm Mill, who is overseeing preparations for the event, said excitement and support for the event has been building for weeks.
"The interest from business, registered training organisations and Jobs Services Australia providers, as well as from the general public, has been very encouraging," Mr Mill said.
"Over 45 exhibitors have already registered to take part in the expo, bringing with them hundreds of real jobs for local job seekers, and we’re expecting even more interest during the last week."
Mr Mill said the ‘Keep Australia Working’ Centrelink Jobs Expos were unique in the way they achieve real outcomes for job seekers.
"From the 11 Jobs Expos held across the country so far, over 4,500 job seekers are now engaged with employers, and we’re expecting more positive outcomes from the expo here at Port Macquarie." Mr Mill said.
"The Jobs Expo initiative is proving a practical way for employers, industry groups, recruitment and training providers as well as Federal, State and Local Government to connect directly with local job seekers.
"The expo’s a one-stop jobs supermarket where job seekers and employers can engage in person. It’s about building relationships, seeing the qualities in people first hand and gauging what both employers and job seekers have to offer one another.
"No sending your resume over the internet here, it’s about real jobs opportunities right now on the day."
Mr Mill said Centrelink is proud to announce that one of Rugby League and now media personality, Wendell Sailor, will be the special guest Jobs Expo Ambassador and MC on the day.
"I’m encouraging everyone to come along, bring a current 1-page resume, have a chat with the exhibitors and Wendell Sailor, and take advantage of the many activities on offer," Mr Mill said.
"Aside from the exhibitors and the jobs, we’ll have Star FM broadcasting live from the expo, as well as information seminars and a super sausage sizzle. What’s more it’s all free!"
Local Member for Lyne, Robert Oakshott, said that addressing unemployment in the region is a priority.
"The Centrelink Jobs Expo is the latest in a succession of local initiatives designed specifically to support employment growth on the Mid-North Coast," Mr Oakshott said.
"Since being identified as a priority employment region in May last year, we have seen the appointment of Local Employment Co-ordinator, Renee Hawkins, the staging of a Keep Australia Working forum, the near completion of a local jobs plan, and now an expo to share information about jobs, career pathways and training opportunities across the region.
"Importantly, during that same period unemployment rates across the Manning, Hastings and Kempsey areas have fallen back below levels seen prior to the global economic downturn and I am hopeful that this expo will help to keep those figures moving in the right direction," he said.
"The expo will provide a vehicle for employers, industry groups, recruitment and training providers to get involved in a local community event that offers people access to job vacancies and training opportunities, as well as information about how they can improve their employability.
"The success of this event will depend largely on the willingness of business owners and other employers to participate and show their wares at the expo, so I would encourage as many local employers as possible to get on board."
The Centrelink Jobs Expo will be held at the Port Macquarie Sports Stadium, Corner Hibbard Drive and Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie on Thursday 29 April at 10 am to 3 pm.
Employers or businesses wanting to be involved in the expo or to register their job at the expo can call Centrelink on (02) 6592 4319 or go to the Centrelink Jobs Expo page on the website.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.