GrainCorp workers to down tools: AWU
Grain handlers at GrainCorp sites across NSW have voted to stop work as part of protected industrial action, said the Australian Workers’ Union which represents the workers. The 200+ workers will commence their action with a month of random 1 hour stoppages at grain handling sites throughout the state beginning next Tuesday the 29th.
TAFE Hay tackles rural skills shortage – from florist to wool classer
TAFE NSW Hay has helped a former florist raised in suburban Bathurst make an unlikely career pivot to wool classing, as the spring shearing season hits full swing. Rebecca Owen, 35, was trained at TAFE NSW as a florist and an aged care assistantin-nursing in her 20s, before falling in love with the wool industry and moving to Hay.
“Thousands of jobs from wind tower manufacture”
Australia could create more than 4300 quality direct jobs by making its own wind towers instead of importing them, according to new research by the Centre for Future Work. At present, all wind towers installed in Australia are imported from overseas with most coming from China. Centre for Future Work’s research found a domestic wind energy sector would generate: 4,350 ongoing jobs in wind tower manufacturing, and thousands more in input industries, especially steel.
October – Safe Work Month
Preventing injuries, accidents, bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct while at work will be a focus this month - National Safe Work Month ... Although some people have died while working in their own businesses, helping to keep employees safe in the workplace is behind recent reforms to work health and safety laws. SA Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher announced the “significant reforms” ...
Calperum Station restores hope and employment in the Riverland
Madison Eastmond. Calperum Station’s Flood Recovery program is boosting local employment and changing the lives of many Riverlanders in the process ... the four-month voluntary program at Calperum Station has expanded to a comprehensive skills and confidence-building initiative for local jobseekers, restoring habitat and community in the towns of Renmark and Berri, and producing two rounds of successful graduates since its inception.
Clarence and Richmond Valley businesses suffering in ongoing energy dispute: Williamson
Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson is urging the Minns Labor Government to step in and resolve the ongoing industrial dispute between the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the state’s major energy companies, which is heavily impacting local businesses across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Months of strike action by the ETU has delayed thousands of projects, including critical infrastructure such as housing and roadworks, while driving some businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.
Year 10 work experience
During the last week of Term 4 Nhill College had their Year 10s out on Work Experience. Students were placed in Adelaide, Bordertown, Kaniva, Nhill, Rainbow, Horsham, Bendigo, Ballarat and Melbourne.
How aerodrome expansion will create hundreds of jobs
A Sunshine Coast aerodrome that dates back to 1931 is set to soar into the future as a hub for aviation innovation, maintenance and advanced manufacturing. Caloundra Aerodrome, owned by Sunshine Coast Council, will be expanded with the development of an exciting new precinct called Caloundra Aerospace Park. There will be a range of lots available within the 6.3 hectare land release ...
NSW Government: “Significant progress made in improving health outcomes”
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park says progress is being made to improve healthcare in the bush. The NSW Government says it is demonstrating its commitment to improving healthcare in rural and regional communities by recruiting and retaining more health workers, offering greater financial assistance for patients, and providing support to sustain the primary care sector.
1,500 students look to the future with AgTech skills
Sean Cunningham. Agvision Yanco took place last week to promote agricultural careers to hundreds of students from throughout the Riverina-Murray region. It is the biggest regional NSW interactive event which promotes careers in agriculture.
Westbrook apprentice a finalist
MAKS Caravan Centre apprentice Zackary Tozer, from Westbrook, is a finalist at the 2024 TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards. The Apprentice Awards has run since 2018 and identifies top apprentices in a range of categories, with only 14 winners on the night out of more than 12,000 eligible apprentices, thanks to a raft of sponsors led by Construction Skills Queensland.
Nhill’s Ellie Murden wins GrainCorp’s Victoria Employee of the Year
At the recent GrainCorp awards, Nhill’s Ellie Murden was named Victoria’s Employee of the Year. GrainCorp praised Ellie for her outstanding performance as Site Manager, noting her dedication and ability to consistently exceed expectations ... Last harvest, Ellie helped the Nhill site break multiple records, including processing 19,000 tonnes in a single day.
‘Wood Work’ showcases career pathways in the ultimate renewable industry: Scriven
The State Government will invest $250,000, in partnership with the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) to launch a new forest and timber industries career campaign, titled ‘This Is Wood Work’. Wood Work is a powerful tool promoting the broad diversity of career pathways and job options within the forest and timber industries...
Navigating the Respect@Work legislation in rural and regional workplaces
Dr Skye Charry. In December 2023, Australia enacted significant amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), enforcing a new era of workplace responsibility. Under this reform, all business owners, regardless of size, are mandated to take ‘reasonable and proportionate measures’ to eliminate sexual harassment and related harm ... For rural and regional businesses, this presents unique challenges.
Money, money, money in the public servant’s world: McArthur
The Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement includes $300m one-off cost-of-living payments for public servants while Victorian families and businesses struggle with increased taxes and no sign of relief from cost-of-living pressures ... Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur said, "the $5600 cost-of-living bonus for all public servants is more than 7 per cent this year for an average employee!"
First local teaching students ready to graduate through Riverina Teaching Hub
The first students to complete their studies through the Riverina Teaching Hub pilot program were recognised at a graduation celebration in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday. The Riverina Teaching Hub was established in 2023 by the NSW Department of Education in partnership with UNSW Sydney to attract and retain local teachers. The model provides on-the-job training for aspiring teachers in local public schools while they study for their teaching degree.
Tough ride! Our Racheal joins the prestigious Racing SA Apprentice Academy
It’s been a tough ride, but Naracoorte’s Racheal Kraemer is not giving up. The 29-year-old has made it to the prestigious Racing SA Apprentice Academy, a journey filled with optimism, love, and passion to do something in life.
Character – the essence of a person – is revealed through actions not words
Turns out this year is a unique year for the world. Over half the global population will be going to the polls in over 60 countries to elect their next leader ... When it comes to voting, it gets down to a decision of character. Who you trust. It is the same when you are recruiting people.
New faces at the police station: meet Mauricio, Luke and Nick
Kimberly Grabham. Constable Mauricio Guimares, Constable Luke James and Sargeant Nick Moulds are the friendly new faces we can turn to when we need the help of the police ... All coming from different areas, they are enjoying the relaxed and quiet country life ... Brazil ... Ku-ring-gai ... Forster Tuncurry ...
Riverland trailblazer and talent awarded
Though only in the second year of her hairdressing apprenticeship, Riverland talent, Maiya Rice, has taken definitive steps in the Australian hair industry. Earlier this year Ms Rice, apprentice of Berri Salon Jarahs Hair, was named the Regional Cut and Colour Winner at the 2024 CURATE Awards.
Health falling behind
Joanna Tucker. Yorke Peninsula hospitals are falling behind the community’s expectations. That’s the grim outlook from Member for Narungga, Fraser Ellis. "The government is there to serve the community, and currently, I don’t think any hospital on YP is providing the services the community expects," Mr Ellis said.
Local doctors ‘no longer working’ at Wallaroo hospital
The Rural Doctors Association has joined calls for more funding and medical staff for Wallaroo hospital. RDA South Australia president Dr Bill Geyer said there were two major issues affecting the hospital. "Port Pirie seems to be favoured over Wallaroo Hospital, despite Wallaroo growing and Port Pirie shrinking," Dr Geyer said ...
