Migrants make move to jobs in Goldfields

  • ​Goldfields Migrant Employment Program helping to address labour and skills shortage in the region
  • Regional Economic Development (RED) grants supporting attraction and relocation of people to the Goldfields
  • Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan today met the first beneficiaries of the Goldfields Migrant Employment Program – which is supported by a McGowan Government Regional Economic Development (RED) grant.

    The grant enabled the Goldfields Community Legal Centre (GCLC) to extend its services to encourage migrants already living in Western Australia to take up employment in the Goldfields region, which faces a significant labour and skills shortage.

    A promotional event to create awareness of employment opportunities in the region, hosted earlier in the year by the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC), has attracted widespread interest throughout the Perth migrant community, and has succeeded in matching people for positions in the mining industry.

    Goldfields businesses have welcomed the initiative, which provides an avenue to source semi-skilled and skilled employees for positions that can be challenging to fill.

    The GCLC and the GEDC continue to work with local businesses and migrant networks as part of the initiative – promoting employment and lifestyle opportunities in the Goldfields that will help to attract more people to this dynamic region.

    As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

    “I was delighted to meet two gentlemen from Afghanistan and Africa, who are excited about their new jobs and being a part of the Goldfields community, as well as the mining businesses that were able to capitalise on this new channel of sourcing labour.

    “The Goldfields Migrant Employment Program is a fantastic initiative that provides a pathway to employment and a new life in the regions, while addressing local labour needs.

    “Once awareness of regional job opportunities grows and more people gain employment, other migrants will be inspired and motivated to make the move and enjoy the benefits of regional living.

    “This is a great example of the State Government and industry working towards a solid outcome for economic growth and the community.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.