The Western Australian Government will invest an additional $300,000 over two years into the Goldfields Migrant Employment Project to bring new workers to the region.
The investment will help the Goldfields Community Legal Centre consolidate the unique solution to the region’s labour shortage and brings the State Government’s total investment into the program to $500,000.
The Goldfields Migrant Employment Project was a pilot program funded through the first round of the Regional Economic Development grants program, and has relocated and connected 50 Perth-based migrants into work in the Goldfields.
Project participants have been placed in a range of jobs including ICT workers, trades assistants, mining services, delivery and truck drivers, carers and cleaners, and professional placements.
The Goldfields Migrant Employment Project is one of several initiatives that the State Government is supporting to meet the rising demand for workers in the Goldfields.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said between the increased mining activity and State Government projects coming online, the Goldfields-Esperance region is experiencing a high demand for labour in most sectors.
“This program has been an innovative and very successful way to bring migrants based in Perth to a new life in the Goldfields.
“Relocating one person has often resulted in other family members also showing interest in the Goldfields opportunities – we have families bringing their children, using local schools and participating in local community groups.
“This additional funding will ensure the program can continue and expand over the next two years, building on the group of 50 migrants already connected into local jobs in the Goldfields.