BendigoWeekly www.bendigoweekly.com.au
ISSUE 942 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015
Town hall has a new look THE Bendigo Town Hall is undergoing a facelift with stage one of conservation work costing $295,000. – Story Page 11
CALL TIME Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN
By PETER KENNEDY
ALMOST 70 people employed at a Bendigo call centre have lost their jobs due to the loss of a key federal government contract. Workers at the Serco-operated call centre in Mollison Street were this week told their jobs would go when a Department of Education contract shifts back in-house in January. One of the workers, who yester-
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Serco phone workers lose jobs
day spoke to the Bendigo Weekly on the condition of anonymity, said while the news was “shattering” for local staff, it was not entirely unexpected. The loss of jobs could see the Mollison Street centre close, bringing an end to the facility’s roller
coaster ride of the past 15 years. It’s also a major blow to the local economy, which at one time looked to create a foothold in Bendigo for call centre operators. Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said her office had been contacted by affected staff
Jobs shortfall – Page 5
COME AND VISIT SANTA AT STRATH VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
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from the Serco call centre, and she hoped to meet with them and company officials upon her return to Bendigo next week. “I am seriously concerned about jobs being lost from Bendigo,” a clearly disappointed and frustrated Ms Chesters said.
She said her office had never received any complaints about the standards of work performed by the local workers on behalf of the government, and that the loss of skilled jobs and a loyal workforce was devastating for all concerned. Ms Chesters also said it would be great to see a major provider consider placing its call centre contract work with the Serco centre and into Bendigo. Continued Page 3
56-page property guide inside
See Santa weekdays from 1pm to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm Create your special Christmas moment and get a FREE Santa photo supplied by Interact Us Santa will be located in front of IGA Supermarket Strath Village is the place to ‘Get It All Together’ this Christmas Ph: 5442 5577 134 Condon St, Bendigo