Careers, Education, Employment & Training 2023 – Riverine Herald

EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

A HELPFUL GUIDE TO SELECTING AND APPLYING FOR EDUCATION, APPRENTICESHIPS & EMPLOYMENT

One of these three stories could be your story

In the bustling world of Moama Bowling Club, one individual’s career has flourished, reflecting the club’s commitment to professional development and the individual’s endeavour to succeed. Kurt Linahan, currently holding the position, Duty Manager, has traversed a remarkable path of growth within the club. Kurt shares his journey and shed light on the importance of his role and the club’s focus on employee development.

Kurt’s career began with a restaurant chain; however, it was his entry into Moama Bowling Club over two years ago that marked a significant turning point. Commencing as a Customer Service Attendant, Kurt swiftly ascended to the position of Team Leader in the Bistro. Eager for new challenges, he embraced the opportunity to become a Club Team Leader, which broadened his skills and knowledge.

Today, Kurt proudly serves as a Duty Manager, a role that demands responsibility and leadership within the club.

According to Kurt, the workplace at Moama Bowling Club is characterized by “diversity and inclusivity”.

Embracing these values, the club recognises that a diverse workforce brings unique perspectives and benefits the overall work culture.

As Duty Manager, Kurt’s key responsibilities encompass overseeing the club’s day to day operations. It is a multi-faceted and challenging role that requires meticulous attention to detail. From ensuring members and guests have an enjoyable experience to managing maintenance, work procedures, and employee assistance, Kurt navigates diverse responsibilities with grace and professionalism. Recognising the outstanding efforts of its employees, Kurt shares that “Moama Bowling Club uses a fantastic employee recognition platform that allows any employee to reward and recognise the contributions of their colleagues, fostering a culture of appreciation and camaraderie.” Moama Bowling Club is the exemplar of a workplace that embraces diversity, nurtures talent, and prioritises the customer experience. Kurt Linahan’s journey exemplifies the club’s commitment to fostering professional growth, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and providing an environment where every employee feels valued.

Amber Devereux - A Culinary Journey of Growth, Collaboration and Creativity.

A culinary haven is flourishing at Moama Bowling Club. This thriving establishment has not only created a supportive work environment but has also become a steppingstone for aspiring chefs to embark on their culinary journeys. Amber, a talented chef at Moama Bowling Club’s renowned Junction restaurant shares an insight into the benefits of working at this esteemed establishment.

Ambers’ journey began during her school years when she completed work experience at Moama Bowling Club Bistro. Recognizing her passion for food, Amber recalled “I had always wanted to be a chef as a kid”, the club provided her with a platform to grow. Commencing as a casual employee, she transitioned from waitressing to a food preparation role, eventually embarking on a school-based apprenticeship. With unwavering support from Moama Bowling Club, Amber continued her apprenticeship and became an integral member of the kitchen brigade.

The work environment at Moama Bowling is described as collaborative and conducive to continuous learning. Amber credits the experienced kitchen team for their willingness to share knowledge, fostering a culture of improvement and growth. “Different chefs with different experiences, globally, have had something different to contribute”, shares Amber. Her key responsibilities include food preparation and service, particularly excelling in desserts and pastry. During service, she skillfully manages the pass, the engine room of the kitchen.

For Amber, the most rewarding aspect of working at Moama Bowling Club lies in her opportunity to collaborate with talented chefs at Junction. Amber describes it as “culinary freedom”. Junction’s ever-changing menu reflects the importance placed on seasonality and local produce, ensuring that diners experience the freshest and finest ingredients available. Moama Bowling Club has undeniably carved a niche for itself in the culinary realm, fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation.

Leighton Page - A journey of Mid-Career Switch and Flourishing Opportunities.

Leighton Page’s career journey serves as a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing new horizons. After a successful stint in the real estate industry, Leighton made a bold decision to transition to the hospitality sector, ultimately securing a role as the Gaming Supervisor at Moama Bowling Club. Leighton sheds light on his mid- career switch, the vibrant work environment at Moama Bowling Club, and the array of opportunities available to its employees.

Reflecting on his career shift, Leighton shares that he had been working in various establishments throughout the region before joining Moama Bowling Club approximately 12 months ago. He draws parallels between his current role and his previous experience in real estate, “I enjoy the people side, team dynamics, and achieving collective goals”.

Describing the work environment and culture at Moama Bowling Club, Leighton emphasizes the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere and strong sense of teamwork. More experienced staff members actively mentor new recruits, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and as Leighton often states “pride in the club”.

As the Gaming Supervisor, Leighton’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the gaming teams’ daily operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and delivering exceptional customer service. Leighton shares “the dynamic nature of the industry necessitates constant awareness of new products and their features”, which team members are well equipped through extensive training. Looking to the future, Leighton intends to continue his journey with Moama Bowling Club. The clubs dynamic and ever-changing nature, with upcoming expansion and development ensures an exciting future for its employees.

As Leighton’s career showcases, embracing change and seeking opportunities can lead to remarkable professional and personal fulfilment. Leighton adds, “Moama Bowling Club fosters collaboration and teamwork through clear guidelines, consistent management direction, and a shared dedication to excellent customer service”, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a thriving career in the hospitality industry.

Kurt Linahan - A Journey Of Embracing Challenges and Success.

Kurt Linahan

Amber Devereux

Leighton Page

Supporting a high quality of life

Making a difference: Anthony Osborne and Nicolina Devitt love getting out and about.

After working in the medical field, Nicolina Devitt decided it was time for a change.

“I was looking for something more fulfilling and client focused,” Nicolina said.

“I would often have direct support professionals come into the medical practice and was drawn to CLRS’s community reputation and inclusive approach.”

Nicolina started working at Community Living & Respite Services in June 2016 and has loved every second of it.

While she was a DSP, she completed a Diploma of Community Services and moved

into a team leader role in 2018, before progressing into a management role.

“With five years in the role I thought I was ready and looking to progress my career taking on the opportunity as acting services manager — residential,” she said.

“I’m really enjoying the challenge, everyday is different and I’ve already learnt so much.”

Based in Echuca, CLRS is a registered NDIS provider, providing disability support for people of all ages.

CLRS deliver services in residential supports, Daily Living — providing in home and in community support to enable people

to live independently in their community, and Defined Programs — enabling access to activities and building capacity through social enterprises, customised employment programs and various group activities.

With numerous success stories like Nicolina’s, many people start in roles similar to hers before having the chance to progress and further their future development.

Human resources manager Anna de Vrieze said a career in disability offered you a wide range of opportunities to grow your career while making a difference in the lives of people with disability.

“Staff are encouraged to have a minimum of a Certificate III in Individual Support — Disability or similar,” Anna said.

“Where staff do not have qualifications, support is available through a traineeship program or paid study leave.”

For Nicolina, she said the best part about working at CLRS was the differences they made in people’s lives.

“I love seeing clients achieving even just the littlest things,” she said.

“It’s also really nice to be able to pass those skills onto newer staff and seeing them progress.”

Fulfilling career: Community Living & Respite Services employee Nicolina Devitt enjoys spending time with Melissa Clarke.

Finding a perfect match

For 37 years, the Personnel Group has been dedicated to helping individuals reach their employment goals.

With a strong background in Disability Employment Services, we are now expanding our offerings to provide even more highquality programs and services to our clients and the community.

Our aim is simple: surround our clients with quality programs and services that support them in achieving their goals and living a fulfilling life.

“We are here to assist individuals in finding new jobs, acquiring new skills, and overcoming personal barriers to better engage with our community,” area manager Mark Rourke said.

“Our commitment to finding the perfect fit between jobseekers and employers, along with our unparalleled customer service, is at the heart of what we do.”

The Personnel Group has a rich history of helping individuals with disabilities secure and maintain employment.

We go above and beyond by providing on-site support to ensure jobseekers understand their responsibilities and thrive as valued employees.

In addition to disability employment services, the Personnel Group has developed a training course to cater for NDIS participants who wish to develop their pre-employment skills while staying at school.

Pathway to Work is delivered over 12 months with one day a week to attend face-toface workshops that cover a range of practical topics to equip participants with the necessary knowledge to help them get and keep a job,

as well as gain work experience with local employers.

We organise guest speakers and site tours of local employers, to give further insight into the working world.

As part of our continued growth, we now offer a range of allied health services. Our team of qualified professionals provide psychology services, including counselling and therapy plans for children, adolescents, and adults.

Additionally, we offer work-focused therapy to improve overall work readiness, as well as Employee Assistance Programs for business owners.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our dedicated team can help you achieve your goals, get in touch with our team by phoning 1300 874 000.

You can also visit our new Echuca office at 258 Anstruther St.

We look forward to meeting you and assisting you on your journey towards success.

Positive path: Scotch College opens up many opportunities for boarders. Pictured are Dion, Lachlan and Tim.

Boarders select many paths

Boarding at Scotch College in Melbourne opens up amazing opportunities for students upon graduation.

Predominantly, boarders transition to tertiary study in Melbourne, with popular choices being The University of Melbourne and Monash University.

“Boarders end up in a wide variety of destinations after leaving Scotch,” Scotch College head of careers Robert Smith said.

“Many can head straight into law or premedicine courses.

“Some prefer to go overseas, with several alumni gaining entry to prestigious universities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Agricultural courses, particularly at Melbourne University, are increasingly

popular among our boys, and we’ve recently seen a growing interest in sports science and sports management courses.”

Dr Smith said not all boarders go straight to university.

“Some opt for apprenticeships or embark on a GAP year, often working on the rural properties of fellow boarders.”

The connections made at school and the strong Old Scotch Collegians network further enhance opportunities for Scotch boarders.

With over 90 per cent of Year 12 graduates receiving an offer for one of their top three tertiary choices and the incredibly diverse and supportive alumni network, life post-school for a Scotch College boarder is exciting and rewarding.

Boarding

at Scotch College

Laying the foundations for their future

Boarding at Scotch College provides boys with an education of the highest standard, combined with accommodation in a caring, homely environment.

Based on Christian principles, Scotch has an outstanding reputation for the high standard of its academic programme and the wide range of its sporting, outdoor, and cultural activities.

The boarding precinct is located within the College’s extensive 27 hectare grounds in Hawthorn, Victoria. The Scotch boarding lifestyle provides an integrated, comprehensive package for the education and development of each boy.

www.scotch.vic.edu.au

Help at hand: Personnel Group Echuca’s Shelby Marrone and Jayden Doyle.

CONNECT TO GREAT PEOPLE + LIFESTYLE + CAREER PURPOSE = ECHUCA REGIONAL HEALTH

• Allied Health Assistant

• Dentist and Therapist/Assistant

• Dietitian

• Occupational Therapist

• Population Health Educator

• Physiotherapist

• Primary Prevention and Health Educator

• Podiatrist

• Speech Therapist

• Adult and Child Counsellor

• Alcohol and Other Drugs Support Worker

• Family Support Worker

• Home Care Nurse

• Social Worker

• Women’s Health Support Worker

• Cafe Assistant

• Chef

• Cleaner

• Food Services Assistant

• Hospital Orderly

• Kitchen Assistant

• Pastry Chef

• Patient Porter

• Security Officer

• Supply and Purchasing Officer

• Electrician

• Engineer

• Fitter

• Landscaper / Gardener

• Maintenance Officer (Buildings and Equipment)

• Plumber

• Trade Assistant

• Aboriginal Liaison

• Enrolled Nurse

• General Practitioner (GP)

• Health Services Assistant

• Hospital Medical Officer

• Midwife

• Registered Nurse

• Rural Generalist Doctor

• Theatre Technician

• Pharmacist and Technician

• Administration

• Customer Service Officer / Receptionist

• Department Manager

• Education (Clinical and Non-Clinical) Trainer

• Executive

• Finance and Accounting Officer

• Human Resources and Payroll Officers

• Health Information Services Officer

• Information Technologist

• Occupational Health and Safety Officer

• Ward Clerk

Opportunity to build a rewarding career

In today’s dynamic job market, finding a company that not only values your potential but also provides a clear path for growth and success can be a challenging endeavour.

However, McDonald’s has proved itself over the years to be a passionate company that loves nothing more than watching its crew members grow.

McDonald’s operations supervisor, Cameron Hay from Echuca, Deniliquin and Moama stores, is proof that if you have the appetite to succeed, then McDonald’s will give you the opportunity to grow.

“I started at Echuca McDonald’s as a 14-year-old back when you could start working in Victoria at 14 and nine months, that has since turned to 15 years old in Victoria and 14 years old in NSW,” Cameron said.

“I was trained as a front counter worker and then trained on Drive Thru.

“McDonald’s were always flexible and worked around my school and sporting commitments which were allyear-round.”

From there Cameron was offered the opportunity to complete Certificate II in Retail followed by Certificate III in Retail Services, and both were completed before the end of Year 12 and undertaken in work hours and paid for at the company’s expense.

When Cameron finished Year 12 he was still unsure of his career path so decided to stick with McDonald’s and was then offered a full-time shift manager position for Echuca McDonald’s, and from there his career continued to grow and take on various management roles throughout the businesses over his 14-year duration.

Today, Cameron is a passionate advocate for inspiring careers within the Echuca, Deniliquin and Moama stores and said they were always looking for motivated and passionate people to join their teams.

“McDonald’s offers fantastic flexible career opportunities no matter what part of your life that you are in with incredible training benefits,” he said.

“We are looking for day-timers, overnighters, delivery drivers and kids looking for their first job.

“Everyone starts at a crew level position, but we are looking at enrolling more people into the certificate programs in the next two months.

“If you love to create and serve seriously great food, possess an infectious attitude, provide world-class customer service, and most importantly, like to have fun while you’re working — then we have a job for you — the growth that you can achieve is amazing.”

If you are interested in a position or you would like to start your career, please apply at careers.mcdonalds. com.au

Positions available: Start your career with the Echuca, Deniliquin or Moama McDonald’s stores. Pictured are McDonald’s operations supervisor Cameron Hay with Echuca restaurant manager Kahli Reeves.

Bendigo TAFE: connecting campus and community

For over 150 years, Bendigo TAFE has had a proud history of connecting people with the skills that can help them grow and flourish. Our Echuca campus, in the heart of this thriving regional city, is a modern facility that invites the community to discover new opportunities.

Bendigo TAFE’s Echuca campus lead, Paul Stagg, is enthusiastic about the innovative ways that the community is engaging with the campus.

“As well as the TAFE qualifications that we deliver which provide training and pathways, we are working closely with local organisations to develop other programs that meet the needs of our vibrant region,” Paul said.

“One of our recent successes is the ‘Supporting Skills for the Future’ trade taster course. Students from three secondary colleges completed a nine-week program that gave them an immersive hands-on experience in a range of trades, such as bricklaying, tiling, painting and plastering. The students also earned their White Card, an essential qualification for working safely in the building industry.”

“This program was made possible with the support of the Industry Training Hub and our close collaboration with schools, industry and the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network.”

“It’s a fantastic model that shows how Bendigo TAFE can bring our community together to provide such an opportunity here in Echuca. We plan to use this as a springboard for similar courses in the future.”

According to Paul Stagg, the strong relationships that Bendigo TAFE is building will be pivotal to transforming the campus into a community training hub.

“We’re always working with local stakeholders to identify ways that we can tailor what we offer. This helps us ensure that our actions can have the greatest impact. Through our engagement with industry, schools, local government and the broader community, we’re well placed to respond to the region’s needs.”

Free, independent training and career advice.

As well as connecting people with training, from September the Echuca campus will provide independent career and pathway advice with the launch of the new Skills and Jobs Centre. Available to everyone in the local community, it will be a one-stop shop for help with education options and know-how for getting employment-ready.

Josie Thomas, manager of Bendigo TAFE’s Skills and Jobs Centre, explained how the centre’s services can link community members with training that is right for them, and assist them with job search advice and employability skills.

“We’re here to help people find the right educational pathway or prepare for employment. If you are looking to re-enter education to enhance your skills or would like career guidance – including making a complete career change – we can support you.”

“Our qualified career counsellor can provide you with free and impartial advice. We offer confidential 1-on-1 consultations and deliver group workshops to help you develop your employability skills – whether you need support with resume writing, getting work-ready, job searching tips or preparing for interviews.”

To find out more about how the Skills and Jobs Centre can help you and to make an appointment, phone 1300 100 606 or email skillsandjobscentre@bendigotafe.edu.au

Launch a hospitality career

Hospitality isn’t just a short-term career choice. Rich River offers a range of career pathways that might just be what you are looking for.

Are you interested in Tourism, Sports, Accommodation Services, Major Events and Functions, Marketing, Finance and Accounts, HR, Administration, Maintenance, Cooking, Coffee Making, Bar Service including cocktail making, Food Service? We even have outdoor roles such as Golf Coaching, Greenkeeping, Mechanics and Gardening.

Interested in work experience or an apprenticeship, just ask us. You never know until you ask.

Working at Rich River you also meet new people every day, work in a really supportive culture, learn new skills through our in-house training, get to share your ideas and basically enjoy your working environment. It is a fastpaced environment, but hey, that’s the industry. Come and have a chat with us, we do offer some flexibility for shifts so we may be able to work your needs with ours. Anything is possible here at Rich River. Rich River #alivewithfun.

Learning capacity maximised

Education, Peter Walsh says, is the cornerstone not just of a young person’s longterm future, but is also an opportunity for everyone to improve everything from job skills to a wider appreciation and enjoyment of life.

The State Member for Murray Plains said it could be primary school, high school, university, TAFE, even the school of life, but every opportunity to learn is too good an opportunity to miss.

Mr Walsh said education did not have to be the traditional process, it can be joining a camera club and learning new skills, or the local historical society to learn everything from your town’s story to becoming a gun researcher.

He said you can learn a new sport, learn to paint, even learn to service your car or make something amazing with woodwork.

“But the key to learning is to get a passion for it as soon as possible, learning is a life skill you never lose and it is remarkable the worlds it will open to you,” Mr Walsh said.

“That is one of the gifts the traditional start will give you, it teaches you to learn and from there on it is up to you.

“Post-graduates, apprentices, doctoral candidates, TAFE students, degrees, certs I, II, III, IV, or anything else under the

Australian Qualifications Framework, they all count and they all equip you for every stage of your future.

“You can be working on a farm, in a factory or in any one of a dozen digital think tanks and involvement in a rural leadership program, or a Churchill Fellowship or Nuffield Scholarship can be a remarkable way to have the financial backing to do that vital extra study.”

Mr Walsh said he was constantly amazed at the choices available at every level of today’s education system and the potential they could unlock in young people still working out where they want it to take them and what they want to do with it.

“If you are not learning something new every day you can very quickly slip into neutral, and that doesn’t get you anywhere,” he said.

So much choice: Rich River employees Jaqui Stevens, Jackie Groves and Deb Brown.

State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh

Inspiring students to build skills

At Moama Anglican Grammar we take pride in providing a safe and inspiring educational environment that equips our students with the skills and confidence to help create their futures.

We believe in supporting all students to achieve their full potential and equip them with the tools and transferable skills to successfully navigate the world beyond school, whatever they choose to do.

We ensure that every student has access to a wide variety of relevant, challenging, engaging, and innovative learning pathways that are personalised to student passions and interests.

The NSW curriculum offers students many advantages, including the opportunity for academic fast-tracking in Years 8, 9 and 10.

The school has a strong focus on Vocational, Educational and Training (VET) pathways where students can undertake practical, career-related study in subjects such as construction, tourism, travel and events and primary industries.

School-based traineeships and apprenticeships allow students to start vocational training and get hands-on experience, while completing their secondary education.

Moama Anglican Grammar alumnus

Christian Corso is currently in his first year of a building apprenticeship with Hartley Building Co in Echuca.

Christian realised in Year 11 that he’d like to work in the building trade. The school’s careers advisor Curtis Townrow suggested

he do work experience with a builder and put Christian in touch with Sam from Hartley Building Co.

After a positive work experience placing, Christian continued to work with Hartley’s during holidays, and decided to study VET

construction subjects at school.

Though finishing up school early crossed his mind, Christian was committed to finishing the HSC and not waste all the effort he’d put in already.

In completing VET construction subjects,

Christian effectively completed his first year of coursework of the apprenticeship. So, when he officially began his apprenticeship, he had a great head-start.

Christian, who was awarded the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network 2022 VET Awards Student of the Year, feels that undertaking construction subjects was the single best thing he could have done to prepare for his future work.

“It’s given me a good foundation, ensured I knew how to use the tools, and meant I was well prepared for the apprenticeship,” he said. Christian suggests any students interested in doing a trade strongly consider doing VET subjects.

“This gives you a chance to make sure you like it and gives you a good grounding in basic skills … and do some relevant work experience to get a feel for the work,” he said.

On the tools: Christian Corso is currently in his first year of a building apprenticeship.

Open days start career ball rolling

Open days are a great opportunity for people considering further study to explore subject areas, career paths, talk to career advisors and make decisions about their future.

School leavers can get an understanding of study pathways, find out what areas interest them and learn what tertiary education is all about.

People re-entering the workforce, looking for a change in career direction or returning to study can experience different fields and learn about pathways to university.

Whether you are looking to start or change your career, gain some new skills or explore your options, GOTAFE is here to help.

We invite you, your family and friends to join us at one of GOTAFE’s Open Days to talk with our students and industryexperienced trainers to obtain real-life insights on courses and vocations.

Additionally, there will be plenty of free food, cultural activities and interactive experiences for everyone to enjoy.

During the month of September, GOTAFE will also be holding open month, with free department tours available throughout the month.

This new initiative is hoped to increase community access to information relating to courses, campus life and study pathways.

No matter what your goals are, there is something for you — come visit us at one of our campuses and explore all that GOTAFE has to offer.

Our trainers are all industry-qualified, experienced, and passionate about what they do.

Studying with GOTAFE, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge employers are looking

for, and you will graduate with a recognised qualification and the practical experience to match.

The change you want to make starts here — visit our campuses during GOTAFE’s Open

Month or bring your friends and family to one of our open days.

To find out more visit https://www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/opendays-2023

Worthwhile:: Diploma of Nursing student Amanda Barclay recommends attending GOTAFE open days.

Home is among the gum trees

Kylie Floyd knows the powerful tug that country Victoria has on people’s hearts. It’s in her blood. Her roots run deep.

And the Uniting AgeWell Home Care Worker truly understands why older people want to continue living safely and well in their homes for as long as possible, connected to their friends and family in the area they love.

“It’s all about a sense of belonging,” said Kylie, who works in the Echuca area.

And she should know. She’s travelled the world, but the gum trees in northern Victoria still symbolise ‘home’ to her.

She’s also found her ‘happy place’ in her career. She’s been in her current role for the last three years, and says helping older people, like Cheryl Hicks (pictured), is what she wants to do.

“I learn so much from older people,” Kylie said.

“They have led such rich, interesting lives. And I treat them the same way I’d like my parents to be treated. With kindness, dignity and respect.”

Kylie lives with her partner and their three children in nearby Lockington and said she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

She was born in Rochester and was raised and educated in Echuca before embarking on diverse roles in equally diverse areas.

Kylie has worked in admin in Melbourne, been a youth work volunteer in Alaska, studied a BSc in viticulture and made wine for a King Valley winery, and

worked for a while in Western Australia before returning back to country Victoria.

But while Kylie was where she wanted to be, there was still something missing in her life.

“I wanted a career where I could make a difference in the community,” she said.

So she studied a Certificate III in Individual Support and became a home care worker for Campaspe Shire.

Three years ago the service was transferred to Uniting AgeWell — and the rest is history.

“Uniting AgeWell is a great place to work,” Kylie said.

“Everyone is so supportive, they really grow staff to be the best they can be. I’m very happy and I’m staying put!”

But there’s still a streak of adventure in Kylie. She loves that no two days are the same in aged care.

Sometimes she takes her clients out shopping or to appointments, other times she provides personal care or does some domestic work. They often laugh and chat over a cuppa.

Kylie is also happy that aged care offers opportunities for career advancement, and wants to work towards becoming a care advisor.

She’s at the right place. Uniting AgeWell is a not-for-profit organisation that prides itself on upskilling and ‘growing’ staff.

There are also opportunities to earn while you learn, so home care workers are able to perform a number of duties while studying for their aged care qualifications.

In good hands: Cheryl Hicks and Kylie Floyd sharing time together. Staff also undertake ongoing learning opportunities through Uniting AgeWell’s specially tailored learning and development programs, keeping them at the forefront of best practice in aged care.

If you have a kind heart and want a career with meaning, there are permanent roles for home care workers in the Echuca area. For more information, phone (03) 8527 5800.

Do you want to give back to your community? Support older people living within your community?

Southern Cross Care is an approved and responsible provider of Residential Care and home care services in Moama, Corowa, Deniliquin and Lavington, providing a vital service to older people in the Riverina community.

Community support is essential to enable us to continue to provide safe and sustainable care to our residents and clients.

Residents and clients prefer to be cared for by staff they know, preferably from the local community and therefore familiar with their way of life, even sharing the same family and friends.

Once again, we’re appealing to community members to join our dedicated team and help make a difference to the lives of the elders in your community who have contributed so much.

As a not-for-profit provider, we offer job security, ongoing training, support, career opportunities and tax-free financial benefits to those with or without aged care experience.

We offer a range of opportunities from those with experience in aged care to those who are looking at entering aged care for the first time. Remember you are never too old to try something new and by joining aged care you become part of the regional aged care services solution!

Community support matters. Please contact us to learn how you can help.

Community support is key

In small towns like Moama, on the NSW-Victoria border, community is everything.

Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT continue to rely on the Riverina community to assist in meeting workforce challenges, as well as promoting “tree change” opportunities for out-of-town applicants.

Despite continued efforts, Southern Cross Care is still seeking the support of additional registered nurses.

In December 2022 and throughout 2023, Southern Cross Care appealed to the community to join the dedicated team and help make a difference to the lives of older people living in their neighbourhood.

Since the appeal, the not-for-profit provider has attracted new team members to join the Moama team, including a registered nurse, care and support service staff.

This is encouraging, and Southern Cross Care continues to appeal for registered nurses, given the 24/7 registered nurse government directive and the mandatory care and clinical minutes.

Southern Cross Care’s third-year nursing student Bethany Young is enjoying her new role.

“I knew in general aged care facilities always need more staff, so I applied to join Southern Cross Care,” Bethany said.

“My friend saw a job advertised in the paper. They needed staff, and I wanted the experience.”

Bethany values her time as a care services employee, which involves providing respectful care to meet residents’ needs and supporting their health and well-being goals.

“Southern Cross Care has a person-centred care approach — you get to really know the residents. As a nursing student, you really learn a lot, soak the experience up and revel in it.”

Rose Gallagher is another local who recently joined as a permanent registered nurse with 30 years experience, predominantly in the public health system.

“I was seeking a change, so I started working casually with Southern Cross Care and I loved it,” Rose said.

“Most of all, I love the connection with the residents and the privilege of being part of their lives.”

Rose said the Moama facility had a “homely, beautiful environment,” and she had been “made to feel very welcome and appreciated.”

Despite the success of community support, Southern Cross Care is always looking to recruit more staff and volunteers.

“Aged care is experiencing workforce shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas. Our doors are always open to new recruits to enable us to continue providing quality care,” Southern Cross Care’s chief operating officer Gaynor Squillacioti said.

“We value our staff, and so do the residents and relatives — staff from within the local community are invaluable as they understand their way of life and help them stay connected to the community.”

“Southern Cross Care offers flexibility, ongoing training and support, tax-free financial benefits and career opportunities for all staff with and without experience in aged care.”

Southern Cross Care continues to recruit for registered nurses, care service employees, lifestyle coordinators, home care employees and mobility exercise and engagement support workers across the Riverina.

To join the teams in Corowa, Deniliquin, Moama, Leeton and Young, visit sccliving. org.au/join-us/make-a-difference or phone 1800 860 456.

Providing community aged care in our regional sites matters to us, please be part of the solution.

Community care: Southern Cross Care is focused on bringing smiles to its residents faces. Pictured are registered nurse Rose Gallagher, resident Irene and care service employee Bethany Young.

Kind hearts: Care service employee Bethany Young and registered nurse Rose Gallagher look forward to caring for the residents every day.

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Currently there are a number of positions available and Byford Equipment is looking for Metal Machinist, sheet metal workers, stainless steel welders, boilermakers, tters, mechanics, auto electricians, spray painter, apprentices, skilled and unskilled labourers for an IMMEDIATE start.

Applicants MUST be:

•Reliable, exible and have a great work ethic.

• Have excellent communication skills.

• Experienced in a fast-paced environment, manufacturing experience would be advantageous.

• Willing to learn and grow your skillset.

Responsibilities

•Selecting equipment and metal stock, planning layout, assembly and welding processes

• Fitting fabricated metal parts into products and assembling metal parts and subassemblies to produce machines and equipment

•Cutting marked-out metal segments and shapes using tools, ame cutting torches and metal cutting machines, shaping and bending metal sections and pipes using hand and machine tools, and by heating and hammering, grind and polish internal welds

•Set up of equipment and weld parts for Aluminium and Stainless-Steel products in conformance to specications

•Weld in at, horizontal, vertical or overhead positions

• Carry out repairs and maintenance on products when requested

•Diagnosing faults and performing operational maintenance of machines, compliant with all Company OH&S policies

An Australian leader in design and fabrication of stainless steel, duplex metals and aluminium equipment for the food, wine and chemical industries. We are constantly striving to be the industry benchmark in innovation, quality, productivity, service and proven reliability for over 40 years.