enlarge text
contact us
Wodonga goes to London for skilled workers
| |
Posted: 15/06/2009
WODONGA will be showcased in the United Kingdom this month in search of skilled migrants.
The city will be promoted by four migration co-ordinators from the Skilled Migration Program, who will be participating in a Discover Regional Victoria event in London, the DIAC Australia Needs Skills expo in London, a State Roadshow in Manchester and activities organised by the G'Day UK program. They will be in the United Kingdom from June 20 to 28.
Manager community support and aged services Debbie MacKinlay said the group will be targeting health professionals in particular.
“We have around 10 division one nursing positions available in the area, an allied health position and generally always, a position for a general practitioner (GP),” she said.
“The main aim of the regional representatives is to promote regional Victoria as a destination of choice. We have had a lot of success with the Skilled Migration Program in Wodonga.
“In recent times, we have welcomed a pharmacist from Nigeria and two welders from China.”
Ms MacKinlay said the council would like to hear from local employers with any skill shortage that they may be interested in filling with someone from overseas.
The four regional co-ordinators who will be travelling to London include Phil Hoggan from Warrnambool, Anne O'Brien from Geelong, Jane O'Brien from Goulburn Murray and Deb Quin from Swan Hill. They will represent 11 Skilled Migration Programs across Victoria, including Wodonga.
Ms MacKinlay said to help encourage skilled people to come and live in regional Victoria, Workforce Victoria has prepared a 12-page newspaper highlighting the 11 programs.
“Recent migrants who have moved to Wodonga feature in the publication,” she said.
“It also highlights the excellent facilities for people of all ages in Wodonga, the relaxed community feel and its many attractions. There is no doubting that Wodonga is a great place to raise a family and grow old.”
The Federal Government is reducing its skilled migration intake back to the significant levels recorded in 2007-08 because of the global economic crisis, but shortages in specialist skill sets still remain in regional Victoria.
