19 December 2019

Has your primary income been impacted by the drought in Gunnedah Shire?

Would you or your staff benefit from temporary off-farm employment?

Gunnedah Shire Council is asking people to register their interest in a new Drought Employment Program which aims to provide temporary employment from early next year for individuals living in Gunnedah Shire whose income has been impacted by drought. This may include farmers, farm workers, contractors, business owners, suppliers and employees in related industries.

The Drought Employment Program aims to provide drought impacted workers with:

• Supplementary income to help lessen the financial impacts of the drought on individuals and families
• Temporary, flexible work conditions designed to fit within your needs and availability
• Diverse work opportunities across a range of locations, and
• An opportunity to learn new skills and gain current workplace experience.

Gunnedah Shire Council Project Manager Colin Formann said the program was an opportunity to not only earn some money in difficult times, but to make a valuable contribution to the community.

“This program will be as flexible as possible to benefit as many people as possible,” Mr Formann said.

“It will also offer the chance to gain new skills and build on existing skills to expand people’s future employment opportunities.”

Temporary employment will be co-ordinated through a Gunnedah Employment Agency and participants will have the opportunity to work on a range of rewarding community projects which may be undertaken anywhere in the Shire.

Any required training will be provided as part of the program. A diverse range of skills and experience is anticipated and remuneration will be in accordance with the local government award. Anyone eligible is encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible.

Expressions of Interest are now open.

To let us know about your interest and availability to participate, please complete the online form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMB7QNY before Friday, January 17, 2020. All applicants will then be contacted with an update.

A further round of applications is not guaranteed so please register your interest today.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.