Euston to Host Future-Focused Local Workforce Forum

1 December 2023

Building a local workforce of the future is the focus of a Cross-Border Future Industry Workforce Forum to be held in Euston, in south-western NSW, on Monday, 11 December.  
 
The cross-border region, taking in 14 local government areas across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, is on the cusp of significant large-scale new and expanded projects across the critical minerals, renewable energy, and irrigated horticulture industries.
 
For the first time, the forum will convene industry, local business, and community leaders as well as representatives from local, state, and federal government to discuss how to develop a more localised, skilled workforce to meet the needs of these sectors.
 
Acting Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner David Turvey will be joined by his state Skills Commissioner counterparts in explaining what is in progress and what more can be done to link migration and education with the current and future career opportunities in the region. 
 
The forum is hosted in partnership by the Regional Australia Institute, NSW Government, Victoria State Government, the Regional Development Australia network, Regional Mallee Partnerships, and Robinvale Euston Workforce Network.
 
Balranald Shire Council General Manager Craig Bennett is part of the forum’s organising committee and said the new developments were hugely positive for the region.
 
“Both short and long-term solutions are needed to address the workforce needs of these projects. Now is the time to discuss how industry, business, communities and different governments can work together to ensure there is a long-standing positive legacy for inland Australia,” Mr Bennett said.
 
“As a region we want to develop a collaborative place-based plan that will see more workers live in our communities to help boost local economies and ensure the region thrives.
 
“There is a sense of excitement in the air about the opportunities on offer from these new and growing industries and we want to welcome employees to our communities, see them join our sporting clubs, enroll their children in our schools and in turn help to attract further essential services like doctors, and early childhood educators.
 
“This is an issue that needs to be addressed, not in the silos of our individual states or local government areas, but as an interconnected coalition, planning and implementing solutions that we hope can be a model for other regions.”
 
Numbers are strictly limited, and government, industry, and community leaders are urged to register to attend. 

For media enquiries contact:

Regional Australia Institute 
Melinda Hayter
Ph: 0498 373 300
E: [email protected]