Aboriginal Victorians are among those donning the greens in new jobs to prepare the state for this fire season as part of an Andrews Labor Government employment program.

Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today visited the Sebastopol Depot to announce the creation of 50 new jobs to bolster the state’s bushfire defences, through the Jobs Victoria Forest Fire Management Jobs initiative, in partnership with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

Sixteen Aboriginal forest fire operations officers have so far started work and are earning an income while receiving accredited and on-the-job training, mentoring and cultural support.

The profound and continuing connection of Aboriginal people to country will also be a valuable resource for crews managing the land and preventing and fighting seasonal fires.

The $738,000 employment program will focus on hiring those hardest hit during the pandemic including Aboriginal people, women, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people.

The jobseekers will bolster the state’s ranks and increase diversity within the sector, with recruits currently underrepresented in the land and fire management workforce.

The Jobs Victoria Forest Fire Management Jobs initiative is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, which is creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs for people most impacted by the pandemic.

People looking for work can register and apply for roles on the Jobs Victoria online Hub at jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford

“This program will help Victoria to better prepare for the fire season and deliver secure jobs to people who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.”

“We are creating job opportunities for Victorians right across the state through programs that provide the right support to help people back into work.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is a wonderful opportunity for jobseekers across the state to join our fire and land management workers and help keep Victoria safe.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams

“This is empowering Aboriginal Victorians to contribute in a role highly beneficial to their community while remaining connected to Country.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“It’s great to be in Sebastopol today announcing new jobs helping to protect our community through the fire season.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“I’m proud to support this initiative giving more Aboriginal people the opportunity to earn an income while they work on country and gain the skills they need to protect our region.