TAC and WorkSafe commit to Geelong’s economic GROWth

21 Nov 2016

A new agreement involving the Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe Victoria will benefit Geelong’s disadvantaged and provide local jobs, Minister for Finance Robin Scott announced today.

The TAC and WorkSafe last week signed up to GROW (G21 Region Opportunities for Work), an initiative encouraging the region’s government and community organisations, businesses and individuals to source jobs and suppliers from within the Geelong area.

GROW is a joint initiative of the Give Where You Live Foundation and the G21 alliance of five councils in the Geelong region.

It was developed under the philosophy that a community’s social issues can be addressed when organisations and individuals work in collaboration.

In signing up to GROW, the TAC and WorkSafe will ensure procurement and recruitment practices promote Geelong’s economic and social wellbeing.

GROW signatories are expected to look at their organisational values and processes to implement changes to provide opportunities to disadvantaged members of the local community.

A Social Procurement Toolkit will assist organisations to source goods and services through local not-for-profit groups, thereby providing work opportunities for disadvantaged members of the Geelong community.

The TAC and other new GROW signatories will be acknowledged for their participation in the scheme at the Give Where You Live Annual General Meeting on November 15.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott

“When regional communities stick together, they can make a real difference to people doing it tough and GROW is a shining example of how this can be achieved.

“When you look first to the local community when employing or procuring goods and services you are stimulating the local economy and creating opportunities for those who need them most.”

“I urge all Geelong organisations and individuals to consider the changes they can make to meet the needs of disadvantaged people in the local community.”