The GROW Gippsland Compact has celebrated a milestone 60 member organisations, with support from the Andrews Labor Government improving local and social procurement practices for Gippsland.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today welcomed the most recent organisations to sign the GROW Gippsland Compact, a collaborative program that seeks to strengthen social and economic outcomes and introduce job opportunities in the region.

Gippsland Physiotherapy Group is one of the 60 organisations to have signed the Compact; already putting the GROW principles into practice after employing a number of young people from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to increasing local employment opportunities, the program focuses on employment opportunities for young people, transitioning workers, Indigenous people, people with disability and the long-term unemployed.

The organisation is also supporting young people into training and traineeships to help prepare them for employment opportunities at one of their 10 practices across Gippsland.

GROW Gippsland is modelled on the G21 Geelong GROW program which has seen an additional $16.75 million in investment redirected back into the region.

Currently, over $17 billion is spent each year in the Gippsland region, however almost half of that is with suppliers located outside of the region.  The GROW program is working with organisations that have contracts in the region to make sure their spend contributes to the local economy.

For more information and to find out how to get involved, visit growgippsland.com.au.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP

“We can all vote with our wallets – a shift in the way Gippsland spends its money will generate significant investment job opportunities for those in Gippsland who need them most.”

“We’re really proud to see this program going from strength to strength; helping local organisations implement inclusive employment practices to get key groups of our community into quality employment.”

Quote attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome the newest GROW Gippsland Compact Members – with over 60 organisations now committed to make small changes in their procurement and employment practices for the collective benefit of our region.”