The ranks of Victoria’s bushfire fighters are to be increased with the announcement of 50 new positions with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Announced by Minister for Employment, Jaala Pulford, the Employment Program is to focus on hiring people hardest hit during the pandemic, including Aboriginal people, women, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians and young people.
“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,” Ms Pulford said.
“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,” she said.
“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 Minister said the Employment Program was being run through the Jobs Victoria Forest Fire Management Jobs initiative, in partnership with DELWP.
“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,” she said.
“We are creating job opportunities for Victorians right across the State through programs that provide the right support to help people back into work,” Ms Pulford said.
