Welcome to the Wimmera Southern Mallee Skilled Migration Initiative which has been established through the Victorian State Government’s Global Skills for provincial Victoria Program.

Victoria’s strong economy and its changing skill needs has increased demand for skilled workers. The Skilled Migration Initiative has been established to help develop the skilled workforce Victoria needs to fulfil its economic potential, assist with potential industry development, relieve the declining regional population and provide a stronger local community infrastructure.

Celebrating the opening of the Horsham Islamic Welfare Association, launched Sunday 10th Feb 2008

How can we help employers?

Services that we offer to employers:

• Sourcing skilled migrants that match your vacancies
• Access to state resources which record skilled migrant
  activities
• Access to the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU)
• Access to training programs such as cultural awareness
• Assistance with the development of position descriptions
• Provide packages with summaries of useful DIAC web links
• Assistance with visa applications
• Providing a link with the DIAC regional outreach officer who can directly answer your visa concerns and enquiries
• Link newly arrived families with a volunteer mentor who will provide companionship, guidance and information in their first weeks of arrival
• Keeping employers updated with visa changes and processes

How can we help skilled migrants?

Some of the services that we offer to migrants:

• By linking you with advertised vacancies
• Utilising our extensive networks to match you with an employer that may be able to utilise your skills
• Distributing your resume to potential employers, industry and employment agencies
• Liaising with employment agencies on your behalf
• Assisting your family members with training , development of resume, job interview techniques and job matching
• Providing support to you in your new job through job counselling
• By linking you on arrival with local ethnic communities
• Provide settlement packages written for newly arrived skilled migrant workers which gives practical advice and information to assist with settlement questions
• Links to multicultural associations
• Letters of support for real estate and employment
• Links to networks of business and community contacts
• A monthly e newsletter
• Link you with a volunteer mentor who can assist you and your family to
  settle into your new environment

The Skilled Migration Initiative is provided with support from the Wimmera Development Association in partnership with the Municipalities of West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Buloke and Horsham Rural City, industry and associated communities

For further information contact Janet Heard, Program Manager.