Michaela Meade
Young people are the worst affected by unemployment, according to Brimbank and Melton Future Connect executive officer Deirdre Hardy.
New labour market data revealed the unemployment rates in Melton and Moorabool have increased in the June 2021 quarter, compared to the June 2020 quarter.
Melton’s rate was 8.9 per cent for June 2021, up from 8.1 per cent in June 2020.
Moorabool’s rate increased to 6.2 per cent from 5.5 per cent in the same reporting periods.
The Victorian state average for June 2021 was 5.9 per cent.
Ms Hardy said unemployment in Melton was focused in two distinct areas – the township and the eastern corridor.
“It’s fair to say distance and isolation… have a big impact on unemployment,” Ms Hardy said
“Young people tell us if they don’t have a licence or a car, getting to work opportunities can be difficult.
“Public transport is an issue as well… it’s not an area very well serviced.
“That tends to mean that people are either not getting opportunities or not able to take advantage.”
Ms Hardy said there was a gap between young people and available jobs.
“I believe that there’s a real disconnect between jobs that are out there, and the jobs that young people want to do,” she said.
“When we talk to young people, a lot of them want to do game development. It’s a great choice, and there are no doubt jobs in the future, but in the western suburbs, we don’t see as many of those.”
Ms Hardy said work experience and internships could be key to solving the immediate issue.
“Young people are leaving school at the moment with a level of social anxiety,” she said.
“We really do need employers in Brimbank and Melton to mentor those young people, and provide more for local young kids.”
To contact Future Connect: futureconnect.org.au
