Helping businesses attract staff this summer

Published on 31 October 2024

Businesses in Port Fairy are gearing up for a busy summer season and Moyne Shire Council is helping them attract the staff they need.

Council has launched the Work and Play initiative, providing local businesses with an opportunity to house workers in affordable short-term accommodation.

CEO, Mark Eversteyn said Southcombe Lodge has been made available for participating businesses to use over an eight-week period.

He said businesses could lease a spot for workers at a discounted price, which they could then bundle up as a working holiday package to help attract staff.

“Following COVID, many businesses in Port Fairy had to reduce hours or their offering over the busy summer holiday period because they couldn’t attract staff, with lack of accommodation being a major factor. It risked Port Fairy’s reputation as a summer holiday hotspot."

“Over the past two summers our Economic Development and Tourism team worked together with local businesses to develop this program which has been a win-win for everyone. For instance, last year the program attracted 25 workers supporting 11 local businesses.”

“It means businesses have been able to attract seasonal staff and somewhere for them to stay which offers their full or expanded service over summer.”

“If businesses have staff and offer their full services it means Port Fairy will be at its best for locals and visitors to enjoy and ensure Port Fairy remains a premier summer holiday destination.”

Mr Eversteyn said there was a great response from both people seeking employment and businesses registering for the program and making plans to secure seasonal staff.

“It’s a great result and we are thrilled we have been able to support local businesses with this really simple, but effective program,” he said.

“This program, like our key worker cabins in Koroit and Mortlake and the work we have done on the key worker housing project across the region are all about thinking differently."

“Moyne Shire is a leader in this space, we are thinking about how we can use the resources we have to support our communities in an area that traditionally isn’t a core responsibility of council."

“We aren’t a housing provider, but we are using the levers we have available to do what we can and make a difference.”