Work and Play returns to support local businesses

Published on 25 September 2023

A popular program to help local businesses attract seasonal workers for the busy summer period is back.

The Work and Play program which was piloted last year is returning with rooms in Council’s Southcombe Lodge again available at competitive rates for hospitality and tourism workers, and a significant marketing campaign has been launched to attract workers to enjoy a summer in Port Fairy.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said last year the program supported 10 local businesses to find staff for the summer.

“The extra workers ensured businesses could operate with extra capacity and offer locals and visitors a great experience over the summer months,” she said.

“Hospitality businesses were among the hardest hit during the pandemic, and many are still facing challenges with an ongoing shortage of workers, so through our Economic Development Unit, Council stepped in to assist, creating Work and Play.

Tahnee Horvat from Bank St and Co cafe said the additional staff they attracted through the program not only allowed the business to stay open more often, but it allowed them to give staff days off, reducing worker burnout.

This year Commerce Moyne has joined with Council and will provide a connection service and interface between willing workers and the businesses who are looking to employ them. Registrations for the connection service for workers and businesses is online at https://commercemoyne.au/work-and-play/

All businesses in Moyne Shire are welcome to request subsidised accommodation for their seasonal staff, but preference will be given to hospitality and tourism-related businesses.