In the south-east region we are lucky to have a host of talented groups and organisations, all working towards making a positive impact on the local jobs and skills landscape. Due to various reasons, including lack of established communication networks, many of these groups have worked in isolation - even when their objectives have crossed over or been like others. This is one of the reasons the Skills and Jobs Network was established – to create a shared commitment of collaboration between organisations and an avenue to do so. With this collaboration, organisations can work more effectively (complementing each other rather than replicating) and we might be able to improve the experience of local jobseekers and employers.
There are four regional Skills and Jobs Networks who, like GameChange, are all focusing on collaboration and connection. The Dandenong Skills and Jobs Network (DSJN) is chaired by Damian Paul - CEO of the Civil Training Authority (CTA) and supported by the GameChange initiative to co-ordinate meetings and networking opportunities, foster connections and promote local programs.
Damian said, “We are committed to work collaboratively as we continue to network, promote and spread the word that the DSJN is the backbone to a better community - a solid committee of local businesses, striving to target community challenges and make significant improvements in the best interests of the people within the community”.
By adopting a collaborative approach, the DSJN will identify, develop, and drive a shared agenda for improving. This includes a commitment to aligning and expanding the capacity of local stakeholders to better respond to the training and employment opportunities within the sub region, and to meet the demands of industry. This shared focus is aligned with GameChange’s purpose and intentions and will strengthen the offering of our local services and resources.
Collaboration is an ongoing process and an important element to meet community needs. GameChange works across existing and new networks and support groups to ensure that collaboration and sharing of information remains a strong focus. In coming months, GameChange’s “Communication and Collaboration” Priority Action Group (PAG) will be developing a tool to enable the online connection of all community wraparound services in our region. The tool will be free for organisations to be part of and for community to use. Contact the GameChange team via email for more information on the project, or the network, gamechange@cgd.vic.gov.au
