The Allan Labor Government has kick-started production of Victoria’s new X’Trapolis 2.0 in Ballarat, supporting up to 150 direct jobs, and up to 750 local jobs across the supply chain.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting manufacturers across the state to equip their workers with the cutting-edge digital skills needed to boost competitiveness and create more jobs of the future. Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll today visited Ballarat manufacturer SEM Fire and Rescue, which is one the businesses benefitting from the Labor Government‘s $4.5 million Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program.

The Andrews Labor Government is doing what matters for families, parents and kids across regional Victoria, with a comprehensive package to give parents the support they need at the start of their life as a new family.

Hundreds of Victorians with a passion for horses will have the opportunity to start a career in racing thanks to a program placing disadvantaged jobseekers into work with some of the state’s best stables. Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today visited the Ballarat Turf Club to announce a $3.1 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government to deliver 200 jobs in the racing sector through Jobs Victoria.

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting education, skills and innovation in the heart of Victoria’s second biggest regional city, with the launch of Federation University’s Co-operative Centre of Excellence. Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today opened the new centre for industry and education in Ballarat’s CBD – made possible by a $9.5 million Labor Government investment.

Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat will be safer and more accessible for all theatre goers thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited the theatre to mark the start of Stage 3 restoration work on the nearly 150-year-old landmark, supported by a $10 million Labor Government investment through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

Victoria’s strong economy is continuing to drive a dynamic labour market with the regional unemployment rate at a near all-time record low – and the lowest of all the states.  Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released this week show that the regional unemployment rate is 2.9 per cent, while the national rate sits at 3.1 per cent.

The new trains will be manufactured in Dandenong and assembled in Alstom’s Ballarat factory later this year, bolstering the Labor Government’s commitment to support jobs across our state and continue the pipeline of local manufacturing.

The Andrews Labor Government is looking at more ways to boost employment opportunities in the Central Highlands, bringing together businesses, employers and community leaders. A forum held in Ballarat today and hosted by Jobs Victoria examined ways the Labor Government, local businesses and communities can work together to identify opportunities and develop new approaches to address workforce challenges.

Early works are now underway to build an Intermodal Freight Hub at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). The works will see five serviced lots built at the site – in preparation for major construction to take place on the freight hub next year.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Ballarat to position itself as a must-visit craft and small batch drink destination with a new hub for distilling and brewing. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced a $450,000 investment from the Labor Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to create the new hub – which will be a tourism drawcard for the region while creating more jobs.

A major investment by one of the largest food manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand is creating a jobs boost in Ballarat, thanks to backing from the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula today announced the Labor Government’s support for George Weston Foods’ new Mauri flour mill in Ballarat and production expansion across regional Victoria.

An Australian consulting giant will establish a new office in Ballarat, creating up to 200 jobs in the important regional centre, backed by support from the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas today announced the establishment of the Ernst & Young (EY) Service Delivery Centre at the Federation University Ballarat Tech Park in Mt Helen.