Business Mount Alexander is excited to announce the launch of a new information sheet aimed at supporting businesses in their efforts to employ students and young people.
The resource kit will be launched at BMA’s end of year Christmas drinks at the Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing on Monday December 1.
The new resource highlights the numerous advantages of hiring young talent and provides essential information on how businesses can foster inclusive environments.
As the festive season approaches, local businesses are gearing up for an increase in demand and are seeking to employ more staff. Young people are eager for opportunities during their summer holidays, making this the perfect time for businesses to tap into this demographic. Many local businesses already benefit from the flexibility of employing young staff.
Castlemaine’s Shedshaker Brewing recently won a Mount Alexander Business Award for supporting ‘Next Gen’ workers.
Director Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns, who employs 12 people under the age of 20, expressed her commitment to youth employment.
“We believe in nurturing young talent. They bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas, making them perfect candidates for summer roles during our peak season. We love watching them grow and develop skills which are essential for our business,” she said.
Castlemaine Fresh is another local retailer renown for providing employment opportunities to young staff. When asked why they liked working for Castlemaine Fresh, the teenage staff acknowledged that it was a social place with many similarly aged workers employed.
“(Owner) Dennis is really good at explaining things,” said 17 year old staff member Ben. “I get clear directions and I know exactly what is expected of me.”
The information sheet will be available for download on Business Mount Alexander’s website: www.businessmountalexander.org.au
Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to take advantage of this resource to enhance their hiring practices and contribute to a vibrant and diverse workforce.
Come along to the Taproom on Monday December 1 from 6pm to find out more and connect with other businesses in our shire. For further information, please email infor@businessmountalexander.org.au
The Castlemaine Cannons Men’s Country Basketball League (CBL) squad has made it through to the semi finals of the North West competition and will host the Mildura Heat at the War Memorial Stadium at Wesley Hill this Saturday night November 29.
The Castlemaine side has had a undefeated run to the finals winning 10 matches from 10 outings against top competition from across the region in its bid to go back to back and defend its 2024 CBL North West title honours.
The side will hit the court fresh from the bye and determined to put on a show for local basketball fans.
Be sure to get along and cheer on our local squad this Saturday evening as they hit the court against the fourth placed Heat at 6pm. There is always a fantastic atmosphere at the Castlemaine stadium and with some top basketball action assured.
A win on Saturday will see them move into the grand final to take on the Macedon Ranges Rockies or Melton Thoroughbreds at the Cobblebank Stadium at Melton next Saturday December 6. Go Cannons!
Ten years ago, the Castlemaine community generously supported Mount Alexander Accommodation and Respite Group (MASARG), to construct a purpose-built respite facility for people with intellectual and development disabilities in the Mount Alexander Shire.
The generosity of the McDonald family donating land, the Castlemaine Lions providing a substantial seeding grant and community members donations provided the Committee of Management with the ability to seek support from the state and federal governments to provide the balance of funding required.
The $1.4M Lions McDonald Hill House at 2 Melissa Court, McKenzie Hill has been hailed as a state-of-the-art venue to support people with various needs for short term or medium-term accommodation. The house has continued to consolidate occupancy rates, ensuring a compatible mix of residents at any one time.
Service provider AMICUS Community Services operates the property on behalf of MASARG, supporting participants with NDIS funding with one-to-one level of support to ensure the best outcomes for individuals. MASARG has continued as landlord of the property.
The gardens have grown beautifully, and the ongoing maintenance has ensured Melissa Court is welcoming and fit for purpose. Staff continually comment on how well the house is equipped to enable support of participants with high needs.
Following completion of the house in 2016, MASARG has focused on advocacy for the development of long-term affordable housing for people with intellectual disability. The ‘Home of My Own’ Project was launched and was gaining momentum when COVID hit.
Like many projects, due to restrictions, MASARG lost momentum and with the rise of overall housing shortage MASARG have since joined the My Home Network to collaborate with other community organisations seeking housing solutions for our community.
Most members of the MASARG Committee of Management have been on the journey to establish respite and long-term housing since 2013 and guess what, some are ready to pass the baton to younger parents or interested community members.
The MASARG committee welcomes enquiries from interested individuals who could continue to advocate for long-term affordable housing for Mount Alexander residents with an intellectual or developmental disability.
There is still much work to do both now and into the future. They are looking for people with lived experience and/or particular skills to continue as the custodians of Melissa Court and to advocate for other types of ongoing accommodation.
The MASARG Annual General Meeting will be held on November 27 at the Melissa Court property. All are welcome to attend and if you were not around in the early days to view the house, please do come and take a look.
In the meantime, please contact Bev Vines on 0488 650 980 or Jan Steen on 0409 638 905 to express your interest in becoming a member or joining the Committee of Management. It’s a wonderful way to volunteer and help your community.
For those interested in arranging a short-term stay at the house for a family member contact AMICUS on 03 5441 2666 to discuss availability and cost.
