More workers have jobs with one of Australia’s largest integrated employers through an Andrews Labor Government program helping businesses to recover and thrive on the other side of the pandemic.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas met with recruits at Merriwa Industries in Wangaratta to see how new funding is benefiting the business and workers.
Merriwa Industries received a $325,000 grant through the Agriculture Workforce Plan, enabling the Australian Disability Enterprise-registered business to adapt its co-packing operations. This has helped the company increase its productivity through the introduction of an innovative product line and new, automated equipment.
Two existing food packing rooms have been divided and new washrooms built – the business has also delivered training for 142 new and existing workers to ensure they have the skills needed to operate the new equipment.
Merriwa Industries is regional Victoria’s largest co-packing business, employing an all-abilities team of over 300 people including more than 100 supported workers. Merriwa operates commercial businesses in packaging and the timber and garden nursery sectors, along with delivering child, youth and family support services.
Employees are supported to develop transferrable skills and receive training to increase their future employment prospects, while also receiving ongoing personal development training.
The Agriculture Workforce Plan is helping Victorians, including those who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, to find paid work while helping to ensure the state’s vital agriculture sector has the workforce it needs.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“Merriwa Industries is a major employer in Wangaratta and the north east, and it’s fantastic to see how the business has adapted it operations and taken on new workers.”
“We are backing businesses like Merriwa because they create jobs for regional Victorians, including for people that may otherwise face barriers to employment. It’s a win for individuals, the community and the local economy.”
As stated by Merriwa Industries Chief Executive Officer Bart Crawley
“The AWP funding had a significant impact on our ability to inform, prepare, support and train staff to deal with the significant challenges COVID created for our organisation. One of those challenges, unprecedented demand for our services, has continued.”
“The funding has allowed us to modify our physical footprint and processes, increasing our flexibility to our customer’s needs. This included investment in new equipment, technology and systems to support the demand, as well as significant skills development through targeted training.
“The funding was a crucial element in our organisation successfully navigating our teams through the COVID challenges.”
At A1 Tyrepower we have a professional and committed team who take their job of keeping our customers safe on the road extremely seriously. We aim to provide a service that exceeds expectations to all our customers from large commercial organisations, fleet vehicles, farm and industrial customers to fellow local residents. When customers purchase a set of 4 tyres from A1 Tyrepower they receive a service booklet which entitles them to free rotations and balances every 5,000km for the life of those tyres. Free tyre safety and pressure checks are offered to all customers at any time.
We guarantee to give our customers great value for money on quality products and the professional, efficient and personalised service that they deserve and have come to expect from the team at A1 Tyrepower. We also offer Zip Pay and Zip Money as an easy and convenient payment option.
We enjoy being involved in and giving back to the local community. If we are able to assist in building and strengthening community bonds within the business and wider community we are always pleased to. We understand the importance of supporting other locally owned and operated businesses and believe that, locals supporting locals is what it is all about.
A-1 Tyrepower are proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta and are always there to contribute a $100.00 Gift Voucher to give away at every Business After Hours Events
Maybe it’s just a small project or maybe it’s the entire house. We can help you with each step along the way to end up with a job you are completely proud of. Not just with your colour choices but making sure you choose exactly the right paint, the right gear and all the little tips that make a big difference.
Haymes Paint Shop Wangaratta are proud to be Sponsors of Business Wangaratta and contribute a $50.00 voucher to every Business After Hours Event
We believe in the importance of swimming education from a young age, and the ongoing benefits of swimming throughout life. Our centre provides an ideal setting for people of all ages to learn to swim or simply maintain your fitness with regular exercise.
We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings of teaching children to swim in our backyard pool. Since opening the centre in 1998, with a pool designed specifically for learning, our focus has been on education. Our pool is salt water – with the temperature kept pleasantly warm, conducive to a learning environment.
Healthy bodies and growing minds need to stay fueled and hydrated. Whether you’re here for lessons, enjoying a swim with the family or staying fit with a few laps, our kiosk is always open with nourishing drinks and fresh snacks to refuel.
More than Swimming are proud to be Sponsors of Business Wangaratta and contribute a $50.00 Voucher to every Business After Hours Event
Intermezzo is so much more than just a café, Bar & Restaurant. Located on the Corner of Ford & Ovens Streets, we are part of the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and our aim was to create a space for family and friends to gather, relax and enjoy great food.
We are open from 6.30am, 7 days a week for a coffee and Brekky, or Lunch with a Cocktail or wine till 4.00pm. We are also sometimes open later into the evening when a performance is on with some pre show meals and drinks.
We have indoor and outdoor dining areas including our relaxing lawn area, our you can relax on the Deck and just enjoy the outdoor dining experience, Located close to Wangaratta’s CBD, it’s walking distance from all your favourite shopping.
Intermezzo are proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta and contribute a $20.00 Meal Voucher to every Business After Hours Event
For over 100 years Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch have been serving the local community, veterans and their families.
Starting from our humble beginnings on Reid St Wangaratta for the last 65 years, 2019 saw the opening of our new venue at the site of the old Sydney Hotel, which the building still pays homage too.
One thing will never change though is that our commitment to community service, hospitality and most importantly supporting our veteran community will never change and is stronger than ever.
Wangaratta RSL is proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta, and contribute a $25.00 Gift Voucher to the Business Wangaratta After Hours Events
Salt therapy is a natural therapy that has been practiced for over 100 years. It involves relaxing in a specialised room filled with dry salt particles and can help cleanse the airways and skin, as well as aid recovery and general wellbeing.
All our centres have 3 rooms, a Private, Adult and Kids room. All rooms are designed to mimic salt caves. We have a halogenerator that grinds up pharmaceutical medical grade sea salt into a dry aerosol and pumps it into the room.
Wangaratta RSL is proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta, and contribute a $25.00 Gift Voucher to the Business Wangaratta After Hours Events