When Covid-19 restrictions allow, CGLLEN now hosts a Jobs Victoria Advocate in its Ararat office one day per week, providing them with important local knowledge and community connections.

The advocate also works from the Ararat Library one day a week.

CGLLEN Executive Officer, Jane Moriarty, said Jobs Victoria Advocates worked on the ground to help people navigate employment and training services by proactively connecting with people, where they are, in their local communities.

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"Accommodating a Jobs Victoria Advocate in our office space is a great fit for us, as it allows us to work collaboratively to connect community members looking for employment to local support, training and employment opportunities," she said.

"We've also been able to complement our existing CGLLEN programs with the great work being undertaken by Dan, our local Advocate.

Jobs Victoria Advocates are a component of the Victorian Government's record investment in employment support which is responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is free, allowing people in the local community to seek one-on-one job, training and careers advice at no cost.

Jobs Victoria Advocate, Daniel Smart, said his main role was to help those struggling with the impact of unemployment, seeking a career change, or needing help to identify the right training pathway.

"The thing I love most about my role is being able to assist people that don't know, or aren't aware of, the services available to them during the pandemic," he said.

"There are agencies out there, whether it be recruitment and employment or social services, that can assist those that are struggling during these difficult times. To be able to do this on the frontline every day is something I get great satisfaction from."

Mr Smart said he encouraged anyone looking to find employment or change their career path to get in contact with him.

For more information on the local Jobs Victoria Advocate Program visit www.jobs.vic.gov.au email jobsvicadvocate@highlandsllen.org or phone 0448 017610.

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