With groups of workers placed by MADEC now returned for their third consecutive season, the perennial issue of retaining skills and experience on farms is being addressed.  Feedback from farmers has been very positive, with reliability and improved productivity being common themes.

The horticulture industry has long lobbied for assistance to attract workers during peak times to reduce the amount of fruit and vegetables wasted when sufficient workers were not available.  MADEC’s operation of the National Harvest Labour Information Service, and also six of the regional Harvest Labour Services, has assisted towards this end to source workers at critical times. Harvest workers however are often backpackers or other travelling workers who are only available for one season, or even part of a season.

The PSW program fills the gap  to address the problem of having the same workers return year on year to reduce the need to constantly retrain staff.

The Pilot has been careful to ensure Australian workers are not displaced and labour market testing is carefully scrutinised for each area before Pacific workers are brought in.

As MADEC is a not-for-profit community based organisation, the pastoral care component of the Pilot has been carefully implemented.  The welfare of the Pacific workers is given high priority and is closely monitored.  Local contacts and community groups are coordinated in each of the towns where workers have been placed to ensure their well being.

This venture sees MADEC assuming the day-to-day operations of venue management and hiring out of Homestead facilities which in the past has been overseen by Mildura Arts Centre. As of Monday 17 October bookings to hire out any of the facilities at the Old Mildura Homestead should be made with MADEC by calling 50237233.

People with existing bookings for the Rose Garden, Woolshed and Cottage need not be concerned as MADEC will honour all existing bookings. The public should not notice any major changes to the facilities or the services available once MADEC takes over the day-to-day operations of the venues will simply now be through MADEC. All hirers will be contact shortly with the new contact details.

The handover will take place this month.

MADEC Chairman, Bill Nicol said “MADEC is thrilled to take on management responsibility for the Old Mildura Homestead Complex. It will create new opportunities to train and assist job seekers seeking careers in hospitality, tourism, horticulture and environmental management as an extension of the MADEC Community College.”

“The Old Mildura Homestead is a fantastic community asset, a key site along the Chaffey Trail and an important element of Council’s Mildura Riverfront redevelopment project. MADEC looks forward to building on the good work done by the Old Mildura Homestead Committee over many years. Our aim is to increase the number of events, activities and visitations, both by locals and visitors to the region.”

“We are also hopeful that, over time, some of MADEC’s Community Groups may be able to call the Homestead ‘home’.”

For Old Mildura Station Homestead enquires: Phone 50237233 email: mildurahomestead@madec.edu.au

An Egyptian semolina dish dubbed “basbousa” proved a hit for the taste buds, especially for Marisa Monteleone of the Mildura Embroiderers’ Guild. “It’s great to experience different flavours from various cultures,” she said. “It opens your eyes and makes me want to incorporate these dishes into my family’s kitchen.” $100 was raised for the Sunraysia Flood Appeal.

Courtesy of Sunraysia Daily Saturday 26 March, 2011
By Allyson Fonseca

Broadband for Seniors is a Federal Government initiative which aims to provide free internet access to anyone aged over 50, allowing them to gain confidence using computers, while also helping to build community participation and social inclusion.

There are a number of Broadband for Senior sites in Sunraysia, including one at MADEC’s Community College in Madden Avenue. MADEC has been involved with the program for eight months, but is now looking for more volunteers to help provide computer lessons to seniors.

MADEC’s Community Development Officer Glenn Milne says seniors are intrigued by the internet.

“One lady wanted research her family history and was amazed that she could find information that was useful just by typing names into the computer,” Mr Milne said.

Other popular items that seniors have been researching include needlework, vintage cars and using EBAY.

The Broadband for Seniors kiosk is available from 9am until 5pm on weekdays, but volunteers can nominate the days and times when they are available to help. Computer lessons run for one hour and a maximum of two seniors can attend each session.

Volunteers need to have basic computer skills, along with good communication and must be willing to let people learn at their own pace.

Mr Milne is hopeful that some seniors who participate in the program will become volunteers so they can share their newly acquired skills with others.

“The Broadband for Seniors program provides tutorials that take people through using email and Internet step by step. However some program participants may choose to focus learning particular skills to suit their interests,” Mr Milne said.

For further information about this volunteer role contact Kellie Hollingworth, Northern Mallee Volunteers Project Officer on 5023 7796.

Pictured above is Volunteered Trainer Peter Spencer and Student Pat Wharton.

The Workforce Development program is dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses plan for their future and identify the skills their workforce will need to ensure success in a tough competitive world.

Under this program MADEC is able to provide services funded by the Victorian Government to assist business owners to review business objectives and priorities, assess the skills needed to reach objectives, provide training and development plans and facilitate the training required.

MADEC Ceo Ms Pat Thorburn said “The provision of this service links very well to our other services of Labour Hire, Accredited Training and Employment Services. These links will enable small and medium businesses to earn integrated employee recruitment and staff skills development to provide a workforce with skills matched to their future needs and growth potential.”

MADEC has appointed two Workforce Planning and Training specialist and are available to assist business owners across the North West area of Victoria. Russ Mason will serve the greater Sunraysia and Louise Dillon will be working within the Mid Murray region.

MADEC workforce planning and training specialist are available by contacting MADEC on 1300 436 332 or by visiting the MADEC office in Mildura or Swan Hill.

A SOGGY harvest has thwarted fruit-picking plans for backpackers around Sunraysia. Torrential downpours and flooding around the region have rendered guests restless at the Mildura City Backpackers. “We are sitting around waiting for the weather to change,” said Katharina Bekemeid, 19, who had travelled down under from Germany. “I feel helpless because we have to wait for everything to dry up before we can go out and work.” Alice Bedini, 22, from Rome, said: “Mildura is very nice, but we are not very lucky with the weather”.

The angst was echoed by 18-year-old Dani Browning from Cambridge in England.

“You get put on a list and when the farms need work, the hostel sends you when needed,” Ms Browning said “Everyone is really annoyed at the way the weather has cancelled work for the moment.” Marko Rossi, 29, from Finland came to Mildura three weeks ago to earn money. “It is a really nice town, but I am disappointed that I can’t work today because of the rain,” Mr Rossi said. 

Marine, 27, who arrived in Mildura from Paris eight weeks ago, felt frustrated that the weather had stopped her vineyard work. “At the beginning, I waited for two weeks for work, which was a bit stressful because I had no money – not even enough to pay the rent. “I hope it dries up so I can start fruit-picking tomorrow,” said Marine, who was then told it would, in fact, rain all week. Italian visitor Emanuele Monte, 23, said he felt disheartened by the rain. “I need to leave in eight weeks’ time and I need to save as much money as possible, if you know what I mean,” Mr Monte said.

“My visa expires in March, so time is running out and I felt very disappointed when I found out I could not fruit pick because of the rain.” But MADEC Harvest Labour coordinator Cos Stizza urged young fruit pickers to keep their spirits up. “If they can afford to stay longer, they should because work will happen once the weather clears,” Mr Stizza said. “The harvest does not get going in earnest until early February.

“If vineyards dry out and are accessible by next week, then we should see some fruit-picking action happening.” Mr Stizza, who has been in the industry for six years, said the weather’s effect on the harvest was unprecedented. “I have never seen this happen in Mildura before,” Mr Stizza said.

Story courtesy of Sunraysia Daily Saturday, January 15, 2011

By Allyson Fonseca

The ‘Art of Volunteering” is an artistic acknowledgement and celebration of the contribution that volunteers make to our community. The works on display have been entered by local artists, school children, school groups and local Volunteers. The works portray the artist’s perception of volunteerism and people working together for the betterment of the community.

Ms Sunbird congratulated the artists and the volunteer groups, acknowledging the hours of unpaid work that volunteers freely give to our community each year and the number of services they provide free of charge. Ms Sunbird said “MADEC is pleased to support the “Art of Volunteering” and be able to reward the community in a small way for the efforts made by our volunteers”.

Ms Sunbird also presented the exhibition prizes to the winners of each section. Winner of the Open Craft Section ‐ Alice Gove, Open Drawing ‐ Irene Nicholson, Open Photography ‐ Year 11 St Josephs College Art Group, Junior Craft Section ‐ Robinvale P‐12 School, Winner of Junior Painting/Drawing Keely Walsh from Chaffey Secondary College, Winner of Junior Photography ‐Rochelle Marron from St Josephs College and Winner of MADEC Corporate member group was Mildura Branch of the Embroiderers Guild.

MADEC Chief Executive Officer Pat Thorburn said “MADEC is proud to present the “Art of Volunteering” exhibition to the local community and I would encourage everyone to take the time to visit the exhibition as an acknowledgement of the many hours of work volunteers donate to our community”.

Principal sponsor MADEC, recognised the outstanding achievements of secondary students undertaking Vocational Education and Training in our district schools.

Seventy-eight outstanding finalists were nominated in 24 categories. All students were interviewed by a panel which included industry specialists relative to the nominated category, who had the task of selecting category winners.

Over 340 people attended the awards night to celebrate student’s achievements, including family and friends, secondary school representatives, dignitaries, local industry and community based organisations.

Student of the Year category sponsored by MADEC was won by James Burrows Year 11 Coomealla High School.

Other category winners were: Raghi Warren Year 11 Coomealla High School for Australian School based Apprenticeship 1st Year sponsored by Sunraysia Murray Group Training; John Stone Year 12 Mildura Secondary College for Australian School based Apprenticeship 2nd Year sponsored by Loddon Mallee Region, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development; Tyler McPhee Year 12 St Josephs College for VCAL Senior sponsored by CentaBRACE; Garry Steinmann Year 11 Ouyen P12 for VCAL Intermediate sponsored by Mildura Region Transport & Logistics; Samantha Morgan Senior SuniTAFE for VCAL Koorie sponsored by VECCI Apprenticeships Services; Nigel Kelly Year 11 Mildura Senior College for VET Aeroskills & Avionics sponsored by Red Cliffs Lions Club; Teagan Parker Year 10 St Josephs College for VET Allied Health sponsored by SuniTAFE; Emily Jenkinson Year 11 Coomealla High School for VET Animal Studies sponsored by SuniTAFE; Georgie Whitehead Year 11 Mildura Senior College for VET Applied Fashion Design sponsored by Red Cliffs Lions Club; Joel Schwarz Year 9 Trinity Lutheran College for VET Automotive sponsored by Tasco Inland Australia Pty Ltd; Jayden Scadding Year 10 Trinity Lutheran College for VET Building & Construction sponsored by GSD Architects; Shanesha Togo Senior SuniTAFE for VET Business sponsored by Australian Institute of Office Professionals, Mildura Branch; Bradley Wallenaffer Year 11 Mildura Senior College for VET Cabinet Making sponsored by ADRA; Falelei Kei Year 11 Robinvale P12 for VET Community Services sponsored by Mallee Accommodation Support Program; Ryan Lynch Year 10 Werrimull P12 for VET Conservation & Land Management sponsored by Mildura Rural City Council; Ethan Worthington Year 11 Mildura Senior College for VET Electrotechnology sponsored by La Trobe University; Brenton Kerr Year 10 Red Cliffs Secondary College for VET Engineering sponsored by Northern Mallee LLEN; Denbeigh Wade Year 12 Coomealla High School for VET Equine Studies sponsored by Wentworth Shire Council; Jacklyn Foster Year 10 Irymple Secondary College for VET Hair & Beauty sponsored by Sunraysia Careers Association; Kristy Booth Year 10 Irymple Secondary College for VET Hospitality sponsored by SuniTAFE; Mathew Bone Year 12 Coomealla High School for VET Information Technology sponsored by Australian National Institute; Katalina Felise Year 12 Robinvale P12 for VET Music Industry sponsored by Australian Apprenticeships Centre; James Burrows Year 11 Coomealla High School for VET Retail sponsored by Mildura Development Corporation and Maddison McManus Year 10 St Josephs College for VET Sport/Recreation & Fitness sponsored by Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club.

All nominated students receive a framed ‘Finalist’ certificate Category winners received $250 which was donated by the category sponsor, a framed ‘Winner’s’ certificate and an engraved burl trophy.

Student of the Year, James Burrows received an additional $250, donated by MADEC, a framed ‘Student of the Year’ certificate and an engraved burl trophy. Coomealla High School will retain the perpetual trophy until next year’s event.

Also nominated were Coordinators, Employers and Trainers of excellence acknowledging their contributions of support and influence? Nominees were: Kylie Horner – Trainer, Mildura Hair & Beauty College; Anne Shipsides – Trainer, Mildura Hair & Beauty College; Clinton Williams – Employer, Stephen Jones & Associates; Justin Leech – Engineering Teacher, SuniTAFE; Fiona Pike – Fitness Trainer & Senior VCAL PDS Trainer, St Josephs College; Fishers Wentworth IGA – Employer; Pauline Smith – VET Coordinator, Coomealla High School; Sunraysia Community Health Services – Employer; Mildura Rural City Council – Employer; Fosters Group Ltd – Employer and Matthew DeAngelo – Trainer/Assessor, Sunraysia Murray Group Training.

Annette Downes, MADEC VETis Coordinator said: ‘What a collaborative and positive event which recognised these hard working students and the mentoring and support provided by teachers, employers and local industry. The success of this event could not be attained without the continued support of local businesses.”

Pat Thorburn, MADEC CEO continued with “We are privileged to be part of this great community event and honoured to have played a role in acknowledging these students. Our future is certainly looking bright. We look forward to the calibre of next years nominees.”