More than 50 displaced Binna Burra Lodge employees attended the workers transition session yesterday in Beechmont with employment agencies and tourism employers.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick today confirmed the first job had been secured, with another 40 workers lining up interviews in the coming days for a range of hospitality positions, including front office, food and beverage, maintenance and housekeeping.
“This is a great example of the state government, council and industry working together to help secure jobs for the more than 50 staff who were stood down,” Mr Dick said.
“All hands were on deck yesterday from government agencies, employers and support services to help the displaced staff link with employers, and to training and upskilling opportunities, to make their transition easier.
“There has been a wonderful response from employers and employment agencies, with a number of attendees walking out with new jobs or interviews for various placements.
“Accor, Spicers Retreats, O’Reilly’s, Club Training Australia, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and City Aquatics, among others, were on hand to discuss their job opportunities.
“It’s been great to hear how impressed the employers were with the skills and experience of the former Binna Burra team,” he said.
“I want to commend and thank these companies and organisations for their positive approach to engaging with these workers.
“We are standing shoulder to shoulder with all members of the Binna Burra Lodge team, and will ensure they have access to support, training and counselling to help them get back on their feet.
“Along with the work being done by the taskforce led by the Queensland Government to fast-track economic recovery, we are determined to offer all the assistance we can to bring Binna Burra back from the brink and forge a new path ahead.”
Binna Burra Lodge Chairman Steve Noakes said he and his team were extremely grateful for the support of the Queensland Government and Scenic Rim Regional Council in coordinating the workers transition session.
“This rapid response by state and local government assures the welfare of the Binna Burra workers displaced by the bushfire disaster,” Mr Noakes said.
“We were also very pleased to know federal agencies including Centrelink and ATO were there to provide more transition options and ease the financial stress being experienced by our employees.
“Many tourism businesses, both big and small, answered the call from the Queensland Government to offer many new opportunities to our valued team within the industry.
“Lifeline and Red Cross counsellors were also on site to provide support during this difficult time.
“While we understand many in our Binna Burra family have been severely impacted by the loss of our 86-year-old business, we are confident all our staff are receiving the best support available.”
The following agencies, organisations and employers participated in the workers transition session:
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
- Department of Communities
- Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
- Department of Housing and Public Works
- TAFE (Back to Work)
- Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business
- Department of Human Services (Centrelink)
- Australian Tax Office
- Lifeline
- Australian Red Cross
- HELP Employment & Training
- Tursa Employment & Training
- Hayes Recruitment
- BUSY At Work
- Accor Group
- O’Reilly’s
- Club Training Australia
- Spicers Retreats
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- City Aquatics
