Moreton Bay locals get Back to Work
More than 880 locals across the Moreton Bay region have a job thanks to the Palaszczuk government’s Back to Work program.
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said 61 Moreton Bay businesses have been supported to employ 70 locals since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“While we know so many of our businesses are doing it tough right now, it’s great to see businesses continuing to employ more people in Moreton Bay,” Ms Boyd said.
“Back to Work provides support for businesses to take on new employees who were previously unemployed.”
Ms Boyd said Collies and Co. in Samford Valley opened in late 2019 and recruited most of their staff with support from Back to Work, but the café has since gone through big changes.
“The business first shut down and then switched to a takeaway and delivery model. Fortunately, the six month Back to Work payments topped up the business during a very tough time and hopefully we can keep enjoying their great drinks and food for a long time to come,” she said.
“May is Queensland Small Business Month and we are encouraging people to support local businesses like this one now and into the future as they recover, so they can rebuild their operations and get growing again in the future.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said it was vital to encourage employers to be able to grow their business and help our economy recover.
“We know so many businesses are doing it tough right now, our Back to Work program provides support for businesses to be able to grow and will play a big part in helping our economy to recover,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Providing more opportunities for our young apprentices will help us to have the skilled workforce we need for the jobs now and into the future.”
“So far more than 880 locals in Moreton Bay are back to work with close to 550 employers thanks to this program, and it is great to see those numbers are continuing to climb even as we go through these tough times.”
Collies and Co. owner Madeline Nixon has employed an apprentice chef and other staff with support from Back to Work and was able to turn a 94 per cent loss in sales into a sustainable takeaway business.
“Without the Back to Work program we would have been able to expand, pivot during COVID-19 and most importantly retain our wonderful team that have become a family,” Madeline said.
The Back to Work program supports eligible employers in their decision to employ unemployed jobseekers with payments of up to $20,000 available.
For further information visit https://backtowork.initiatives.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
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