Support being provided to Cootamundra meatworks employees
Officers from the Department of Employment and the Department of Human Services have been on hand to help workers affected by the closure of the meatworks in Cootamundra.
The support was mobilised by the Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business last Friday, immediately after the closure was announced.
“I have spoken with my State Parliamentary colleague, the Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson and the management of Manildra Meatworks to hear first-hand how the provision of information and support is being delivered and received by workers at the site,” Mr McCormack said.
“After visiting Cootamundra on Friday last week to speak with members of the local community I wanted to get an update directly from Manildra Meatworks and offer any additional support and assistance from the Federal Government.
“I am pleased agencies and support services from Federal and State Government as well as Legal Aid NSW and local not-for-profit organisations such as The Salvation Army are on the ground and offering practical advice, support and assistance. Financial advice and counselling, emotional support and direction on how and where to look for vacancies locally and in the region is being provided.
“It is encouraging to hear other meatworks, as well as other large firms in the area and intrastate have reached out and offered to provide what support they can in helping to fill current vacancies with retrenched workers from Cootamundra.
“This is devastating news for the entire Cootamundra community and I am grateful, in the midst of these difficult times that the resilience of the employees and their families is shining through”.
Officers from the various agencies and Government Departments will be based on site at Cootamundra until the closure on Friday and will then be available as needed. Those affected by the closure who would like further information about employment services can contact the Employment Services Information Line on 13 62 68 or visitwww.jobactive.gov.au/ to find a local jobactive provider.