A JOB fair and information day was held last week in Wallangarra to provide assistance and options
for workers and their families affected by the recent closure of the Wallangarra Meatworks.
The job fair was organised by Southern Downs Regional Council in partnership with Tenterfield
Shire Council, following the meatworks closure, which displaced workers not only from Wallangarra but also Stanthorpe, Tenterfield and beyond.
The initiative offered support to those seeking employment, and a number of support services from
both sides of the border were represented on the day.
Southern Downs Councillor Neil Meiklejohn said the initiative was successful and there was a
general feeling of friendliness and optimism at the fair.
“Some 35 people came through the doors, with some already queuing up at 9.45am for the 10 o’clock
start,” he said.
In addition to employment opportunities, services provided information on study options and upskilling, and offered practical assistance on creating resumes and polishing interview techniques to maximise the chance of securing a preferred position.
Cr Meiklejohn highlighted that the employment agencies were particularly busy.
“I understand the employment services had people signing up for training, and that one service
signed up around 12 people for horticultural certificates, which is a fantastic outcome,” he said.
Financial experts were also on-hand to assist attendees with budgeting and identifying sources of support in the interim, before long-term employment is secured.
The fair attracted several stallholders with representation from employment agencies, training providers, support services, local employers and government departments.
Stallholders reported that they were very happy with the initiative, with some learning new
information about services and others identifying gaps in services, which they are planning to
address.
Tenterfield Shire Council also confirmed it will run a bus to Tabulam Blueberries on Tuesday,
August 16 and some of the job fair attendees will be going along to explore potential job
opportunities.
Southern Downs Mayor, Cr Tracy Dobie added that Southern Downs Regional Council, Tenterfield
Shire Council and the Queensland and New South Wales local members would continue to
advocate about the need for longer term solutions to the issues impacting on the meatworks and
livestock producers, including wild dogs, drought and livestock theft.
“It’s the collaborative efforts of our cross border communities and partners that give us the strength
to continue lobbying higher levels of government for assistance and for solutions.
“Together we’ll get the solutions that can address the issues, particularly those around wild dogs
and livestock theft, in the longer term.
“But in the meantime, Southern Downs Regional Council is continuing to work with State
Development to see what we can do to get other businesses to move to the Southern Downs and
put new jobs on the table,” Cr Dobie said.
