June 23, 2023
portphillipferries.com.au 12615198-AV25-23
Statement on invasion Two Bellarine artists’ new exhibition, Consequences, makes an environmental statement on how invasive species affect the land. Painter Linda Gallus and ceramicist Kaye Clancy will showcase their artworks at Ocean Grove’s The Hive Gallery, from June 30 to July 30, with a free public opening on Saturday, July 1, from 2pm to 4pm. Gallus said she had been exploring the Bellarine’s remaining vegetation to understand the consequences of European settlement and was “proud” of “every single one” of her paintings. Clancy is a descendant of the Bangerang people from South Eastern Australia and said her ceramic figureheads would be positioned like the early settlement ships. She said she liked how the exhibition made “a statement about what’s happened” in the past when the Europeans came to Australia. Jena Carr Painter Linda Gallus and ceramicist Kaye Clancy at The Hive Gallery with pieces from their exhibition Consequences. (Ivan Kemp) 341735_02
Ford axes 400 local jobs By Justin Flynn About 400 jobs, most from Geelong, are set to be lost at car manufacturing giant Ford. Most of the roles to be cut are in product development and design, with a small number in other areas. About 1800 people work for the company in Australia, meaning more than one in five are set to lose their jobs. Most impacted staff work in the Geelong area, according to Australian Manufacturing Workers Union vehicle industry co-ordinator Vince Pepi. He said voluntary redundancies would take effect in September, and union members could access support to help them with the transition. “Ford’s announcement of job losses within the company is disheartening news,” he said.
“However, we want to emphasise that these redundancies are voluntary and will not take effect until September this year. “Currently, we estimate that around 400 jobs will be affected, with approximately 350 of those being white-collar workers and 50 to 45 being blue-collar workers. Unfortunately, most of the job losses will affect workers in the Geelong area. “As part of our commitment to supporting our members during this challenging time, AMWU members are entitled to a redundancy outplacement program, along with a payment of 4.1 per week of service and $500 for financial advice. “We understand that this news will be difficult for many workers and their families, and we want to ensure they have all the resources they need. If any members require
additional support, they can always reach out to their organiser or the branch. “We will continue to work closely with our members and their Ford management as the situation progresses.” G21 – Geelong Region Alliance chief executive Giulia Baggio told ABC News on Thursday morning that the job losses will have a “devastating impact” and was a “very, very difficult thing to swallow”. “Hopefully, these workers will be able to pick up new jobs in advanced manufacturing businesses,” she said. “Those businesses are proliferating across the Geelong region. It is the advanced manufacturing capital of Australia, essentially. So we’d be hopeful that there could be a reasonable transition for these people.” Victorian Jobs and Manufacturing Minister
Ben Carroll said the state government will support Geelong’s Ford workers. “It’s always difficult when anyone loses a job – it can be one or it could be 10 or it could be 50. I have every confidence that we’ll find solutions for these workers and be able to do tailor-made solutions to support them going forward.” A Ford Australia spokesperson said, “We have begun consultation with our employees and unions on our intention to offer a separation program for approximately 400 of our 1800 employees in Australia. The majority of these will be in product development and design, with a small number in other functions”. “Australia will continue to be the centre of development for the Ranger and Everest globally.” - with Jena Carr, Matt Hewson and AAP
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