Careers Expo 2026 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026

TUESDAY, JUNE 23 @ WIMMERA EVENTS CENTRE – 9.30AM TO 2.30PM

INSIDE >>>

Combining school and work Page 5

Universities are among many organisations to promote their pathways at the Western Victorian Careers Expo. Pictured is Darcy Kirk and Petena Thomas at the Federation University site at last year’s expo at Longerenong.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Opportunities in health Page 7

Moore Exhibition Centre site map Pages 8-9

Connecting talent with opportunity Page 15

business that supports the future of

We value people who share our core values and provide opportunities to grow, achieve personal goals, and build a rewarding long-term career.

Career opportunities include:

• Sales

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• Ag technology

• Shared resources including IT, Marketing, Accounting, HR

Whether you’re starting an apprenticeship or building on existing experience, O’Connors offers the chance to develop your career while contributing to a strong and supportive team.

Inspiration for all ages at expo

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Celebrating its 40th year, Western Victorian Careers Expo is offering a new challenge with prizes, a revamped network night and more hands-on exhibits at next week’s event.

Organised by a Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN sub-committee, the one-day event at Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong, attracts about 2000 job-seekers and school-leavers and will this year feature about 80 exhibitors.

WSMLLEN school to work project officer Yohana Akang said the exhibitors’ network night would include leadership expert Reg Crawford as guest speaker.

“He’s fantastic, we’re looking forward to him speaking about how to live outside of your comfort zone and how to bring about change in your community, or wherever you are,” Mr Akang said.

Mr Crawford will also speak at the expo.

“His talk at the expo is going to be tailored more to our students, based on things like resilience, leadership, discovering yourself, and how school is one major part of your life, but it’s not just your life,” Mr Akang said.

“We wanted it to be something a little bit different, not specifically just talking about school and pathways.”

A new challenge will offer three prizes to participants.

“Students come and they have a wonderful time, a wonderful experience, but sometimes are a bit shy, so we wanted to come up with an experience for them so they can interact and get the most out of it, not just information wise, but also things like how to develop your career,” Mr Akang said.

“We came up with something called the expo challenge, which is kind of a raffle where students get to engage with a certain amount of exhibitors, talk to them, ask questions, and then the students’ names go in a raffle.

“At the end of the day, we’ll pull out and pick out three winners, who will win either a JBL speaker, a Ninja slushy, or a home cinema bundle.”

New face

Formerly with community organisations and not-for-profits, Mr Akang brings a different perspective to planning the annual event.

“I’ve worked a lot with school stu-

dents and organising things such as how do we increase learning efficiency, but this is a new position for me,” he said.

“I really love the idea of the expo. When I was in school, I’m originally from Melbourne, I used to go to massive expos and I never actually thought about there being someone behind all the planning – I thought that would be a very hectic job.

“I always enjoyed those, and education’s always been a really major part of who I am, but not in the formal sense.

“I was more in self-development and doing something within the community, so I’m looking forward to actually facilitating the careers expo, and creating this pathway for students.

“There are so many ways out there, and it starts with exposure.”

History-making

The expo has grown since its first in 1986, which Mr Akang said had been a very long journey.

“I was looking through the history of how we started, going from a handful of exhibitors and trying to get schools to get on board,” he said.

“It was new, especially in this area back in those days.

“We’re excited about all the ex-

hibitors, all the sponsors and all our partners being with us for such a long journey – we have people who have been supporting us for well over 30 years, and that’s a great partnership.”

Mr Akang said this year would see a pivot with some new exhibitors.

“There are a few exhibitors coming that haven’t been before, and they’re

trying to set up a more experiential exhibit interaction with students and with the general public,” he said.

“Farm Frites Australia will do their setup of the whole chip factory process, and at the end of it, they’re going to provide chips to attendees.

“Australian Defence Force is coming down again and they’re bringing

“I was looking through the history of how we started, going from a handful of exhibitors and trying to get schools to get on board. It was new, especially in the area back in those days. We’re excited about all the exhibitors, all the sponsors and all our partners being with us for such a long journey”

– Yohana Akang

helicopter simulators, so that’s super exciting – last year they brought something different and this year they said they had something better.

“Then we’ve got robotics coming down through Minerals Council of Australia, and a few other exciting exhibitors that I think attendees are really going to enjoy.”

Change in career

Most attendees are secondary school students in years nine to 12, however people of all ages can find job opportunities and career prospects at the expo.

“We’ve got a lot of exhibitors that are specifically coming to engage with the adults for job opportunities, and then others are coming for career pathways to talk to students,” Mr Akang said.

“We have a total of about 2000 attendees, which includes the public, parents, students and teachers – that’s a large crowd.”

Mr Akang said schools, universities and industries from across the state would be represented at the expo.

“We’ve got a large representation of a lot of different industries, which is good – it’s a great place to come and meet everyone all at once,” he said.

“We also have a free bus, which will leave from the Horsham YMCA carpark at 10.30am and return at 12.30pm.”

Mr Akang said he hoped attendees found inspiration at the expo.

“It’s something for the region, just having that space for people, something that we can take our children to, where they can really get inspired,” he said.

“I think that’s very exciting.”

Road to qualifying

Growing up on farms, Horsham’s Darcy Polack, 19, knew VCE was not his pathway, and after work placements at Caterpillar and O’Connors in 2022, he found his best fit.

“I did a school-based apprenticeship in 2023, two days a week, and in 2024 I went full-time and have been working here ever since,” Mr Polack said.

“We used to have a farm at Katyil, between Dimboola and Warracknabeal. When I was young – the earthmoving stuff at Caterpillar was good, but just being familiar with the red machines on the farm, it just made everything fit in – I love it.”

Working towards his heavy diesel service technician qualification, Mr Polack said not all people on work experience or those looking to do an apprenticeship had prior mechanical knowledge.

“We’ve had plenty of in-town kids who have had no farm experience at all come here and they’ve learnt heaps out of it,” he said.

“It can be a bit different, coming in front of these big machines, not having any idea what they do, what they are, but everyone that works here can easily explain how they all work and how to work on them.”

Mr Polack said about 15 people work at Horsham O’Connors, including about six apprentices, and most of them spend equal time in the workshop and the field.

“When it comes close to harvest and

cropping time, you could be more out of the workshop than in the workshop, depending on breakdowns and services and stuff,” he said.

“The farmer just loves it when we can fix something as quick as possible.

“They are in a rush spraying, cropping, and trying to keep on top of things, and as long as we can get the job done right, and fix the issue, they’re happy.”

O’Connors recruits new apprentices at the beginning of each year in its Redstart apprenticeship program, which is designed for apprentices and trainees to grow their careers.

O’Connors has dealerships across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, offering opportunities for career progression, to travel and work from other dealerships in different locations, as well as having access to a large network of people to work, learn and develop with.

Students in years 10, 11 and 12 are eligible for multiple blocks of work experience and work placement throughout the year.

People can visit the O’Connors site at the Western Victorian Careers Expo to find out more.

‘It’s almost therapeutic’

Prospective metal workers can try their hand at tig welding and metal folding at Smallaire’s Western Victorian Careers Expo site this year.

Welding supervisor Braydon Witney, 21, said Smallaire’s expo site would be similar to last year’s, with staff on-hand to also offer information about the business.

“We produce a broad range of air seeder components, artwork, general fabrication, duct and custom jobs,” he said.

“About 10 people work at Smallaire; we have five people out the back who are mainly doing a Certificate III in

Engineering.” Mr Witney said he left school at the end of year-10 and tried a few different fields of work.

“Just try as much as you can, there are a lot of things out there, you never know what you’ll come to like,” he said.

“I had floated around and worked with a diesel mechanic for a bit, which I didn’t mind, but then I came into Smallaire for general work.

“I had a general interest in welding, it was something I always found good.

“You just put the helmet down and hands on, it’s almost therapeutic.”

Growing talent

The Western Victorian Careers Expo is more than a date on the calendar for Rural Northwest Health, it is a reminder of the strength, resilience and potential that lives in the rural community.

RNH interim chief executive Lois O’Callaghan said for the health service, the event was an opportunity to champion the people who keep its towns thriving and to highlight the vital role local talent played in shaping the future of local healthcare.

“When we invest in our own communities, we build services that understand local needs because they come from local people,” she said.

“Right now, rural healthcare is evolving rapidly. We’re seeing new technologies, new models of care and new pathways for professional growth – all of which open doors for people who

want meaningful, stable, community-focused careers.”

Mrs O’Callaghan said RNH was committed to creating pathways close to home, so people did not have to leave the region to build a future they were proud of.

“Whether someone is exploring nursing, allied health, aged care, administration, or support services, there is a place for them here,” she said.

“But opportunity only becomes reality when people step forward. So, here’s the call to action: if you live in the Wimmera-Mallee and want a career that matters, come talk to us.

“Ask questions. Explore roles. Picture yourself contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community you call home.

“Rural Northwest Health is ready to employ, support, and grow the next generation of local talent – and that starts with you.”

Successful transition to work

Billie Reid has begun a career as a pharmacy technician after starting with Stawell Pharmacy in AXIS Employment’s Transition to Work team.

AXIS Employment youth consultant Stacey Ballinger said Ms Reid was unemployed and looking for support to find meaningful work.

“Billie was determined to build a brighter future, and she worked closely with our team to explore employment opportunities that matched her skills and interests,” she said.

“Through this process, Billie was connected with the Stawell Pharmacy and successfully secured an interview.

“Her positive attitude, willingness to learn and strong work ethic impressed the employer during her work trial and Billie was successful at securing employment with Stawell Pharmacy.”

Mrs Ballinger said what happened next was a testament to Billie’s dedication and potential.

“Within just a few short months of starting her new role, Billie was offered the opportunity to undertake training to become a pharmacy techni-

INSPIRING:

cian, which is such an exciting step forward in her career journey,” she said.

“Today, Billie is thriving in her role, embracing new challenges and continuing to develop valuable skills within the pharmacy industry.

“Billie is attending fortnightly appointments where we check in to see how she is going and if she needs anything from AXIS Employment, to support or assist her in her role.”

Mrs Ballinger said Ms Reid’s

success highlighted the impact that determination, support and the right opportunity could have on a young person’s life.

“Billie’s journey from unemployment to a promising career is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when individuals are given the opportunity to succeed,” she said.

“We are incredibly proud of everything Billie has accomplished and look forward to continuing to support her.”

Exhibitor List

Ambulance

Farm Frites, a leading global producer of frozen potato products, is building a potato processing facility in Dooen, set to open in early 2027.

Potatoes from Victoria, South Australia, and southern New South Wales will be processed at the Dooen facility, before being distributed nationwide to major customers like KFC and Hungry Jack’s, as well as your favourite local fish and chip shop!

The facility will become a key employer in the Wimmera, offering a range of job opportunities.

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE

Local pathway to nursing careers through strong university partnership

East Grampians Health Service has proudly partnered with Federation University since 2019 to deliver the Diploma of Nursing locally in Ararat, creating a strong and sustainable pathway into healthcare careers for regional students.

Over the past six years, the partnership has seen three groups of students successfully complete the program, with a fourth group of 18 students due to graduate in October this year. The growing success of the initiative highlights the value of providing high quality education close to home.

“The current cohort, which commenced studies in February 2025, includes a strong representation of local students nearing the completion of their quali cations, before entering the workforce as Enrolled Nurses,” EGHS Manager Training and Development Lucy Mills said.

“Over the past 15 months, students have combined classroom learning with hands on experience, building the knowledge and practical skills required for clinical practice.”

A key strength of the program is the clinical placement opportunities available within EGHS. Students can undertake placements across a variety of departments in both Ararat and Willaura, including aged care, community nursing and acute care.

These placements provide invaluable realworld experience and allow students to form strong, professional connections with managers, clinical sta and education teams—an important advantage when seeking employment after graduation.

Learning has been further enhanced by the completion of a new, state-of-the-art practical laboratory last year.

The simulated clinical environment o ers a realistic and supportive setting for students and sta to learn, practise and upskill safely. The facility is

shared by Federation University students, Deakin Medical School students and EGHS sta , fostering collaboration across disciplines and ensuring students are well prepared for clinical placement.

“The ongoing partnership between Federation University and East Grampians Health Service enables students to study locally while maintaining a healthy worklife balance,” Ms Mills said.

“It reduces travel and accommodation costs and allows students to remain connected to family and community while pursuing a rewarding career in healthcare.”

This initiative strongly aligns with EGHS’s workforce strategy of ‘Grow Your Own’, supporting local skills development and building a sustainable future workforce. It also re ects the organisation’s core values, particularly Learning Culture and Working Together.

The next intake for the Diploma of Nursing is planned for early 2027, with enrolments opening in October 2026, continuing EGHS’s commitment to supporting education, employment and health outcomes in the region.

For further information, please contact: Lucy Mills, Training and Development Manager, 5352 9404.

Showcase of pathways

Apprenticeships, traineeships, training and labour hire provider Skillinvest will showcase options and opportunities to job-seekers at the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

Skillinvest will host its popular apprenticeship drop-in centre and an interactive VET try-a-trade space, while regional operations co-ordinator Daryl Eastwell will host a presentation on apprenticeships and traineeships at Skillinvest’s stand in the main pavilion.

The apprenticeship drop-in centre, a key feature of the expo, gives students the opportunity to speak directly with Skillinvest consultants about their career options.

Skillinvest operations manager

Jodi Bigmore said students could have one-on-one conversations about apprenticeships, traineeships and labour hire opportunities, receive tailored advice on pathways, and even register with Skillinvest on the spot.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore real-world pathways and understand how apprenticeships and traineeships can set them up for long-term success,” she said.

“Not every pathway requires a high ATAR or moving away from

a nationally-recognised qualification, earn while they learn, and start building their career straight out of school.

“We’re passionate about showing students that their future isn’t defined by a single score, it’s about finding the right pathway for them.

“Whether that’s entering the workforce, starting an apprenticeship, or even trying a traineeship during a gap year, there are flexible options that can lead to meaningful and rewarding careers.”

its VET Delivered to Secondary Students, VDSS, program training areas, including automotive, agriculture and building and construction. Skillinvest VDSS co-ordinator Marie Dinger said the VDSS space was about giving students a practical insight into vocational education and training and a better understanding of the skills involved.

“It’s important students can explore different industries in a hands-on way, helping them make informed decisions about their future study and career pathways,”

Skillinvest offers a range of sup-

ports for students and job-seekers, including mentoring, resume checks, application guidance, mock interviews, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, work-experience placements, and connections to employers.

Ms Bigmore said Skillinvest helped students get a ‘foot in the door’.

“Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great way to earn while you learn and build valuable, real-world skills,” she said. People can visit Skillinvest at the expo or their website skillinvest.com.au to learn more.

Growth in mining

Mineral

sand mining is bringing new career opportunities to the Wimmera Mallee region, which people will be able to explore at the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

WIM Resource community and landholder relations director Kevin O’Brien said WIM Resource, a major sponsor, had attended the expo since 2022.

“The careers expo is an important opportunity to meet and connect with people who are keen to discuss future career opportunities and pathways in the emerging minerals sands industry,” he said.

“Demand for Australia’s minerals and metals continues to grow and with this will come a demand for highly skilled mining employees along with the establishment of hundreds of jobs in the emerging local mining industry.”

A member of the Wimmera business community for more than a decade, Mr O’Brien said WIM Resource was establishing projects that would play key roles in building a stronger future for the region.

“These mining projects will generate an expected demand for established opportunities such as operating heavy machinery and equipment, as well as trade specific roles such as electricians, welders and mechanics and the establishment of training and entry level opportunities across a broad scope of roles,” he said.

“Coupled with the traditional roles will see requirements for personnel in fields such as people management, health and safety, business development and community engagement.”

Mr O’Brien said WIM Resource was committed to sustainable practices and mineral sands projects, which would provide opportunities for roles such as environmental management, and earth sciences, hydrogeology, agronomy and land rehabilitation.

“Modern mining also offers an opportunity to advance into future technologies that have led to careers in fields such as automation and robotics, data science, virtual reality and artificial intelligence,” he said.

People can chat to the WIM Resource team at site 10-13. There will also be a ‘careers in mining’ presentation at 11am in the WIM features room.

Chat to us at the Western Victorian Careers Expo about career opportunities in mining - from field work, engineering, environment, trades to tech!

CAREERS IN MINING

“Working locally with WIM and gaining first hand experience within the mining industry has given me the opportunity to travel and explore new regions.

”Helping to develop large-scale regional projects is rewarding work. You can start at an entry level, take on a variety of roles and move forward as your experience builds.

“The mining industry has well established training and career pathway options. The opportunities for me to learn new skills and further my career have been supported and encouraged."

Field Assistant, Alyssa

Come along to our info session @ 11am in the WIM Features Room

More spark needed in Horsham

Grampians Health offers a variety of careers – and not just health-related – it is currently seeking more electricians to join its engineering team at Horsham.

Engineering manager Terry Cameron said his department needed to expand due to an increased workload and he was looking for one, and eventually two, new electricians.

“We are offering unique career opportunities that are not necessarily available in the general workforce and for someone looking to get in early in their trade career,” he said.

“It’s a great way to set yourself up.”

Grampians Health electrician Darren Grivell worked for a private company before joining the team and said making the change was the best move.

“I really enjoy that it’s always varied work and the team I work with is great,” Mr Grivell said.

“There’s naturally going to be an element of changing lights, testing and tagging, but it’s only five per cent of the role.

“There is also a lot of fault-finding, variable speed drive work and looking after the building management system.”

Mr Grivell said he enjoyed being ‘his own boss’.

“I manage my own workload through the iPad, schedule planned maintenance and remote requests that come through, so I prioritise jobs and make the call on which are the most urgent,” he said.

“You also get to do lots of training

and build your resume. I’ve recently done a biomedical course for example and there’s opportunities you don’t get in the public workforce.

“I love the salary packaging, which saves me a few thousand dollars in tax, and you are supported by an entire network of services at Grampians Health. When I was working for a pri-

vate company, I was one of the better paid electricians, but I am much better off here.”

Mr Cameron said his trades team had the potential of progressing to a new grade level every year they worked at Grampians Health, while also currently receiving an annual pay rise.

Your Career

“Plus, you are currently entitled to five weeks annual leave, a monthly accrued day off and 12 weeks of long service after just seven years on the job,” he said.

“On top of all that is the salary packaging, which saves you several thousands of dollars in tax each year.”

Plumber Connor O’Beirne also

“I really enjoy that it’s always varied work and the team I work with is great. There’s naturally going to be an element of changing lights, testing and tagging, but it’s only five per cent of the role” – Darren Grivell

praised the work conditions at the Grampians Health engineering department.

“I joined the engineering team about two years ago and I’ve really enjoyed the variety of work and the team environment,” he said.

“I used to work mainly on new homes and a bit of commercial work, so I hadn’t really done much in the maintenance side.

“I’ve been able to do a lot of upskilling since I started and you’re never doing the same thing each day.

“There is also a degree of new work such as installing new bathrooms and laundries.

“I’m the only plumber, so I make the call on what I need to be doing and when I need to get a contractor in if I consider the work to be outside of scope.”

To find out more about trade positions available at Grampians Health’s Horsham campus, people can contact Mr Cameron on 5381 9224 or email terry.cameron@gh.org.au.

Connecting talent with opportunity

Latitude Recruitment offers employment services for both job-seekers and organisations across a broad range of industries and services.

Owner and director Karen Bryant said it could be challenging to find the right people, or the right job, especially in regional communities.

“As a locally owned and operated recruitment agency, Latitude Recruitment is proud to support businesses and job seekers across the Wimmera, southwest Victoria and southeast South Australia,” she said.

“We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with regional employment because we live and work in the communities we serve.”

Ms Bryant said the team partnered with organisations across a broad range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, construction and professional services.

“Whether a business is looking to fill a critical vacancy or build a long-term workforce strategy, we provide tailored recruitment solutions designed to deliver the right fit,” she said.

“For job-seekers, we offer access

COMMITTED: Latitude Recruitment staff, from left, Taylor Ward, Cathie Ferguson and Romy Meadows are committed to connecting the right people with the right opportunities.

to a diverse range of opportunities, from temporary and labour-hire positions through to permanent career pathways.

“We work closely with candidates to understand their skills, goals and as-

Seeking feedback

The Station, Horsham Rural City Council’s dedicated youth hub, will have staff at the Western Victorian Careers Expo to gather information from young people to inform planning for future activities, programs and workshops.

Council youth services planning and engagement officer Larissa Riddell said the expo was a great opportunity to speak to the area’s youth.

“We speak directly to the young people who attend about their interests, what they’d like to upskill in, program and event suggestions,” she said.

“We take all their feedback and ideas and use it to inform our future activities, programs and workshops.

“It’s our job to support youth voices and use their ideas, experiences and perspectives to help create communities, programs and decisions that are more relevant, inclusive and effective.

“When young people have a genuine say, everyone benefits.”

Ms Riddell, who works alongside council youth engagement officer Arianna Vettos, said The Station offered people aged from 10 to 25 years a welcoming space to connect, create, learn and belong.

“Whether you are keen to try something new, meet like-minded people, build skills, work on creative projects, or simply hang out in a safe and inclusive environment, The Station has something for you,” Ms Riddell said.

“From workshops, events and youthled programs to music, art, leadership opportunities and community projects, The Station is all about empowering young people to explore their interests, share their ideas and make their mark.”

Programs and activities at The Station have included: Jam Sandwich –young musicians connecting, upskilling and building bands; Pride Proms; 2VOX – Horsham’s new youth mag-

pirations, helping connect them with employers where they can thrive.”

Ms Bryant said Latitude Recruitment understood recruitment was about more than simply filling positions.

“It’s about building stronger businesses, supporting regional communities and creating meaningful employment opportunities,” she said.

“Our experienced team takes a personalised approach, providing guid-

“We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with regional employment because we live and work in the communities we serve”

– Karen Bryant

ance and support throughout the recruitment journey for both employers and candidates.

“With strong local networks and industry knowledge, we’re committed to helping regional businesses grow and individuals achieve their career goals.”

Ms Bryant said she was excited to meet people attending the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

“Whether you’re searching for your next opportunity, considering a career change, or looking to strengthen your workforce, visit Latitude Recruitment at site 45 and discover how we can help,” she said.

“Because when the right people connect with the right opportunities, regional communities prosper.”

azine written by young people; animation and art workshops; Provide First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Training; Youth Council; and games

nights. Ms Riddell said she was excited to attend the expo to speak with attendees.

“We look forward to seeing you

at The Station stand at

expo and working with you to create opportunities that reflect your ideas, ambitions and visions,” she said.