Workforce Programs

Make it
work happen Moyne

In Moyne, finding the right work — and the right people to fill it — is easier than you might think. Whether you’re an employer seeking skilled staff, a seasonal worker chasing experience, a digital nomad looking for a base, or a skilled migrant exploring new opportunities, Moyne Shire offers a range of programs and support to help you live, work, and thrive in the region.

300 Days of good surf

#1 World’s most liveable community

Producing 1/3 of the state’s dairy, beef & wool output

Covers 5,480 km² (the size of 4 Geelongs or 7 Singapores) 

~3 Hours from Melbourne

Victoria’s lowest unemployment rate (1.3%)

Mild temperatures year-round (summers 20–24°C. winters 8–14°C)

6,950 jobs and growing

$1.5 billion Gross Regional Product

$120M Annual visitor expenditure

40+ Annual events and festivals 

17,374 Population

Average age 45

130,000 dairy cows in Moyne Shire

300 Days of good surf #1 World’s most liveable community Producing 1/3 of the state’s dairy, beef & wool output Covers 5,480 km² (the size of 4 Geelongs or 7 Singapores)  ~3 Hours from Melbourne Victoria’s lowest unemployment rate (1.3%) Mild temperatures year-round (summers 20–24°C. winters 8–14°C) 6,950 jobs and growing $1.5 billion Gross Regional Product $120M Annual visitor expenditure 40+ Annual events and festivals  17,374 Population Average age 45 130,000 dairy cows in Moyne Shire

Moyne Workforce Programs & Support

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Visa Program

The DAMA is an agreement between the Australian Government and designated areas to address specific labour shortages. The Great South Coast (GSC) DAMA allows regional employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally.

Process
Employers and workers can apply via the official DAMA website.

Seasonal Work Program – Work & Play

The Work & Play Program, a partnership between Commerce Moyne and Moyne Shire Council, connects local employers with seasonal hospitality and agricultural workers. Through a marketing partnership with Welcome to Travel, one of Australia’s largest backpacker networks, the program attracts motivated workers to Moyne, providing access to local jobs and subsidised summer accommodation from the start of December to the end of January.

Types of accommodation
Lodge-style accommodation, private rooms with shared communal areas

Locations
Port Fairy

Dates
December and January

Employment process
Employees and employers apply via Commerce Moyne – Work & Play

Accommodation process
Employers complete the Accommodation Request Form via Moyne Shire Council website

Nomadic Worker Program (Previously ‘Make it Work’)

The Nomadic Worker Program welcomes mobile and remote workers who bring their skills, creativity, and fresh perspectives to the Moyne region. Moyne Shire Council provides heavily subsidised caravan park sites across the shire, making it easy to live, work, and explore. It’s a great way to experience regional life while contributing to local communities.

Types of accommodation
Caravan park sites

Locations
Port Fairy, Koroit, Mortlake, Killarney and Yambuk

Process
Employees complete the Accommodation Request Form

Worker Accommodation Initiative

Moyne Shire Council has invested in worker cabins to meet growing regional demand. Offering both short-term and longer-term stays, these cabins make it easier for workers to live locally and contribute to the community.

Types of accommodation
Cabin rentals

Locations
Koroit and Mortlake, near key employment hubs

Process
Employers complete an Expression of Interest form through Moyne Shire Council

Rental Accommodation

Rental accommodation in regional Victoria can move quickly, so we recommend connecting with local real estate agents early. Let them know what you’re looking for, and they can notify you as soon as suitable properties become available. Below is a list of local real estate agents to help you get started.