THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has announced that its new native fish hatchery near Shepparton will be staffed by a diverse workforce, of which 50% will be indigenous Australians.
The VFA celebrated today with Victoria Minister for Fishing and Boating, Jaala Pulford, and the local community at Victoria Lake by stocking it with large Murray cod and golden perch, which we will grow en masse at the new native fish hatchery in future.
The VFA says it recognises the importance of indigenous presence, culture and history and want that to be an integral part of fishing in Victoria.
This staffing plan will mean more jobs for young people around Shepparton and provides indigenous Australians with an opportunity to use their innate connection with land and fish in their career.
“Employing indigenous people to grow native fish like Murray cod will provide valuable jobs for people around Shepparton,” said Minister Pulford.
To help get applicants on the way to nabbing one of these positions, we’re partnering with Melbourne Polytechnic and Deakin University to provide education and training, starting next year.
The course will take two years and consist of lectures, online modules and on-farm practical experience. Graduates will walk away with a Diploma of Applied Science, majoring in aquaculture (fish farming) and in a better position to apply for a role at the new hatchery.
Indiinous people can sign up to register interest by emailing improving.fishing@vfa.vic.gov.au
You can learn more about the opportunity HERE.
