Shepparton’s Great Things Happen Here stand at the Melbourne Career Expo was swamped by people looking to explore a move to the region.
Held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from July 15 to 17, the expo featured a Shepparton stand that included representatives from GV Health, Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, La Trobe University, APEX Earthworks and Committee for Greater Shepparton.
Greater Shepparton City Council partnerships and marketing co-ordinator Liz Connick said more than 16,000 people came through the doors over the three days.
“On the first day, the doors opened and thousands of students from all over Victoria walked in,” she said.
“We were the only stand that was selling a career and a lifestyle, and we were complemented so many times on our stand.”
There was also a list of 70 diverse jobs to be filled, and the team found a willing audience.
“It was like a penny dropped when you explained to them a normal day in Shepparton and the lifestyle opportunities we enjoy,” Ms Connick said.
“Because of COVID, people are tired, and they realise there must be more to the daily grind.”
A competition gave some lucky patrons the chance to visit Shepparton and enjoy the best of the region’s food, wine and attractions.
Ms Connick said she expected many more visitors to the stand would start exploring career opportunities in Greater Shepparton.
Regional Victoria has had a surge of new residents relocating from Melbourne during the pandemic, but there are still critical shortages in many areas.