Thursday 16th
The wind brings a chill on an overcast day- the smell of sausages tickles the nose. People enjoy the free food, as they search for job opportunities at the Albury Sports Stadium. Dale Stam reports.
The car park is nearly full, the stand is packed. Middle age and youth appear to have mingled in a harmonious fashion, as they sort through the possibilities in their Centrelink bags. Some youth are accompanied by their parents- probably to guide or gently prod them to a decision.
A slight mist dribbles down as I approach the entrance. The sausages and onion reassures those of us approaching, perhaps the same warmth on the inside awaits. The Lions are older, probably retired, but offer another smiling face for those approaching.
Representatives of the employment agencies circle, new people, new income potential. Personnel group seems the most active. Also the media swarms around- cameras, notepads- I don't stand out it seems- but I am the only one that seems to notice the scream of the ambulance as it roars by. Ignoring the bad omen, I head for the entrance.
Some have dressed for the occasion, others more casual- a cross section of the population. A couple of gruff younger men smoke out front, while a group of girls comment on the overcast weather. A Lion approaches me, and asks what I am doing- perhaps I do stand out- I inform her I want to get work as a writer- so in a way I do belong with this group. We are all seeking a job. With a supportive comment and a wave she departs. Leaving me at the front taking notes- I have to learn short hand- some passers by give me a suspicious look. I take a breath and decide it's time to go inside.
I am greeted at the door by Centrelink staff- a map and a bag are my rewards for a slight smiles and a nod. Just beyond them sits a multitude of people ingesting more warm food, as a baby cries another person tells a joke.
Training bodies and recruitment agencies make up the body of the groups exposed. A businessman talks up the benefit of the job expo-study, learning, career, development, whereas a young man tempts his fiancee over the phone. I head onto the floor with the next wave- my new bag in place.
The sound of sport and whistles echo through from the other side of the stadium- mixing and dissolving into the announcements and the Centrelink financial aid information session. Centrelink and the recruitment agency people roam- badges displayed proudly. A photographer gives me a look as he passes- I look right back.
The barricades are in place as people filter and flow their way through- some going to each bay, whereas others glimpse at their maps as they head toward their desired destination. The River has taken a break from broadcasting, replaced by the slightly tack competitions- the diversity of people seem to be the selling phrase of the expo.
Strangely for a job expo there seems to be little actual employers present- the majority seems to be employment agencies- to find people for that elusive job, a benefit to both groups- maybe it is not necessarily a bad thing. People seem to flock to the job notice boards- each with a face of anguished desire- 'will the perfect job for me be up here'.
It is a more humble experience compared to the school career expo. You will not find so many aggrandised professions. The majority of these people are labourer, officer/administration and finance, The often overlooked cogs- not the stars that the media often flash about, but those that keep us going- society at its rawest.
The barricades are high- fence like generating a feeling of separation. Instead of bringing people together to find jobs, we have once again resorted to filtering and competition. A Centrelink Officer stands next to me- once again I am forced to move on.
The Big Government bodies are placed in one isle- Centrelink with a commanding four bays- sharing space with Job Seekers, CRS, Child Support and Medicare. Strangely Wodonga Senior Secondary College is present- to attract those of school aged with the varied VET areas including; circus, automotive, engineering and multimedia...sounds like a nice school.
In fact the most odd bay is for the River- giving live announcements, with their small transistor. Sometimes their live broadcast overshadowed by the loud announcements. But there is no one around- a thought crosses my mind, they are probably not here for jobs. This did not deter me from discussing their presence-
It turns out that they were there for the promotional side only- they believed that the event was very helpful to the local community, and wanted to encourage people coming down. They were doing their talk updates roughly every hour, and they also held some interviews. I thank them for their time, and leave- happy that they were there.
I pass another job board, the Centrelink staff standing awkwardly to the side, while they patiently wait for the opportunity to aid. 1 pm, four bays were closed. The day and the event is closing down. I look at the job board, squeezing into the gaps. A yellow dot representing those employers who were not present. The positions ranged from trades, apprenticeships, to strangely enough Santa- however needing previous experience. It is easy to get lost with the wide options on the board. Skills required abound from degree certified to full training provided.
1:10pm The River packs up- I let out a sigh before carrying on. I talk to a few of the providers who explained the benefit of the event, and how they were able to get the opportunity across to people. Even though some did not have positions available at the present, they were taking resumes for those interested. For those who did not bring in many- there was a free photo coping service. One group however decided it was best not to discuss their decision with me- giving me the number of their Media Liaison in Brisbane. For those their they also offered way to adapt your resume to suit the selection criteria, and what training might be best suited to getting into the area.
I overhear some youths whilst enjoying another decent mug of Joe- at around 1:50pm- 'She asked how I would feel if I got a job, and I said, well why don't we swap places and I'll ask you'- rude? Perhaps, but the desire of these people to find some employment was enlightening. As I leave the expo at 2:10pm, the wind has ceased, and the clouds have parted somewhat...with a smile from a Lion, and a sausage in hand, I think maybe my day will come as well.
Dale Stam
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