What does it really mean to hire and buy for impact?

“I thought I’d start by sharing a bit about me and my experience.

Back in 2016, I migrated to Australia with full work rights.
I’d held leadership roles in the UK and Hong Kong, but I was ready for a career change.
I knew I’d need to take a step back to get a foot in the door, so I applied for entry-level roles.

But despite what many would see as privilege, being middle class, white, English-speaking, I couldn’t secure work for six months.
It wasn’t until a friend connected me with a temp role that things shifted.

Now, if I struggled…

• What about someone without networks?
• What about someone who doesn’t speak fluent English, or has a name that recruiters don’t recognise?
• What if I had a disability and needed adjustments?
  Or a gap in my work history because I’d been caring for someone or managing my mental health?

These barriers are real.
And they make it harder for capable, talented people to contribute fully, to bring their skills, ideas, and energy into the workplace.

But when we remove those barriers. When we open doors – the ripple effect is powerful.

People thrive.
Teams perform better.
Communities grow stronger.

• It’s not just about one person getting a job.
• It’s about what that job means for their family, their confidence, their future.
• It’s about what it means for the business that gains a loyal, motivated team member.
• And it’s about what it means for the region—because when people are included, the whole community benefits.

There’s a whole workforce in Gippsland ready to contribute.
People with diverse experiences, untapped potential, and a strong desire to work.

• Some bring skills and qualifications that are being overlooked.
• Others might need support to build capability.
• But all of them deserve a fair chance.

To meet the workforce demands of the energy transition, we need to think differently.

• We need to look beyond traditional talent pools.
• We need to invest in people and create the right environment for everyone to contribute fully.

Because if our workplaces don’t reflect the community, how can we truly serve it?

If we’re not hiring locally, inclusively, and intentionally, we’re not just missing out on talent.
We’re missing out on trust, on innovation, and long-term value.

If the workforce doesn’t include local workers, especially those transitioning from coal, young people, or First Nations communities.
That’s not just a missed opportunity.
It’s a missed connection.
And without that connection, we risk losing the social licence to operate.

But when we get it right. When we hire with purpose – the benefits ripple outward.

Inclusive hiring isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about creating value.

• When we hire locally, we build more stable households.
• We reduce reliance on welfare.
• We strengthen community connections.
• We improve health and social outcomes.

For individuals

• It’s about dignity.
• It’s about belonging.
• It’s about financial independence and wellbeing.

For businesses, inclusive teams are:

• 10 times more likely to innovate
• 8 times more likely to collaborate
• 3 times less likely to leave
• All of which boost productivity. Performance. And profitability.

And the economic case is clear.

Recent research from Deloitte suggests:

• Unlocking the skills of permanent migrants could add $9 billion per year.
• Removing barriers for people with disability could unlock $84.2 billion annually.

Just think about that.

Imagine the impact if even a fraction of that was realised in Gippsland

So we’ve talked about hiring for impact. How inclusive employment strengthens individuals, businesses, and communities.

But impact doesn’t stop at who we hire.

When we look at how we buy, there’s just as much opportunity to create value.

Every dollar spent is a chance to

• support local jobs
• build capability,
• and keep money circulating in the region.

Buying better, from social enterprises, Aboriginal businesses, and local suppliers, isn’t just good procurement.

• This is how we generate value for Gippsland.
• It’s how we earn social licence.
• Because when communities see and feel the benefits, they support the change.
• It’s how we invest in thriving communities. The ones that should benefit most from the energy transition.

As Gippsland shifts to new energy, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to do things differently.

Jobs and contracts must benefit the local community. Not just in theory, but in practice.

Inclusion and impact must be built into the supply chain. From who we hire to who we buy from.

This is how we build a future that’s not only sustainable.

• But fair
• Local
• And supported by the community.

• So let’s buy better.
• Let’s hire better.
• Let’s think differently.
• Let’s reimagine Gippsland through the lens of local talent and opportunity.
• Let’s invest in the future, and in the communities that deserve to thrive.

Because this is good business. Made better.”