On the 9th of June 2023, Regional Development Australia (RDA) organised the Creating a Jobs and Skills Academy workshop. This event discussed and planned ways to upskill young people and community members in preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Deputy Youth Mayor Lilly Correll and Youth Councillor Victoria Tangey were among the guests invited to attend this significant gathering.

The workshop shed light on the labour force needs that come with hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is particularly true in industries such as security, construction, and tourism. Discussions centred around preparing and equipping young people to get jobs during the Games. To give youth comprehensive support, the idea was to create a skills academy that merged several organisations.

The workshop was a great way to brainstorm ideas and fulfil the 2026 Commonwealth Games vision. Key questions raised were about the methods, motivation, and themes of awareness, interest, and desire. The event aimed to address these concerns and develop strategies for integrating young people into the workforce. It also promoted active community involvement.

The Loddon Mallee Region of Regional Development Australia (RDA) organised the "Creating a Jobs and Skills Academy in Greater Bendigo" workshop. RDA plays a vital role in fostering regional development, and this event exemplifies its commitment to empowering the community and enabling economic growth. By bringing together various organisations and stakeholders, RDA facilitated a collaborative and inclusive platform for creating employment opportunities in the region.

The event saw the participation of many organisations, including Goldfields LENN, Be. Bendigo, Crusoe College, Bendigo TAFE, One Day Studios, Headspace, the City of Greater Bendigo, and many others. Participants addressed young people's employment challenges. By working together, these organisations aim to forge a path towards a brighter future. They offer comprehensive support, training, and opportunities for employment barriers.

Deputy Youth Mayor Lilly Correll said, “This event helped to highlight the importance of empowering and training the young people in our region to keep the benefit of the commonwealth games in the community.”

The Creating a Jobs and Skills Academy in Greater Bendigo workshop served as a significant stepping stone towards preparing young people and community members for the labour force demands associated with the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Through collaborative efforts and innovative ideas, this event brought together key stakeholders to plan ways to create jobs, opportunities, and employment within the region. With the support of organisations like RDA and the collective determination of the Greater Bendigo community, the journey towards a successful and inclusive Games experience has begun. This will empower young people to shape their futures and contribute to economic growth.