Following a successful pilot program earlier this year, Council’s Un-retiring the 'Bool program is back to help match retirees looking for casual work with businesses experiencing staff shortages.
With the summer peak period on the horizon, businesses and retirees can now register their interest in the program, which was the first of its kind in Australia.
Retirees are asked about their skills, interests and availability, with the contact details of potentially suitable candidates made available to relevant businesses who have registered for the program.
85 retirees registered their interest in the program earlier this year, with 98 per cent opting to remain on the list coming into the summer holiday season.
“Before the program has even started for summer, we already have over 80 retirees eager to work, and we would expect to grow this list with our latest call-out,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said.
“We had a really good response earlier in the year ahead of the Labour Day, Easter and May Races peak, and we are looking forward to helping to match more retirees with local businesses leading into the summer.
“If you have retired and you are looking for casual or part-time work to earn some extra income and stay involved in the community, we would love to hear from you.
“If you are running a business and you are looking to put on extra staff, there’s no reason not to sign up for Un-retiring the 'Bool.
“It’s completely free, and you could gain an incredibly reliable and talented staff member.”
Dr Ben Lowe from Gardner & Lowe Chiropractic has employed two staff members via the program.
“The list has been very helpful as there are some wonderful gems in there,” he said.
“So far two from the list have joined our staff and going extremely well.
“It’s great to have great people on board.”
Owner of Classic Dry Cleaners Julie Strickland was grateful to have an extra set of hands over the busy May Racing period, and will be looking to have the same staff member return for the spring and summer peak.
She encouraged more businesses to register for the program and tap into a reliable, experienced workforce.
“Not everyone wants to sit around and be retired and it’s amazing the number of retired people who say ‘I’m just bored. I want something to do’,” she said.
“They are socially active with people when they come in, they are engaging, they are learning a new skill, and it keeps their mind active as well.
“She turned up and she worked. She was really reliable.
“You don’t feel obligated to have them for six months of the year, they know that it’s just for a bit of time here and there, and that suits them too.
“But if you then want to offer them part-time employment, you already have them there, so you know their skills and you know what they can do.
“I think any business should give it a go.”
An information session will be held on Wednesday September 20 at 2pm at the Civic Centre, 25 Liebig Street.
For more information and to register visit the Warrnambool City Council website and search "Un-retiring the 'Bool".