Staff are currently being recruited for the almost completed $5.32 million dental prosthetics laboratory and university training clinic in Churchill.
Nearly 40 people, including dentists, prosthetic laboratory technicians and dental therapists, will work at the laboratory and training clinic after it officially opens in December.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the laboratory and clinic would create job opportunities in health and education.
“New jobs at the laboratory and clinic have been advertised over the past month or so, which is a clear signal to the community that this facility will soon be opening its doors,” Mr Chester said.
Latrobe Community Health Service Chief Executive Officer Ben Leigh said the immediate recruiting priority was finding dental technicians.
“We are currently looking for an experienced dental technician. We also need trainee dental technicians,” said Mr Leigh.
“We believe Latrobe Community Health Service is already one of the best places to work in Gippsland. This new state-of-the art facility only reinforces that.”
The Federal Government is co-funding the project with Latrobe Community Health Service and the Victorian Government.
The new site will include:
• a specialist laboratory to make dental prosthetics,
• new dental surgeries,
• consultation rooms for physiotherapy, podiatry and counselling,
• workspaces and offices for staff, students and academics,
• GP clinics, and
• NDIS local area coordination services.
Mr Chester said the project would further strengthen Churchill as a learning hub.
“When it’s fully operational, there are expected to be 38 new positions. The project has received $2.66 million in Federal Government funding: this is a significant investment in the future of regional training and skills development in the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“We know people who study in regional areas, like Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, are more likely to return to work and make their homes here.
“By training more skilled medical professionals here in Gippsland, we will be helping to create a sustained boost for the Latrobe Valley workforce and our local towns.
“That’s why investing in this type of infrastructure is so important for Gippsland.”