Tourism boom: How you can work by the seaside this summer
Searoad Ferries’ multimillion dollar Queenscliff terminal revamp has sparked a major recruitment drive.
Geelong
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Searoad Ferries’ multimillion dollar Queenscliff terminal expansion is set to open in December and the company is looking to grow its workforce by more than 25 per cent.
The $15.9m makeover of the terminal, funded as part of the Geelong City Deal, is expected to improve services between Queenscliff and Sorrento.
The expanded venue will include modern facilities, bathrooms, improved accessibility, carparking and space for cafes and tourism ventures.
Searoad Ferries chief executive officer Matt McDonald said at least 25 new employees would be needed for operational positions and to staff its terminal, cafe and events space.
“It’s the biggest recruitment drive in the company’s 35-year history,” Mr McDonald said.
“We’ll be increasing our workforce by 25 per cent and assembling a team that will deliver a range of unique experiences.”
Mr McDonald said hospitality opportunities were diverse and included roles such as chefs, duty managers, events supervisors and front-of-house team members.
He said the company was also looking to fill customer service roles, marine operations roles, marketing and accounts positions and traineeships.
“We’re offering amazing opportunities in our kitchen, beachside cafe and lounges, both on land and sea,” Mr McDonald said.
Mr McDonald said Searoad Ferries employed more than 150 people and generated $176m in tourism and visitor activity, supporting a further 850 jobs.
The redevelopment of the terminal has been in the works for more than 10 years, with the Geelong City Deal helping to bring the project to life.
Mr McDonald said the new building design would give ferry passengers “a world-class experience” – including better visitor facilities, improved disability access, safer access for pedestrians, a revitalised cafe and new boardwalk.
The recruitment push comes as tourism and hospitality businesses are looking to plug staffing gaps in the lead up to the summer.
The Geelong Advertiser recently reported The Gordon Tafe was running a hospitality bootcamp, aimed at helping local employers source new workers. Hospitality operator Lyndsay Sharp said she was hoping to recruit up to 50 staff this summer.
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Originally published as Tourism boom: How you can work by the seaside this summer
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