Recruits step up for their first day under pilot program

By Murray Silby

Mar 26, 2024

**New era:** Knight Street Multi-Age Learning deputy education leader Crystal Bourke, Knight Street Multi-Age Learning co-director Erin Tracey, program participant Everlyn Maso, WomenCAN project director Donna Baldwin, program participant Mireille Modeste and Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer Amanda McCulloch. Absent: Rebecca Noki. Photo by Murray Silby

“I came in at 7.15 in the morning, and then I saw the first child come in, and he just came towards me, and we played together, and it made me feel excited, like this is my job, the job that I need to do.”

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When The News spoke with Everlyn Maso on her first day of work at Knight Street Multi-Age Learning on Tuesday, March 26, she was having a good start to her new career.

Ms Maso is among the first early learning workforce recruits under a pilot program that aims to link women from diverse backgrounds with chronically under-filled employment opportunities in Shepparton.

The women are employed under a program supported by WomenCAN, the Bowden Marstan Foundation, Greater Shepparton Foundation and Greater Shepparton City Council.

It will run for 12 months until February 2025 and support the women involved in the project in completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while working in local early years centres.

“It’s at crisis level. It’s not just Australia, it’s worldwide, but particularly in regional Victoria, it’s really difficult to get staff and retain staff,” Knight Street Multi-Age Learning deputy education leader Crystal Bourke said.

“We are a very multicultural service. Not just our children but also our staff, so we were already multicultural, and this just really fit the bill.”

Greater Shepparton Early Years project manager Donna Baldwin said it was aiming to support 20 women into traineeships, with Knight Street taking on the first three.

“I am beyond excited to see a service picking up our model and supporting three trainees,” Ms Baldwin said.

“I’m beyond excited to see each of those individual women walk taller. They walk taller. It’s amazing.”

One of those walking taller is Ms Maso, who is originally from Papua New Guinea.

She said her family and cultural background complemented her new job.

“Firstly, I was looking after my siblings, and then my nieces and nephews, and I was eager to do that,” Ms Maso said.

“I always look after the kids at my home.”

She has encouraged other women in a similar position to herself to consider applying for the program, especially after her promising first day.

“I feel very excited. The kids were like, ‘What’s your name?’ and all things like that. Exciting,” she said.

“If you’re from a different culture, learn a new thing, and come and join us.”

People wanting to know more about the program can contact WomenCAN Australia through its website, www.womencanaustralia.org