Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement (GV DAMA)

Many employers have said they are struggling to attract and retain skilled workers over recent years. This is across a variety of industries such as health, professional services, agriculture, education, specialist services and trades.

Due to socio-economic and geographic constraints, regional communities are typically hit the hardest from these shortages. This enormous strain on struggling employers has significantly worsened since 2020.

Greater Shepparton City Council has partnered with Moira and Campaspe Shires to launch the Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement (GV DAMA) with applications now open.

The GV DAMA is a targeted program allowing endorsed employers to access migrant workers. Workers appointed under the DAMA are not replacing local workers; they are filling large gaps in the labour market which have been increasingly holding businesses in our region back. The DAMA will mean that businesses in the region can remain productive, competitive and sustainable into the future.

The GV DAMA encompasses the three Local Government Areas of Greater Shepparton City Council, Moira Shire and Campaspe Shire. The Designated Area Representative (DAR) is based at Greater Shepparton City Council and is the main point of contact for the initiative.