Our mission
To be a quality provider of education, employment skills training and social enterprises to the community
Our vision
To empower GEST clients to realise their full potential
Background
GEST is a non-profit community organisation based in West Gippsland. GEST was formed in 1980 as a youth support organisation under Moe Narracan Youth Contact Inc and then incorporated as GEST in 1995.
GEST has, for over 20 years, provided local people and job seekers with a range of training opportunities and work experience activities to assist them increase their employability under the following training and employment programs: Skillshare, New Work Opportunities, Job Matching Services, NEIS, ESRA, Work for the Dole, JPET, REAP, ACFE, Productivity Places Program and Parents Returning to Work.
Current Services
GEST is a registered training organisation accredited by the Victorian Registrations Qualification Authority to provide a wide variety of training from foundation level to skills deepening level in:
GEST has highly qualified trainers and a career counselor all committed to work one-on-one with our clients to help them achieve their goals.
GEST has more than 12 years experience in developing, coordinating and managing work experience programs for unemployed job seekers across Gippsland. GEST currently sub-contracts to provide Work for the Dole services from local Job Services Australia Provider, Employment Innovations Victoria. GEST now provides coverage across both Latrobe Valley and East Gippsland employment service areas which encompass the entire Gippsland Region.
GEST is a major propagator and supplier to industry of native plants indigenous to Gippsland for regeneration and revegetation projects.
GEST in also runs a retail native training nursery at Old Gippstown.
GEST was awarded a Community Learning Partnerships program in 2009, as the lead partner in the program for disengaged people in the Moe community.
GEST COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT 2012
GEST's committee of management is drawn from the local Gippsland community.
Chairperson Tony Flynn
- Ex public servant, assisting people with disabilities into employment.
- Currently adviser to the Victorian State Government on Gippsland matters.
- Industrial and trade union background.
Vice Chairperson Brenda Lincoln
- Bachelor of Arts (Education)
- Literacy Coordinator at Elizabeth St Primary School
Member Angie Leviston
- Adult Education trainer in Hospitality, Gaming
- Trainer with Office of Corrections specialising in Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation
- Small business background
- Specialist in pre-employment and employability seminars
Member Alex Millar
- Bachelor's Degree (Psychology & Sociology)
- Several years of experience working as an advocate and case manager in homelessness and housing services
- Has held a number of positions in both government and community sector organisations in the delivery or management of services to the community
- For the last three years has worked in Gippsland as the ACFE Project Officer
- Currently working in a contract management and advisory role within government in the delivery of family violence services in the Gippsland region
Member Wendy Farmer
- Former President of Rotary Club of Moe
