Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

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Launch Housing Employment Program

There is a longstanding history between MCEC and Launch Housing (through the former Hanover Welfare Services). The land that MCEC stands on today was home to Hanover’s New Gordon House from 1976-1994. This service provided (then) modern, affordable hotel style accommodation to people who had experienced homelessness.

Fast forward to current day and MCEC’s partnership with Launch Housing is going from strength to strength with the successful implementation of the MCEC Launch Housing Employment Program.

Launched in early 2018, the pilot program provides casual work opportunities at MCEC to some of Launch Housing’s youth clients who are based at their two Education First Youth Foyers. The Foyers play an important role in providing accommodation for up to 80 at-risk young people, whilst offering vital services that assist with education, training, and employment in a safe and supportive environment.

The pilot program has seen a number of young people from the Education First Youth Foyers working across MCEC’s kitchen, retail and customer service teams, providing employment opportunities while they finish their studies.

The program has been met with praise from both MCEC and Launch Housing.

Ann Howie from the Launch Foyer said the program provided great opportunities to young people from the Foyers.

“Over the past year, about a quarter of our young people have gained some work at MCEC," Ann said.

"Our students have skills and capabilities, and employment with MCEC makes a measurable difference to their income and builds their confidence, maturity, and skills.”

The importance of experience at MCEC is highly regarded as working at a premier Melbourne institution can shape the career of a young person in the Launch program.

"It stands our young people in good stead as they pursue their careers, whether it is in hospitality, nursing, social work or something else; young people develop transferable skills to current and high industry standards,” Ann said.

“These young people’s lives have been disrupted by homelessness, and employment is one of the keys to building a better future.”

MCEC and Launch Housing are keen to continue the program, with further rounds of Foyer students looking to join the MCEC team in the future.

To learn more about Launch Housing visit: www.launchhousing.org.au