How to Hire Faster and Smarter in Regional Queensland with Workforce Australia

The Workforce Australia initiative is a game-changer in recruitment. Here is what your business needs to know.

Struggling to find skilled staff on the Sunshine Coast or in the Wide Bay, Townsville or Rockhampton regions?

We understand that hiring in regional Queensland is tough. With limited local candidate pools, high competition for skilled staff and the constant challenge of replacing employees, many employers find themselves stuck in a costly cycle.

Enter Workforce Australia, the Federal Government-backed employment service that connects jobseekers with employers via a network of specialist providers.  

At Community Solutions, we are one of those providers. Which means you have access to a free local recruitment service that connects you with the right candidates and provides tailored support.

Less risk, more assistance – and the ideal candidates for the job. How does it work? We’ll explain…

3 Ways Workforce Australia Makes Hiring Easier

Recruitment difficulty remains significantly higher in regional and remote areas, but as a Workforce Australia specialist provider, we make it easier by simplifying the process.

We are committed to supporting you at every stage and helping you secure long-term employees. Here’s how we make hiring easier:

1. Access to a Broader Talent Pool

We connect you with local jobseekers who are supported through government programs, including:

• Experienced candidates ready to start immediately
• Individuals seeking apprenticeships, traineeships or full-time roles
• Priority support for First Nations peoples and those facing barriers to employment

This gives you access to a diverse talent pool you may not find in small regional markets, including younger workers and culturally and linguistically diverse candidates.

Inclusive hiring can bring new skills, perspectives and ideas that strengthen your workplace culture and business growth.

2. Tailored Recruitment Support

We provide end-to-end support so you can hire with confidence. Our team works with you to understand your needs and match you with the right candidates. Services include:

• Job design: Defining tasks, responsibilities and skills required for the role
• Vacancy management: Posting jobs on Workforce Australia Online and managing applications if you prefer not to self-manage
• Candidate shortlisting: Accessing a pool of local jobseekers and identifying those who best meet your needs
• Pre-employment support: Organising work experience, trials, internships or training to prepare candidates for your workplace
• Post-placement support: Checking in with both you and your new employee to help them settle in, meet performance standards and address any issues or challenges that arise
• Additional assistance: Coordinating training, licences or workplace accommodation to ensure new hires are job-ready

To reiterate, Community Solutions offers this tailored support at no cost, helping you save time, reduce hiring risk and improve long-term retention.

3. Financial Support

Take advantage of government wage subsidies of up to $10,000 when you hire eligible jobseekers into ongoing positions. We can help you:

• Find candidates who are the right fit for your business
• Check if your business and the role meet eligibility requirements
• Guide you through accessing and managing the subsidy agreement

Wage Subsidy Eligibility at a Glance

To be eligible for government wage subsidies, firstly, your business must hold a valid ABN.

From there, wage subsidies apply to new ongoing positions, such as full-time, part-time or casual roles, as well as traineeships or apprenticeships.

However, subsidies are not available for roles that are:

• Already government-funded
• Commission-based
• Subcontracted
• Filled by immediate family
• Held by someone you’ve employed in the last two years

Other conditions may apply, and we’ll help you understand the best options for your business.

Why Employers Trust Community Solutions

Employers who work with Community Solutions have witnessed many measurable benefits, including:

• Faster hiring: Fill roles more quickly with pre-screened candidates
• Lower recruitment costs: Reduce advertising, onboarding and turnover expenses
• Stronger local engagement: Build a workforce connected to your community and values
• Increased retention: Supported hires are more likely to stay long-term

In towns, cities and regions like Townsville, Rockhampton, Agnes Water, Gladstone, Mount Morgan, Yeppoon, the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay, partnering with a trusted, local provider like Community Solutions means you’re not just filling a role, you’re building a sustainable workforce.

Build a Stronger, More Inclusive Team Today

At Community Solutions, we do more than just fill vacancies – we help regional Queensland employers build stronger, more inclusive teams.

As your trusted local Workforce Australia provider, we connect you with diverse candidates who bring fresh perspectives, valuable skills and a genuine desire to contribute.

Whether you’re looking to reduce recruitment costs, access wage subsidies or tap into a broader talent pool, we’re here to help – at no expense to your business.

Let’s talk about your hiring needs.

Call 1300 621 499 today. Or fill out our online enquiry form, and one of our local employment specialists will be in touch.