Incumbent Labor member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland, is out and about demonstrating Labor’s support of local initiatives and economic growth as part of Sydney Zoo’s second recruitment drive in the lead up to the Federal Election. Set to open its doors in the second half of 2019, the new Sydney Zoo in the heart of Western Sydney saw roaring success at its second set of job fairs held for prospective employees in search of a role at Sydney’s newest attraction.

“Any initiatives that create jobs in Western Sydney are welcome, and I hope this will be an opportunity for more tourists from interstate and overseas to experience everything Western Sydney has to offer, including long-standing existing attractions and experiences,” said Ms Rowland.

As the first new Zoo to be built in Sydney in over 100 years, Sydney Zoo is set to generate an estimated $45 million per annum for the NSW economy and attract up to one million visitors each year, both interstate and overseas.

As a result of the overwhelming turnout at the inaugural jobs fair held in March, Sydney Zoo announced the additional job fairs which were held at Bowman Hall in Blacktown on Tuesday 30 April and Wednesday 1 May. The job fairs attracted applicants from Western Sydney and surrounding areas searching for roles in hospitality, retail, maintenance and customer service at what has been described as Australia’s most advanced zoo.

In anticipation of its opening, the zoo is looking to hire an initial workforce of over 150 casual and full-time employees in to fill roles in areas including zoology, hospitality, life sciences, retail, administration and maintenance.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a Zoo, but I never had the opportunity as there were none in my local area,” added 18-year-old Ashleigh Vella who attended the event.

Managing Director Jake Burgess said that the Sydney Zoo is committed to boosting the Western Sydney economy through the creation of these new roles which have been designed to provide younger applicants with the opportunity to with at the zoo.

“The overwhelmingly positive response to the first jobs fair gave us a great opportunity to talk to people from all over Sydney about the incredible opportunities on offer at the zoo. We’re also

excited to be looking to fill even more roles with the best local and greater Sydney talent. Sydney Zoo is proud of the projected contribution to the economy it will provide Western Sydney.”

Mr Burgess added that the zoo is also committed to employing a diverse workforce which will include young and Indigenous applicants. The zoo has partnered with Muru Muttigar, a not-for-profit organisation to work towards meeting its target of a 10 per cent Indigenous employment rate.

“Sydney Zoo is proud of the projected growth we will offer the Western Sydney economy. We anticipate these roles to be filled by a mix of local and greater Sydney talent.”

“This is a major milestone for Sydney Zoo. We are delivering on our promise to create a new major institution for the people of Western Sydney,” said Mr Burgess.

With over 30 exhibits, the zoo is set to become one of Australia’s top family attractions promising to bring visitors closer to animals than ever before by putting technology and innovation at the core of the experience.

Once complete, Sydney Zoo will join the emerging tourism cluster of Western Sydney and will be education and conservation-oriented in an effort to redefine the visitor experience into something more immersive and engaging than traditional zoos.