The Mornington Peninsula Shire is strengthening its support for local businesses and future workforce development through its involvement in the 2026 Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Careers and Pathways Expo.
Held at a new, larger venue—the New Peninsula Church in Mt Martha—the 2026 Expo expanded its reach and impact. The increased space allowed for the introduction of 10 dedicated career zones, including agriculture and horticulture, hospitality and tourism, sport and recreation, building and construction, and creative industries. This structure made it easier for students to engage directly with sectors aligned to their interests.
In a direct show of support for local enterprise, the Shire covered site fees for Mornington Peninsula–based businesses, removing a key barrier to participation and encouraging strong local representation. This initiative enabled a diverse range of businesses—from tourism operators to financial services and creative studios—to connect with young people and showcase career opportunities within the region.
The Shire also maintained a strong presence at the event, hosting stalls focused on agriculture, tourism, volunteering, traineeships, and early childhood careers. These activations not only highlighted local employment pathways but also reinforced the Shire’s role in facilitating connections between industry and emerging talent.
Collaboration was a key theme, with the Shire’s tourism and agriculture teams working alongside local industry groups to deliver engaging and informative displays. These sectors—both vital to the Peninsula’s economy—were strongly represented, giving students valuable insight into the breadth of opportunities available locally.
A standout feature was the Shire’s tourism stall, which included an interactive game exploring celebrity visitors to the region. Delivered via handheld iPads, the activity attracted significant interest and generated more than 400 direct engagements, opening conversations about careers in tourism and events.
Local businesses reported strong engagement throughout the day. One hospitality operator noted, “It was a great event, very well put together and it was fantastic to see so many young people engaging with us, asking questions and showing interest in all things hospitality. We’ll be there for the next one for sure.”
Across the Expo floor, students participated in hands-on activities such as bricklaying, coffee-making, quizzes, and interactive demonstrations, helping bring career pathways to life. Participating businesses included Peninsula Hot Springs, NAB Rosebud, Mornington Peninsula Wine, Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism, Jackalope Hotel, Pt Leo Estate, and Belgravia Leisure, among many others.
By supporting events like the Careers and Pathways Expo, the Mornington Peninsula Shire continues to invest in both its local business community and the future workforce—ensuring the region remains a vibrant place to work, learn, and grow.
