Welcome to Great South Coast DAMA

IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING GSC DAMA ENDORSEMENTS

We would like to inform you of some important developments in our Great South Coast Designated Area Migration Agreement (GSC DAMA) Program that may impact the timeline for your application.

We have received a significant increase in the number of endorsement requests for positions under the GSC DAMA Program and all of the available positions allocated under our agreement for this current year with the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) have already been utilised. Whilst we are pleased to see such strong interest from businesses in the program, which demonstrates the value it brings to our region, it means we are now unable to endorse any further positions for visas “Temporary Skilled Shortage – TSS 482” and “Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – SESR 494” to DoHA until the end of March 2024. The “Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS 186” visa remains uncapped.

We understand that the GSC DAMA Program plays a crucial role in addressing workforce shortages in our region, and we appreciate your commitment to this initiative. On several occasions over the past 12 months, we have requested an increase in our regional cap to accommodate the growing demand for skilled workers however this is yet to be accommodated and is unlikely to occur. Rest assured that we will continue our efforts to advocate for the necessary changes to support our local businesses and communities.

We encourage you to prepare the information required for your application so we can submit it when we have the numbers to do so.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our DAMA Coordinator Angie Doldan (adoldan@warrnambool.vic.gov.au). 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the GSC DAMA Program, and we look forward to working closely with your business to ensure the successful endorsement of the positions you may require in the future.
 

Employer applications for DAMA in the Great South Coast can be received at anytime

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an agreement between the Australian Government and a designated area to enable businesses within that area to address specific labour shortages.

The Great South Coast (GSC) DAMA enables the region’s employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled Overseas Workers for specified positions they are unable to fill with local workers.

This website provides guidance to employers seeking endorsement to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled Overseas Workers

The Designated Area Representative (DAR) will advise the employer of any period where processing of an application may be delayed

Please note: Due to COVID-19 the Department of Home Affairs has advised whilst the GSC DAMA occupations are all still available priority processing will be given to critical sectors which can be found via the Department’s website: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/critical-skills-and-sectors. As a result of COVID-19 there may be a delay in the normal processing times for occupations not on the critical skills list. 

As far as DAMA's are concerned critical skills includes the supply of essential goods and services (such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agricultural technology, food production, and the maritime industry).

Designated Area Representative

Contact for further information or clarification on aspects of the GSC DAMA program
Angie Doldan, Great South Coast DAMA Coordinator, Warrnambool City Council
Email: adoldan@warrnambool.vic.gov.au 
Phone: 5559 4800

Local Council

You are encouraged to contact your local Council for advice on a preliminary eligibility check.

Colac Otway Shire Council

James Myatt - Manager Economic Development & Tourism

Phone: 5232 9400

Corangamite Shire Council

Katy McMahon – Manager Economy & Prosperity

Katy.mcmahon@corangamite.vic.gov.au 

Phone 5593 7100 

Glenelg Shire Council

Bryce Spencer - Economic Development Coordinator
Phone: 03 5522 2138
Email: ecodev@glenelg.vic.gov.au

Moyne Shire Council

Bethany Lewis - Economic Development Officer

Phone   1300 656 564

Southern Grampians Shire Council

Daniel Shaw - Business Development Officer

dshaw@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au

Phone: 5573 0444

Warrnambool City Council

Angie Doldan - GSC DAMA Coordinator

Email: adoldan@warrnambool.vic.gov.au 

Phone: 5559 4800