Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds has everything going for it. It’s an historic gold rush region, still home to Victoria’s largest gold mine.
The Loddon Campaspe region is a foodie paradise, and Bendigo is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. There are over 120 wineries and breweries and hundreds of artisanal producers in the region. Food production remains central to the local economy.
Health care and social assistance are the largest employers in the region. As the population continues to grow, and many workers reach retirement age, the demand for skilled workers is set to reach new highs.
The region is well connected with road and rail links from Melbourne to the Murray River. More workers are needed for the visitor economy, food production, health care, community and business services.
So, if you’re looking for a career, Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds is calling.
Training and careers in Bendigo and surrounds
Local career success stories
Styled for self-image: Paige’s hairdressing impact
“Our apprenticeships are naturally very practical. You’re in the salon getting first-hand experience which opens up windows of opportunity for learning, growth and making connections in the industry.”
Tahlia channels her creative flair into a career in floristry
“I found that the skills I was learning in the course I was able to practise in the workplace. It lights up people’s faces when they see their idea come to life from the flowers they have chosen.”
Quick facts about Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds
Population: 253,248^
Total new workers needed by 2026: 10,744*
Known for:
- Central Deborah Gold Mine
- Golden Dragon Museum
- Murray River and Port of Echuca historic precinct
- Bendigo Art Gallery
- Wineries, breweries and local produce.
Key industries:
- Accommodation and food services
- Administrative and support services
- Agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness
- Arts, media and recreational services
- Community services
- Digital services, finance and IT
- Education and training services
- Health care
- Manufacturing
- Retail.^
Local government areas:
- Campaspe Shire(opens in a new window)
- Central Goldfields Shire(opens in a new window)
- City of Greater Bendigo(opens in a new window)
- Loddon Shire(opens in a new window)
- Macedon Ranges Shire(opens in a new window)
- Mount Alexander Shire(opens in a new window).
Official region name: Loddon Campaspe
Explore growing industries across Victoria
^ Sourced from Loddon Campaspe Regional Skills Demand Profile 2023
* Sourced from Victorian Skills Authority Employment Forecast Dashboard
Updated