The battle to create jobs around Kurri Kurri has taken an encouraging turn with 72 new positions to be created at a new site encompassing three firms just outside Heddon Greta.
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There will be 40 new positions at the new Red Rooster franchise, 20 at Subway and 12 at a service station being built on Main Road.
News of the jobs came as a boost to business confidence at a time when youth unemployment in the area has reached 21.4 per cent.
The mayor of Cessnock Bob Pynsent hailed the news as fantastic for young people in the Kurri Kurri area.
“This is particularly welcome with youth unemployment now at 21.4 per cent around Kurri Kurri,” Mr Pynsent said.
“It will be an opportunity for our young people to gain valuable work experience, which is very positive for their future.”
Rod Doherty, president of the Kurri Kurri Business Chamber, said: “New jobs for 72 employees is very significant for our young people.
“These three businesses are the kind we need if we are starting to put a dent in unemployment numbers.
“Jobs growth starts employment growth and the flow-on effect from these three new businesses is very encouraging.”
At the new Red Rooster eatery, due to open around December 15, franchisee Mitch Stambolie said the high standard of people who had applied for work there was very noteworthy.
Ages of those who applied for jobs ranged from 14 to much older.
When the new eatery opens, it will run from 6am to 10pm, with employees working four shifts covering a 17-hour day.
“We have taken on children from as many schools as we could, from Hunter Valley Grammar, Kurri Kurri High, Cessnock High and Weston Public,” Mr Stambolie said.
“These people will be part of our enthusiastic team who will make our Red Rooster eatery a major stopping point for people driving to Maitland and the coast.
“We had 70 job applications and choosing people was not easy.
“But when we are up and running, we will be starting home deliveries from here, as far as Gillieston Heights and up to Kurri Kurri and to Weston.”