South Gippsland Jobs Expo 2026 — Everything You Need to Know

The South Gippsland Jobs Expo is back for 2026, and whether you're actively looking for work or just curious about what's out there locally, it's worth showing up.

Here's everything you need to know.

• Thursday 19 March 2026

• 10:00am to 2:00pm

• Leongatha Memorial Hall, 6-8 McCartin Street, Leongatha

• It's a free event, run by South Gippsland Shire Council. No tickets, no registration — just turn up. And yes, there's a free sausage sizzle. 

What to expect

If you haven't been to one before, the expo brings together local employers from across South Gippsland and surrounds — all under one roof. Previous expos have attracted over 200 job seekers and around 36 employers, covering industries from aged care and disability support to hospitality, trades, retail, and agriculture.

You'll be able to talk directly with businesses that are hiring right now, pick up information about apprenticeships and traineeships, and get advice on things like resume writing and interview preparation.

It's not a formal thing. You don't need to dress up or bring a printed CV (although it doesn't hurt). The whole point is to have a conversation and find out what's available in your area.

What Industries are hiring in South Gippsland

Right now, some of the most active industries across South Gippsland and Bass Coast include:

• Retail and Hospitality — pubs, clubs, cafes, and accommodation providers, especially around the tourist towns

• Community and Social Services — consistently one of the biggest areas of demand

• Construction and Trades — mechanics, plumbers, and building trades

• Maintenance and Cleaning  — cleaners, housekeeping and general maintenance

Gippslander will be there

We'll be at the expo with a live display showing current local jobs you can scan and apply for on the spot. We'll also have printed job listings covering South Gippsland and Bass Coast roles, and we can help you set up free job alerts so you never miss a new role in your area.

 If you're not sure what's out there, come and have a chat. That's what we're here for.

Can't make it? Don't worry you can still find local work

If you can't get to Leongatha on the 19th, you can browse every current local role at gippslander.com.au — or sign up for free job alerts at gippslander.com.au/alerts and get notified the moment a new job is posted in your town.

Choose your town, choose your industry, and we'll send the jobs straight to your inbox. No account needed.

Tips for getting the most out of the expo

• Turn up early. The best conversations happen before it gets busy.

• Talk to everyone, even employers you wouldn't normally consider. You might be surprised what's available.

• Ask questions. Employers are there because they want to meet people. Don't be shy about asking what a role involves, what the pay is like, or what they're looking for.

• Sign up for job alerts before you leave. The expo is one day — job alerts keep working for you every day after that.

About Gippslander

Gippslander is a local job website built entirely for the Gippsland region. We connect local employers directly with people living in the area, covering towns from Cowes to Bairnsdale and everywhere in between. It's free for job seekers, and every listing is from a real employer hiring in Gippsland.