We ran a quick Facebook poll on 20 September asking locals what would nudge them to hit apply. Results below.
- Closer to home – 45%
- More money – 24%
- Better hours – 12%
- Career change – 11%
- Career progression – 8%
Why local opportunity matters
People want to work where they live. Cutting out a long commute means more time with family, more energy at the end of the day and more money left in your pocket. It also strengthens towns. When you work local, you shop local, volunteer local and keep skills in the region.
The Gippsland commute reality
Getting to Melbourne can be a grind. Trains and buses can be unreliable, and roadworks and traffic add surprise delays. A single incident can blow out your whole day. For many locals the tipping point is simple: a job nearby beats a job that steals hours on the highway.
Pay still matters in a cost-of-living crunch
More money ranked second at 24%, which tracks with rising costs for fuel, groceries and housing. For many households, a small pay bump or clear allowance for travel, uniforms or overtime can be the difference between clicking apply or scrolling on. When roles are genuinely local, the savings on fuel, fares and parking effectively boost take-home pay as well.
Why we built Gippslander
Gippslander exists to make local opportunity visible and simple. We’re here so people can find roles close to home and businesses can hire great local talent without casting the net to Melbourne. The goal is straightforward: more Gippslanders in Gippsland jobs.
A big opportunity for employers
The demand is clear: locals want close-to-home roles, and they care about pay clarity. If you’re hiring, the advantage is yours—you just need to get your ad seen by the community. Put your job in front of locals on platforms like Gippslander, lead with location, include a pay range and any allowances, and explain rosters and travel expectations. You will lift applies from people who live nearby, can start sooner and stay longer.
What employers can do
Lead your ads with the town and typical travel. Add a transparent pay range, note allowances and overtime, and outline training or clear steps to progress. These are the cues locals scan for when deciding to apply.
What job seekers can do
Start with your town and nearby centres. Set a commute line you are comfortable with and stick to it. Compare total value, not just base pay—include fuel, fares and time saved by staying local. If you are switching fields, look for entry paths with training and supportive teams.
Our quick poll, explained
This was a simple Facebook poll of our local audience on 20 September. It is not a scientific survey, but it reflects what Gippslanders who follow us say they value right now. We will keep running these pulse checks and share how preferences shift over time.
The bottom line
Closer to home leads with 45%, but pay is a strong second at 24% in a cost-of-living squeeze. If you’re hiring, put location and pay clarity front and centre and get your ad in front of the local community. If you’re looking, you might be closer than you think.