Local hospitality veteran opens new venue, creating 40 jobs across Bendigo's CBD

With regional Victoria's unemployment sitting at 3.8 per cent—well below the national average—finding skilled workers has become increasingly competitive for Bendigo businesses. Yet one seasoned hospitality operator is determined to buck the trend by investing heavily in local recruitment and training.

Over the past month, businesses across the Golden City have been quietly building their teams ahead of the busy winter season and the wider economic momentum that's kept Bendigo's CBD bustling. From the Pall Mall retail corridor to the artisan precinct around View Street, hiring activity has picked up noticeably since May.

The standout story comes from a local entrepreneur who has announced the opening of a 250-seat venue combining fine dining, a craft bar, and event spaces across two heritage buildings on Pall Mall. The operation will directly employ 40 staff—from head chef and sous chefs to front-of-house coordinators and kitchen porters—with recruitment now underway.

What sets this venture apart isn't just the scale. The operator has committed to a structured apprenticeship program in partnership with local hospitality training providers, offering entry-level staff pathways into supervisory roles within 18 months. Three positions are reserved specifically for workers over 55, addressing a demographic often overlooked in service industry hiring.

"Bendigo's hospitality scene has matured significantly," explains Sarah Chen, manager of Bendigo's Chamber of Commerce. "We're seeing operators invest in permanent, structured roles rather than casual-only models. That signals real confidence in the local market."

The timing aligns with broader economic indicators. Bendigo's CBD has absorbed significant retail turnover in recent quarters, with boutique retailers and food businesses expanding. The region's arts and cultural offerings—anchored by institutions like the Bendigo Art Gallery and the restored Ulumbarra Theatre—continue to draw domestic tourism, supporting hospitality jobs.

Beyond this single venue, local businesses across sectors are hiring. Professional services firms along The Esplanade are recruiting administrative and junior consultant roles, while manufacturing and logistics operations in the outer suburbs advertise regularly for skilled trades and warehouse coordinators.

For job seekers, the message is clear: Bendigo's jobs market remains resilient and diversified. Those with hospitality experience, trade qualifications, or administrative skills will find no shortage of opportunities. The challenge for employers remains identical across Australia's regions—attracting talent to areas competing against Melbourne's pull.

The new Pall Mall venue opens doors in September, with recruitment closing mid-July.

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