A business initiative that has already helped attract around 100 workers to Katherine has been extended until the end of the year.
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The Territory Government's Work Stay Play was launched in May to help hospitality and tourism employers attract workers and fill critical workforce shortages.
Worker numbers across the Territory have been boosted by more than 400 since the start of the program, with about 25 per cent of those in Katherine.
It is part of the Territory Government's $2 million Critical Worker Support Package to immediately boost Territorians' skills and job opportunities, attract additional workers to the Territory, or encourage visitors to to stay for work.
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Nikki Williamson has just taken over The Coffee Club franchise in Katherine and says it is tough to find staff.
"It was exceptionally hard to get them, but now I've got a fantastic crew, and they're all local girls apart from a couple of international visitors," Ms Williamson said.
Although none of her workers have been employed as a result of the program, Ms Williamson said she thinks the extension is a good idea.
"We need more of it because, as we all know, there's such a shortage of hospitality workers," she said.
"I think the key to success is looking after your staff and building a great team environment, and offering training. You've got to put back into your staff to secure them."
Minister for Small Business, Jobs and Training Paul Kirby agreed there was an urgent need to fill job vacancies in the Katherine region.
"We have listened to Katherine industry and our regional business owners - we know they have vacancies and need to find staff now," he said.
"It's been fantastic to see close to 100 workers easing some workforce pressures in the agriculture, aged care, and hospitality sectors across the Katherine region."
Alex Ariston is the Katherine Art Gallery's former owner who now owns Top Didj Gallery and Cultural Experience. He has worked in the local tourism industry for more than two decades and has often had problems getting staff in the past.
"I have heard about the program, and it sounds worthwhile, but it is not something that I would be participating in because, from November 1, we're closed until May," he said.
"In the past, I have had lots of problems, but we were lucky enough to get a couple of people to work with us in April, and they are actually still here and will be back again next year."
Work Stay Play offers a payment of up to $1500 to reimburse new workers to help cover costs associated with moving into a new job.
The incentive was expanded in August to support employers in the agriculture and aged care sectors.
Payments are made on a per new employee basis, and the one-off payment can include airfares, moving household effects, transporting a vehicle, or even accommodation and rental assistance.
But given the accommodation shortage in Katherine, it may take more than just rental assistance to keep people in town.
Earlier this year, Katherine Mayor Lis Clark said there were staff shortages "in every area" in Katherine, which could be linked to a shortage in housing.
"We have a staff shortage, and...it could be related to the housing shortage," she said.
Applications for the Work Stay Play incentive have been extended until December 31.
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This story Katherine team wins the cup at community cricket carnival first appeared on The Armidale Express.