More than 150 Year 11 and 12 students attended the annual “Lunch with the Winners” event at Springvale City Hall on Tuesday 1 September 2026. The event was delivered through a partnership between Greater Dandenong City Council's Business and Employment team and the South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN).
Originally focused on promoting careers in manufacturing, the event has evolved to showcase a broader range of industries experiencing strong growth across the region.
Students heard from keynote speaker Nick Pearce, Co-Founder and former CEO of streetwear label and social enterprise HoMie. Nick shared insights from his career journey and encouraged young people to explore opportunities aligned with their interests and strengths.
The program also featured a vibrant panel discussion with young professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing students with real-world perspectives on training and employment pathways. Interactive team-building activities and a workforce quiz helped students learn about local industries, future job demand as well as emerging career opportunities.
By connecting students with industry insights and role models, Lunch with the Winners aims to improve career awareness and support informed post-school decisions – cultivating the development of a skilled local workforce to meet the needs of Greater Dandenong's growing economy.
