WPC Group Chairman Fred Madden recognized for 40+ years helping young people find their future.

Former Footscray mayor Fred Madden has received a Life Membership of the National Apprentice Employment Network, in recognition of more than 40 years being involved in helping young people find apprenticeship opportunities.

Long time friend Simon Whatmore said this a remarkable achievement for an award that is tightly held.

“Fred has been a stalwart of Footscray’s civic life for many years , being the person whom Maddern Square is named after among many other achievements,” he said.

Simon said Fred has an impressive list of career highlights including, In 1981 when Fred received an Order of the British Empire award for services to local government and the community.

Following the award, Fred has been president of the Municipal Association of Victoria, president of the Australian Local Government Association, founding Chair of Western Region Group Training and current Chair of WPC Group and NextGen Jobs.

As well as Executive Director of the Australian Vietnamese Services Resource Centre, chair of Care Connect, president and Life Member of Footscray Park Bowling Club, mentor of Victoria University’s New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) Program; and director of Footscray Society for the Aged and the Footscray YMCA.

Fred said his success is attributable to the team he has always had around him.

“They have certainly brought me experience and knowledge, you can’t be successful unless you have had a good team around you,” he said.

Over the years, Fred has enjoyed many successes and achievements, but his favourite has been helping young people find jobs.

“It has been a long journey, but it’s been a rewarding one, and we’ve created a lot of job opportunities.

“Seeing success in getting young people jobs and creating new initiatives and awareness and partnerships in the industry has been significant.”

Jennifer Pittorino