Ararat will be home to one of two new regional liquor and gaming regulation hubs that will act as offices for eight new inspectors.

The commission is an independent statutory authority that regulates Victoria's gambling and liquor industries. Its inspectors enforce liquor licences, responsible service of alcohol, gambling venue staff conduct and poker machine monitoring.

The new hubs and staff will be funded via the state government’s $11.3 million budget measure across four years for the commission to increase its presence in regional Victoria.

Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Marlene Kairouz said licensed venues in regional Victoria would be more closely monitored and eight jobs would be available at Ararat and Sale.

“More liquor and gambling inspectors based in regional locations means better monitoring of licensed venues across the state,” she said.

“Ararat and Sale are large regional towns in the east and west of Victoria and will provide an excellent base for inspectors travelling to other regional and rural areas.”

The state government plans to start recruiting the eight inspectors this week.

They will travel across regional Victoria to increase supervision of venues and build stronger relationships with stakeholders.

The commission is looking for people with relevant skills from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

With more inspectors in the regions, the regulator will be able to visit venues to help educate managers about their obligations and make sure they are doing the right thing.

The Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation will host an information session for people interested in applying for a position in Ararat. The session is on September 19 at the Ararat RSL from 7pm.

Registration is not required to attend the information session and tea and coffee will be provided.

The regulator’s website says the new roles “will be a mix of full-time and part-time positions ensuring coverage and flexibility for inspections at high-risk times”.

Further details are available at www.vcglr.vic.gov.au.