Figures from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations show the jobless rate for Kyneton rose to 4.4per cent in the December quarter, up from 4.2per cent 12months earlier.

The Romsey rate was 3.1per cent in the December quarter, compared to 2.8per cent in same period in 2008.

There were 193 people in Kyneton and 186 in Romsey looking for work last December, compared to 184 and 169, respectively, 12 months earlier.

The figures also revealed the shire's unemployment rate remained below Melbourne's jobless rate of 5.7per cent in the December quarter last year.

In Sunbury, the unemployment rate was 3.3per cent, while in neighbouring Melton East it was 7.2per cent. Bacchus Marsh's jobless rate was 4.6per cent and Ballan's 4.7per cent.

Last week, the state government announced a $6.32million investment in 37 metropolitan and country employment programs.

Under the program Victoriaworks For Jobseekers With Employment Challenges, the funding will provide 870 disadvantaged Victorian jobseekers with ongoing employment.

Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Bronwyn Pike said the funding would give jobseekers sustainable employment in a range of industries that were facing severe labour and skills shortages.

"By promoting skills and workforce participation programs across the community through the Victoriaworks program, we will provide disadvantaged people with more opportunities to get the job they want."