Fresh start for seven new Byron Shire Council staff
There has been a buzz around Byron Shire Council in recent months with some new faces on staff courtesy of the NSW Government's Fresh Start program.
Council has employed seven people in a range of positions including traineeships in human resources (HR) and water industry operations as well as new electrical, construction and fitter and turner apprenticeships.
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin, who helped broker the $252.2 million statewide initiative with Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig and the United Services Union, congratulated Byron Shire Council on its take-up of the Fresh Start Program.
"Byron Shire Council comes under the Fresh Start's Northern Rivers region, which as of September was funding 43 recruits across participating councils," Minister Saffin said.
"The six-year program was launched last year and more than 60 per cent of 500 approved new roles are boosting the workforces of regional or rural councils."
Vicki Lawrence, Manager People and Culture, said while the number of applications exceeded expectations, one of the most interesting parts of this recruitment process came from people wanting a career change.
Bridget Scott took the opportunity to dip her toe into the HR world, a big step away from her career in marketing and e-commerce.
"I had been thinking about a career change for a year or so and when I saw the HR traineeship at Council advertised, I thought I would throw my hat in the ring," Ms Scott said.
"I'd been in the workforce for a while, and this was a big change in direction for me, and it has been great.
"I think I have a lot to offer Council too in that I have some work and life experience behind me which is really important in a job like this," Ms Scott said.
For 19-year-old Liam Magnifico, who finished year 12 at Byron High in 2023 landing an electrical apprenticeship was like winning the lottery.
"I'm living in a share house with some of my mates, doing up cars in my spare time and getting a trade - life is good," he said.
"The Fresh Start program is about providing employment opportunities in our Shire which goes some way to stopping the drain of young people to the cities and larger metropolitan areas when they leave school," Ms Lawrence said.
"Like many councils in NSW we have an aging workforce and it's so refreshing to see younger people working alongside more experienced staff, laughing and talking.
"We are thrilled to have this new cohort of trainees and apprentices, and feedback so far is that they are all enjoying working here," she said.
