The NSW Government's Fresh Start Program is creating new career pathways for local people, with NSW Minister for Local Government Hon Ron Hoenig visiting Parkes on Tuesday last week to meet Council's apprentices, trainees and cadets and see first-hand the opportunities the program is creating.
Minister Hoenig's visit to Parkes Shire provided an opportunity to showcase the success of the Fresh Start Program while also highlighting the important role government investment plays in supporting regional communities and strengthening local government workforces.
In response to sector-wide skills shortages, the NSW Government is investing $333.3 million in the Fresh Start Program, to employ an additional 1,700 apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils, country councils and Joint Organisations over 8 years to 2032. Young people and school leavers have particularly benefited, with people aged 25 years and younger filling 80 percent of the positions across the state. The latest funding will support the recruitment of an additional 200 apprentices, 100 trainees, and 100 cadets in NSW councils.
Through the program, Parkes Shire Council secured funding for eight new positions across a range of areas including civil construction, plumbing, vehicle and plant mechanics, finance, planning and work health and safety.
Council's current Fresh Start participants include:
- Sophie Huckel - Work, Health and Safety Trainee
- Dominic Gibson - Small Plant Apprentice
- Rockley Bown - Apprentice Civil Construction Assistant
- Jacob Nay - Cadet Planner
- Jim Ramsay - Parks and Gardens Apprentice
The program has already delivered strong employment outcomes, with three participants progressing from their initial apprenticeship or traineeship into full-time employment with Council.
Codie Berroya commenced as an Apprentice Civil Construction Assistant and has progressed into full-time employment as a Civil Construction Assistant.
Lachlan Plummer commenced as an Apprentice Plumber and has progressed into full-time employment as a Water Services Plumber/Operator.
Olivia Noakes commenced as a Finance Trainee and has progressed into full-time employment as an Events Officer - Community Events.
Minister Hoenig joined Parkes Shire Councillors for a lunch where they had the opportunity to speak directly with him.
Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said it was particularly valuable to have the Minister for Local Government meet the participants and see the impact of the program first-hand.
While the Fresh Start Program was a key focus of the visit, Minister Hoenig also spent the day visiting a number of locations across the Shire to gain a broader understanding of the community and the projects being delivered with government support.
The Minister visited Lake Endeavour where the pipeline replacement project is about to commence, as well as a number of housing developments to understand the growth occurring across the Shire and the infrastructure required to support new communities.
The Minister was also briefed on the ongoing impacts of the 2022 flood event and Council's work to recover and build resilience for the future.
Other stops included the Parkes Animal Shelter, where the Minister was briefed on the facility and plans for its future, and the Parkes Showground Pavilion project, along with a number of other locations across the Shire.
Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said:
"Having the Minister here in Parkes, face-to-face, is incredibly valuable. It gives us an opportunity to showcase what is happening across our Shire, but more importantly, it allows the Minister to meet the people who are benefiting from programs such as Fresh Start," Mayor Westcott said.
"Our apprentices, trainees and cadets are gaining practical experience, qualifications and confidence, while Council is building the skilled workforce we need for the future. Some of these participants have already progressed into permanent employment, which is a fantastic outcome."
Mayor Westcott said investment in new roles was particularly important for regional councils facing workforce shortages.
"It has been a very valuable visit, and we thank Minister Hoenig for taking the time to come to Parkes and spend a full day seeing our community and the work underway across the Shire."
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
"It was a real pleasure to meet the Fresh Start apprentices, trainees and cadets at Parkes Shire Council. What struck me was the opportunity these young people are being given to learn, gain qualifications and build a career in the community they call home.
"That's what Fresh Start is about. We're investing in people, but we're also investing in the future of local government - helping councils build the skilled workforce they need to continue delivering for their communities.
"And there is no reason an apprenticeship or traineeship at a council can't be the beginning of a very long career in local government. Some of the sector's senior leaders started their careers at councils in entry-level roles. I met some impressive young people in Parkes, and I'm looking forward to seeing where those opportunities take them."
