www.lgfocus.com.au Local Government FOCUS February 2016 Page 1

Local government e m p l o y e e s a r e as d iverse as the geographical areas t h e y c o m e f ro m . Every month Local Government Focus reaches the desks of hundreds of people: development officers i n t i n y r e m o t e communities, mayors i n a g r i c u l t u r a l h e a r t l a n d s , a n d executives of big city councils who preside over hundreds o f employees.

Local government, your Employer of Choice

In total, the Australian local government sector employs over 192,500* staff in the current 556 municipalities across the country. This amounts to, on average, five percent of the workforce in each local government area being employed by council.

Many staff members are enticed to the sector by the opportunities for career diversity, flexibility and the ability to grow professionally within a council organisation. The desire to elicit real change in a local community and receive ongoing training and development are also key considerations.

In February 2015, the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) released a workforce study of the sector, raising a number of key findings.

The study stressed the important role local government plays in regional areas:

“Indeed, in many rural and remote communities, local government is often the primary economic driver and the only level of government providing essential social and community services.

“Employment in a regional or rural local government has the potential to offer significant flow on effects: it offers opportunities for on-

going training and career path development; it will keep a family in the area and a part of the community; and it presents opportunities to attract health, education, transport and community services and infrastructure to the region.”

In urban areas too, local government plays an important role. The study also found local government has above average Indigenous employment; women are less represented than men; and overall, the workforce is aging.

Councils recognise the importance of addressing the needs of their diverse employees, and many are in the process of developing workforce plans, to attract and retain staff.

This 2016 Local Government Focus ‘Employer of Choice’ showcases how councils are innovating to build a stronger workforce, and what they can offer to you.

We hope this proves useful for those considering career moves in local government, now and into the future.

- *Australian Bureau Statistics 2013

Local Government FOCUS February 2016 Page 2 www.lgfocus.com.au

victoriapark.wa.gov.au

TownofVictoriaPark @townofvicpark @townofvicpark

Town of Victoria Park = Vibrant LifestyleJoin a team known for its fun, inclusive and progressive culture, with great work/life balance options, health and wellbeing program, opportunity for cross-functional projects, training and development, payroll benefits and an industry leading cultural optimisation program.

For current vacancies visit our website victoriapark.wa.gov.au or call 9311 8111.

Work with usCessnock City CouncilYour innovative employer of choice

Integrity — Respect — Teamwork — Accountability — Excellence

www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au

Work-life balance is important to the Town and employees are encouraged to take advantage of the benefits available. Flexible working arrangements, job sharing, the option to work from home and the ability to work additional hours and accumulate additional leave are just some of the fantastic options available to staff.

Ongoing training and development is a fundamental part of the Town culture and employees are given a variety of opportunities throughout the year to undertake training for personal and professional development. The organisation is on a cultural change journey where all employees attend regular workshops focused on engagement, positive behaviour and communication. Other key trainings include mental health education to equip staff with

the skills to recognise and manage difficult situations.

There are a variety of health and wellbeing programs on offer including a free gym and aquatics membership for all employees. Other benefits include regular health assessments, flu vaccinations, skin cancer checks and for those looking for a little relaxation, lunchtime yoga is another perk of working for the Town.

With a strong focus on cross-functional projects, employees are encouraged to collaborate with different departments to deliver more with less. Many projects within the organisation are driven by operational staff and there is a large emphasis on building relationships and enhancing engagement within the whole organisation.

Town of Victoria Park

The Town of Victoria Park is at the forefront of the local government industry and is a vibrant and progressive place to work. Employees have access to some great benefits including a strong focus on work-life balance, ongoing training and development, advanced health and wellbeing programs as well as the opportunity to work on major cross-functional projects to advance professional and personal development.

Nestled 40 kilometres west from the beachside hub of Newcastle, Cessnock City has a proud history of mining and is home to one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in the country.

The recent decline of the mining industry has been paralleled by a tourism boom—with Cessnock consecutively voted as a top tourist destination in Australia. World-class golf courses, natural landscapes, Aboriginal heritage, gourmet eateries, lush gardens and blissful spas are among the local appeals.

Council is the largest employer in Cessnock City, with over 300 staff choosing to take advantage of the vast opportunities on offer, including flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance, paid parental leave, education assistance and a 19-day roster system.

General Manager Stephen Glen joined Council in May 2013, and is tremendously proud of Council’s performance and in particular, the recent Fit for the Future result.

“A solid focus and concerted effort on process improvements and sustainability initiatives has been achieved through the sheer hard work and dedication of our staff.

“Above all, I think our renewed focus on innovation is what sets us apart.”

Cessnock has a strong grassroots sporting culture and lunchtime sport is a popular activity, with staff often seen at the local oval playing touch football or soccer.

“It is great to see staff from all levels enjoying a friendly game of sport during their lunchbreaks, and bringing that team spirit back into the workplace.”

Council’s Wellbeing @ Work initiative offers corporate fitness discounts, a support network of workplace contact people, a free employee assistance program and workplace giving.

Apprenticeships, traineeship programs and school-based programs have been successful pathways for many into a Council career.

“ T h e s e p r o g r a m s p r o v i d e p e o p l e with an insight into the workings of local government and a well-rounded experience across a broad range of funct ions .” Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and an employer of choice.

Cessnock City Council

With an average staff service length of 9.6 years, Cessnock City Council is firmly cementing its place as an employer of choice in the Hunter Valley.

www.lgfocus.com.au Local Government FOCUS February 2016 Page 3

Live the lifestyle and have a career that makes a difference in the community

Our people have a strong sense of belonging to the organisation and the community. They are passionate about what they do and

how they do it. Be part of the team that makes Moree Plains a great place to live,

work and play.

Moree is: Positi

ve Attitude.Drive

.Service

Community.Learning.

Development.Growth

Employee Benefits

Work/Life BalanceEducational Assistance Flexible Work Arrangements

Community Service LeaveRelocation Assistance (for some positions)

Salary Packaging

Go to: www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au

There are so many reasons why you would

want to work at Bankstown City Council.

Not only are we an award winning organisation

with even more potential to show in the years

ahead, we are a great place to work due to

our significant employee benefits and

development opportunities!

For people wanting to make the “tree change”, Moree Plains offers a relaxed lifestyle, with affordable property prices and career opportunities in diverse and thriving industries, good schools, a strong business community and shopping centre and accessible water for maintenance of gardens and open green space.

At Moree Plains Shire Council, our people are the backbone of the organisation and are crucial to the success of our community as we continue to build our ‘fit for the future’ status.

Mayor Councillor Katrina Humphries is the first to admit elected councillors often get the kudos for Council’s successes but this is because “we are blessed to have a good, strong, functionally working team who have a strong sense of belonging to the organisation and the community.

“Our people are passionate about what they do and how they do it and this is what makes Moree Plains a great place to live, work and play.”

Working for a regional Council means diverse roles with lots of opportunities to cross-skill, be autonomous and creative, and step into higher responsibilities which leads to career development and opportunities.

In a recent workplace survey, flexible work arrangements including: flexible hours; job patterns; job sharing; graduated return to work and retirement; and ability to purchase leave; was rated as the number one incentive for employees.

Employee benefit programs for personal development including: educational assistance; health and wellbeing programs; and employee-enriched work practices; benefit both employees and the business.

Moree Plains Shire Council is well respected within Local Government circles and attraction, retention and engagement has been maintained because we are considered a highly professional organisation with strong strategic leadership. We provide not only financial reward, job security and the opportunity for career progression but employees are offered good work-life balance; quality training and development packages and safe working conditions.

So if you are looking for a career that makes a difference in the community, contact the Human Resources section on (02) 6757 3222 at Moree Plains Shire Council.

Moree Plains ShireMoree Plains Shire is an integral regional centre at the heart of Australia’s agricultural sector with a growing transport hub, and strong tourism industry. Moree has a comparative advantage given its strategic location along the Newell Highway with rail links, direct flights to Sydney and easy vehicular movements between Brisbane, Sydney and the east coast.

Our journey to become an Employer of Choice has been about providing a workplace our people enjoy contributing to and being a part of everyday.

Guided by our Corporate Vision of “A Culture, a Place and City of Excellence”, our Corporate Values, and by using our employee opinion survey results to understand what was important to our people, over the last several years we have developed and implemented a range of initiatives that have helped foster a culture of mutual trust and respect.

The initiatives include:A comprehensive Leadership Development

Program which has three streams - the Emerging Leaders Program, the Existing Leaders Program and the Outdoor Leaders Program.

A Values Recognition Program which celebrates our people who demonstrate our values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Sustainability and Service in a positive way.

A Diversity and Inclusion Employee Action Group which puts on a range of lunch time events throughout the year. The events provide internal networking opportunities for our people

as well as hearing from speakers, both internal and external to the organisation, on topics centred on leadership, diversity and inclusion.

Twice yearly Leadership Forums were introduced in 2014 which bring together 120 people leaders and Leadership Program graduates and participants. The purpose of these forums is to strengthen relationships and action plans around organisational-wide topics such as the Employee Opinion Survey results, Business Excellence Evaluations and our people strategies.

Quarterly General Manager and Director All Staff Talks to keep our people up to date with what’s happening across the organisation and provide access to our senior leaders.

A strong focus on Work, Health and Safety including a Safety Awareness Campaign rolled out in 2014, called “LEAD for Life”, extensive Health and Wellbeing Program and in 2013–14 the best safety results in over 16 years.

We are proud of the Employer of Choice recognition and we will continue to listen to our people as we know a happy and informed workforce will continue delivering great services to our community.

Bankstown City Council

Bankstown City Council was awarded the Employer of Choice (Public Sector and Not for Profit) at the 2015 Australian HR Awards.

Published by Local Government FOCUS February 2016 Page 4 www.lgfocus.com.au

YOUR CAREER IS OUR SUCCESS

www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Valuing the wellbeing of our people and our place now and into the future.Our staff values• honesty• trust• integrity

• collaboration• respect• accountability

Mingo Crossing 

Auburn River Na�onal Park 

Email: admin@northburne�.qld.gov.au Tel: 1300 696 272  |  Web: www.northburne�.qld.gov.au FB: www.facebook.com/North.Burne�.Regional.Council 

 

NORTH BURNETT

Visit the rest, live in the best!

lifestyle... relaxed,  

affordable 

To Gympie & Brisbane 

MONTO 

BIGGENDEN GAYNDAH 

EIDSVOLD 

MOUNT PERRY 

MUNDUBBERA 

To Biloela  To Gladstone 

To Theodore 

To Childers & Bundaberg 

To Maryborough & Hervey Bay 

To Dalby, Kingaroy  & Toowoomba 

To Gin Gin &  Bundaberg 

Auburn  River NP 

Cania Gorge NP 

Mt. Walsh NP 

Lake Cania 

Mingo Crossing Recrea�on Area 

Paradise Dam 

Wuruma Dam 

Wuruma Dam 

Delivering more than 100 services to the community, local government offers a range of career opportunities from engineering to town planning, accounting to landscaping, community development to information technology and much more.

At Hobsons Bay City Council, we’re working hard to be an employer of choice offering excellent conditions and the right work/life balance for your next career move. You can be a part of our enthusiastic and professional team, one that takes pride in delivering quality services to our diverse community.

Our employees thrive in a challenging and diverse workplace. In return we provide excellent working conditions for our staff, including ongoing professional development, a balance between work and personal responsibilities and a proactive social club.

At Hobsons Bay, our vision is ‘valuing the wellbeing of our people and our place, now and into the future’, and our values guide how we should treat each other and members of the public.

Our staff and our community love Hobsons Bay for its vibrant atmosphere and sense

of community, its proximity to the Central Business District, its character housing and above all its people. For many it’s an ideal place to work, live and play.

Hobsons Bay City Council has also partnered with the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) to work towards building a more inclusive environment and promote the employment of people with disability across the organisation.

Through the delivery of a range of advisory and support services the NDRC aims to build disability knowledge and confidence with employers to help break down barriers to employment for people with disability.

Hobsons Bay City Council encourages applications from people with a disability and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

So make your next career move to Hobsons Bay City Council, where your career is our success. For more information visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Hobsons Bay City Council

Valuing the wellbeing of our people and our place now and into the future.

North Burnett has long been a productive and scenic region with safe, friendly and active communities. The many assets of the region include its unique history, its diverse rural economic base, local services and infrastructure and the many volunteers and community organisations that support local communities.

The region has a picturesque environmental beauty and an abundance of natural resources that support the diverse agricultural industries and a healthy country lifestyle. Our many resources include: water, rural farmland, mineral deposits, forests, geographical landscapes and National Parklands. Points of significant environmental interest include: Auburn, Boyne, Burnett and Nogo Rivers; Cania, Paradise and Waruma Dams; along with Auburn River, Coalstoun and Mt Walsh National Parks.

North Burnett is home to nearly 10,580 residents and is formed from a number of smaller communities that band together to support one another. Each of our communities

is proud of our heritage and strongly supports the sustainable development of the region. There are a variety of retail outlets to cover most needs. The area also has a range of services including good schools and a diverse range of sporting facilities.

North Burnett Regional Council is a forward thinking, progressive council, providing employment opportunities in all six of its townships. Council provides training and professional development opportunities for staff, and offers a broad range of employment opportunities throughout the region. Council has been innovative: leading the way with its Social Media program, particularly in times of natural disaster; and providing a multi-skilled classification for all outdoor staff.

To keep up to date with what’s happening in North Burnett, check out our website at www.northburnett.qld.gov.au Facebook www.facebook.com/north.burnett.regional.council or twitter #NorthBurnettRC

North Burnett takes its name from the Burnett River that flows through the area. The North Burnett region covers 19,708 square kilometres with the typography of the region being diverse, from fertile farmland to rugged geographical formations.

North Burnett Regional Council