Fresh Start extension could help council strengthen its workforce

GUNNEDAH Shire Council could expand its workforce after the state government extended its Fresh Start program, which creates new opportunities to recruit apprentices, cadets and trainees in critical areas.

Additional funding and an extension until 2030, announced by NSW Premier Chris Minns, has been welcomed by the Country Mayors Association of NSW.

It said the initiative is helping regional councils address persistent skills shortages while creating career pathways for young people close to home.

For Gunnedah, the program could support apprenticeships in heavy vehicle mechanics, plumbing and carpentry to help maintain the shire’s extensive public works and infrastructure.

It also funds cadetships for town planners and civil engineers, alongside traineeships in childcare, council administration and spatial data analytics to strengthen essential community services.

The latest investment will create an additional 400 local government positions across the state next year, including 200 apprentices, 100 trainees and 100 cadets.

The expansion will bring the total number of council roles funded under the Fresh Start program to 1,700 over four years.

NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig and CMA chairman Cr Rick Firman. Photo: GSC.

Country Mayors Association chairman Rick Firman said the initiative had already delivered significant benefits for regional communities.

“The game-changing program has been a positive boost to help address workforce shortages,” he said. “This extended investment in the Fresh Start program is warmly welcomed by our CMA board and members.”

About 65 per cent of Fresh Start participants have been employed by remote, rural and regional councils, highlighting the program’s focus on strengthening local government workforces outside metropolitan areas.

Cr Firman said councils would benefit from greater access to skilled workers across a range of essential professions.

“Whether it’s our member councils putting on apprentice tradies like plumbers, carpenters and mechanics, or cadet engineers and planners, or trainees in administration, childcare and spatial data, it is a tremendous boost for our councils and communities,” he said.

“It encourages them to stay in their home town, if they so choose, which is good news for our shire communities.

“It is really aiming to make a genuine difference to the skills shortages many of our member councils face.”