Students get a taste of local government in ‘Mayor for a Day’

SECONDARY school students Steven Walters and Katie Spinks had a taste of local government after taking part in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Mayor for a Day program.

The initiative was held during Local Government Week, with the council inviting local pupils to join mayor Colleen Fuller for a day of activities.

Steven, who attends The Armidale School, and St Mary’s College student Katie Spinks pulled on the mayoral robes to learn more about local government leadership.

The students also met with deputy mayor Kate McGrath and the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce, shared morning tea with present and past council trainees and apprentices, visited council facilities including the works depot and Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, and undertook a site tour of the Koala Sanctuary.

“Katie and Steven were able to see the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards from the catwalk on sale day, meet our furry friends at the Gunnedah Animal Impound Facility, and plant a eucalyptus tree near the administration building at the Koala Sanctuary,” Cr Fuller said.

“It was a pleasure to host Katie and Steven at council and give them an understanding of what we do day-to-day to support and grow the shire.

“Both students expressed their surprise at how many different career pathways there are in councils, and traineeships, apprenticeships and cadetship are a fantastic way to get started in local government.”

Steven Walters, mayor Colleen Fuller, Katie Spinks and deputy mayor Kate McGrath inside the council chambers.

For Steven, he has had an interest in community and the council from a young age.

“I’m a very people-based person, so just being able to serve people in your own council is a big thing,” he said.

“Of course, council oversees nearly everything that occurs within this area, except for private businesses.

“But, to be able to manage that as a collective, as a bunch of councillors, as a group, is something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

Steven, who was awarded Young Citizen of the Year at this year’s Australia Day ceremony, is assessing his career and study options once he completes his secondary schooling.

Many know him for his musical talents, but he is also interested in criminology, law and policing.

Steven enjoyed the opportunity to spend the day with Cr Fuller and seeing the opportunities and services the council offers.

He highlighted the council’s important work in compliance and governance as well as operational and infrastructure matters, including the saleyards, roads, local facilities and parks and gardens.

“It just shows the wide range of job opportunities there are and I didn’t realise there were that many within council,” Steven said.

“I thought it was quite limited, but now, come to think of it, there’s a lot more.

Steven Walters, mayor Colleen Fuller OAM and Katie Spinks.

“I think Gunnedah’s leading a charge in a bunch of areas, specifically the Animal Impound Facility … also the Waste Management Facility [Deposition Centre] that they’ve got out there now that makes it easier for those who don’t have four-wheel drive cars to unload their rubbish and the staff can see if there’s batteries in there, safely dispose of waste.

“There’s a bunch of areas that Gunnedah is really succeeding in, and I think there’s a bunch of areas that are in the near future that Gunnedah can work on as well.”

Katie embraced the chance to understand the council’s important role in the community and the services it provides.

“I’ve never really seen the council up close before,” she said.

“I was able to see all the things council does.”

Katie said she walked away from the experience with a greater appreciation for what local government is responsible for. She also has a better understanding of the mayor’s duties and appreciates the busy and demanding work that the role involves.

“There’s so much more to council than just parks and gardens,” she said.

Katie, who is interested in pursuing law after she completes her studies at St Mary’s, was particularly interested in the legal aspects of the council’s operations.

She said she had no idea how much law was involved in terms of legislation and compliance. One of her highlights was understanding how traineeships contribute to the council as well as the development opportunities it provides to employees.