The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board and its 89 remote, rural and regional member Councils have welcomed the extension of the NSW Fresh Start workforce training program, announced by NSW Premier, Chris Minns, last week.
CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor, Rick Firman OAM said the “game changing program has been a positive boost to help address workforce shortages.
“This extended investment in the Fresh Start program is warmly welcomed by our CMA Board and Members,” he said.
The State Government predicts that the additional multi-million dollar investment will create 400 more roles next year including 200 apprentices, 100 trainees and 100 cadets, bringing the total number of new council roles funded under the program to 1,700 over four years.
“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,” President Firman said.
“Around 65% of the Fresh Start programme participants have been employed by our remote, rural and regional Councils – which we hope will grow even more. It encourages them to stay in their hometown, 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.
“The CMA Board and Members express our thanks to the Premier, Minister Hoenig and all involved in the extension of Fresh Start,” he said.
Since the Fresh Start program commenced, more than 1,100 people have started working in councils, the majority under the age of 25. There has also been 112 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruits, most of them working in regional and rural councils.
“I’ve spoken with councils across New South Wales about the difference this program is making, and it’s clear it’s helping councils attract and train the skilled workforce they need for the future,” said NSW Local Government Minister, Ron Hoenig.
“For regional communities it’s giving young people secure jobs and the chance to upskill while still being able to work close to home. For councils, it’s setting up a pipeline of skilled workers, so that councils retain trade capabilities in-house and don’t have to outsource. Instead, councils are now investing in their own local people and giving them a future.
“This additional funding will build on the success of Fresh Start, giving more young people the opportunity to upskill and access stable, long-term career pathways in local government – an investment in their future,” he said.
