Meet a diverse range of NSW residents who’ve made a Fresh Start and are working as apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector. We also meet senior council staff who offer insights into the program and describe the impact Fresh Start is having on their community.
“I’ve always had a passion and interest in land management and caring for my Country, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to start exploring land management and ecosystem conservation jobs. It’s a good pathway to start my journey.
As soon as I’ve done this qualification, it opens up a lot of different pathways, lots of different jobs. I think it’s great.
It’s very diverse. Learning about different plants, how to identify them, I just like working in the bush in general, so basically all of it. Learning about different plants, weeds, what’s native. That’s my favourite part.
I love working on country, I love being in the bush. I just love it.”
“I was wanting to transition out of hospitality but didn’t have the necessary work experience or qualifications to apply for the creative roles I was interested in. I began looking into retraining, but location and cost were big barriers of entry for me. When I came across this role with the Tweed Shire Council - full time work and training - I jumped at the opportunity.
I am gaining work experience and the necessary qualifications to work in the marketing and communications industry. It’s allowed me to transition into a sector where I am able to work creatively and with inspiring and passionate people. This experience offers a unique opportunity to understand how big industries are managed and how local government serves the community.
I’m grateful to be able to work full time and study. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn and directly apply what I’m studying to real job tasks.
It’s also rewarding to work in a capacity that contributes directly to the local community.”
Lauren, 16, is completing a Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking).
“I completed Year 10 and got my ROSA (Record of School Achievement) but was always interested in IT and wasn’t planning to continue through to Year 12. When my dad saw the job advertisement he suggested I apply as it would be an amazing opportunity and I am glad I did.
This traineeship, especially it being at council will help me get my qualification while being paid to do it and get on the job experience. This will allow me to get jobs in ICT elsewhere, especially at other councils in the future should I choose that.
I enjoy the experience of working in the field I am getting qualified in while working closely with people who have been in the industry for years.
Being able to get such an amazing job locally is incredible.”
Antoinette, 34, is completing a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
“At 20, I became a mother, and at that time, I believed I had found my true purpose. While my children remain my greatest priority, I reached a point where I wanted more for myself, I wanted to give back to the community that had given us so much. This led me to pursue a career in childcare, and I quickly discovered my passion for this profession.
The traineeship has not only strengthened my confidence but also given me a clearer pathway to progress my career in early childhood education while continuing to give back to my community.
What I enjoy most about my role is building positive, trusting relationships with both the children and their families. I love watching the children grow, seeing them develop new skills, gain confidence and explore their abilities.
Being able to build a great career in my local community means everything to me. It allows me to stay connected to the people and places that have supported my family over the years, while also giving back to that same community.”
“Joining Lake Macquarie City Council has given me the opportunity to work alongside qualified surveyors, learn from their work, and use what I learn on projects of my own. Everyday I am learning not only how individual surveyors go about their work, but how the industry works as a whole.
I enjoy being part of the surveying team, who are all keen to show me how things work. Also, having the opportunity to eventually start working on my own projects independently. I enjoy surveying, and having a stable job in the industry where I can already start to progress in my abilities and career is a great thing.
I chose surveying because it is a great balance of working indoors and outdoors. I also enjoy the exploration aspect of the job, travelling to different jobs every week.”
Malachi, 17, is completing a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
“I commenced my apprenticeship with Bland Shire Council on 7 July 2025. It is training me well in knowledge on how to understand and repair heavy diesel machines.
I like being part of the workplace community and getting to know my colleagues.”
General Manager, Mayor and Councillor testimonials
“Being able to give a local young person like Lauren the opportunity to undertake an entry level role with council in our IT Department is beneficial for both parties.
Lauren is receiving hands-on experience while learning the role, and in turn is fulfilling staffing needs within the department.
We as a council are proud of our apprentices, trainees, and cadets. We are a learning organisation, and we encourage opportunities for career development at all stages, and initiatives such as the Fresh Start Program allow us to do so.”
“Fresh Start has allowed council to invest in workforce development without placing undue financial pressure on resources.
The Fresh Start Program will help us build a stronger, more skilled workforce right here in our region.
These roles are more than just jobs, they are long-term career pathways that offer real opportunities for learning, growth, and community contribution.
Being able to create these opportunities for local people is incredibly rewarding. It allows us to address critical skills shortages while investing in the future of our community. We look forward to welcoming new recruits who will bring fresh energy and ideas to council.”
"The Fresh Start Program has created real opportunities right here in the Tweed Shire. Being able to employ and skill up people from our own community is incredibly rewarding.
The impact has been immediate. Our teams are gaining fresh energy, new perspectives and a strong pipeline of skills. Our community is benefiting from the work they do every day. This program is not only opening doors for individuals, it’s helping our local economy thrive and ensuring council can meet the Tweed Shire's future workforce needs.
The successful candidates have been learning from experienced and passionate teams, building valuable skills and making a difference from day one - whether it’s caring for our parks, protecting our environment, planning for growth or delivering essential services.
I'm proud that we’re building a strong, capable workforce that will serve the Tweed Shire well into the future. It’s a win for our residents, our economy and our community spirit."
“The Fresh Start Program is creating valuable opportunities for young people in Lake Macquarie to enter the workforce and begin building their careers.
Through this initiative, Lake Macquarie City Council has received funding for eight additional roles, increasing our total number of trainee, apprentice and cadet positions to 65. A total of 48 of these are currently filled. These young professionals are gaining hands-on experience, developing essential skills and contributing to the delivery of services and infrastructure our community depends on.
Being able to employ and train people in our community is incredibly meaningful. It’s not just about filling roles, it’s about investing in people, building confidence and creating pathways for long-term success. Every trainee, apprentice or cadet we bring on board represents a future leader, a skilled contributor and a stronger local workforce.
It’s especially rewarding to see young people gain hands-on experience right here in their own community, knowing they’re helping deliver the infrastructure and services that support their neighbours, families and friends.
Programs like Fresh Start allow us to nurture talent locally, address critical skills shortages and ensure our organisation reflects the diversity and potential of Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region.”