There’s Kevan from Canada, a bunch from Melbourne, some from interstate and the locals.
They’re a kaleidoscope of characters – parents, students, young and not so young, the arty-farty and fitness fanatics. Yet they all piece together to create Mansfield Shire Council staff.
As a young, sport loving Victoria University graduate, Paul Valente accepted a position as a civil engineer with the Shire in 2003.
“I initially moved here because, as a new graduate, the job was a fantastic opportunity,” Paul said. “But since then I’ve really come to love the area. There are outdoor recreational activities at your doorstep, it’s not too far from Melbourne and locals are genuinely interested in what you’re doing and who you are.”
A penchant for skiing and horse riding enticed organisational liaison officer, Judy Dixon, to leave the big smoke for Mansfield ten years ago. She now lives on a small farm near town with her two daughters, and has dived into numerous voluntary and official positions within the community.
“Being able to work part time with the Shire means I can juggle parenthood, my involvement in various sport and cultural groups, and continue to run my private public relations consultancy,” Judy Dixon said.
A recent community survey conducted by Mansfield Shire Council indicates that a staggering 88 per cent of respondents are satisfied with ‘Mansfield as a place to live’.
CEO of Mansfield Shire Council, Gary Gaffney, who returned to his hometown two years ago, says this result is at least partly due to Council’s hard working staff.
“The fantastic mix of people from different places and backgrounds really adds to the organisation,” he said.
But like many Local Governments, Mansfield faces an ageing workforce.
“In the future there will be openings in well paid senior positions,” Gary Gaffney said. “We need more young people in Local Government, so we’re creating employment opportunities for students.”
While still attending secondary college, April Picton completed a VET placement at Council. On finishing school she took up a full time position with the organisation, was promoted to Coordinator for Development and Environmental Services after one year, and will soon take up a trainee planning officer position.
“I considered going to university, but the position with Local Government has enabled me to improve my workplace skills, undertake further education, begin earning and purchase a house,” April said.
It seems that if the crew at Mansfield Shire Council are anything to go by, the stereotypical image of boring, old and unadventurous Local Government workers is a long way from the truth.
