In August, Alice Springs Town Council Mayor, Fran Erlich presented Special Achievement awards to three Council staff who excelled in their Local Government studies through Centralian College. Council, in conjunction with the College, introduced the awards for students who display outstanding initiative, attitude, participation and self motivation.
The award recipients, chosen by Centralian College teaching staff, are Infrastructure Supervisor, Rick Palmer and Depot staff members, Brian Mealor and Adam Jones.
Initially installing irrigation, Rick Palmer has been with Council for six years, working his way up to his current position, and was last year named Horticulture student of the year. Completing 22 units to achieve his Certificate Three in Horticulture, Rick’s areas of study included budgeting, supervising staff, chemical management, propagation and occupational health and safety.
Brian Mealor has been with Council for five years as a concreter/gardener and has completed workplace assessor modules and occupational health and safety units. Brian Mealor said he was looking forward to getting further in the workplace through training.
“The College staff are really good, very helpful, they make it much easier,” he said.
Adam Jones has been with Council for just over three months and has completed three modules with a further four being undertaken this semester. The units included handling hazardous substances, treating and controlling pests and occupational health and safety units.
The modules are part of a new Nationally Accredited Local Government Training Package offered by Centralian College, giving Council staff new opportunities to improve their skills and career paths.
The Mayor also presented Statements of Attainment to 50 Council staff members for completing a range of courses.
The courses completed by Council staff, include the following topics.
- Acting in an emergency
- Selecting and applying chemicals and biological agents
- Following defined OH&S policies and procedures
- Using hazardous substances safely
- Maintenance activities for irrigation system
- Controlling traffic
- Using hand and power tools.
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The training is a result of a review and restructure of Council’s Infrastructure Operations Department, completed two years ago. Alice Springs Town Council’s training initiatives ensure ratepayers benefit from having a more efficient, effective and skilled Council workforce.
For further information contact Roger Bottrall, Director Planning and Infrastructure, telephone (08) 8950 0546.
