An initiative fully funded by councils in the Hunter Region, the $1.8 million facility is a further step forward in placing the Hunter at the forefront of workplace training strategies.
Designed to meet the needs of Local Government, youth, regional New South Wales and the wider business sector, the Local Government Training Institute’s new facilities will enable organisations from throughout Australia to address a raft of legislative compliance requirements and emerging priorities such as skills shortages, management excellent, leadership and corporate growth.
Opened in August, the Local Government Training Institute is an initiative of Cessnock, Dungog, Gloucester, Great Lakes, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter Councils. It employs 12 full time staff and a broad range of contract trainers and consultants.
According to Councillor John Chadban, Mayor of Great Lakes and Chairman of Hunter Councils Inc., the Local Government Training Institute is an example of how a cooperative approach to service provision and organisational development can lead to the creation of a resource unattainable by one business or council alone.
“In resolving to create a registered training company focused on the real time needs of Local Government and business, the councils of the Hunter Region have ensured access to best practice training strategies at a fraction of the cost of outsourced training either within our region or in metropolitan Sydney,” he said.
“In resolving to construct a purpose built building adjacent to our Hunter Councils’ main offices, we have dramatically increased this training capacity and have ensured that the training needs of government and business will be able to be addressed long into the future.
“Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the development of the Institute has been the degree to which it has attracted state wide participation, national profile and now international interest in its programs.
“This is a fascinating development and one which further substantiates the wisdom and courage of the councils of the Hunter in investing in what is arguably Australia’s most sophisticated Local Government training resource.”
