Council General Manager Anthony McMahon said the enthusiasm of students Kathleen Carmody and Kathleen Bolger, together with their interest in working in local government down the track, was a positive for the sector.
“It is great to be able to get students into the organisation and hopefully provide them with some practical insight into what they are learning through their studies,” General Manager Anthony McMahon said.
“From Council’s perspective – and an overall industry perspective – planners and engineers are two of the fields where qualified and skilled people are hard to come by.
“Hopefully by providing work experience with Council, we may be able to encourage them into a career in local government,” he said.
Having grown up in Canberra, Kathleen Bolger has been studying at RMIT University in Melbourne. She spent a number of weeks based in the Hilltops Council Harden office with the Council’s sustainable growth team, describing it as a “really interesting place to work”.
What have you enjoyed most about your time with Council?
The people here have been so welcoming. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with and learn from others in the organisation.
What do you love most about the Hilltops Region?
I always enjoy exploring the beautiful Hilltops area and meeting new people. It’s also been a great place for me to visit family and friends in nearby Wagga and Canberra.
Would you consider returning to the region to live and work post-study?
Yes, I would love to come back after I finish my studies.
What would your advice be to people considering working in rural and regional areas?
It’s a great opportunity and you should give it a go! There is such a diversity of issues and challenges in regional areas.
Currently studying at Sydney University Kathleen Carmody grew up in Boorowa and spent a number of months in the Hilltops’ Boorowa office with the infrastructure team and believes a career in local government would be really rewarding saying “local government provides so many opportunities to gain skills and create a real difference in communities”.
What have you enjoyed most about your time with Council?
Having the opportunity to get practical experience in civil engineering has been amazing. It has been great to see the diversity in the work that Council does. I feel like I have gained a practical understanding of the role of engineers in local government. The amazing team in Boorowa have taught me so much, they have made the experience so valuable!
What do you love most about the Hilltops Region?
I grew up in Boorowa, so Hilltops is home to me! There is such a friendly atmosphere here and the community is so supportive of young people.
Would you consider returning to the region to live and work post-study?
Definitely!
What would your advice be to people considering working in rural and regional areas?
Go for it! Working in regional areas gives you an amazing opportunity to work on diverse projects and really get to know the people in the community you are working for.
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Media contact:
Hilltops Council – (02) 6380 1200.