Lismore City Council (LCC) held a student showcase event for four schools revealing the operations that council perform to introduce possible career paths and to garner an understanding of what council does for the community.

Under the new grandstand at Crozier Park, the students took the seats, while they watched presentations and then had a chance to speak with council workers about their roles.

LCC General Manager Jon Gibbons said, “Today is a glimpse into a world of local government operations that the public do not often see.”

Alex Geikie, Acting Manager of People and Culture, told the young adults that LCC employs about 1000 people, whether working in council or as contractors.

“Understanding the diverse roles within Council can inspire students to pursue careers that directly contribute to the communities wellbeing.  

“By engaging in hands-on activities, students develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of local government and how it functions.”

There were five primary areas represented and roles within those areas for the children to learn about - Waste & Services, Fleet and Open Spaces, Water and Wastewater, Flood Restoration and Roads, and Operational Compliance (Law Enforcement & Rangers).

Tony and Cooper from St John’s Woodlawn College attended the event.

(Tony and Cooper left with some ideas for the future)

Cooper said, “We went around looking at different Council trades to be able to see if we enjoy working with them.

“The ranger seems interesting, just the work that they do, going out and helping around town, cities, and that, so you're not in the office, you're out and about.”

Tony said, “I wanted to get an idea of what I want to do after school. The Ranger stuff is pretty cool. The work you do is always different.”

Students from Nimbin Central School, Summerland Christian School and the Rivers Secondary College, Kadina Campus also participated.

Jill McCall from the Regional Industry Education Partnership (REIP) program worked with Rebecca Sproule at LCC to bring the event about.  

Impressed with the engagement from the students, Jill said, “I think they got a tremendous amount from it. Lismore City Council developed lots of hands-on activities to demonstrate what it looks and feels like to be in certain roles within local government.”

The Senior Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Officer, Rebecca Sproule, has a strong passion for sustainable engagement with youth to inform them about projects and council decision-making.  

“We had 35 students here today, having positive connections with council. That experience will carry through. They're going to be ratepayers in three to four years. 

(Image Credit: Lismore City Council)

“They're going to inherit the assets that we're currently building. When that time comes, they’ll have a better understanding of all the decisions made behind it.”

“I was just amazed by the roads team, the water team, everyone that was here today just wanted to be here, and was so interactive in talking with these students. There was something so special about that. Some of these guys don't get out from the office much.”

(Council workers embraced the opportunity to talk about their work)

Rebecca said, “Our people and culture team are consistently working on work experience opportunities as well as traineeships and so on. All that was offered today.

“My heart just feels full that we're able to be out front, facing and engaging with these young people. We have a real opportunity here to influence the trajectory of their life.”