Ballina Shire Council is celebrating a major milestone in the NSW Government’s Fresh Start program, with local resident William Black becoming the first cadet to graduate from the initiative.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig visited Ballina to mark the occasion, presenting William with a parliamentary certificate in the presence of Mayor Sharon Cadwallader. Hoenig described William as a clear example of what the program was designed to achieve.
“William represents exactly what the Fresh Start Program is all about,” he said. “Opening new opportunities, building skills and giving people the chance to grow in roles that support their local community.”
Hoenig added that the government’s $252 million investment is already “delivering real results” and helping councils “be equipped with the workforce they need, now and into the future.”
Ballina Shire Council has embraced the Fresh Start initiative, currently employing 15 cadets, trainees and apprentices across a variety of fields including civil construction, IT, electrical and mechanical trades, environmental health, law, and accounting.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the program is making a real difference in the region, particularly by opening doors for young people and women in non-traditional roles.
“Ballina Shire Council is proud to support young people into meaningful careers through programs like Fresh Start,” she said. “It’s helping us build a strong talent pipeline for the future.”
She welcomed the Minister’s visit as an important recognition of the role regional councils are playing in growing the local government workforce.
A career built close to home
For William Black, the program has been life-changing. After juggling full-time work with the completion of his degree, he said he’s excited to now step into a permanent role at the council.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunities this program has opened up for me and for the support I’ve received from everyone at Council,” he said.
“Balancing full-time work with finishing my degree has been a big year, but it’s given me a strong foundation for my career. I’m looking forward to stepping into the Graduate Accountant role next year and continuing to build my future with Ballina Shire Council.”
The Fresh Start Program is being delivered in partnership with the United Services Union (USU), and since its launch, more than 550 positions have been filled across the state. Young people are a key focus of the program, with 77 per cent of regional and rural roles going to those under 25.
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said it’s particularly encouraging to see councils across the region making the most of the program.
“The Fresh Start Program is giving young people the opportunity to work in their community, close to home while learning a trade,” she said. “It’s pleasing to see councils in the North Coast taking full advantage of this great program, and I look forward to seeing more young people take up jobs.”
United Services Union Northern Manager Stephen Hughes said the program is also playing a vital role in supporting workforce renewal across the state, as local government grapples with an ageing workforce.
“This program is creating job opportunities in councils across all of NSW,” Hughes said. “It is helping young people, women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers gain skills, recognition and a fair chance to build a future.”
He urged the federal government to match the state’s investment so that the program can continue beyond its current four-year term.
“We congratulate Minister Ron Hoenig, Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Government for backing the next generation of local government workers,” he said. “More than 1,300 young people are now getting a real start in their careers.”
Looking ahead
With more cadets progressing through the program, Ballina Shire Council is set to remain a strong regional partner in the delivery of Fresh Start. The council’s investment in young professionals across disciplines is helping to secure local expertise, reduce skills shortages, and offer meaningful long-term careers for local residents.
As William Black takes the next step in his professional journey, his story stands as a clear demonstration of how state policy, local government and union support can come together to deliver real, lasting outcomes for communities like Ballina.
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