Funding to employ an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector across the state. This is in line with the NSW Government’s goal for 15 per cent of local government workforces being apprentices and trainees.
July 2026
What was approved
Approved for Richmond Valley Council
Our Youth Employment Strategy (YES Program) creates positive social outcomes by generating local education and employment opportunities for Richmond Valley. We currently have an ageing workforce and we want to encourage local youth to enter into a career pathway with preparation for organisational succession planning.
$512,514 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Casino 2470Location of the recipient
Casino 2470About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
23/06/2026What was approved
Approved for Upper Lachlan Shire Council
Council is seeking to engage with youth in the community to grow our own workforce, build capacity in Council and the Local Government sector, and provide stable and meaningful work in our shire. Council will be targeting young school leavers and is also targeting people with trades backgrounds.
$122,724 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Crookwell 2583Location of the recipient
Crookwell 2583About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
10/07/2026What was approved
Approved for Walcha Council
In alignment with our Community Strategic Plan and Workforce Management Plan we will provide employment and training in our region, upskilling our local community. We will future proof our workforce to allow for skill drain caused by an ageing workforce and provide relief for overstretched staff with extra skilled coworkers.
$567,753 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Walcha 2354Location of the recipient
Walcha 2354About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
24/07/2026What was approved
Approved for Wollongong City Council
The Future Ready Program at Wollongong City Council supports new apprentices, cadets, and trainees in diverse roles, fostering inclusivity and connection.
$315,917 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Wollongong 2500Location of the recipient
Wollongong 2500About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
26/06/2026What was approved
Approved for Upper Hunter Shire Council
The Future Ready Initiative connects experienced professionals with new talent to tackle workforce development and retention challenges. It addresses critical skills gaps, ensuring a capable workforce that meets community needs while reducing reliance on outsourcing tasks and projects. This program offers a practical solution for a future-ready workforce.
$845,558 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Scone 2337Location of the recipient
Scone 2337About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Wagga Wagga City Council
Our Council seeks to achieve a 7% workforce quota for apprentices, trainees, and cadets by 2027. With a dedicated People and Culture Officer, our initiative prioritises skill diversity, inclusivity, and equitable employment pathways. This program benefits job seekers, council initiatives, and the community by fostering diverse and specialised career opportunities.
$629,977 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Wagga Wagga 2650Location of the recipient
Wagga Wagga 2650About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030June 2026
What was approved
Approved for Central Tablelands Water
This is the second local person to accept a traineeship at CTW. He will undertake work in our operations of water treatment and network systems and participate in Water Utilities certification. It is anticipated opportunities to transition into full time employment will occur.
$70,346 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Blayney 2799Location of the recipient
Blayney 2799About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Tenterfield Shire Council
Tenterfield's Workplace Innovation Program will assist to meet our workforce obligations, build capacity within Council to deliver water and sewer critical operations as an essential service to the Community. This program will provide essential resourcing, to create and retain a diverse local workforce and provide for our ageing demographic profile.
$110,539 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Tenterfield 2372Location of the recipient
Tenterfield 2372About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for The Council of the City of Sydney
The City of Sydney's program aims to cultivate a skilled local workforce in architecture, urban design, sustainability, Aboriginal history, records, data, content creation, cybersecurity, procurement and safety. Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants will gain essential skills, reducing outsourcing costs, improving service delivery across public services and infrastructure.
$265,097 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Sydney 2000Location of the recipient
Sydney 2000About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Glen Innes Severn Council
Council's application for funding under Round 2 of the Fresh Start Program is aimed primarily at supplementing the workforce in areas experiencing key skills shortages caused by an ageing workforce, the difficulties in retaining skilled workers in rural areas, and other ongoing factors, which are expected to worsen over time.
$363,277 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Glen Innes 2370Location of the recipient
Glen Innes 2370About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Entry pathways provide structured opportunities to enter our organisation and advance within specialised fields. The program plays a pivotal role in supporting Council with addressing challenges including ageing workforce, skills shortages, and difficulty recruiting into local government roles. These pathways serve as stepping-stones to higher-level positions and increased responsibilities.
$264,567 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Port Macquarie 2444Location of the recipient
Port Macquarie 2444About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Canterbury-Bankstown Council
Our initiative will expand CBCity’s existing Trainee, Apprentices and Graduates program to address skills shortages, benefiting our growing community of 389,000 residents. We’ll offer apprenticeships, traineeships, and cadetships in high-demand areas, creating career pathways, strengthening local talent and supporting sustainable service delivery through development of our 2025-2029 Workforce Management Strategy.
$757,223 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Bankstown 2200Location of the recipient
Bankstown 2200About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Lake Macquarie City Council
Council's early career programs employ trainees, apprentices and cadets to support workforce planning strategies. This is achieved through succession planning, creating local youth employment opportunities and developing talent pipelines to address skill gaps. These initiatives offer training, development, and career progression, ensuring a sustainable, skilled workforce for the future.
$138,378 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Speers Point 2284Location of the recipient
Speers Point 2284About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Muswellbrook Shire Council
Muswellbrook Shire Council aims to address skills gaps and support succession planning by creating trainee roles. This initiative will enhance workforce capability, reduce reliance on outsourcing, and support long-term sustainability. It will benefit both the local community and the Council by fostering a skilled, adaptable workforce for future needs.
$852,374 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Muswellbrook 2333Location of the recipient
Muswellbrook 2333About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Central Darling Shire Council
With a strong Aboriginal demographic and remote location, our workforce management plan focuses on building our workforce from within our own community to enable long term employment sustainability. With very low school retention rates, we are partnering with the schools to encourage and build student retention through providing career/employment options.
$245,658 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Wilcannia 2836Location of the recipient
Wilcannia 2836About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2026What was approved
Approved for Temora Shire Council
Who - Council staff, community members including young and diverse people. Activities - create, recruit and fill new positions and provide ongoing training, support and mentoring. Outcomes - increase employment opportunities in local area, decrease skills shortage, improve workforce capability, manage succession of retiring workforce. Increase employee morale and satisfaction.
$843,696 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Temora 2666Location of the recipient
Temora 2666About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Uralla Shire Council
Uralla Shire Council will create training pathways into multiple high needs areas of our operations.
$931,185 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Uralla 2358Location of the recipient
Uralla 2358About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Albury City Council
Trainees, apprentices and cadets are vital for addressing skills gaps in our region, supporting workforce planning, and preparing for an ageing workforce. GOO provides local youth with career opportunities, increases talent retention, and aligns with organisational goals, having workforce capability and capacity to deliver our four year Community Strategic Plan.
$691,735 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Albury 2640Location of the recipient
Albury 2640About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Armidale Regional Council
ARC would like to offer Apprentices, Trainees and Cadetships to address our skills gap and an ageing workforce. This not only ensures the transfer of knowledge but also invigorates the council with fresh perspectives. Encouraging young people to join fosters innovation and secures a skilled workforce for the future.
$250,030 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Armidale 2350Location of the recipient
Armidale 2350About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Ballina Shire Council
Our Program aims to build an equipped and resilient workforce and tackle critical skill shortages by actively recruiting, training and retaining apprentices, trainees and cadets. Through structured hands-on learning and mentorship, we will strengthen internal expertise, facilitate knowledge transfer and provide valuable career pathways for young people in our community.
$819,230 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Ballina 2478Location of the recipient
Ballina 2478About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Balranald Shire Council
To guide youth into all opportunities Council offer (depending on skills/interests) to benefit them and the community. BSC will: - provide educational/vocational pathways - show interest in their professional development, offering skilled, knowledgeable leaders. The outcome will be a sustainable enthusiastic young workforce to service our community into the future.
$464,280 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Balranald 2715Location of the recipient
Balranald 2715About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Bayside Council
The fresh start initiative will continue to support young people entering skilled trades and skilled career areas. Activities include hands-on training, mentorship and other learning and development opportunities. Expected outcomes include improved employment prospects, enhanced skills and increased participation in high-demand industries benefiting both Council and the individuals.
$858,562 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Rockdale 2216Location of the recipient
Rockdale 2216About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Berrigan Shire Council
Berrigan Shire Council would benefit from funding to recruit technical staff into key positions would enable us to address current resource constraints, build organisational capacity, and maintain efficient and effective service delivery.
$15,070 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Berrigan 2712Location of the recipient
Berrigan 2712About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Bland Shire Council
Benefits: Minimise recruitment challenges by fulfilling succession planning as part of its recruitment strategy; benefiting the community and Council workforce. Activities: Ongoing support and training provided by our experienced staff to keep skills in the region and securing employment for future generations. Outcomes: Highly skilled and competitive workforce.
$1,746,565 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
West Wyalong 2671Location of the recipient
West Wyalong 2671About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Blayney Shire Council
Our application aligns with the NSW Government's initiative to fund apprentices, trainees, and cadets. Support under this program will enable us to enhance our workforce capacity, create training and job opportunities for our local community, and strengthen our council's capabilities.
$431,378 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Blayney 2799Location of the recipient
Blayney 2799About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Blue Mountains City Council
This funding supports cadets, apprentices, and trainees by offering hands-on experience, skill development, and mentorship from experienced Council employees. It provides an opportunity to earn while learning, gain nationally recognised qualifications, and build a career that contributes to the local community.
$739,360 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Katoomba 2780Location of the recipient
Katoomba 2780About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Bogan Shire Council
This program will help locals gain essential skills through practical work in multiple industries while addressing workforce gaps. The community will benefit from locally trained individuals dedicated to maintaining Council services. Key activities and outcomes include mentoring trainees with existing qualified staff, reducing reliance on outsourcing, and strengthening succession planning.
$166,749 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Nyngan 2825Location of the recipient
Nyngan 2825About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Bourke Shire Council
Increase Bourke Shire Council's workforce into the future through the employment of apprentices. Create positive social outcomes by generating local education and employment opportunities for all job seekers including indigenous and female candidates.
$210,187 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Bourke 2840Location of the recipient
Bourke 2840About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Brewarrina Shire Council
This initiative will support local trainees by providing structured employment and training. It will build future workforce capacity, address skills shortages, support succession planning, and create long term employment pathways for local persons, contributing to more resilient service delivery in both animal management and infrastructure operations.
$266,042 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Brewarrina 2839Location of the recipient
Brewarrina 2839About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Broken Hill City Council
The fresh start for local government apprentices, trainees and cadets program is part of the Government’s goal of increasing the local government workforce by 15%, with new apprentice and trainee roles, focusing on in-demand trades including electricians, plumbers, engineers, civil construction workers, mechanics, planning cadets and many more.
$860,947 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Broken Hill 2880Location of the recipient
Broken Hill 2880About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Burwood Council
This funding supports the creation of a number of new and diverse roles, building essential skills within our workforce. These roles will address skills shortages, reduce reliance on outsourcing, address succession planning needs and create pathways for young talent to drive meaningful, sustainable impact in our community.
$11,500 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Burwood 2134Location of the recipient
Burwood 2134About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Byron Shire Council
Byron Shire Council aims to attract and retain a diverse, multi-generational workforce through development, training, and succession planning. Challenges include skill shortages, managing an ageing workforce, and creating opportunities for young locals. A measurable outcome is to increase recruitment of traineeships and apprenticeships by 10% to sustain the talent pipeline.
$834,122 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Mullumbimby 2482Location of the recipient
Mullumbimby 2482About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/03/2030What was approved
Approved for Cabonne Council
1. Provide succession planning for our ageing workforce and close long-term skills shortages. 2. Provide education and secure employment for regional young people enabling them to stay in and contribute to their communities. 3. Increase diversity and inclusiveness within our organisation by drawing from the diversity within our local communities.
$397,360 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Molong 2866Location of the recipient
Molong 2866About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Camden Council
This project will address skilled workforce shortages by providing training and employment pathways for local youth, supporting succession planning, reducing reliance on outsourcing, and delivering lasting social and economic benefits to the community.
$500,263 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Oran Park 2570Location of the recipient
Oran Park 2570About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Central Coast Council
We seek funding to recruit young people to address our current ageing workforce. This will support the knowledge retention of our existing senior staff and fill skills gaps, offering mentoring opportunities for existing staff. Council will nurture the development new recruits giving them every opportunity to join our permanent workforce.
$505,551 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Wyong 2259Location of the recipient
Wyong 2259About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Cessnock City Council
Trainee position designed to support customer relations and business operations over a two-year period, offering hands-on experience in core administrative functions and a comprehensive introduction to council services and career pathways.
$123,956 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Cessnock 2325Location of the recipient
Cessnock 2325About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for City of Canada Bay Council
The Career Pathways program outcomes connect Canada Bay's workforce management plan by benefiting career starters and the community by establishing a skilled and sustainable workforce. The program addresses the ageing workforce, skills gap and outsourcing demands whilst also fostering a growth mindset and positive culture within Council
$498,671 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Drummoyne 2047Location of the recipient
Drummoyne 2047About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for City of Parramatta Council
To future-proof our organisation with a multi-generational workforce, our Early Careers Program includes school students, recent graduates, and university/vocational students. This funding supports our Workforce Management Strategy, allowing us to diversify and expand our workforce, increasing cultural and gender diversity.
$274,708 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Rydalmere 2116Location of the recipient
Parramatta 2150About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for City of Ryde Council
City of Ryde's proposal to recruit this cohort of apprentices will benefit the organisation, Local Government sector and our local community as the program will enable City of Ryde to build capability and contribute to a sustainable, skilled future workforce, locally and more broadly for the sector.
$855,521 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Ryde 2112Location of the recipient
North Ryde 2113About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Clarence Valley Council
Clarence Valley council's Grow Your Own Program focuses on ensuring critical roles to service delivery are resourced into the future through supporting, training and developing talent within the organisation at a local level. This will benefit staff, local people wanting a career change or to start their career with Council
$195,810 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Grafton 2460Location of the recipient
Grafton 2460About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Coffs Harbour City Council
Our City offers diverse opportunities for early career professionals. Experienced leaders provide mentorship to deliver essential services across our community including, water operations, information technology, building certification and procurement.
$274,515 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Coffs Harbour 2450Location of the recipient
Coffs Harbour 2450About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Coolamon Shire Council
Multiple areas within our Council will benefit from this initiative. Being a rural Council, we are currently faced with an ageing workforce, and private sector competition. Attracting apprentices, trainees and cadets will showcase the benefits of a long and rewarding career in Local Government.
$210,950 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Coolamon 2701Location of the recipient
Coolamon 2701About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is proposing to employ trainees and cadets to provide additional qualified and skilled workers within our rural community. These positions will be offered hands-on training, experience, mentorship, and a qualification, helping to develop skilled workers while addressing recruitment gaps and supporting workforce sustainability.
$100,301 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Cootamundra 2590Location of the recipient
Cootamundra 2590About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Cowra Shire Council
This project will benefit the Cowra community by creating local employment opportunities and addressing critical skills shortages. Council will employ and train an Apprentice Electrician, Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants Trainee, and a Lighting & Technical Assistant Trainee. This will build in-house expertise, reduce outsourcing, and ensure sustainable service delivery.
$490,757 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Cowra 2794Location of the recipient
Cowra 2794About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Cumberland City Council
Cumberland Council aims to create more entry-level opportunities through apprenticeships and traineeships. Council will support staff commencing their careers and ensure professional growth through comprehensive training and development activities, ultimately this will assist Council with building a skilled workforce that aligns with the Council's long-term goals for community.
$288,619 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Merrylands 2160Location of the recipient
Merrylands 2160About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Dungog Shire Council
Council continues to face skills shortages in several areas, including planning, engineering, and governance. Council is seeking to target skills shortages as well as addressing our ageing workforce. This can be achieved by recruiting trainees, apprentices and cadets emphasising skill development and the acquisition of qualifications for younger employees.
$423,493 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Dungog 2420Location of the recipient
Dungog 2420About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Edward River Council
Edward River Council seeks funding under the Fresh Start program. The roles will address workforce planning needs, support local youth employment, and enhance skills development to combat an ageing workforce.
$328,451 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Deniliquin 2710Location of the recipient
Deniliquin 2710About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Federation Council
Council is seeking to recognise that Academic Care is Pastoral Care and that by embedding such learning and professional opportunities as traineeships and apprenticeships, that there are benefits for the people accessing these roles, our community and our staff, and opportunities to care for the “whole person”.
$225,529 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Corowa 2646Location of the recipient
Corowa 2646About the grant
Applications approved
111
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Forbes Shire Council
Forbes Council is extremely proud of the diverse and innovative Trainee 2025 strategy. The key objectives are building a highly skilled and engaged trainee pipeline, whilst activating significant strength through mentoring from our talented ageing workforce.
$323,626 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Forbes 2871Location of the recipient
Forbes 2871About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Georges River Council
The FutureGEN Program is Georges River Council's entry level talent program, focused on establishing apprenticeships, traineeships, and cadetships to address the key workforce challenges we face: skills shortages, ageing workforce, and attracting/retaining top talent. FutureGEN aligns with our Workforce Management Plan 'Our People Plan'.
$178,796 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Hurstville 2220Location of the recipient
Hurstville 2220About the grant
Applications approved
110
Applications received
117
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 2
Program term
30/06/2030