Funding to employ an additional 353 apprentices 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 Uralla Shire Council
Uralla Shire Council will create training pathways into multiple high needs areas of our operations.
$238,670 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Uralla 2358Location of the recipient
Uralla 2358About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
25/06/2026What 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.
$793,252 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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 Mechanic & 2 Apprentices in Civil Construction. This will build in-house expertise, grow our own talent, reduce outsourcing and ensure sustainable service delivery.
$573,280 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2026Location of the project
Cowra 2794Location of the recipient
Cowra 2794About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Upper Lachlan Shire Council
Council is seeking to provide a local government career opportunity to someone in our community, build Council's capacity to provide skills/services into the future, and strengthen the Local Government workforce and sector. The building maintenance team construct, refurbish and maintain Council assets for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
$250,707 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030June 2026
What was approved
Approved for The Council of the City of Sydney
The City of Sydney is investing in the development of a workforce to support the maintenance and enhancement of public parks and infrastructure. This initiative focuses on training and mentoring individuals in key operational roles to gain essential skills, reduce outsourcing costs, improving service delivery across public services and infrastructure.
$815,568 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Glen Innes Severn Council
Council is applying for this funding primarily to address skills shortages presented by an ageing workforce and to provide potential employment and training opportunities for local young people. Both of these initiatives have been identified as priorities in Council's Workforce Management Strategy.
$374,516 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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 an ageing workforce, skills shortages, and difficulty recruiting into local government roles. These pathways serve as stepping-stones to higher-level positions and increased responsibilities.
$512,069 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$649,391 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$998,511 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Boolaroo 2284Location of the recipient
Speers Point 2284About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$194,699 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Menindee 2879Location of the recipient
Wilcannia 2836About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$1,094,021 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$781,152 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$624,943 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Bega Valley Shire Council
Bega Valley Shire Council will increase the local government workforce by delivering targeted apprenticeship career opportunities that include training, development, and mentoring. The program will address skills shortages, support skills development, and enable career education and pathways within our diverse regional community.
$851,275 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Bega 2550Location of the recipient
Bega 2550About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Bellingen Shire Council
Fresh Start: Apprentice Edition – Your Path, Your Potential is Bellingen Shire Council's initiative addressing skills gaps and an ageing workforce by empowering local apprentices. Participants will take part in hands-on training, skills development activities, and workplace learning, helping build confidence, fill critical roles, and create sustainable local employment opportunities.
$853,080 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Bellingen 2454Location of the recipient
Bellingen 2454About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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. This support will enable us to enhance workforce capacity, create training and job opportunities for our community, and strengthen our council's capabilities. Outcomes include a skilled workforce and positive social and economic impacts for our community.
$436,590 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
20/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Blue Mountains City Council
This funding supports our CAT's Program in particular Apprentices 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.
$1,039,603 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$449,825 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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. Through tailored roles, we will address skill 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$194,525 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Cessnock City Council
The LAUNCH program represents a cornerstone of our strategic workforce development. This initiative integrates on the job training, formal study, and learning experiences, creating a robust foundation for participants’ careers. We currently support over 20 staff in gaining qualifications across various fields and we aim to increase this number every year.
$711,827 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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 students. This funding supports our Workforce Management Strategy, diversifying and expanding our workforce while offering apprenticeships and traineeships within the Council to increase diversity across Council.
$414,561 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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.
$270,694 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is proposing to employ apprentices to provide additional qualified and skilled workers within our rural community. The 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.
$228,979 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Dungog Shire Council
Council faces trade skills shortages in areas like parks, gardens, and plant mechanics, along with an ageing workforce. These challenges are intensified by its regional location. To help address this, Council is recruiting apprentices to build local skills and support younger employees in gaining recognised qualifications and practical experience.
$508,185 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Eurobodalla Shire Council
Eurobodalla Shire Council is seeking funding to employ new apprentices across civil construction, plant operation, mechanical, horticulture, and electrical trades. This initiative will create local career pathways, address future workforce needs, and support service delivery through structured training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience in a regional council setting.
$1,718,158 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Moruya 2537Location of the recipient
Moruya 2537About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
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: focus on financial sustainability, attracting and retaining top talent with an ageing workforce, and future-proofing skills in the face of technological disruption.
$270,113 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
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Goulburn Mulwaree Council will benefit from the employment/skills development of apprentices and trainees by growing our capacity, succession planning, retaining knowledge and filling skills shortages in key areas where recruitment has been challenging. The trainees/apprentices will benefit from the achievement of a qualification and a career pathway in Local Government.
$461,873 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Goulburn 2580Location of the recipient
Goulburn 2580About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Gwydir Shire Council
Gwydir Career Start Program provides an opportunity for local school students and job seekers to gain valuable skills and experience in a LG environment while studying to obtain a nationally recognised qualification. Council can train and develop trainees and apprentices into valuable employees to fill skills gaps.
$1,089,601 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the recipient
Warialda 2402About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Hawkesbury City Council
Hawkesbury City Council's proposal to recruit this cohort of apprentices will benefit the organisation, Local Government Sector and local community as the program enables Hawkesbury Council to build capability and contribute to a sustainable, skilled future workforce.
$388,956 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Windsor 2756Location of the recipient
Windsor 2756About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Hornsby Shire Council
The funding will assist both with planning for an ageing workforce skill gap and attracting new recruits to LG tradesperson roles, specifically mechanic and painter roles.
$477,354 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Hornsby 2077Location of the recipient
Hornsby 2077About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Inverell Shire Council
Council relies on skilled plant operators and there is a critical need to develop skilled workers who can uphold our standards of service delivery.
$361,643 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Inverell 2360Location of the recipient
Inverell 2360About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Kempsey Shire Council
Funding to support skills development, local employment, and succession planning. These roles address critical skills gaps and an ageing workforce. Outcomes include trained local talent, improved service delivery, and long-term workforce sustainability aligned with Council’s workforce planning and program objectives.
$883,618 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
West Kempsey 2440Location of the recipient
West Kempsey 2440About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Liverpool City Council
Local Jobs for Local People is a key pillar of Council’s Economic Development Strategy which is aimed at combating Liverpool’s consistently high unemployment rate, particularly youth unemployment. This program will provide employment pathways into entry level roles, rejuvenate several skilled roles within Council, and provide long-term, rewarding career opportunities.
$503,442 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Liverpool 2170Location of the recipient
Liverpool 2170About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Maitland City Council
To increase Council's capacity to deliver key services to the community, address succession of skilled positions, provide employment and career opportunities to young local people in a fast growing regional area.
$270,113 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Maitland 2320Location of the recipient
Maitland 2320About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for MidCoast Council
Since its inception in 2019, MidCoast Council's program benefits the community by providing local career and training opportunities whilst addressing local skills shortages, with on-the-job training with studies toward a qualification. Supervisors receive specific training to supervise trainees and apprentices. Outcomes include career pathways and retention of workers who participated.
$1,815,274 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Taree South 2430Location of the recipient
Taree South 2430About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Murray River Council
The Murray River Council communities will continue to benefit from this initiative along with the people hired and the the teams gaining the additional resource. This initiative is a great way for young people to begin their career in local government and start some succession planning for our ageing workforce.
$271,052 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Moama 2731Location of the recipient
Moama 2731About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Murrumbidgee Council
Funding for school-based apprenticeships that will gain on the job training whilst completing high school.
$213,076 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Jerilderie 2716Location of the recipient
Darlington Point 2706About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Nambucca Valley Council
To develop the practical skills, technical knowledge, and industry experience under the supervision of qualified supervisors and gain the experience needed to become qualified tradespeople.
$394,075 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Macksville 2447Location of the recipient
Macksville 2447About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Narrabri Shire Council
Provide hands-on training, boost youth employment, and address local skills shortages by increasing the local workforce capability.
$656,435 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Narrabri 2390Location of the recipient
Narrabri 2390About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Narromine Shire Council
This benefits existing employees, younger workers, and the community. Older employees mentor new staff to ensure a smooth succession that meets current and future service delivery needs. It creates job opportunities, attracts young talent and fosters economic growth, benefiting the broader community through stable, long-term service delivery and job creation.
$509,440 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Narromine 2821Location of the recipient
Narromine 2821About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Parkes Shire Council
Parkes Shire Council will engage new apprentice positions to support the large road network Council is responsible for as part of this regional LGA. With extremely skilled operators already engaged with our Council, and a large number of retirements forecast, this is an urgent immediate need.
$373,370 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Parkes 2870Location of the recipient
Parkes 2870About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Port Stephens Council
Our program is designed to create employment opportunities for local young people, particularly in the fields that are critical to our council's long term sustainability. The focus of our program is on addressing workforce planning challenges and ensuring that our council remains innovative and competitive.
$957,071 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Raymond Terrace 2324Location of the recipient
Raymond Terrace 2324About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council
The NextGen Workforce Program empowers trainees and apprentices by providing hands on training, mentorship, and career development. Focused on growing local capacity and supporting succession planning, it ensures a skilled workforce for the future, fostering innovation and leadership in high-demand industries while strengthening community and organisational resilience.
$773,021 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Queanbeyan 2620Location of the recipient
Queanbeyan 2620About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Randwick City Council
The aim of this program is to attract more individuals to professions within local government, particularly in the early stages of their careers and upskill participants of the program in different sections to assist with succession planning for the future.
$582,650 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Maroubra 2035Location of the recipient
Randwick 2031About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Richmond Valley Council
Our Youth Employment Strategy - (YES Program) focuses on attracting and retaining a younger workforce and developing them as leaders. By "growing our own" we can implement succession planning to address our ageing workforce and meet the requirements of our WMS and CSP.
$1,041,604 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Casino 2470Location of the recipient
Casino 2470About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Rous County Council
Rous is seeking FreshStart Round 3 support to establish apprenticeships in critical infrastructure, strengthening workforce continuity and creating local employment pathways for Northern Rivers youth, aligned with national workforce priorities and region-specific recovery and resilience goals.
$271,170 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Lismore 2480Location of the recipient
Lismore 2480About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Shellharbour City Council
This initiative will benefit local youth and Shellharbour Council's workforce by providing additional cadet, apprentice and trainee roles within our formalised structured CAT program, which features mentoring, peer support, and supervisor training. Outcomes include addressing skill shortages, enhancing workforce capabilities and building a sustainable talent pipeline for Local Government.
$680,789 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Shellharbour City Centre 2529Location of the recipient
Blackbutt 2529About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Our local government is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with a substantial portion of our customer service staff approaching retirement age, necessitating proactive workforce planning to ensure continuity of service delivery. The role will integrate into our broader workforce development strategy, emphasising recruitment, training, and career progression pathways.
$1,349,032 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Cooma 2630Location of the recipient
Cooma 2630About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Snowy Valleys Council
Snowy Valleys Council is a remote, rural LGA that has significant recruitment challenges that have been exacerbated in recent years by the Black Summer bushfires, Covid-19 and major state significant projects located within the LGA. Employment of apprentices will ensure ongoing delivery of services to the local community.
$690,438 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
June 2026Location of the project
Tumut 2720Location of the recipient
Tumut 2720About the grant
Applications approved
66
Applications received
77
Fresh Start Grant Program - Round 3
Program term
30/06/2030