NSW Government funding program, in line with the NSW Government’s goal to increase the local government workforce, to employ an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets to increase the local government workforce NSW.
September 2025
What was approved
Approved for City of Sydney Council
The City of Sydney's program aims to cultivate a skilled local workforce in building certifications through hands-on training and mentorship, participants will gain essential skills, reducing outsourcing costs, improving service delivery across public spaces and infrastructure.
$842,039 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
September 2025Location of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Greater Hume Shire Council
Greater Hume and communities will benefit from engaging Trainees for two years to add critical resources and value across the service, with an outcome of a more supported workforce and potentially an additional permanent qualified resources.
$197,548 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
September 2025Location of the recipient
Greater Hume ShireAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Inner West Council
Aligned with CSP/WMS objectives, aims to attract and train a new generation of skilled labour to Council. Trainees will develop essential skills and qualifications while serving the community. By addressing skill gaps and shortages, this initiative will enhance service delivery, boost Council sustainable workforce and support Council's long-term viability.
$1,363,406 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
September 2025Location of the recipient
Inner WestAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Kyogle Council
This initiative addresses succession planning for an ageing workforce by creating opportunities for local youth to develop and retain key positions. We will implement targeted recruitment, mentorship, and training programs to bridge skills gaps, ensuring long-term sustainability. Beneficiaries include both young recruits and the broader organisation, fostering growth and retention.
$312,294 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
September 2025Location of the recipient
KyogleAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Murray River Council
The Murray River Council communities will 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.
$434,910 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
September 2025Location of the recipient
Murray RiverAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030August 2025
What was approved
Approved for Bayside Council
This program will benefit our local government workforce and wider community by providing funding and support for apprentices, cadets, and trainee employment opportunities. Activities will include recruitment, training, mentorship, and skill development programs. Expected outcomes include closing labour shortages, as well as social and economic benefits to the community.
$712,023 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
BaysideAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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.
$185,683 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
BoganAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for City of Canada Bay
The Career Pathways program outcomes connects Canada Bays Workforce Management Plan by benefiting career starters and the community by establishing a skilled and sustainable workforce. The program addresses the aging workforce, skills gap and outsourcing demands whilst also fostering a growth mindset and positive culture within Council.
$225,221 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Canada BayAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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.
$917,479 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Clarence ValleyAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Coffs Harbour City Council
Trainee Environmental Health will gain qualifications and hands-on experience in sustainability and environmental monitoring. Trainee Financial Servies will develop financial skills through mentoring working in a team. Recruiting to these trainee roles creates local employment, provides career pathways and addresses skills gaps created by long standing employees transitioning to retirement.
$106,689 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Coffs HarbourAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Fairfield City Council
The program will benefit students by offering career development in key areas like trades, administration, sustainability, and HR. Through hands-on training and mentorship, we aim to fill workforce gaps, promote knowledge transfer, succession plan and build a skilled, diverse workforce to meet community needs.
$2,764,103 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
FairfieldAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Forbes Shire Council
Forbes Council is extremely proud of the diverse and innovative Trainee 2025 strategy we are executing, spanning 10 streams of work and 15 roles. The key objectives are building a highly skilled and engaged trainee pipeline, whilst activating significant strength through mentoring from our talented aging workforce.
$940,540 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
ForbesAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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, Year 3 deliverables.
$662,813 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Georges RiverAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Gilgandra Shire Council
Each position will provide enthusiastic individuals seeking to advance their skills with hands-on, real-life practical experience and theoretical knowledge. These targeted training and education will provide long-lasting benefits to the individual, employment locations, and Council, with the flow-on effects of additional skilled workforce, positively impacting the regional and surrounding communities.
$510,231 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
GilgandraAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Gwydir Shire Council
Gwydir Career Start 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, develop and mould trainees and apprentices into valuable, productive employees. Simply, we can ’grow our own’.
$906,954 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
GwydirAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Hunter Joint Organisation
The organisation delivers projects and advocacy services to local government in the Hunter region and skilled staff are difficult to acquire. We seek to train staff in the advocacy and project areas to build up the skill base in our organisation for the benefit of the region
$294,844 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Mid-CoastAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Inverell Shire Council
$250,805 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
InverellAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Kiama Municipal Council
The Kiama Council Cadet Program will build pathways and fill the gaps between formal studies for individuals and Council’s ability to deliver for its constituents. This Professional Development Program will be instrumental in combating the skills shortage in the region and promoting career pathways in local government
$258,516 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
KiamaAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Lane Cove Council
Council will establish targeted traineeships to attract young talent, foster knowledge transfer, and retain skills within Council. This initiative aligns with our strategic goals to supports youth development, addresses workforce gaps, and builds a sustainable, community-focused workforce for the future.
$436,366 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Lane CoveAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Leeton Shire Council
Engaging the community into the Council workplace by creating positions that support the operational and cultural ambitions of the community. With a focus on infrastructure transformation, sustainability and community provisions and offerings, these business-critical opportunities will facilitate a well-rounded learning journey for candidates and skill retention at Council.
$272,797 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
LeetonAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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 provide will employment pathways into entry level roles, rejuvenate several skilled roles within Council, and provide long-term, rewarding career opportunities.
$852,374 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Lithgow CityAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Liverpool Plains Shire Council
This initative will benefit our emerging workforce through providing opportunities to school leavers or those seeking a career change, to complete on the job learninig with Council while gaining a qualification. This also alligns with our Workforce management Plan by helping us achieve our goal of 'growing our own' talent.
$467,019 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Liverpool PlainsAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Mid-Western Regional Council
Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) is seeking funding for several positions desired to capture and attract local interest, talent and grow our regional capacity in specialised fields. These roles will support our workforce objectives by meeting needs of skill gap shortages, respond to an aging demographic and support local employment opportunities.
$290,921 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Mid-Western RegionalAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Nambucca Valley Council
Council's program will fund wages for six new apprentices, trainees and cadets, aiming to increase the local government workforce to: * address identified workforce shortages and skills gaps; * build capacity in councils; and * create positive social outcomes by generating local education, training and employment opportunities particularly targeting youth.
$517,093 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Nambucca ValleyAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Northern Beaches Council
This initiative develops a pipeline of skilled employees, offering long-term career prospects for trainees most likely from the local community. Existing staff mentor them, sharing knowledge and expertise in the critical areas of EHO, Early Learning, Waste & Cleansing and Building Surveying, minimising the need for agency staff and contractors.
$3,225,364 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
Northern BeachesAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Oberon Council
Our administration/customer service trainee program is designed to build transferrable skills and knowledge for their future. The trainee will spend 6 months with Finance, Planning, Technical Services and Administration learning all aspects of Council which provide a more diverse and rewarding experience opening a wide range of career opportunities.
$98,679 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
OberonAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Orange City Council
Orange City Council will launch a 2025 Trainees and Apprentices Recruitment Campaign. The proposed roles are required following our detailed planning as part of career conversations, succession planning as part of our overarching workforce management plan strategy. This will enhance our economic prosperity and impact on our local community.
$717,959 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
OrangeAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Walgett Shire Council
The average age of the Walgett Shire Council (WSC) workforce is 55. As a rural remote Council attracting workers is a critical issue. With a high Aboriginal population and an unemployment rate of 11%, the success of the program will result in increased community benefits, including jobs for locals.
$942,474 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
August 2025Location of the recipient
WalgettAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030July 2025
What was approved
Approved for Bega Valley Shire Council
Bega Valley Shire Council will increase the local government workforce by delivering targeted traineeship and cadetship 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.
$345,613 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Bega Valley Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Brewarrina Shire Council
This initiative provides Brewarrina LGA with training programs that build pathways to industry skills and stable employment, highlighting Council’s commitment to investing in local talent. Through structured training, mentoring, and hands-on experience, it strengthens workforce capacity, addresses skill shortages, and fosters community engagement through meaningful job opportunities.
$667,527 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Brewarrina Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Cabonne Council
1. Provide succession planning for our aging 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.
$106,991 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Cabonne Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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.
$109,900 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Central Darling Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Central Tablelands County Council
CTW seeks to employ trainees to undertake work in our operations of water treatment and network systems. This will benefit local people to enter into the Water Utilities program and provide certification of these elements. It is anticipated opportunities to transition into full time employment will occur.
$93,532 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Blayney Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for City of Newcastle Council
This grant funding to expand our successful FutureFit program by offering additional Apprentice, Trainee and Cadet positions to address key workforce planning challenges such as aging population, skills shortages and reliance on contractors/outsourcing. This will ensure positive social outcomes for our community.
$1,005,439 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Newcastle City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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 cultural and gender diversity.
$920,317 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
City of Parramatta CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for City of Ryde Council
The Early Talent Program (ETP) aims to provide an organisational strategic approach to building a pipeline of talent to address Council’s ageing workforce, skills shortages in industry specific roles and to promote Council as an employer of choice.
$439,453 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Ryde City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Junee Shire Council
Council wishes to build capacity in the IT, spatial and tourism spaces by offering local young people an opportunity to live, work and learn in Junee. This program will address skills shortages in the organisation and address the challenges faced by our aging workforce.
$238,680 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Junee Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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.
$1,187,619 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Lake Macquarie City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Mosman Municipal Council
The cadetship will increase the workforce and build capacity at Mosman Council through its cultural program. The cadetship will provide a new position focussing on collection management, community engagement and exhibition planning. They will receive unique training in the arts and local government making them job ready across the sector.
$145,319 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Mosman Municipal CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Singleton Council
The Future Ready Singleton program supports succession planning by developing a skilled talent pipeline to address critical skills shortages in local government. Through structured training, mentoring, and real-world experience, the program builds future-ready professionals, ensuring Singleton Council can meet community needs with a capable, homegrown workforce.
$694,945 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Singleton CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Tweed Shire Council
The Academy offers hands-on training and industry qualifications to develop skilled individuals for Council careers. Benefits for Individuals: • Learn while you earn. • Gain recognised qualifications. • Launch your Council career. Benefits for Council: • Ensure a future ready workforce. • Invest in local talent and support community growth.
$1,294,002 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Tweed Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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.
$532,250 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Upper Hunter Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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.
$1,150,535 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Walcha CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What was approved
Approved for Waverley Council
Engaging new trainees and apprentices help to address the talent shortage brought about by an ageing workforce and tight labour market. It mitigates future critical staff shortages (our strategic priority), enables flexible work, promotes learning and career development, knowledge-sharing and mentoring to support succession planning and phased retirement.
$241,883 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Waverley CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
6/30/2030What 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.
$1,864,103 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Ballina Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Balranald Shire Council
To guide local youth into the opportunities Council offer (in line with their skills/interests) to benefit the Community: providing educational/vocational pathway for young; by showing interest in professional development, net return will be retention of skilled staff, this will combat years of staffing shortages and ensure a sustainable enthusiastic workforce.
$432,691 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Balranald Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram 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.
$252,349 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Blayney Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Blue Mountains City Council
BMCC offers cadets, apprentices & trainees a start to their career, earning while learning. They will be given the opportunity to learn new skills, gain a nationally recognised qualification and be mentored by long standing Council employees serving the local community.
$821,936 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Blue Mountains City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
30/06/2030What was approved
Approved for Bourke Shire Council
Employ two apprentice mechanics to become qualified in the maintenance & repair of heavy commercial vehicles.
$240,134 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Bourke Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram 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.
$589,641 was approved by
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local GovernmentDate approved
July 2025Location of the recipient
Broken Hill City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
119
Applications received
120
Fresh Start Program - Round 1
Agency funding this grant
Office of Local GovernmentProgram term
30/06/2030