Office of Local Government

Office of Local Government The Office of Local Government is responsible for local government across NSW.

The Office’s organisational purpose is “To strengthen the Local Government Sector” and its organisational outcome is “Successful councils engaging and supporting their communities”. Operating within seven strategic objectives the Office has a policy, legislative, investigative and program focus in matters ranging from Local Government finance, infrastructure, governance, performance, collaboration and community engagement. The Office strives to work collaboratively with the Local Government sector and is the key adviser to the NSW Government on Local Government matters.

⭐ More funding is available to help grow the next generation of local government workers across NSW. NSW councils can no...
08/09/2026

⭐ More funding is available to help grow the next generation of local government workers across NSW.

NSW councils can now apply for Fresh Start Program funding to create more apprentice, trainee and cadet opportunities, with support available for 570+ new positions statewide.

✅ 1,100+ recruits already employed
✅ Critical skills gaps being addressed
✅ Stronger local services and communities
✅ More opportunities for young people to learn and earn

The program is making a particularly strong impact in rural and regional NSW, where more than 726 recruits have already started their careers with local councils.

📣 Council applications for Round 4 close 2 October 2026. More: https://ow.ly/2FL850ZKt6M

🌟 Today, during National Skills Week, our Fresh Start team enjoyed meeting students, job seekers and career changers at ...
28/08/2026

🌟 Today, during National Skills Week, our Fresh Start team enjoyed meeting students, job seekers and career changers at the Sydney West Careers & Employment Expo.

🤝 It was great to chat with so many people about the variety of career opportunities available in local government. Whether it's engineering, planning, parks and gardens, administration or community services, there's a wide range of roles that help shape and support local communities.

🚀 We also shared how the Fresh Start program is supporting councils across NSW to employ apprentices, trainees and cadets, helping create pathways into meaningful careers while addressing local workforce needs.

👏 Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat. It was encouraging to see so much interest in local government careers, and we look forward to seeing many of these future professionals take the next step in their journey as part of the Fresh Start program.

25/08/2026

🐶 ‘Ruff ruff’. This International Dog Day, the Office of Local Government is releasing the top ten most paw-pular dog names across NSW.

👑 Luna reigns supreme, with Teddy, Daisy and Milo rounding out the top four dog names, sourced from the NSW Government’s Pet Registry.

🐾 Could your precious pup’s name be fifth on the list? Check out https://ow.ly/KjUl50ZFrgT

🐕 Didn’t make it? Think your clever canine should make next year's rankings? Register them now on the NSW Pet Registry: https://ow.ly/ePe950ZFr8H

🏗️ Did you know you can upskill into Building Surveying in just 12 months through our Fresh Start Workforce Development ...
03/08/2026

🏗️ Did you know you can upskill into Building Surveying in just 12 months through our Fresh Start Workforce Development program?

👷 Designed for council staff – including administration, compliance and ranger teams – this structured program allows you to continue working while gaining the skills and experience needed for Building Surveying.

📢 Expressions of Interest are now open for existing council staff looking to build technical skills and explore Building Surveying as a new career pathway.

✅ With manager approval, successful applicants will spend 16–20 work hours per week on training and assessments as part of this fully supported development opportunity.

🔍 For more information and to apply, see: https://ow.ly/P7Pa50Zvzhz

🌳 Local Government Week is a great reminder of just how much councils do behind the scenes to keep our communities runni...
03/08/2026

🌳 Local Government Week is a great reminder of just how much councils do behind the scenes to keep our communities running. From the parks we enjoy, to services we rely on, councils help make our neighbourhoods great places to live and work.

🏊📚🚛 It's also a chance to shine a light on the services councils deliver every day. Beyond maintaining essential infrastructure, councils manage libraries, pools, sporting facilities, planning services, waste collection and much more that helps keep local areas running smoothly.

🎉 This week is the perfect excuse to learn more about what your local council does and maybe even join in one of the many activities being held across the state.

📱 Check out your local council's website and social media channels to see what's happening in your area!

02/08/2026

👩👷‍♀️‍💼 Do you know an exceptional female council staff member or councillor whose contributions deserve special recognition?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.

Now in their 19th year, the awards recognise leadership, innovation, service and dedication from women helping shape the future of local government.

Nominations close 28 August 2026 with the Awards to be presented at NSW Parliament House on 22 October 2026.

Learn more and submit a nomination: https://ow.ly/CG6m50ZvyJu

🚀 From school to a real career! The Fresh Start team recently attended the Western Sydney Careers Expo, talking to stude...
09/07/2026

🚀 From school to a real career!

The Fresh Start team recently attended the Western Sydney Careers Expo, talking to students about apprenticeships and traineeships with local councils.

While many students are still figuring out what’s next, conversations about careers, pathways and support can make all the difference. For many, it’s the first time they’ve realised they can earn while they learn - stepping into a paid role and building skills as council funded apprentices, trainees, and cadets.

To find out more on the Fresh Start program, see: https://ow.ly/ZQ7M50Zmfxj

02/07/2026

🤝 Connection. Culture. Career growth.

A new Aboriginal Recruit and Supervisor Network is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruits build strong, meaningful careers in local government.

Through mentoring, peer support and shared experiences, the network is creating opportunities for fresh start recruits across NSW to learn, grow and thrive.

19/06/2026

🚧 Jobs and training for regional NSW

The NSW Government’s Fresh Start program is investing in councils and the people who keep communities running.

👷‍♂️ Workers across seven councils are building practical skills on machinery like excavators and rollers. Strengthening local workforces and keeping critical infrastructure in shape.

🎓 Delivered by TAFE NSW, the program is already supporting over 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets, helping future-proof local jobs and services.

More than 1,000 NSW residents have stepped into rewarding new careers in local government through the Fresh Start Progra...
25/05/2026

More than 1,000 NSW residents have stepped into rewarding new careers in local government through the Fresh Start Program. 🎉

Nate Stenhouse, an apprentice Arborist with Broken Hill City Council, was the 1,000th recruit employed through the program, demonstrating the growing opportunities available for young people to start their careers close to home.

Across three funding rounds, councils have welcomed 1,138 new starters, including:

👩🏼‍💼 152 cadets,
👩🏽‍🏫 443 trainees
👨‍🔧 543 apprentices.

Each recruit is gaining a nationally accredited qualification while helping councils fill critical skills gaps and strengthen service delivery across NSW.

For more on the Fresh Start Program, see: https://ow.ly/KSUN50Z3GV1

Address

5 O'Keefe Avenue
Nowra, NSW
2541

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61244284100

Website

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