Veterans Employment Program
At Central Darling Shire Council, we recognise the unique skills and attributes demonstrated by service personnel in their service to our country, and our Veterans Employment Program supports veterans to pursue a career in local government.
We strongly encourage ex-service personnel to look at the varied opportunities available both here at Central Darling Shire Council and across Local Government.
Developed in collaboration with the NSW Office of Veterans Affairs, our program provides:
- Advice and guidance to both veterans and employing managers about matching skill sets
- Supporting veterans through the recruitment process
- Providing tailored feedback and advice to ex-service personnel.
If you are unsure of where to start, or would like some support with the application process, please contact us at hr@centraldarling.nsw.gov.au or on (08) 8083 8900.
Working in Central Darling Shire and in local government
Transferrable Skills
Your time in defence has equipped you with all the necessary skills required to succeed within local government. Personnel who have served in defence have such a unique and extensive skills portfolio. Leadership, teamwork, initiative, accountability and communication are some of the skills that are transferable into local government.
Your ability to see and understand the big picture clearly, coupled with your skills portfolio, makes you highly employable.
Your ability to communicate your skills and attributes to an interview panel is important.
The NSW Local Government Rank 2 Grade Guide is a resource tool that was designed to assist both ex-defence personnel and hiring managers to understand what are the transferrable skills.
Diverse Opportunities
When you realise the similarities between work in local government and defence, you will be surprised.
The diversity of the work within local government means that there are different career pathways available.
Here at Central Darling Shire Council, our staff gain experience across a number of areas, for example, project engineers are involved in road, construction, infrastructure and water utilities projects. Our customer service staff across mutli-skilled across a number of activities.
As with defence, the primary role of local government is to serve its community. To achieve this, local government requires a diverse and multi skilled workforce, who are positive, resourceful, and determined.
Employee Assistance Program
We offer a number of free, confidential services including financial, counselling, marriage and career coaching through our Employee Assistance Program provider (Telus Health), for yourself and your family.
Other Opportunities in the Shire
There are a number of opportunities for your partner to work in our Shire. These include:
- Nursing, health and ancilliary work.
- NDIS support work
- Teaching and ancilliary work at schools and NSWTAFE
- Hospitality work
- Pharmacy work
- Opportunties to start your own business such as hairdressing, café/takeaway, etc
Additional Resources
The Local Government Rank to Grade Guide was developed to help both hiring managers and veterans understand how Australian Defence Force skills and experience align with public sector jobs. Use this guide as a tool to help you identify where your skills and qualifications align you to.
The Veteran Employment Program is a communication and education platform that supports both veterans and hiring managers. The program continues to build a network of champions and partners to help promote the skills veterans can bring to local government.
Defence Members and Family Support has developed an Australian Defence Force Member and Family Transition Guide which contains information on the transition process, as well as information on support services and administrative requirements.
- One of the support programs available to transitioning, or transitioned personnel, is the Defence Force Transition Program.
- This program has various workshops, training, programs and advice, which is designed to assist you, and your family with your transition.
- Most of these programs can be accessed for up to 12 months after you transition, with some up to 24 months. However, you will need a referral from an Australian Defence Force Transition Coach before you can access this program.
- ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar is held nationally throughout the year and is designed to help you and your family plan and prepare for life outside of the military.
ADF Transition & Civil Recognition Project was established to undertake the work on aligning military skills and civilian qualifications. They will help you to understand what civilian employers want and how to express your service in a way that any employer can understand and value.