Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board and its 89 remote, rural and regional member Councils have welcomed the extension of the NSW Fresh Start program, announced by NSW Premier, The Hon. Chris Minns MP last week.

Chairman of CMA, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (of Temora Shire) said the “game changing program has been a positive boost to help address workforce shortages.  This extended investment in the Fresh Start program is warmly welcomed by our CMA Board and Members.”

The State Government predicts that the additional multi-million dollar investment will create 400 more roles next year including 200 apprentices, 100 trainees and 100 cadets, bringing the total number of new council roles funded under the program to 1,700 over four years.

“Whether it’s our Member Councils putting on apprentice tradies like plumbers, carpenters and mechanics or cadet engineers and planners, or trainees in administration, childcare and spatial data, it is a tremendous boost for our Councils and communities,” Mayor Firman said.    

“Around 65% of the Fresh Start programme participants have been employed by our remote, rural and regional Councils – which we hope will grow even more.  It encourages them to stay in their hometown, if they so choose, which is good news for our Shire communities. It is really aiming to make a genuine difference to the skills shortages many of our Member Councils face”, Mayor Firman said.

“The CMA Board and Members express our thanks to the Premier, Minister Hoenig and all involved in the extension of Fresh Start”, Mayor Firman concluded.