State Government of Western Australia : Scholarships for country local governments

• More than $80,000 awarded to regional councils to fund scholarships for young people, employees and elected members

• Made possible by Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions

Local governments in regional Western Australia will be better placed to deliver services meeting community needs, thanks to the latest round of scholarships through the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF).

Local Government Minister Paul Miles said more than $80,000 had been allocated to fund 12 youth development and community development scholarships, bringing the total allocation to date to more than $235,000.

'Assisting regional local governments to build capacity and overcome impacts on service delivery brought on by an ageing workforce and natural attrition is a priority for the Liberal National Government,' Mr Miles said.

'We are investing more than $60,000 to fund 10 youth development scholarships so young employees can undertake nationally accredited training. These scholarships play an important role in attracting and retaining young skilled professionals who can deliver and maintain local services well into the future.'

In addition, two Community Development Scholarships have also been awarded to employees and elected members to enable them to participate in accredited training.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said Royalties for Regions was continuing to help build capacity in regional local governments.

'This initiative not only helps young people stay in the community of their choice, it also helps build capacity of our regional governments. These scholarships play an important role in attracting and retaining young skilled professionals who can deliver and maintain local services well into the future,' Mr Redman said.

'I am pleased Royalties for Regions is playing a significant role in supporting a professional skilled workforce in country local governments to continue building towards strengthened regional communities that are sustainable into the future.'

Fact File

• The State Government has allocated more than $5.4 million from Royalties for Regions to implement a capacity building program for regional local governments

• Applications for the next rounds of the youth and community development programs are now open

Local Government Minister's office - 6552 6600

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700

COUNTRY LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Youth Development Scholarships	​	​
City of Albany	$5,350	The scholarship will support the Senior Accounting Officer to undertake a CPA Program (Certified Practicing Accountant) to attain and develop more advanced accounting skills to assist with the development of the annual financial report, budget and day-to-day accounting functions. The training supports adhering to the fair value framework which was developed by the Department of Local Government and Communities.
City of Albany	$7,700	The scholarship will support the Planning Officer to undertake a Diploma of Leadership and Management to assist with expanding knowledge and leading by example to progress to a Senior Planning Officer. The training supports the City's Community Strategic Plan which is 'Articulating a clear vision and strategic direction while ensuring the processes to deliver this are open, transparent and well communicated'. This will also assist the City to achieve and continue to maintain civic leadership within the community.
Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup	$3,190	The scholarship will support the Customer Service Officer to undertake a Certificate IV in Business Administration to assist in expanding knowledge around the operations of local government. This will increase the officer's potential to expand career aspirations and move to a higher level within the administration environment of the local government. The qualification supports the Shire's Strategic Community and Workforce Strategic Plans by providing a well governed workforce with the right skills to ensure sustainable service delivery and adequate succession planning.
Shire of Denmark	$9,750	The scholarship will support the Corporate Planning Officer to undertake a Graduate Certificate in Project Management to assist with a recent promotion and responsibilities around the development of a series of projects with a focus on documenting and improving service levels. The application supports the Shire's aspirations and goals of their Strategic Community Plan and 10+ year vision that their workforce is aligned to deliver services of priority.
Shire of Murray	$9,750	The scholarship will support the Health, Safety and Risk Management Officer to undertake a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management to enhance knowledge and skills in the Human Resources environment. This training will provide an increased understanding of the functions of human resources and assist the scholarship applicant with the current role as well as future leadership opportunities. The qualification supports specific projects and activities outlined in the Shire's Corporate Business Plan, in particular the requirements of the organisation's multi-skilling program and negotiation process of the new Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.
Shire of Waroona	$4,016	The scholarship will support the Duty Manager of the Waroona Recreation and Aquatic Centre to undertake a Diploma in Leadership and Management. This will provide career progression and the development of leadership and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to assist in the improvement of safe working processes and successful program and event management. The qualification supports the Shire's Strategic Community and Corporate Business Plan that seeks to support good governance and includes the themes of excellence in decision making, improving knowledge and building a supported, motivated and high performing workforce.
City of Bunbury	$9,100	The scholarship will support the Occupational Safety and Health/Human Resource Officer to undertake a Diploma of Work Health and Safety to gain skills and knowledge to assist their current work and progress towards a Senior Officer position. The qualification supports the City's Community Strategic Plan and the importance of ensuring that the organisation maintains and continues to grow its capability, best practice and costs associated with workplace injuries.
Shire of Capel	$10,000	The scholarship will support the Human Resource Officer to undertake a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health. This will assist the officer to meet the requirements of being an authorised Environmental Health Officer under the Public Health Act 2016 and to engage with environmental and public health activities. The qualification will support the Shire's Corporate Business Plan by providing a skilled, diverse and capable workforce to meet increased population growth and strategies that relate directly to health services. There is also a notable skills shortage of Environmental Health Officers and this will assist with Shire succession planning.
Shire of Koorda	$5,181	The scholarship will support the Finance/Administration/Rates Officer to undertake a Certificate IV in Local Government Administration to further develop relevant skills and knowledge. The officer will then be able to pass these skills on to relevant employees with a view to being promoted to higher level positions within the management of administration and/or finance environments. The qualification supports the Shire's Strategic Community Plan, in particular retaining suitably trained and qualified staff and supporting their training requirements.
Shire of Northam	$3,000	The scholarship will support the Customer Services Officer to undertake a Diploma of Local Government Administration to enhance the officer's knowledge base and skills to assist with a continued future in local government administrative roles. The qualification supports the Shire's Strategic Plan, in particular the objective of 'improving organisational capability and capacity' and specifically to 'Operate/manage organisation in a sustainable manner'.

Community Development Scholarships	​	​
Shire of Ashburton	$4,872	The Shire of Ashburton will support the Community Services Coordinator to undertake a Diploma of Community Development through TAFE Queensland. The course will strengthen the applicant's knowledge and capacity to design and deliver community programs and understand core opportunities when presented to benefit the community. This course will also provide an entrance pathway for the applicant to undertake tertiary training to further their career. The completion of this course will support the applicant to effectively enhance 'vibrant and active communities' and 'enduring partnerships', as identified in the Shire's Strategic Community Plan.
Shire of Toodyay	$8,100	The Shire of Toodyay will support the Manager Community Development to undertake a Certificate in Engagement and an Advanced Certificate in Engagement through the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). Undertaking this course will assist the applicant to develop skills and capacity in leadership, decision-making, developing partnerships and fostering local passion and resilience. The completion of this course will enhance the applicant's ability to build trust, partnerships, support community action, and prepare a Community Engagement Plan, as identified in the Strategic Community Plan.