One of the great challenge for our region's businesses and organisations this year has been staffing.

Whether it be getting them or keeping them, it was been well documented as an issue in workplaces around the country.

To help combat this issue, Coonamble Shire Council have organised a new employment program in partnership with external organisations to build up the staffing numbers at the shire’s waste management facilities.

On Friday 17 November at the VERTO offices in Coonamble’s main Street, fifteen potential employees sat down for a chat at an information day to discuss pathways to the workforce.

The program has been organised and executed by a Ms Janelle ‘Nugget’ Whitehead who returns to Coonamble and to local government as the new Coonamble Shire Manager of Waste, Recycling and Employment Initiatives.

Joining her is Lynn Field, CEO and Employment Training Coach at Nguumambing Indigenous Corporation.

Put simply the program has one goal in mind.

“We’re looking at getting locals into jobs,” said Lynn. “We’ve got facilities that are underutilised and understaffed at the moment.

“The outcome of the program will be getting staff to work at the Waste Management Facilities in the Shire but we can also look at other opportunities in local government.”

Ms Field says the program is not just about getting people into jobs, but supporting them throughout the entire process.

“Nugget (Ms Whitehead) and I developed a program that’s not just about finding a job but about a lot of the pre-employment skills,” said Lynn. “Things like time management, work life balance, basic money management and working to identify stressors in their lives and in work.”

“From there then we work to provide strategies for them, and provide access to other services if need be.”

On Friday at the VERTO office the three hour information session provided a first step towards employment with the shire in waste management.

“I expect to get two thirds to three quarters of the fifteen into jobs,” said Lynn. “I don’t use an orthodox approach, I don’t speak in monotone, it’s loud and engaging and involves the audience.

“It’s not judgemental either, I try to make sure no one feels judged while we’re in the sessions.”