Located in the Central West of New South Wales, Dubbo is a vibrant regional city with a rich cultural heritage and a growing, diverse community. Careers at Council recently caught up with Dubbo Regional Council’s People and Culture Team Leader – Mardi Stiles, and CEO – Murray Wood to discuss the breadth of opportunities, evolving workplace culture and diversity of workforce that make Dubbo Regional Council a compelling destination to enjoy a thriving career, and a fulfilling lifestyle.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
Dubbo’s demographic landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with a diverse array of ethnic communities making their homes in the region. This diversity enriches the cultural tapestry of Dubbo and contributes to the vibrancy of community life.
It’s not surprising then that Dubbo Regional Council embraces ethnic diversity as a cornerstone of its organisational culture, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the community it serves. Of its 687-strong team, 6.2% are from non-English-speaking backgrounds including Indian, Pakistani, African, and Bangladeshi, and 13.1% identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
CEO, Murray Wood emphasizes the importance of accommodating cultural differences and fostering inclusivity within the workplace, stating, “We want people to bring their whole selves to work – and that includes their cultures.”
The council recognises the importance of supporting employees from diverse backgrounds and ensuring their voices are heard. Initiatives such as flexible leave arrangements and cultural inclusivity programs demonstrate the council’s commitment to creating an environment where every employee feels valued and supported.
Success through creativity and imagination
According to Murray, successful employees are characterized by more than just their technical expertise; they bring a blend of creative imagination and passion. “People here do really amazing things for our community – they have a passion, and an ability to solve problems with creative thinking.” A strong culture of respect is also found at Council with Murray emphasising “The other part of being successful here would be respect – respect for everyone in the organisation”.
People and Culture Team Leader, Mardi Stiles highlights the professionalism, experience, and knowledge of Dubbo employees, stating, “People are very professional here; very experienced, very knowledgeable.”
A once-in-a-generation opportunity
Dubbo Regional Council’s strategic positioning in the renewable energy sector heralds a potential new era of economic prosperity and sustainability for the region. As one of three councils in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, Dubbo is at the forefront of the energy transition, poised to capitalize on the burgeoning renewable energy market.
Murray underscores the significance of this transition, labelling it as “the new economy” and asserting the council’s central role in driving innovation and growth. With the impending rollout of renewable energy projects, Dubbo is not just embracing a sustainable future but also unlocking unprecedented economic opportunities.
The transition to renewable energy impacts various industries within local government, from roading and infrastructure to economic development and planning. Murray highlights the multifaceted nature of this transition, stating, “This transition necessitates creative solutions and collaborative efforts across the organisation, creating a fertile ground for professional growth and innovation.”
Dubbo Regional Council is keenly aware that renewable energy projects have the potential to stimulate job creation and drive economic development, positioning Dubbo as a hub for green innovation and investment.
People you can count on
Dubbo Regional Council recently undertook an Employer Branding initiative, kicking off with a series of workshops involving leadership teams and employees at various levels and areas within the organisation. These workshops provided a platform for open dialogue and collaboration, allowing participants to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations within the workplace.
One of the key insights out of the workshops was the sense of support, camaraderie, and shared purpose that employees feel within the organisation. It not only contributes to a positive work environment, but fosters a culture of inclusivity.
Mardi elaborates, “We heard from people who aren’t local to Dubbo, who have come to work here and have found that the council has been very open and welcoming to them,” she adds, “they reported that they are thriving and growing and they’re getting so many opportunities that they wouldn’t have had where they were previously. And, they also told us that they’re loving that work/life balance with the community and living in Dubbo.”
The initiative also offered a deeper understanding of the organisation’s workplace culture. Themes such as teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support emerged as cornerstones of the council’s culture, as evidenced by Mardi’s observation, “, People feel they can rely on people in the organisation. It was so pleasing to hear this.”
A holistic approach to wellness
Dubbo Regional Council places a strong emphasis on employee wellness and work-life balance, recognising the importance of supporting employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The council offers a range of initiatives and resources aimed at promoting wellness and resilience among its workforce.
Mardi underscores the council’s commitment to flexibility and support, stating, “Whether that be a nine-day fortnight, a 19-day month, compressed hours, working from home, working remotely outside of Dubbo. Flexible working is something we are continually working on.” This flexible approach to work arrangements empowers employees to achieve a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, contributing to overall well-being and job satisfaction.
The council also invests in mental health support initiatives. By destigmatising mental health issues and providing access to resources and support networks, Dubbo Regional Council aims to create a supportive and resilient workforce. “We encourage people to talk more about their challenges. It’s not enough to ask ‘are you ok?’ It’s also knowing how to respond to that question.”
Professional empowerment and growth
Whether employees are starting at entry-level or aspiring to leadership positions, Dubbo Regional Council provides opportunities for advancement and progression. In addition to career development pathways, Council offers a wide range of professional training and development programs aimed at enhancing employees’ skills and capabilities. These programs cover various areas, including technical skills, leadership development, and industry-specific knowledge.
Murray underscores the council’s commitment to supporting employees’ growth and development, stating, “You can come here and get your personal growth – not only from a qualification and education point of view, but there’s also a real opportunity to work in different areas, on different projects.” This approach to career development ensures that employees have access to a diverse range of learning opportunities and are empowered to realise their full potential.
If celebrating diversity, seizing once-in-a-generation opportunities, thriving professionally and embracing the ultimate work/life balance sounds like the right career move for you, why not explore the opportunities available in Dubbo Regional Council right now.
