Fresh Faces, Bright Futures: Bellingen Council Welcomes New Trainees

Published on 11 July 2025

Image: Fresh Start trainees

There are a bunch of fresh new faces being seen around Council offices recently, as a group of local young people began their careers in local government at Bellingen Shire Council this month thanks to the Fresh Start Program.

The program is a NSW Government initiative supporting councils to address skill shortages and grow the next generation of local government professionals close to home.

The new batch of trainees have been taken on by the administrative section of Council and include exciting opportunities across a broad range of fields.

There were six successful candidates:

1. Brendon Hickey: Trainee Customer and Business Services Officer
2. Caleb Knobloch: Trainee Information and Technology Support
3. Indryd Coy: Trainee Records Management
4. Lily Kostka: Trainee Communications and Engagement Officer
5. Tao Muir: Trainee Environmental Education Officer
6. Zena Page: Trainee Events Officer

This is the second round of trainees taken on by Bellingen Council this year – the first round saw two apprentices and one trainee taken on in the areas of Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Civil Construction (Bridges) and Supply Chain Operations.

Each young person will be trained in the practical skills of their chosen field over the two years of their traineeship, as well as completing a relevant nationally recognised qualification.

The program supports the local community by providing employment and training opportunities for local young people, as well as filling skill gaps within Council.

We wish our new trainees all the very best and look forward to seeing their growth and development over the next two years, while enjoying their fresh perspective and energy in the workplace.