Brewarrina Shire Council celebrates their people for Local Government Week

Monday July 29 to Sunday August 4, 2024, is Local Government Week, a time to shine the light on all the invaluable work local councils and their teams do, and the variety of services they provide.

“It’s more than just rates, roads and rubbish. Local councils across the country, including Brewarrina, provide their communities with the services and infrastructure they need to work, rest and play, 365 days a year,” said Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby.

“Local Government Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the range and diversity of services Bre Council and our incredible teams offer the community, everything from community events, like the recent Brewarrina Blizzard, the Big Sky Library, sports fields, parks, and cemeteries, to food safety checks, building and development and pet registration.

“As the level of government closest to communities, councils are best placed to activate healthy local economies and thriving neighbourhoods. We work with other levels of government to secure funding to make our community better. That’s why we are so excited about some our fantastic projects like the Youth Centre and upcoming main street revitalisation, which is set to transform the heart of our town into a modern, inviting and vibrant hub for locals and visitors,” Mr Kirby added.  

“Brewarrina Shire Council is staffed and run by local people, for local people. This Local Government Week, we are taking the opportunity to showcase and acknowledge our incredible people, who help make our shire and community what it is today.”

Brewarrina Shire Council is the biggest employer in town, with almost 80 people across a range of different departments that look after everything from parks and gardens, visitor information, the pool and library, the economic development of the shire, community and youth services, and much more.

Some of our incredible team includes:

Hilary Hertslet

Born and bred in Brewarrina, Hilary is one of council’s longest serving and dedicated team members, having spent more than 34 years supporting her community.

She credits her valued mentor and colleague Linda Hutchinson for her professional and personal development and the opportunities she afforded her.

“I cannot thank Linda enough for her years of friendship and guidance.”

Hilary also acknowledged council for the professional growth and development opportunities that has allowed her to continue diversifying her skill set within council.

She believes Bre Shire is a great place to work and highly recommends that young people apply for positions with Council, as there is something for everybody, and plenty of training opportunities.

Jake Boney, Workshop Supervisor

Jake has been an integral member of the team for more than 12 years, maintaining and servicing council’s entire fleet of vehicles and machinery.

He loves the workshop team he works with as well as helping apprentices grow and complete their trades.

Jake loves the laid-back lifestyle of living Brewarrina as well as all his friends and family in town.

Fred Turner, Town Supervisor

Fred has been with Bre Council for an incredible 30 years! He is responsible for the parks, gardens, water and sewers throughout the Shire.

He loves being able to upgrade the town with the latest technologies and working together with his close-knit team.

The avid Dragons supporter said, like Jake, he too likes the laid-back lifestyle of Brewarrina as well the community.

His manager said “Fred is a fantastic supervisor, and the outdoor staff really look up to him.”

Craig Peterson, Water & Sewer Team Leader

Craig has been with the council team for 21 years and oversees the maintenance of the Brewarrina Water and Sewer Plant.

A keen fisherman, he’s lived in Bre all his life, and loves the people, the beautiful community and living in the bush.

His supervisor said he’s a great team leader, and Craig said he is looking forward to rolling our more than 500 new smart water meters within the community this year.

Deakin Boney, Water & Sewer / Parks & Gardens Operator

In his almost six years at Bre council, Deakin said he has most loved the great team environment.

In his role, he works hard to ensure the community has a quality drinking water supply.

He loves the quiet community lifestyle, and close family and friends in Bre, and on the weekends you’ll find him on the field playing for, or on the sideline helping to coach the Brumbies.

Matt Dwyer, Water & Sewer Operator

Matt first started at council three years ago, as part of the Transport team before moving over to Utilities and taking a keen interest in the Water Management processes.

Despite travelling and living in lots of different places, Matt always comes back to Bre – “Brewarrina has always been home.”

He’s mad about restoring old cars, and his manager said he is an integral part of the Water and Sewer team.

Pamela Lambe, Parks & Gardens Labourer

Pam recently joined council as the first female member of the Utilities team.

Her role includes gardening, mowing, trimming and tidying at key locations in the town centre, including Council Chambers, the Visitors Centre and Community Centre, and helping out at community events.

She loves keeping town clean and tidy, to give travellers a wonderful experience in our community.

Her supervisor said her work ethic and willingness to learn and try new things makes her a superstar of the team!