Two of Horsham Rural City Council's parks and gardens team members have finished three-year apprenticeships and are now looking forward to long careers in horticulture.
Lauren Player and Montana Petering have officially completed Certificate III in Parks and Gardens Horticulture.
Both are now working as fully qualified members of the HRCC parks and gardens team.
LAUREN PLAYER
What started your interest in gardening?
I grew up in Queensland and have always enjoyed being outdoors. I particularly like the practical side of my job. Planting out trees and flowerbeds and creating great displays which all the community can enjoy is very rewarding.
What's it like to work in the parks and gardens team?
Council has provided me with the opportunity to progress, and has supported me to develop my skills. They provide a safe and supportive work environment, and I really enjoy working with my team. They bring experience and knowledge from different backgrounds and so there is a lot that we can learn from each other.
What equipment have you learned to use?
Dingo Mini Digger, skid steer loader, mini street sweeper, gang mower, front deck mower, Husky mower, cricket pitch roller, chainsaw, pole saw, tree chipper and smaller tools such as a whipper snipper, hedge trimmer, backpack blower, handheld blower and an edger.
MONTANA PETERING
What do you like about your job?
As a gardener at the Council there is a wide variety of jobs and tasks to do such as hedge trimming, planting annuals, street sweeping footpaths and planting out new gardens beds.
This variety of tasks means there is always something different happening at work.
I like the flexible work arrangements at the Council working an eight-day fortnight. I also enjoy working with my colleagues as they share the same interests of gardening and make work more enjoyable.
What skills have you developed?
I've learnt how to maintain public gardens and reserves, weed control, chemical use and handling, tree maintenance, plant and turf nutrition and mowing and irrigation maintenance.
Would you recommend a career in Local Government?
I definitely recommend a career at the Council for school leavers that like hands-on work and enjoy working outside every day.
You will learn lots of new skills and gain great knowledge in the job you're working as well as enjoying working outside in the fresh air.
The environment at the Council is very friendly and co-workers will help teach you so you can do your job to the best of your ability.
What do you enjoy about living and working in the Wimmera?
I can go for a walk along the Wimmera River and greet others with a smile. I also enjoy how friendly the community is and the opportunities there are such as playing for a local football and netball club, going to see a performance at the Town Hall, eating out for tea, or catching up with friends at a park or nice spot.
