As we welcome skilled migrants to the Shire as part of the Welcome to Central Goldfields project we're highlighting the many stories of residents who already live and love living in our community.
In May 2021, Council welcomed Sumaya Tonny to its team in the position of Strategic Planner with the Infrastructure, Assets and Planning directorate.
Sumaya, who moved from Melbourne with her husband, said they chose to relocate for employment opportunities.
"As a passionate Strategic Planner the position at Central Goldfields Shire was an opportunity for me to develop my skills through exciting projects that involve updating Council's local planning policies and preparing plans that will guide the future growth and development of the townships.
"I am really enjoying living here - mostly because I enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens, cafes and restaurants and variety of supermarkets and the products offered by the local retails in Maryborough.
"I've always felt safe and welcomed in Maryborough.
"The things I most admire are the services, parks and gardens and other open spaces that Maryborough offers which really helps in keeping a healthy and active lifestyle."
Council's Child and Young People First Project Officer Gemma Simpson moved from Bendigo in 2020, having brought her first home to renovate in Maryborough.
"I grew up in Central Victoria around Harcourt and Castlemaine, so Central Goldfields wasn't totally new to me, but I was really excited to get to know and join in with a new community here.
"When I first moved across in 2020 I was still working in Bendigo and we were going in and out of lockdowns, so at first I found it hard to meet and get to know people. Since I joined some local clubs and began working at Council, I've found the community to be really welcoming and supportive. Compared to living in big cities where I've felt lost and alienated at times, I love the character of smaller towns and being able to stop and chat with people down the street.
"Having grown up in the bush, I love being so close to it again and being able to head out for a hike or bushwalk at the drop of a hat- especially during the lockdowns. I think if you like being out in nature, Central Goldfields gives you a lot of options and places to enjoy. I especially love seeing all the bird life and wildflowers out in spring- sometimes you have to look closely, or they pop out in surprising places."
Central Goldfields Shire CEO Lucy Roffey said Council is one of the Shire's biggest employers and that the Welcome to Central Goldfields project is an opportunity to refine and improve recruitment processes.
"Council is a great place to work, we are progressive and innovative and we pride ourselves on being welcoming and inclusive.
"We're a unique workplace because not only do you get to work in your field of expertise but at the same time you can make a real difference to your local community.
"We know that recruiting is hard for many businesses across the Shire, including at Council, and Welcome to Central Goldfields is an opportunity to learn what are our barriers to recruitment and what are our strengths."
Community and business leaders have partnered together on the pilot Welcome to Central Goldfields project.
The project aims to not only help fill gaps in our current and future workforce, but also add to our cultural diversity.
