A new team of Local Land services (LLS) graduates are set to begin their careers in regional NSW and provide a welcome boost to services across veterinary, agriculture and natural resource management.
Student and now graduate, Marieke Hoelscher, will be based in Broken Hill and work alongside colleagues covering the western region.
The 12-month graduate program sees highly skilled and qualified graduates working side by side with experienced Local Land Services staff to support rural landholders and communities.
A total of 13 new graduates are now taking their places in NSW government roles across rural and regional areas, including the Murray, South East, Riverina, Greater Sydney, North West and Central Tablelands LLS regions and the LLS policy team.
Ms Hoelscher said, “I am really looking forward to getting practical hands-on experience and working with producers, such as hosting and facilitating events that help farmers adopt valuable new techniques and practices.
“Learning about Western Local Land Services and rangeland production systems, especially the challenges and opportunities for producers, is something else I’m really looking forward to,” she said.
The program aims to develop employees to continue their careers with LLS. Ninety per cent of the graduates from the first intake have secured longer-term positions with the agency following successful completion of the initial program.
The NSW government has graduate programs in place across many agencies, but this is the only one focused specifically on agriculture, animal welfare and landscape management.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty says, “this program is investing in future frontline workers for regional NSW.
“It provides opportunities for the next generation of professionals to begin their careers in rural and regional areas. Graduates get on the job experience and learn from some of the best minds in the business,” said the minister.
For more information about the Local Land Services graduate program, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/graduate-program
