Charlotte Varcoe
DECADES of experience in local government has prompted District Council of Grant chief executive officer Darryl Whicker encouraging those interested to take the leap.
Mr Whicker was recently acknowledged for 25 years working in the local government sector after taking up an apprenticeship straight out of high school.
First starting out working in a library at another council, Mr Whicker soon climbed the ladder of local government before securing the chief executive position at Grant Council five years ago.
“When I finished high school I was permitted into university for a commerce degree and somehow I was convinced by my aunty who worked in facilitating traineeships to consider a traineeship during my gap year,” Mr Whicker said.
“I applied for a couple of roles and I was employed into a council as a trainee and worked initially in the library and in customer service.”
He said some of the benefits of working in local government included having a purpose and providing good service and amenities to help residents “live their best lives”.
“Another is the career progression and the people you meet and the opportunities local government can give,” Mr Whicker said.
Throughout his career, Mr Whicker had worked in a range of different sections of local government including customer service, works depots, finance, aged care facilities and risk, audit and strategic procurement.
“I have also worked in a directors role in coordinating governance, human relations, finance, planning and now more recently as the chief executive officer at the District Council of Grant where I oversee our operations and the point of difference in this council is we also operate an airport and saleyards,” he said.
“The challenges over the years have always been, particularly in rural and regional councils, trying to complete great projects with cost pressures and budgets in a cost pressure environment as well as the rise of greater legislation, government and safety commitments which are fundamentally important.”
Mr Whicker said being a person who enjoyed participating and being involved, he had taken every opportunity for training and moved within the organisations of different roles.
“I have studied more and been able to do more hands-on stuff and seeing our achievements is what has driven me to continue in local government,” he said.
“I think local government is very unique and it is different from probably any other chief executive role whether it be non-for-profit or commercial, it is very unique.”
He said throughout his career he had enjoyed working alongside many different people within the organisations while also witnessing others grow into new roles and opportunities.
“Grant Council gets stuff done and I think we are very well connected to our communities, in particular our progress associations, halls and sporting clubs,” Mr Whicker said.
“The most exciting switch in the last number of years has been the shift from consultancy to engagement.
“We are a small regional council that works together across a lot of business units and we get stuff done, I think we are very well connected to our communities.”
Mr Whicker said council continued to provide a range of opportunities including traineeships such as what started his career.
“My beginnings as a trainee is something I am particularly proud of and Grant Council has a trainee program where we have several trainees within our organisation and there is nothing more rewarding to be able to see some of our trainees have long, rewarding careers,” he said.
