Council to host its annual “Big Day In”

Longreach Regional Council will gather its entire workforce together in the same place, at the same time, for its annual full day of training and professional development on Friday 7 February. 

The ‘Big Day In” has been designed to help employees understand the breadth and scope of work undertaken by the organisation. The day will consist of presentations and workshops to support the flow of information between departments.

Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Murphy, said that with Council’s workforce being spread over such a large area, the initiative was an essential measure to aid understanding and communication across sections.

“We’re one of the largest employers in the region, with staff spread through 19 departments working across 40,000 square kilometres. With everyone being so spread out, doing different things, it’s important that we get everyone on the same page.

“What the Big Day In does is reinforce what is already a very positive culture by showing our whole team what we do here, why we do it, and the part they play in the big picture.”

He said the event was also an opportunity for staff to have their say and ask questions.

“It’s not just about talking to everybody at once; it also gives us the opportunity to hear from all parts of our organisation.”

To facilitate the event, all Council offices and libraries in Ilfracombe, Isisford and Longreach will be closed for the day. The Longreach Childcare Centre will also close its doors. Council’s main phone number will be directed to its after-hours answering service, which will be able to respond to any enquiries. 

Mr Murphy acknowledged the closures will cause some inconvenience, but said the community will be the ultimate beneficiaries.

“If doing this means we provide a better service and greater value to our residents in the long run, then hopefully it’s worth the minor inconvenience for one day a year.”