Teamwork is always the winner

Ballina Shire Council staff members, Paul Crozier and Josh Pauling both know the value of teamwork on the field and in the workplace.

Each season, Paul (a Lennox Head Trojan) and Josh (a Ballina Seahorse) go head-to-head on the field for the coveted local rugby union premiership. But come Monday they swap their opposing jerseys for a Council uniform and use their teamwork skills to score tries to improve our community and tackle electrical and construction projects.

As Council's Coordinator of Construction and Trojan's fullback, Paul is no stranger to working with and managing a team to deliver large projects like the Skennars Head Road and Ross Lane roundabout.

“The best part of my job is definitely our crew of guys. We use our strengths to work as a team and get the job done, which is similar to a footy team on the field,” says Paul.

Seahorse second rower and local boy, Josh, joined Council's team of electricians ten years ago. He was in Council's very first cohort of school-based apprentices and worked one day a week with Council electricians during grade 11 and 12.

“Not long after my electrical apprenticeship finished I was lucky enough to get a permanent job with Council. Over the last ten years I've enjoyed the safe and supportive work environment they provide - plus the rostered days off aren't bad,” says Josh.

But just like on the footy field, working at Council has its challenges. “As an electrician, we often receive call outs which can be any time of the day or night. We have to act fast and work as a team to fix the issue efficiently to avoid impacts to the community,” explains Josh.

For Paul, who manages multiple projects simultaneously, the challenge is to deliver improved infrastructure, such as new carparks and roundabouts, efficiently while balancing community expectations. “Generally, I oversee three large projects at once and my job is to make sure it's done safely, within budget and with as little impact to the community as possible,” says Paul.

“I am happy to say, most of the time we get this balance right and it's always rewarding to finish a project like the Ross Lane roundabout and know you've helped make our community safer,” adds Paul.

Footy team alliances aside, Josh and Paul definitely agree on one thing; Ballina Shire Council is a great place to live and work. Both agree it's the unique and laid back lifestyle our shire offers that makes this one of the best places to be on the east coast.

The local rugby union season for 2018 is well underway and the Ballina Seahorses and Lennox Head Trojans are neck and neck! We wish both Paul and Josh all the best with the rugby union premiership this September.

Josh and Paul may be rivals on the rugby field but when it comes to working for Ballina Shire Council they both agree it's a great place to be.

To find out about current job opportunities at Ballina Shire Council, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au