Officer Community Development

• A varied and rewarding role will have the successful applicant work together with the community to facilitate, support, and implement community development initiatives. 
• Competitive annual salary commencing at $93,064, plus up to 15% superannuation
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements and a fortnightly RDO.

About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast.  Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm.  Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history.  Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally. 

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Officer Community Development

Remuneration: Annual salary commencing at $93,064, plus up to 15% superannuation

Closing Date: Sunday 16th August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted.  Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Make a lasting difference in the Gympie Region.

Are you passionate about strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to connect, thrive and belong? We're looking for an enthusiastic and community-focused Community Development Officer to join our team and help shape a stronger, more connected Gympie Region.

In this rewarding role, you'll work alongside local communities, community organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders to support and deliver initiatives that improve social wellbeing, encourage participation and build community capacity.

About the Role

As a Community Development Officer, you'll play a key role in facilitating community-led initiatives that respond to local needs and aspirations. You'll work across a diverse portfolio of projects and programs, building partnerships and supporting communities to achieve positive social outcomes.

No two days are the same. From supporting volunteer groups and community organisations to coordinating community projects, facilitating engagement activities and contributing to Council's Community Grants Program, you'll help empower communities to turn ideas into action.

Key Responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Facilitate, support and implement community development initiatives that strengthen communities and improve social outcomes.
• Apply contemporary community development principles to build community capacity, participation and connection.
• Deliver community development projects, events and portfolio areas such as youth, seniors and other community priorities.
• Support community-led and place-based approaches that build on local strengths and respond to community needs.
• Provide advice and support to community groups and volunteer organisations, including assistance with accessing funding opportunities.
• Assist community organisations to navigate Council processes relating to community facilities and infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a broad range of community stakeholders,includig Community Hall Committees.
• Contribute to the delivery of Council's Community Grants Program.
• Facilitate community engagement activities that encourage meaningful participation and inform Council planning and projects.
• Work collaboratively within the Community Development team to deliver outstanding outcomes for the community.
• Participate in disaster management and community recovery activities when required.

About You

You're passionate about community development and enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds. You have excellent relationship-building skills, thrive in collaborative environments and are motivated by creating positive change.

You will bring:

• A degree in Community Development, Social Sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Experience applying contemporary community development principles, including community capacity building, engagement, community-led and place-based approaches.
• Demonstrated experience planning, delivering and evaluating community development inititives.
• Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills with community organisations, government agencies and service providers.
• Highly developed communication, facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering quality outcomes.
• Strong report writing, presentation and digital literacy skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team.

Mandatory Requirements

• Current Queensland "C" Class Driver Licence (or higher).
• Current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) or the ability to obtain one.

Desirable

• Experience working within local government or knowledge of local government functions, community funding programs and relevant government policies.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to work in a role where your ideas, skills and passion can make a genuine difference to people's lives. You'll be part of a supportive team committed to strengthening communities, fostering collaboration and delivering meaningful outcomes across the Gympie Region.

If you're an innovative and community-minded professional who enjoys building relationships and creating opportunities for people to thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help build stronger, more connected communities across the Gympie Region.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here. 

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact Council's Coordinator Community Development, Kerrie Forrest on 0419 509 298 or email kerrie.forrest@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on 07-5481 0971 or email sue.rossi@gympie.qld.gov.au

What we offer?

• Nine day fortnight
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 15% per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here.  You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Keen to apply? -  Simply follow the instructions below:

1) Download and review the position description above
2) Complete the information below as requested using your personal email. 
3) Click 'APPLY'
4) Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
5) Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 16th August 2026 at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.

Gympie Regional Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and our people represent the community which we service. We invite all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.