Meet Our People
Want to be part of a team that truly cares? At Dubbo Regional Council, our people give a lot because they know what they do matters. Yet, they tell us they also get a lot back. And so will you. When you join us, you’ll belong to a team that treats you with kindness and respect, and you’ll have the support of approachable leaders who genuinely want you to succeed and thrive at work and home.
Hear from Jamie Lobb
Purpose, impact and a better balance: How Jamie Lobb found a great combination at Dubbo Regional Council
Jamie Lobb was searching for a more relaxed, affordable lifestyle for his family. He also wanted to achieve, grow and enjoy a rewarding career. At Dubbo Regional Council, he enjoys both. As Resource Recovery and Efficiency Manager, Jamie ensures we deliver essential services that keep our community functioning and safe. He’s also at the heart of some big environmental change that will shape the future of our organisation, our region, and his purposeful career.
A more sustainable future
When Jamie Lobb stepped into his new role at Dubbo Regional Council, he thought he’d be overseeing kerbside bin collection and managing our landfill. Of course, as Resource Recovery and Efficiency Manager, Jamie does these things every day - our region’s residents, families and visitors wouldn’t be healthy or safe without them.
What he didn’t anticipate in those first few weeks in early 2023 was the variety, scope and impact of his work. And after 10 years as an environmental consultant and contractor in the private sector, he was impressed by Council’s commitment to shape a more sustainable future - for our community and beyond.
“I had no idea just how many moving parts there are at Council, or the amount and variety of services we offer,” Jamie says. “I also didn’t realise how progressive Council was in terms of environmental sustainability. We now have a Net Zero Framework. We’re part of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, which will have a huge impact for the greater good. We’re also adjusting the infrastructure at our landfills to make them more efficient.”
Deepening Jamie’s sense of purpose is the fact he’s contributing to the community that he, his wife and two young children now call home.
“We shifted from Sydney to Dubbo because my wife grew up here, so we had that family support. The style of living was also more attractive - to live in a home, not an apartment, plus the lower cost of living. As a young family, everything we need is here. It’s rewarding to work for the community you live in.”
Driving real change
As Resource Recovery and Efficiency Manager, Jamie oversees the operation of seven active sites, including landfills, waste transfer stations and recycling centres. He also ensures our region’s bins are collected, solid waste is processed, and as much is recycled as possible.
“I love diverting waste from landfill. Waste will always be there - we need to minimise it and utilise it as a product. One thing the Dubbo community does well is utilise the recycling services we offer. That motivates me to keep exploring other opportunities to try to create a circular economy and, in essence, reduce our carbon footprint. Playing our part is something I take a lot of pride in.”
Jamie also reviews and develops strategic policies for greater efficiency and sustainable living in the Dubbo region. He helped drive a polystyrene recycling trial at Whylandra Waste and Recycling Centre, which was so successful that it will become a permanent fixture. And he’s especially proud of our Net Zero Framework, which will see Council operating with a zero carbon footprint by 2050, or at least have reduced its emissions by 90%.
“I can’t take ownership of that; I was the eyes in the background, but I was very proud the Net Zero Framework was endorsed and approved. We put a lot of work into it, and now that we have that high-level target, we can filter down and see what actions we can take to get there. It’s opened more doors to review our current practice and see what we can do moving forward. It was a good energy boost.”
With ample opportunities for formal and informal learning, Jamie can continually acquire new knowledge and skills and stay at the forefront of advances in waste management.
“We have an online platform that lists all the training opportunities Council offers. I’ve been able to do training in financial management, which was very beneficial to me. Council is also very supportive of us attending conferences related to our field. I recently went to the Coffs Harbour Waste Conference - it was a great way to see what’s happening in other areas and keep our finger on the pulse.”
Time for what matters most
It’s not all about work, though. At Dubbo Regional Council, Jamie gets the best of both worlds. He can spend quality time with his family, coach and play with the Macquarie United Football Club, and make the most of Dubbo’s vibrant, balanced lifestyle.
“In terms of living, I can’t fault it. We have cafes, restaurants and excellent sporting facilities. Dubbo has a very good sense of community. You know your neighbours, you have your Christmas party at the end of your street. It’s just a friendly environment.”
Are you considering a role at Dubbo Regional Council? Jamie has the following advice:
“Council offers so many different roles. We run the theatre, the airport, a daycare centre, landfills - all kinds of things. There are lots of opportunities and room to move within Council. Our councillors, executives and the CEO are very progressive. They’re not just happy with the status quo; they’re constantly challenging processes. It’s quite a rewarding place to work.”
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Last Edited: 08 May 2024