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 Chris Rath
Career of a lifetime: Why Chris Rath still loves serving his community after 40 rewarding years
When Chris Rath joined Council as a young apprentice in the early 1980s, he thought he’d gain his certificate, stay another year or two, and then move on. Fast-forward four decades, and he’s still here! Our Engineering Design Team Leader has built a long-term and rewarding career at Dubbo Regional Council, making a difference for our region in ways both big and small.
From little things …
From road upgrades to flood mitigation, Chris Rath is involved in some truly impactful civil infrastructure projects. Yet, it’s often the simple things that give our Senior Design Engineer the greatest sense of pride and purpose.
“A couple of years ago, we upgraded the playground equipment at Cameron Park in the main part of Wellington,” Chris says. “I drove past this morning, and a family from interstate was pulled up. The kids were running around, sliding down the slippery dip, having a great time. You’ve got to think when those kids grow up, they’ll say, ‘Remember how we used to go on family holidays, we’d stop in that nice town and go to that park?’ It was a really simple project with a great outcome.”
Each day, Chris and the Infrastructure Strategy and Design team facilitate projects that enhance the lives and experiences of our region’s 55,000 residents and 1.65 million annual visitors.
Chris, who grew up in Wellington and raised his own family there, has been serving our community for more than 40 years, and it all began with a careers day in high school.
“We had a lady and gentleman from Council come and talk to us about applying for a job. It sounded good to me, so when I finished Year 10, I applied and got a traineeship as a Water and Sewerage Plant Operator.”
Chris initially thought working at Council would be a good stepping stone. Yet, with continual opportunities to test himself, he’s shaped a remarkable career full of variety, challenge and growth - without the need to go elsewhere.
“I’ve spent a lifetime at Council. I had some really great bosses early on who gave me opportunities to advance. I worked my way up to Supervisor, then I moved into Construction. I became a Design Officer, and now I’m an Engineering Design Team Leader. There are so many opportunities. You can start at any level, and if you apply yourself, work hard and study, you can progress.”
… Big things grow
Chris provides design services and advice for a vast and varied range of infrastructure projects, from the small - including site investigation for cemetery plots - to the large-scale and complex - such as helping to drought-proof our region.
“The flooding we had in 2022 resulted in quite a bit of damage to the bank of the Bell River and Pioneer Park in Wellington, which is a big sporting precinct right next to the river. We’re doing some bank stabilisation to try to prevent further erosion, and we’re also extending our groundwater pipeline network. It’s quite a challenging project, but the challenge of getting the job done brings a lot of satisfaction.”
Chris says the timeframe of the Bell River stabilisation project hinges on one crucial factor: platypus breeding season!
“We have quite a large habitat of platypus here, so we’re waiting until the platypus have finished breeding and the smaller ones are of a suitable size. Council has actually been buying crayfish to feed the platypus and keep them away from the construction site.”
Chris's work may seem a world away from his days monitoring water supply and sewerage as an apprentice. Yet, those early years gave Chris a solid career foundation, as well as an appreciation of the vital role everyone plays at Council.
“I like to go to site as much as possible to build a good rapport with the guys on the ground. I want to make sure what my team and I propose is actually working and makes the job easier for the people in the field building it. And in my section, we have a great bunch of people. We laugh, we joke, we have a bit of banter, but we dig in and get the job done. It makes your day enjoyable.”
A more relaxed way of life
The lack of traffic makes the 35-minute commute between Wellington and Dubbo a breeze for Chris, especially when he uses that time to listen to a good podcast. And when he isn’t working on projects that shape and strengthen the community, you’ll likely find him in the gym, hiking and enjoying the view from the top of Mount Arthur (Wellington’s “best-kept secret”), or working on his 1932 Ford hot rod.
“Now that my two kids have grown up, I have some money to spare,” Chris laughs. “I’ve always liked cars, and I enjoy the challenge of fixing something up, knowing it will take some focus and vision.”
Chris brings that same focus and attention to detail to his career. His top piece of advice if you’re considering a career with Dubbo Regional Council is to go in with an open mind.
“It’s a great opportunity if you’re willing to put in the work and give things a go. You just need to be open to new ideas, listen and learn from the people around you. They’re good people, and it’s a good place to work.”
Hear from Kimberley Biles
Growth journey: How Kimberley Biles found a place where she can achieve, learn and progress at work and beyond
Like many young people, Kimberley Biles wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do for a career. Thankfully, a role with our finance team swiftly put her on a path to long-term success. Twelve years later, our Finance Partner continues to shape a stimulating career full of personal and professional growth - all while raising a family in the community she grew up in.
Start of something special
Beginning a new career can be an exciting, nerve-racking time. Yet when 22-year-old Kimberley Biles joined Dubbo Regional Council in 2011, her nerves were quickly put at ease, and she soon felt right at home.
“Everyone was so nice and welcoming,” Kimberley says. “And I could see straight away how willing Council was to progress and support people. I started here quite young, not knowing what my career projection would be, but I’ve been able to really find my feet and develop at Council.”
After completing high school, Kimberley began her working life in real estate, but she realised it wasn’t the career path for her. Inspired to make a contribution that supported her community, she successfully applied for a role at Dubbo Regional Council in our rates team - and her career has gone from strength to strength ever since.
“I wasn’t very naturally good at maths! But working with the finance team, I developed a real interest. Council supported me through a Bachelor of Accounting with a joint degree in management. I’ve been able to move through different roles, and at various times over the years, I’ve acted in manager positions. I’ve had really good opportunities to grow my career at Council.”
Today, Kimberley is our Management Accountant, working closely with Council’s managers and directors to provide them with high-quality financial assistance - a testament to Kimberley’s willingness to test herself, learn and progress.
“Acting in higher roles, prior to success in obtaining Management Accountant, has been a great opportunity to get that knowledge, experience and confidence. It’s been really good for my professional and personal growth. I also feel like it’s a nice recognition of my work.”
Living and working in a true community
As a Management Accountant, Kimberley creates internal budgets and reviews, provides financial information and advice, and helps us improve financial performance. She also supports managers with any specific projects they may have. But for Kimberley, it’s not all about the numbers.
“I love the relationship side of things. I have good working relationships with lots of different people throughout the organisation. It means I get a widespread view of the diverse projects people are doing, and I have a broad knowledge base of the services Council provides.”
By supporting Council’s progress behind the scenes, Kimberley is vital to our ability to keep the Dubbo Region safe, enjoyable and growing for all.
“I definitely feel I’m making an impact. It may not be a direct impact, but a lot of the analysis and data integration we do goes into reports that inform the decisions that affect the community.”
Having grown up in Dubbo herself, the community holds a special place in Kimberley’s heart. She’s now raising a family of her own here, and she loves that her children get to experience such a vibrant, friendly and wholesome place.
“Dubbo’s always where I wanted to raise a family. For me, it’s a happy medium. It’s not a big city, but there’s so much to do, and it’s so easy to get around. You can walk down the street and generally see someone you know. It’s a great place to bring up kids. We can go to the river or the parks. We can go to the zoo, the movies or go bowling. There’s plenty to do - it’s just a quieter lifestyle.”
Where your career and life outside work matter
Juggling a career with two little ones is never easy, but Kimberley is able to achieve the balance she needs by working from home two days a week. A true lifelong learner, Kimberley continues to prioritise her professional development and plans to undertake further study to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.
“Council has been a really good place for me to grow as an individual at various stages in my life. They’ve supported me through my career and family, and now that I’ve had my babies, I’m focusing on progressing my career again. Every six months, we get the opportunity to apply for study assistance. Council put me through my original degree, and now I’m planning to do more study, which will open further doors for me.”
Would you like to shape a rewarding career that never gets stale? Kimberley says you’ll be able to do that and more at Dubbo Regional Council.
“It’s such a large organisation doing such diverse things. It can be challenging because we’re trying to meet the needs of so many people. But it’s also so rewarding because everything we do impacts the community. For a young person, it’s a great place to grow your career. It’s a stable, supportive and flexible environment.”
Hear from Jin Congkai
Living the Aussie dream: How Jin Congkai is helping to shape the future of the community he now calls home
Dubbo may not quite be the coastal paradise Jin Congkai had imagined when he boarded a plane in Singapore, bound for his new life in Australia. But what he found meant so much more: people you can count on, a lifestyle you love, and a rewarding, progressive career. Jin is proud to call Dubbo home, and as a Building and Development Certifier at Dubbo Regional Council, he’s helping to shape our community now and for the future.
A great place to live, work and progress
As Jin Congkai and his wife rode bicycles around Rottnest Island, charmed by the glittering sea and abundance of “tiny kangaroos” (or quokkas), an idea started to form.
“We thought, ‘You only live once, why don’t we live in this place?’” Jin says. “So, when our holiday ended, we decided to move to Australia.”
Back home in Singapore, Jin - a project manager in high-rise construction - discovered he was eligible for a Skilled Work Regional visa in Dubbo. Looking at a map of Australia, he saw that Dubbo was a long way from Western Australia, but surely it wasn’t too far from the New South Wales coast … right?
“I thought it might only be a 30-minute drive to the coastline or, at maximum, one hour. When we arrived, I realised I was so wrong!” Jin laughs.
Yet, Dubbo’s laidback lifestyle and community spirit soon won the couple over, and they knew this was where they wanted to stay. However, Jin initially found it challenging to find a role that complemented his skillset and experience.
“Then, I decided to contact Dubbo Regional Council. During my interview, I said, ‘I can precisely see my future. I can see my child playing in a big backyard here. I can picture it, but for this to happen, I need an opportunity.’”
We were delighted to offer Jin that chance. Joining us as an Assets Supervisor in 2019, Jin says he immediately found a place and a team that treated him as a whole person. In 2021, Jin was supported by Council to gain his Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying, and he stepped up to the role of undergraduate Building and Development Certifier. Today, Jin is working towards his Graduate Diploma, and as he helps us shape our region’s future, he’s living the life he envisioned when he first arrived in Dubbo.
“I have so much gratitude for Dubbo Regional Council. My wife and I initially struggled to find our track, but now we’re on track. I now have a young son. I have a house and a backyard where he can play. I just need to keep working on my Australian dream of getting a man cave!”
Shaping the future with people who care
It’s no surprise the classic Aussie shed is now firmly on Jin’s wish list. As a Building and Development Certifier, it’s just one type of building he assesses - along with much larger constructions, such as commercial and industrial developments. By ensuring they comply with Australian standards, he’s helping to advance our region’s growth and quality of life.
“Often, we advise people on a development that directly relates to their lives, like a first home. I remember helping one resident who wanted to build a shed to store an old car. He said, ‘It was my Dad’s car, so I need to look after it.’ So, you’re not only approving a building; you’re doing something that’s part of someone’s life. I feel this job is really meaningful, and I love it.”
What makes Jin’s work even more meaningful is the ability to learn and collaborate with a team of kind, hard-working people united by wanting to do what’s right - for their community, and each other.
“Because all my experience and education was in Singapore, I found things very different in Australia at first. But everyone at Council has been so helpful and friendly. They give me lots of assistance and always say, ‘Don’t worry, Jin. We can work it out.’”
Jin says this culture of kindness goes well beyond words of support, genuinely coming to the fore when he’s needed it most.
“We recently moved house, and I booked a removalist. My colleagues said, ‘What did you do that for? You need to cancel your removalist!’ That weekend, they turned up with trucks and trailers outside my house and moved all our furniture in one day. I couldn’t believe it! Another time, it was a scorching summer, and our evaporative system wasn’t working. It was very hot for my son, who was only two years old. So, my colleagues installed an air-con unit for us. To me, they are more than co-workers - they are part of my life.”
Purpose, impact and a better balance
As our region continues to grow and progress, there’s plenty of housing and sustainable development on the way. Jin and his team are at the heart and start of so much positive change that lies ahead, with everything they do today significantly impacting our region now and for the future.
Jin is certainly up for the challenge and looks forward to continuing to achieve, grow and progress at Dubbo Regional Council, where connection, balance and life at home matter.
“Dubbo is great for anyone who wants a balanced life. Everything you need is here. When you walk along Macquarie River and see someone you don’t know, you say hi to each other. You might stop and have a chat. It is a relaxed way of life with a caring community. That’s why I call it 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.”
Hear from Tracey Whillock
The gift of giving back: Why Tracey Whillock is proud to enhance the lifestyle of the region she loves
Sport has enriched Tracey Whillock’s life in so many ways. It’s given her fitness, friendships, confidence, community spirit and more. Today, Tracey shares these gifts with the Dubbo Region by facilitating opportunities to be active in our community. Our Recreation Coordinator is passionate about making a healthier life accessible to all, and in turn, she’s found a better balance to ensure her family always comes first.
Life lessons through sport
Growing up 65km from Dubbo in the rural town of Gilgandra, population 3,000, sport was a way of life for Tracey Whillock. Basketball, swimming, rugby, touch football - you name it, Tracey probably played it!
Tracey’s love of sports was instilled by her mother - a teacher who tirelessly ferried her four children to their various after-school sporting activities. She devoted what spare time she had to watching her children play or volunteering with different clubs, leaving a lasting impression on Tracey.
“Mum was massively into sport. She didn’t just put us kids into sport - she was on the committee of every club we played in, so we learnt to give back at a very young age,” Tracey reflects. “She planted the seed, and I’ve followed in her footsteps.”
Tracey’s held fast to the value of giving back - as a devoted touch football player, volunteer and coach, as a mother of three, and as Dubbo Regional Council’s Recreation Coordinator.
In her role, Tracey collaborates with sporting clubs to develop programs, remove barriers to participation and enhance sports in our region. She also supports the community to use our open spaces - including parks, gardens, reserves and sporting facilities - by processing event bookings and planning for future development.
“I love being fit and active, I love being healthy, and I’m a big believer in physical activity contributing to a healthy mindset. Working with sporting clubs in the Dubbo Region to offer more opportunities for kids and adults to participate is so rewarding for me. I feel privileged to be part of sport - I’ve made so many good friendships out of it. This is my opportunity to give back.”
Strengthening our community for today and tomorrow
Tracey always knew she wanted a career in sport. After gaining her Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, she became a development officer with a governing body for basketball. She then progressed to regional coordinator for a program encouraging children to engage in after-school sports.
In 2014, Tracey realised she needed a better work-life balance to suit her young family. The role of Recreation Coordinator at Dubbo Regional Council came along at just the right time.
“My husband is a farmer and works very long days. At Council, I can work flexible hours to pick my kids up from school and take them to their afternoon sport. My children are so lucky; they play a ridiculous amount of sport - we go to a different sport every day. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I worked a normal 9 to 5. Council has been so supportive and understanding of my life. They know I’m prepared to give 110% - I just need that flexibility.”
Over the years, Tracey’s seen the region’s recreational facilities and events go from strength to strength. She helped support the establishment of a local parkrun, which sees an average of 250 people lace up on a Saturday morning for a 5km walk or run at Sandy Beach Park. Riverside Ovals and Amenities, including six hectares of playing fields, was officially opened in 2021.
Yet, Tracey’s proudest achievement was the NSW Touch Junior State Cup - a three-day event that brought 187 junior touch football teams and 7,000 visitors to our region.
“We got the opportunity to host the Cup in 2023 as a once-off. I knew this was our opportunity to show what we were capable of before it went to another three-year tender, so we had to do a great job. I put my heart and soul into it. I worked with internal and external stakeholders to make sure the fields were in the best condition and everything was on song.”
The event was such a triumph that Dubbo Regional Council won the bid to continue to host the Cup until 2026.
“It was just the biggest success,” Tracey says. “A lot of people came from Sydney who hadn’t been to Dubbo before - they didn’t realise we had so much to offer. They thought they’d be playing on dirt fields! But we had hundreds of comments from people saying, ‘The fields were immaculate, we had the best experience, we’ll definitely be back for a holiday.’ It’s been the biggest highlight of my career.”
Where connection, balance and lifestyle matter
Tracey is quick to point out that the success of the NSW Touch Junior State Cup was a team effort. She says belonging to a loyal, supportive team makes all the difference.
“I have an amazing team. I feel like it’s one big family. Everyone looks out for each other and is willing to help. Even our CEO, if I pass him in the hall, he’ll ask me how my kids are going. It’s very personable - you’re not just a staff member.”
As for the future, Tracey plans to continue to serve and strengthen our evolving region, connect more people with opportunities to be active, and make many more memories with family and friends in a true community.
“Dubbo has everything for me and my family. I can drive 5 or 10 minutes down the road, and I’m at work. We have the peace and tranquillity of wide, open spaces. I love going to the river and running along the beautiful tracks. It’s a great place to live.”
Hear from Scott McKinnon
More than a job: How Scott McKinnon went from labourer to leader in a career full of variety and challenge
Scott McKinnon is proof of what you can achieve when you step up and test yourself at Dubbo Regional Council. He’s built his career from the ground up, starting as a casual Labourer and progressing to Works Supervisor. What’s kept him with us for over a decade? Scott says it’s the varied work, opportunities, and ability to make a positive impact on his community.
United to make a difference
The Macquarie River rose rapidly when powerful storms lashed Central West NSW in November 2022. Alarmed but not deterred, Scott McKinnon and his crew acted quickly to ensure the Dubbo community was safe.
“It was a bit of a shock, the way the water levels rose,” Scott recalls. “It caught everyone a little off guard. The Macquarie River runs right through the centre of town, and when it floods, the Newell Highway gets blocked off, so we’ve got to divert the traffic. It’s a massive traffic control set-up. Usually, it takes a day to get everything in place, but the guys rolled up their sleeves and got the job done as quickly as possible.”
It was a challenging time for the crew and our community. But for Scott, Works Supervisor, it was a solid reminder of the values and camaraderie of his hard-working team.
“To me, it proved the crew we’ve got has the community’s best interests at heart. It made me proud. We’re here to provide a service, and I think everyone here makes a difference.”
Serving the community has motivated Scott from the day he joined us in 2013. Born and bred in Dubbo, he started as a casual Labourer and has built a long-term career both on the tools and as a supervisor.
“I’ve worked my way up to full-time Labourer, Lead Labourer, Assistant Ganger, and now Works Supervisor. It’s been a bit of a journey, but it shows that it’s not just a job at Council - it’s a career.”
A career that never gets stale
It may seem like small, everyday things. But the work Scott and his teammates deliver keeps our community safe and enjoyable for all.
“We do everything that needs to be done in town. Things like street sweeping, maintaining pathways and kerbs, replacing signs, road markings, fixing stormwater drains, traffic control. You’re never doing the same thing twice; there’s always something new and different. It keeps the job fresh and interesting.”
Scott certainly doesn’t shy away from a good day’s work. Before joining Council, he was a landscape gardener. However, he wanted to feel part of a real team, develop his skills, and make a difference.
“I knew some blokes at Council - they said it was a really good environment, lots of opportunities, and I thought, ‘Yeah, I’d like to be part of that.’ I also had that sense of giving back to the community.”
With Council’s support, Scott has achieved a Certificate IV in Civil Construction. He’s grown as a leader by acting in various roles, and is now Works Supervisor.
“The training and support network at Council is vast. There’s training in traffic control, plant and equipment, forklifts and graders. For the younger brigade, it’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and learn as much as possible from the older guys. Because the younger ones are the future of Dubbo Regional Council, and we need them to continue the legacy.”
Paving the way for the next generation
Scott has witnessed plenty of positive changes in the Dubbo Region over the years. Our community is growing, yet he says it’s still the friendly regional city he loves.
“It’s just a really easy, nice place to live. I live outside Dubbo a little bit, so I’ve got all the peace and quiet in the world. Even in the city, it’s really picturesque with beautiful parks and gardens.”
With a nine-day fortnight, Scott and his teammates regularly enjoy some well-deserved time out. Not that Scott sits down for too long - good, honest work is in his DNA!
Are you ready to get on the tools with a great team, developing your skills and career? Scott says you’ll go far at Dubbo Regional Council.
“There are so many avenues to pursue within Council. It really is the place where you can build a great career.”
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Last Edited: 21 Oct 2024