Inclusion and Diversity

Inclusion and diversity

Sunshine Coast Council is committed to an inclusive, healthy and culturally diverse workplace. We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of the community we serve. You are welcome here.

Support for a disability

Council has a number of employees who identify as having a disability who meaningfully contribute to what we achieve for the Sunshine Coast region. As part of our commitment to an inclusive culture, we provide support for people with a disability by:

providing special arrangements to participate in job interviews
supporting reasonable adjustments for new and existing employees
supporting flexible ways to work and work arrangements.

If you have a disability that requires adjustment for the interview process, you will have the opportunity to specify the assistance required on the online application form. You can also have a chat to the Recruitment Team on (07) 5441 8682 or joinusnow@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

First Nations

Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, Council demonstrates respect for First Nations peoples, cultures, histories and knowledge by embedding cultural capability as a core business activity. One example includes the First Nations Cultural Learning Program developed in consultation with Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Traditional Custodians that incorporates online, face-to-face and On-Country learning experiences. Each component of the learning program increases understanding and recognition of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge, rights and local sites of cultural significance, ultimately promoting culturally appropriate service excellence to our region and pride in our First Nations peoples.

Council also has a First Nations employee network that connects employees across the organisation to share experiences, provide support and collaborate. We strongly encourage First Nations people to join our council family. If you identify as a First Nations person, we'd love for you to submit your resume into the Expression of interest - exclusive opportunities for First Nations people. By doing this, you will join the candidate pool that is notified of job opportunities that are exclusive to First Nations people.

Age and life stage

Our workforce has a range of ages, generations and life stages. Initiatives to assist employees at each life stage include:

Career start-up programs for those with limited work experience including traineeships, internships and work experience.
Training and practical support available to help employees transition to retirement.
Profession development and study assistance.
Paid parental leave and opportunity to return to work part-time.
Leave to support your personal situation including 15 days personal/carers leave per annum, and 10 days family and domestic violence paid leave per annum.
Flexible working options including a nine day fortnight.

LGBTIQ+

You will see the rainbow flag raised at our offices in pride month because council is committed to an inclusive, discrimination-free environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ+).

We also demonstrate this by wearing lanyards as pictured, and use of pronouns on email signatures. We also use best practice when asking you questions such as your gender and make sure our employees are educated so that LGBTIQ+ can flourish in our organisation.

Women

We think everyone deserves equal opportunity, and we're set on closing the gender gap. Women make up 44% of our senior leaders and we're striving to make this 50/50. We're committed to developing leadership at council which means we have the programs and support in place to look after our current and grow our emerging leaders. You will also see women working in traditionally male-dominated roles, proving council to be an uplifting, supportive, discrimination-free environment.

Multicultural focus

Council is very proud of our people from various cultural, ethnic, religious and national backgrounds and identities. We acknowledge their valuable contribution to a rich social fabric. They play an important role in helping council meet the needs of our diverse community. It is a key example of how being culturally diverse and inclusive can: