About

Position: Development Officer
Type: Full-time
Employer: McKinlay Shire Council
Location: Julia Creek, QLD
Salary: $76,000 - $80,000 p/a
About the Business
McKinlay Shire Council is a dedicated local government authority serving the remote outback communities of north-western Queensland, primarily centred in Julia Creek and surrounding localities across a vast 40,737 square kilometre area. As a small rural council, it delivers essential services to approximately 1,000 residents, including road maintenance and infrastructure, disaster management and recovery (particularly vital in this flood-prone region), community support programs, economic development initiatives, and a strong focus on enhancing health, wellbeing, and quality of life through facilities and activities such as sport and recreation. The Council is recognised for its commitment to a well-managed shire, sustainable environment, strong economy, and building a connected, healthy, and friendly community, while operating as an Equal Opportunity Employer that values individual talents, capabilities, and fair treatment in the workplace to foster a supportive and inclusive culture for staff and residents alike.
About the Position
The Development Officer plays a pivotal role in promoting active lifestyles and community engagement within McKinlay Shire Council by coordinating and expanding sport and recreation programs across the shire. This full-time position is responsible for implementing the McKinlay Shire Sport & Recreation Plan, delivering inclusive activities for children, adults, and low-participation groups, and supporting local schools, sporting clubs, and stakeholders to build capacity and increase participation rates in a remote outback setting. The role is essential to strengthening community wellbeing, fostering social connections, and contributing to the Council's broader goal of creating a vibrant, healthy, and resilient shire where residents can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate the delivery of McKinlay Shire Council’s sport and recreation program.
Implement the McKinlay Shire Sport & Recreation Plan.
Organise and deliver after-school sport/recreation activities for children and a variety of adult sport and recreation programs.
Actively seek out new sport and recreation opportunities that will increase participation amongst low-participation groups.
Plan, promote, and assist others (as required) to deliver programs and activities specified in the short-term and long-term plans.
Plan, promote, and coordinate the delivery of a School Holiday Program.
Coordinate the running and safe use of the Daren Ginns Participation Centre.
Organise participation in regional-level sport and recreation carnivals and events, including travelling (or driving bus where necessary) with competitors.
Assist local school staff with sport and recreation programs by attending the school during Physical Education lessons and lunch-times.
Assist Council Parks and Gardens staff in preparing sports fields/ovals for competition, including (but not limited to) marking of rugby league field and athletics track.
Provide expertise and advice to existing community sporting and recreation groups to build their knowledge and capacity to run successful ongoing programs, particularly during after-school and holiday periods.
Seek out opportunities for community members to attain accreditation in the areas of coaching and refereeing/umpiring various sports.
Provide advice to the McKinlay Shire Council regarding specific needs relating to sport and recreation that will facilitate increased participation rates, including facilities, policies, and programs.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships and partnerships with local and regional sport and recreation groups, local schools, and other key stakeholders.
Attend local and regional meetings/training days that relate to sport and recreation.
Develop, under the guidance of the Director, annual budgets and quarterly work plans.
Seek out, prepare, and submit applications for external funding that will enable increased participation of community members in sport and recreation; manage successful submissions.
Prepare and submit monthly reports for McKinlay Shire Council meetings.
Prepare, under the guidance of the Director, acquittal reports and other requirements of any funding agreement with Sport & Recreation Queensland.
Other duties commensurate with the position and those that are reasonably directed.
Requirements
Eligibility to work in Australia.
Bachelor degree (in a relevant field such as sports science, recreation management, community development, or similar).
Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in sport and recreation development, community program coordination, or a closely related area.
Strong organisational and project management skills, including the ability to plan, promote, and deliver community programs and events in a remote setting.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build partnerships, provide advice to community groups, and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders including schools, sporting clubs, and residents.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment, with flexibility for travel, occasional out-of-hours work, and hands-on tasks (such as field preparation or event transport).
Current driver's licence (essential due to regional travel and potential bus driving requirements).
Commitment to community wellbeing, inclusivity, and increasing participation in sport and recreation, particularly for low-participation groups.
How to Apply
To apply, applicants must submit their resume with a valid email address through this online portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.