Ready to bring stories to life and ignite young imaginations? Mackay Libraries is searching for an enthusiastic First 5 Forever Project Officer at Gordon White Library.

About the Role:

Are you passionate about sparking joy and curiosity in little ones? Mackay Libraries is on the hunt for a fun-loving and enthusiastic Project Officer to create, coordinate, and promote a range of exciting programs, events, and resources aimed at boosting language and literacy for our tiniest bookworms (ages 0-5). You'll be working hand-in-hand with local families, early childhood educators, and community services to support parents and caregivers in their role as their child's first and most important teacher.

Key Responsibilities:

• Bring stories to life with age-appropriate programs and events like Baby Bounce and Story Time, making sure they're accessible across the Mackay region
• Build and nurture partnerships with local Early Childhood educators, Child Health Nurses, and community services
• Keep your finger on the pulse by monitoring and analysing demographic and population data to ensure our programs hit the mark
• Train our awesome library staff on all things First 5 Forever
• Keep the magic going by managing the program within the allocated budget and resources
• Share the love by reporting on funding outcomes and providing timely advice on programs

Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• A tertiary qualification in early childhood education, library studies, or a related field
• A Working with Children Blue Card - It is an essential requirement for this position to hold a Working with Children Blue Card. Under Queensland legislation, you must hold the Blue Card prior to commencing employment - No Card, No Start policy. If you currently do not hold a Blue Card, we recommend you commence the application process when you apply for the position. For more information please refer to the following website: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card/applications/apply
• A QLD "C" Class Drivers Licence or interstate equivalent
• Proven experience in working with children, especially in language and literacy development
• Experience in delivering early childhood programs and project management
• A strong understanding of language roles in sociocultural contexts and how to apply them in a library setting
• Excellent programming, project management, and communication skills
• Financial management skills and the ability to leverage new technology in early childhood education

Join us in making a difference in the lives of young children and their families. Apply now to be a part of the Mackay Libraries team!

Why work for Mackay Regional Council?

Mackay Regional Council is a dynamic, progressive and financially sound local government. We have responsibility for $3.5 billion worth of assets and employ almost 1200 dedicated staff in a vibrant, rapidly growing region where sugar, mining, beef, tourism and retail drive the economy. Mackay is located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns and is truly the heart of Queensland, covering 7,622 square kilometres of rainforest, Natural Parks, historic townships, miles of golden beaches and more than 70 tropical islands. The Region boasts a vibrant economy offering an idyllic lifestyle on the Central Queensland coast, from picturesque beaches and nearby island resorts to beautiful rainforests. The Region has a great climate coupled with high quality education and health facilities.

Discover more about the Mackay Region https://www.discovermackay.com.au/

In addition to the above, we also offer the following benefits:

• Base annual salary of $ 78,488.80
• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks' annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• Flexible work arrangements with a 9 day fortnight (any 5 out of 7) roster.
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Want to know more about this role?

View the Position Description (PD) for this role in the document attachments.

How to apply:

Prepare and submit your cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience for this role. If applying for this job via a 3rd party job board such as SEEK, LinkedIn etc. you will be redirected to the Mackay Regional Council Careers (eRecruit) website to apply. Follow the prompts to submit your application (the eRecruit Job Application Quick Reference Guide or the eRecruit Job Applicant Guide can assist).

After submitting, you will receive an automated confirmation email. Should you not receive this, please ensure you have submitted your application and your email address on your account is correct.

Applications Close:

Thursday, 5 June 2025

Having troubles submitting your application?

Reach out to one of our friendly Recruitment Officers by phoning 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).

***Important information for applicants:

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia, Please visit Mackay Regional Council - Careers at council webpage regarding International Applicant criteria. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.