Council looking for community caretakers

 

Rural people who take a lot of pride in where they live could be appointed caretaker of their community. Gisborne District Council is looking to improve facilities in rural areas and need people who are passionate about their township and who want to make sure it is clean, tidy and functions well.

Through this innovative initiative many of Council’s existing contracts will be packaged into nine community caretaker roles. “Many of our existing rural township contracts are about to be expire so this is a good time to do this,” said Mayor Meng Foon. “This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals living in these areas to step up and help us make a difference. So many Gisborne people are passionate about their communities – this is their chance to take care of where they live and get paid for doing it.”

Community caretakers are needed for Matawai, Whatatutu, Te Karaka, Patutahi, Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay, Te Puia Springs, Ruatoria and Te Araroa townships.

The newly created positions will cover duties such as litter control, opening and closing of transfer stations, graffiti control, landscaping, parks and reserve mowing and weed control. On ANZAC Day this person would be tidying up the reserves, cleaning any graffiti and picking up loose litter. At the moment Council coordinates several contractors to do this across the district.

Many capable people are "put off" by formal Council tender processes which are necessary to be awarded a council contract.  The creation of the caretaker roles means capable people will not have to tender to get this work.

The nine community caretakers will have a huge impact on their communities, said Mr Foon.  “Council is committed to finding the best way to take care of facilities in rural townships. By looking after these places, more tourists will come and spend their money and resident’s will feel proud of where they live.”

Applications are open for the community caretaker positions. If you think you’ve got what it takes visit  http://www.gdc.govt.nz/community-caretakers/ All you have to do is fill in a form and get it back to the council by 5pm on 10 February 2010.