Customer Service and Administration Officer – Lightning Ridge

• Full-time permanent role - 35 hours per week.
• Deliver essential Council and Services Australia support to the Lightning Ridge community.
• Be the face of Council, ensuring smooth operations and positive community engagement.
• Attractive remuneration of between $1, $1,370.28 per week.
• Generous benefits, including 5 weeks of annual leave, long service leave after 5 years, flex leave arrangements, and more

About us:

Walgett Shire Council proudly serves a diverse and unique region in the heart of outback New South Wales. Covering over 22,000 square kilometres, the Shire includes the towns of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, and Collarenebri, along with the villages of Carinda, Cumborah, Rowena, and Burren Junction, as well as expansive rural areas. With a population of approximately 7,000, the Shire supports key industries such as agriculture, grazing, grain handling, opal mining, and tourism.

Nestled at the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers, Walgett is rich in history and natural beauty. Once a bustling paddle-steamer port, it is now the northern gateway to the iconic Darling River Run, offering breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to Australia's heritage.

Just an hour north, Lightning Ridge is famed for its vibrant opal mining culture and distinctive outback charm. Whether it's fossicking for opals, exploring underground art galleries, soaking in naturally heated artesian springs, or enjoying the tranquillity of river fishing, the region offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore.

About the role:

As Customer Service and Administration Officer, you will be the first point of contact for residents, visitors, and external stakeholders. This is a frontline role where you will provide courteous and professional customer service on behalf of both Council and Services Australia, handling enquiries, processing payments, registering correspondence, and assisting customers with MyGov procedures.

In addition to customer service, you will provide a broad range of administrative support to Council operations. This includes assisting departments with day-to-day tasks, managing venue bookings, maintaining records, preparing correspondence, and supporting meetings, events, and community programs.

This role offers variety, responsibility, and an opportunity to make a real difference in how Council connects with and supports the community.

About you:

You are a motivated and professional individual who takes pride in delivering excellent customer service. You enjoy working in a community-facing role, acting as the first point of contact and resolving enquiries with courtesy and efficiency.

You will bring:

• Experience in administration and customer service, with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to deal effectively with residents, visitors, and external stakeholders.
• Accuracy and attention to detail in handling correspondence, records, payments, and bookings.
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office and electronic records management systems.
• A flexible and team-oriented approach, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and support different departments.
• A positive attitude to learning and continuous improvement, with the ability to represent Council and Services Australia in a professional and respectful manner.

Experience in local government, record-keeping systems such as TRIM, or working in community-facing facilities will be highly regarded, but are not essential.

At Walgett Shire Council, we understand that not every candidate will meet every criterion, and that is perfectly fine—your passion and potential matter most to us.

For further information or discussion about the position, contact the People and Culture Team during business hours.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary of$1, $1,370.28 per week plus superannuation.
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Generous benefits, including 5 weeks of annual leave and long service leave after 5 years.
• Flex-time arrangements, promoting a healthy work/life balance.
• Professional development opportunities to support your growth and success.
• Employee Assistance Program available to support you and your family through all life's challenges.
• Exceptional working conditions within a family-friendly and supportive environment.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the instructions below, complete the selection criteria and attach your resume and cover letter.

A failure to answer selection criteria and to attach your resume will result in your application not being considered.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council's People and Culture Team via email

Please Note: All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 9.00am on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.