Employee Benefits - Why work at Yarra Ranges Council

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We are dedicated to providing our employees with generous leave options and support to balance their personal and professional life. 

What you can look forward to when you join Yarra Ranges Council 

Work life Balance and flexibility

At Yarra Ranges Council, we believe that a thriving career is built on a foundation of balance and flexibility. For many roles we offer a hybrid work model—with the option to work from home when focus and convenience are your priorities, and the chance to collaborate onsite at our Civic Centre in Lilydale when you want to connect with colleagues. Flexibility differs depending on individual team requirements but on average we see staff working 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

We’re proud to offer 19 day month rostered day off options (and 9 day fortnights for some roles) that encourage a healthy work-life balance. This can mean an extra day off every 4 weeks or an extra day off each fortnight to support your life activities. Our modern facilities that were built in 2022 feature dedicated wellbeing rooms, sit-stand desks, dual monitors, changing rooms and showers, bike facilities, delicious coffee machines and fresh fruit available each week.

Plus, our close proximity to public transport ensures a seamless commute. Join us and experience a supportive work environment crafted for success and well-being.

Commitment to gender equity, diversity & inclusion

At Yarra Ranges Council, we take pride in fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We welcome people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities, and we actively promote an environment where difference is celebrated. Flexible work arrangements—including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options—are available to help our people achieve balance and success in their careers.

Following a 12-month partnership with the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC), we’ve strengthened our disability inclusion practices and built disability confidence across our organisation. As a result, we are proud to be recognised as a JobAccess Alumni Partner, highlighting our ongoing commitment to creating equitable employment opportunities and supporting individuals with disabilities in the community

If you require adjustments or accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Careers Team at careers@yarraranges.vic.gov.au we’re here to support you.

Purchased Leave

Need an extended break or extra time for personal pursuits?

Our purchased leave program allows you to buy additional leave days.

This will help you tailor your work schedule to your lifestyle needs. 

 

Parental, family planning and gender transition leave

We offer the following leave arrangements to support life changes:

  • 20 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

  • 5 days assisted reproduction leave

  • 5 days pre-adoption leave

  • 10 days miscarriage leave

  • gender transition leave

 

Study Leave and paid education

Balance your learning journey with career growth.

We support study leave options for students, as well as paid education programs.

 

Hear from our employees

Lisa - Admin Support Officer

“Working for Council is a great way to help make a difference in people’s lives."

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Darren - Indigenous Cultural Development Officer

“I have to pinch myself realising that I’m with the band now! On top of all that... I get to play a huge role in delivering this great work in my ancestral home of Wurundjeri and the town my family and I have lived in for years."

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Karen – Coordinator Special Engineering Projects

“I love what I do because it means I can make an impact in my own community and also have a local understanding of where our residents are coming from on transport issues.”

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Sarah – Maternal & Child Health Nurse

"I love my role! Everyone has their own unique journey and I love being able to share that journey with families."

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Amanda – Project Manager

“I love working in the same region that I grew up in! The region holds a special place for me.”

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Reasons to work for Yarra Ranges

Values

Our values are the foundations to our success and the way we work at Yarra Ranges. They represent what we stand for and define the ways that we collectively work to deliver for our communities.

Yarra Ranges Council Values

More information on our values can be found on Our Values page.

Variety

We understand that life is diverse so we offer a range of modern, flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options. Many of our teams enjoy the flexibility to work from home and the office, creating a balanced and supportive environment.

As the largest municipality by area in metropolitan Melbourne spanning over 2,500 km² and home to more than 160,000 residents our work is as varied and dynamic as our community.

Our offices are conveniently located in Lilydale, easily accessible by car or public transport. We’re just a 15-minute drive from the Eastlink in Ringwood and a short 10 minute walk from Lilydale Station, making for a simple commute.

Opportunities

At Yarra Ranges Council, we offer a wide range of rewarding career pathways and professional challenges. No matter your area of expertise, you'll find opportunities to grow, contribute meaningfully, and make a real difference in our community. With over 20 departments across the organisation, you’ll have the chance to collaborate across diverse team and explore new areas of interest.

If you have never worked for a Council, you’ll be amazed at the many internal secondment and development opportunities on offer. Many of our promotions are filled by internal candidates so working with us is a great way to further your career.

Working with us means also working on projects that matter. Our diverse and vibrant communities present unique opportunities to lead complex, outcome-focused initiatives—each one helping you develop your capabilities and grow as a professional.


Culture

Yarra Ranges is a professional organisation incorporating leading edge thinking and practices. We believe in developing shared leadership capabilities and are committed to ongoing learning and development for everyone.

We're an inclusive work environment recognising the importance of diversity and difference. We welcome people at varying life stages, those with indigenous backgrounds and people with a disability. Everyone is an important part of our team.

Yarra Ranges Council recognises that all children have the right to feel safe and to be safe. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in line with Victorian Child Safe Standards and Council’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

Find out more about our commitment to the protection and wellbeing of young people. 


 

Yarra Ranges Council Enterprise Agreement 

All Yarra Ranges employees are covered by the Yarra Ranges Council Enterprise Agreement 2024.

The Enterprise Agreement outlines employee entitlements, remuneration and conditions of employment. Read and download a full copy of the Yarra Ranges Shire Council Enterprise Agreement(PDF, 7MB).