Work Type: Permanent Full Time
Location: Emerald
Department: Communities
Remuneration: Stream A, Level 4 - 5: $90,135.65 - $100,768.75 per annum + superannuation
Central Highlands Regional Council is on the hunt for a Public Relations Officer to help us share our story, shape our voice, and connect with our community.
If you bring a broad mix of public relations and communications experience, you'll play a key role in boosting Council's PR capability and keeping our messaging clear, credible, and engaging. Your skills will help protect and enhance Council's reputation—whether you're celebrating wins, managing issues, or translating "council‐speak" into something people actually want to read.
If you enjoy variety, meaningful work, and being the voice behind what matters locally, we'd love to hear from you.
Your expertise will support council by:
* Strong interpersonal and influencing skillsBuilds trust quickly, reads the room, and works collaboratively across diverse teams as a trusted partner and "safe pair of hands".
* Community mindset with proactive storytelling abilityDemonstrates genuine curiosity about people, places, and purpose; identifies meaningful stories and confidently suggests angles beyond basic content production.
* Local government awareness and sound judgementUnderstands governance, approvals, and reputational risk, with the ability to distinguish between what can be said and what should be said.
* Clear, adaptable communication skillsProduces effective internal communications and publications, with the ability to refine writing and apply templates, tools, and guidance as required.
* Digital confidence and adaptabilityComfortable working in modern corporate digital environments, including shared systems, collaboration tools, and internal platforms, with a flexible and hands‐on approach.
To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to possess:
* Minimum of Queensland C class provisional drivers licence.
* Competent in the Microsoft Office suite.
* Experience building effective working relationships and collaborating with diverse teams within a complex corporate environment, with judgement to navigate competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
* Ability to identify and communicate relevant stories/information, issues, opportunities in a clear, timely and audience‐focused way, with an understanding of how council operates and who it serves.
* Basic photography and videography skills.
If this sounds like you, apply now!
Working for Central Highlands Regional Council has its benefits.
We are a progressive region, committed in creating opportunities for all. We welcome forward‐thinking individuals who are focused on continuous improvement, a sustainable future and understand the valuable role we play in investing in our regional community.
Benefits Include:
* A generous superannuation scheme
* 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
* 19 Day Month
* Annual uniform allocation
* Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options
* Wages paid fortnightly
* Employee Assistance Program
To apply for this position:
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
Please download and review the position description.
To be considered for this position, please include the following documents:
* A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for this position
* Your resume detailing your career history relevant for this position
Applicants who are progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a shortlisting process.
Eligibility & Pre‐employment Checks
To be appointed to a permanent position, you must be an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status, or hold a visa permitting you to work in Australia permanently. If you have a visa permitting you to work temporarily in Australia, you may be appointed to a position on a temporary basis, providing the work complies with the conditions of your visa.
The pre‐employment checks relevant to this position include:
* Right to Work in Australia
* Medical Assessment
* Reference checks
For a confidential discussion, please contact a member of the Recruitment Team on 1300 242 686 during business hours or register your application by submitting your cover letter and resume.
Applications close: Wednesday 11th February 2026 at 12noon.
Apply Now
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