Stretching from the historic town of Queanbeyan to the rolling hills of Palerang, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) is home to a diverse and growing community of over 63,000 people. With a workforce of more than 600 employees, QPRC is a place where people come to build meaningful careers and contribute to vibrant, connected communities.
Supporting veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life is an important part of QPRC’s broader commitment to building a diverse, inclusive workforce. We recently spoke with Bryce O’Hara, Acting Coordinator for Human Resources & Organisational Development, about the council’s efforts to support veterans and why this work is close to his heart.
QPRC’s commitment to veteran employment
QPRC was one of the first councils in New South Wales to participate in the NSW Government’s Local Government Veterans Employment Program – a statewide initiative helping councils tap into the skills of veterans and support their shift into civilian roles. The program has grown rapidly and connects councils with resources, guidance, and a network of champions to help veterans find meaningful work in local government.
For Bryce, QPRC’s commitment to veterans is also personal. “We do have a fairly large veteran population and that’s something that I really wanted to support, having come from a defence family myself; I’ve got three generations of Navy in my family,” he shares. “I can’t emphasize enough how difficult that transition can be, not just for the individual involved, but also their family.”
He sees veterans as a natural fit for local government. “They come with a greater sense of purpose – of serving the local community – and they also bring traits that are invaluable in council work, like leadership and teamwork,” Bryce explains.
From serving the nation to serving your community
For veterans, a career with QPRC can be a continuation of their dedication to service. It’s a chance to bring the same principles of community-mindedness to a new chapter. “You’re going from serving your country to serving a local community,” Bryce says.
Bryce has seen firsthand how veterans’ mindsets and work ethic translate seamlessly. “I’ve worked with veterans in various roles, and their work ethic always stands out,” he says. “They don’t need to be taught how to be committed – they already come with that.”
He also notes that veterans bring a strong sense of mission to civilian roles. “Often what we tend to see is that veterans bring two pretty strong traits: leadership and the ability to work well in teams,” he explains. “They’re natural team players, and that’s something that really shines through.”
This commitment to service isn’t just a strength for the organisation – it’s a real asset to the communities they serve.
Creating a supportive environment
QPRC aims to create a welcoming environment where veterans can thrive. This includes partnering with the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs and leveraging the Rank to Recognition program, which helps veterans translate their military experience into civilian roles.
The council has also started collaborating with the Veteran and Family Hub in Queanbeyan, a local resource run by RSL LifeCare. The Hub offers community connections, wellbeing support, and practical services like assistance with Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims and mental health support. This partnership ensures veterans working at QPRC, and those looking to join, have access to comprehensive support.
Bryce has worked to build networks with other councils and veteran employment champions to share ideas and challenges. “We now have a network of councils on the program, so we can talk about what’s working and what’s not,” he says.
It’s all about helping Veterans feel welcome and setting them up for success. Through flexible study and work options, mentorship, and a supportive culture, QPRC works to ensure veterans are seen for what they really are: adaptable, highly skilled, and ready to contribute.
“We’re working to break down biases and show that veterans can thrive in these roles,” says Bryce. “They’re focused, adaptable, and come with a level of teamwork that really benefits council work.”
Looking ahead
Currently, veterans make up just under 5% of QPRC’s workforce. While Bryce hopes to see that number grow, he believes the real impact lies in the difference it makes for each veteran. “Craig Delany from the Veterans Employment Program always reminds me that it’s not necessarily about the number – you could have one veteran and if you’ve made a difference in that person’s life, that’s what matters,” he says.
As QPRC’s veteran employment program continues to expand, Bryce hopes it will inspire other councils to get involved. “I’d really like to see more councils take it up as well. It’s not hard at all to implement and maintain,” he says. “It doesn’t require much of your time for a really worthwhile cause.”
For Bryce, the vision is simple: “If we show that more councils are on board and build that network, it shows that local government is the perfect place for veterans to transition to civilian life,” he says. “My goal is that veterans can go online and see that local government has taken a stand in supporting them – and that there’s meaningful employment and a fulfilling life after the Defence Force.”
Explore opportunities at QPRC
With a supportive, inclusive culture and a dedication to creating meaningful careers for veterans, QPRC is a place where veterans can build a new future. Explore current opportunities at QPRC and discover a career that’s grounded in purpose, service, and community.
