Paid helpers needed for election

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is calling for members of the Central Coast community to register their interest for a paid role to help give locals the opportunity to vote close to home on May 3.

During the election period, the AEC is seeking to employ more than 1,300 people on the Central Coast. region.

They will be part of 100,000 across the country, carrying out roles for a single day (election day) or for several few weeks before, on and after voting day.

The jobs available include everything from counting votes to setting up and helping at polling booths, to administrative and logistical roles.

No prior experience is necessary, training is paid, and registration is via the AEC website.

AEC NSW State Manager Rebecca Main said temporary staff were needed all over the country but regional areas such as parts of the Central Coast were a particular focus for the AEC’s recruitment drive.

“Historically, employment numbers in towns such as Gosford, Tuggerah and Upper Mangrove have been lower and this can impede our ability to provide voting opportunities for the community that are convenient and close to home,” she said.

“With the election date now locked in, we’re hoping people will jump on the opportunity to earn some extra money, meet new locals, develop some skills and support their community to vote locally.”

An independent survey of 24,000 temporary electoral staff following the last Federal election highlighted that given an opportunity, the vast majority of staff surveyed said they would do the work again.

“The research tells us our temporary workforce enjoy what they do with nine out of 10 staff recommending a job at a federal election to others,” Main said.

“We know that those who join us have a great experience which is another reason to get involved.”

While the AEC is seeking to recruit locally, it will also be looking to neighbouring towns for workers who may be able to commute a short distance.

The areas in need of staff include: Calga, Central Mangrove, Donvans Forrest, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount Elliot, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendouree Park, Wyoming, East Gosford, North Gosford, West Gosford, Fountaindale, Kangy Angy, Ourimbah, Palm Grove, Palmdale, Alison, Bushells Ridge, Cedar Brush Creek, Chain Valley Bay, Crangan Bay, Dooralong, Durren Durren, Freemans, Frazer Park, Gwandalan, Halloran, Hamlyn Terrace, Jilliby, Kanwal, Kiar, Kingfisher Shores, Lake Munmorah, Lemon Tree, Little Jilliby, Mannering Park, Mardi, Point Wolstoncroft, Ravensdale, Rocky Point, South Tacoma, Summerland Point, Tacoma, Tuggerah, Tuggerawong, Wadalba, Wallarah, Warnervale, Watanobbi, Woongarrah, Wybung, Wyee, Wyee Point, Wyong, Wyong Creek, Wyongah and Yarramalong

Anyone interested in working must be over 18 years of age, an Australian citizen and politically neutral.

They will also need to register for temporary employment even if they have worked at a previous election.

To register interest, head to the AEC website aec.gov.au or call 6271 4631 for assistance.