This month we spoke with Ben Gauld, Team Member Reserve Maintenance, City of Marion, about his role, what a typical day looks like for him, his experience participating in the Australasian Management Challenge and how he spends his weekend (lots of kids' parties and forts!).

What is your role and how long have you been in local government?

I have been working in local government for 11 years as a Horticulturalist. I spent 8 years with The City of Charles Sturt and have been with The City of Marion for 3 years.

What does a typical day look like for you as Team Member Reserve Maintenance?

A typical day consists of operating ride-on mowers, edging, brush cutting, weed control, tree pruning, hedging and planting. It is quite varied depending on the time of year. We like to do more planting in late winter and early spring.

You recently represented South Australia in the Australasian Management Challenge in Tasmania; can you share some reflections from this experience? 

It was an amazing experience heading over to Tasmania as a team. It was super busy, and the pressure was on, but we felt good about the way we navigated the tasks. The learnings we got out of the challenge will be invaluable, and although we didn’t win on the day, we gave it our best shot and embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.

What would be your advice to others thinking of participating in the Management Challenge? 

Do it! It's such a valuable opportunity to get to participate in something that is truly unique. Anyone in any role is welcome to apply. Diversity in role is so important to the team dynamics. The friendships you make with people you otherwise may never meet are really special. 

What’s next for you in your professional development journey? 

I will continue to look for opportunities to upskill within my role. I am interested in leadership but also open to any opportunity that presents. I am one level away from a Diploma in Horticulture, so that may be something I do.

What do you do with yourself in your spare time?

In my spare time, I am a family man. I spend most weekends at parks, kids' birthday parties or building forts around the house. I also love footy, golf, live music and holidays!