Conservatorium and planetarium goes to tender

Building works expected to begin this year

Orange’s new conservatorium and planetarium building is another step closer with the project going out to tender this week.

Orange City Council has invited a shortlist of preferred contractors to submit tenders for the $25 million project. The shortlist was prepared after they sought “expressions of interest” from suitably qualified contractors in December, 2022.

The development, which will be built in the Civic Square North Court, off March Street, includes a 3535 square-metre building which will contain: a250-seat auditorium; a 64-seat planetarium auditorium; 40 practice rooms, ensemble rooms and rehearsal spaces; front-of-house facilities including foyer, bar, kitchen, ticket office and amenities; back-of-house facilities comprising loading dock, stores, performer amenities and plant; office space, amenities and ancillary spaces

The project has received $10 million in funding from the Australian Government and $5 million from the NSW Government. Orange City Council will contribute $10 million towards the development.

Tenders close on July 3 and it is expected that construction will begin by the end of the year and take about 18 months.

Orange Regional Conservatorium has also recently launched a fundraising campaign to fit out the building. Under the theme “Music Within” the Conservatorium is looking to raise $1.5 million to purchase seats, sound and lighting equipment, and other items.

You can read more about the campaign by visiting orangecon.org.au/music-within.

The responsibilities of the role are, but are not limited to:

• Assisting and responding to constituent matters across the electorate of Calare.

• Liaising with relevant Departments, Agencies and Opposition Offices on behalf of constituents regarding matters relating to the responsibilities of the Federal Government.

• Preparing representations on behalf of the Member.

• Data entry and database management.

• Attending community events in the Electorate as required.

• General administrative tasks within the Electorate Office.

• Occasional travel within the Electorate of Calare and interstate travel to Canberra during Parliamentary sitting weeks.

• Other duties as required.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and experience in producing targeted communications for a variety of audiences.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping.

• Ability to self-manage and delegate.

• Well-developed organisational ability and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and cohesively as part of a small team.

• An understanding of the Australian system of government and parliamentary processes.

• Well-developed IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Preparedness to work overtime and on weekends when required.

Job details:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-23.

• A commencing salary between $69,170 and $80,757 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.

• An optional additional allowance may be considered in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work.

• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).

• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

A probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension.

Applications should be forwarded to andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au and include a resume with the names of two referees and a cover letter addressing the relevant skills and experience required for the role.

Applications close on Friday 30 June 2023. For further information please contact andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.