Jobs Glen Innes-The Future of Regional Work in Northern NSW

Jobs Glen Innes
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The blog explores how Glen Innes has transformed into a thriving regional employment hub in northern NSW, highlighting opportunities across transport, recycling, public service, training, defence, and renewables. It showcases key employers like StockTrans, Glen Industries, and Service NSW, while profiling local leadership under Mayor Margot Davis and new training programs driving long-term economic growth.

A Town Built on Work & Resilience

Set in the heart of the New England Tablelands, Glen Innes has grown from a quiet agricultural centre into a regional employment hub. Known for its heritage, highland climate, and strong sense of community, it’s a place where work still feels personal and every job contributes to local life.

From freight transport to hospitality and government roles, jobs Glen Innes reflect a steady shift from traditional farming to a more diverse and sustainable workforce.

Transport & Logistics Jobs Glen Innes

In 1988, Newcastle freight operator Joe Sepos founded StockTrans in Glen Innes — now part of the JS Transport Group. The group operates 85 prime movers and 130 trailers, employs over 200 staff, and manages eight depots nationwide.

The Glen Innes headquarters supports nearly half the fleet, specialising in livestock transport between major feedlots like Whyalla, Rangers Valley, and Myola, and southern Queensland processing facilities.

Operations Manager Stephen Cooke, who began as a truck driver, said:

“I love the industry and the camaraderie. I grew up around sheep and cattle — this is what I always wanted to do.”

Finding experienced drivers remains one of the biggest challenges.

“It’s the million-dollar question,” Cooke said. “We’re always looking for people who want to work in this lifestyle.”

To maintain safety and efficiency, StockTrans uses satellite tracking and fatigue management systems, ensuring welfare for both drivers and livestock. Over the decades, it has expanded through acquisitions including Knights Livestock Transport, Henry Cooke Transport, Ron Finemore Transport (Lewingtons), David Grimison’s Queensland operations, and Paul Hansen’s Darling Downs division — securing Glen Innes as a logistics hub in northern NSW.

Recycling Jobs & Inclusive Employment

For more than 32 years, the Rodgers Road Recycling Facility in Glen Innes provided steady work for locals with disability under Glen Industries. The partnership with Glen Innes Severn Council employed ten people, processing about 1,200 tonnes of recyclables per year.

That changed in December 2024, when the council ended the contract, opting instead to truck unsorted recycling to Chinderah in Tweed Heads. The decision cited high maintenance costs and the promise of more efficient “optical sorting systems.”

Glen Industries General Manager Kylie Hawkins criticised the move:

“The inefficiency of this new arrangement is ridiculous. Our processing rate was half the market average, and council’s upgrade cost estimates were 15 to 30 times higher than expert quotes.”

The closure left two people redundant, with six redeployed and two retained for commercial pickups. Community support poured in for displaced workers, with locals offering alternative roles and assistance.

Training & Apprenticeships Creating New Pathways

In 2023, Transport for NSW launched its Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Program, opening over 100 positions in towns including Glen Innes, Armidale, Tamworth, and Narrabri.

Roles covered civil construction, bridge building, heavy diesel mechanics, painting and blasting, business administration, and project management.

Acting Minister for Regional Transport and Roads John Graham said:

“These positions are designed to kick-start careers for school leavers and anyone entering the workforce, providing valuable skills and nationally recognised qualifications.”

Director John Soars added that diversity was a key goal, with 47% of trainees women and 20% Indigenous participation. Nearly three-quarters secured permanent employment after training — a major boost for regional career development.

Affordable Living & Job Opportunities

According to a 2023 PropTrack report, Glen Innes ranks among NSW’s most affordable regional towns. With a median house price of $335,000 and weekly mortgage repayments around $400, it offers a realistic balance between cost of living and career potential.

Neighbouring towns such as Condobolin, Coonabarabran, Moree, and Wentworth also scored highly for affordability, but Glen Innes stands out for its diverse local economy.

Key employment sectors include agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail.
Local agent Matthew Velcich said:

“Most people move here for the better weather and slower pace — but the jobs are here too. Hospitality, aged care, and retail all need workers.”

With more businesses opening and tourism growing, local employment has never been stronger.

Public Service Jobs Glen Innes

Public sector careers are also thriving in the region. Service NSW, which employs more than 4,000 staff statewide, continues to expand digital and in-person services across the Northern Tablelands.

The agency promotes diversity, growth, and training:

“We are passionate about creating opportunities for people to contribute ideas, drive change, and grow their careers.”

This initiative gives Glen Innes residents access to stable government jobs and digital transformation roles, improving long-term employment stability.

Leadership & Economic Growth

In 2024, Margot Davis became Mayor of Glen Innes Severn, bringing her background in marketing and economic development and her work with Local Connect (formerly Attract Connect Stay).

Her vision focuses on building prosperity through collaboration and innovation:

“My role is to create pathways for councillors and the community to work together,” she said. “It’s not about gender — it’s about capability and leadership.”

Her administration prioritises housing, healthcare, job creation, and youth engagement, with the goal of sustainable long-term growth.

Defence & National Career Paths

Glen Innes has produced talent serving well beyond its borders.
Lance Corporal Jared Willis, son of a beekeeper from Glen Innes, joined the Australian Defence Force at age 20. After enlisting in 2019, he trained at RAAF Base Amberley, becoming dux of the Military Working Dog Basic Course in 2023.

Working alongside his Belgian Malinois dog Dirk, he completed helicopter hoisting and field operations training — exercises requiring total trust between handler and dog.

“Being lowered out of a helicopter with your dog builds an incredible bond,” he said. “Dirk and I have been through everything together.”

Now based in Darwin with Bravo Company, 1st Military Police Battalion, Willis represents the disciplined, skilled workforce that begins in regional NSW.
The pair marked their first year together on National Military Working Dog Day, June 7.

Bus-Driver Jobs & Local Transport Roles

Across NSW, bus companies are recruiting new drivers — including in Glen Innes.
The roles come with benefits such as free public transport via a staff Opal card, reliable shifts, and paid training.
Truck drivers transitioning to bus driving are especially encouraged.

Whether it’s regional routes or school services, bus driver jobs Glen Innes provide local employment without the need to relocate.

Emerging Industries-Renewables & Tourism

Glen Innes is becoming a quiet achiever in renewable energy and tourism. The nearby White Rock Wind Farm and regional solar projects are opening technical and maintenance positions.

At the same time, the area’s Celtic heritage, climate, and events like the Australian Standing Stones Festival are expanding hospitality, retail, and creative employment.

Tourism and renewables now account for a growing share of new jobs Glen Innes, complementing traditional sectors.

Current Employment Snapshot

  • Population: ~9,000
  • Median house price: $335,000
  • Top sectors: Agriculture & livestock, transport & logistics, healthcare, education, hospitality, government services
  • Emerging sectors: Renewables, tourism, digital freelancing
  • Key employers: JS Transport Group (StockTrans), Glen Innes Severn Council, Glen Industries, TAFE NSW, Service NSW, aged-care centres, small businesses
  • Unemployment: Below 4.5%, aligned with regional NSW average (ABS 2025)

The Outlook for Jobs Glen Innes

Glen Innes continues to evolve from its rural roots into a well-connected regional economy.
Training pipelines, government investment, and strong local leadership are keeping people employed and attracting new residents.

As Mayor Davis says,

“This is about building prosperous, vibrant communities that people want to live and work in.”

From transport and trades to public service and renewables, jobs Glen Innes are not only steady — they’re shaping the future of the New England region.

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