Five Flinders University engineering graduates are now working in local government thanks to the City of Mitcham and City of Marion Joint Engineering Graduate Program.

The graduates started work in March 2025, and they will rotate work roles between the two councils throughout the two-year graduate program, enabling them to gain a broad perspective and deepen their knowledge.

The City Marion has brought onboard graduates Neel Gajjar and Pratiksha Pokhrel, while the City of Mitcham are hosting Sagar Ghising and Marjie Dadap.

Beyond the roles in the joint Engineering Graduate Program, an additional Technical Officer role has been established for Flinders graduate Akash Lodaya at the City of Mitcham.

These appointments represent the first cohort of students as part of an agreement between Flinders University, City of Marion and City of Mitcham that establishes a new collaboration on workforce development, innovation and research.

“Our students greatly value opportunities in local government which includes a focus on sustainability projects such as managing waste, renewable energy and infrastructure,” says Professor Giselle Rampersad, Dean of Education in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.

“The City of Marion and the City of Mitcham have long employed our students from Environmental Health and Environmental Science, and we look forward to continuing to deepen our relationship into the future.

“We have a shared ambition on sustainability, so it makes clear sense for us to collaborate on such important areas as sustainable energy, waste management and infrastructure.”

Civil Engineering is now a focus through the graduate program at Flinders, with Mitcham and Marion Councils on sustainable infrastructure initiatives.

Professor Rampersad says this agreement builds on the long partnership Flinders University has enjoyed with these Councils, which have employed graduates across a range of areas, including environmental health, environmental science and IT.

“This new collaboration is underpinned by a genuine approach by the councils to develop and engage with Flinders University students – and this provides equal opportunity to any students interested in a career in local government,” says Professor Rampersad.

Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said the council is thrilled to partner with the City of Marion and Flinders University in this exciting collaboration, which combines graduate development with innovation in research, curriculum design and industry collaboration.

“By providing graduates with real-world experience across both councils, we’re investing in their future while building a stronger, more skilled workforce that will support our communities for years to come.”

“By collaborating with Flinders University and Mitcham Council, Marion Council is creating real career pathways that benefit both students and the community,” says City of Marion Mayor, Kris Hanna.

Key responsibilities for the roles being undertaken by the Flinders engineering graduates at the councils include:

• Undertaking a range of organisational support responsibilities within the Engineering and Operations teams to meet Council business objective needs and outcomes.
• Utilising discipline-related knowledge to provide informed customer service, advice and solutions to internal and external stakeholders with the support of senior team members.
• Supporting a range of projects, policies and other organisational initiatives in diverse environments to gain a holistic view of work public works in Local Government.
• Working collaboratively within and across Council Divisions and Departments, and actively supporting others to achieve business outcomes.
• Building and maintaining solid working relationships with clients, stakeholders, mentors, managers and colleagues.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of policies, procedures and process improvement.
• Undertaking research and analysis and contribute to report development.
• Planning and delivering Civil Maintenance and Project works.

Flinders University is recognised as a leader in sustainability, with achievements including its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 and investments in renewable energy projects across its campuses, including solar power and water conservation systems.