This month we spoke with Bryar Ostendorf, Team Leader Water Operations, Copper Coast Council, about his role, how his traineeship in local government helped him find his passion, why he put his hand up for the 2026 Ignite Program, and his family's guilty pleasure (binge-watching Grey's Anatomy).

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

My role is Team Leader – Water Operations. I have been in local government since January 2017.

You’re currently completing our 2026 Ignite Program – what drew you to the development opportunity?

I am relatively new to my leadership position, and Copper Coast Council offered the opportunity to undertake the Ignite Program. My Coordinator and I, both being less than 12 months in our respective positions, both took up this opportunity.

You started at Copper Coast Council as a trainee and have been able to work across multiple areas of council – how important has the trainee opportunity been to you in your career so far?

I started in January 2017 as an ICT Trainee and held that role for two years before I was offered a full-time position.

The traineeship was a great foundation for a school leaver to ease into a sizeable workforce. It gave me a very good understanding of all the moving parts within local government.

I completed further studies in 2018/2019 and had the position of ICT Support Officer until January 2024.

Whilst I was working in IT, I was always a very hands-on and ‘trade’ orientated person, so I took the side-step into an entry-level Wastewater Operator position. After completing my Cert 3 in Water Industry Operations in 2024/2025, I then stepped up into the position of Team Leader for Copper Coast Council's Water Operations (CWMS+Stormwater). I found that my calling was not in fact IT after all those years, and I had become very passionate and knowledgeable about the Wastewater Industry.

What do you do with yourself in your spare time?

I have a 15-month-old daughter, Scarlet, with my partner, Shayla. We live in Kadina, and in our spare time we like to spend time with our friends and family, alongside our guilty pleasure of binge-watching Grey's Anatomy.