june 2016 profile magazine
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Around the Councils
Latest news from Councils across the state
Advocating for officers
Campaign to protect Council workers in the field
2016 Social Media Conference
See pictures from this successful event
2016 LGProWomen’s Professional Development Forum
THURSDAY 21 JULY Melbourne Park Function Centre,
Batman Avenue Melbourne
Inspire Unite Celebrate
Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Winter 2016
LGPro_FPC_v160516.indd 1 16/05/2016 8:03:56 AM
PROFILE WINTER 2016
Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc)
LGPro Level 3/58 Lorimer Street Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9268 6400 Fax: (03) 9646 0469 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lgpro.com
DEADLINES
Profile is published quarterly. The deadline for Spring 2016 edition is 1 August 2016. The magazine will be published in early September 2016.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Story ideas and photographs are always welcome. Please contact Vicki Amiguet, LGPro’s Manager Communication and Sponsorship on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to [email protected]
ADVERTISING
For information or to book advertising in Profile, please call Vicki Amiguet on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to [email protected]
CREDITS
Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Editor – Vicki Amiguet Design: Bull Design Group (03) 9561 3313 www.bulldesigngroup.com.au
Profile is printed on recycled paper.
Main picture at top: From left, Tess Papanikolaou, Sarah Quick and Cameron Gray from Yarra City Council at the Social Media Conference.
ContentsConnect with us at LGProVIC
6-7 Inspire, Unite and Celebrate at LGPro Women’s events
This year’s Women’s Professional Development
Forum and Women’s Network Dinner will celebrate
and inspire women working in the sector.
21 Meet Kim Rawlings an LGPro Fellow
Kim Rawlings provides an insight into her career
and what has helped her to get where she is today.
13 Future Ready – the next steps
Learn about the next steps to implementing our
Future Ready project which provides a roadmap
to the future Local Government workforce.
9 Addressing gender imbalance
Our female Board members presented a submission
to the Local Government Minister on the gender
imbalance at CEO level in Local Government.
22-23 Support yourself, support the sector with LGPro membership
Learn how the support of LGPro members helps
us to make a difference in the sector.
27 Sharing the love through mentoring
Troy Edwards talks about his involvement in our
mentoring program and why he likes to give back
to the sector.
4 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
›We often refer to ourselves as a member organisation. It’s perhaps more accurate and helpful to think of LGPro as the members’ organisation.
The members’ organisation
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It’s a simple proposition but it
requires a fine balance between
the members driving the work
but not being burdened by
having to do all of it.
The challenge for the Board and
staff of LGPro is to be mindful
and comfortable with leading and
being led to ensure that our efforts
and resources are used in a way
that you feel is reflective of your
needs and aspirations.
Biodiversity SIG submissions
A good example of this working
well is the two excellent LGPro
submissions developed by the
Biodiversity Planning Network
Special Interest Group; Protecting
Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity
2036, and Review of the Native
Vegetation Clearing Regulations.
On behalf of the Board I’d like to
thank the members of this SIG for
their efforts and for representing
the sector so well.
I’d also like to take this opportunity
to congratulate the LGPro Web
Network SIG on developing and
delivering a high quality Social
Media Conference. The work of
the planning committee, and the
SIG more broadly, demonstrates
great leadership in an area of
operation that is vital to the sector.
Next year the Communications
Network SIG will work together
with the Web Network to develop
another outstanding Social Media
Conference program.
Support yourself, support the sector
You will be receiving your
membership renewal this month
and many of your colleagues
will receive invitations to join.
In trying to promote the benefits
of LGPro membership we have
decided on support yourself,
support the sector. We are
continually striving to develop
programs, events and services
that will add value for you,
regardless of the stage of your
career and in a challenging
environment Councils more
than ever need to have people
who are encouraged and
supported to develop the skills
and knowledge required to
drive sector performance.
As your members’ organisation it
is vital that LGPro members drive
our activities and submissions that
represent and support the sector.
The work to develop Future Ready
projects, submissions in the next
phase of the Local Government
Act Review and the Good Practice
Guide for Enforcement are just a
few examples of work that LGPro
members continue to drive.
Reduced rate for Young Professionals
We are excited about offering a
Young Professionals membership
category at a significantly reduced
rate for those working in the sector
who are 36 years and under. This
membership category will also tie
in with the Young Professionals
Network SIG.
Our independence is key to our
ability to work with and for you
without compromise. Not being
reliant on government or other
sources of funding makes LGPro
highly reliant on membership. So
please support yourself, support
the sector by renewing your LGPro
membership and encouraging
your colleagues who aren’t
members to consider joining.
I look forward to catching up with
you at an LGPro activity soon.
BRENDAN McGRATH
PRESIDENT
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 5
That’s why we are so pleased and
excited with the response we’ve
had to the regional programs we
are offering. Our new program,
Ignite for Outdoor Workers is being
held in north east Victoria with each
of the four days being hosted by
different Councils in the region.
Another new program, Council
Report Writing, has been delivered
in the north east and in western
Victoria at Hindmarsh, and we have
the Core Financial Skills program
being delivered at Warrnambool,
Corangamite, Latrobe and Baw Baw.
Customised online learning
Our online learning which offers
Local Government customised
compliance courses and/or online
performance appraisal is receiving
really strong interest with Greater
Bendigo having signed on and
discussions underway with a number
of other Councils. We recognise
that cost is a significant part of
accessibility and with this in mind
the costing for our online learning
is based on an average number of
users which would typically see
smaller rural Councils receiving
it at a lower rate.
We know there are a range of
activities that work best for all
if they are held centrally. For these
we always seek input and advice
from our regional and rural
members about timing and
format to make their attendance
as convenient as possible.
Representing the sector
We take great care to ensure that
our advocacy work, e.g. submissions
on the Local Government Act
Review, rate capping and legislative
protection for authorised officers
have direct input of our members
from across Victoria and that
our view is representative of the
entire sector.
Continuing with the accessibility
theme, we are upgrading and
updating our member database
to provide you with simpler and
easier online access and improved
communication with our office.
We don’t expect any significant
disruptions (I know you’ve heard
that before) but we will keep you
informed of any changes that might
impact on you as we progress.
Upcoming events
Over the next few months we
have the following events planned
– the Women’s Professional
Development Forum and Women’s
Network Dinner incorporating the
Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship,
the Aged & Disability Services
Seminar, Corporate Planners
Conference and the first Young
Professionals Network SIG event.
All of these are great opportunities
to continue your professional
and career development, make
important connections and lead
the work of the sector.
I look forward to catching up
with our ongoing members and
to welcoming our new members
and working with you to support
yourself, support the sector.
DAVID PREISS
“Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you.”
– Carl Jung
›Accessibility is a key consideration for all of our work but in a financially constrained environment it has become more important than ever. There’s not much point in claiming to be a statewide organisation if the only way to access our programs and services is to
come to Melbourne.
Making programs accessible
CEO’S MESSAGE
6 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
July is a special month for women working in Local Government with two key LGPro events that recognise and celebrate women in our sector. These events – the Women’s Professional Development Forum and the Women’s Network Dinner – will both be held on Thursday 21 July at Melbourne Park.
The forum will be held during the day starting at 9.30am and the dinner will start with drinks at 6.30pm before dinner is served at 7pm. The number of women and men (at the dinner) attending the events have grown with many commenting that they look forward to them each year.
ForumThe forum started in 2010 to celebrate the Year of Women in Local Government and in support of the national strategy to advance the important contribution made by all women in the sector.
Its objective is to focus on the issues, opportunities and challenges facing women in the sector and to support career development, personal growth strategies and shared approaches to address them. The forum targets all women regardless of their location, level or professional background and the program is developed by LGPro’s female Board members with this in mind. In recent years each forum has had a theme and this year it is – INSPIRE, UNITE AND CELEBRATE. The two keynote addresses, interactive concurrent sessions and facilitated panel session will be based around the theme. Two inspirational keynote speakers, Clementine Ford and Jacqui Cooper, have been secured (see more on them below).
Keynote speakers
Celebrating Women in Local Government
Jacqui Cooper is the greatest aerial skier of all time having represented Australia in 139 World Cup events, nine World Championships and been selected in five Winter Olympic teams. She has won five world titles, 39 World Cup medals, 24 World Cup events and three major World Championship medals.
Jacqui’s sport is unforgiving; she has had knee, elbow, shoulder and hip reconstructions. In 2001 she broke her back in an attempt to win a record third World Title; she went on and won it. In 2002 at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics she injured her knee and broke her leg, just two days before the Olympic competition ending years of dreaming, willing and wanting.
In 2010, Jacqui competed in Vancouver after a year of intense hip and knee rehabilitation. She spent most of the months leading into the Olympics in a wheelchair, learning to walk again and gaining confidence in a sport that is brutal and cruel. She stunned her rivals, coaches and teammates when she came fifth; her best Olympic result in 20 years. In between training and competing in events Jacqui devotes much of her time to sporting committees around the world, providing a voice for her peers at a national and international level. She also works with kids to promote healthy lifestyles, smart choices, nutrition, dreaming big, being active and goal setting.
Clementine Ford is a writer, speaker and feminist thinker. She is a columnist for Fairfax’s Daily Life and is a regular contributor to The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. Her work has also appeared in the Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Girlfriend, CLEO, Sunday Life and The Big Issue. Clementine has been a guest on ABC’s Q&A, Channel Nine Mornings and is a frequent contributor to Channel Ten’s The Project.
She explores issues of gender inequality and pop culture. Her ability to use humour to lay bare ongoing issues affecting women has earned her a huge and loyal readership amongst both women and men. Clementine’s work has radically challenged the issues of men’s violence against women and gender warfare in Australia.
In late 2012, Clementine was voted one of Australia’s most influential female voices by Daily Life readers. In 2013 and 2014, those same readers voted her into Daily Life’s top 20 Women of the Year awards.
Clementine’s number one mission is to speak openly and honestly about the state of the world as we live in it. She hopes to give other women the language and confidence to articulate their own feelings of frustration and anger.
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 7
Women’s Network DinnerThe dinner has become a key event on the Local Government calendar providing a great networking opportunity. Many Councils take the opportunity to book full tables as reward and recognition for their staff.
Highlights of the evening include the address by the keynote speaker and the announcement of the winners of the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award which recognises women 35 years and under who have demonstrated achievements in improving community life.
SpeakerDr Susan Carland has a PhD from Monash University’s School of Social Sciences and is a lecturer and researcher at Monash University’s National Centre for Australian Studies. Her teaching and research expertise are in gender, sociology, contemporary Australia and the modern Muslim experience.
Susan hosted the “Assumptions” series on ABC’s Radio National and in 2012 she was named on the 20 Most Influential Australian Female Voices list by The Age. She has also been listed on the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World list and as a “Muslim Leader of Tomorrow” by the UN Alliance of Civilizations. She is a regular paper reviewer and panelist on ABC TV’s News Breakfast and has also appeared on the Agony series, Q&A, Lateline, Studio Ten, The Circle, Sunrise, The Einstein Factor and Compass.
Her writing has appeared in numerous Australian print and online publications, including in the “Between Us” Women of Letters anthology published by Penguin and the “Mothermorphosis” anthology published by Melbourne University Press. She also co-authored The Research Process (6th edition), published by Oxford University Press and Melbourne University Publishing is publishing her PhD thesis, entitled Fighting Hislam (slated for publication in 2017). Susan was a co-creator and presenter of the ground-breaking television show, Salam Café and is an ambassador for the Possible Dreams International charity.
Celebrating Women in Local Government
Registrations for both events will open this month. Look out for further details and the forum program on our website at www.lgpro.com and in our fortnightly email newsletter Your Sector Your News.
The photo booth at last year’s dinner was such a success that we have booked another one this year so guests can have a bit of fun with their colleagues and friends. It will be set up outside the dinner room.
REGISTRATIONS PHOTO BOOTH
LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR WOMEN’S EVENTS
Women’s Professional Development Forum
Women’s Network Dinner
MAJOR SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
8 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
The 2015 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship fund Award winner, Emily McKie, is even more passionate about providing girls with the opportunity to participate in sport than she was when she won the award.
Nominations for the 2016 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award close on Friday 10 June and the winner will be announced at the LGPro Women’s Network Dinner on Thursday 21 July.
And all her hard work is getting results as the girl’s football competition that she started only a year ago has grown from 12 teams to an amazing 37 teams this season. Last season there were only divisions for under 12s and under 15s, but this year that has expanded to include under 16s and under 18s.
Emily is busy combining running the competition with assisting sporting teams at an Indigenous Boarding School and her Health Studies degree at Deakin University and loving every minute of it.
“Winning the Sally Isaac Award and the $10,000 educational scholarship that went with it allowed me to stop and really think about what direction I wanted to take my study in. So this year I started my Health Science degree majoring in diversity in the community and sport coaching,” she said.
“The scholarship has given me more motivation to study and I have been able to choose a field that I truly believe in.”
Emily says the growth of the Eastern Ranges Girl’s Football League has been phenomenal and it has been “awesome” to be a part of it. “The whole perception of girls playing football is changing and this will continue now that a national girl’s football competition is being proposed,” she said.
“It doesn’t even have to be football, I just want to see girls given the opportunity to get out there and give sport a crack.”
Emily said winning the award had gained her a lot of accolades in the sporting community and she was thrilled to be invited to speak at the International Women’s Day celebration at Yarra Ranges Council in March.
Each year the award attracts an outstanding field of women aged 35 years and under who have demonstrated achievements in improving community life. The winner receives a $10,000 educational scholarship to undertake a component of a relevant tertiary course in Australia or overseas on an issue or area of work that will contribute to improve community life.
The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award is in honour of Sally Elizabeth Isaac, an extraordinary woman and young leader
in the Local Government sector who passed away in early 2009. Sally had an amazing capacity for developing people, engaging in policy debate and an absolute commitment to social justice in the community.
For further information visit 2016 Sally Isaac Award or contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.
Emily (centre) answers a question during her appearance at Women’s Day
celebrations in March.
Sally Isaac winner continues her passion
2016 Sally Isaac nominations
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 9
› LGPro is actively advocating to address the poor representation of women at CEO level in Local Government.
Vice president of our Board,
Rebecca McKenzie, with the
support of the other seven women
Board members, presented a
submission to the Minister for Local
Government, Natalie Hutchins
on International Women’s Day
on 8 March outlining how we can
address the glaring imbalance
of female CEOs in the sector.
The submission says there are three
factors which will together over
time influence the demographic
representation of women in CEO
ranks in Local Government in
Victoria. These are:
• Raising the profile of the issue
and providing clear expectations
by setting and measuring
performance against a target
• Increasing the number of
women in candidate pools
by investing in skill and
capability development
• Improving the calibre of decision
making by elected officials
The number of women
appointed to CEO roles in Local
Government at any point in time
since amalgamations has never
been greater than 17 across the
79 Councils in Victoria. Given the
large representation of women in
the Local Government workforce,
this figure is disappointing to say
the least, the submission says.
LGPro called on the Minister to
draw attention to this issue by
establishing a Ministerial Advisory
Panel with representation from
LGPro, ALGWA, MAV, the executive
recruitment industry, academics
with expertise in women in
leadership and ASU or other
relevant union representatives.
This panel should focus on the
establishment of targets and other
initiatives to address the existing
barriers to the appointment of
women CEOs in the sector.
Research has shown that
women, more so than their male
counterparts, will not apply for roles
until they believe that they have the
skills and capabilities to undertake
the role. The submission says there
are many strategies that could be
considered to increase the number
of women applying for CEO roles
and called on the Ministerial Panel
to explore these collaboratively
with the sector.
It also recommended that the
Minister establish a Minister’s
Award of an annual scholarship
for a female Council Director to
participate in LGPro’s Executive
Leadership Program (XLP).
The submission contends that
direct and indirect bias is a
significant factor in the CEO
appointment process and suggests
that there would be merit in
introducing mandatory training for
Councillors involved in the CEO
recruitment and performance
management processes and in
establishing a panel of independent
advisors to sit on selection panels
for every CEO role. Importantly,
decision making would remain
the power of the elected Council.
A contemporary sector with
strong and capable leadership is in
everyone’s best interests. This will
be achieved when appointment
at CEO level is made on the basis
of merit alone and matters of
discrimination are eliminated,
the submission concluded.
Advocating to address the gender imbalance at CEO level in Local Government
Rebecca McKenzie presents the submission to the Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins on the steps of Parliament House surrounded by other LGPro Board Members.
ADVOCACY NEWS
Helping develop your most valuable asset…people.
McArthur Talent Architects is the Management Consulting division of McArthur.
Our business is simple and focused. For the last 20 years we have been helping the Australian Public and Private sectors get the best out of their people.
We deliver a range of high quality, cost-effective solutions that can be tailored to suit any specific environment or business landscape.
• Performance Management
• Psychometric Assessment/Profiling
• Leadership Development
• Employee Engagement
• Remuneration Advice
To find out how Talent Architects can help you optimise your most valuable asset, contact Andrew Alford on (03) 9828 6565.
485 McA LG Nat Remun Survey DPS_HR.indd All Pages 24/02/2015 12:45 pm
Helping develop your most valuable asset…people.
McArthur Talent Architects is the Management Consulting division of McArthur.
Our business is simple and focused. For the last 20 years we have been helping the Australian Public and Private sectors get the best out of their people.
We deliver a range of high quality, cost-effective solutions that can be tailored to suit any specific environment or business landscape.
• Performance Management
• Psychometric Assessment/Profiling
• Leadership Development
• Employee Engagement
• Remuneration Advice
To find out how Talent Architects can help you optimise your most valuable asset, contact Andrew Alford on (03) 9828 6565.
485 McA LG Nat Remun Survey DPS_HR.indd All Pages 24/02/2015 12:45 pm
12 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
› Friends of Alpine Shire CEO Dave Barry describe him as a person who is driven to achieve outcomes rather than as someone who is ambitious.
A leader driven to achieve outcomes
And in the two and a half years
he has been at the helm at Alpine
he has achieved some significant
outcomes including:
• $4 million recurring savings
in the Council budget
• Setting the lowest rates in the
history of the Shire last year
with a rise of 2.9%
• Anticipating to record the lowest
rate increase of any Council in
Victoria this year with a modest
rise of only 2.3%
• Setting a $9.3 million capital
works budget for 2016/17 which
is the highest in the Shire’s history
The real winners in all of these
outcomes has been the local
community which Dave believes
is how it should be. Improving
services to the community should
be at the forefront of all Council
decisions, he says.
The Shire is embarking on some
major capital works including
a $3.8 million project to give
Mt Beauty a major facelift and
building a $3.9 million Alpine Events
Park to support outdoor events in
Bright. These projects will create jobs
during the design and construction
phase and also increase direct
expenditure in the Shire each year.
Add to this a $7 million streetscape
project which will transform the
towns of Bright, Myrtleford and
Porepunkah and the fact that fees
and charges for many Council
services across the Shire have
dropped dramatically and there
are certainly many reasons for
Alpine residents to be happy.
One example of the lower fees
and charges is a family pass to the
swimming pool which was reduced
from $300 to $99 last year and has
been further reduced to $89 this year.
Dave admits that there have been
some tough decisions made to
achieve these outcomes including
reducing the Shire’s full time staff
from 143 to just under 100. “Naturally
this process has not been easy.
For me significant change requires
bringing people on a journey with
you and in this case our staff have
been fantastic and prepared to put
the greater good above themselves.
It shows how committed they are
to our community” he said.
“Reducing our staff and cutting
our vehicle fleet from 22 to six has
helped to put money back into
ratepayers pockets through lower
rates and fees and charges, and we
are undertaking some major projects
that benefit the local community
and bring more tourism dollars
into the region,” he said.
Dave has worked in Local
Government for the past 13
years. Prior to this he had a varied
career starting out as an electrical
engineer in the defense forces in his
native Ireland, then setting up and
operating a successful technology
business before moving to Australia
in 2003 for personal reasons.
His first Council role was in
economic development at Alpine
Shire Council, then as a Team Leader
in economic and commercial
development at Albury City where
he worked with a visionary General
Manager who was passionate about
delivering transformative projects
that would benefit the community.
“Basically we bought up difficult sites,
removed the barriers that prevented
them from being commercially
viable and sold them to developers
to achieve a specific, and often
varied outcome, for our community”.
“At that time Councils in NSW were
cash strapped so they had to look
for innovative ways to improve and
it was exciting to be part of that.”
Dave then became a Director at
Towong Shire Council where he
was fortunate to work as part of a
team that secured funding for $12
million of new community facilities
in a short period of time – increasing
annual competitive funding from
$150,000 to $3.8 million.
Dave believes great leaders need a
range of attributes and in particular
maintaining a focus on what delivers
outcomes and not being distracted
by a never ending list. In his time in
Local Government he has focused
on achieving one or two projects
each year that make a fundamental
difference to the community.
FEATURE ARTICLE
› LGPro’s Future Ready project, which provides a roadmap to the future Local Government workforce, has moved to the next level following a collaborative workshop
of CEOs, Directors and Managers representing 19 Councils on 27 April.
Future Ready moves to the next level
Developed in partnership with
Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC),
Future Ready’s vision is to create a
sector workforce that can adapt and
respond to emerging and changing
community needs while remaining
financially sustainable.
The project will drive change
through a range of priority projects
that have a whole of sector focus.
The projects have been collated into
the following three project streams:
• Community focussed services
• Workforce
• Enabling environment
A steering group with two
CEO representatives from the
overarching Project Control Group
at the helm has been formed for
each stream. The workshop on
27 April gave each steering group the
opportunity to scope their stream’s
priority projects and identify key
milestones, resource requirements,
risks and interdependencies.
The objective is to ensure that
there are priority projects which
have short, medium and long term
deliverables. An update on progress
of the project was shared with
the Minister for Local Government
and LGV at a meeting on Thursday
19 May 2016.
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
LGPro Future Ready
THE MEAT IN THE SANDWICH OR SANDWICH MAKERLGPro invites Executive and Personal Assistants to this special program and lunch
Friday 24 June from 11.30am-2.30pm Maddocks, Level 6/140 William Street, Melbourne EAs and PAs are key contacts for people at all levels in the organisation including Councillors. With Council elections coming up later this year it’s easy to see how they could be the ‘meat in the sandwich’.
Learn how to deal with any tricky situations at this specialised program led by Liana Thompson and Tony De Fazio.
Liana has more than 20 years in Local Government while Tony’s career in the sector spans 39 year.
CEOs EAs & PAs and EAs and PAs who are LGPro Individual Members are FREE as a thank you for their support. Cost for other EAs and PAs is $99 incl GST.
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
WINNER
2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
SPECIAL PROJECTS INITIATIVE
Warrnambool City Council, Tourism Services, Oddball Nature of a Regional Movie
Warrnambool City Council seized an opportunity to help with the production of the film which tells an amazing story that was not well known outside the region and as a result the movie has brought with it an unprecedented promotion of Warrnambool and the Middle Island Maremma Project so that Warrnambool is now regarded as the “home of Oddball”.
Council sought to capitalise on the $7 million movie to maximise the tourism, environmental and community outcomes for their region. These aims were split over production, promotion and launch phases of the movie’s development.
The movie generated enormous community engagement. Local people feature in the film, the economic impact includes a lift in tourism and the securing for the short to medium term of funding of the maremma project through sponsorship, donations and merchandising.
Council developed an “Oddball Bed Bank” with local tourism operators donating bed nights to help the production company extend the shooting days in Warrnambool. This resulted in two and a half weeks of filming in Warrnambool. Council was also involved in the promotional plan for the film’s launch. Outcomes included a 20-minute story on Channel 7’s Sunday Night show which reached 1.6 million viewers.
‘Meet the Maremmas’ sessions were offered in Warrnambool during the movie launch to provide people with an outlet for their immediate interest in the story behind the movie. About 2000 people participated.
Council also developed the Oddball Club, an email database to update the community on the progress of the movie. More than 100 movie extras were drawn from the club.
The local community was asked to participate in a Penguin Box Building Day that was filmed by Channel 7. A total of 24 boxes were built.
Warrnambool City Council seized on the opportunity to ensure Warrnambool was central to the story told in the movie. Although Oddball is based on a true Warrnambool story, it could have been adapted to be filmed anywhere.
The willingness of the community and Council to embrace the movie production was noted by Oddball director Stuart McDonald who said: “It was like we showed up and we said to the community ‘we want to tell your story’ – they said, ‘great because so do we, so how can we help’.”
Council harnessed the excitement in the community to develop possibly the largest promotion ever of Warrnambool. This promotion was across all areas of Council and the community.
Whilst Oddball is not the first movie to be based on a regional Australian story, it does showcase how Local Government can seize an opportunity to maximise the benefits to both community and visitor economy through a strategic all of Council approach. It has resulted in an immediate impact of people seeing the movie and then visiting Warrnambool to see the true story.
In 2013, it was announced that the movie Oddball was to commence production. The movie is based on the true story of the maremma dogs which protect a Little Penguin colony on Middle Island, off Warrnambool.
14 | PROFILE AUTUMN 2015
WINNER & HONOURABLE MENTION
Melton City Council, Kel Tori, Luke Shannon and Michael Tudball, Western BACE
HONOURABLE MENTION
The Western Business Accelerator & Centre for Excellence (Western BACE) is an innovative project that delivered a 6-star green star sustainable facility in a significant growth centre within the City of Melton.
It has also provided a direct link into local employment, emerging and new business growth whilst addressing a skill shortage within the local workforce. In addition a sustainable business model has been developed with the establishment of a skills-based Board to govern and grow the facility.
The City of Melton is within the fastest growing region in Australia and is one of Melbourne’s designated growth corridors. With an annual population growth rate at over 4.5% there is ongoing pressure to create local employment opportunities as at present 83% of residents leave the City each day to find work.
As a demonstration project the Western BACE and its location within the future Toolern Metropolitan Activity Centre has served as a pivotal point of activation within the precinct.
The facility has highlighted the need for Councils to be able provide high level and professional business centred facilities for businesses to develop and meet. The rate of engagement in the initial stages with mature businesses has demonstrated the need for such a localised space.
The Western BACE project team, where possible, has facilitated employment opportunities for local businesses from both the City of Melton and broader local region by sourcing local products, ensuring that the design and construction of the facility included opportunities for local business involvement and by working collaboratively with project partners to identify programs.
The City of Melton is working with the Western Melbourne Regional Development Authority and LeadWest to pursue the possibility of the Western BACE operating as a central support facility for a range of smaller, industry-specific business accelerators across western Melbourne, enhancing the project’s impact and supporting the growth of local employment opportunities across the broader western Melbourne region.
PROFILE AUTUMN 2015 | 15
Nominations are open for the 2016 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards and will close at 5pm on Monday 25 July.
Nominate now for 2016 Aged & Disability Services Awards
The awards celebrate individuals and teams working in Local Government who have made a significant contribution to Aged & Disability Services in Victoria. This year’s categories are:
• Outstanding Program or Project – Grant based (funded) • Outstanding Program or Project – Non grant based (not funded)
Nominations will be via an online process similar to last year.
Award winners will be announced at the LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards Dinner on Wednesday 7 September at Bayview Eden in Melbourne. The dinner is held in conjunction with the LGPro Aged & Disability Services Seminar which will be on Thursday 8 September.
Click here for more information and to nominate
WINNERS & FINALISTS
WINNER
2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS INITIATIVE
Glenelg Shire Council, Great South Coast Beyond the Bell Team, Great South Coast Beyond the Bell
In the longer-term, Beyond the Bell seeks to mobilise an entire community across a vast geographic area to ensure all local young people are supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
Four years in, the project has inspired a regional coalition that is now actively engaged in addressing gaps and problem areas across the life continuum, from birth through to adulthood. It has created a deeper understanding of the barriers to education attainment and how these might be addressed.
The primary goal of the Beyond the Bell initiative was to bring together all tiers of government, organisations, community groups and individuals across south west Victoria to support them to work together in a Collective Impact framework.
The long-term ambition is to create a future in which the region’s young people are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential. Outcomes to date include:
• The project is now a priority of the Great South Coast Group, Regional Development Australia and Regional Development Victoria
• The formation of six Local Action Groups, each with its own action plan based on local need and culture and development of a regional strategy
• Activation of around 100 volunteers across the region
• Engagement with 2500 community members
Unlike other approaches, Beyond the Bell is not looking to government to solve the problem. Instead, it has adopted a grass roots approach underpinned by the philosophy that it takes a village to educate a child.
The initiative has galvanised the community to take responsibility for addressing this complex and multifaceted issue.
It has engaged stakeholders and partners at every related touch point in a young person’s life, from maternal and child care to kindergartens, libraries, primary schools, secondary schools to the alternative and higher education providers, service clubs, health and welfare providers, as well as individuals and other groups.
This work has not been easy. Traditional ways of working involving competition for control, scarce resources and skilled staff has been a barrier, as has the lack of skills in adaptive leadership, action learning and working collaboratively in a Collective Impact setting. This has entailed some difficult conversations, workshops and other tools to build the necessary trust and relationships to do this work.
Beyond the Bell has engaged representatives from Local Government and the education, health and welfare sectors, including the local Aboriginal community, young people, parents and other interested community members.
There is now broad understanding of Beyond the Bell across the Great South Coast community (approximately120,000 people).
Beyond the Bell has ushered in a new spirit of collaboration, fostering regional networks and relationships and providing the tools and knowledge to be better able to work together.
This is a revolutionary, community-driven response to a complex social issue. It recognises that the current system is failing the area’s young people, almost half of whom are not going on to attain Year 12 or equivalent.
16 | PROFILE AUTUMN 2015
Frankston City Council, On the Right Track
Sunraysia Sustainability Network, Nardia Baker, Martin Hawson, Mark Jenkins and Robert Watson, Sunraysia Sustainability Network Project
Yarra City Council, Sustainability and Strategic Transport Team,In Your Patch: Local Sustainability in Action
FINALISTSOn the right track was a partnership initiative between the Kokoda Youth Foundation and Frankston City Council promoting the spirit of the Anzac’s and identifying the values engraved on pillars at the Papua New Guinea war memorial as key attributes for lifelong success.
These values are:
• Courage (bravery and honesty)
• Endurance (strength and growth)
• Mateship (loyalty and integrity)
• Sacrifice (selflessness and volunteering)
It provided young people aged 14-17 years with an opportunity to develop themselves mentally, physically and emotionally by participating in endurance based learning. Participants were provided
with an alternative way to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment, enhancing their ability to navigate the challenges of life.
The program was a one of a kind initiative in Victoria delivered in partnership with the Kokoda Youth Foundation and the 39th Battalion. It was made up of two components; community service and endurance based activities and was a great platform for young people to develop disciplines in relation to their social, leadership, and physical skills. Through this challenge participants were able to demonstrate to their leaders, parents, schools and themselves the leadership and team building skills they developed over the course of the program’s intensive physical and personal development sessions.
Through ongoing community and government partnerships with Sunraysia Sustainability Network (SSN), the Mildura Eco Village (MEV) project represents a vital step towards education of the community about the challenges of regional self-sufficiency.
MEV is a multi-stage, long term, sustainable community precinct, situated on 11 acres of land next to the Mildura Landfill and Transfer Station. The facility provides community partnerships and a focus on innovation; environmental education and activities; renewable energy and retrofitting; water conservation and recycling for business; and sustainability training, events and festivals.
Through the SSN community partnership, MEV offers a unique and innovative range of sustainability,
education and energy saving demonstrations and solutions, including:
• A 9 Star energy-rated MEV Centre, the development of which was recognised ‘as an exemplar of sustainable design’, winning two design awards from the Victorian Building Designers Association Awards in 2013
• A unique Solar Distillation Demonstration project, featuring 70 solar powered desalination panels, producing up to 600 litres/day of distilled water from contaminated, stormwater, or saline water sources
• An Eco House ‘retrofit’, demonstrating the ease and value of investing in domestic retrofit options
• A community garden
Yarra Council’s In Your Patch project was a successful pilot resulting in six community partnership projects including a highly successful solar bulk-buy, a new compost hub and several new and enhanced gardens and compost systems.
It represents a fresh approach to a long-standing aspiration of Local Government to foster effective community action for sustainability.
The results have validated the strategies used which included community empowerment, peer-to-peer engagement, group capacity building and Council driven community partnerships. It successfully reached a diverse audience and enabled new collective action. In Your Patch has also provided learning that is now being integrated into the Yarra Annual Grants.
The objective of the project was to increase collective action for sustainability across Yarra, using a community partnership approach with a particular focus on connecting neighbours and targeting new audiences, particularly the ‘hard to reach’.
A community empowerment and partnership model was adopted where community members led the projects and were partnered by Council.
The project sought ideas from the community and then provided seed funding and extensive tailored support to turn the ideas into reality. It also worked at the group (rather than individual) level to facilitate collective action using a peer-to-peer engagement approach, empowering trusted community members to engage the people around them.
PROFILE AUTUMN 2015 | 17
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PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 19
›LGPro is leading an advocacy campaign calling for more protection for authorised Council officers carrying out their duties following an increase in the number of officers being assaulted.
Calling for more protection for authorised officers
We have written to the Sentencing
Council Victoria calling for the same
sentences to apply to offenders
who assault Council officers in the
line of duty to those that apply to
emergency workers.
The lack of legislative protection
for Council workers was also
highlighted in our December 2015
submission to the Local Government
Act review. Part of our submission
called for “the introduction of a
specific offence provision(s) within
the new Local Government Act that
applies to causing serious injury or
the death of a Council appointed
authorised officer mirroring the
current offences to which section
10AA of the Sentencing Act applies
using the definition of ‘serious injury’
within section 15 the Crimes Act.”
LGPro has also raised our concerns
on this matter in regular meetings
with the Minister for Local
Government, Natalie Hutchins.
Authorised Council officers includes
those working in the areas of
domestic animal control, parking,
food regulation enforcement, public
health and wellbeing, planning and
environment enforcement and
regulation, tobacco control, building
regulation and local laws.
Our letter to the Sentencing
Council Victoria said: “sadly,
authorised Council officers are
frequently subject to abuse and
sometimes assault while carrying
out legitimate duties, including
enforcement of State legislation.”
The letter went on to say we are
concerned that the sentences handed
down to perpetrators of these assaults
is inadequate and does not take into
account the trauma caused to the
individual and their family and the
impacts and costs imposed on their
colleagues and employer.
Section 10AA of the Sentencing Act
1991 prescribes a minimum term
of imprisonment for the offence
of causing injury intentionally or
recklessly against an emergency
worker (as defined). Unfortunately
the definition does not include
Authorised Officers of Local
Government, the letter stated.
As the peak body representing
Local Government officers, LGPro
believes that when a person assaults
a Local Government authorised
officer while in the execution of
their duties, they should be subject
to the same mandatory sentencing
arrangements as those people who
assault police, emergency workers,
hospital staff and fire fighters.
Greater Bendigo signs up for online learning with LGProGreater Bendigo City Council is the
first to sign up for the six compliance
courses that LGPro has developed
in conjunction with Global Vision
Media (GVM) as part of our new
specialist online learning offering.
The compliance courses are
designed to support officers working
in Local Government to perform
their duties in the areas of:
• Information privacy
• OH&S
• Workplace bullying & harassment
• Equal employment opportunity
• Fraud prevention and awareness
• Victorian Charter of Human
Rights and Responsibilities
The courses were developed with
a high level of engagement from
Council officers to ensure they
are relevant and specific Local
Government examples will be used
in the delivery of the programs. Each
course has been checked and signed
off as legally compliant by HR Legal.
Samples of the six courses are
available online for other interested
Councils to check out to see
if they meet their requirements.
LGPro and GVM are also able to
develop customised online courses
and modules to meet the needs
of individual Councils.
Any Council wanting further
information on the online
compliance courses, or to
discuss customised courses
can contact Leanne Bickley
at LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.
ADVOCATING FOR COUNCIL OFFICERS
› Our 2016 Social Media Conference attracted a record number of delegates all keen to learn what’s next in the rapidly developing fields of digital media and online engagement.
What’s next in social media
Nick Williamson, a systems thinker
and innovator from New Zealand
talked about projects he had led
which had changed the relationship
between citizens and Councils by
moving the Council’s role from
arbitrator to facilitator.
The workshop sessions focused
on digital storytelling, social media
analytics, paying for social media
tools, livestreaming and how to
engage during a crisis. The lightning
talks, where seven Councils each
provided a five minute presentation
on a cutting edge social media
project they had implement proved
popular with delegates.
The day finished with an on the
couch session where panellists
answered questions from the floor
and shared tips on how to take social
media and online engagement to
the next level.
Conference delegates were busy
tweeting during the day so much
so that #LGProSM16 was actually
trending which was great news!
Tracey Slatter, CEO of Port Phillip City Council opened the conference.
Session presenter, Leigh Price from Amicus Digital with Natasha Leary from Greater Bendigo City Council.
A record number of delegates attended
the conference.
Marco Bass from Moreland City Council provides the secrets to successful storytelling.
Emma Lewis (left) and Vicki Daddo both from Latrobe City Council.
Steve Fuery from Bass Coast Shire Council tweets during the conference.
Sean Kavanagh and Heidi Taylor from Hume City Council.Nate Leslie from Yarra Ranges Council presented a session called Pay to Play.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONFERENCE PICTURES
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 21
What’s next in social media
›Kim Rawlings, Manager City Futures at Knox City Council, is a valued LGPro Fellow Member. In this Q&A interview she shares with us some of her career background and insights.
Meet LGPro Fellow – Kim Rawlings
You joined LGPro in 2008, why?
I’d recently moved back to Victoria
and re-joined Local Government
after 10 years working in Local
Government in Queensland.
I wanted to establish myself back
in the sector in Victoria and more
importantly make connections
and build networks, I looked to
LGPro as a great way to do this.
What has been your major involvement with LGPro and has this assisted your career?
My most significant involvement
with LGPro was when I was awarded
the inaugural Sally Isaac Award in
2009. This award and recognition
more than anything before
resonated and had a great impact
on me. It really consolidated for
me what and why I do what I do,
I am strongly motivated by my
community contribution both
personally and professionally.
I have also undertaken the Executive
Leadership Program (XLP) with
LGPro. This fabulous program
gave me the opportunity to relfect,
learn, share and get clarity about
my career and contribution.
Have your career goals and
aspirations shifted over the years?
Yes in some ways but in others no.
I’ve always been pretty clear about
what I wanted from my career,
where that takes place is what
has shifted over the years.
What are your thoughts on leadership skills, are they inbuilt or can they be taught?
While I think there are certain inbuilt
attributes that great leaders have,
I also think you continue to grow
and learn always as a leader. So yes
there are leadership aspects that
can be taught, however, from my
experience the best leaders have
a natural ease about them and
are genuine and authentic.
You manage a large team at Knox, what do you do to ensure their career aspirations are met?
I don’t see it as my responsibility
to meet my team’s career
aspirations, however I do see it
as my responsibility to create the
environment and opportunities for
my team to learn, grow, contribute,
engage, be challenged, to do and
be the best they can be in whatever
work or endeavours we collectively
seek to deliver.
We would like to see our Fellow members mentor our younger members, what advice would you give younger people working in the sector?
I think it’s very important to know
why you do what you do, what
motivates you and how that
aligns with the organisation you
are with. I am a big advocate for
mentoring and would encourage
anyone with an aspiration for a
career in Local Government to
establish a mentoring relationship
with someone experienced in
the sector, their perspective and
wisdom is usually invaluable.
Have you had mentors in your
career and how have they helped?
Yes absolutely both in the sector
and external to the sector, when
I think about the big moves I’ve
made whether it’s been a new job,
new location or a more significant
role, my mentors have been crucial
at these points in my career.
Why do you like working in
Local Government sector?
I love working for Local Government,
it’s not a job it’s a vocation and I
know it’s very cliché but you can
really make a difference. I love the
work that we do, I take my role
and the work we do very seriously,
we affect and create a legacy in
our communities and cities, this
is a significant responsibility and
a privilege to be part of.
What are your thoughts on the
low representation of women
CEOs in the sector?
This is a complex issue and has
many dimensions to it. However
reflecting on my own aspirations
and experience, leadership in Local
Government is incredibly rewarding
but is not easy, the challenges
are complex, large and real, the
expectations are high, the hours
are long. Work life balance amongst
other issues is still a prevailing
challenge and if I’m honest this
is still a barrier for me and many
other women I know in the sector.
Where do you see yourself
in five years?
I’ve been in Local Government for
more than 20 years working to
improve our cities and quality of
life for communities, about eight
years ago I co-founded a grassroots
charitable organisation and my
passion in this space is growing all the
time. In five years I would like to be
spending more time in community
based or non for profit work.
MEMBER NEWS
22 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
Melanie Birtchnell Manningham City Council
Renae Buckley Casey City Council
Kylie Cheal Greater Bendigo City Council
Graham Haylock Whittlesea City Council
Renee Herps Maroondah City Council
Justin Horne Moorabool Shire Council
Angela Hunt Ararat Rural City Council
Kathy Hynes Knox City Council
Craig Ion Maribyrnong City Council
Lisa Ippolito Hume City Council
Amarita Kinnoo Glen Eira City Council
Vicki Klapsinos Moreland City Council
Colin McLean Mornington Peninsula Council
Anne McLean Mitchell Shire Council
Vicki Millen Cardinia Shire Council
Leah Mulcaire Borough of Queenscliffe
Christine Priest Wagga Wagga City Council
Sarah Quick Yarra City Council
Glenn Reddick Warrnambool City Council
Amber Ricks Northern Grampians Shire Council
Siobhan Sullivan Yarra Ranges Council
Waudi Tahche Cardinia Shire Council
Sainath Tavate Baw Baw Shire Council
Kevin Van Boxtel Greater Dandenong City Council
Melanie Williams Knox City Council
Siobhan Wood Monash City Council
Simon Woodland Yarra Ranges Council
*This is not a full list of new members. Some members requested not to be listed.
›We would like to welcome the following new members who joined LGPro between 16 Feb and 11 May 2016. We look forward to working with you to shape our wonderful sector.
Welcome to new Members
Here is more information on LGPro Individual Membership or call our office on (03) 9268 6400 and ask to speak to Michelle Cox our Membership Development Manager.
JOIN LGPRO AND HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Support yourself, support the sector
We thank all of our members
for their valued support over the
past year which has helped us to
provide high quality and relevant
programs, conferences and
events; to celebrate excellence
in the sector through our award
programs; to advocate to other
levels of government on issues
affecting Local Government
and to administer our 30 Special
Interest Groups.
In the past 12 months our
membership has grown giving
us an even stronger voice and
influence. Our members have
provided valuable input into a range
of submissions to government
on diverse issues including rate
capping, the review of the Local
Government Act, the representation
of women at CEO level, protection
of authorised Council officers,
and the environment.
We are committed to continue
to develop and deliver services
that support people working at
all levels in Local Government
including forums and leadership
development for CEOs, Directors
and Managers through to career
advancement opportunities and
mentoring to the growing number
of young professionals working in
the sector who want to take their
career to the next level.
› LGPro is proud to be your member association and we could not operate successfully without your loyal support.
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 23
Kylie Sprague, Manager Communications & Customer Service, Greater Dandenong City Council
“My 18 year Local Government career has been at Greater Dandenong starting as a
Public Affairs Officer, being promoted to Manager Public Affairs and then to Manager
Media & Communications, Customer Service and Civic Facilities which includes
about 50 staff. I think it is the best job in the organisation!
“My first involvement with LGPro was through a Special Interest Group (the PR
Network back then), which provided a fantastic forum to meet other people in Local
Government, share information, learn from guest speakers and each other. I still attend
the network meetings for all the same reasons, and to gain a better understanding of
what’s happening across the sector and discuss topics of interest to us all.
“My Council is very supportive of LGPro from the CEO down. So others know
that if I’m attending an LGPro meeting or event, then I’m definitely going to bring
something back that will be of benefit. Furthermore, their training courses are so
highly regarded that I have staff lining up to get on them and the feedback is fantastic. My favourite event is the annual
Women’s Professional Development Forum, I set aside this date as soon as it’s released!
“LGPro provides opportunities for personal and professional development; the ability to network with others in the
sector; and to be able to attend conferences and events that are specifically tailored to our needs as Local Government
professionals. I don’t like wasting precious time, so it’s important for me to only attend things of relevance and interest.”
Joanne Turner, Economic Development Officer, Rural City of Wangaratta
“I started my Local Government career in 2008 with an amazing group of people at the Greater
Shepparton City Council where I managed the Learn to Swim program and ‘wet area’ at Aquamoves
for two years before moving to the Event and Tourism team. Three fantastic years and many amazing
events and experiences later, I moved closer to family and friends in north east Victoria and joined the
events team at Wodonga Council as Grants and Sponsorship Event Coordinator. After the 12 month
maternity leave position finished, I started my current role as Economic Development Officer at
Wangaratta Council.
“I am a relatively new LGPro member and my membership was gifted to me by my Council as part of
LGPro’s ‘Be the Bridge’ campaign. Already my membership has allowed me to access a broader range
of information and resources. Being part of a rural Council, it’s often hard to attend industry events,
networking and workshops so the membership is helping to bridge that gap a little.
“Networking is an important part of any job and I am confident LGPro will open up networking
opportunities. It’s amazing what you can learn about what other people do and know over a coffee,
or at lunchtime at a conference. Working collaboratively is something I believe is really important, so the more
opportunities that LGPro, individual Councils or other organisations can provide for people to work or learn together,
the better.”
Marianne Di Giallonardo, Director Corporate Services, Maroondah City Council
“I have had 35 years in extensive leadership roles in Victorian Local and State Government, (former
Cities of Croydon and Nunawading and current Whitehorse, Nillumbik and Maroondah City and Shire
Councils as well as Departments of Human and Community Services) across a wide range of service
delivery areas. I have also been involved in sector related Boards including being a member and
treasurer of the LGPro Board, chair of LGPro’s Awards for Excellence sub-committee, and a mentor
in the LGPro Mentoring Program.
I have maintained my LGPro membership over many years because it offers significant benefits
including keeping up to date with sector changes, professional development opportunities, special
interest groups and has a regular advocacy seat with the Minister for Local Government at which
members can table particular viewpoints without fear or favour.
This involvement has been enormously rewarding personally and professionally as it has provided a vehicle to get to
know others, learn and develop in the sector and give back to strengthen the sector to ensure we are all growing to
be the best we can be when we serve the people in our various communities in our wide ranging Local Government
roles. These benefits have been passed on to my organisation as we continue to grow and recognise our people.”
What our Members say…
NEW LGPRO MEMBERS
Individual Membership categoriesFellows
Those who have more than five
years Local Government experience
and who have demonstrated an
outstanding contribution and
commitment to the sector.
Members
Those who want to further their
career, grow their networks and be
recognised for their contribution.
LGPro will ensure you are an
integral part of the bigger picture.
Part Time Members
For professionals who are working
part time (0.6 or less).
Young Professionals
Those who are 36 years and
under, want to be connected
with sector leaders and are
interested in shaping the sector,
this category is for you.
Don’t forget if you go on long
service or maternity leave, let
us know and we will suspend
your membership for the time
you are away so it’s there for
you when you return to work.
To see the full range of Individual
Membership benefits visit
LGPro Membership and go
to Individual Membership
or contact Michelle Cox
Membership Development
Manager on (03) 9268 6400.
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 25
LGPRO HAS THREE TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP:Individual Members: Professionals working in Local Government who join LGPro as individuals. There are four categories of Individual Members. For further information see story below.
Council Subscribers: Councils in Victoria who support the services LGPro provides to the sector and who receive a range of benefits for their subscription. These include:
• Advocacy and representation to State and Federal Government and key stakeholders to ensure the Local Government officers’ perspective is heard
• The opportunity to have tailored programs delivered at their Council
• Five complimentary and half price Individual Memberships for nominated staff
• Eligibility to nominate for the Awards for Excellence
Corporate Partners: Businesses and organisations with an interest in developing relationships with people working in Local Government. Corporate Partners also receive a range of benefits. To see these visit LGPro Corporate Partnership.
Renewal invoices will be emailed to inboxes soon so look out for these and continue to be part of something bigger with LGPro membership.
For further information on membership please visit LGPro Membership or contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400
LGPro membership renewals for 2016/2017 will be sent out this month. We value the support of our members which allows us to provide representation, advocacy, networking and professional development to people working in Local Government in Victoria.
26 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
Sharing the love through mentoring
›We may offer a second LGPro Mentoring Program this year depending on demand. The program runs over eight months bringing together Council officers from all levels to learn from each other by sharing knowledge, expertise and skills.
Troy Edwards, Director of Corporate
Services at Yarra Ranges Council, is
sharing his experience and wisdom
as a mentor in the program for the
first time this year.
Tell us about your career and how long you have worked in Local Government?
I have been with Yarra Ranges
Council since 2011 and have been
in the Director Corporate Services
role for the last three years. While
Yarra Ranges is my first Council role,
I have been working in and around
the sector my whole career.
I started my working life as a
graduate in the Commonwealth
public service and from there I have
had roles as a policy adviser in the
Federal Parliament, worked with
the MAV for a number of years and
then worked with a wide range
of Local Government clients as
a director of Socom public relations.
How long have you been an LGPro member and why did you join?
I joined LGPro when I started at
Yarra Ranges. LGPro plays such
a central role as an advocacy
voice for the sector but also
as a professional development
body that actively supports
and develops its members.
Why did you decide to become a mentor?
The Mentoring Program is a
practical and positive way I can
share my professional experiences
with a colleague. It’s about giving
back something to the sector as
well as making new contacts
and stretching my own thinking.
Even today I have a couple
of mentor style relationships
that I use when I need a
sounding board and some
independent advice.
Tell us about the mentors in your career?
At various times throughout my
career I have benefited from the
time and wisdom of mentors.
A good mentor helps in a number
of ways – by providing different
perspectives on issues, by being a
sympathetic ear, by giving me that
shot of confidence to back myself.
In my experience with mentors,
the common thread is being able
to sit down and share my issues
with someone who is solely there
for me. It sounds simple, but it is
very important.
What do you hope to be able to provide to your mentee?
I hope through the mentoring
program I can provide my mentee
with a safe space to explore the
professional opportunities and
challenges of work and career.
I hope I can add value to the
relationship through sharing
my different career experiences
asking the right questions at the
right time. And I hope we can
have a few laughs along the way.
What do you hope to gain from being part of this program?
I’m hoping that it will give me a
chance to further enhance my own
mentoring skills as well as stretching
my thinking as a leader. There is
also the value that comes from
making a small contribution to the
development of one of the many
talented and dedicated professionals
working in the sector.
Do you think being involved in the program will provide you with new skills that will assist in your role and your Council?
For sure. I think that mentoring and
coaching are critical skills for leaders
in the contemporary workplace.
The program is an opportunity to
practice and enhance my own skills
as well as giving me an insight into
new and difference ways of working.
I believe there is great deal that we
can learn off each other that we can
apply to our own organisations.
Tell us about the charity work you are involved in outside your Council role?
I’ve had a chance to be involved
in public and not for profit bodies.
This includes a number of years
on the board of Museums Victoria
and more recently as an advisory
board member of the Castan
Centre for Human Rights Law at
Monash University. The centre
uses its human rights expertise
and innovative approach to public
engagement to influence legislation
and government policy, promote a
fairer society and to educate human
rights leaders through its programs.
And funnily enough, I got involved
with the Castan Centre through
one of my mentors!
If you are interested in becoming
a mentor or mentee phone
(03) 9268 6400.
MENTORING PROGRAM
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 27
Let us tailor programs to meet your needs› Metropolitan and rural Councils are benefiting from LGPro tailoring professional
development programs for their staff and delivering them on site.
We can adapt a broad range of
our programs using real life
examples provided by individual
Councils or develop training to suit
the needs of a specific Council.
In the past two months our trainers
and facilitators have led tailored
programs at Whitehorse, Hindmarsh,
Wangaratta and Ballarat Councils.
These have included Report Writing,
How to develop a Strategic Resource
Plan, Core Financial Skills and
Election Caretaker Period.
Having tailored programs delivered
on site is particularly important in
regional Victoria so staff do not
lose travel time to the city and the
programs are made more relevant
when using case studies from
individual Councils.
We have received fantastic feedback
from Councils where these programs
have been delivered, some of
which is featured below:
Krysten Evans, Baw Baw Shire Council
“The LGPro Caretaker Period
Workshop was timely and extremely
informative. The facilitator delivered
information in a very relaxed and
relatable manner on the upcoming
election in regard to the caretaker
provisions that need to be considered
and applied. This information, which
can be quite overwhelming at times
to take in, provided me, as I am
sure many others who attended,
with a clear and comprehensive
introduction to caretaker provisions
and legislation, or strengthened what
we already knew. It was engaging
with a mix of group work, peer led
discussion and excellent presenter
facilitation! For someone like me
who is relatively new to the
governance world, this was a
great workshop to build my basis
of understanding on caretaker
period provisions and general
Local Government election
information.”
Taegan Salt, Hindmarsh Shire Council
“Our staff required further training in
report writing and after researching
appropriate trainings/sessions we
found that LGPro could tailor and
deliver a program to ensure our staff
got the most out of it. Staff provided
great feedback after the session
and I believe they benefited greatly
from it, particularly considering the
majority of them were not keen
to take another day off for training.
Their feedback was that they were
pleasantly surprised with the content
and how they have gained a better
understanding of requirements,
along with report writing skills that
they can take back to their positions
and have appropriate content
in their reports. We would most
definitely encourage other Councils
to take advantage of this.”
Fiona Shanks, Rural City of Wangaratta
“LGPro tailored its Finance for
Non-Finance Officers program for
our organisation using our budget
planning and reporting processes and
real data from our finance system in
all practical examples. Our Manager
Finance and the Manager People
and Performance liaised with LGPro
in advance to discuss our needs
and requirements and how it would
work in a practical sense. Staff who
attended were all very positive about
the course and having it run locally
and within their normal work day
was far better than travelling and
staying overnight in Melbourne.
The onsite cost was very competitive.
This particular course has helped
improve our overall organisational
financial management skills and
understanding. I would certainly
encourage other organisations
to look towards LGPro in the first
instance to address a skill gap and
the tailoring process was a breeze.”
Contact Leanne Bickley at
LGPro on (03) 9268 6400 to
discuss how we can tailor a
program to meet your needs.
PROGRAM NEWS
Graduates from a recent Ignite program that was held regionally.
| 27
›In years gone by when working in town halls, it was touch and go to find me at my desk. I preferred walking around, dropping in on colleagues, holding serendipitous corridor conferences, attending meetings in others’ offices or, better yet, in nearby cafes.
Workers on the move (here, there and everywhere)
By and large, this was aberrant
behaviour. But since my role was
corporate communicator, I found
having a finger on the pulse
this way was critical to success,
while sitting diligently in front of
a computer just didn’t hack it.
Human nature has us adapt
our working environment into
what best suits the individual.
In bureaucracies there’s also
a tendency to establish team
territories – no better way to do
that than inhabit walled spaces
bearing department names.
Then I moved into open plan
offices, a new flavour meant to
equalise fiefdoms and in principle,
make it easier to collaborate.
Needless to say, this suited my style,
and a bonus was discovering the
ability to “zone out” and ignore the
organised chaos around. Others
experienced open plan as quite a
distraction. The principle of having
personal space hadn’t changed
though, it was just noisier.
Fast forward a few years, and a
new form of office environment
is on the scene, one that facilitates
“activity based working”, or ABW.
As is implicit in the name, this turns
the notion of a personal workstation
on its head – no longer fully owned
personal meditation zones, but
places for multiple users, designed
for the kind of work you’re doing.
It’s an office arrangement that gets
workers to move around (like I did)
seeking out environments fit for the
task, including hubs for collaboration,
quiet rooms for concentrated work
and places to simply park oneself
and respond to emails.
Proponents of ABW cite a range
of benefits, including cost savings,
improved productivity, worker
fitness and attracting those who like
it that way. It’s probably a little early
to say, but a couple of factors do
suggest ABW might just work.
As always, one factor is technology.
Workers who are constantly on
the move need to carry with them
what once sat on desks, namely
mobile equipment, and to have
fast and robust internet connections
to documents, information and
each other.
The other is more subtle. We live
in a world where being remotely
connected is the norm, so
reproducing the modern lifestyle
into a new office style is quite
reasonable. But herein is the key
to ABW succeeding or not. It will
take much more than office refits
or giving everyone a tablet and
cloud computing to gain the
benefits ABW hopes for.
Activity based working is first and
foremost a cultural shift. Those
organisations which don’t put
this at the centre in the change
process, and make office geography
secondary, are destined to fail.
Would ABW suit me? Well, I would
be fully available of course, but
possibly never found.
Verne Krastins
Sector Connector 0411 258 455
VERNE KRASTINS FEATURE ARTICLE
28 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
New program for outdoor workersLGPro’s Ignite program has been
tailored specifically for outdoor
workers at Councils in north east
Victoria and is being offered for
the first time from August.
The Ignite for Outdoor Workers
program has been designed for
supervisors, team leaders and
coordinators working in an outdoor
roles to assist them to develop skills
to manage and lead people.
It will be held over four days
from 9am-4.30pm at Councils
in the north east and participants
must attend each day. The dates
are: 11 August at Wangaratta,
22 September at Moira, 20 October
at Murrindindi and 17 November
at Alpin.
The program is designed for people
who are new to, or have limited
experience in a supervisory role,
those with no formal leadership
training or those who want to update
or extend their leadership skills.
The Ignite program content and
case studies have been adapted
to ensure it is relevant to outdoor
workers and the duties they perform.
Places will be limited to the first
18 participants who register for
the program. The program can be
tailored for outdoor workers in other
Councils in Victoria.
For further information and to
register visit Ignite program or
call (03) 9268 6400.
This is what the new team space looks like at the pilot site at Casey City Council.
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 29
› LGPro’s Biodiversity Planning Network (BPN) Special Interest Group has prepared submissions to the State Government on two key areas of interest to the group.
Advocating for improved biodiversity across Victoria
One submission was on the draft
plan called ‘Protecting Victoria’s
Environment – Biodiversity 2036’
and the other commented on
the consultation paper on the
‘Review of the Native Vegetation
Clearing Regulations’.
Both were prepared with the direct
input, expertise and knowledge
of the SIG members who are
well-placed to provide advice to
the State Government on the state
of the environment in Victoria and
the ways in which biodiversity can
be better protected. Below is an
overview of both submissions.
‘Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2036’ submission key points
• The plan seeks to ‘protect
Victoria’s environment’ but
only deals with biodiversity
• The plan does not adequately
consider (or engage with)
the significant role of Local
Government in protecting
biodiversity
• A Local Government-affiliated
agency should be created to
implement the Biodiversity Strategy
and/or environmental legislation
• The State Government
needs to significantly improve
its leadership, funding and
investment in conservation
activities
• Targets set during the next
phase of Plan’s development
need to be visionary and reflect
the scale of work that is required
to protect Victoria’s biodiversity
Review of the Native Vegetation Clearing Regulations submission key points
• The BPN is supportive of the
review of the Native Vegetation
Clearing Regulations and the
improvements proposed in
the consultation
• The proposals in the six
key themes will result in
much-needed improvement
to the regulations
• The BPN supports a delayed
implementation of any reforms
if such a delay will result in native
vegetation clearing regulations
with improved functionality,
reliability and accuracy
• It is critical that the native
vegetation clearing regulations
interact cohesively and
productively with key
legislation and policies
• The review of the native
vegetation clearing regulations
continues to reflect a greater
emphasis on efficiency and cost
effectiveness than on protection
of Victoria’s biodiversity
• The continuation of a largely
economic approach to native
vegetation clearing regulation
does not adequately recognise
that native vegetation is diverse,
dynamic and not readily
assessed by the lay person.
For copies of the
full submissions visit
http://lgpro.com/representation
SIG MEMBERS SPEAKING OUT
Biodiversity Special Interest GroupThis SIG is for Local Government
staff who implement biodiversity
legislation and policies with the aim
of assisting in the protection and
enhancement of natural values within
their municipality and the State. The
group’s aims and objectives are to:
• Discuss emerging issues with the
aim of providing advice to policy
makers and to advocate for the
protection of biodiversity
• Share knowledge and experience
to improve the implementation
and outcomes of legislation and
policy (e.g. Native Vegetation
Framework, local policy)
• Provide an ongoing mechanism
and forum for communication,
consultation and liaison with
other government agencies and
stakeholders on biodiversity issues
• Provide opportunities for
professional development, peer
support and communication
There are currently 82 members
representing 33 Councils but
the groups is keen to expand its
membership to include members
from all Councils in Victoria.
For further information on
joining this SIG contact Michelle
Cox at LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.
› A new Young Professionals Special Interest Group has been established to formally connect the growing number of young professionals working in the sector.
New Young Professionals SIG
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Young Professionals Development Program for 2016
30 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
Mentoring Workshop with Kay RundleThis workshop will build your skills to develop a successful mentee/mentor relationship.
Mentoring is a personal enhancement strategy through which one person facilitates the development of another by
sharing known resources, expertise, values, skills, perspectives, attitudes and proficiencies. It allows the mentee to build
skills and knowledge while attaining his/her development goals. Conversely, it provides an opportunity for the mentor
to further enhance their skill and knowledge areas by continuously reassessing and building upon those areas.
Kay Rundle is a former CEO with 15 years’ experience leading three Councils. As CEO, Kay was responsible for
driving change within these organisations, restructuring for efficiency, strategic planning, ensuring effective
governance, managing the financial responsibilities and building and maintaining key relationships within business
and with community leaders. She has provided executive coaching to CEOs in Local Government, the hospital
sector, private schools and senior public servants.
Date: 5 August 2016
Location: LGPro Level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands
Time: 9.30am-4pm
Effective Communications – Webinar with Matthew Gordon, Our SayThis webinar will focus on developing effective digital communication strategies to engage your local community
and how to measure the success of that communication. Matthew Gordon is co-founder and Director of OurSay,
Australia’s largest e-democracy Platform which is revitalising Australian democracy by connecting residents with
Australian leaders and decision-makers using social media and face-to-face engagement.
Date: Thursday 8 September 2016
Location: Online
Time: 11am-12 noon
Friends with Professional BenefitsThis Q&A session will be a great opportunity to ask a panel of CEOs questions around how Local Government is
changing, how to improve your networking skills and how to find a mentor. Participants will be asked to submit their
questions prior to the event, and questions will also be taken from the floor. The session will finish with a fireside
chat with key Local Government executives at the Firehouse Restaurant, Ringwood at 12.30pm.
Date: Friday 11 November 2016
Locations: Box Hill Town Hall and Firehouse Restaurant,
253-257 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood
Times: Q&A session time: 10.45am-12 noon,
Firehouse session time 12.30pm
For further information on these events visit www.lgpro.com or call (03) 9268 6400.
While in the past we have
offered tailored events for young
professionals, the SIG aims to
promote the positive impact
young professionals working in
Local Government are having
and to address the challenges
and opportunities that many
face today in the public sector.
Its focus will be on designing and
delivering professional development
specifically tailored for professionals
36 years and under to combine
learning and networking and to
help young professionals develop
their careers.
The SIG already has a core group
of dedicated members who have
helped to develop a program of
events for 2016 which is outlined
below. If you are interested in
joining the Young Professionals
SIG, email [email protected]
Price: LGPro Young Professional Member $265
Non Member $365
Places are limited so register now
Price: LGPro Young Professional Member Free
Non Member $30
Price: LGPro Young Professional Member Free
Non Member $50
PROFILE WINTER 2016 | 31
› More than 30 Local Government communications specialists crammed into the LGPro meeting room for the Communications SIG network meeting in May.
Communications SIG members learning from each other
A Victorian Electoral Commission
representative provided valuable
information about the upcoming
Council elections, including timelines
and VEC contact details for residents
of individual Council areas.
There was also a round table
discussion on the different
approaches Councils were
taking to communicating the
rate capping message to their
residents; the dos and don’ts of
Council communications during
the caretaker period including
the use of social media; what
Councils are doing on their
intranets plus their latest social
media campaigns.
SIG Convenors Tracey Varley
from Yarra Ranges and Michael
Sinclair from Hume were thrilled
with the turnout and the valuable
information shared at the meeting.
“So many of the messages we work
on in our organisations on a day to
day basis are things we all have in
common – attending SIG meetings
enables us to share the work we
are doing, while also learning about
the different approaches of other
comms teams,” they said.
The SIG meets three to four times
a year and Tracey and Michael are
keen to encourage more members
to join the network and to assist
them to create agendas that are
relevant and timely.
“We want to include regular
presentations from members to
showcase work they are doing on
particular projects – we can all learn
from the work of others. We will
also be looking for opportunities to
attract guest speakers from other
organisations to gain insight on
relevant topics,” they said.
The next Comms Network SIG
meeting is planned for Friday 19
August – so if you missed out on
attending the last meeting, save
this date. Tracey and Michael are
also keen to hear from others
interested in joining them as
convenors. For further information
email [email protected] or call
Michelle Cox on (03) 9268 6400.
Tackling youth unemployment head on
› Yarra City Council’s Yarra Young
Entrepreneur program is tackling
youth unemployment head on, supporting
young people to create their own, real
and viable employment opportunities.
The program’s innovative approach
was recognised in the 2016 National
Awards for Excellence in Local
Government where it won the Youth
Economic Participation category and
is now in the running for the national
award to be announced this month.
Yarra’s Economic Development and
Youth Services teams developed the
program in response to increasing
youth unemployment – and requests
from young people for assistance in
developing their business ideas.
The first eight young people to complete
the program took part in a series of
training workshops to discuss and
develop their business ideas. All were
from a culturally and linguistically diverse
background, lived on the public housing
estates and had limited or no connection
to employers in their fields of interest.
They were connected to local mentors
in their field of interest who provided
ongoing support and facilitated
connections with relevant local
businesses and industry opportunities.
One of the participants said: “What I really
enjoyed most was coming to a place
where like-minded people came together
and shared their passion, people who
talk about their dreams, it fires me up,
encourages me to do a lot much more
than I was already doing.”
Of the eight participants, two have started
their own businesses, with five others
becoming employed.
Due to its success, the program will be
delivered again in 2016 and Yarra City
Council is working with the cities of
Darebin and Moreland to replicate this
program in the northern metropolitan
region in 2016.
› Gary Lee, the International Student
& Youth Project Officer at the City
of Melbourne, has been named the
2016 New Australian of the Year’ by
the Australia Day Council for his work
in empowering CALD communities,
particularly international students.
His energy and innovative ideas are
highly recognised in the sector and
his ability to build instant rapport
with students is exceptional.
Gary has been involved in championing
countless award-winning programs for
the City of Melbourne including the
Essendon Football Club GLoBALL Program,
the Salvation Army 614 – The Couch
and the EDGE International Student
Leaders’ Program (now the Melbourne
International Student Conference).
He was also responsible for the Lord
Mayor’s Student Welcome (LMSW), and
recently organised his sixteenth LMSW
event. In 2009 this event was awarded
the International Education Association
Australia (IEAA) best practice/innovation
in international education award.
Outside work, Gary is a volunteer and
ambassador for Melbourne Victory, the
AFL Multicultural Community Program,
Welcome to Australia and Bully Zero
Australia Foundation. He is also plays
a lead role for the Moroccan Children’s
Appeal, a not for profit organisation
dedicated to helping underprivileged
children with severe medical conditions.
As the Chief Choreographer and Director
of dance crews PoisE’n and PoisE’n Bollypop,
Gary has used them as platforms to connect
international students with the Australian
community through performing arts and
volunteering for more than a decade.
When asked why he does the things
he does, he says: “I get the biggest
thrill in seeing people succeed but
more importantly, that no one gets
left behind. I don’t see myself as
someone who is defined by one thing.”
Championing the cause of international students
COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA
What’s happening in Local Government
Gary Lee with some international dancers.
Participants in the Young Entrepreneur program with Yarra Mayor Cr Robert Colanzi.
Cardinia’s ‘glowing’ budget consultation
› Casey Council has introduced
a pilot site at its Works Centre
in Narre Warren for its staff to test
flexible working ahead of the move
to its $125 million Bunjil Place
community precinct in 2017.
The Council is seeking increased
efficiency, cost-effective space
utilisation, improved collaboration
and innovation and a renewed
customer focus by adopting
flexible working.
CEO Mike Tyler said that as the
needs and expectations of the
community change, Council must
be ready to adapt. Flexible working
allows us to better align our work
processes and customer needs
to ensure we continue to deliver
for our community.
“The flexible approach being
tested at the pilot site provides a
range of workspaces, including
meeting rooms, training rooms
and breakout spaces and they are
provided at almost three times the
amount seen in traditional offices.
This allows staff to choose the
most appropriate workspace to
increase their productivity,” he said.
“Improved technology, such as
smart mobile devices, headsets
and a web-based phone
system also provide increased
opportunities for staff to work
more efficiently and collaborate
across office locations.”
Mr Tyler said many financial and
sustainability benefits are already
being realised at the pilot site,
including a decrease in the costs
associated with traditional offices
due to a 41 percent reduction in
storage and a 24 percent decrease
in desk space. A decrease in
paper and stationery use will also
deliver year-on-year reductions.
“Feedback from staff will help
shape the Bunjil Place work
environment. The early adoption
of flexible working will also ensure
that when Bunjil Place opens
staff will be ready to hit the
ground running!” he added.
› With rate capping firmly on the agenda and
a continuing focus on doing more with less,
Cardinia Shire Council faced an even bigger challenge
when releasing its draft 2016/17 budget.
Council wanted more community feedback than ever
and to achieve this, community consultation had to
be modern, easy and importantly, relevant to residents
who would not engage with Council normally.
Engagement from residents through Council’s existing
online channels, particularly via mobile and tablet
devices, was booming so Council decided to take
advantage of this by partnering with a company
called Glow to launch an online engagement
platform tailored specifically for these devices.
The platform allowed residents to complete one
or two surveys:
• Your say in 30 seconds, tell us what you want?
• We’re investing in your local area, please help
us get it right.
Residents were able to give feedback via a number of
tick box options, smiley faces and an optional feedback
box for an official budget submission.
Council was delighted by the level of engagement with
Survey 1 receiving 1,381 responses and Survey 2, 569
responses. Almost half of respondents indicated they
were generally happy with the services and facilities
Council provided. They were particularly happy with
libraries, garbage and waste and community and family
services, as well as how Council consulted online. In
addition, Council donated the cash equivalent of one
meal to charity SecondBite for each response received.
Casey staff use pilot site to test flexible working
Casey workers enjoying their new flexible work environment.
COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA
What’s happening in Local Government
PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 33
34 | PROFILE WINTER 2016
What’s the worst job you have ever had?
In Local Government surveying
in Spring after a series of magpie
attacks which left me both sore
and embarrassed.
What makes you laugh?
My daughter, it’s amazing at
two years old how much trouble
she can get into – most of which
I find amusing – not so much to
her mother.
What are your favourite sports to watch and to play?
I’m a bit of a cricket tragic, having
gone to a number of World Cup
matches over the years. I’ve never
been any good at playing it, but
that didn’t stop my involvement.
Swimming is also something I enjoy.
Who would you like to sit next to on public transport?
Rock and rolls Mr. Nice Guy, Dave
Grohl. Big fan of his music, his character
and what he does outside of music.
I’d say a very unlikely occurrence.
Any hidden talents you may have?
If I do, they are also hidden from me.
If you could take three things to a desert island what would they be and why?
My family – they’d love a holiday
My guitar – to help pass the time
My tent – it’s quite luxurious.
› Celia has been Director Corporate Services at Maribyrnong City Council since 2013. Before that she was Community Services Director at Manningham City Council (2007-13)
and Manager Family Youth and Children’s Services at Yarra City Council (2003-07).
› Justin has been Manager Infrastructure Development & Projects at Warrnambool City Council for the past three years. Prior to this he was a Senior Civil Engineer at Mansfield
Shire for four years and a Design Engineer at Horsham Rural City Council for nine years. All of his roles in Local Government have been very broad in an engineering sense, from asset management to contract management to design. One of the things he likes best about working in rural and regional Victoria is the ability to have a diverse role.
In this 5 minutes with we profile LGPro Board Member, Celia Haddock and Individual Member, Justin Hinch
As the LGPro Board Treasurer can you provide three simple tips for Councils to save money?
• Don’t rush to replace staff. Take
time to review the position and
minimise acting arrangements
• Don’t be afraid of raising fees
and charges. If you are providing
a quality service, people don’t
mind paying for it
• Being flippant – experience has
taught me to tread carefully when
it comes to parking meters!
What you enjoy outside of work?
My favourite thing has to be spending
time with my family – my husband
Wayne and our two daughters,
Emily, 18 and Sophie, 15. We’re all
foodies and love mini breaks away
whenever we can find the time –
between rowing season and VCE
commitments. I also enjoy swimming,
walks along the beach and spending
time with my fabulous book club
friends – there’s nothing like a lively
discussion on politics or world events!
Something about yourself that may surprise people?
My great grandmother was Jamaican.
Amusing situations you have faced at work?
We spend a lot of our time at work
so you have to enjoy it, and you have
to have some fun. But I think I should
err on the side of diplomacy and not
tell tales!
Your last holiday destination and why you chose it?
I’m a Kiwi. Since it was three years
from our last trip back, we spent a
lot of time visiting family which was
wonderful. And finally, after 20 years of
travelling to NZ, I enjoyed good coffee
across the country. I’ve been spoilt by
years of great coffee in Melbourne.
Your favourite film and why?
The Big Chill. It’s a dark(ish) comedy
about friends who reunite. Apart from
the amazing soundtrack (Creedence
Clearwater Revival, Aretha Franklin,
Marvin Gaye, The Temptations,
The Rolling Stones and Three Dog
Night) – the film is filled with terrific
performances from William Hurt,
Glenn Close and Kevin Kline. I saw
it for the first time when I was in uni
and it’s been my favourite ever since.
Celia Haddock
Justin Hinch
Justin with his daughter.
| 35
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
Diary Dates
362
71
PROGRAMS DATE INFORMATION
Nominations open in September for the 2017 program
To equip and support senior executives in Local Government
Nominations open in September for the 2017 program
For those who aspire to positions of leadership and to those who aspire to provide leadership in a particular area of interest in Local Government Victoria
Nominations now open for Series 2 which starts on Thursday 15 September
Program to help people develop the competencies required to manage and lead people
Wednesday 10 AugustA program for non-specialist governance staff to help them better understand appropriate decision making models for Local Government
Wednesday 17 AugustTo support non-finance staff to perform their financial planning and reporting responsibilities
Thursday 9 JuneDesigned to provide anyone writing Council reports with a better understanding of what makes a good report
Wednesday 19 August, LGPro office
Designed for those who are new or recently appointed to the sector
PR
OG
RA
MS
EVEN
TS
EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Thursday 6 August and Friday 7 August
For CEOs to discuss issues of common interest
Thursday 21 July, Melbourne Park Function Centre
A forum to address the issues, opportunities and challenges facing women in the sector
Thursday 21 July, Melbourne Park Function Centre
Great networking opportunity for women working in Local Government
Wednesday 5 August, LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands
Targeting, but not exclusive to Local Government professionals under 36, irrespective of their position, discipline, band, level and status
CONFERENCES/SEMINARS
2016 Aged & Disability Services Awards Seminar
Thursday 8 SeptemberA one day seminar for all Local Government staff working in the areas of aged and disability services
2016 Corporate Planners Network Conference
Friday 21 OctoberFor Local Government staff working in the areas of corporate, community and social planningC
ON
FER
ENC
ES
AWARDS
Nominations close on Friday 10 JuneA $10,000 educational scholarship open to all women aged 35 years and under who have demonstrated achievements in improving community life
Nominations now open and close on Monday 25 July
Open to individuals and teams working in the aged & disability services sector in Local Government
LGPro Awards for Excellence
Nominations open on Monday 1 August and close on Monday 10 October
Acknowledging the excellent work being undertaken in the Local Government sector
LGPro Corporate and Community Planning Award
Nominations open Monday 11 July and close on Friday 2 September
Open to individuals and teams working in corporate and community planning in Local Government
AW
AR
DS
For further information regarding these or any LGPro event visit www.lgpro.com or contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400
Connect with us at LGProVIC