consultative committee and their role

The Consultative Committee is an advisory body with the responsibility of making recommendations to Council’s Executive Team on matters within the Committee’s aim and scope outlined in the Award.

The committee meets quarterly in a forum that is designed to provide consultation between staff and management. These meetings are important as they encourage a free and open discussion on matters such as job redesign, organisation restructure and the staff appraisal processes.

who are they?

Consultative Committee has both office-based and field-based employees, including union representative and members of management who are nominated by the General Manager.

If you’re interested in nominating a new committee member or yourself contact our Committee Chairperson. Your current Consultative Committee members are Belinda Fayle (chair), Ingrid Jensen (vice-chair), Peta Atkins, Alistair Weallans, Emma Browning, Naomi McCarthy, Greg Loomes, Brad Mansfield, and Chris Kinna

what's on their agenda?

In the past few months the committee has reviewed and provided feedback on:

• Recruitment and Selection Procedure

• Health and Wellbeing Procedure

• Emergency Services Leave Procedure

• Flexible Work Protocol

• Draft Procedure Christmas and New Year Arrangements

• Organisational structure changes to Civil Services and Open Spaces

Committee feedback was an important part of each of these reviews as it provides further insight into staff impacts from each change.

got something for the agenda?

If you have a suggestion about our workplace, speak with a Consultative Committee member who can add it to the agenda for discussion at the next quarterly meeting.

More information about the Consultative Committee can be found on Infonet > Staff Matters > Consultative Committee

How quickly should you answer a phone call?

How soon do you acknowledge emails?

What about responding to a social media message?

If you’re not sure, check out Council’s Customer Service Charter. The charter outlines our customer service standards, commitment, and expectations. This includes performance standards for answering the telephone, responding to, and acknowledging voicemails, correspondence, emails, and social media messages.

The charter is an invaluable resource for every staff member. After all, customer service is not a department. It is a philosophy to be embraced by everyone in every department. Why not save a copy, or bookmark the online link, so you can always refer to it?

For more information see our Customer Service Charter at ballina.nsw.gov.au/aboutcouncil

Staff BBQs were held at the office administration building and at the Depot last Wednesday 8 March. Judging from the happy snaps, it looks like everyone was enjoying the yummy food, the conversation, and a good laugh!

Top of the morning to you!

It’s rare for the Community Facilities team to all be in one place, as they are always on the go and work across multiple sites. This happy snap from Mark’s farewell includes new team members Olivia Daly-Tallon and Gavin McGongle (far right), who keep our facilities spic and span throughout the week. Liv and Gav are on a working holiday from Ireland. They’ve quickly become known for their no-fuss attitude, as they say, ‘nothing is a bodder’. If you see them around be sure to say hi!

Goodbye Ranger Joe

We recently bid farewell to Ranger Joe Monks who, at 76 years of age and after six years working with Council, is now enjoying his well-earned retirement. Thank you Joe for all of your hard work!

Mark moves on

Last month we farewelled the magnificent Mark Roberts who, after more than 3 years of juggling work between both the Community Facilities and People and Culture teams, has moved on to a new chapter with the NSW Department of Education. Congratulations Mark!

Twinning It

Our Manager Public and Environment Health, Kerri Watts, and Communications Officer Catherine Jost were recently captured sporting the same leopard-inspired attire. The pair were all too happy to pose for a happy snap with their matching outfits/ Catherine is now on maternity leave and the Communications Team is excitedly awaiting news of Baby No. 2’s arrival!

Farewell to Karen

Our marketing guru and ‘make it happen’ superstar for the Community Facilities team, Karen Hirst, wrapped up her role with Council this week. Karen is moving on to an exciting new chapter as Destination Coordinator with Lismore City Council. Congratulations and best wishes Karen!!