December 2016 Profile Magazine

Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Summer 2016

Advocacy update

Corporate Planners

LGPro Member Event

Latest representation news

Get one step ahead

Celebrating a successful year

PROFILE SUMMER 2016

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

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: info@lgpro.com Website: www.lgpro.com DEADLINES Profile is published quarterly.

The deadline for the Autumn 2017 edition is Monday 6 February 2017.

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 vickia@lgpro.com ADVERTISING For information or to book advertising in Profile, please call Vicki Amiguet on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com

Contents

6-9 2017 LGPro Annual Conference A four page feature including information on our new look conference.

12 Tracey Slatter farewells Local Government Read about Tracey’s varied career and the new chapter she is embarking on.

21 Young professionals delve into the digital age Young professionals from the public sector joined forces for an LGPro/IPAA event focusing on digitisation.

34-39 Last round up of our 2016 Awards for Excellence winners Learn about the winners and finalists of the Sustainability, Organisational Diversity and Young Achiever categories.

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, Brendan McGrath LGPro President catches up with Laughlan Roberts, Krysten Evans and David Power all from Baw Baw Shire at the 2016 LGPro Member Event.

45 Igniting leadership in the sector Meet an Ignite program graduate who talks about the positive impact the program has had on his career.

46-47 News from our Special Interest Groups Read about two exciting events staged by our Corporate Services and Risk Special Interest Groups.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Frenetic end to a very successful 2016 ›

The build up to the end of 2016 has been frenetic. We finished the year with a joint LGPro and IPAA Vic Young Professionals event with 58 LGPro delegates registered.

We have consciously been working to build the connection with younger officers and we are delighted that this joint program has achieved the highest number of registrations for a young professionals event so far. Our last event for the year was our Member Event, which included a farewell to departing CEOs and our AGM.

Planning for the future The current Board has been in place for two years and while we are pleased with the organisation’s performance we believe it’s time to develop a strong plan for ensuring our value and relevance for the next three–10 years. The Board and LGPro staff recognise that there has

We’ll conclude with the Annual Conference Dinner and the Awards for Excellence. Not only does this new format address the broad diversity of interests of our delegates, but it has also enabled us to keep the cost of attendance down, making our conference more accessible.

been significant and rapid change

On behalf of the LGPro Board, all

Ministerial Women’s Roundtable

to the environment in which we

the very best for a safe and happy

operate. While we believe in the

festive season.

We were represented at the first

know that we need to review and

Ministerial Women’s Roundtable in October where we presented the data we collected from all 79 Councils on the number of women in Director and Manager roles and their percentage representation, as well as data going back three years from executive recruiters on the number and percentage of women making application, shortlisted and successful in attaining CEO and Director/GM roles.

currency of our role and values we adapt how we deliver on them.

It is our intention to canvass our members in early 2017 to get input and advice on what we need to do and how we need to do it.

2017 Annual Conference In among all of this, we have had the Local Government elections, Donald Trump became the President of the USA and we have developed a really exciting program

For the second Ministerial Women’s

for the 2017 Annual Conference

Roundtable early in 2017, our aim is

with a new format based on

to have identified key areas for action.

your feedback and input.

We continue to strongly advocate

We’ll start our program on

for authorised officers to be granted

the afternoon of Wednesday

the same legislative protection

22 February with six concurrent

afforded to emergency workers.

workshops addressing key areas of

The lack of progress to date is very

work for the sector. On Thursday

frustrating but we will continue

23 February we have three keynote

our efforts to gain support for our

speakers as well as short talks, the

position with both the Attorney-

opportunity to share great practice

General and the Minister for

and Emerging Leaders Program

Local Government.

presentation amongst other things.

4 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

I look forward to catching up with you at the Annual Conference in February.

BRENDAN McGRATH PRESIDENT

CEO’S MESSAGE

One dollar and thirty-eight cents per week ›

I feel really lucky that I’ve recently had lots of opportunities to be involved with a broad range of our members and to see and hear about some of the great work being done.

I have worked with a large and diverse number of members in the development of the six Streams with Themes workshops that will open our 2017 Annual Conference; been part of a four person panel that judged our Awards for Excellence Community Assets and

Back to $1.38 per week I was out for dinner just the other night with friends, one of whom I’ve known since primary school. He was the smart kid at school who always topped the class and thought maths was

I think the challenge for us is to change the way we interact and communicate with people like my smart/dumb friend so they can see the care and commitment and the link between that and their actual rates.

interesting and entertaining. He

Finally, I’m really excited about

ended up with multiple university

the new format for our Annual

degrees including multiple Masters

Conference and hope to see you

Degrees. He’s no dummy, at least

there and to hear your thoughts

that’s what I thought.

about it.

In a previous catch up when we

If you are taking a break have

were talking about what we’d

a great one, and even if you’re

been up to I mentioned rate

not, have a wonderful and happy

The thing that struck me about

capping to him and why I thought

festive season.

the people I was interacting with,

it was poor public policy. So while

as well as the projects that we

we were at dinner he said that

judged in the Awards for Excellence,

based on our earlier conversation

I look forward to catching up

was that the overriding thing

he had taken a sympathetic view

with you soon.

with all of them is genuine care

only to be horrified by his rates

and commitment.

increase which he believed to

Infrastructure Projects $1.5M and under category; and I got to see a terrific program developed by and for young professionals, 36 years and under.

Genuine care and commitment

The nominations were much

be around 20%.

more than clever construction, they

When I suggested that a 20%

were great examples of facilitation

increase was extremely unlikely

and community participation to

and that he should bear in mind

provide community benefit with

that rates contribute about 1.5%

high value and low cost.

to the cost of living and represent

The people involved in the development of the workshops and the young professionals program were clearly focused on creating something that would provide value to their colleagues, and through them to the community.

Enjoy!

DAVID PREISS CEO “Only the mediocre are always at their best.”

– Jean Giraudoux

only 3% of all taxes he said that it didn’t matter and the massive hike in rates was unjustifiable.

Average rate increases I did a bit of investigating and this is what I found. The average increase in rates from 2014/15 to 2015/16 in his municipality

I know I’m biased, but the care and

was 4.9%, bearing in mind it’s in

commitment on display is plain to

a revaluation year, which represents

see. It’s blatant. Which brings me…

an increase of $72 for the year, or, you guessed it $1.38 per week.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 5

NEW LOOK 2017

LGPro Annual Conference SMALL CHANGE - BIG DIFFERENCE Wednesday 22 February & Thursday 23 February We are excited to offer a new look LGPro Annual Conference in 2017 which has a different format to make it even more engaging and relevant to people working in Local Government.

In response to feedback from the sector the conference will begin on Wednesday 22 February with a number of specialised half day work focused sessions called Streams with Themes targeting people working in specific areas of the sector and providing them with valuable tools to take back to their workplace.

The next day, Thursday 23 February, will have a broader focus to stretch delegate’s thinking. The conference will culminate with the Conference Dinner and presentation of the 2017 Awards for Excellence on the Thursday evening.

The “Small change big difference” theme will focus on the small changes that Councils have the capacity to make that can have a big impact for you, your work and your community.

New features in 2017 • Streams with themes – a series of six, four hour workshops targeting specific areas of the sector and providing participants with valuable tools that will help them to do their job.

• Sharing the Wisdom – winners of the 2016 LGPro Awards for Excellence will share the stories of their winning projects and the positive impact that they have had in their respective communities. This session replaces the Ideas Marketplace.

• Conference app – We are launching a conference app for the first time this year. This online tool promises to bring a range of benefits and value to your conference experience.

An accessible and affordable event Our conference is the largest specialised Local Government conference in Australia and we have kept the cost of attending as low as possible to make it accessible to everyone working in the sector.

We are also offering some special discounts to make it even more affordable (see P9).

SPONSORS LGPro thanks the following sponsors for their support of the 2017 Annual Conference.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

6 |

MAJOR SPONSORS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Holly Ransom is the CEO of Emergent, a company specialising in the development of high performing intergenerational

workforces, leadership and social outcomes. Holly is renowned for generating innovative solutions to complex multi-stakeholder problems for corporations, governments and nonprofit organisations, and for coaching and professionally mentoring leaders of all generations around the world.

In 2014, the Australian Prime Minister appointed Holly to chair the G20 Youth Summit, resulting in the first summit to secure its policy demands from G20 leaders. Holly also co-authored the strategy paper on youth entrepreneurship and unemployment for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal agenda. In 2012, she was the youngest person to be named in Australia’s ‘100 Most Influential Women’, and also became the world’s youngest ever Rotary President. Her work with Rotary has played a key role in the global efforts to lift youth participation in the organisation, more than doubling the organisation’s youth membership in the last five years.

In 2016, Holly was appointed to Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Coalition of Young Women Entrepreneurs and became the youngest ever female Director of an AFL club with her appointment to the Board of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Dianne Vella-Brodrick (PhD) is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director at the Centre for Positive

Psychology at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne. She is also Head of Research and the inaugural Director of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program (2013 – 2015) at the Centre for Positive Psychology.

Dianne is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society and College of Health Psychologists, an Editor in Chief of the Psychology of Wellbeing journal and Secretary of the International Positive Psychology Association. Her work is well published in scientific journals and she has received $2.5 million of funding including three Australian Research Council grants, for her research on evaluating wellbeing programs in schools and community settings.

She has worked with not for profit organisations, schools from all sectors, community services and large commercial organisations to assess and promote wellbeing for all. She is especially interested in enhancing the wellbeing of young people by working in partnership with them to listen to their experiences, understand their needs and co-create youthfriendly wellbeing programs that consider the whole person and the complex system in which they interact.

Phil Ruthven is the founder of IBISWorld, an international corporation providing online business information, forecasting and strategic services. IBISWorld now operates in Australia, the United States (NY and LA), Canada, China, United Kingdom and Indonesia. In 2014, Phil became a Member of the Order of Australia, in recognition of his significant service to business and commerce, and to the community.

Phil is a science graduate with further studies in management and economics at various universities and institutes. He spent over 10 years in the food industry, including executive positions in research, production and marketing, before establishing IBIS in 1971. Phil is currently an Adjunct Professor at The University of Technology (Sydney), and a member of the ANU College of Business & Economics Advisory Board. He is a recent past board member of the Melbourne Institute, CEDA and a past Director of Open Family Australia. IBISWorld has earned the reputation as an astute forecasting and advisory corporation based on its unique and comprehensive databases. Its website www.ibisworld.com.au is rated as one of the most sophisticated and powerful industry and marketing websites in the world today.

STREAMS WITH THEMES We are launching our 2017 conference on Wednesday 22 February with an afternoon called Streams with themes comprising six interactive workshops that will run from 1pm to 5pm. The sessions outlined below will offer participants the opportunity to hear from sector leaders and subject matter experts on specialised areas within the sector and they will be guaranteed to receive information, tools and ideas that they can take back to use in their work.

Collaboration to achieve great place making This workshop will seek to establish the common ground and a shared definition and approach to measuring assets in the interests of great place making and contributing to community wellbeing.

Serving community in the digital age This session will explore the need to develop a shared understanding of the role of Council and the need for cultural change to create a whole of Council approach to digitisation.

Sponsored by:

Preparing and creating the Future Ready workforce This workshop will focus on the global, national and local influences that are driving the need for new ways of working, accessing and developing a workforce that is able to deliver on the role of Local Government as it is today and is able to change and adapt as that role evolves.

Sponsored by:

Public disorder and preparedness – understanding, identifying and measuring the impact This session will present honest insights and practical advice from a number of varied standpoints on preparing and managing the impact of protests, rallies and public gatherings from people who have experienced them.

Sponsored by:

Measuring and building wellbeing: a Local Government approach to achieving real community impact This workshop will introduce the collaborative approach undertaken in Maroondah to measure and build wellbeing in young people through the use of ‘The Wellbeing Profiler’ developed by The University of Melbourne.

Sponsored by:

Planning for growth – the need for arts in a growing community This workshop will take a walking tour down Sturt Street in Southbank and explore the value of living and working near artists’ creative and performing spaces, the establishment of public art in open space planning, and the need to work across Council and with external government and arts agencies to improve community outcomes.

| 7

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 2016 Emerging Leaders presentation Thursday 23 February

The 2016 LGPro Emerging Leaders comprise 23 participants from rural, regional and metro municipalities, and have found shared experiences that transcend their locality, the size of their municipalities and the diversity of their roles.

Most importantly, they have discovered one common thing that keeps them all motivated, positive and driven – they love working in, for and with their communities.

During their year-long journey they were posed with the challenge of investigating ways to make Local Government leaner, better, faster and stronger.

This group has made some surprising discoveries about where we already sit as an industry and how we can move forward as one which they will share at 11am on Thursday 23 February.

Welcome Event – Wednesday 22 February 6pm-8pm The Conference Welcome Event will be held at a ‘pop up’ bar at The Common Man, 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf on Wednesday 22 February from 6pm-8pm.

The event will allow learnings from the various workshops to be shared and will set the scene for the conference and provide an opportunity to socialise and network with colleagues and others in the sector.

Beverages and substantial hot and cold canapés will be provided.

Conference Dinner & Awards for Excellence – Thursday 23 February 6.30pm The Annual Conference Dinner and presentation of the LGPro Awards for Excellence is always a popular part of the conference program. It will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on Thursday 23 February with pre dinner drinks starting at 6.30pm.

Dress code for the dinner is business attire and entertainment will be provided following the official proceedings.

There is reserved seating for this event and Councils are able to reserve a table of 10 in advance.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

Short Talks – Thursday 23 February This year there will be Short Talks from the following inspirational speakers.

Nick Hatzoglou, Tania de Jong and Nasir Nobhani.

8 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

Feature session – Have you been paying attention?

Sharing the Wisdom At this new look session, winners of the 2016 LGPro Awards for Excellence will share the stories of their winning projects and the positive impact that they have had in their respective communities.

Thursday 23 February 5.15pm This year’s Feature Session will be based on the popular TV quiz show, Have you been paying attention? It will be a quiz format and delegates will have the opportunity to put the knowledge of some Local Government CEOs to the test!

This session aims to continue where our previous ‘Ideas Marketplace’ left off with a room buzzing with noise, discussion, showcasing the award winners and importantly challenging the status quo.

This session is guaranteed to provide delegates with some exciting new ideas to take back to their Council.

Conference Program WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY WORKSHOP 1

Collaboration to achieve great place making

WORKSHOP 2

Preparing and creating the Future Ready workforce

WORKSHOP 3

Public disorder & preparedness – understanding, identifying and measuring the impact

WORKSHOP 4

Serving community in the digital age

WORKSHOP 5

Measuring and building wellbeing: a Local Government approach to achieving real community impact

WORKSHOP 6

Planning for growth – the need for arts in a growing community

THURSDAY 24 FEBRUARY MORNING

AFTERNOON

8.30am

Registration and coffee

1.00pm

9,00am

Conference opening & Welcome to Country

2.00pm Short Talks

KEYNOTE ADDRESS – Phil Ruthven AM

10.00am KEYNOTE ADDRESS – Holly Ransom

2.30pm

Sharing the Wisdom

10.30am Morning Tea

3.30pm

Afternoon Tea

11.00am

Presentation by the 2016 LGPro Emerging Leaders program participants

4.00pm

KEYNOTE ADDRESS – Associate Professor Dianne Vella-Brodrick

11.45am

Short Talks

5.15pm

Feature Session – Have you been paying attention?

12.15pm

Lunch

6.30pm Conference Dinner

Special offers and registration options MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL OFFER

CONFERENCE COSTS

A 20% discount is being offered to LGPro Individual Members who are attending the conference for the first time.

LGPro uses considerable resources following up payments. Delegates paying prior to the Annual Conference by credit card or by providing LGPro with a purchase order will receive a 10% discount. Take advantage of the discount and pay prior to the event by credit card or providing a purchase order.

CONFERENCE OPTIONS Delegates can register for either: • Conference full package – 22 & 23 February • A Wednesday workshop – 22 February • All Thursday sessions – 23 February

Registration can be completed online or via the hard copy registration form.

| 9

Gender equality.

It’s all about taking a balanced approach.

McArthur doesn't simply pay lip service to maintaining a gender diverse and balanced workplace, it is a commitment that touches every part of our national operations. Since our inception in 1969, focused and ambitious females have played an integral role in our success.

Today, they represent every level of McArthur – Director, State and Divisional Management, Senior Consultant, Line Management and Administration.

We also apply the same principles to every stage of our recruitment process – from sourcing to shortlisting. We ensure all recruitment submissions and recommendations presented to McArthur clients are based on capability and competence, and we never compromise.

To obtain a copy of our Gender Equality Values Statement, contact Colin Britten, National Marketing and Communications Manager on (03) 9828 6565 or email colin.britten@mcarthur.com.au

FEATURE ARTICLE

Being a CEO is a privilege ›

Tracey Slatter is the first to admit that being a Local Government CEO is demanding both in time and scope. It requires the ability to move between the big picture and the detail, the community perspective and the organisational perspective

But on the flip side she describes the role as a privilege and something she has cherished both at Colac Otway Shire between 2004 and 2009 and at Port Phillip Council since 2013.

When Tracey finishes up as CEO at Port Phillip Council in January to take on her next exciting career challenge as Managing Director of Barwon Water, she will leave knowing she couldn’t have been happier during her time at Port Phillip. “There are some issues I know I could have managed better but I have always tried to learn from these and make improvements as a consequence,” she said.

Tracey’s career has included working with other levels of government as a senior executive in Health and Human Services for several years and Head of Claims at the Transport Accident Commission from 2009 to 2013.

Career highlights She says her career highlights have undoubtedly been the ability to lead improvements that make a real difference to communities.

“Big achievements always require significant community engagement, partnerships with various government agencies, industry and business and an awful amount of tenacity to continue in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.”

Examples that come to mind for her in past roles include: Colac Otway’s joint school library and community facility; the duplication of the Princes Highway West (Geelong to Colac); and dramatic improvements in the experience and outcomes for people injured in transport accidents including slashing the claim acceptance process from 75 days to one hour.

12 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

At Port Phillip, Tracey is particularly proud of her involvement in the project to Save the Palais Theatre.

“People told me there was no solution – I always love an impossible problem to solve – and it is now being fully restored and will continue to be one of the best live performance venues in Australia,” she said.

Other significant projects she has led at Port Phillip include the Acland Street renewal which not only shows off a great design for an iconic street but it has also established a new way of working between Councils and Public Transport Victoria; and the Ferrars Street precinct in Fishermans Bend which demonstrates boldness in building community facilities and parks that lead, not lag behind population growth.

Tracey says through her career she has been fortunate to have worked with incredibly talented people – boards, Councillors, community members and staff. “The ability of staff to rise to challenges and exceed what could possibly be expected always blows me away.”

A complex sector Local Government may be the most complex sector she has worked in, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. She believes the diversity of responsibility and community expectation combined with opportunities to make a real difference is what sets it apart.

“We are often able to recruit high calibre people, who could earn more in the private sector, but they choose to work in Local Government because they get immense satisfaction from being able to contribute to making communities better.”

Tracey says she has witnessed many changes in the sector over time including an increase in the regulation and responsibilities of Local Government. She also believes the sector has become more outward looking, more commercial and more efficient. “It is important to recognise that the benchmark is not with other Councils but with global best practice in any industry,” she says.

Throughout her career Tracey has always tried to manage her wellbeing by keeping fit and being present whether at work or at home with her family. “Other than when I have evening commitments I always leave the office at 5.20pm to catch the 5.28 train from Balaclava. Sitting on the train for an hour with the iPad gets me through the remainder of my to do list. I get off the train in Williamstown, smell the sea air and put it all behind me for the day,” she said.

She is looking forward to continuing her involvement with Local Government through her new role at Barwon Water which will also allow her family to enjoy life on the surf coast. “There is a significant opportunity for innovation and change in the way we manage and use water so that community liveability continues to improve in the face of climate change and population growth,” she concluded.

LGPro Members celebrate 2016

Farewell to CEOs The following CEOs who are retiring or are leaving the sector were acknowledged at the LGPro Member Event on 1 December: Joe Carbone, Anthony Schinck, Tracey Slatter and John Hicks.

We wish them well in their future endeavours.

Anthony Schinck

Frank Angarane, Bass Coast Council and Deborah Equid from Darebin Council.

Karyn Siegmann Bayside Council and Graham Haylock from Whittlesea Council.

John Hicks

Peter Utri, Warrnambool Council and Tony De Fazio from Whitehorse Council.

Jaime Carroll Rural City of Wangaratta and Lisa Ippolito from Hume Council.

Joe Carbone

James Kelly Banyule Council and Keith Williamson from Melbourne City Council.

Greg Phippen Whittlesea Council and Scott Walker Banyule Council.

Tracey Slatter

LGPro Members at the 2016 Annual Meeting.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 13

ADVOCACY NEWS

The Local Government perspective on rate capping › LGPro is continuing to advocate for people working in the sector by providing input into key reviews and inquiries.

We thank the LGPro Individual Members who provided valuable information into the latest submission we made in October into the Parliamentary Inquiry into Rate Capping.

This submission said that it is commonly agreed by senior officers across the sector that the impact of rate capping for larger Councils would not be felt as quickly as it would be for smaller rural Councils.

It said a number of Councils across the state, both large and small, had undertaken service reviews to address the impact of rate capping in the coming years and many had already shed services and or decreased service levels and staff.

The submission said not all of this is negative as it has been a driver to create greater efficiency, responsiveness and pragmatic discussions with their communities regarding cost and choice of services.

However, it would have been far more desirable for these efficiencies to have been used to drive greater investment in infrastructure, and in a rate capping environment this is not happening.

How rate capping disadvantages rural Councils compared to their metro counterparts • Lack of economies of scale that metropolitan Councils enjoy • Significant distances and times required to deliver services leading to higher unit costs • Provision of duplicate community infrastructure required to address accessibility for residents spread across a large geographical and remote area • Expansive road networks and associated infrastructure of bridges, culverts, etc.

• Considerably higher proportion of older people than the State average • A significantly smaller population base to spread the rate burden • Limited ability to raise fees and charges e.g. parking

Impact on asset renewal The submission said the impact on asset renewal and maintenance would increase exponentially over time creating a substantial asset renewal gap in five to 10 years’ time that communities would be saddled with for many years to come.

14 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

“LGPro is concerned that budget cuts will, in the medium term, impact the capacity of the sector to perform in an increasingly complex and challenging environment and that it will be negatively affected as less than adequate funds will be available for staff learning and development, organisational capacity building, system and process improvement, and innovative initiatives that need initial investment for future financial gains,” it said.

Rate cap variation The submission concluded that the timelines of application and decision from the Essential Services Commission (ESC) and the Minister’s annual announcement of the rate cap percentage created uncertainty and put significant time pressure on the budget process which incorporated the need for community consultation.

“Applying to the ESC for a rate cap variation is unnecessarily complex and time consuming due to the lack of written advice and standardised documentation and processes. In addition to the considerable time, effort and cost of applying for a rate cap variation, the ESC has added a new quarterly ESC reporting framework.

“Without the removal of pre-existing reporting such as Grants Commission annual reporting this is adding a considerable workload to Councils.

While this was a commitment of the Government we are yet to see any reporting burden reduction in real terms,” the submission concluded.

PUSHING FOR GENDER EQUITY

Ministerial Roundtable focuses on gender equity ›

The first Ministerial Women’s Roundtable held in October was a significant step forward in LGPro’s ongoing campaign to see greater gender equity in senior roles in Local Government.

Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins established the Roundtable in response to an LGPro submission addressing the underrepresentation of women in senior roles in Local Government presented to her by our female Board members on International Women’s Day this year.

The roundtable will be held twice a year to advise the government on strategies to increase the number of women in senior roles within Local Government. All female Council CEOs from across the state were invited to participate along with other key stakeholders.

LGPro Board Member and Secretary Robyn Mansfield, Manager Built & Active Spaces at Yarra Ranges Council represented LGPro at the inaugural roundtable. She presented comprehensive data collected

by LGPro from all 79 Councils and from executive recruiters along

with feedback and personal stories from our members which indicated that amongst other things there are cultural issues that still need to be overcome.

There was a lot of discussion and personal accounts at the roundtable from female CEOs on the barriers that they face, along with ideas about how to improve the gender imbalance in the sector.

The Minister provided an overview of how she plans to progress things.

She proposes to present seven suggestions to the members of the roundtable and invite them to vote for the top three for action. Embedding something in the Local Government Act was one of the suggestions.

LGPro has a longstanding commitment to promoting the contribution that women make to Local Government. Gender balance

is used as a key selection criteria in our leadership programs such as the Executive Leadership Program (XLP) and the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). The Women’s Professional Development Forum and Women’s Network Dinner are also key activities in our annual calendar and we always strive to achieve gender balance in our conference presenters.

While LGPro sees the roundtable as a promising start, we will continue to advocate for a stronger, more proactive approach to be taken on gender equity in the sector.

Advocacy is a key area of work for LGPro which is driven by our members. To find out more about LGPro Membership visit http://lgpro.com/lgpromembership/individualmembership

LGPro female Board Members present the submission to the Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins earlier this year.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 15

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GETTING ONE STEP AHEAD IN

CORPORATE PLANNING

Delegates enjoying one of the conference sessions.

Keynote presenter, Marcus Barber spoke about outcomes based decision making.

This group from Yarra Ranges Council enjoyed the day.

Around 90 Local Government corporate planners and officers working in the innovation and continuous improvement space came together in October for the 2016 LGPro Corporate Planners Network Conference which provided a valuable learning and networking opportunity.

The conference theme was One Step Ahead and delegates had the opportunity to hear from speakers who explored concepts and key trends to meet the changing landscape of Local Government services and reform. Finalists in the Corporate and Community Planning Award presented on their initiatives throughout the day.

CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY PLANNING AWARD WINNER There were nine entries in the 2016 Corporate and Community Planning Award which was won by Indigo Shire Council for their project titled: Chiltern Placemaking & Structure Plan – Heritage Town, Bold Future.

The initiative aimed to reverse the population decline of the small country town of Chiltern and set an ambitious growth target underpinned by clear strategic actions. An innovative feature of the project was merging the highly engaging placemaking process with the formal structure plan to support future changes to the planning scheme.

The result was a plan that outlined the town’s strengths to build on including its strategic location on the Hume Freeway, its operating railway station, natural gas supply, national park, heritage streetscapes and a strong, cohesive community.

AWARD FINALISTS WERE: • Knox City Council Integrated City Strategy • Knox City Council Service Planning – The Knox Way • Wyndham City Council Wyndham 2040 We thank CAMMS for their ongoing sponsorship of this conference and award.

From left, LGPro CEO David Preiss; Susan Reid and Kate Biglan from Indigo Shire and Aaron Mullins from Award Sponsor CAMMS.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 17

Tailor Council’s insurance requirements to deliver savings Find out how you can match insurance requirements to Council’s individual risk profile and potentially deliver real savings for your community. Here are the premium savings our new Council clients achieved*:

Premium savings by Aon clients*

FY16

$1.5m

FY17

$1.9m

20%-45% = savings 34%-52% = savings * These are approximate savings based on total cost of insurance programs for six Aon clients in FY16 and four Aon clients in FY17.

Contact

Paul Crapper National Head of Local Government

t 03 9211 3313 e paul.crapper@aon.com Š 2016 Aon Risk Services Australia Pty Limited ABN 17 000 434 720 AFSL No. 241141 This information may be regarded as general advice. That is, your personal objectives, needs or financial situations were not taken into account when preparing this information. Accordingly, you should consider the appropriateness of any general advice we have given you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. Where the information relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain and consider the relevant product disclosure statement before making any decision to purchase that financial product.

COM0341E 1116

FEATURE ARTICLE

A successful career in “bite sized chunks” ›

John Hicks has always planned his career in “bite sized chunks” over a 10 year time frame and reviewed how things were travelling every couple of years.

This started when he worked in engineering design and construction and continued over the past 30 years as he moved into management roles with the Port of Portland and in his various Local Government roles which have included Director roles at Ballarat and Port Phillip and CEO roles at Hindmarsh and Buloke where he will retire from next February.

John says the jobs he has enjoyed the most are those where he has been able to achieve success by working with staff to develop good effective teams who provide the best possible value.

“I have certainly been able to do this in my Local Government roles and have particularly enjoyed where this has occurred in alignment with local community aspirations. Councils and communities working together to achieve mutual outcomes is where the rubber hits the road in Local Government,” he said.

Throughout his career John has always focused on changing and extending his skills as he believes that change and adaptation are what makes work rewarding. He said sometimes these changes don’t work but you inevitably gain skills and greater knowledge of how to be successful. “These are the skills that really contribute when you again find a role that meshes with your skills, interests and abilities.”

He believes one of the major factors in the performance of any successful organisation is to have the right people in the right places doing the right things. “I have initiated or been a major contributor to significant cultural change programs in every

organisation I have been in since joining Local Government,” he said.

“Focusing on values and behaviours allows Councils to maximise their performance whilst retaining the support and commitment of staff.

People have to be motivated to do the best they can and be allowed to make the changes that need to be made.”

John says this requires giving the organisation the self-belief to invent, create and implement their ideas. Everyone needs to work together to do what they can to improve the services delivered to the community and focus on what is best for that community.

As a Board member of Victoria Walks – a key body working with all levels of government – in his retirement John plans to promote and enable a higher level of walking for health and transport in our communities.

He also plans to sit on a couple of boards relating to Local Government and aged care while focusing his time on grappling with some novel writing and spending more time with his family.

Key successes in the sector

He says the key challenges facing the sector continue to be the lack of a fair level of resources for rural Shires and their residents from the overall tax take, along with a lack of respect from the State and Federal Government for Local Government which is especially galling when the comparative performance of those levels of government is considered.

• Leading the recovery of Buloke Shire after its massive financial and performance crisis in 2014

“Our society would benefit enormously if other levels of government had to work within the same constraints and governance requirements as Local Government,” he said.

• Consolidating and building a great team as CEO at Hindmarsh Shire

Another area of concern is the current processes for the appointment of CEOs in Local Government. “I think most would agree that the current process doesn’t get appointments “right” often enough. Given the key influence exerted by CEOs in Councils, this is not really good enough and will continue to be a drag on the sector,” he said.

• Convening the Rural Living campaign seeking to bring a more sustainable level of resources into small rural Shires through agreement by all levels of government. Twenty Councils currently support the campaign and the formation of an intergovernmental working group

• Being part of the executive team that enabled Port Phillip Council to recover after the nadir of the Triangle and “White Witch” episodes

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 19

My Council Services Council to Community Community to Council

•

•

Waste

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Get active

Centres

Contact Council

Contact Us:

20 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

1300 760 011

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT

Harnessing the power of technological change ›

More than 100 young professionals working in the public sector came together on 15 November for a one day conference on digital transformation and the digital age.

The conference was a collaboration between LGPro and IPAA with the content designed by young professional member networks from each organisation.

Key presenters were drawn from the technology and public sector and

talked to delegates about how to thrive as future leaders and harness the power of technological change.

Delegates also gained insights into the impacts of the digital revolution and the possibilities for a future

career, developed new skills in interactive workshops to take back to the workplace and engaged in networking activities with likeminded professionals.

From left, Nerina Di Lorenzo Moreland Council CEO, Georgia Borland HR Legal, Colin Fairweather Melbourne City Council and Hugh Stacy Australia Post presented the panel session.

Steven Ziebowski and Laura Burke from Wyndham City Council.

Rebecca McKenzie, LGPro Vice President and Glen Eira Council CEO gave the opening address.

From left, Sarah Finlay and Melodie Silva from Glen Eira City Council.

From left, David Power, Stacey Clark and Chloe Casey, Baw Baw Shire Council.

Jared Hammond and Jessica Woodthorpe, Horsham Rural City Council.

Nerina Di Lorenzo Moreland Council CEO during her presentation.

Tim Lovitt, PWC – delivered the keynote address.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 21

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

2016/2017 LGPro Corporate Partners Directory CORPORATE PARTNERS McArthur Aon Risk Services Australia Aten Systems Australian Institute of Management Australia Post Australian Receivables Limited Bang the Table CAMMS CIE Legal Clear Horizon Consulting Community Chef Council Jobs CT Management Group Cube Group Customer Service Benchmarking Australia Davidson Group eAwards fmconsult Holland Thomas & Associates Horner Recruitment HR Legal HWL Ebsworth Lawyers .id (the population experts) Insight SRC iPlatinum Jardine Lloyd Thompson Jo Fisher Executive JWS Research Kernow Environmental Services Lingford Consulting Services LMH Consulting/Outside the Square Local Government Software Solutions Maddocks Lawyers Market Solutions MAV Insurance, Liability Mutual Insurance McArthur Mecwacare MSC Corporation Australia National Australia Bank Nepean Industry Edge Training One Tree Community Services Onsite Massage Oracle Customer Management Solutions Our Say Page Seager Lawyers Procura Software Procurement Australia Productivity Matters Promapp Solutions Russell Kennedy Lawyers Salesforce SDS Group Skills Training Australia Symphony 3 Task Exchange The Management Edge Urban Maintenance Systems Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry VicTrack Vision Super Votar Partners Warner Group Well Done International Zurich Financial Services Australia

22 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

LGPro is grateful for the support it receives from its Corporate Partners. The following pages contain advertisements submitted by our financial 2016/2017 Corporate Partners.

Please take a moment to learn about the many services, programs and products these organisations offer to the Local Government sector.

Local Government solutions built on 45+ years specialist experience and insight • Permanent, Temporary and Contract Recruitment • Executive Search • HR Consulting – Performance Management – Employee Engagement – Remuneration Services – Leadership Development – Organisational Development

Contact: t: (03) 9828 6565 w: mcarthur.com.au

2017 LGPro Annual Conference Principal Sponsor Note: All financial 2016/2017 LGPro Corporate Partners were invited to participate in this directory. Not all of our Corporate Partners took up the opportunity.

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

Insurance, risk management & human capital solutions

Innovation

to enable smarter citizen services

Tailored to Council’s unique risk profile Smarter community engagement

Contact:

Paul Crapper

Responsive information management

National Head of Local Government t 03 9211 3313 e paul.crapper@aon.com

Digitising asset works management

P 02 8197 7012 E info@atensystems.com W www.atensystems.com

COM0341E 1116

Did you know?

50% Almost 50% of councils in Victoria use CAMMS’ software solutions

Continuing to Support Local Government Commercial Law

Our client base in the health sector has nearly tripled in the past 12 months

Litigation and Claims Management Risk Management Occupational Health & Safety Management We’ve got more than 20,000 users across five continents

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Procurement and Contract Legal Services Building and Construction Legal Services Property Leasing

Contact Us 03 9948 2470 Level 11 644 Chapel Street South Yarra, Victoria

CIE Legal is a corporate and commercial law firm with over 30 years’ experience working with local government. We don’t just provide legal advice - we provide solutions.

www.cielegal.com.au

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 23

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

Community Chef aims to provide high quality, culturally diverse meals of superior nutritional value to individuals, organisations and communities.

Our extensive, nutritionally balanced and multicultural menu provides products that are easy to use with a taste that is second to none.

Our wide range of services include: HACC Packages Supply during facility refurbishment Extending standard menu offerings Simplifying daily and weekend food services Waste reduction Chef free meal preparation Reducing overall meal service costs Contingency supply

Community Chef can provide delivery direct to your door!

Contact us now to discuss your requirements.

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SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE ALERTS

www.counciljobs.com 24 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

WE ARE CSBA Whether customer experience is an ongoing focus or you are just beginning to explore the possibilities, we can help you serve your customers better. At any stage in your customer experience journey, CSBA can bring our years of experience to bear.

csba.com.au 03 9605 4900

Looking for a genuine human resource partner?

Discover how HORNER can assist your council with a tailored suite of HR services:

ENHANCING WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE

Delivering exceptional Recruitment and HR Consulting outcomes for our candidates and local government clients for over 20 years.

For more information, please contact our local government specialists:

Sharon Ardley – GM, HR Consulting Sharon.Ardley@davidsonwp.com

Clare McCartin – GM, Executive & Boards SEEK Recruitment Consultant of the Year 2016

Solutions for your permanent and temporary staffing needs

Utilise our HR experience and expertise

Specialisations include but not limited to: • Professional management & senior appointments • Administration, PAs, EAs, BSOs & customer service staff • Finance, accounts & payroll staff • Local laws & outdoor workers

We can assist your council with: • Outplacement programs • HR Compliance • Recruitment & selection procedures & policies • HR training & development • McQuaig personality profiling

Book or build your own in-house workshops

Protect your most valuable resource, your employees

Broad range of topics such as: • Performance management & appraisals • Building emotional intelligent teams • Customer service • Resolving workplace conflict • Dealing with difficult customers

We can provide: • Health & safety checklists • On-site review & consultation • Compliance advice & training • WorkPro Inductions

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Your Local Government Partner Tullamarine (03) 9335 9999

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 25

www.horner.com.au

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

Providing solutions for local government

Experienced in servicing the practical legal needs of Local Government

Our team’s problem solving approach sets HR Legal apart as the leading trusted adviser for local governments’ workplace relations and workplace safety needs.

Dan Feldman Managing Partner

Georgie Chapman Partner

Ian Jordan Special Counsel

•

60+ years of combined partner experience

•

Timely and affordable advice

•

Full service law firm with a dedicated planning, environment and government team

Simonne Kaplan Senior Associate

Phoebe Tolich Senior Associate

9948 2450

Anat Bogaty Associate

Simone Aloi Lawyer

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DAVID VORCHHEIMER PARTNER T: 03 8644 3421 E: dvorchheimer@hwle.com.au

MARK BARTLEY PARTNER T: 03 8644 3712 E: mbartley@hwle.com.au

MEREDITH GIBBS PARTNER T: 03 8644 3539 E: mkgibbs@hwle.com.au

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JLT LOCAL GOVERNMENT OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR COUNCILS JLT’s Public Sector division delivers exclusive levels of insurable risk protection, competitive and stable pricing, security and long-term stability through Mutuals. All this backed by stable and trusted reinsurance partners who have stood the test of time.

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We service 95% of the local authorities in Australia

Partners with more than 500 local councils

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BRONSON JUSTUS General Manager – Public Sector

Web: www.iplatinum.com.au

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Bronson.Justus@jlta.com.au

Email: info@iplatinum.com.au Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Ltd ABN 69 009 098 864 AFS Licence 226827 Level 11, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 T: +61 3 9613 1415 www.au.jlt.com

Phone: 1300 Ferret 4807

26 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

The Leader in Environmental Health Kernow has been providing a wide range of Environmental Health and Immunisation services to Local Government for more than 20 years.

Kernow works with many different Councils; from large metropolitan municipalities to smaller, remote rural locations - we cover them all.

Through our significant experience we understand the issues and complexities for Councils of every size and have the skills, knowledge and expertise to effectively provide the right solution at the right cost.

• • • • •

Environmental Health Services Immunisation Services Reduced costs, improved services - guaranteed 100% compliance at all times More Councils are using Kernow to deliver their services than ever before

CONTACT US TODAY to discuss how we can help your Council www.kernow.net.au 1300 KERNOW (537 669) info@kernow.net.au

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 27

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

The trusted legal adviser to Victorian councils since 1885

maddocks.com.au

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS • Council Telecommunication Compliance Documentation • Telecommunication Installs • Single Res • Multi Res • New Estates • Network Contractor & Augmentation

• Traffic Management Plans (TMP) • VIC Roads MoA • Council Permits • Equipment Hire, • Accredited Traffic Controllers • Event Management • VIC Roads Pre Qual • Compliance Documentation

www.mcsconnect.com.au

www.mcstraffic.com.au

03 8592 8100 28 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

Local government specialists with an alternative approach YOUR ONLINE PLATFORM TO ENGAGE COMMUNITY ABOUT LOCAL MATTERS. Hear public feedback, build relationships, and make sound council decisions – quickly and effectively.

Enabled by:

Clear data, analytics & mapping

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oursay.org

PAGE SEAGER provide local government clients with the opportunity to empower themselves with legal management systems that minimise and often remove the need for future legal problem solving, thereby reducing costs and achieving greater value for money. We provide local government clients with price certainty and give them options which are tailored to suit their business. Example systems include behaviour management, procurement and contract management.

Accessible, experienced support team Level 11, South Tower, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 T 03 6235 5155 www.pageseager.com.au

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 29

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

GET IT FASTER. GET IT CHEAPER. GET IT EASILY. As one of Australia’s largest buying groups and leaders in setting-up and running procurement contracts, we’ve been helping people and businesses save time, money and effort getting what they need since 1985.

Our procurement and industry experts can also join your team for in-house consulting, too, so when it comes to immediate knowledge, action and outcomes you can get it all in one spot.

Productivity Matters A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.

Productivity Matters help local government with • Strategies for sit and stand workstations • Reducing manual handling injuries • Mental health strategies and training To create a healthier workforce and improve your bottom line, visit our website or call today.

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procurementaustralia.com.au

30 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

T 03 8415 1351 | info@promatters.com.au www.productivitymatters.com.au

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

Simple connected customer experiences

Skills and Knowledge for the Community Services Sector

We work alongside our council clients to help them:

Offering accredited qualifications and in-service education, including: CHC82015

Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management CHC62015

Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management CHC52015

Fully understand their relationship with the customer.

Build digital platforms and integrated systems based on open-source solutions.

Diploma of Community Services Positive behaviour support training for community support staff Contact Elsa Demetriou on 0428 117 934 E: edemetriou@skillstraining.vic.edu.au

Deliver simple and connected customer experiences.

Max fees $7500

www.skillstraining.edu.au TOID 20828

www.symphony3.com

Training & Consultancy Services Programs delivered at your Council to meet your specific Council needs.

We offer full qualifications and short courses in: - Business & Management - Competitive Systems & Practices - Customer Engagement - Project Management - Road Maintenance and Operational Works - Training & Assessment - Work Health & Safety

T: 03 9874 0812 | www.tme.edu.au |RTO # 3297

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 31

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

THE VICTORIAN CHAMBER AND VTIC PARTNER WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER STRONGER, MORE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES VIA

1

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Policy and advocacy, to ensure a strong voice for local government and tourism

Capability building, through HR/ OHS consulting and learning and development

Municipal economic development

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Better communities, together We’re helping shape the way communities move and connect by working with councils.

Together we’re unlocking the potential of transport land.

Contact Jim Dolkas Development Director Property Group T +613 9619 8035 jim.dolkas@victrack.com.au

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2016/2017

Learn how to achieve social media success with less Social success with less – reaching

workplace. There will also be an

Presenting a lightning talk

your community regardless of

On the Couch panel session and

offers a wonderful professional

resources is the theme for our 2017

the day will finish with networking,

development opportunity and they

Social Media Conference which will

drinks and canapes.

provide delegates with knowledge

be held on Wednesday 10 May at Rydges Melbourne, 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

The conference committee is working hard to develop a program that explores effective social media practice and how it can bridge the communications gap between Council and the community without blowing the budget.

The conference will open with a keynote speaker and there will be six interactive workshops, three after morning tea and three after lunch. These will include lightning

Be part of our Lightning Talk presentations

about what other Councils are doing in the social media domain.

For further information, please visit

Due to the popularity of the

Lightning Session Expression of

Lightning Talks at our 2016 Social

Interest or contact Diana Pawluk,

Media Conference, we are calling

Manager of Events on (03) 9268

for expressions of interest from

6404 or email dianap@lgpro.com

Councils interested in being

See the March Profile for further

involved next year.

information on this conference.

Individuals are invited to present on

The program will be available at

a social media initiative that their

www.lgpro.com from late March/

Council has implemented, or is in

early April.

the process of implementing, that focuses on achieving success with minimal resources.

presentations, tools based ‘how

Presentations will be six minutes

to’ workshops, and case study

with a further four minutes

sessions with valuable takeaways

allocated for questions at the

for participants to use in their

conclusion of each. | 33

2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

WINNERS & FINALISTS

WINNER

Pyrenees Shire Council, Project Group Regional Bioenergy Project

An innovative project led by Pyrenees Shire Council is using waste destined for landfill to create energy, cut costs and create jobs at Beaufort Hospital.

The Regional Bioenergy Project led by the Shire has resulted in a commercial bioenergy demonstration plant being installed at the hospital.

The unit has saved $27,000 in operating costs in one year alone by replacing an LPG heating system. This money can now be used to deliver health services rather than going towards overheads.

A local business supplies the waste wood product and the money that used to leave town now stays and supports the local economy. This has already expanded business and created jobs.

You can actually see the system working as the demonstration unit has viewing windows and information on how much is being saved, how the system works and other environmental benefits such as reduced emissions.

The project had the brief to inform people about bio-energy and its possible applications. Apart from the demonstration site this involved a feasibility study and business case to heat the Horsham Aquatic Facility using a bioenergy system.

Horsham City Council is now looking at how to make this happen! In a classic example of seeing is believing, a delegation of Councillors and staff from Horsham visited Beaufort Hospital to view the bioenergy unit. “The group arrived as sceptics, expecting to see a loud furnace, billowing smoke with a singlet clad labourer stoking it up. But they left as converts after witnessing this quiet, self contained, self feeding, automated system with little or no smoke (92% efficiency – made to strict European emission controls)“, according to the Project Manager.

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Local businesses, agri-businesses and regional Councils are all now seriously considering applying this technology, with one private business already installing a bioenergy unit as a direct result of the project. This has also led to the increase in local suppliers as the word has spread.

Greenhouse emissions from the hospital have been cut by 56 tonnes per year as a result of the project; added to this is the saving in landfill; and decreased use of, and dependency on, fossil fuels.

The technology used in this project can be transferred and applied to numerous sites throughout Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas where energy options are limited. Hospitals, aged care facilities, sporting and recreation facilities and public buildings could all potentially benefit from the combined economic and environmental advantages of bioenergy.

This project proves unequivocally that actions to improve the environment can have substantial economic benefits. It provides an example in the “real world”, demonstrating actual benefits to the installation site as well as to the broader community.

The project showcases the potential advantages of bioenergy and highlights the benefits that can be achieved including lower operating costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lowering landfill use and creating greater energy security for a public health facility, regional community as well as supporting local jobs and businesses.

FINALISTS Maribyrnong City Council, Sustainability and Environment Team Zero Carbon Maribyrnong Project The Zero Carbon Maribyrnong Project was initiated in 2008 when Maribyrnong City Council set goals to reduce corporate carbon emissions to zero by 2015 and to help their community to become Zero Carbon by 2020. The Council achieved Zero Carbon Status in 2015 and continues to work with the community to become Zero Carbon.

In addition to reducing corporate emissions to zero through energy efficiency improvements to buildings, streetlights and their fleet, Maribyrnong Council has undertaken a number of community engagement programs to encourage their diverse community to reduce their carbon emissions.

The corporate aspect of the project focused on reducing carbon emissions through energy reduction and energy efficiency measures, the purchase and installation of renewable energy and the purchase of offsets.

The project has also involved the community through a number of engagement programs around reducing carbon emissions, including bulk buy programs for solar panels and other sustainable appliances, the Challenge to Change program which assists householders to reduce emissions and community education programs.

Mildura Rural City Council, Community Futures Team Mildura Eco Village The Mildura Eco Village (MEV) is a multi-stage, sustainable community precinct situated on 4.5 hectares of land next to the Mildura Landfill and Transfer Station. Developed over the past nine years, through ongoing community consultation and strong collaborations with the Sunraysia Sustainability Network, the MEV represents a vital step towards educating the community about the challenges of regional self-sufficiency.

The facility provides a community focus for innovation, environmental education and activities.

It offers a unique and innovative range of sustainability, education and energy saving demonstrations and solutions, including:

• A 9 star energy-rated Eco Centre, the development of which was recognised ‘as an exemplar of sustainable design’.

• 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, which has converted a former 0.6 star energy-rated caretaker’s cottage into a 3.8 star demonstration facility.

• A community garden, using organic gardening principles, featuring 35 garden plots available for the community.

Wodonga City Council, Halve Waste Kerbside Organic Team Kerbside 3 Bin System, Food and Garden Waste The Halve Waste program worked across four Councils in north east Victoria and south east NSW to educate and engage local communities about the benefits of the new three bin kerbside waste service that diverted food and garden waste from landfill, resulting in a nearly 50% reduction in household waste to landfill in less than a year.

A kerbside waste collection system moving from two bins to three is not innovative as a service change alone, but Halve Waste achieved innovation by: • Conducting significant research, trials, community surveys and focus groups to develop a comprehensive barrier and benefit report based on established community based social marketing methodology

• Listening to the community feedback and identifying barriers and benefits • Developing a focused education and engagement plan based on key barriers and benefits leading to high uptake of the service and effective waste separation in the home • Linking engagement and education materials directly to key findings • Innovative engagement tools including community BBQs, shopping centre displays, cooking demonstrations and training customer service staff to answer detailed questions and support residents with the changes • Green Team staff to engage with the community and at a resident level to assist with individual issues

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 35

2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

YOUNG ACHIEVER

WINNERS & FINALISTS

WINNER

Mel Jeffery, Maroondah City Council

Mel is a passionate, skilled, engaging and intelligent woman who has affected positive change through her passion and commitment to social justice. At 27, Mel has delivered outstanding projects for young people from refugee backgrounds, with disabilities, experiencing homelessness/disadvantage, and LGBTIQ young people.

She has made a positive impact through projects and policy development at all levels of government. Her work as Minus 18 Foundation Chair, on the Youth Affairs Council Youth Reference and Policy Advisory Groups and as the Victorian Young Member for National Youth Week saw her influence decisions at a level exceeding her role’s typical zone of influence.

In her time at Maroondah as a Youth Programs Worker, Mel impressed her colleagues and senior management with her passion, drive and commitment to make positive change in the community.

Her passion for social justice is instantly recognisable and contagious. Her work and volunteer history reflect this passion and has given her an ability to achieve outstanding outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Mel strives for excellence in everything she does and as her achievements continue to grow, her skills, experience and networks continue to develop. She is dedicated to delivering projects with passion and skill and then critically reflecting on opportunities for excellence. The results of her programs developing youth leadership, volunteering and community projects have received outstanding feedback from participants and community members.

Mel executes her work to a standard that exceeds expectations and continually improves outcomes and is proactive in seeking out new opportunities to empower young people to reach their full potential.

She is a passionate advocate for LGBTIQ people both within the community and the organisation which has led to significant community-wide results. As an Equal Opportunity Officer Mel advocated for

36 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

LGBTIQ Council employees. She independently developed and delivered training for her colleagues on LGBTIQ issues, triggering a number of actions to make Maroondah more inclusive of LGBTIQ people.

Mel’s passion extended outside of her role at Council. She was the Chair of the Minus18 foundation, Australia’s largest youth led organisation for LGBTIQ young people.

She joined the Board of Administration in 2013 and was elected chair soon after, again evidence of her distinctive leadership qualities and the confidence that she instils in those around her.

In 2013, Mel was selected as the National Youth Week Young Member for Victoria and she sat on the National Planning Group responsible for organising Australia’s National Youth Week celebrations. Prior to this she was a member of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria’s (YACVic – the peak body for Youth Services in Victoria) Youth Reference Group and Policy Advisory Group.

Mel is a tenacious and articulate leader whose work is driven by a desire to make positive change. She is a passionate advocate who invests much of her own time and energy into the things she believes in.

FINALISTS John Kay, Baw Baw Shire Council John is a rising star at Baw Baw Shire. He is a critical internal service provider who consistently exceeds expectations and helps to set the tone for the organisational culture. Over the past two years he has been awarded the organisational customer service award and is continually recognised in the staff newsletter for his efforts. Baw Baw Shire nominated John for the Young Achiever Award in recognition of his terrific work ethic and his focus on delivering the highest level of customer service.

Nikita Frawley, Campaspe Shire Council Nikita has spent the majority of her working life at the Shire of Campaspe in a number of roles where she has been able to utilise her exceptional skills. She has worked in community care, recreation, waste, project management, environmental health and Council’s information communication and technology program.

Commencing work at the Shire as a casual over 10 years ago, 25 year old Nikita is a committed and loyal staff member, as well as an exceptional young leader who exceeds expectations.

Timothy Sinnappu, Casey City Council Since joining Casey in 2010 as a Design Engineer, Timothy has delivered and managed multi-million dollar projects, including a $2 million upgrade to Hunt Club Cricket and Football Club facilities, planning the $1.8 million synthetic soccer pitch at Gleneagles Secondary College, a $1.5 million road reconstruction at Oroya Grove and planning the $1.2 million national BMX facility at Casey Fields. This is an addition to the annual Local Area Traffic Management (LATM), drainage and Linking Paths Program which form part of his portfolio.

Holly de Krester, Casey City Council Holly has led a complete revamp of Council’s key administrative processes. She has overhauled Casey’s meeting agenda process, completed a detailed review of its agenda structure, implemented a new electronic system to manage instruments of delegation and is reviewing the Meeting Procedure Local Law. She is the organisation’s speechwriter, leads a team of three staff and is the principal liaison with the Mayor and Councillors.

Her biggest achievement in this role was transitioning the agenda process from a manual one to electronic.

Joy Chen, Casey City Council At just 27, Joy was entrusted with a project to deliver a new Housing Strategy for the City of Casey, something that would normally be reserved for senior staff, or entire consultancies. Under normal circumstances this would be a challenging task, but it was even more so considering that Casey also happens to be Victoria’s most populous municipality and one of the state’s fastest growing growth corridors with more than 150,000 additional residents expected to move in by 2031.

George Ioannou, Maribyrnong City Council George has worked at Maribyrnong City Council since 2012. In that time he has demonstrated a strong work ethic, high levels of integrity and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. His key achievements have been to drive change within Council in the safety arena which has resulted in a significant reduction in WorkCover claim estimates of over $1,000,000 and a reduction of WorkCover premium costs in 2015 of $500,000.

Tatum Newton, Rural City of Wangaratta Tatum’s passion for the environment and in particular waste and resource recovery has seen her excel – winning the respect of everyone at the Rural City of Wangaratta. Her work in resource recovery has led to environmental awards and an invitation to address the Keep NSW Beautiful Congress 2015 on the topic of the Local Government perspective on public place recycling. Tatum has also played a significant part in the roll out of the organics waste service in Wangaratta.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 37

2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

ORGANISATIONAL DIVERSITY

WINNERS & FINALISTS

WINNER

Greater Shepparton City Council, Women’s Charter Advisory Committee, Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Alliance

The Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Alliance Advisory Committee (GSWCAAC) is an Advisory Committee of the Greater Shepparton City Council which aims to support and promote women in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making, including business or workplace positions, community groups or boards of management.

Officially endorsed by Council in February 2012, the volunteer members of the GSWCAAC are guided by the three principles of gender equity, active citizenship and diversity.

Since its endorsement, the GSWCAAC has grown in its membership, capacity, and activities. The committee strives to consult and engage with the community through its activities and events and aims to provide educational resources at all of its events, provide opportunities for members of the community to network and to highlight the diversity of the local community in a positive way. It also advises Council on areas relating to the three principles.

The GSWCAAC has built capacity and knowledge amongst its members by providing them with resources, networking and collaboration. This capacity building has enabled meaningful interaction with the wider community which has benefited the members and the community.

Through its events the GSWCAAC reached a total of 513 people in one year. The committee’s achievements include: • Reaching membership capacity (20 people) • Increasing the number of ‘Friends’ of the GSWCAAC to 174 • Staging a ‘Women’s Voices – Know the Line’ Forum on the topic of sexual harassment • A total of 110 people attended a free International Women’s Day event hosted by local Aboriginal leader, Robynne Nelson • Partnering with Council’s Cultural Development Officer, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District and the Shepparton Interfaith Network to bring the movie ‘The Good Lie’ to Shepparton during Refugee Week

38 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

• Partnering with organisations including the Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE to provide a free screening of the movie ‘Love Marriage in Kabul’, a documentary about forced marriages • Partnering with 10thousandgirl to bring a free financial literacy workshop to Shepparton for women • Conducting community consultation via three surveys on the topics of gender equity, active citizenship, and diversity.

A total of 257 people responded to these surveys • Presenting an award to a person who made a difference to women.

The GSWCAAC collaborates in partnership with a more than 10 other organisations and groups and its work has benefited the wider community by providing welcoming and accessible events where people can network and by highlighting, celebrating and acknowledging the diversity of the Greater Shepparton area.

The GSWCAAC’s work in emphasising the difficulties faced by refugees, as well as

the important topics of forced marriage and sexual harassment, helps to create an awareness amongst the community of the difficulties faced by others. This awareness in turn fosters respect and empathy and leads to a more embracing and inclusive community.

FINALIST Hobsons Bay City Council, Racism. It Stops with Me team Racism. It Stops with Me – Behind the Smile In October 2012, Hobsons Bay City Council became one of the first Councils in Victoria to pledge support for the Racism. It Stops With Me. campaign. Council developed and implemented a set of coordinated organisational and community actions, demonstrating the organisation’s leadership in taking proactive actions to combat racism and to promote the value of cultural diversity in the municipality and in the workplace.

All of the initiatives implemented addressed racism experienced by culturally diverse and Aboriginal communities. A series of workshops facilitated by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission were rolled out across Council. More than 100 people attended and participants reported an increased understanding about race based discrimination, its impacts and learned practical steps to embrace cultural diversity at an individual and organisational level.

To engage with the community, Council partnered with the Immigration Museum to organise the Talking Difference Portable Studio to visit Hobsons Bay. The studio provided residents with an opportunity to express their opinion about difference, identity and racism. It also implemented the Behind This Smile community art project which challenged cultural stereotypes and promoted cultural diversity in the municipality.

Through the delivery of a whole of Council, multifaceted initiative as part of the Racism. It Stops With Me Campaign, Hobsons Bay City Council has demonstrated the organisation’s exceptional leadership in taking proactive action to combat racism and to promote the value of cultural diversity in the municipality and in the workplace.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE SECTOR

Councils helping staff to reach their full potential ›

A growing number of Councils are supporting the professional development of their staff by encouraging them to take up LGPro membership.

Councils receive both

“So if you are working at a

key stakeholders to ensure the

complimentary and half price

Council and are interested in

memberships through their Council

taking advantage of this it is worth

Local Government officers’ perspective is heard

subscription with LGPro which

checking to see if you can get

allows the staff they nominate

an LGPro membership through

to take up these memberships

your Council’s subscription.”

to attend programs and events at member rates.

LGPro Council Subscription is open to all Councils in Victoria and the

LGPro Chief Executive Officer

cost varies depending on the size of

David Preiss said more Councils

the Council. Subscribers receive a

were taking advantage of their

range of benefits and their support

membership discounts to help

helps LGPro to undertake work in the

their staff reach their full potential.

sector including professional officer

“Our organisation offers a broad range of benefits to people working in the sector in the form of professional development

perspective representation, supporting Special Interest Groups, Awards for Excellence nominations and access to Local Government specific programs,

• Opportunity for Council Subscribers to have tailored programs delivered at their Council for their staff • Eligibility to nominate for the LGPro Awards for Excellence • LGPro Member quarterly Profile magazine • Three complimentary Individual Memberships and two half price Individual Memberships for nominated staff who have not previously been members, a total value of $1,415. Nominated staff

events and activities.

are then able to attend LGPro

opportunities and the chance to

Council Subscriber Benefits

events at Members rates.

share best practice through our

• Advocacy and representation to

programs and events, networking

Special Interest Groups,” he said.

State and Federal Government

Visit LGPro Council Subscription for further information.

Hear from one of our Members Courtney Power, EA to the CEO at Manningham Council Courtney Power is EA to the CEO at Manningham Council and in recognition of the wonderful support people in this role provide to LGPro, they receive complimentary Individual Membership.

She has benefited from her membership as a regular attendee at the EA/PA Governance Program and luncheon since 2009, she attends EA/PA SIG meetings, and has been a regular at the Women’s Network Dinner since 2010.

Courtney has worked at Manningham for more than 10 years and in the last seven years has worked with three CEOs and two acting CEOs. She enjoys the challenges and the variety that her role brings including learning and adapting to each leader’s style, which creates positive working relationships. Prior to her current role Courtney was Personal Assistant to the Director of Planning and Environment and the Office Administrator in the Governance service unit.

She works closely with the Executive Management Team, Mayor and Councillors and other Personal Assistants within the organisation and values her exposure to the workings of organisational leadership teams and the development enrichment that this brings.

Courtney says being an LGPro Member has provided her with opportunities to network with other Local Government leaders, learn and share knowledge and experiences with colleagues and take advantage of ongoing professional development. “I thoroughly enjoy each LGPro event I attend and value the diversity of speakers and presenters we are able to engage with,” she said.

For further information on LGPro Membership visit LGPro Membership.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 41

VERNE KRASTINS FEATURE ARTICLE

The year that was ›

Each year has its highlights, some minor, some monumental. For Victoria’s local Councils, the year of 2016 had a few of the latter. Let’s start with a big one – the Fair Go Rates System, aka rate capping, introduced on 1 July 2016.

After an extended period of consultation, discussion papers and receipt of submissions, the Victorian government introduced a 2.5% cap on municipal rate rises for the 2016-2017 financial year and onward, contrasting a reported average rise of 6% in years before.

There was some leeway, with six Councils allowed to go a little higher, at least for this year.

Not surprisingly, there was considerable opposition to the idea of capping rates. The arguments were many and varied, not least of all its perceived affront to democracy and questioning how well CPI rises can be a guide to the cap. But it is what it is, and Councils now need to work with it.

Local Government Act review Another biggie is the review of the Local Government Act of 1989.

This is still in train, though its

42 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

form is becoming clear to those across the detail. I am not, but one aspect of personal interest is the status of community consultation and requirements to standardise community consultation frameworks.

Most Councils do have policies of some form in this regard, but it can be a top down process along the lines of, “we will decide how and why to consult and who will be consulted’. So, formalising such requirements is a good idea, and we may see the day when community plans are legislated, in my opinion another good idea.

Community Satisfaction Survey We also had the annual community satisfaction survey conducted

by Local Government Victoria.

Although a highly averaged form of evaluation, it can provide nuggets of intelligence. In terms of trends, there was a slight decrease in core

and individual service measures, skewed largely by non-metropolitan results. Generational differences are interesting. Quoting from the final report, “the youngest cohort of residents – 18 to 34 year-olds – universally rate Councils higher on core measures than their older counterparts”. I think that augers well for the future. Another revelation is that, despite our digitised lives, residents young and old still prefer a Council newsletter in the letterbox.

Finally, another four year cycle came to a close in November via Council elections. These revealed a continuing rise in female representation (from 34% to 38%), and that just over half of those elected are entirely new to the Councillor role.

All in all, it looks like 2017 will be a year of consolidation.

Verne Krastins Sector Connector

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new Members ›

We would like to welcome the following new members who joined LGPro between 12 May 2016 and 18 August 2016. We look forward to working with you to shape our wonderful sector.

Steven Abbott, Greater Bendigo City Council

Julie Dolling, Mansfield Shire Council

Anne Howard, Surf Coast Shire Council

Glenn Menner, Brimbank City Council

Katie Rickard, Cardinia Shire Council

Laura Acreman, Baw Baw Shire Council

Andrew Douglas, Baw Baw Shire Council

Nicole Hunter, Knox City Council

Vladimir Misic, Nillumbik Shire Council

Melisande Ricou, Yarra Ranges Council

James Allen, Latrobe City Council

Fiona Dundas, Mansfield Shire Council

Bill Hutcheson, Buloke Shire Council

Dean Mitchell, Glenelg Shire Council

Lachlan Roberts, Baw Baw Shire Council

Paul Anastasi, Knox City Council

David Echeverry, Whittlesea City Council

David Jackson, Cardinia Shire Council

Lauren Monger, Maroondah City Council

Sharon Scott, Mansfield Shire Council

Jacquie Baillie, Bass Coast Shire Council

Narelle Edwards, Indigo Shire Council

Gail Johnson, Greater Dandenong City Council

Scott Morrison, Bass Coast Shire Council

Sam Shalders, Ararat Rural City Council

Rosanne Baird, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Kelly Edwards, Bayside City Council

Fiona Keeble, Wodonga City Council

Samuel Muchoki, Brimbank City Council

Kenton Shue, Kingston City Council

Sue Barton, Whitehorse City Council

Jacob Ellis, Hobsons Bay City Council

James Kelly, Banyule City Council

Nancy Mustica, Moira Shire Council

John Sidgwick, Wodonga City Council

Rosslyn Blair, Mansfield Shire Council

Vivien Ferlaino, Banyule City Council

Melanie Kerr, Cardinia Shire Council

Fraser Neele, Campaspe Shire Council

Kendall Sinclair, Whitehorse City Council

Leanne Caddy, Strathbogie Shire Council

Simon Finlay, Bayside City Council

David Kerwin, Whitehorse City Council

Katrina Neuhofer, Mitchell Shire Council

Liz Smith, Hobsons Bay City Council

Glenn Carman, Ararat Rural City Council

Travis Fitzgibbon, Buloke Shire Council

Tracey Khan, Whittlesea City Council

Daniel Noar, Yarra Ranges Council

Miriam Smith, Central Goldfields Shire Council

Brad Charman, Glenelg Shire Council

Rodney Forray, Boroondara City Council

Amy King, Banyule City Council

Frances Nolan, Brimbank City Council

Nan Ben Cheng, Hobsons Bay City Council

Carolyn Garlick, Mansfield Shire Council

Ann Kirkham, Glenelg Shire Council

Nancy Oosterhof, Baw Baw Shire Council

Adam Taylor, Corangamite Shire Council

Kristen Cherry, Moreland City Council

Dani Gerresheim, Greater Dandenong City Council

Ken Leaming, Maribyrnong City Council

Belinda Owen, Campaspe Shire Council

Rachel Leckie, Knox City Council

Michele Padbury, Mansfield Shire Council

Cecile Legrand, Melbourne City Council

Josephine Pennicott, Yarra City Council

Carolyn Lipscomp, Bass Coast Shire Council

Danielle Pepyat, Whitehorse City Council

Sibel Gradinscak, Wyndham City Council

Brooke Love, Corangamite Shire Council

Sally Pickett, Nillumbik Shire Council

Michelle Guhl, Greater Dandenong City Council

Amanda Lovick, Mansfield Shire Council

Rachel Cooper, Wyndham City Council

Lynne Gullan, Nillumbik Shire Council

Wendy Lunghusen, Strathbogie Shire Council

Sean Coote, Bayside City Council

Cassie Harkin, Wodonga City Council

Toni Lyon, Greater Bendigo City Council

Jane Hinds, Corangamite Shire Council

Natalie McDonald, Moira Shire Council

Rachelle Quattrocchi, Greater Bendigo City Council

Diane Hood, Campaspe Shire Council

Liz McKinnon, Glenelg Shire Council

Jacqui Ratcliffe, Banyule City Council

Amy Hosking, Brimbank City Council

Caz McLean, Casey City Council

Jarrod Raun, Latrobe City Council

Rheanna Christodoulou, Wyndham City Council Emma Ciolli, Hobsons Bay City Council Stacey Clark, Baw Baw Shire Council Renae Coates, Wodonga City Council Rebecca Connell, Mornington Peninsula Shire

Wallie Cron, Central Goldfields Shire Council Emma Dalton, Campaspe Shire Council Jeska Dee, Mornington Peninsula Shire

Celestina Giuliano, Melton City Council Kirsten Goldsworthy, Melton City Council Naomi Goode, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Cindy Plowman, Bayside City Council Kendrea Pope, Moonee Valley City Council Dan Purcell, Mansfield Shire Council

Carlee Vandenberg, Knox City Council Kellie Vise, Mitchell Shire Council Casey Ward, Casey City Council Jenny Watt, Greater Bendigo City Council Chris White, Kingston City Council Damien Willoughby, Greater Shepparton City Council Melissa Wilson, Buloke Shire Council John Wynen, Bass Coast Shire Council Chris Yorke, Mornington Peninsula Shire Hannah Yu, Buloke Shire Council Stephen Zelez, Hobsons Bay City Council Jackie Zombolas, Moonee Valley City Council

*This is not a full list of new members. Some members requested not to be listed.

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.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 43

PROGRAM NEWS

Getting that Council report right ›

Around 100 people working in Local Government have participated in LGPro’s Local Government Report Writing program since it started in March and their response has been overwhelmingly positive.

As anyone faced with preparing reports will tell you it is vital to get them right as there is a clear link between the planning that goes into a report and the ease of implementation of the resulting Council resolution.

Good reports contribute to higher trust between Councillors, the community and staff and better decisions can be made more promptly when reports are of a high standard.

LGPro’s specialist training panel, including experienced former CEO Doug Sharp and Steve Cooper of Civic Minds, facilitates the program for LGPro. Steve says he has enjoyed seeing people grow in confidence after completing the one day highly collaborative hands on workshop.

“I have run the program at a number of metropolitan and rural Councils and it has been great seeing the participants develop a deeper understanding of what makes a good report,” he said.

The program is designed for anyone who writes or authorises Council reports and wants to develop the skills to report effectively. It includes: • The Local Government context to ensure reports are appropriately framed • Characteristics of good reports • Roles and responsibilities • Pre-planning • Working through a case study.

Steve said the program was developed following requests from Councils who understood that the quality of good reports directly

44 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

influenced the ability of a Council to make the best possible decisions in the community interest.

“The reports also reflect and shape the levels of trust and the health of the relationships between the elected Council, the administration and the community,” he said.

“Effective reports are strategically focused, factually accurate and contain frank and fearless advice. They also have regard to potential media impact, stakeholder expectations, due diligence and capacity for effective implementation. This requires input from the report writer, collaborators, service management and executive level personnel.

Above all reports must be readable, so time is spent understanding the readership and their need or simple well-constructed reports that provide a coherent narrative.”

Steve’s tips for writing a good report • Start by drafting an Executive Summary as a report outline • Be concise (ie. two-three pages where possible) and use simple language • Explore options in your report • Don’t be a cheer leader for your recommendation, stay with the facts • Your recommendation should be able to be read alone • Review and re-write your Executive Summary last Visit LGPro’s Report Writing Program

Hear from a participant Leah Jones-Davies, the Coordinator of Customer Service at Indigo Shire doesn’t find writing reports such an “overwhelming” process after completing the workshop.

She said: “The structure provided in the workshop is easy to use and flexible enough to be used for various reports. I now know that I shouldn’t expect two reports to be written the same way.

I learnt to firstly consider my position in the process and secondly to consider the audience, timing and relevance of the information I am providing and write the report accordingly.”

As well as receiving invaluable take home notes, Leah found the workshop a great networking opportunity and a chance to get other’s experiences and perspective on Council business.

Igniting success in leadership ›

Malcolm Roberts-Palmer, Senior Social Policy and Research Officer at Maribyrnong City Council, is one of the many success stories from LGPro’s Ignite program.

Ignite is our longest running program which began in 2006 and is still extremely popular with Local Government staff who want to develop leadership skills.

Malcolm completed the program last year seeing it as an opportunity to develop his leadership and people management skills but says it has also helped with his career progression. “After I completed the course I was asked to coordinate the Diversity Team for three months during a busy period which was wonderful. I also received a promotion in my normal role which brought with it more responsibility for different projects and programs across Council,” he said.

Malcolm says what he learnt in Ignite assisted in his role coordinating the Council’s Human Rights and Social Justice Steering Group which comprises

representatives from across Council Divisions and is chaired by the CEO. “It has helped me to manage staff and projects and has given me greater confidence in working with management and staff across the organisation and different external stakeholders.

“The coaching and mentoring was also really useful in reflecting on how I can improve my approach to my work and where I can improve.

It was also a good opportunity to meet other people from Councils and get an understanding of how they work,” he said.

Malcolm said the course had given him a taste for further study which led him to enrol in a Masters in Public Policy at RMIT. “I would recommend the course to others because it allows you to reflect how you work in Council

and develop skills to be a better leader in your organisation. It also provides an opportunity to see how other people in leadership positions approach their work,” he said.

About Ignite Ignite is a leadership learning pathway for supervisors working in Local Government who are new to the role. It also assists team leaders and coordinators who have limited experience in managing and leading people to develop the competencies required to be successful.

The program is offered twice a year. It runs over a four month period and includes a residential, a series of workshops, coaching sessions and a small group presentation.

Visit LGPro Ignite program for further information.

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SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Learning about the latest in corporate services ›

Around 40 Corporate Services Directors and Finance Managers from 32 Councils attended a specialist half day workshop organised by our Corporate Services Special Interest Group at Maribyrnong Council in September.

They learnt about recent and

• Andrew Chow from the

The SIG meets two-three times a

proposed changes to the

Essential Services Commission

year to allow people working in

Local Government Act; Local

who discussed what the

corporate services to keep up-to-

Government Victoria’s reform

efficiency factor includes,

date with the ever changing work

agenda; and received an update

how the ESC will prepare their

environment, network with people

on the work of the Essential

advice to the Minister and if

in similar sector positions, hear from

Services Commission.

and how the ESC will use the

the experts in the corporate services

Local Government Performance

related fields and continue learning

Reporting Data

what best practice looks like.

Guest speakers were: • Mark Hayes from Maddocks who spoke about inducting new Councils given recent and proposed changes to the Local Government Act • Mark Grant from Local

Feedback from those who attended

Visit LGPro Corporate Services

was that the workshop was

Special Interest Group for

timely and the content was highly

further information.

valuable. One SIG member provided the following feedback: “Speakers presented on current topics and

Government Victoria who

those attending were able to

provided LGV’s perspective on

network with sector colleagues

what the upcoming four year

regarding how these impact our

reform agenda looks like

ongoing work at Council.”

Corporate Services Director from Maroondah Council, Marianne Di Giallonardo addresses the workshop.

Corporate Services SIG members at their recent workshop.

46 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

New focus and direction for Risk SIG ›

Since reconvening in August 2013, the Risk Special Interest Group has gone from strength to strength. Attendance at meetings has increased and a survey of members in 2015 has given the group new focus and direction.

One of the group’s convenors,

IT systems, business continuity,

knowledge sharing, and

Diana McDonald, Risk Management

fraud and corruption, cyber attack

benchmarking. “I am based in

Coordinator at Horsham Rural City

and benchmarking. The final wrap

Horsham so it is a seven hour

Council, said through the survey

up collated the ideas from sessions

return trip for me to attend

members were invited to put

which will be discussed at future

meetings but the value I gain is

forward what they wanted out of

SIG meetings.

enormous. I always come away

the meetings, and how often and where they should be held.

“The results provided a catalyst for the group to move forward. We have listened to our members and have planned meetings around their wants and needs,” Diana said.

‘Unconference’ in Bendigo An example of this was their first regional meeting held in Bendigo

Sharing ideas

various aspects of my risk

working in the Local Government

management role with.”

risk portfolio, to come together, share ideas, and learn from each other in a safe, non-judgemental

Tribute to Bernard Mulholland

and cooperative environment.

The group marked the end of an

Networking is promoted to enable

era recently with the retirement

members to deliver best outcomes

of Bernard Mullholland from Local

in risk management for their Council.

Government. Bernard was the

Meetings are held quarterly and

a one day ‘unconference’. A total

rotated between Councils. The

of 38 people attended the loosely

group has developed a spreadsheet

structured event for an informal

listing the expertise of their

exchange of information and ideas.

members and their minutes

breakout sessions facilitated by

great colleagues to discuss

Diana said the SIG allowed people

recently which took the form of

A feature of the day was six

very inspired and know I have

are shared with all risk contacts in Councils across Victoria.

SIG members and featuring matters

Diana said the top three things

of topical and emerging interest

people get out of attending

such as tendering insurance, risk

the meetings are: networking,

Manager of Risk, Contracts and Compliance at Stonnington Council and had been a dedicated convenor of the Risk SIG for many years.

Diana paid tribute to Bernard for his tireless work to grow the group and manage minutes, agendas and guest speakers.

Visit LGPro Risk SIG for further information.

Bernard Mullholland

Risk SIG members celebrate their recent conference in Bendigo.

PROFILE SUMMER 2016 | 47

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government City of Boroondara and Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action wins Premier’s Sustainability Award

›

The City of Boroondara on behalf of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) has won the Government category in this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards for their program Biodiversity Monitoring in Melbourne’s East.

During 2015, the EAGA, a network of seven Councils in Melbourne’s east, worked with the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, Melbourne University and other researchers, not-for-profits and Victorian Government agencies to develop and trial a framework for monitoring biodiversity.

The framework aims to help EAGA Councils reflect on and adapt their on-ground management activities in the context of a changing climate. Key outcomes from the project included development of the framework, incorporating an implementation guide, baseline establishment, determine plots for vegetation, develop ClimateWatch trails, and introduce a community bird monitoring project.

Mural provides a facelift at Rosehill Skatepark

›

An initiative by Moonee Valley City Council Youth Services to revamp Rosehill Skatepark in Keilor East has breathed new life and vibrancy into the site.

Council engaged local contemporary artist Jason Parker to develop a mural on the skating bowl and rebound wall with the assistance of Year 11 students from Rosehill Secondary Park.

The mural was aligned and framed around the arts curriculum – Creating and Making and Exploring and Responding. The

students participated in two workshops focusing on street art, materials, techniques, career prospects and were given the opportunity to develop their own ideas for the mural and to assist in creating the work itself. The project gave the young people a unique, creative opportunity to collaborate with an established artist, and connect and engage in their local community. The mural was unveiled at a skateboarding competition on Saturday 29 October.

WorkSafe Awards finalists

›

The City of Boroondara was a finalist for two WorkSafe awards this year – Employer Excellence in Return to Work and Return to Work Coordinator Excellence – for demonstrating excellence and innovation in workplace safety and return to work.

The nomination in the Employer Excellence in Return to Work highlighted the broad range of programs the Council provides to support employees to return to or remain at work while managing both work and non-work related injuries or illnesses.

These include the PhysioAssist program, which provides an on-site 48 |

physiotherapy service for 12 hours per week; the employee HealthAssist program incorporating a survey designed for the early identification of issues or tasks that may result in incidents or injuries; and an overarching Stay at Work framework designed to assist employees remain at work while they recover from work or non-work related conditions.

Dean Stone was nominated in the Return to Work Coordinator Excellence category in recognition of his implementation of a number of innovative programs for staff.

Members of Boroondara’s Health Safety and Wellbeing team, from left, Dean Stone, Kristina Williams and Thomas Mullan.

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Working with Pride at Yarra

›

Yarra City Council’s new

program, so other lesbian, gay,

Working with Pride program

bisexual, transgender, intersex

aims to create a workplace culture

and queer (LGBTIQ) people are

where difference is celebrated, not

supported at work.

just tolerated. The program’s cocreator hopes it will help everyone to be their ‘true selves’ at work, leading to increased productivity and happier, healthier employees.

As an openly gay man, Cameron Gray, Coordinator Communications – Digital and Brand at Yarra (pictured), flourishes when he is able to be his “true self” in the workplace.

Working with Pride is an inclusive leadership program, targeted at managers and emerging leaders, to improve inclusion in the workplace, focusing on LGBTIQ issues.

Working with Pride and the effects are already being felt. The Council’s annual employee inclusion and diversity survey has just found 68% of staff feel Yarra is more inclusive, up dramatically from 41% last year.

“I am more productive, more innovative and more connected to my work and workplace when

Casey’s Bunjil Place spreads its wings

›

After 12 months of dirt, dust, mud, machinery and lots of concrete, the iconic roof of Bunjil Place, Casey Council’s $125 million cultural and community centre, is being installed, ‘topping off’ a busy year of construction.

This is a very significant project milestone as the roof, which gives the illusion of eagle’s wings, is one of the building’s main design features and will be exciting to see when completed.

Since construction began in late 2015, works have progressed rapidly on the project and on any given day there’s almost 200 tradespeople working on site.

Continuing works include the rough-in of plumbing, electrical and mechanical services, the arrival and installation of exterior façades, putting in place structural steel for the theatre seating and installation of the timber floor.

Offsite, the timber grid shell which will feature in the foyer is being manufactured. This is a unique piece and German group Hess have used ground breaking techniques to bring it to life.

I’m not hiding some important part of myself,” Cameron says.

So when he won a SACS Leadership Award last year Cameron knew

Looking ahead

straight away how he wanted to spend the prize money – creating

In 2017, while work continues on the exterior facades, construction will also start to move inside including:

the Working with Pride training

• Installation of services to get ready

Prestigious award for emergency planning video series

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Cardinia Shire Council’s ‘Planning for Emergencies’ video series received the bronze award for Media Campaigns in the 2016 International Safety Media Awards at the 12th World Safety Conference held in Finland.

The award recognised the sixpart series of two-minute videos, launched in March 2016, which provide practical guidance to the community in preparing for emergencies, including simple tips on preparing emergency plans and how to support the most vulnerable in the community.

Cardinia Shire Council’s Team Leader Safe and Inclusive Communities, David Lane said the award, recognising excellence in safety and injury prevention messages, was a credit to the work Council had done in emergency planning and management over the past year.

for fit out and operations • Fit out of the theatre • Plastering of interior walls • Installation of the impressive timber grid shell For more information or to view the fly-through animation and find out what Bunjil Place will look like once complete, visit www.bunjilplace.com.au

The videos have received more than 2,200 views on Council’s YouTube channel, Cardinia TV, in the past seven months and have also been shortlisted in the 2016 Fire Awareness Awards, which will be announced in December.

The videos are available at www.youtube.com/CardiniaTV

The view into the future building entrance and soon-to-become community plaza.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 49

Brendan McGrath and Michelle Nichols

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Brendan McGrath Brendan McGrath has been an LGPro Board member for five years and president for two years. He is Chief Executive Officer at the Rural City of Wangaratta. Brendan started his Local Government career as a recreation officer, then broadened into community services, and management roles, all in regional Victoria.

Time with family, and enjoying

Something about him that may surprise people?

the beautiful north east.

I once worked in a freezer

What he enjoys outside of work?

at a chicken factory.

His favourite sports to watch?

Most sports really – I should just participate in more of them.

Three things he would take to a dessert island?

His last holiday destination?

Port Douglas and it was a great relaxing break.

What he enjoys most about his job?

Helping communities achieve great and meaningful things.

Water, food and a

What AFL football team he barracks for?

comfortable chair.

The Mighty Magpies.

Michelle Nichols

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Michelle Nichols has been Personal Assistant to the Mayor at the City of Casey since January 2014. Following a restructure of the organisation in October her role changed to Executive Assistant to CEO and Mayor. She is also currently acting Councillor Support Officer and enjoyed the challenge of transitioning the new Council following the recent elections.

Her favourite sports to watch?

Having grown up in Sydney and with family from Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom, rugby union is a family favourite. As a dedicated soccer mum (and uber taxi driver), watching my 16 year old son Oliver play goalkeeper would make soccer the firm favourite. Although it can be frustrating and nail biting at times.

The most famous people she has met?

Princess Diana, Tom Cruise and Pierce Brosnan were three of the regulars who frequented a wellknown restaurant in London where I worked at for eight years.

50 | PROFILE SUMMER 2016

Amusing situations she has faced at work?

Three famous people she you would like to invite to dinner?

No day is the same, and you never know what is going to happen next.

I have had the opportunity to work with three very different Mayors, one of who always reminds me that he would like to edit or rewrite his chapter if I write a book. There were some very amusing moments in that term, but what happens in the Mayor’s Office stays in the Mayor’s Office.

Richard Branson, first of all, Necker island would be a beautiful location.

Marco Pierre White, my all-time favourite chef. Annie Lennox for her beautiful voice.

Her favourite film this year and why?

Bridget Jones’s Baby, followed closely by The Lady in the Van. I have a penchant for British films, and just laugh from my belly with their comedy-drama films.

Her dream holiday?

I’m planning to take a mum gap holiday in two years when Oliver finishes school. Most likely to walk the Camino in Spain, and also on the bucket list is to travel overland from Australia back to London.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

Diary Dates

LGProVIC

DATE

INFORMATION

Begins 8 March

A cross-Council program for officers from all levels and locations to learn from each other by sharing knowledge, expertise and skills

Series one begins 30 and 31 March

Program to help people develop competencies required to manage and lead people

14 February at LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands

Designed for those who are new or recently appointed to the sector

15 February at LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands

To support staff to develop a Strategic Resource Plan in accordance with the latest legislative requirements

21 March at LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands

To support non-finance staff to perform their financial planning and reporting responsibilities

22 March at LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands

Designed to provide those writing Council reports with a better understanding of what makes a good report

28 March at LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands

To help Local Government staff use new communication technologies to better engage with residents and communities

The Victorian heats of the Challenge will be held on 22 and 23 March

For teams working in Local Government looking for a fresh challenge

Nominations open 13 March

A $10,000 educational scholarship open to all women aged 35 and under who have demonstrated achievements in improving community life

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

AWARDS 2017 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS Wednesday 22 February and Thursday 23 February, 2017 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

The theme for the 2017 Annual Conference is: Small Change, Big Difference

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS IN 2017?

Check out LGPro’s 2017 Professional Development Calendar which lists a broad range of programs, conferences, seminars, events and awards that will not only help to advance your career, but will provide you with knowledge and support to perform your role.

The calendar also contains information on LGPro Membership and how this can progress your career, plus a list of all of our Special Interest Groups where you can connect with others working in similar roles in the sector.

Visit 2017 LGPro Professional Development Calendar or contact the LGPro office on 9268 6400 or email info@lgpro.com to get a copy of the calendar sent to you.

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CONFERENCES

AWARDS

EVENTS

PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS

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