Profile Magazine Summer 2019

Local Government Professionals quarterly magazine

Summer 2019

2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 February

MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Book online here

FUTURE READY ...make the connection

Local Government Bill 2019

Acknowledging reitring CEOs

Preparing for 2020 elections

Latest update

Parting words of wisdom

Caretaker Period training

CONTENTS 6-9 Future ready… make the connection This is the theme for our 2020 Annual Conference.

Read about the highlights of the conference being held on 19 and 20 February.

11 Local Government Bill update Learn about the progress of the Local Government Bill 2019 which was passed in the lower house in November.

14 LGPro AGM & Member Event Members and Corporate Partners enjoyed an end of year celebration where we also acknowledged CEOs leaving the sector at LGPro's December Annual General Meeting.

19 Changing career path without leaving the sector Manningham Council CEO, Andrew Day outlines the broad opportunities a career in Local Government presents.

21 Getting Sh!t Done Young Professionals Conference – November 2019 Young professionals share their experiences at this event designed to help young people on their Local Government

Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc) LGPro, Level 3/58 Lorimer Street Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9268 6400 Email: info@lgpro.com Website: www.lgpro.com DEADLINES The deadline for the Autumn 2020 edition of Profile is Monday 3 February 2020. The magazine will be circulated in March 2020.

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

career journey.

ADVERTISING

23 2019 Corporate & Community Planning award winner

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

Congratulations to Brimbank City Council, winners of our 2019 Corporate & Community Planning award for their Community Services and Infrastructure Planning Major Policy and Plan.

40-41 Mentors giving back to the sector

CREDITS Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Editor: Vicki Amiguet Design: ADW Design – Antonia Woolrich www.adwdesign.com.au

Hear from mentors in LGPro programs about why they enjoy contributing to their mentee’s career development.

Above: Young professionals making sh!t happen at their recent one day conference.

Connect with us at

LGProVIC PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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BEING BOLD AND GETTING IT DONE Local Government is awash with plans and strategies, performance indicators and measures, audits and assessments, evaluation and control.

All of these things are necessary in our tier of government

LGPro provides that safe

but the question is, do they get in the way of getting the

professional development

work done and do they stifle innovation?

environment to test ideas, to have

At LGPro we take the view that if necessity is the mother of invention then being bold is a prerequisite to getting the work done. This is where our Special Interest Groups, leadership programs, professional development events and activities come into play.

The ideas, connections and lessons learnt from others operating in this space are incredible resources to draw upon, as are the frameworks and protocols that generations of Local Government professionals have developed over time to support the work of the sector.

THINKING OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES However, it doesn’t follow that just because “we’ve always done it this way” we can’t be bold and think of different approaches or ask different questions to perhaps achieve

discussions, to challenge and motivate, all with the aim of providing a better service for the communities we work in and for.

STRENGTHS OF THE SECTOR This year, I am particularly proud of the work we have undertaken to expand this thinking for non-office bound Local Government professionals. The highly successful Ignite for Outdoor Workers program and the continuing advancement of the Young Professionals Network shows the great strengths that exist in the sector, namely people.

As I wrap up my year as President, I would like to thank the Board for their support and wise counsel and Jo-Anne and her incredible team for their dedication and boundless energy and preparedness to be bold and get things done.

JUSTINE LINLEY

more or a better outcome.

This bold thinking relies on members participating and getting involved in our programs, being active in sharing

LGPRO PRESIDENT AND CEO BALLARAT CITY COUNCIL

their thoughts, experiences and ideas and being prepared to have a crack.

NEW LGPRO BOARD EXECUTIVE FOR 2020

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The following Board Members were elected to executive positions for 2020 at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5 December.

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Liana Thompson CEO Northern Grampians Shire Council

Cameron Cahill Director Innovation & Organisational Improvement, Ballarat City Council

Celia Haddock Director Corporate Services, Maribyrnong City Council

Chris Leivers Director City Works & Assets, Yarra City Council

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR LGPRO It has certainly been a busy couple of months since I took on the CEO role in late September. I would like to thank the LGPro Board and staff, Council CEOs and officers and LGPro Corporate Partners for making me feel so welcome.

I have really enjoyed meeting with and speaking to many of our members and supporters who have left me with a sense that you want LGPro to remain a strong peak voice for the sector.

DEVELOPING A WORKFORCE READY FOR THE FUTURE We also understand the importance of investing in the sector’s future leaders and workforce capability so Councils

Importantly, I have listened to your feedback and taken on

can continue to transform the mix of business and services

board your views on “what’s next and what else” for LGPro.

they deliver into the future.

I want to assure you that the feedback I have received from

From 2020, LGPro will commence refreshing our knowledge

our members and supporters will help to set the scene for our

sharing, leadership and executive professional development

organisation’s future directions from 2020, and I look forward

programs in consultation with the sector. This will include

to working with you all on the journey to build on LGPro’s

strengthening our Special Interest Groups initiative, as well

solid achievements to date.

as accelerating our work in the areas of gender equity, young professionals and support for the sector’s senior leaders.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL 2019

Of course we will also be offering a range of education and

2020 promises to be an exciting year for the sector as

training for officers in the sector to help them implement the

we work together to implement an anticipated new

proposed Local Government Act in 2020.

Local Government Act 2019.

I want to reassure our members that in all of this we will

Over the past four years, LGPro has been actively engaged

not lose our focus on being the voice for the Council sector

in the development of this new Bill which is designed to

and its officers.

modernise how Local Government works in Victoria.

We will continue to connect the sector with other industry

I would like to thank our Council CEOs and members of

and thought leaders through our conferences, educational

our Governance Special Interest Group for their input into

events and forums, as well as maintain our peak body

our submissions on the Bill. I look forward to working with

advisory and advocacy role.

many of you and the State Government to implement the necessary changes for officers across the sector.

ADVOCACY

2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE The program has been released for our 2020 Annual Conference which will focus on the future of the sector. How

Local Government plays varying roles in communities; from

should the Council sector get future ready? I encourage you

economic development, social and community services to

to register, along with your other Council colleagues, for the

increasingly, working with other tiers of government to tackle

conference which will help you think ‘outside the box’ about

future challenges such as planning for growth, land use,

what the future holds for you and the sector you work in.

population change, better infrastructure development, asset, waste and environmental management.

Going forward, we will continue to work with the sector to advocate on those issues that impact on Councils and ensure the voice of Councils in Victoria is heard so communities

I look forward to meeting many more of you at the Conference.

JO-ANNE CHAPMAN CEO

continue to be serviced effectively.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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2020 ANNUAL Wednesday 19 February and Thursday 20 February

MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Our Annual Conference is the largest specialist Local Government conference in Australia.

It provides an opportunity to look at what the future holds for Local Government.

NEW LOOK PROGRAM The 2020 program features some exciting new additions to further enhance our delegate’s experience including: • What is Future Ready? – An Innovation Workshop to develop future thinking • An outsider’s view – A panel of experts from 'outside the sector' providing different perspectives on how Councils need to think differently about the future • Playing well in the sandpit – Future opportunities to get collaboration right between the three levels of government • Perspectives from future leaders – The 2019 LGPro Emerging Leaders Program participants will lead a discussion on what they think 'future ready' means.

WORKSHOP SERIES Wednesday 19 February 1pm-5pm – Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

WORKSHOP ONE

WORKSHOP TWO

WORKSHOP THREE

APPLIED FUTURE THINKING

CONNECTING THROUGH PLACE: PLACEMAKING FOR PEOPLE

UNDERSTANDING AND ADVOCATING FOR YOUR COMMUNITY WITH RESEARCH

Considering the future of placemaking for Local Government and what this looks like.

A workshop that will provide research and delve deeper into community satisfaction surveys to inform service delivery planning.

Futurist and author, Alex Hagan will explore the difference between organisations that suffer from complexity and those that thrive in it.

WORKSHOP SPONSOR

WORKSHOP SPONSOR

WORKSHOP FOUR

WORKSHOP FIVE

FITBIT FOR YOUR MIND – KEEPING A WORKFORCE MENTALLY FIT

EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT SKILLS TO DRIVE CHANGE

Three presenters will lead this informative session about the law and provide practical advice on how organisations are embracing mental health and wellbeing programs.

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Learn simple tools and techniques to help you plan for effective communication for different stakeholder groups.

L CONFERENCE

FUTURE READY...make the connection SPEAKERS DR JASON FOX is sought after for his fresh

perspectives, contemporary philosophies and deep expertise in motivation design. He shows forward-thinking leaders how to unlock new progress and move deeper into uncharted territory.

He is the bestselling author of The Game Changer and How to Lead a Quest: a handbook for pioneering leaders and his monthly ‘museletter’ is read by more than 11,000 people around the world.

Dr Fox is a leadership adviser and keynote speaker who, in 2016, was named Keynote Speaker of the Year by Professional Speakers Australia.

PEGGY O’NEAL AO has been president of

the Richmond Football Club since October 2013, and has served on the Board since 2005. She was the first woman president of an AFL club and, in 2017, the Club won the premiership for the first time in 37 years. In April 2018, Peggy was appointed by the AFL as one of the 12 members of its inaugural Competition Committee which advises the AFL Commission on issues regarding the design and future of the AFL competition.

In June 2019, Peggy received an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to Australian rules football, financial services law and women in leadership roles.

Peggy has specialised in superannuation and financial services law for more than 25 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia. In December 2018, she was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Swinburne University for her work in gender equality and developing sport leaders.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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CONFERENCE H FUTURE LEADERS TALK… WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE FUTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT?

PANEL DISCUSSION 'PLAYING WELL WITH OTHERS IN THE SANDPIT!'

2019 LGPro Emerging Leaders Program participants will lead a discussion on what Local Government needs to look like in the future and what's next for Councils.

Can we get government relationships back on track?

What are relationships like with other levels of government? The panel will explore how we can work differently (or is it better?) to get collaboration with all levels of government.

FUTURE FOCUSED INNOVATION: A BEST-PRACTICE PROCESS? Mark Hawkins, an Innovation Strategist and Partner at Orange Squid will present an Innovation Workshop to develop future thinking. Mark will provide an overview on innovation, explore best-practice, processes and how these can be applied in a practical way, in a wide range of environments and contexts.

HERE’S AN IDEA Three inspirational speakers will tell their story and present their ideas during the program on Thursday 20 February.

EMMA KOSTER Emma is a technologist, feminist and founder of Hello Cass, an SMS chatbot providing anonymous and accessible information for those affected by family and sexual violence.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

BROTHER HARRY PROUT Brother Harry works with volunteers and agencies to build capacity, confidence and wellbeing amongst local people living in the sixth poorest area of Victoria.

ADA CASTLE Ada works with LGBTIQA+ seniors accessing aged care services across Victoria, focusing on reducing seniors’ social isolation through community connections and peer friendships.

HIGHLIGHTS CONFERENCE DINNER & AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE The Annual Conference Dinner and presentation of the LGPro Awards for Excellence will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on Thursday 20 February with pre dinner drinks starting at 6.30pm.

Dress code for the dinner is business attire.

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

Proudly sponsored by:

WELCOME EVENT The Conference Welcome Event will be held at The Common Man, 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf on Wednesday 19 February from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

The event will follow the first day of workshops and is the official welcome and social event for the Conference.

Beverages and substantial hot and cold canapés will be provided between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OFFER An early bird discount is being offered if you book your attendance at the Conference by 27 January 2020.

Registration can be only be completed online at 2020 LGPro Annual Conference

SPONSORS LGPro thanks the following sponsors and exhibitors for their support of the 2020 Annual Conference.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

MAJOR SPONSOR

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT REMUNERATION SERVICES

WE WILL HELP MAKE SURE YOUR REMUNERATION STRATEGIES ARE ON THE MONEY.

For more than 20 years McArthur has researched and published national remuneration surveys for Local Government, providing councils with vital insight to support remuneration and wider business decisionmaking.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

With unparalleled insight and experience, our consultants deliver relevant and up-to-date advice tailored to specific organisational specifications that helps Local Government employers to:

It is our unparalleled experience and genuine expertise that makes sure your remuneration strategies are on the money, so to find out more, contact Mark O’Brien:

• Improve staff retention rates

E: mark.obrien@mcarthur.com.au

• Increase staff engagement

T: (03) 9828 6565

• Ensure competitive advantage • Optimise recruitment

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL 2019 UPDATE The Local Government Bill 2019 is closer to being adopted following its passing in the lower house in November.

As the state’s peak body and professional member association

• Increased focus on workforce planning including

Naomi McNamara

emphasis on gender equity, inclusion and diversity

for officers working in the sector, over the past four years we have been actively engaged in the development of the new

• Single structure member wards

Bill which is designed to modernise how Local Government

• Improving definition of and complaints management

works in Victoria.

procedures

Council CEOs and members of our Governance Special

• Councillor and Mayor conduct (behaviour and expectations)

Interest Group provided significant input into our submissions

• Conflict of interest (simplification of definition of conflict

on the Bill.

of interest under the Act) The new Bill is underpinned by broad reform themes such

• Council elections (in relation to electoral roll and method)

as: A new relationship, improved service delivery, strong local

• Exemptions for the Minister (to help reduce red tape)

democracy, improved conduct, and community confidence.

• Enable joint meetings of Councils (to encourage greater

Key reform areas proceeding include:

Council collaboration).

• Principles based reform (move away from prescription) LGPro will continue to monitor the Bill as its moves through

• CEO Renumeration Policy (consistency across the sector

State Parliament once its resumes sitting in early February 2020

in line with State Public Service Commissioner Policy)

and looks forward to working with the sector to help support Councils to implement a pending new Act.

PM-Partners understands your needs, budget constraints and challenges. We can help you deliver more efficient, effective and sustainable services to your communities.

What we deliver - Optimising limited funding to deliver more for communities - Capability uplift of workforce - Tools to support traceability of capital spend

Local Government

We have helped over 60 rural and local councils across NSW and VIC in the past 2 years.

Over 15 years’ experience in the local government sector means we understand the ever increasing need to provide more contemporary community services in a sustainable manner.

Let’s take the first step together.

Contact us today on 1300 70 13 14, info@pm-partners.com.au or www.pm-partners.com.au 11

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH STREET ART A new LGPro Corporate Partner, Urban Smart Projects, is delivering an interesting initiative which not only improves community wellbeing and engagement, but also creates brighter streets.

The company involves both Councils and their communities

a street cabinet. Elders, homeless young people,

in exciting street art projects that result in colourful, lasting

school children, families, accountants, university students,

outdoor works of art being painted on traffic signal boxes

anyone and everyone can get involved.

and NBN boxes.

the projects. Those interested can visit Urban Smart Projects

since 2003 and moved into Victoria in 2006. In that time

for more information and to see if there are any cabinets

they have managed artworks on more than 3,000 cabinets

available to paint in their Council area.

with great results.

Cath says they manage the project delivery including liaising

One Melbourne Council that has been involved believes that

with cabinet owners and operators, local promotion, design

every cabinet with an artwork can save them up to $3,000

assessment by multiple organisations, safety management,

each year in graffiti removal.

providing quality paints, public liability insurance, participation

Urban Smart Projects Manager, Cath Ovenden says they use a step by step process that results in a colourful outdoor art gallery on city street cabinets. The artworks last for years and become favourite local landmarks.

“Local residents are actually out on the streets implementing their own original approved artworks. Its Life-Be-In-It in action,” Cath said.

The great thing is that you don’t have to be an artist to be involved in the project. Anyone can apply to paint

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There are waiting lists of people wanting to get on board with

Urban Smart Projects has been operating in Queensland

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

payment and mentoring young artists. Councils get involved by contributing design ideas and assessing designs put forward to ensure they complement the area.

Urban Smart Projects has been recognised in Australia’s Crime and Violence Prevention Awards and their work with participants is used as a case study by Arts Law Australia.

If you or your Council want to learn more visit Urban Smart Projects to check out some of the completed artworks and find out more about getting involved.

SUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE RECYCLING With more focus on waste and recycling than ever before, there is a huge opportunity for all players to work together to improve recycling and resource recovery in Victoria.

Local Government is critical to this, and has played a

particularly, there are proposed initiatives to support

significant role in Infrastructure Victoria’s recently released

Councils in their role providing recycling services and

evidence based report on how to support the recycling

educating households.

and resource recovery sector.

Infrastructure Victoria thinks Councils need to be supported

Infrastructure Victoria’s role is to look at the industry through

to implement consistent approaches to sorting and collecting

an infrastructure lens. We will develop advice to government

waste. They know there is no one size fits all approach that

by April 2020 on what infrastructure is needed, and what the

will suit all Councils, or even all households within a Council

government’s role is, in increasing the state’s recycling and

area. They are talking about a small number of solutions that

resource recovery.

could be tailored for different Councils and housing types,

To do this, Infrastructure Victoria has undertaken a thorough examination of the sector, including a program of stakeholder

but that would ultimately have similar things like the same lid colours and the same accepted materials.

engagement. Through workshops, one-on-one meetings and

Better education will help these kinds of changes to ensure

submissions, we have heard from 45 Victorian Councils on

the right things go into the right bins. With increased

the challenges they face, and where there are opportunities.

consistency across Victoria, education efforts could be

An over-reliance on exporting our recycling has left the

shared across the state.

industry vulnerable. This has meant some Councils have

To do all this, more support or funding may be required.

had no choice but to send their recycling to landfill.

Councils also have differing capacity to implement change

Both Councils and the community told us there is confusion around recycling processes as each Council does things

so increased support could help them to deliver any required changes in a timely manner.

differently. Organics represent a huge opportunity both in the

Infrastructure Victoria also advocates for a statewide

regions and metropolitan areas, with many Councils across

rollout of organics collection services, support for targeted

Victoria already successfully rolling out a separate service.

end market development and updating procurement

In regional Victoria, Infrastructure Victoria heard that high transportation costs and a lack of local processing facilities were the biggest barriers in improving recycling and resource recovery.

While our recommendations to government will be determined next year, their evidence base report sets out the work to date for feedback. For Local Government

guidelines for all levels of government to consider the use of recycled materials. They are now calling for feedback from Councils on all of these initiatives and their work to date. Visit infrastructurevictoria.com.au and make your submission by Friday 13 December.

Article submitted by Elissa McNamara, Project Director, Recycling and Resource Recovery Advice, Infrastructure Victoria

ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE VICTORIA Infrastructure Victoria is an independent advisory body with three functions: • Preparing a 30-year infrastructure strategy for Victoria, which is refreshed every three to five years • Providing written advice to government on specific infrastructure matters • Publishing original research on infrastructure-related issues.

The aim of Infrastructure Victoria is to take a long-term, evidence-based view of infrastructure planning and raise the level of community debate about infrastructure provision.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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LGPRO AGM & MEMBER EVENT

From left, Steve Burgess (Whittlesea City Council, David Echeverry and Graham Haylock (Murrindindi Shire Council), Kylie Shrume, Marichie Gulli and Julie Thomson (Greater Geelong City Council).

LGPro Members during the Annual General Meeting proceedings.

Trevor Wilson (IPlatinum) and Sean La Fontaine (Kernow Environmental Health & Immunisation).

Retiring President, Justine Linley speaks at the AGM.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

From left, Chris Leivers, Felicty Macchion and Kylie Carlson (Yarra City Council).

From left, Georgia Paterakis and Romina Atai (Whitehorse City Council) and Lauren Brooker (Banyule City Council).

Shane Marr and Lynley Dumble (Brimbank City Council).

Nathan Hadfield (Knox City Council) and Indivar Dhakal (Maribyrnong City Council).

Jim Nolan and Douglas Gowans (Pyrenees Shire Council).

Retiring CEOs from left, John Nevins, Noelene Duff, Warren Roberts and Tim Tamlin.

WORKING EFFECTIVELY WITH GOVERNMENT Cathy McGowan AO was the independent Federal MP for Indi from 2013-2019 and in that time she got a lot of things done. In October she addressed our CEO Forum and shared the secrets behind her success.

Over six years she was successful in attracting more

These regular meetings

than $400 million in money, services and infrastructure

built and supported strong

into the electorate.

relationships enabling open and

The community of Indi, and particularly Councils in the area, were actively engaged in setting priorities and advocating for grants and services. As a result, they grew in confidence and improved their ability to effectively lobby government. The ripple effect of an engaged, politically active electorate also spilled over into local and state government elections.

frank discussions and resulted in many wins for the electorate.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES WITH ALL THE LGAS IN THE ELECTORATE TO AVOID UNNECESSARY COMPETITION As an MP, Cathy had a strategic approach to funding,

When Cathy left office in 2019 locals elected a second

with the Mobile Phone Black Spot (MPBS) program a priority.

independent as their federal MP. One independent following

She formed the Indi Telecommunication Action Group (ITAG)

another was a first for Australia.

with representatives from each LGA. ITAG took responsibility

One of Cathy’s strengths was lobbying and working with other levels of government. At the CEO Forum she shared the following advice with Council CEOs on how Local Government can improve their working relationships with their MPs and Canberra.

1. Strong relationships- regular roundtables with LGA and MPs ensures communication links are effective 2. Strategic alliances with all the LGAs in the electorate to avoid unnecessary competition

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS In Indi there were three levels of meetings with LGAs and the MP. Twice yearly the CEOs and Mayors met with Cathy as the MP. The purpose of these Roundtable meetings was to review progress on grants and projects and share information from each LGA with the MP – ‘round the traps.’

These Roundtables were complimented by a regular on site briefing by each LGA, at least two visits by the MP to each LGA per year. These formal visits gave Cathy a chance to meet councillors, understand local and regional issues and familiarise herself with the local politics of each LGA. Annual meetings were held in Canberra, usually connected with the ALGA conference, where Mayors, CEOs and councilors joined the MP at Parliament House for a meal and meetings with relevant Ministers, staffers and departmental advisors. These Canberra visits combined advocacy with building a strong Indi electorate and LGA presence in Parliament House and strengthened relationships with Ministers and importantly advisors and staff.

for liaising with the Department of Communications and each of the Telco’s to share information about the guidelines for the grants, decision making process, and over time, share knowledge and expertise across successful LGAs. One of the key success factors of winning grants under the MPBS program was agreement of criteria, on priority needs and advocacy processes across the electorate. While each LGA was responsible for their own application process, the ITAG ensured coordination across the electorate, avoided unnecessary competition and facilitated the sharing of community engagement processes, contacts, networks and approaches.

With a strong needs based plan, with support from all the LGAs, Cathy was able to effectively advocate, for a whole of electorate approach to addressing mobile phone blackspots.

It worked, in the first round of funding, Indi was allocated over 30 towers, the third highest in the country. Over six years Indi’s LGAs gained funding for more than 45 towers.

In fact the model worked so well that similar LGA ‘special issue’ electorate wide groups were established by Cathy to advise and then allocate other grant programs including the Stronger Community Grants Cathy’s final words of advice on working with Canberra, particularly as the Commonwealth Government grapples with strategies to support communities during the drought, is to be proactive in building strong relationships with representatives in Canberra. To manage ‘up’ and to be armed with solutions.

Not only the “what” solutions, also but practical steps on how to implement programs, how to work with rural communities, suggestions on cost effective ways for review and monitoring – in short to be the answer to the problem, to be the clever partner in the relationship.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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WORDS OF WISDOM FROM RETIRING CEOS Twelve Chief Executive Officers who have left the sector were acknowledged at our Member Event on 5 December. LGPro President Justine Linley thanked them for their contribution to the sector and wished them well in the future.

The following CEOs were acknowledged: Lenny Jenner (Queenscliffe), Jason Russell (Campaspe), Dennis Hovenden (Frankston), John Nevins (Kingston), Alex Green (Mansfield), Nerina Di Lorenzo (Moreland), Michael Bailey (Northern Grampians), Tim Tamlin (South Gippsland), Warren Roberts (Stonnington), Steve Crawcour (Strathbogie), Noelene Duff (Whitehorse), and Patience Harrington (Wodonga). Each was invited to answer questions for a story in this Profile. Below are those who provided responses.

John Nevins

KINGSTON CITY COUNCIL

Years in Local Government: 24 years Highlights: The people I got to work with and the communities I got to work in.

Parting words of wisdom: Never lose your sense of humour and be grateful for the passion you bring to your roles; this gives you the motivation to do the things you do, lead the people you lead and have the discussions that are necessary.

Tim Tamlin

SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL

Years in Local Government: 18 years Highlights: Worked with a great group of people at South Gippsland and during the last few years, we kept the Good Ship South Gippy on course during extremely stormy weather. We implemented a Priority Projects framework which secured $161 million in funding for various projects over three years.

Parting words of wisdom: To guarantee success - stay true to self, respect others, expect the best and be impersonal about outcomes.

Warren Roberts

STONNINGTON CITY COUNCIL

Years in Local Government: 41 years Highlights: The ultimate highlight was being appointed CEO at the City of Stonnington and having the responsibility for leading an amazing organisation. I also represented the sector as a board member of LGPro and IPWEA and served as State and National President of IPWEA. Parting words of wisdom: Be proud of working in Local Government, recognise and celebrate achievements of those around you and above all enjoy the journey. It’s well worth the hard work.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

Steve Crawcour

STRATHBOGIE SHIRE COUNCIL

Years in Local Government: 35 years Highlights: Taking Strathbogie from a basket case to one of sustainability and also receiving the LGPro Award from Innovative Management for Shared Services.

Parting words of wisdom: Never lose sight of vision and stay true to yourself.

Noelene Duff

WHITEHORSE CITY COUNCIL

Years in Local Government: 18 years Highlights: Every day! Working with great people who want to contribute to their community and being part of enormous changes in the sector.

Parting words of wisdom: "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” From Alice Walker – author of The Colour Purple.

Patience Harrington WODONGA CITY COUNCIL Years in Local Government: 15 years Highlights: Becoming a CEO, supporting and developing an organisation, transforming a city, and leaving a legacy.

Parting words of wisdom: Remove yourself from your day to day environment to refresh yourself and your thinking. Experience new people and places. This action, particularly when times are hard and you doubt yourself, confirms that you either change something or that you are doing the right thing, both personally and in your role.

Nerina Di Lorenzo

MORELAND CITY COUNCIL

Years in Local Government: 20 years Highlights: Working with some of the most committed people I’ve ever met at all levels of the organisation; contributing to projects that leave an intergenerational legacy; taking steps that set us up for a better future, such as purchasing land in high density activity centres for the creation of new parks and implementing important environmental initiatives; and being part of courageous and progressive Councils that routinely dare to try something different.

Parting words of wisdom: Being the tier of government closest to the people means that Local Government work is both an incredible privilege and a great challenge. While there can be difficult times, I hope staff in the sector can keep remembering what an incalculable benefit they are providing for the community and be proud of their work.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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CHANGING CAREER PATH WITHOUT LEAVING THE SECTOR Manningham City Council CEO, Andrew Day is proof that Local Government presents an incredible opportunity to change your career direction without moving out of the sector.

During his 14 years in the sector Andrew has worked at

While he says the sector has a sound foundation of good

four different Councils in family services, organisational

leaders, the biggest challenge is retaining them as other

development, human resources, social development,

sectors wise up to the skills and experience people gather

corporate services, and now as a CEO. After 10 years in the health and not-for-profit sectors his

working in Local Government and how valuable these are in any sector.

first role in Local Government was as Manager Family

Andrew feels the major challenges facing Local Government

Services and Community Projects at Maribyrnong Council.

are the continual shifting of responsibility from other levels of

In his five years at Maribyrnong Andrew also worked as

government to Local Government, combined with increasing

Manager Organisational Development and Acting General

regulation, constant external reviews and community

Manager of Community Wellbeing.

expectations to raise service levels and quality.

This experience proved invaluable when he moved into

“As a sector we are increasingly improving our collaboration,

Director roles in both Moreland (Social Development) and

pooling of resources and partnering, however this needs even

Yarra Councils (Corporate Services) over the ensuing seven

more attention as there is persuasive power and efficiency in

years before he landed his current CEO role at Manningham

numbers,” he said.

in 2018.

“In my view we are ahead of other sectors in our approach

Andrew says when he started out working in the health

to community engagement. But we still need to continue to

sector he had very few career aspirations, other than wanting

sharpen our ability to have meaningful conversations with our

to work with people to see if I could make a difference.

communities and actively engage them in decisions about

“It wasn’t until later that I realised I enjoyed developing

resource distribution and service levels. We then need to

people and started to seek out leadership opportunities.”

leverage this knowledge to argue for more local infrastructure

While a career in Local Government wasn’t initially on his

investment and services.”

radar, he always had a plan as to how he wanted to develop himself from a professional and educational perspective.

“I also never made a career move unless it was aligned with what my family needed and I had their support,” he said.

Family has always been a high priority for Andrew. Many years ago he and his wife threw in their jobs in Melbourne, picked up some short term work and moved with their young daughter to country Victoria for family reasons. “It took us both out of our comfort zone and into roles that weren’t ‘perfect’ but we made it work and it opened up incredible opportunities. Rural and regional communities really know how to get things done and I am always impressed at what these communities achieve, often with limited resources” he said.

Andrew believes honesty, consistency, humility, the ability to listen, calmness and empathy when under pressure and decisiveness when required are all attributes of a good leader.

You also require the ability to admit you are never going to exhibit these attributes all of the time and acknowledge when you get it wrong.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

19

CARETAKER PERIOD WORKSHOPS LGPro is planning a series of workshops starting in February and March to assist Council staff to prepare for the Caretaker Period in the lead up to Victorian Council elections in October 2020.

The Caretaker period commences 32 days before the

Participants will learn about their obligations during the

election, when nominations close, and ends at 6pm on

Caretaker Period including what restrictions apply to digital

election day. During this period Councils must comply with

content, advertising and social media, and also about the

special arrangements to ensure that their actions do not

standards they should follow to ensure their Council’s

interfere with the integrity of the election process and to

reputation is enhanced in the lead up to the election.

safeguard the authority of the incoming Council.

They will also have an opportunity to meet with other

Our Caretaker Period Workshop is designed for CEOs, Directors, Governance Managers, Communications and

officers involved in Council elections and to share and discuss similar policies, procedures and ideas.

Media specialists and any Council staff associated with

The workshops will be offered at various locations

Council elections to help them understand how their Council

across Victoria. Click here for workshop dates,

can operate effectively during this period. The workshops

locations and to register.

will also include general information about the impending Local Government Act.

CUSTOMISED ON SITE TRAINING Casey City Council is one of a growing number of Councils including our customised training programs on their annual staff professional development calendar.

They offer the LGPro Induction to Local Government for new

programs were

staff and next year are adding Report Writing. Both programs

Induction to Local

are customised using Casey case studies and are offered on

Government, Report

site saving staff travel time.

Writing and Core

Amity McGuinness, Learning & Organisational Development Officer at Casey, said customised training ensures the Council

LGPro’s Manager of Professional

is meeting the training needs and demands of their staff

Development, Leanne Bickley said that programs could

across all departments and roles and providing them with

be customised for any Councils in Victoria. “We understand

greater skill based learning opportunities.

that it is difficult for staff, and particularly those in small rural

She said response from staff who have done the LGPro training has been excellent as the content is relevant and facilitators are extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

Councils, to travel to programs so where possible, and if there is enough interest, we are happy to take the training to them,” she said.

“From our point of view it is great to know and trust that

“We are always happy to hear from Councils who would like

our staff training needs are in the best hands possible and

us to come to them to deliver training. Sometimes groups of

delivering the right message and learnings every time."

rural Councils even get together to have training delivered to

In 2019, the LGPro professional development team ran

20

Financial Skills.

make it more cost effective for them,” she said.

27 customised training sessions for Councils for around

If your Council would like a customised program

460 participants. Of these, 17 were held at metro Councils

delivered onsite please contact Suzana O’Callaghan

and 10 at rural Councils. The most popular customised

suzanao@lgpro.com or call 9268 6401.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GETTING SH!T DONE We invited two of our Young Professionals - Jaqui Featherston, Business Support Officer Civic Support at Ballarat City Council and Patrick Dillon, Manager Digital Transformation at Frankston City Council – to provide their thoughts on the Getting Sh!t Done Young Professionals one day conference held on 14 November. Below are their thoughts.

Jaqui

HIGHLIGHTS: Hearing the CEOs, it was interesting to learn about their background and common sense approach to Local Government. Simon Waller was hilariously accurate. It’s comforting to know that other Councils are facing the same issues with technology as we are.

MAIN TAKEAWAYS/LEARNINGS: Hearing from Layne about insight, knowledge and wisdom. How to explain those important experiences and why we need to focus on the barriers that we have overcome rather than the achievement in the end.

WHY THESE EVENTS ARE IMPORTANT: They are great to chat informally and get to know other young professionals and hear about real issues and barriers others are facing. Finding common ground makes conversations and connections so much easier, and being this type of fun light hearted conference there was definitely a bit of a buzz in the room.

Patrick

HIGHLIGHTS: Simon Waller’s presentation on technology and how we can prevent shadow IT by building a better relationship with our IT departments.

His example of hunting ‘rabbits’ instead of ‘rhino’s’ was fantastic.

MAIN TAKEAWAYS/LEARNINGS: Before you can influence others you must influence yourself. ‘Getting Sh!t Done!’ starts with your own mindset. Building strong relationships and showing the value proposition of an idea is the key to successfully getting projects approved. Customer expectations are rapidly changing and the Local Government sector is playing catch up.

WHY THESE EVENTS ARE IMPORTANT: They provide the best opportunity to network with your peers from other Councils. You also get access to seniors leaders who otherwise would be either too difficult or intimidating to speak with. The LGPro Young Professionals Network is the perfect springboard for anyone with aspirations of climbing the Local Government ladder and making a difference.

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21

THE CHANGING FACE OF COUNCILS Almost 100 delegates from Councils across the state heard about the changing face of Councils at the 2019 Corporate Planners Network Conference held in late October.

Futurist, Anne Moore spoke about a new era of work ahead; Communications specialist, Warren Tate delivered tips on getting your message across; while Lisa Smith outlined the art of thinking outside the square. Finalist Councils in the Corporate & Community Planning Awards presented on their projects before the award winner was announced at the conclusion of the program.

Futurist Anne Moore spoke about the future of work.

From left, Jenny Grogan and Elizabeth Peddle from Bayside City Council with Alex Kerr Grant from CAMMS.

Anna Handberg from Borough of Queenscliffe with Adam Wenczel and Kwabena Ansah from Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Daniel Booth from Melbourne City Council spoke about driving business intelligence through data.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

Nick Cherrie and Bethea Hill from Yarra Ranges Council.

Whittlesea Council colleagues, from left, Robert Kisgen, Dee Peterson and Hiro Guerrero.

Warren Tate gets his message across.

Awareness, desire, knowledge and ability were the focus of this discussion.

Lisa Smith from Minds at Work.

AWARD WINNER Brimbank City Council won the 2019 LGPro Corporate & Community Planning Award for their Community Services and Infrastructure Planning Major Policy and Plan.

The policy and plan recognise the evolving, diverse and growing nature of Brimbank’s 200,000 plus community and outlines a cross-organisational approach to planning, providing and maintaining community services and infrastructure in the municipality.

The winning Brimbank team from left, Rachel Deans, Linley Dumble, Alex Kerr Grant (CAMMS), Carol Ifkovich and Chris Lunn.

It aligns with Brimbank’s Council Plan and Community Vision 2040 and allows for more integration between community services and infrastructure planning, as well as Council departments, which represents a significant change to Council’s practices.

The plan has resulted in positive outcomes including a more informed, responsive Council with the structure for better community engagement and leadership; the ability to build and support an inclusive, healthy and resilient community; and use of a consistent, responsive and evidencebased approach to planning and delivering community services and facilities that meet future community needs.

MAROONDAH CITY COUNCIL received a high commendation for its Youth Plan which adopts the science of positive psychology and wellbeing to improve the wellbeing of young people in the municipality.

They also won the Delegate’s Choice award at the conference.

To learn more about the award winners and finalists visit Corporate Planners Network Award

Maroondah Council received a high commendation, from left, Heather Cummings, Debra Styles, Alex Kerr Grant (CAMMS) and Adam Cooper.

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CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

2019/2020 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY CORPORATE PARTNERS (listed in the directory in alphabetical order) CAMMS Chandler Macleod Group Cherry Energy Solutions Customer Service Benchmarking CT Management Group Davidson Group Drake International Empowered to Speak E-Vis Fisher Leadership Flame Tree Media Holding Redlich HORNER Recruitment HR Legal Hunt & Hunt Victoria .id (the population experts) I Platinum Infor Pty Ltd Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ltd JWS Research Kernow Environmental Health & Immunisation KPMG LG Hub Lingford Consulting Services Pty Ltd Maddocks Lawyers McArthur Mecwacare Melbourne Water Oracle Customer Management Solutions Pitney Bowes PM Partners Group Procurement Australia Productivity Matters Pulse Software Redman Solutions Resolve Software Group Russell Kennedy Lawyers Salesforce Snap Send Solve Symphony3 The Public Land Consultancy Urban Maintenance Systems Urban Smart Projects Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry VicTrack Vision Super Pty Ltd Votar Partners Pty Ltd Warner Group Well Done International Pty Ltd Working Well Together YMCA Victoria Your Future Options

LGPro is grateful for the support it receives from its Corporate Partners. The following pages contain advertisements submitted by our 2019/2020 Corporate Partners. Please take a moment to learn about the many services, programs and products these organisations offer to the Local Government sector.

Providing Local Government with excellence in recruitment and HR Consulting for over 50 years.

• • • • •

Permanent Recruitment Temporary Staffing Executive Search Contract Employment HR + Management Consulting

To find out more call the Local Government team on (03) 9828 6565 or visit www.mcarthur.com.au

2020 LGPRO ANNUAL CONFERENCE PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

(Note: All financial 2019/2020 LGPro Corporate Partners were invited to participate in this directory. Not all of our Corporate Partners took up the opportunity).

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25

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

Excelling in recruitment to all levels of government, Chandler Macleod specialises in: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Executive & Senior Leadership Information Technology & Digital Customer Service & Community Administration, Data Entry & Office Support School Crossing Supervision Human Resources & Recruitment Marketing & Social media Quality Assurance, Risk & Safety Management Governance, Compliance & Risk Strategy & Planning Traffic & Event Management

Chandler Macleod is HR Daily’s’ 2019 Gold Medal Recruiter Public Sector & Government

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT

CX EXPERTS Helping Australian councils deliver better customer experiences for over 20 years through best practice: STRATEGY RESEARCH QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING

For better customer experiences

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

03 9605 4900

www.csba.com.au

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

Local government executive search experts.

SPECIALISTS IN – Asset Management – Service Planning – Financial Management – Contract and Project Management – Governance – Professional Placements

Our teams in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are proud to support Executive & Board appointments across the three tiers of the public sector.

For more information www.ctman.com.au 1300 500 932 www.davidsonexecutive.com.au BRISBANE MELBOURNE SYDNEY

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

27

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

THE ULTIMATE

COMMUNICATIONS

HANDBOOK

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

Continuing to get results for Local Government We are a team of experienced workplace relations and safety lawyers providing a fresh approach for Local Government clients

Our main services: • • • • •

Investigations Restructuring Training Enterprise Agreement Negotiations Complex Employment Issues

Visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn for employment law updates and insights: www.hrlegal.com.au LinkedIn: HR Legal - Australia

We listen, we provide solutions, you get results.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

29

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

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• Provides instant access to corporate data

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Trial options available

Contact iPLATINUM to discuss your organisational needs W www.iplatinum.com.au E info@iplatinum.com.au T 1300 Ferret

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

11/5/18 9:49 AM

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

© 2019 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved. 412370643ENT.

Unlock the Secrets to Improved Productivity and Effectiveness Productivity/Time Management Training Email Productivity Training Outlook Productivity Training Digital Notetaking using MS OneNote Myers Briggs Team Communication

The Local Government Productivity Specialists CONTACT GEOFF PRIOR

P (02) 6056 8887 E gprior@lingfordconsulting.com.au

www.lingfordconsulting.com.au

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

Freecall 1800 163 292 www.mecwacare.org.au Residential Aged Care Home Care Packages Home Care and Support In-Home Nursing Disability Services Respite Care Private Care Community Services Housing Services Opportunity Shops

mecwacare is proudly a not-for-profit, nondenominational charitable organisation that has been supporting the community for more than 60 years, with service centres across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Enhancing the capacity of government and water-sector organisations to undertake sustainable water management and sustainable development through knowledge-sharing, skillsdevelopment and network-building.

For regular updates and news or for further information about our upcoming events and online resources follow us here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/clearwater/ Website: www.clearwatervic.com.au

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

We help councils to digitally transform.

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Best-in-class Location Intelligence and asset management solutions.

Authoritative supplier of address, cadastral and risk data.

Connect disparate customer data to achieve a single view.

Visit pitneybowes.com/au/software

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

Our people make the difference

At Russell Kennedy Lawyers, we focus on making a difference to our clients, our people, and our community.

We have a large and experienced local government practice, a broad range of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the sector.

We provide practical, cost-effective advice that is responsive to your needs.

For further information on our local government legal services, visit: russellkennedy.com.au

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

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CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2019/2020

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For further information on Corporate Partnership with LGPro call Vicki Amiguet on 0433 157 057, or email vickia@lgpro.com or visit www.lgpro.com

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

LGPRO MEMBERSHIP GIVES YOU A VOICE

PROFILE

Craig Ion says since he joined LGPro in 2015 he has been presented with more career opportunities.

“I completed the LGPro Emerging Leaders Program in

“In Local Government, it is essential to be involved

2016 and since them I had the opportunity to take on

in an organisation that not only works for you, but all its

Acting Manager roles on many occasions and have been

members. Therefore, I would highly recommend becoming

able to provide more input in making decisions at a higher

an LGPro member as it not only benefits you, it also gives

level,” he said.

you a voice for your Council,” Craig said.

“I have also met lots of new people from other Councils

For further information visit LGPro Membership

and built relationships with other members and have been

or contact our Membership Manager, Michelle Cox

able to share my years of experience and support them.

on 9268 6403.

The ability to pick up the phone and talk to a colleague whether a work related matter or just catch up has been another bonus.”

Craig has worked in the sector for 30 years and is currently Coordinator Parking & Local Laws at Maribyrnong City Council where he has worked since 2005.

He heard about LGPro through Council colleagues and joined to participate in training programs, attend seminars and connect with others working in the sector.

He believes the key issues facing the sector are the loss of experienced Council staff leaving Local Government to join private industry and rate capping which has affected Councils delivering their services. As a result, Craig believes some Councils have failed the expectations of their ratepayers and residents.

XLP & ELP SELECTION PROCESS The selection process is well underway for candidates to participate in our two flagship leaderships programs – Executive Leadership Program (XLP) and Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) – in 2020.

As usual we received a high number of excellent nominations

ELP provides a unique year of leadership focused experiences

for the 24 places available in each of these programs.

and activities designed to develop and inspire emerging

Successful candidates will be advised via their Council’s Chief

leaders in Local Government in Victoria.

Executive Officer by Xmas and will be listed on our website and formerly acknowledged at our 2020 Annual Conference Dinner on 20 February.

XLP is designed to is designed to equip and support senior executives in Local Government, particularly Chief Executive Officers and Directors, to expand and develop their skills and knowledge to assist them to become confident and capable leaders in the sector.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

39

EVERYONE WINS FROM MENTORING Mentoring is a two-way street according to people from both inside and outside of Local Government who are mentors in LGPro programs.

They say they are always learning from the people they mentor and also enjoy being able to contribute to their mentee’s career development. Mentors assist in two LGPro leadership programs, Executive Leadership Program (XLP), Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), and the Mentoring Program.

In this Profile we meet mentors from XLP and Mastering Management.

Anthea Hancocks CEO of the philanthropic trust, the Scanlon Foundation, Anthea has been a mentor in XLP since it started in 2010. She has worked across industries including government, not for profit, professional services and large corporates in both Australia and the United States.

During her career Anthea has had the privilege of being able to engage with and learn from a range of extraordinarily smart and talented individuals who provided her with the space to discuss new ideas and gave her valuable feedback and inspiration. She became a mentor in XLP in the hope of meeting interesting people and learning from them and considers the main benefits as having intelligent conversations about the challenges of people’s working lives and sometimes the impact it has on work life balance. Anthea has also enjoyed meeting great people, learning more about people, the nuances of the Local Government sector and learning new ways of solving problems. She aims to give her mentees the confidence to trust that they have the answers and the knowledge to know where to find them.

Chris Eddy Chris left Local Government to become a management consultant after 18 years working in senior management roles culminating as CEO of Hobsons Bay City Council from 2006 to 2012. This is his second year as a mentor in the Mentoring Program.

He took up the role to contribute to the professional development of the sector's emerging leaders and was keen to stay connected with Local Government. Chris had many mentors throughout his career who provided valuable insights and advice and opened his eyes to the bigger picture and longer term opportunities which helped him to forge a successful career path. He finds sharing his knowledge and experience rewarding and says it forces him to reflect on his journey and think about the achievements and challenges that have contributed to his success. “I find it useful to gain insights into current issues and challenges that are being faced by my mentee in a rapidly changing work environment and I hope they gain some benefit from my experience and perspectives from having 'been there' before, and from having the opportunity to explore issues and concepts with someone truly independent.

If you would like more information on becoming a mentor in LGPro programs contact Leanne Bickley or Suzana O’Callaghan on 9268 6400.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

Jenny Scicluna General Manager Customer, People and Performance at Cardinia Shire Council, Jenny is a new mentor in the Mentoring Program but has mentored 12 people during her 19 year career in Local Government.

She has also had several mentors over he career who have helped to define her career goals, and have been valuable motivators and great sounding boards when she needed help to sort through her thoughts and experiences. Jenny started mentoring with LGPro as she believes it is important to help develop emerging leaders in the sector. “I also learn so much from the people I am mentoring. I find it is always a two way street. Everybody wins. I gain so much from learning about others’ lives, loves, careers and experiences. I am genuinely interested in people and love to see them succeed with whatever goals they set themselves. If I can in a small way contribute to their development, then I consider that to be a privilege.” Jenny’s advice to mentees is that there are many pathways to achieve your goals – it’s not always a straight line. Use your contacts and get yourself out there by trying new things and not being afraid to take on challenges.

Richard Day Richard describes himself as a “potentialist” who co creates high performance outcomes with individuals and businesses. He focuses on how to get better results and outcomes, in the early years he worked with elite athletes and sports teams but now works with business people and leaders.

Richard has been a mentor in XLP for five years joining the program as it aligns with his purpose in life and allows him to give back to the community. He says mentoring keeps him relevant and up to date, and provides an opportunity to learn from the person he is mentoring.

He enjoys sharing his wisdom and insights with people who have a desire to improve. Richard’s advice to mentees is firstly, that they are unique and have many varied talents. Secondly, that looking after themselves both physically and mentally is a critical component of the success of the journey. Finally, he encourages them to practice being open and having an open and curious mind so that they can explore things and come to their own conclusions.

Clare Gibson Clare is a qualified Civil Engineer with 13 years’ experience in Local Government, including 11 years leading and managing engineering teams. She recently took on the role as Coordinator of Organisation Development and Safety at Bass Coast Shire Council to follow her passion for developing people and culture.

She began mentoring in the LGPro Mentoring Program in March, but throughout her career has mentored many staff, one of whom now is in a senior management role but still checks in with her for advice despite the fact he is in a more senior role than her. She believes there are many benefits in a mentor/mentee relationship including both being able to grow, develop and reflect. Clare encourages her mentees to know themselves and their values, be kind to themselves and she shares her insights and experience to help build their resilience and confidence. “I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of people’s professional development and to share my experience to help others to realise their full potential.,” she said.

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GET INVOLVED IN A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP Are you involved in one of LGPro’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs)? If not, you are missing a great opportunity to connect with people working in a similar field to you.

The more than 3,500 people who attend our SIG meetings

useful for people working in regional and rural Councils

each year find them a valuable way to share best practice,

who often struggle to make the trip if meetings are

learn from each other, keep up to date with the latest

in Melbourne.

developments and to improve their practices and knowledge.

Each SIG has a Convenor and their role involves planning

A number of our SIGs have also been invited to contribute their

the meetings and the agendas. LGPro staff look after the

expertise to new government plans, strategies and policies.

administration duties for each SIG.

Many LGPro members elect to attend more than one SIG

Between meetings SIG members keep in contact via the online

as there is no limit to the number you can sign up for.

communities on our website. Members regularly ask questions

To make SIG meetings more accessible we now stream meetings using Zoom. This allows people who can’t physically

and seek feedback from others in the group these forums.

What SIG members say...

make the meeting to stream it in real time and has been

Stuart Henham Stuart, Senior Safety Adviser at Mornington Peninsula Shire, is a new SIG convert having attended the first two meetings of the recently formed Occupational Health and Safety group. At the last meeting he presented on an opportunity to partner and seek funding from a Worksafe Program that

Anne Davis Anne has been the Risk and OHS Coordinator at Mitchell Shire Council since 2016 and prior to that worked as Safety Systems Advisor at Greater Bendigo City Council for four years.

She is actively involved in the Occupational Health and Safety and Risk SIGs and follows what is happening in the HR, Governance and Learning & Development SIGs.

targets mental health improvements and measures for

“I enjoy being able to share and learn with like minded

vulnerable workers.

OHS professionals. I have been involved in a north east regional OHS group and a group in Birchip in central

Stuart decided to get involved after hearing colleagues

Victoria and wanted to get a metro take on the same

who had attended other SIG meetings sharing positive

issues,” she said.

learnings and practices.

“The LGPro SIGs are great as there is no competition for

“By attending SIG meetings you can test your own

information, similar issues are experienced from Council

approaches and practices, develop great professional

to Council, you hear about legislative changes and you

networks and importantly benchmark best practice.

can get help on how to implement processes.”

The jobs we do are challenging enough without working in isolation and without needing to reinvent the wheel,” he said “Every Council has a unique workplace culture and organisational memory, however so much more can be shared and compared. SIGs enable honest, open, respectful authentic conversations.”

Anne is looking to develop a new procedure and was interested to get feedback and advice from others in the SIG. She recommends SIGs for their robust discussion and exposure to what is happening in other Councils. “It's only a few hours every few months but could end up saving you weeks of effort in formulating and obtaining feedback from others.”

Click here to see the list of SIGs or to join a SIG. If you would like more information email sig@lgpro.com or speak to Michelle Cox on 9268 6403.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

SIG CONSIDERS IMPACT OF NEW ACT The impact the Local Government Bill 2019 will have on Councils was a major focus of our recent Governance SIG meeting.

More than 70 registered for the meeting with 50 attending

To join this SIG, or for more information visit

in person and more than 20 tuning in via Zoom.

Governance SIG.

Two of the SIG’s Co Convenors, Liana Thompson, CEO of Northern Grampians Shire Council and David Thompson, Manager Governance at Boroondara provided their thoughts on what the new Act would mean for Councils.

Another Co Convenor, Tony De Fazio, Executive Manager of Governance and Customer Service at Whitehorse Council provided information on the electoral representation review and how it would affect the sector, and a representative from IBAC outlined legislative changes coming into effect on 1 December.

Looking ahead to next year the SIG asked members for their feedback on what has worked well in 2019 and any changes they would like to see moving forward. The group’s Co Convenors will consider the responses before planning the program for 2020.

Sophie Molyneux from IBAC

Philip Hill from IBAC

David Thompson, Co Convenor of the Governance SIG

Gifting LGPro Memberships LGPro Fellow and Professional Members can gift memberships to colleagues to support their career development.

Fellows – you can gift a complimentary Professional Membership, a Young Professional Membership, plus a half price membership in either the Professional or Young Professional categories.

Professional Members – you can gift a half price membership in either the Professional or Young Professional categories.

This is part of your membership package and is a great way to assist your colleagues. The only proviso is that people taking up these complimentary memberships must be new LGPro Members.

For further information visit LGPro Membership or contact our Membership Manager, Michelle Cox on 9268 6403.

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

43 43

2019 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

WINNERS & FINALISTS DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

WINNER

Maribyrnong City Council, Bandmates Victoria

Bandmates Victoria is an innovative project taking action to improve and promote health and wellbeing outcomes for people with disability and or mental health issues through providing a project that engenders individual choice and control.

Choosing the music they want to see and when they want to see it builds capacity to develop social networks and promotes independence and confidence.

Through the Bandmates Victoria program young people (over 18 years of age) with disability and/or mental health issues are matched with volunteers so that they can experience live music events together.

Bandmates Victoria is underpinned by the following aims: • To match Bandmates and volunteers • To train volunteers • To provide Melbourne venues with disability awareness training.

The project was developed by lead partners Maribyrnong City Council and Arts Access Victoria after repeated requests by people with intellectual disability and/or mental health issues who wanted the opportunity to attend live music without being in a group or accompanied by support workers or parents.

After substantial research the lead partners recognised the need to develop a program to fit within their organisational commitments, the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and the important context of the Melbourne music scene.

A substantial component of the Bandmates Victoria project is the governance structure comprising the steering group and the reference group. The steering group is made up of members from peak industry organisations Arts Access Victoria and Music Victoria, and representatives from Moreland, Maribyrnong,

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Melbourne, Darebin, Yarra and Port Philip City Councils. The steering group monitor the project’s outcomes and provide leverage into live music venues through established networks and relationships.

The reference group is made up of representatives from live music venues, people with disability and or mental health issues, live music industry stakeholders, Bandmate volunteers and young people and provides guidance in the projects objectives and outcomes.

People with disability and or mental health issues are entitled to the same rites of passage as others. This type of project has not previously existed because of the perceived understanding of risk in live music events, festival and concerts including; late night activity, alcohol use, inaccessible venues, lighting and noise, and disability services have been traditionally opposed to engagement in these types of activities.

Using a localised approach, the Bandmates Victoria project has provided a number of significant service improvements for residents, businesses and Council. By working with

music industry stakeholders, venue and festival promoters, disability organisations and individuals from diverse backgrounds, they have been able to create an inclusive environment which has strengthened positive relationships across this variety of different stakeholders, and encouraged new perspectives on disability.

Bandmates Victoria’s core principle is to change perceptions through education, awareness and visibility of people with disability and or mental health issues. Participants in the project enjoy increased social activity and connectedness, build relationships and improve their capacity for independent decision making which leads to better health and wellbeing outcomes.

HIGH COMMENDATION Moyne Shire Council, Early Years Kindergarten Inclusion of Anaphylaxis Children In 2017, staff at Moyne Shire Council’s Port Fairy Community Services Centre spent six months preparing the environment and developing plans to ensure Katie, a student with severe and life threatening allergies, would enjoy an inclusive environment where she would be safe, healthy and have the opportunity to learn like every other child. The extensive forward planning and operational procedures put in place led to a positive outcome for Katie during her time at kindergarten.

In April 2018, the educators of the Moyne Shire Port Fairy Community Services Centre were awarded the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia ‘Be a M.A.T.E’ (make allergy treatment easier) for promoting respect for those living with the risk of anaphylaxis, implementing manageable allergen minimisation strategies, demonstrating quality care and knowledge, and increasing awareness of allergies and what can be done to support those living with them.

Since opening, Bunjil Place has welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors through its doors.

It has become a premier destination drawing people to the City and is well positioned to boost Casey’s investment attraction profile and economy.

FINALISTS Ballarat City Council, 2018 Active Women and Girls Strategy creates equitable opportunities for female participation in sport by committing to creating opportunities to participate in the various aspects of the sporting environment. With a focus on participation, culture and environment, infrastructure and media action, Council has supported women and girls in structured and unstructured physical activity, leadership opportunities and governance roles within sporting environments and clubs. Through the strategy the Council is well on the way to creating equitable female participation opportunities in sport.

Ballarat City Council, Gender Equity Strategy and Action Plan is designed to help address the barriers and behaviours that impact gender equity and improve attitudes towards women. It involves establishing a new cultural norm called the Ballarat Way of Working (BWOW) which is all about how staff connect and integrate, learn and perform, communicate and celebrate, and ensure that the work being undertaken is strategic and sustaining. The action plan is assisting Council to address barriers and behaviours that impact gender equity including gender pay gaps, barriers to leadership, glass ceilings, everyday sexism, and improve attitudes towards women.

Bayside City Council, Bluff Road Estate Community Engagement Project addresses the needs of people experiencing socio economic disadvantage and their inclusion in society. It focuses on engaging residents living in public housing to address their identified needs, including social engagement and access to support services. By bringing services and supports to the estate, Council and its partners were able to assist the community to meet its needs and engage residents to ensure that they are a part of the wider community. The project is an innovative approach to coordinated service provision for a marginalised community.

Melton City Council, Interfaith Strategy guides the Council’s direction in serving increasingly diverse faith communities and aims to work towards an inclusive community that embraces and values faith diversity and promotes interfaith harmony and religious pluralism.

The strategy 2018/21 provides a direction for Council’s work in the interfaith area concentrating on the key focus areas to augment Council’s capacity to meet the growing needs of people’s faith through the lenses of interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism by building relationship, capacity, collaboration and partnership.

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2019 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

WINNERS & FINALISTS YOUNG ACHIEVER

WINNER

Sara Merkus, Casey City Council

Sara has built an impressive list of achievements for the benefit of the organisation and the local community since joining Casey City Council in 2017.

Seven months into her career at Casey, Sara was promoted to the role of Team Leader Leisure Facility Management, taking responsibility for two of Victoria’s largest facility management contracts and one of the state’s largest community farms, Myuna Farm.

Sara’s passion for healthy and engaged communities has helped achieve some great outcomes which balance and support the needs of the organisation, the Casey community and facility tenants.

She is an ambitious individual with a ‘can do’ attitude who is passionate about providing health and wellbeing opportunities to the community through the provision of leisure facility infrastructure and programs. This was recognised by Council’s management team, resulting in a quick promotion to her current role.

opportunities to participate in quality aquatic, health and active lifestyle pursuits suited to their needs including a range of innovative, inclusive and accessible programming.

Since her appointment, some of Sara’s major achievements have been her leadership and invaluable input into helping Casey to achieve its biggest ever aquatics contract and the operationalisation of Casey Stadium following an $18 million redevelopment and expansion.

Working closely with Casey Stadium Managers at YMCA, Sara was also responsible for the operationalisation of the facility following the major redevelopment. In the first 12 months after the redevelopment, the facility has received more than 650,000 visits.

Sara’s strong collaboration focus and ability to develop relationships with key stakeholders has led to the signing of significant community agreements and the development of a range of critical infrastructure and facility management projects.

Sara’s customer first approach and focus on partnerships with community organisations has resulted in a range of inclusive and health and active lifestyle accessible programs that support the needs of Casey’s diverse and ever-changing community.

She managed Casey’s biggest aquatic facilities tender process for its three aquatics facilities.

Her strong partnership with YMCA was also crucial in achieving a good outcome and resolving a long, drawn out process. Council officers had been working with key sporting associations for over two years with the aim of agreeing to terms as primary tenants of Casey Stadium. Sara stepped in to assist and was able to break down the barriers and shift the negative communication into a positive, proactive

This was one of Victoria’s biggest leisure facility management contracts and Sara led a panel through a detailed and extensive evaluation and negotiation process. Through her leadership, industry knowledge and eye for detail, the contract will provide the Casey community with

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

relationship. This resulted in the signing of the contracts, providing a great outcome that will benefit the Casey community.

While only new to a supervisor role, Sara’s leadership qualities have shone through. She demonstrates excellent communication and listening skills, involving her team and external partners in the decision making process when considering, or before implementing, change.

Sara has helped shift her team and the organisation’s mindset in terms of contract management. What previously was a transactional based approach, with strained relationships, poor communication and a lack of trust, is now strong, respectful and effective.

FINALISTS

(listed in alphabetical order by Council)

Matthew Swards, Ballarat City Council is the Manager of Business Improvement, leading a team of industry experts and supporting improvement and innovation activities across the organisation. He shows tremendous leadership qualities managing his staff day to day, but also in how he approaches all his relationships across the organisation and externally. Matt is a dynamic, future focused, young leader who is committed to supporting and working with people at all levels of Council to make it the best organisation it can be.

Sarah Lyons, Casey City Council is an ideas driven, dynamic arts professional, who was tasked with the significant role of developing audiences for Melbourne’s newest public art gallery at Bunjil Place. She was instrumental in welcoming more than 50,000 visitors across just eight months.

Sarah’s enthusiasm and interest in championing young people’s ideas has resulted in her developing a strong network of young people across the community.

Abby McCarthy, Knox City Council has a passion for supporting communities, talent for telling stories and enthusiasm for driving dynamic campaigns. She joined Council’s communications team early in 2018 soon after the introduction of a new business partnership model. Through this, she was appointed to the Engineering and Infrastructure directorate where she delivered one of Knox’s largest community consultation campaigns for the Knox Regional Sports Park draft Masterplan. Across four weeks, it received more than 1,500 individual responses from a diverse range of stakeholders, setting a record for the most responses to any online consultation at Knox.

Bryony Davies, Knox City Council joined Knox City Council in 2014 as the Health Administration/Program Support Officer and has since been passionately driving process and business improvements for immunisation and health services programs. Her improvement initiatives have transformed Council’s registration processes for food and health businesses, as well as brought about paperless processes to the suite of services provided by Knox Council’s Environmental Health officers.

Kate Eichler, Maribyrnong City Council has improved Council’s social media and digital outcomes, introducing new tools to increase the public affairs team’s responsiveness to social media and taking the initiative to develop a communications strategy to raise awareness of Council’s three community centres and increase attendance. She is highly efficient, has a solution orientated attitude and is continually seeking new and improved ways of working and doing things.

Samantha Bender, Mitchell Shire Council is committed to bringing awareness to the needs of people who are vulnerable and disenfranchised and who do not always have the ability or confidence to have their own voice. She has championed the needs of people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people with a disability, culturally diverse communities and those who suffer widespread gender inequality. Through her awareness raising of the Social Justice Framework, program areas now engage positively with the community on all new initiatives and consider the needs of marginalised community groups in all community and service planning processes.

Arvind Kolluru, Yarra City Council is a technical specialist who inspires those around him by leading by example and sharing knowledge. In early 2018, he developed a mobile application to allow the service improvement team to capture detailed data on all outdoor services delivered to the Yarra community. Arvind has introduced an appreciation of organisational data at Council which has resulted in data being seen as a valuable asset to gain insights into services.

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2019 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

WINNERS & FINALISTS SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

WINNER

Gannawarra Shire Council, Sustainable Gannawarra

Gannawarra Shire Council’s sustainability program is leading the way in innovation and practices, both through local initiatives and an ambition to become Victoria’s solar energy capital.

These projects are having a huge impact economically for the Council, with new jobs being created along with financial benefits for many local businesses.

During the past five years, Council has introduced a number of energy and sustainability projects across the Shire including: • Installation of roof-top solar, retrofitting lighting to LED and installation of HVAC timers in Council owned buildings leading to a reduction in the use of power, reducing Council’s carbon footprint while producing significant cost savings • Changing 80W mercury vapour streetlights to an LED alternative resulting in 60% less power being consumed • Introduction of a green waste collection, increasing the recycling rate and further diverting waste from landfill • Development of a joint venture solar array to trial an irrigation pumping system to reduce costs and environmental impacts of diesel engines • Purchase of solar arrays from the Bendigo and Ballarat solar trial sites and installation at the Kerang library.

Local investment by Council in sustainability initiatives (Council buildings, streetlights, green waste, etc.), has had positive financial impacts for the Shire, providing savings for ratepayers, while also contributing to the lessening of Council’s overall carbon footprint.

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The significant investment of large scale solar within the municipality further supports renewable energy targets and aligns Council to the sustainability principles highlighted in its Council Plan.

In the early days it was difficult to gain support as few people understood what Council wanted to achieve and why. Undeterred the Council continued its drive to develop the large scale solar industry in its municipality, looking at the examples in Europe of how it could change and better use renewables.

As a small rural Council with limited funds and resources, it had to find an alternative way to make these large scale solar projects happen.

To this end, the Council became investment ready, in identifying and mapping transmission infrastructure along with suitable properties.

Council’s sustainability program continues to be implemented with further rooftop solar installations planned. Additionally, its green waste program continues to ensure diversion of waste from landfill and a reduction in contamination of recycling.

Many small rural communities struggle to remain sustainable with declining populations, declining rate revenue and a lack of jobs. By Gannawarra Council investing in sustainability initiatives and securing large scale solar farm investment, it has added diversity to its economy and created new jobs and business potential.

The Council’s success provides incentive for other small rural Councils to diversify and secure investment to strengthen their local economy providing benefits into the future.

FINALISTS Melbourne City Council, Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP) has united 14 universities, cultural institutions, corporations and Melbourne, Moreland, Port Phillip and Yarra Councils to combine their purchasing power to source energy from Pacific Hydro’s 80 MW wind farm that’s being built at Crowlands, near Ararat.

They were the first group in Australia to implement a renewable energy power purchasing agreement which involved negotiating the complexity of 14 partners in one buying group to seeing the construction of the wind farm bring over 140 jobs to regional Victoria.

MREP conceptualised, facilitated and led by Melbourne City Council, identified that Local Governments and large energy customers could use their combined purchasing power to provide sufficient revenue certainty to enable the construction and operation of a large scale renewable energy project.

The model has been recognised as a game changing procurement model which provides an example of how relatively small consumers can take control of their electricity supply.

Surf Coast Shire Council, Plastic Wise Policy for Events and Markets was implemented to demonstrate leadership and commit Council to reducing or eliminating single use plastic at events and markets in the Shire.

The policy, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, aims to eliminate single use plastic items at events, markets and organised sporting activities held at all sites owned and managed by Council. Since its adoption in 2016, the policy has driven significant behaviour change.

Many local market and event organisers have demonstrated their passion and commitment to reducing the environmental impacts of their events. A joint approach, coupled with community support, has been key to its success, setting consistent expectations for organisers and attendees at events held within the Shire.

Introducing the policy has led to increased use of ‘bring your own’ and reusable options, increased recovery of compostable food and packaging, reduced litter in the environment, and reduced waste being sent to landfill.

Wyndham City Council, Wyndham Solar City is a three year project designed to reduce the City’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions through the large scale roll out of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) across Council’s community buildings.

It will offset 52,900 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and save more than $4 million in energy costs during its 20 plus year lifetime, diverting critical funds to invest in sustainability projects and community services.

As a result of this ambitious project more than 1.825MW of solar (more than 7,000 panels) have been installed across 35 community buildings including swimming pools, sporting grounds, community centres, kindergartens, libraries and municipal offices.

The project has also had a powerful impact in building community support for renewable energy, via direct engagement with more than 200 user groups and the opportunity to connect with the millions of visitors who use these facilities.

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LEADING FOOD SAFETY REFORM

THE FOOD SAFETY REFORM PROGRAM Reducing regulatory burden for Victorian food businesses and local councils

The Food Safety Reform Program is reducing the regulatory burden on food business and Councils across Victoria.

The program was established in response to

mobile and temporary food businesses. System

recommendations in the Victorian Government’s Small

changes will improve the information shared between

Business Regulation Review (Retail). A major area of

Councils and allow officers to prioritise event based

the review focused on food safety as it was considered

inspections according to the prior compliance history

that food safety regulation carried the highest level of

of the trading businesses

regulatory cost for businesses and regulation by Councils.

• Development of a food safety management policy

Over the next two years, a number of reforms will be

template document to assist Councils to develop and

implemented under the Food Safety Reform Program to

implement a Council specific policy that will support

make it easier for Victorian food businesses to understand,

risk-based administration of the Victorian Food Act 1984

and meet their food safety obligations and for Councils to meet their regulatory obligations, manage food safety risk and support food business delivery.

The program will also provide development opportunities for Council Environmental Health Officers to enhance their skills and knowledge, as these officers are key to supporting businesses to manage their food safety obligations.

Current projects within the reform program include: • Development of a Food Safety Assessment Guide using a four-step, risk based methodology to help Council officers make consistent assessments of food premises • Upgrading the existing Streatrader digital registration platform allowing the statewide management of

• Design and implementation of a digital portal, FoodTrader, for use by all Victorian food businesses when applying to register their business with a Council • Development of guidance materials to assist Councils interpret and apply the Act more consistently across the state • Production of a fees template document to improve transparency and clarify the fees charged by Councils under the Act and to assist businesses to understand them.

For further information on the program click here Article submitted by Food Safety Unit, Department of Health and Human Services.

Gary Smith, Manager Food Safety Reforms and Catherine Feeney, Senior Project Officer promote the program at a recent event.

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PROFILE SUMMER 2019

MASTERING MANAGEMENT MEET PARTICIPANTS LGPro programs mean different things to different people. In this Profile we meet two graduates from our Mastering Management Program and learn why they enrolled in the course and what they got out of it.

LGPro’s Mastering Management program was exactly what

Renae Littlejohn, Manager Economic Development

Mikayla Hein needed to help her improve her management

& Tourism at South Gippsland Shire Council, saw the

and leadership skills.

Mastering Management Program as a “challenge”, and felt

Mikayla had taken on her first management position as Manager Works at Corangamite Shire Council and had moved to Victoria from South Australia where she was a Project Engineer at The Rural City of Murray Bridge.

“I was very keen to participate in the course to expand my management and leadership skills and learn as much as

it was the perfect time in her career to immerse herself in new ideas, conversations, and networks that would help her to grow as a leader.

She has worked in Local Government for seven years after a career in education and the private sector and absolutely loves working in the community that she lives in.

I could, especially as I was fresh into my new position and

Renae said she met some amazing people through the

organisation,” Mikayla said.

program and loved working on the group project. “I was so

“I had been involved with LG Professionals in South Australia and had very good experiences with their programs and conferences and therefore saw the LGPro Mastering

lucky to work in a group that was eager to develop something that had meaning and purpose. We had a lot of fun with our topic and delivered a memorable presentation,” she said.

Management program as an opportunity to continue

She also found the guest presenters inspiring and learnt

my professional development.”

a lot through their stories and advice.

Mikayla says the program helped her to understand the

“Being a Manager in Local Government can at times be

behaviours of different people and how to work together to

frustrating as it can take a long time to get things done.

achieve the best results. She learnt a lot about the way she

This frustration can also be felt by your staff so it is important

instinctively completes tasks and how she could improve

to maintain a focus together and support each other to

herself to become a better leader.

ensure that the team reaches the finish line together,” she said.

The program gave her a better understanding of the capacity

“The Mastering Management Program has opened my

and capability of her team members and how they reacted

eyes up to new techniques and systems that I am sure will

to certain situations of change or pressure. “Through my

help me to support my teams in the future. It has made me

learnings I have been able to spread their workloads better

feel energised,” she said.

and help them to grow in their own careers,” she said.

Visit Mastering Management

One of the major challenges for Managers in Local

for further information

Government is to balance day to day operational tasks with

or contact Suzana

strategic thinking. Managers are often the direct link between

O’Callaghan at

the executive leadership team and the officers delivering the

suzanao@lgpro.com

works and while Mikayla thinks core business is important,

or phone her

time must also be made for strategic planning and encouraging

on 9268 6408.

your team to grow and develop outside their roles.

She learnt a lot from the executive leaders from the sector who shared their experiences and stories with participants in the program. As she is new to Victoria she also enjoyed making connections with other program participants who were experiencing problems similar to hers.

“I would recommend the program to other Managers as it gives you an opportunity to talk to CEOs and other executive

LGP LGP MASTERING MASTERING MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

leaders in the sector in a relaxed but professional atmosphere.

It also equips you with a range of tools to understand yourself, your staff and the communities we support,” she said.

Mikayla Hein (above) and Renae Littlejohn (left).

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51

KINGSTON COUNCIL ENCOURAGES STAFF TO ZOOM OUT Staff at Kingston City Council are learning how their roles fit into Council’s bigger picture through regular Zoom Out sessions.

The quarterly Zoom Out sessions showcase the achievements of teams across Council and were initiated in response to staff requesting more connection to the wider organisation and the Council Plan.

Each session features three, five-minute presentations about diverse Council projects, highlighting how teams are delivering Council’s vision to the community and

• Leveraging artificial intelligence to develop a Chatbot • Using computer recognition to develop a tree ledger • Technology-enabled waste collection trucks • Road resurfacing using plastic bags, glass bottles and printer cartridges

how the projects connect to the Council Plan.

• Sports ground transformation and recycled storm water

Presented by the officers who deliver the projects,

• The community benefits delivered by the construction

a travelling roadshow enables staff at several locations to attend. Each session is recorded so staff can view presentations later if they can’t attend.

Launched in October 2018 by the Corporate Performance team, Zoom Out has received great feedback with staff saying this is an excellent opportunity to celebrate their achievements and hear what other staff at Kingston are doing.

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Zoom Out sessions have included:

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

of Changing Places facilities at Riding for the Disabled • An overview of the Six Moments in Kingston bus trip art installation.

These sessions also offer development opportunities for officers to present to large groups which improves their confidence in public speaking and builds their profile in the organisation.

JO-ANNE CHAPMAN Jo-anne Chapman took over as the first female CEO of LGPro in late September.

She has strong senior executive experience across all four sectors (government, commercial, not-for-profit and peak body).

Jo-anne has worked at regional, state and national levels and liaised closely with Local Government throughout her career particularly when she worked with KPMG and the not for profit sector. She joined us from St Vincent’s Health Australia, one of Australia's largest not-for-profit health and aged cared organisations where she was General Manager Government and External Relations.

What she enjoys outside of work:

Something that may surprise people:

What her last meal would comprise:

I like going out to listen to bands, music concerts, going to the ballet, theatre and festivals. I try not to leave the dance floor.

I am a bit shy - but I have developed my communication skills to overcome this so people think I am an extrovert – but I am not!

Steamed green vegetables and rib eye steak – I like to eat well to keep my mind and body healthy.

Her favourite sport to watch:

The last book she read:

I watch AFL because it’s a true team sport, tactical and has great momentum and you can’t beat the roar of an AFL crowd. I barrack for the mighty Tigers of course – Richmond.

I read the Trauma Cleaner, a great book set here in Melbourne where the main character’s empathy and ability to relate to any type of person in the community is truly admirable.

The most famous person she has met:

Her favourite film this year:

I have met many politicians in my career, but I have also met celebrities when I previously worked at music festivals and managed the VIP entrance, so many including Metallica (for all those metal gods out there), Madonna (she grabbed my hand at a concert), and Jerry Hall (after a theatre show at backstage door) here in Melbourne.

I also am in a Kasey Chambers music clip so I have met Kasey.

I really liked the Joker – interesting but was also a confronting depiction of the impact of judgement and prejudice on someone’s mental health. Great acting.

Amusing situations she has faced at work: I once worked with an employee who like to dress up in costume for a day.

Any costume. One day he was Elvis, the next day a clown… That was fun to work around.

Her favourite TV or radio personality: Mmm – I am a Game of Thrones fan but my favourite TV program is RAGE – I love hearing and watching new music mixed in with the old. I admit I download the playlists ahead of the weekend show so I know what clips they are showing!

What really annoys her: People not looking up from their mobile phones when a person, who really needs a seat on the tram, gets on a tram.

Three famous people she would invite to dinner: Jane Goodall, John Waters, Jessica Lange, David Attenborough, Ricky Gervais and Madonna – I realise that is six people but imagine the mix of anthropological, naturalist, movie, comedy and music perspectives that would happen across the dinner table.

Three things she would take to a dessert island: My vinyl record collection, turntable and a packet of choc coated marshmallows.

Her dream holiday: Mountains, fresh air, beautiful landscape, a horse and an entourage which rides ahead to set up my “glamping” tent for the night!

What she enjoys most about her job: It’s exciting to join LGPro and be part of the future development of the Local Government sector in Victoria, a critical level of government which delivers so much to local communities.

What makes her laugh: Ironic commentary, ’Kath and Kim and dogs doing silly things – cracks me up!

PROFILE SUMMER 2019

53

DIARY DATES PROGRAMS

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

DATE

INFORMATION

The 2020 program begins on Thursday 27 February

To equip and support senior executives in Local Government.

To learn more visit XLP

The 2020 program begins on Tuesday 3 March

For those who aspire to positions of leadership and to those who aspire to provide leadership in a particular area of interest in Local Government.

To learn more visit ELP

Series 1 begins Wednesday 29 April

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

To learn more visit Mentoring Program Mentoring Program

Series 1 begins Tuesday 17 March

Program to help people develop competencies required to manage and lead people. To learn more visit Ignite for Outdoor Workers

Series 1 begins Thursday 19 March

Program to help people develop competencies required to manage and lead people. To learn more visit Ignite

Wednesday 5 February, LGPro office Tuesday 11 February, Latrobe City Council Thursday 27 February, Rural City of Wangaratta Tuesday 3 March, Greater Bendigo City Council Thursday 12 March, LGPro office

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

To learn more visit Induction to Local Government

Wednesday 11 March at LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands

To support non-finance staff to perform their financial planning and reporting responsibilities. To learn more visit Core Financial Skills

Sessions planned at metro and rural locations in February and March 2020

To assist Council staff to prepare for the Caretaker Period in the lead up to Victorian Council elections in October 2020. To learn more visit Caretaker Period Workshop

Winners will be announced at the 2020 Annual Conference Dinner on Thursday 20 February

Celebrate the excellent work being undertaken in the Local Government sector

AWARDS

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS Wednesday 19 February and Thursday 20 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

The theme for the 2020 Annual Conference is: Future ready‌ make the connection

Our Professional Development calendar outlining our programs and activities planned between January and June 2020 is now available. Click here for further information.

WEBINAR PROGRAM ON AGAIN IN 2020 We are planning to offer our Webinar Series again in 2020 after the pilot program of eight webinars held between July to November this year received positive feedback from the sector.

More than 200 people registered for the webinars which focused on generic topics presented by our Corporate Partners such as change management, digitisation, bullying and mental health in the workplace, plus more specialised webinars which shared information on Council projects that won categories in our 2019 Awards for Excellence.

Stay tuned for more details of the program in 2020.