December 2015 Profile Magazine

Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Summer 2015

2016 LGPRO

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 25 & 26 February, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Advocacy update

New conference

XLP mentors

Representing our Members

Targeting HR professionals

Why they volunteer

PROFILE SUMMER 2015

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc) LGPro Level 3/58 Lorimer Street Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9268 6400 Fax: (03) 9646 0469 Email: info@lgpro.com Website: www.lgpro.com DEADLINES Profile is published quarterly.

The deadline for the Autumn 2016 edition is Monday 1 February 2016.

This edition will be produced in a printed format in mid-March 2016.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Contents

6-9 2016 LGPro Annual Conference A four page feature including information on the speakers, highlights, social events and interactive sessions planned for the 2016 Conference.

13 Champion of Local Government Meet Margaret Abbey, a leader in Local Government.

35 New professional development opportunity for HR professionals

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

Information on the inaugural HR Conference LGPro

ADVERTISING

Catch up on the latest LGPro Membership news

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

including an interview with two long time LGPro

is organising for all HR, L&D and OD professionals working in the sector.

46-47 Membership News

Individual Members and meet our new Membership Development Manager.

CREDITS Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Editor – Vicki Amiguet Design: Bull Design Group (03) 9561 3313 www.bulldesigngroup.com.au

49 Gender equity in Local Government Our feature writer Verne Krastins discusses gender equity in the sector and how the tide is turning.

Profile is printed on recycled paper.

Main picture at top: Deb Warren from the Department of Health and Human Services makes a point during the Facilitated Panel Discussion at the 2015 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Seminar.

50-51 News from our Special Interest Groups Read how the EA & PA Special Interest Group will be revamped next year and find out what members of the Volunteering SIG are up to.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Our Young Professionals help shape the future

›

This message marks the first year of the current LGPro Board. As a part of our strategy to bring the Board and the broader LGPro membership closer together the LGPro Young Professionals Network (YPN) was invited to attend and present at the October Board meeting.

The YPN impressed with their insights on member engagement, particularly with the younger people working in the sector, as well as with their commitment to their colleagues, the sector and LGPro.

Putting the officer perspective

Celebrating our achievements

There’s a great deal happening

LGPro, just like you in your

in and around the sector with the

organisations, is always looking to

commencement of the review

improve its performance, relevance

of the Local Government Act,

and value but in order to keep

We got a real understanding

the impending introduction

doing this we need to stop from

of their ability, achievements

of rate capping and the first

time to time to acknowledge

and frustrations with the Board

public release of data from the

and celebrate our achievements.

committing to provide them

performance reporting framework.

with more support and greater

All of these present opportunities

opportunities to shape our role and

and challenges.

work. While we need to support the YPN, we should also be mindful to listen as they have much to teach us. We’re really pleased and excited that the YPN is taking over the Ideas Marketplace session at our 2016 Annual Conference to stimulate new thinking and ideas for all people working in the sector.

We think being able to facilitate this is an important part of our work.

In my role as President of LGPro

We are committed to advocating

I get the opportunity to see and

the officer perspective on these and

hear about some of the terrific

other issues where we believe we

things being achieved right across

have a legitimate role and where

the sector. I’m very much looking

our advocacy can possibly make

forward to joining you and our

a difference to the outcome. While

many colleagues at our Annual

the issues mentioned are significant

Conference to celebrate and

our work in them is largely reactive.

share our achievements.

We think we need to balance this

All the very best for a safe and

2016 Annual Conference program

with proactive work that we drive

Speaking of the Annual Conference,

insights about how we can improve

I look forward to catching up with

our own performance and how we

you at an LGPro activity soon.

we think we have a great program for you to participate in. Given the challenges facing the sector it is more important than ever that we take the opportunity to come together and make the connections and stand away from our work briefly so that we can collectively look at our work through fresh eyes using fresh ideas.

based on our knowledge and

can improve the community and other governments’ understanding about the complexities of the work we do and the value that it delivers. The Future Ready project, which I have mentioned before is an important step in taking greater control and accepting greater accountability for our work.

You’ll be hearing a lot more about it in 2016.

4 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

happy festive season.

BRENDAN McGRATH PRESIDENT

CEO’S MESSAGE

Buying into the American national hotdog debate

›

In a raging debate in America about describing the hot dog as a sandwich the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council President, “Queen of Wien” Janet Riley said: “Limiting the hot dog’s significance by saying it’s ‘just a sandwich’ is like calling the Dalai Lama ‘just a guy.’

No, I didn’t make this up, I read it in

She also asserts that public servants

to demonstrate our support

a newspaper. While I like hot dogs

in one level of government don’t

and acknowledgement of our

and sandwiches, and I agree with

experience the same level of media

LGBTIQ colleagues working in

the National Hot Dog and Sausage

scrutiny as politicians in another

the sector, as well as the large

Council that they’re two different

level of government; but she did fail

number of LGBTIQ people in the

things, I’m not particularly fussed

to mention that Ministers and CEOs

community. We aim to get at least

about it like the Queen of Wien

experience less media scrutiny than

100 marching this year. Details

clearly is. But what does get me

Patrick Dangerfield’s move from

about our participation will be

annoyed is our very own hotdog

Adelaide to Geelong!

sent soon. Be one in a hundred.

She then uses these irrelevant

If you are taking a break have a

“facts” to achieve the conclusion,

great one, and even if you’re not,

based on no evidence apart from

have a wonderful and happy

a mate of hers being unhappy

festive season.

is a sandwich issue.

Our own hotdog issue In an article in the Age in October this year titled “In the absence of scrutiny, corruption can flourish” Amanda Vanstone wrote “that

about losing car parking space because of increasing the size

Enjoy!

of the footpath that “stupid, bad

I look forward to catching up

and corrupt things will happen.”

with you soon.

scrutiny from the media – and yet

I’d like to think the Queen of Wien

DAVID PREISS

its decisions affect all of us every

would characterise this conclusion

day. … I refer to Local Government.”

as limiting the significance of the

She then went on to say “there

hotdog as just a sandwich obviously

are quite a few Local Government

means that it’s a donut.

“Smartness runs in my family.

When I went to school I was so smart my teacher was in my class for five years.”

Now that I’ve got that off my

– Gracie Allen

echelon of government in Australia that enjoys hardly any serious

Chief Executives who are paid as much if not more than Cabinet Ministers. What a dream, having a job that warranted such a salary and having hardly anybody ever peering over your shoulder in the way experienced journos scrutinise our Federal Ministers.”

chest I’d like to think that, just as we should reflect on our part, that the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council considers what they need to do to ensure that the image and importance of the hot dog is so strong that anybody suggesting

Not so sure about the scrutiny

it’s just a sandwich would be seen

bit, but saying that some Local

as plain silly.

Government CEOs get paid more true, but it is no more true, or

Be one in a hundred and march with pride

relevant than saying that hotdogs

Turning my mind now to

and sandwiches are both food.

something positive and important,

It’s equally true that departmental

LGPro is participating in the 2016

secretaries, deputy secretaries

Pride March in support of and

and many directors are paid more

with our Rainbow Network. We

than the ministers they serve.

participated for the first time in the

Why don’t we hear about that?

2015 Pride March and all involved

than cabinet ministers may be

agreed that it was great to be able

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 5

2016 LGPRO

ANNUAL CONFERENCE ‘Local Government is a VERB’ Thursday 24 February and Friday 25 February

at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

The 2016 LGPro Annual Conference provides people working in Local Government in Victoria with a fantastic opportunity to come together to expand their thinking, take a fresh look what they do and why and to network and share ideas.

The theme for 2016 is: ‘Local Government is a VERB’. A verb is a ‘doing word’ and that is what people working in Local Government are good at – doing things in the interests of their communities. The sector is also good at engaging with their communities and working with them to come up with new and innovative ways of addressing their needs.

The Conference program is will based around the following four streams – Place, Planning, Participation and Person. Each stream includes a keynote address and two concurrent interactive sessions providing something to interest all delegates.

NEW FEATURES IN 2016 The 2016 program contains some new initiatives including Walking Tours around Docklands and Victoria Harbour which is one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects, plus a series of Short Talks on a host of subjects aligned to the Conference theme.

The Short Talks will be presented by: • Dr Helen Popovic, specialist in neuroplasticity and author • Richard Day, Managing Director Life & Business Leadership Institute • Ed Gannon, Editor, Weekly Times.

• Oussama Abou-Zaid and Safe Almarhoun, young community leaders on • Rowena Allen, Gender, Sexuality Commissioner the Victorian Social Cohesion and Community Resilience Advisory Group • David Engwicht, Director Creative Communities

AN ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE EVENT We continue to keep the cost of attending the Conference as low as possible to make it accessible to everyone working in the sector and are offering some special discounts to make it even more affordable. Visit http://lgpro.com/events-activites/conferences/annual-conference/2014_annual_ conference_special_offers

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORS LGPro thanks the following sponsors and exhibitors for their support of the 2016 Annual Conference: PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

FEATURE SESSION SPONSOR

6 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

MAJOR SPONSORS

IDEAS MARKETPLACE SPONSOR

KEYNOTES SPEAKERS Stan Grant

(speaking at 9.30am Thursday 25 February) Stan is a multi-award winning current affairs host, author and speaker whose Aboriginal heritage has shaped his dynamic, resilient personality.

He has hosted major news and current affairs programs on Australian television, was a political correspondent for the ABC, a Europe correspondent for the Seven Network based in London and a senior correspondent for the international broadcaster CNN based in Hong Kong and Beijing.

Returning to Australia in 2013, Stan has continued to cover international events for Sky News Australia. He has won many major awards including an Australian TV Logie, a Columbia University Du-Pont Award (the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize), the prestigious U.S Peabody Award and he is a four time winner of the highly prized Asia TV Awards, including Reporter of the Year.

Helen Szoke

(speaking at 4pm on Thursday 25 February) Dr Helen Szoke is Chief Executive of Oxfam Australia and a leading thinker and advocate for foreign aid and international development, human rights, gender and race discrimination.

Helen joined Oxfam in 2013 and prior to this was Australia’s Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner. She an Executive Committee member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), and the ACFID Humanitarian Reference Group (HRG) Champion.

Helen received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Deakin University in October 2015 for her contribution to Human Rights. In 2011, she was awarded the Law Institute of Victoria Paul Baker Award for her contribution to human rights and in 2014 she received the ‘University of Melbourne Alumni Award’ for leadership.

Donna Rose Addis

Tim Lovitt

(speaking at 9am on Friday 26 February) Donna Rose is a cognitive neuroscientist based in the School of Psychology and the Centre for Brain Research at The University of Auckland where she leads the Memory Lab. Her research uses neuropsychological and neuroimaging techniques to understand how we remember our pasts and imagine our futures and how these abilities change with age, dementia and depression.

Originally from New Zealand, Donna Rose has a BA and MA in Psychology from The University of Auckland. She completed her PhD as a Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Toronto and a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University. She returned to New Zealand to take up a position at The University of Auckland in 2008. Since then, she has secured a number of prestigious grants and prizes.

(speaking at 1.15pm on Friday 26 February) Tim has been working in the digital space since the 90s, across both the public and private sector and is Associate Director, Digital Intelligence, at PwC Australia. He has hands on experience in start-ups, small and mediumsized enterprises and Enterprise and has developed a keenly honed digital awareness, including a strong focus on engagement and customer experience via applied analytics and marketing automation. Tim works with clients to help them transform from ‘doing digital’ to ‘being digital’.

Apart from leading digital intelligence for PwC Australia, he delivers Digital Strategy and Innovation projects for Retail, Telecommunications, Finance and Government clients.

In addition to his role with PwC Tim is also a lecturer, Business Essentials for Analysts; Data for Marketers: Association for Data-Driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA), Sydney, Australia.

CONFERENCE STREAMS A keynote address and two concurrent interactive sessions are offered in each stream. Delegates can either attend all sessions relating to a specific theme, or can mix and match and register for sessions that interest them in each of the streams. For the first time in 2016 we are offering two Walking Tours as interactive sessions.

PLACE

PLANNING

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Living with the weight of history, Stan Grant WALKING TOURS: If you build it will they come? A walking tour to Victoria Harbour. Join officers from Place Making and Engagement at the City of Melbourne who will host a walking tour of some well known and lesser known Docklands sites with interesting stories of their successes and challenges.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: How digital technology and process might change the way Local Government works, Tim Lovitt INTERACTIVE SESSIONS: – Trend conversations, Dr Paul Higgins – Local Government services – moving from reactive to proactive in the digital age, Tim Lovitt

PARTICIPIATION

PERSON

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Values: Ingredients for success at work, Dr Helen Szoke INTERACTIVE SESSIONS: – Local Government and the opportunity for democratic innovation, Nicholas Reece – Engaging citizens in setting priorities and shaping the future through leadership, Chris Kotur

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Imagining a successful future, Donna Rose Addis INTERACTIVE SESSIONS: – Boost your brain – and get ahead, Dr Helena Popovic – This life ain’t no dress rehearsal! – achieving more, guilting less, Leanne Faraday-Brash

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 7

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 2015 ELP PRESENTATION

WELCOME EVENT

11am on Thursday 25 February

Wednesday 24 February 6pm-8pm

The title of the 2015 ELP group’s Annual Conference presentation is: ‘We are five years from 2020 – where are we now and are we building the credibility of Local Government?

This event is a great way for conference delegates to get together and network with others in the sector.

Their presentation summons conference delegates to participate in a Royal Commission that will be presided over by the honourable 2015 Emerging Leaders. A panel of Emerging Leader experts will use research, data and case studies along with a great deal of entertaining humour and wit to delve into this topic which centres around the most important aspect to our sector as a whole – ensuring the trust and belief of our communities.

The Commission will assess the past, present and future and provide recommendations to ensure the ongoing success of the government most closely connected to the people.

IDEAS MARKETPLACE

The Welcome Event will be held at The Common Man, 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf, a short distance from the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. A few drinks will be served and food is available to purchase.

CONFERENCE DINNER & AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 7pm Thursday 25 February with pre-dinner drinks from 6.30pm

11.45am on Thursday 25 February This year LGPro Young Professionals will present the Ideas Marketplace they are calling Devil’s Advocacy.

The session will feature a series of robust conversations facilitated by up to 15 CEOs and Young Professionals creating a room buzzing with noise, discussion and most importantly challenging the status quo asking, do we really need Local Government? (and of course much more).

The Annual Conference Dinner and presentation of the LGPro Awards for Excellence is always a popular part of the conference program. It is held at the same venue, the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

Dress code for the dinner is business attire and entertainment will be provided following the official proceedings. There is reserved seating for this event and Councils are able to reserve a table of 10 in advance.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

8 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

FEATURE SESSION

DEBATE

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A CEO?

2.15pm on Friday 26 February Local Government is a VERB is a statement, but the question is Who is Better at Doing it, Metro or Rural Councils?

5.15pm on Thursday 25 February ‘Are you smarter than a CEO?’ (based on that TV show ‘Are you smarter than a 5th Grader’) is back again!

This Feature session will take on a similar format to 2015 where delegates will have the opportunity to put Local Government Chief Executive SPONSORS OF Officers to the test to see just how smart PROUD THE FEATURE SESSION they are! There will be a few new twists and turns in 2016 to encourage more audience participation, so make sure you bring your ‘A game’! Come along to this fun session to share a drink and a laugh with your colleagues and see if you really are smarter than a CEO.

Using our Conference theme and streams on place making, leading for participation and planning for the future, our Metro and Rural debating teams comprising officers, councillors and invited guests will argue it out, with you deciding who really does do Local Government better.

Participants to be advised

INTERACTIVE SESSIONS There will be a choice of two Interactive Sessions in each of the Planning, Participation and Person streams and these will be held at the Conference venue. One session will be offered twice. Delegates attending these sessions are able to choose to attend three different sessions of 40 minutes each.

The Place stream will comprise two identical Walking Tours which will go for the duration of the interactive session time (see below).

PLACE STREAM Walking Tours – If you build it will they come? A walking tour to Victoria Harbour

Join officers from Place Making and Engagement at the City of Melbourne who will host two Walking Tours of some well known and lesser known Docklands sites with interesting stories of their successes and challenges. The tours will run from 1.30pm-3.30pm and each will cover the same route.

1.30pm-2.10pm 1A 1B 1C 2.10pm-2.50pm 2A 2B 2C 2.50pm-3.30pm 3A 3B 3C

Stream Planning Participation Person Stream Planning Participation Person Stream Planning Participation Person

Session name Trend conversations Local Government and the opportunity for democratic innovation Boost your brain – and get ahead Session name LG services – moving from reactive to proactive in the digital age Engaging citizens in setting priorities and shaping the future through leadership This life ain’t no dress rehearsal! – achieving more, guilting less Session name Trend conversations (1A repeated) Local Government and the opportunity for democratic innovation (1B repeated) Boost your brain – and get ahead (1C repeated)

SPECIAL OFFERS We have the following special offers to make the Conference even more accessible and affordable for people working in Local Government: • A 20% discount on a full Conference package to LGPro Individual Members attending the Conference for the first time • LGPro Council Subscribers are being offered two full Conference packages at half price for staff who are named as an Individual LGPro Member as part of the Council subscription. To take up this offer, the Council members must be a third level Manager or below and someone who would not normally get the opportunity to attend the Conference.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, COSTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS Conference delegates have a range of registration options. You can register for the full Conference package, individual modules or multiple modules (discounts are available to people registering for more than one module).

LGPro uses considerable time and resources following up payments so delegates who pay prior to the Annual Conference by credit card or by providing a purchase order number will receive a 10% discount. We also encourage all delegates to register online to reduce paper wastage and administration costs.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 9

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Our business is simple and focused. For the last 20 years we have been helping the Australian Public and Private sectors get the best out of their people.

We deliver a range of high quality, cost-effective solutions that can be tailored to suit any specific environment or business landscape.

• Performance Management • Psychometric Assessment/Profiling • Leadership Development • Employee Engagement • Remuneration Advice To find out how Talent Architects can help you optimise your most valuable asset, contact Andrew Alford on (03) 9828 6565.

ADVOCATING FOR THE SECTOR

Speaking out for officers in Local Government Act review › LGPro will play an active role in the first formal review of the Local Government Act in 25 years.

We will make a formal submission

LGPro President Brendan

for which the Minister for Local

advocating on behalf of officers

McGrath said the review provided

Government is responsible with

working in the sector. We have

a valuable opportunity for the

the aim of developing a simple

been invited to contribute to the

Local Government sector to have

and integrated new Act.

review through direct consultation

a say on reforms to the Act to

with the Minister and ongoing

make it more relevant and to

liaison with Local Government

better reflect the current roles and

Victoria (LGV) during the process.

responsibilities of Councils today.

A small group of CEOs and

The review will look at the

in 2016 and consultation on

governance staff have been asked

objectives, roles and functions

proposed new legislation in 2017.

to identify those things in the current

of Councils; the powers required

Act that are “officer specific”. A draft

by Councils to achieve these

submission was circulated to all

objectives and perform their roles

LGPro Individual Members for their

and functions; and the extent these

input and advice before the final

should be regulated under the

submission is made on 18 December.

Act. It will consider all legislation

Consultation is being undertaken on issues around the current Act this year. This will be followed by consultation on reform directions

The final submission will be available on the LGPro website at www.lgpro.com after 18 December.

Rate capping update ›

The State Government tabled the Local Government Amendment (Fair Go Rates) Bill 2015, in the Victorian Parliament in October to allow amendments to be made to the Local Government Act for the introduction of rate capping in 2016/17.

This followed the Government’s

Mr McGrath said there are still some

“We would like more engagement

review of the final report and

issues of interpretation in terms of

on the scope and purpose of

recommendations of the Essential

the formulae that will need to be

the proposed ESC productivity

Services Commission (ESC) on

worked through to ensure clarity

review and will continue to

rate capping.

and consistency of application of

challenge the concept of an

rate capping.

efficiency target over and above

Commenting on the ESC’s final

the rate capped environment.”

report and recommendations,

He said Councils welcomed the

LGPro President Brendan McGrath

opportunity to be able to apply for

As far as the future goes,

said that there was still concern

variations of up to four years from

Mr McGrath said there is concern

that a general cap at CPI did not

year two of the implementation to

that there is no commitment

represent a reasonable reflection

coincide with new Council budgets

beyond the first 12 months that

of the unavoidable cost pressures

and Council Plan preparations.

the sector will not have to bear the

facing Councils.

“We feel strongly that it will be

“We feel strongly that it will be

important for the Minister to ensure

important for the Minister and her

that activities within their control

department to engage productively

(such as Local Government Act

with the sector to determine

review and State set fees and

different caps for different classes

charges) appropriately reflect

of Councils and for the process

the revised rate capped context,”

to be transparent,” he said.

he said.

12 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

costs of administering rate capping so it is important that rigorous periodic reviews are undertaken to assess the impact of rate capping on Councils’ financial sustainability and community wellbeing.

FEATURE STORY

A champion of Local Government ›

To say Murrindindi Chief Executive Officer Margaret Abbey is a champion of Local Government is an understatement.

In her 30 years working in the sector she has been passionate about pushing the Local Government cause to whoever will listen, whether it be the Federal and State Government, business or the local community.

It frustrates her that Councils are still tarred with the brush of ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ when they provide over 100 services to their communities. Margaret believes everyone working in Local Government has a role to play promoting the services the sector provides in the community.

“Many Council staff are delivering services where they have daily face to face contact with people in the community and they can become our best advocates,” she said.

Margaret’s sense of community and “public benefit” has been with her since early in her career. She went to Monash Uni with the intention of being a geography and history teacher but in her second year a lecturer convinced her that town planning would be much more interesting, create lots of opportunities and be a better fit with her skill set.

“He was so on the money. I have really enjoyed the experience of working in communities to bring about quality and sustainable developments throughout my career,” she said.

Margaret has worked at a number of interface and peri urban Councils in Victoria and New South Wales in various roles with a strong mix of strategic, corporate and environmental planning which have provided interesting and challenging issues.

In her early career as a town planner people often would ask her if she had ever planned a town? “I am pleased to say that I can honestly answer, yes. My first Local Government job in New South Wales was to plan the new East Bowral town, taking it from open farm land to residential and commercial development. It is very rewarding to go back 30 years later and see your plans in early fruition,” she said.

Margaret’s greatest “career leap” came five and a half years ago when she landed the role of CEO at Murrindindi. She hadn’t planned to apply for the job until she was at an LGPro Annual Conference where two CEOs whose opinion she respected encouraged her to apply. “No one was more surprised than me when I was successful but it has certainly been a highlight of my career to date,” she said.

Her focus at Murrindindi has been the rebuilding of communities post the February 2009 bushfires. It has been a massive task and along the way she has also managed to shine the light and bang the table on the critical role of Local Government in rebuilding post natural disasters.

As well as rebuilding communities Margaret has been working to refocus Council’s efforts as an organisation. She has been assisted by a team of very talented people, some who went through the fires and some new team members.

While the majority of the physical rebuilding has been completed the fires have had a lasting impact on the Shire with many people opting not to rebuild. “This has left the Council with a diminished rate base and the challenge of working out

how we can provide services to our community with less money,” Margaret said.

The introduction of rate capping by the State Government has added to the Council’s woes.

“At Murrindindi our resources have already been cut to the bone to manage the costs of the new infrastructure obligations so we are eagerly awaiting the Minister for Local Government’s advice expected in December on what the rate cap will be,” she said.

Margaret is confident the Local Government sector has a bright future as she sees the calibre of future young leaders who are completing LGPro’s leadership programs.

She believes the attributes of a good leader include having a vision for the organisation and for the community and the ability to articulate that vision and the path the organisation will follow. “Good leaders need to have professional integrity, compassion and concern for staff and a commitment to themselves, their organisation and the community.”

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 13

2015 LGPRO AGED & DISABILIT Y SERVICES AWARDS SEMINAR & AWARDS

More than 100 people working in aged & disability services in Local Government heard experts discuss the changes in the way services are being provided at the 2015 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Seminar on 15 October.

Keynote speakers and interactive sessions focused on the new opportunities the changes will bring. The winners of the 2015 Aged & Disability Services Awards were presented at a Dinner on 14 October. See details below.

W I N N E R O U TSTA ND I N G P RO G R A M/P ROJ ECT (G R A N T BA S E D) COMMUNITY CARE MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT, CITY OF CASEY The Community Care Mental Health Project involved piloting a series of innovative service improvement interventions to increase the capacity of Casey’s Community Care services to work with HACC clients who experience mental health issues. The project involved a coaching program for clients, mental health training for staff, fostering partnerships with mental health agencies to improve care coordination and embedding standard policies and procedures for managing client mental health issues at a process level.

These measures have increased the confidence, knowledge and skills of community care staff to work effectively with clients with mental health conditions, as well as improved opportunities for clients to discuss their problems and access relevant support.

F I NA L I ST

Banyule City Council/Deakin University HACC Biomechanics Project, Banyule City Council

The Casey City Council team that won the award for Outstanding Project (grant based).

W I N N E R O U TSTA ND I N G P RO G R A M/P ROJ ECT (NO N G R A N T BA S E D) FOOTY 4 ALL, WARRNAMBOOL CITY COUNCIL In 2012, Warrnambool City Council’s Rural Access Program launched ‘Footy 4 All’ which aimed to provide a sustainable football program for people with a disability in south west Victoria. This led to the formation of the ‘Hampden Hurricanes’ football team which now play exhibition matches locally and competitive matches against Melbourne teams. The success of this team has been followed by the development of a ‘Junior Hurricanes’ program and the establishment of three similar teams in western Victoria. The program not only gives people with a disability the opportunity to participate in training and to play competitively but also provides them with individual personal development such as increased self-esteem, team work and knowledge and nutrition. The program has also seen the development of positive attitudes and enhancement of the view of people with a disability within the local community.

F I NA L I ST

Ezitracker Innovation and Efficiency Project, Corangamite Shire Council Moreland Seniors ‘Flash Mob’, Moreland City Council Access Murrindindi, Murrindindi Shire Council

Richard Stone (left) and Neil Ballard accept Warrnambool City Council’s award for Outstanding Project (non grant based).

14 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

W I N NE R OU TSTA ND I N G I ND IV IDUAL CO NT R IBU T IO N JACK MULHOLLAND, MAROONDAH CITY COUNCIL Jack joined Maroondah City Council seven years ago as MetroAccess Officer and since then he has made a real and significant difference to the lives of people with a disability, not just in Maroondah, but across the state and the country. He is behind many guides and publications, networks and forums, but notably he has led the establishment of the Stroke A Chord choir for people with aphasia; Changing Places accessible restrooms for people with severe disabilities and their carers; and Marveloo, a mobile accessible restroom. Jack’s passion for making a difference has proven a critical ingredient for success.

His conviction and drive has seen local projects become national projects, not only changing the way people see disability, but how they create ability.

F I NA L I STS

Shirley Elliot, Wangaratta Rural City Council Loredana Iacobucci, Monash City Council

Jack Mulholland winner of Outstanding Individual Contribution.

W I N N E R O U TSTA ND I N G T E A M CO N T R I BU T IO N HACC PROJECT CONTROL GROUP, GREATER BENDIGO CITY COUNCIL Greater Bendigo City Council’s Project Control Group was responsible for overseeing the review of HACC services and providing advice and information for Council workshops, forums and reports on the implications of withdrawing from direct service provision. Chaired by the Chief Executive Officer, the Project Control Group used a collaborative approach to manage a complex and sensitive project impacting more than 2,500 clients, 165 staff and 90 volunteers. The group was objective, open minded and confidential and provided a diverse skill base from across the organisation. This included community services, finance, procurement, project management, human resources, customer service, risk, communication and community development.

F I NA L I STS LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS

Aged & Community Care Intake Team, Monash City Council Service Delivery Team, Yarra Ranges Council

AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES SEMINAR

The Greater Bendigo City Council team that won the Outstanding Team Contribution.

AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES AWARDS

THE COMMONWEALTH AND VICTORIAN GOVERNMENTS UNDER THE HACC PROGRAM MAJOR SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

MAJOR SPONSOR

A CHANGE IN LANDSCAPE CONFERENCE CREATES FIRSTS This year, for the first time, the annual LGPro Corporate Planners Network Conference was replaced with the A Change in Landscape Conference which was held in Bendigo in regional Victoria in October.

Award Winners

Another first this year was that the conference was a collaborative initiative between LGPro’s Corporate Planners Network and Communications Network Special Interest Groups. It brought together Local Government experts who deal directly with reporting and communications with speakers from both Local Government and the private sector addressing how to deal with an era of accelerated change.

The winners of the Excellence in Local Government Corporate Planning and Communications Awards (the latter offered for the first time this year) were announced at a Dinner on the evening of the Conference.

LGPRO CORPORATE & COMMUNITY PLANNING AWARD WINNER: Growth Area Social Check, Cardinia Shire Council In 2014, Cardinia Shire Council developed the Growth Area Social Health Survey which aimed to determine the current social health status of residents living within their urban growth area.

The focus was to ‘check in’ with residents and have a conversation regarding how they were coping and what day to day challenges they were experiencing living in a new estate area.

The results of this is social research project were unprecedented and provided invaluable information on the residents who participated and the areas they identified that needed attention in regards to services, infrastructure and intervention. Furthermore the research findings have already informed Council guidelines and frameworks and moving forward, they will have an impact on future planning of estates and service delivery.

FINALISTS:

Maroondah 2040 Community Vision, Maroondah City Council

Wallan Structure Plan, Mitchell Shire Council

LGPRO COMMUNICATIONS AWARD WINNER: Access Denied Campaign, Whittlesea City Council In 2014, in the lead up to the November State election, Whittlesea City Council undertook a major advocacy communications campaign that aimed to secure election commitments for two major transport projects: a rail extension and a freeway interchange.

To achieve these commitments Whittlesea City Council developed the ‘Access Denied’ advocacy campaign in partnership with two key community groups, the South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance and the Aurora Community Association, as well as local businesses and the Whittlesea Leader newspaper. ‘Access Denied’ became a high profile community campaign that achieved many outcomes, including election commitments totalling more than $600 million for the delivery of both projects.

FINALISTS: Inclusive Communications Charter, Darebin City Council

Darebin Website Redevelopment, Darebin City Council

Emergency Alerts Facebook Page, Macedon Ranges Shire Council

We thank the Major Sponsor of the Conference and the Corporate and Community Planning Award

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 17

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

2015/2016 LGPro Corporate Partners Directory Corporate Partners (Listed in the directory in alphabetical order)

McArthur Acresta Aon Risk Services Australia Australia Post Bang the Table Bendigo Bank Breon Enterprises Cambron Integrated Business Planning and Governance Software CAMMS Change Edge Consulting Clear Horizon Consulting Community Chef CT Management Group Cube Group Customer Service Benchmarking Australia Datacom Solutions eAwards Garland Hawthorn Brahe Lawyers Horner Recruitment HR Legal HWL Ebsworth Lawyers Insight SRC iPlatinum Jardine Lloyd Thompson Jo Fisher Executive JWS Research Local Government Software Solutions Lingford Consulting Services LMH Consulting/Outside the Square Maddocks Lawyers Market Solutions MAV Insurance, Liability Mutual Insurance Mecwacare Microsoft National Australia Bank Oracle Customers Management Solutions Our Say Page Seager Lawyers Point Ahead Procurement Australia Productivity Matters Promapp Solutions Promethean HR Partners Russell Kennedy Lawyers SACS Consulting Pty Ltd Scopic Learning SDS Group Skills Training Australia Symphony 3 The Management Edge Urban Maintenance Systems Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry VicTrack Vision Super Votar Partners Warner Group Well Done International Working Three Zurich Financial Services Australia

18 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

LGPro is grateful for the support it receives from its Corporate Partners. The following pages contain advertisements submitted by our financial 2015/2016 Corporate Partners.

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

2016 LGPro Annual Conference Principal Sponsor Note: All financial 2015/2016 LGPro Corporate Partners were invited to participate in this directory. Not all of our Corporate Members took up the opportunity.

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

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auspost.com.au

Helpful solutions for the local government sector Council Communication Solutions Australia Post Digital Mailbox

Multi-channel marketing

Data & insights

Online payment solutions

For more information contact judy.hughes@auspost.com.au or call 03 9106 9102

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 19

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

Be part of something bigger.

Sure, it’s an $85,000 Community Bank® contribution – but it’s bigger than that. It’s 10 years of lobbying, public forums and 50,000 trees planted.

It’s a partnership between a Community Bank® branch, a community and its local government. And the result – a wasteland transformed into a productive wetlands site for the people of Neerim.

bendigobank.com.au Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. (S53543) (10/15)

Integrated Business Planning and Governance Software Our Software is the ideal solution for large AND not so large councils. We don’t use ‘BS’ jargon we just understand local government and are expert in organisational alignment.

Working

r

Togethe

CAMBRON

info@cambron.com.au I www.cambron.com.au I 03 5243 9484 20 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

Need assistance with service, program or project evaluation?

Clear Horizon specialises in providing and building capacity in planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Book an obligation-free consultation – we’re here to help.

03 9425 7777 / www.clearhorizon.com.au Offices Melbourne / Canberra / Perth

Community Chef aims to provide high quality, culturally diverse meals of superior nutritional value as the cornerstone of improving the health and wellbeing of people within the organisations and communities which we partner with.

For further information, contact Clare Oliver (0412 405 706)

Our extensive, nutritionally balanced and multicultural menu provides products that are easy to use with a taste that is second to none. Our wide range of services include: • • •

• •

• • •

HACC packages Supply during facility refurbishment Providing consistently high quality product produced in certified environment Extending standard menu offerings Simplifying daily and weekend food services Waste reduction Chef free meal preparation Reducing overall meal service costs

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 21

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

WE ARE CSBA Creating customer centric business is our business.

Our passion is to understand, measure and improve customer service in order to help your organisation be more successful. We do this by understanding the strategies, aspirations and the performance our clients want to achieve.

We then deliver the programs, conduct research, measure and assess performance and provide training to enable our clients to deliver outstanding service.

csba.com.au 03 9605 4900

Local Government Capabilities Trusted Partner for all your IT Services & Solutions

Cloud Services

Datacom Centres

Business Processes Software

IT Management

Sustainable Councils.

Engaged Communities.

Local Government Solutions from Datacom.

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22 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

www.datacom.co.nz www.datacom.com.au

21/10/2015 10:18 AM

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

HORNER can help you achieve your HR goals As a long standing supplier to the Local Government sector, HORNER knows and understands your challenges.

We partner with councils Victoria wide in providing effective staffing solutions, leading edge training and a broad range of HR and OHS consulting services.

Experience counts, so call HORNER now.

CERTIFIED SUPPLIER

Melbourne CBD (03) 9604 2888

Mulgrave (03) 8558 4444

Tullamarine (03) 9335 9999

www.horner.com.au

Continuing to Support Local Government CIE Legal and HR Legal understand the special requirements of local government addressing the inter-relationship between councillors, executives, staff and the broader community.

We offer real innovation and accountability in delivering legal services to meet broad commercial objectives.

Our services include: · Workplace Relations including enterprise bargaining, workplace investigations and disciplinary matters · Occupational Health & Safety · Risk Management – including Minor Legal Claims and Litigation · Procurement / Contract Legal Services · Building and Construction

Strong understanding of local government 50 years of combined partner experience Timely, dependable and affordable advice

Our innovative and interactive training modules including moot courts and mock critical incidents provide effective training to a large number of employees at one time and in one place.

CIE Legal

HR Legal

+61 3 9948 2451 info@cielegal.com.au www.cielegal.com.au

+61 3 9948 2450 info@hrlegal.com.au www.hrlegal.com.au

www.hwlebsworth.com.au

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 23

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

Is your culture as productive and effective as it needs to be?

We can give you a roadmap to guide improvement.

Insight SRC is a highly skilled consulting organisation capable of building the productivity and effectiveness of enterprises through innovative and empowering organisational development strategies. We deal with the problem, not the symptom, by creating tools, knowledge and capacity that our clients can then apply to a self-managed process for cultural and organisational change.

Local government is in for some turbulent times with increasing pressure to perform and demonstrate value. We have done some good and exciting work to assist Victorian Councils this year and would like to take this further. Why not give us a call to discuss your needs and our services and see if there is a service we offer that would be of benefit to your organisation?

Pick up the phone or send us an email now to start the conversation.

Dr Peter Hart Level 5, 34 Queen Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 8611 0611 info@insightsrc.com.au www.insightsrc.com.au

FRESH THINKING POSITIVE LEADERSHIP Jo Fisher Executive Search is a leading Australian and New Zealand executive search firm.

We understand Local Government over 200 senior level and C-level appointments in Local Government across metropolitan and regional Victoria We retain quality candidates our statistics show some of the highest retention rates (over 95%) of candidate appointees We encourage true gender diversity over 45% of our appointments have been female executives Melbourne

Sydney

T: +61 3 9016 6000 www.jofisher.com

24 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

Canberra

Auckland

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

find out what they’re thinking.

•

Developed, Hosted and Supported in Australia

Corporate Planning & Reporting

Produce councils statutory documents and manage business reviews

Employee Performance Management Integrated staff development and appraisal package

Project Management & Control

Project management specifically designed for local government

Enterprise Risk Management

A structured and systematic approach to the management of risks

•

Delegations & Policies Register

•

Manage delegations of authority and organisational policies

•

Fees & Charges Register

•

Organise and manage the complete council fee schedule

Australian Owned, Australian Operated sales@lgss.com.au

www.lgss.com.au

1300 363 325

Unit 21, 1 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113

Developing Productive People and Teams • Productivity/Time Management Training • Personal Effectiveness Coaching • Productivity with Outlook • Delegating More Effectively • Running Effective Meetings • Team Building using MBTI Professional Training & Coaching aimed at improving personal and organisational productivity.

Contact us today...

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

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 25

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

Lo-cal legal advice For 130 years, Victoria’s councils have relied on Maddocks for responsive, practical legal guidance. We understand the pressure placed on Local Government to deliver more with less and with rate capping around the corner you’ll continue to be faced with small issues, right up to bulky, complex matters.

Our lawyers are ready to respond to your legal challenges to allow you to deliver strong, healthy and sustainable services to your communities.

Let us weigh in on your next legal issue – meet our team at www.maddocks.com.au

Providing care and services to your local community

Protecting local government since 1993 MAV Insurance – your insurance company MAV Insurance has been providing liability and indemnity insurance to Victorian and Tasmanian councils since 1993.

As a mutual insurance company, we are owned by our policyholders – and we manage the scheme in their best interests.

We have more than 130 members, with policies tailored for local authorities and all profits retained in the fund for the benefit of members.

More than just insurance In addition to cost-effective protection, MAV Insurance also provides a range of additional benefits to members that are not available with traditional insurance providers, including: > > > > > > > >

tailored insurance cover guaranteed availability risk management services legal services specialised claims management member participation quick investigation of claims protection against collapse of an insurance provider > retention of all profits for the benefit of members > ongoing advocacy on insurance matters with Australian and Victorian Governments and regulators on behalf of members

• Nursing Services • Community Services • HACC Services • Disability Services • Home Care Packages • Community Housing Services • Residential Services

MAV Insurance Glenn McBurney P: (03) 8664 9308

Owen Harvey-Beavis P: (03) 9667 5584

Level 11, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Telephone (03) 9667 5555, email insurance@mav.asn.au, www.mav.asn.au/policy-services/insurance

Freecall 1800 163 292 www.mecwacare.org.au 26 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

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CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 27

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

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

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

INSURE RIGHT THROUGH PROCUREMENT AUSTRALIA.

28 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

“Thinking outside the box”

Promethean HR Partners provide high-level management consulting specialising in the optimisation of people talent.

ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITY TALENT MANAGEMENT CHANGE MANAGEMENT INDUSTRIAL & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

CONNECT WITH US NOW – 0413 725 860 www.prometheanhr.com.au

Russell Kennedy maintains one of Victoria’s strongest local government practices. We act for more than 40 Victorian councils and most of Victoria’s water businesses (rural, regional and metropolitan).

Providing legal services to local government in: Building Commercial Contracts Crown Land Employment Governance Information technology Intellectual property Litigation Planning and environment Property, leasing and acquisitions Level 12 469 La Trobe St Melbourne VIC 3000 P +61 3 9609 1555 E info@rk.com.au

rk.com.au

Contact: Ian Pridgeon

Accredited Specialist in Environment and Planning Law

Andrew van Ingen

Contracts, Tendering and Governance

Andrew Sherman

Local Government, Environment and Planning Law

Matthew Beazley

Environment and Planning Law

Stefan Fiedler

Environment and Planning Law

Anthony Massaro

Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety

Rosemary Southgate Property

Marika Hubble-Marriott Dispute Resolution

2014

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 29

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

Working in partnership with local government departments, teams and individuals to support them in achieving their full potential.

Individual Coaching

Transition Support

Making Customer Engagement Magical Our new cloud-based MagiaCX solution works like magic to help Businesses, Local Governments, Universities and Colleges significantly improve the customer engagement process, while dramatically reducing the associated cost and risk involved.

Team Development

Practical, holistic Strategies to support Identifying, & results-oriented organisational assessing & developmental change such as facilitating coaching. restructures, development and operational change. realignment & volume recruitment.

WE ALSO PROVIDE: Learning Programs

Workshop Facilitation

Program Design

Ph: 1300 723 761 Email: learning@scopiclearning.com.au www.scopiclearning.com.au

www.magiacx.com

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Skills and Knowledge for the Community Services Sector Offering Accredited Qualifications and in-service Education, including:

CHC70208 Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice (Client Assessment & Case Management) CHC60312 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management CHC50612 Diploma of Community Services Work Positive Behaviour Support Training for Community Support Staff

TOID 20828

Contact Elsa on 03 9800 3026 E: edemetriou@skillstraining.vic.edu.au www.skillstraining.vic.edu.au 30 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

22/10/2015 9:39 AM

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

Cert III & IV in Local Government Operational Works (LGA30304 & LGA40404)

Improving the effectiveness of Council Works Officers

BUILDINGS, GROUNDS & GRAFFITI SERVICES

Programs in Customer Engagement, Project Management, Continuous Improvement, Leadership & Management, Work Health & Safety, Operational Works and more

Urban Maintenance Systems is an established privately owned and Australian provider of maintenance services for:      

Buildings Parks and Open Spaces Graffiti Management Sports Turf Roadside and Parkland Infrastructure Building Compliance and Condition Auditing

T: 03 9874 0812 E: admin@tme.edu.au

the

Safe Trusted Experts

management edge

Improving performance through people

For more information: T: 03 9265 5811 E: mail@ums.com.au W: www.ums.com.au RTO # 3927

Fair Work update and dealing with claims Insights from the experts VECCI’s workplace relations consultants will share lessons from recent cases and explain what you can do to minimise your risks, as well as how to get the best possible outcome if you are required to appear at the Fair Work Commission.

Want to learn more?

Please visit vecci.org.au/training/fairworkupdate for dates and prices or call 03 8662 5333.

Better communities, together We’re helping shape the way communities move and connect by working with councils. Together we’re unlocking the potential of transport land.

Contact Nigel Suckling, Business Development on 9619 8755 or email nigel.suckling@victrack.com.au

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 31

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

A brighter vision for your future Vision Super has been looking after local government workers for more than 67 years – we’re passionate about supporting your industry and giving you the best super experience www.visionsuper.com

Ph: 03 9555 9100

warnerinstitute.com.au

A division of Warner Group Pty Ltd RTO: 21622 ABN: 26 935 546 475

32 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2015/2016

Protecting local government You can rely on Zurich to identify and manage your insurance risks. We have been providing asset and financial protection to local government in Australia for over 30 years, and truly understand your business. Contact your local Zurich representative today or visit www.zurich.com.au

Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640 AFS Licence No: 232507. BWJN-006036-2012 ZU20909

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Councils embrace online learning

›

There has been considerable interest from Councils in the first six compliance modules in LGPro’s new specialist online learning offering that are now complete and ready to use.

The modules have been developed

Local Government people

build further customised Local

in partnership with Global Vision

working in HR and Learning

Government specific practitioner

Media and are customised for Local

and Development provided input

led online learning programs,

Government. They are:

into the content of the modules

as well as online material as

to ensure they were relevant

an adjunct to existing face to

to the sector. They have also been

face programs.

• Information privacy • OH&S • Bullying & harassment, including sexual harassment • Equal employment opportunity • Fraud prevention and awareness • Victorian Charter of Human Rights

checked and signed off for legal and legislative compliance by HR Legal.

Anyone wanting to discuss their Council’s specific online learning requirements is

Samples of the six modules are

welcome to contact David Preiss

available for interested Councils

on (03) 9268 6400.

to check out. The next step is to

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 33

Servicing Local Government & Councils Nation Wide

Social Media Lone Worker Reporting

Administration Contact Centre Services

Website Software Development

Application Development

Reporting Platform

Darwin

Broome

NT QLD

WA

SA

Brisbane

NSW

Perth

ACT Adelaide

Sydney Canberra

VIC Melbourne

TAS Hobart

Premium Customer Service

1300 760 011

NEW CONFERENCE

Leadership Conference for HR professionals

›

Human resource professionals working in Local Government play a pivotal leadership role in creating the right environment to respond to the increasing pressures and scrutiny that the sector is facing.

They need to be at the forefront

Fiona Shanks, Manager People

when building capacity and

Performance at the Rural City of

positioning their Councils to plan

Wangaratta is also a member of

for and meet the changing needs

the organising committee and says

of the sector.

this has helped her to appreciate

LGPro invites all HR, L&D and

the effort that goes on behind

OD professionals to learn about

the scenes to bring a conference

leading for change at the first

program together.

Local Government specific HR

“I urge all of my colleagues to get

Conference on 19 and 20 May

on board and support this new

2016 at Melbourne Park.

initiative by LGPro. The program is

A committee of HR professionals

being built by people on the ground

is helping to develop the program based around building the capacity of those working in HR, L&D and

currently working in HR roles on a day to day basis who are in touch with the issues that the sector is

OD to help their Councils recognise

facing,” she said.

the need for and plan ahead for

Fiona said the program is being

change. The program will also

designed for staff at all stages of

focus on career and leadership

their career. It is a real opportunity

development for HR practitioners

for attendees from trainees and

and their wellbeing while they

HR admin staff right through to

are looking after other people’s

the most senior HR person to

wellbeing.

come together and explore new

Suzy Ellingsen, Manager

ways of thinking and working.

Organisational Development and

The Conference will also offer

Risk at Nillumbik Shire Council

great networking opportunities.

is a member of the organising

“Please allocate the budget now,

committee and says the

block out the dates in your diaries,

Conference promises to be

educate the Managers at your

a hands on, practical event.

Council that you will all be away

“Participants will have the

just for a few days – but that this

opportunity to choose from a selection of interactive workshops around the future of HR in a changing environment, being business capable and ready for the future and in exploring alternative workforce models, just to name a few,” she said.

time is really important and you will come back energised and informed and ready to take on the next amazing HR challenge!”

Keynote speaker Paul Taylor, a former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer, who is now an Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist, Neuroscientist and Adjunct Professor at The University of San Francisco, has been secured as the keynote speaker for the Conference.

He is the Director of The Body-Brain Performance Institute where he delivers Executive Performance and Leadership workshops.

In 2010 Paul created and co-hosted the Channel ONE HD TV series, Body and Brain Overhaul. He is the creator of BioAge software that is used by many Australian gyms and he appears regularly on The Biggest Loser series.

Enrolments for the Conference will open in March 2016. For further information contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 35

2015 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Sustainability Initiative

WINNERS & FIN ALISTS

WINNER

DAREBIN CITY COUNCIL, LIBBY HYNES AND GAVIN MOUNTJOY SOLAR $AVER PROGRAM

Darebin City Council’s Solar $aver Program is making solar power more accessible to low income residents.

It’s the first program in Australia enabling households to install solar PV systems and pay them off through their Council rates over 10 years.

Darebin has committed through its Community Climate Action Plan not only to reduce emissions, but to support those most vulnerable to climate change impacts and increasing energy costs.

With quality solar systems from Energy Matters, as well as home visits and energy advice provided by Positive Charge, this well rounded program is enabling 294 pensioner households to save money, save energy and better understand their energy bills.

Participating households are expected to save an average of $120 per year, over their rate payments, rising to over $400 in savings per year after 10 years.

The Solar $aver program has minimal costs to Council with initial funding to be paid off over 10 years.

The Solar $aver initiative is a result of substantial research and strategic

The Solar $aver program has been designed to overcome these barriers removing the upfront cost, providing quality PV systems, and by obtaining the best price through a bulk order and Council’s purchasing power.

planning by the City of Darebin. Both Preston and Reservoir were identified

The program has had a large community engagement platform, with more than

as areas of high heat-stress risk. Many of the at-risk residents are also unable to access sufficient air conditioning

8,000 low income homes contacted directly, as well as advertising, social media and forums. With 40% of Darebin

during these events due to the high cost of electricity. The Solar $aver

residents speaking a language other than English at home, communication has

program enables pensioners to operate their air conditioners at a cheaper rate on days of heat stress.

been a key factor.

The innovative special rate scheme was developed in response to research by the Australian Solar Institute and the CSIRO, which identified the up-front cost for low income households, uncertainty over choosing a good quality system and installer, and lack of trust in energy retailers as the major barriers to solar systems.

36 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

This program provides a unique combination of climate change mitigation and adaptation by assisting those most at risk from climate change to better protect themselves from extreme weather. Through its involvement in a Victorian Adaptation and Sustainability Partnership (VASP) with the State Government, Darebin Council is investigating the effectiveness of solar PV systems in improving access to cooling during heatwaves.

The scope to replicate the Solar $aver program is significant, both within the Darebin municipality and on a Victorian and national scale. The program can run at little or no cost to Councils through inclusion of administration and interest costs, with net financial benefits to residents retained.

FINALIST MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF SYDNEY, STRATA COMMUNITY AUSTRALIA SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS TEAM, SMART BLOCKS These days 40 per cent of new housing in Australian cities is in medium and high-density developments. Apartment buildings are notoriously high energy users with research showing residents living in these developments use 25 per cent more energy than those in detached dwellings.

Up to half of this energy use comes from common areas like hallways, car parks and swimming pools. Cutting energy in these common areas makes sense, financially and environmentally. However, many owners corporations find it difficult to know where to start given mind-boggling strata regulations and highly technical energy efficiency information.

Smart Blocks is a free national program that cuts through the fog, with expert advice specific to State or Territory regulations to help apartment owners and managers retrofit common areas for energy efficiency. Smart Blocks enables and equips people with tools for collaboration

and communication to achieve consensus that leads energy ‘retrofit’ projects.

The core service includes an online project management toolkit that guides users to projects relevant to their building, a robust community engagement and support strategy and measurement, evaluation and continuous improvement mechanisms.

Smart Blocks was created through a unique multi-Council, industry and community sector partnership between Strata Community Australia, City of Melbourne, City of Sydney, Owners Corporation Network and Green Strata which developed Smart Blocks to service the particular needs of the apartment sector, a rapidly growing but previous ‘blind spot’ in the energy efficiency landscape. So far, 484 buildings and 760 users have registered nationally.

Continuing to Support Local Government CIE Legal and HR Legal understand the special requirements of local government addressing the interrelationship between councillors, executives, staff and the broader community.

We offer real innovation and accountability in delivering legal services to meet broader commercial and community objectives.

• • •

Our Services

Workplace Relations Occupational Health & Safety Risk Management

advice and strategy

• •

Procurement & Contract Legal Services Building & Construction

representation

training

For more information or if you require legal advice, please contact us +61 3 9948 2470 | info@cielegal.com.au www.cielegal.com.au

+61 3 9948 2450 | info@hrlegal.com.au www.hrlegal.com.au PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 37

2015 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Young Achiever

WINNERS & FIN ALISTS

WINNER

AMANDA TINGAY GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL

Amanda Tingay has worked extensively to foster a community that is inclusive of all. She is passionate about social justice, building individual and community capacity and believes strongly in communities embracing and accepting diversity.

Her vision in partnership with practical skills and a hard working nature has seen her drive Greater Shepparton City Council’s social inclusion agenda. This includes the development of Council’s first Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, implementation of a ground breaking program aimed at reducing race based discrimination and promoting positive diversity and a healthy environment for all.

In 2012, at only 28 years of age Amanda was appointed as Manager Neighbourhoods and she is the youngest Manager at Greater Shepparton City Council. She has worked on numerous projects within the community and Council and has achieved so much in her working and volunteering life.

Some highlights include:

• Successfully developed and

• Awarded the Avenel Junior Citizen

• In 2012 and 2014, Council received

implemented a Smoke-free Outdoor Dining Trial

of the Year Award in 2001 for her

a Victorian Multicultural Award for

voluntary commitments to the Avenel

Excellence in the Local Government

community and surrounds

Category for Amanda’s leadership,

• Community Development Facilitator of the ‘Seymour We Want Project’ • A participant in LGPro’s Emerging Leaders program in 2009 and was the youngest of the 24 selected participants (at 24 years of age) across the Victorian Local Government sector • Council was a finalist in the Wurreker

vision and action in promoting a community inclusive of all.

“Amanda is passionate about enabling communities to build capacity. Her work has seen communities build resilience, identify assets (whether they be capital or human), and achieve positive outcomes,” Chief Executive Officer of Greater Shepparton City Council, Gavin Cator said.

Awards (2011, 2012, 2013) and in 2013 won the best National Communication Award – Government category, for engaging with low literacy and multicultural groups during the Council Plan 2013-2017 engagement process.

• Developed Council’s first Volunteer Development Strategy

38 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

“She leads with integrity, vision, direction, and passion. She brings a high level of commitment to all that she does and I believe the Greater Shepparton community and our Council are richer for having her expertise and knowledge.”

FINALISTS RACHAEL SHEPPARD, CASEY CITY COUNCIL As a Corporate Learning and Development Officer at Council, Rachael has been instrumental in leading a range of high profile organisation-wide projects to embed a learning and development culture within the organisation. She constantly reflects the Council’s trademark behaviours by showing respect, being positive, thinking things through, taking responsibility and listening and responding.

CASEY WARD, CASEY CITY COUNCIL Casey is the Project Management Officer for Council’s Cultural and Civic Project which is responsible for delivering the $125 million Casey Cultural Precinct (CCP). At only 23 years’ of age, Casey has led some very complex tasks vital to the precinct’s development and has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to manage multiple projects to ensure the best outcome for Council and the community.

KATHERINE COLBERT, HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL Katherine has been committed to community and economic development since a young age. At just 12, she transformed an old shed into a youth space in her home town and has since volunteered with many community groups and projects. She is passionate about engaging young people, encouraging economic growth in regional communities and is a role model for young people in Hindmarsh.

AMY RHODES, NORTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE COUNCIL With a passion for improving opportunities for regional youth and increasing awareness about mental health, Amy has achieved a lot in her 27 years. Amy has dedicated much of her professional life to youthrelated projects and was integral in establishing the Council’s first-ever Youth Action Council (YAC) whose members hold events for young people and educate their peers about mental health through a program called Moving Mountains.

KERRIE MATTHEWS, BASS COAST SHIRE COUNCIL Kerrie is a multi-talented member of the Council’s Environmental Health Department, taking on both an Environmental Health Officer’s role and that of coordinator of the Council’s ‘schoolies’ project. She also coordinates the Council’s tobacco education and enforcement campaign and is responsible for ensuring 100 per cent compliance with all MAV reporting requirements.

OLIVIA BEAUMONT, HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL Olivia is a young achiever and future leader who displays excellence in her approach, exceptional customer service and an enthusiasm that motivates others. In the short time as the Council’s People & Wellbeing Officer she has implemented the organisation’s Health and Wellbeing Program to increase staff awareness on healthier lifestyle choices and to increase staff morale and engagement.

RICK MORRIS, MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL Rick joined Maribyrnong Council in the newly formed role of Recreation Participation Officer and in a short time delivered beyond what the Council envisaged the role would be capable of. He developed the concept and delivered, with relevant Council officers and external partners, the Active Maribyrnong EXPO, the Active Maribyrnong Guide, a new Junior Netball Program, Parkrun and the Spring into Summer Series, just to name a few.

CHLOE CASEY, BAW BAW SHIRE COUNCIL Chloe has worked in the Communications unit since March 2011. She is an unassuming achiever who works diligently always with the goal of achieving the best result for her organisation. Chloe harnesses her pride in doing a good job and takes new staff under her wing and fosters confidence and skills in those new to the workforce. She is a valued team member who has grasped the opportunities available to her to grow both personally and professionally.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 39

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40 | PROFILE SPRING 2015

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2015 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Organisational Diversity

WINNERS & FIN ALISTS

WINNER

HOBSONS BAY CITY COUNCIL, GOWEST AND LGBTIQ INCLUSION INITIATIVES TEAM, CELEBRATING QUEER CULTURE IN MELBOURNE’S WEST AND LGBTIQ INCLUSION

GOWEST is a brand and annual initiative of Hobsons Bay City Council held as part of the Midsumma Festival, Melbourne’s premier LGBTIQ arts and cultural festival. It is an exemplary partnership model that fosters community engagement and social inclusion across Melbourne’s inner west, bringing together Local Government areas, business and community organisations through the sharing of resources and common goals.

Under the umbrella of GOWEST, the program has grown from an exhibition and a community forum in 2010, solely in Hobsons Bay, to become an innovative partnership model and festival offering 24 events across all western region municipalities with more than 20 partners.

The GOWEST program has enhanced economic development and cultural tourism in Melbourne’s west and has led to the region becoming known as a LGBTIQ friendly community and increased community awareness and visibility of queer culture.

Hobsons Bay City Council has worked to strengthen the participation and rights of LGBTIQ people through delivering a large range of internal and community engagement initiatives. The LGBTIQ inclusion initiatives and approach of the Council to proactively support and celebrate diversity is helping to combat discrimination and increase understanding and acceptance of difference.

The Council has successfully engaged the

• Resourcing a specific LGBTIQ portfolio within Council and establishing partnerships with other Councils and organisations in the west to support diversity • Establishment of Victoria’s first

• Initiation of the LGBTIQ Western

a reputation as a role model for diversity providing a voice and equal opportunity

Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham

of the Hobsons Bay City Council

identify and address barriers affecting LGBTIQ communities across the seven western region municipalities of Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, • Ongoing delivery, expansion and successful implementation of GOWEST as part of Melbourne’s annual Midsumma Festival, becoming an official major partner with Midsumma

LGBTIQ Action Plan implementing

GOWEST is unique because of its

recommendations of the 2010

independently resourced project delivery, as opposed to the financial contributions made to Midsumma directly.

LGBTIQ forum report ‘Supporting Queer Culture in Melbourne’s West’

under one marketing umbrella.

Advisory Committee Region Councils’ Working Group to

• Development and successful delivery

organisations in Melbourne’s west by enabling them to drive their own initiatives

Local Government LGBTIQ

support of neighbouring western region councils, local businesses and community organisations to collectively combat discrimination and increase understanding and acceptance of diversity, establishing

for LGBTIQ communities. This has been achieved by:

GOWEST ensures the active participation and decision making of Councils, community members, businesses and

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 41

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connect-aon.com.au 42 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

COM0261 1015

FEATURE STORY

CEOs and their fitness

›

A CEO’s role is high pressure, stressful and often involves long hours. So how do Local Government CEOs cope with the rigours of the job? Mike Tyler and Simon McMillan, who are CEOs at Casey and Banyule Councils respectively, use fitness as a way to keep their mind and body in good shape as they explain below.

Mike Tyler’s life changing journey

two disciplines, but when he can

to change his diet and exercise

fit it in he does all three.

began 17 years ago after he had one of the Council’s biennial health checks for all managers.

He has found the benefits of being active are threefold – the satisfaction in achieving difficult

For over 11 years he has used the

physical challenges improves

Casey ARC leisure facility regularly,

self-confidence and mental health;

ran on a treadmill, rode an exercise

physical exhaustion leads to sound

bike and swam in the pool. Then

sleeping, which assists physical and

a friend suggested he get outside

mental performance the next day

The amount of time Simon spends

and combine the three disciplines

and high fitness levels help him

exercising varies each week– during

into a ‘real’ triathlon.

to keep as healthy as possible.

daylight saving he runs 10-12

Mike participated in his first triathlon

Mike says he has noticed that by

six years ago and has since become

prioritising his own health and

passionate about the sport and in

fitness, there has been a flow on

particular, cycling. “In what were

effect to other staff. “At Casey, we

small steps at first, I did a 25km bike

have a range of health and lifestyle

ride causing muscle cramps, and

initiatives to encourage staff to be

competed in mini-triathlon events.

active. These include a corporate

Within a couple of years I progressed

rate at Council leisure centres (one

to cycling up French mountains

of which is located immediately

on the same roads as the Tour de

adjacent to the Council office),

France and representing Australia

fitbit discounts, a health promotion

in the World Championships for

program, flu immunisations, activity

Age Group Triathlon in Sprint and

based internal competitions and

Olympic Distances,” he said.

support for a staff club which

In the last four years Mike has

encourages staff to participate in

ridden in France each year

external competitions wearing

Mike Tyler

kilometres two or three times a week and on weekends he runs 15 kilometres with a few friends.

“I even try to run from work to home (15 kilometres) once a week along the Yarra/Koonung Trails.

I have certainly appreciated the efforts of Councils to improve their open space, linear trails and shared paths. I also appreciate the drinking stops along paths – this really encourages people to take on a few more kilometres without the fear of dehydration,” he said.

Exercise is a must for Simon who makes time in his busy work calendar and to fit it in with family commitments. Some weeks are obviously better than others and on days that he can’t run he walks /runs with his dog to ensure he gets outside.

(including racing a mountain stage

Casey uniforms.”

of the Tour known as L’Etape du

Simon McMillan has been a keen

Tour in 2014 and again in 2015).

runner for many years and found

He has also competed in the

from very early in his working life

World Triathlon Championships in

that a run after work along the

Auckland, London and Edmonton

foreshore or around Albert Park

and ridden in the final of the UWCT

Lake helped to deactivate from the

World Tour road race in Trento, Italy.

stresses of working in a very busy

Mike trains almost every day getting

planning office.

out on the road cycling before

“In fact quite often I felt a bit like

5.30am and riding 50 kilometres,

Forrest Gump as on any given run

Simon says he feels much healthier for exercising which he balances with a relatively healthy diet. “I am a huge breakfast fan – something I wish I did when I was kid – as it creates high energy throughout

then runs or swims at lunchtime

I found I had followers from the

the day. Being active also helps the

or in the evening (depending on

office. Today some 20 plus years

mind – clear thinking is critical and

his diary). He trains about 25 hours

later I still run with a few people

with a good balance of work/life

a week, which would be roughly

from back then – the difference

together with exercise, I find I can

15 hours cycling, six hours

is we run closer to home, much

get through long days focused and

of running and four hours of

slower, less distance and enjoy a

able to bounce back the next day.”

swimming. Most days he does

conversation,” he said.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 43

Simon McMillan

PROGRAM NEWS

Learning from the best

›

Participants in LGPro’s Executive Leadership Program (XLP) not only get to develop their leadership skills so they become more confident and capable leaders, but they get to learn from the best in the business.

An important part of the nine

“I try to be the ‘mirror’ reflecting

mentoring energizing and she

month program is the relationship

back to mentees what they are

enjoys the opportunity to ‘give back”

the 24 participants develop with the

saying, without judgement, to assist

as she has had mentors during her

mentor they are matched with.

them to understand and get their

career who have generously shared

The mentors include high profile

perspective correct,” he said.

their time and wisdom.

CEOs, senior Government directors

John says it has been rewarding

and business executives. Many of

to see the mentees he has worked

them have been involved in the

with grow and change as they

program for several years and all

take on things they have learnt

are committed to sharing their

in the program.

knowledge and expertise with those participating in XLP. Three of our mentors talk below about why they got involved in John Rogerson

XLP and what they get out of it.

John Rogerson has been Chief Executive of the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) since 2008 and has over 20 years’ experience in the alcohol and other drugs field. He is a member of key advisory groups, including the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs, National Alliance for Action on Alcohol, International Drug Policy Consortium and the Liquor Control Advisory Council (Victoria).

Anita Roper

Prior to this, John worked in the agriculture industry for over 17 years.

John has been an XLP mentor for about six years and says it’s a privilege to be able to provide a listening ear to his mentees. “Seeing mentees face their challenges and also their opportunities and change and grow has been rewarding. I have also gained a greater understanding of the Local Government system,” he said.

He says he tries to provide his mentees with a different

James Demetriou

perspective, one they may not have considered previously and supports them to be courageous when making tough decisions.

44 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

Anita Roper is an experienced director, currently serving as a Member of the Board of Inquiry into the Hazelwood Coal Mine Fire, Director of Yarra Valley Water and Chair of their Human Resources, Remuneration and Safety Board Committee, Director of the Fitzroy Football Club and Member of the Victorian Public Sector Commission Advisory Board. Her executive career spans the private and public sectors in both Australia and internationally including as Chief Executive Officer

James Demetriou is a senior executive with extensive management experience in local and international corporate mergers and acquisitions and turnarounds across the education, manufacturing and rural sectors.

He also has extensive experience in commercialising technology, particularly sport technologies and has been involved in seven start-up businesses over the past 15 years.

James has been heavily involved in sport over the past 40 years having been a senior player and a board director of the Essendon Football Club. He has a great affinity to Local Government having been a Councillor at the former City of Coburg.

of Sustainability Victoria, Global

As an XLP mentor James says he

Director of Sustainability with Alcoa

has enjoyed meeting a new breed

in New York and a member of the

of emerging leaders, and witnessing

Secretariat for the Global Mining

their vitality and their thirst for

Initiative (GMI) in London.

innovation. “It has given me the

An XLP mentor since 2012, Anita believes a mentoring program is only successful if the learnings are

opportunity to work with some really driven people who have a desire to make a difference.

two-way. “It is often assumed the

“I encourage my mentees to apply

mentor has all the answers – not

and stretch their thinking to other

the case – the mentor’s role is to

forms of learning and training and

challenge and ask the questions –

applying very experiential learning.

usually the mentee solves/answers

I try to get them out of their

the question through self-analysis,”

comfort zone and to think about

she said.

new ways to tackle problems.

Anita says being a mentor has

For further information about

challenged her thinking by giving

being a mentor in XLP contact

her exposure to fresh ideas and

LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.

approaches and the opportunity to learn about new ideas. She finds

PROGRAM NEWS

New programs for 2016 ›

LGPro has some new programs in the pipeline in 2016 to meet the professional development needs of people working in the sector.

Reporting Writing workshop Writing reports is the bane of life for many people working in the sector.

LGPro’s customised Report Writing workshops will help you to write a report that is relevant, rigorous and readable. The workshops will be led by a former Council CEO, Doug Sharp and Steve Cooper who is an experienced governance, compliance, risk and OHS manager. They aim to provide anyone who writes a Council report with a better understanding of what makes a good report.

Caretaker arrangements workshop With Local Government elections scheduled in November 2016,

Councils will be in Caretaker mode

outdoor workers. While the program

in the lead up to the election. This

structure is still being finalised,

workshop is designed to help

it will be tailored to an outdoor

Councils prepare for the Caretaker

workforce and will provide

period and to provide them with

participants with specific examples

clarity on the limitations placed

relating to their workplace. At this

on them during this time. It will

stage the program will be offered

cover Caretaker conventions,

over four, one day and half day

legislated requirements in Victoria,

sessions and will include workshops

election period policies, planning

and individual coaching sessions.

and preparation and roles,

For further information on

responsibilities and relationships.

Ignite for outdoor workers Our successful Ignite leadership learning pathway for supervisors, team leaders and coordinators

these programs and to discuss your Council’s specific professional development needs contact Leanne Bickley at LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.

who are new to leading is being adapted to meet the needs of

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 45

MEMBER NEWS

Our members speak out ›

LGPro is able to provide a credible and independent voice for people working in Local Government thanks to the support of our members.

We work hard to represent our members on issues that matter to them and we also provide them with an opportunity to participate in professional development activities, acquire specialist advice and resources and access a professional community that supports them in their career in Local Government.

Many of our members have been with us for 10-15 years and in this Profile we take the opportunity to introduce two of them.

similar officers and sharing your knowledge, systems and processes.

LGPro provides a perfect platform for that sharing.”

Mark has attended the LGPro Annual Conference for the past 12-15 years, is a member of the Statutory Services SIG which helped to produce the Best Practice Guide for Local Laws and had two trips to East Timor as part of an LGPro Mentoring program for East Timorese officials.

communication via conferences and the magazine. The LGPro Annual Conference is a favourite, as well as the Women’s Network Forum and Network Dinner. She has been involved in submissions for LGPro awards.

Trish says she encourages people to join LGPro so they can learn from others in the sector, as well as getting lots of enjoyment from the connections they make.

Who should join LGPro

Mark Verbaken, Manager Environment and Community Protection at Wodonga City Council, started his Local Government career as a student Health Surveyor at the then City of Doncaster and Templestowe in 1979. He spent 35 years at Councils mainly in regional and rural areas working in waste management, environmental health, sustainability, compliance, local laws and emergency management. He has also lectured in environmental science at Swinburne and Latrobe Universities.

As a strong supporter of Local Government, Mark is keen to ensure the sector is portrayed in a good light. “I believe it is important that all staff working in the sector know what is happening within their industry and apply consistency to their tasks. This involves maintaining good relationships with

46 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

Trish Smyth, Manager of Libraries and Education at Kingston City Council has worked for nine Councils and two Shires since she started her Local Government career in the early 1980s. In her current role she is responsible for eight libraries and five Council community hubs, as well as liaison with historical societies.

From the moment she started working in Local Government Trish has loved it. “It is the level of government closest to the community and you can see the results of what you do. I enjoy the collaboration with other professions and expertise which you get in Local Government and LGPro enables me to add to the collaboration sector wide’” she said.

Trish says being an LGPro Member has provided her with invaluable professional networking, a broader view of the sector, information and

If you work in Local Government in Victoria and you are interested in shaping the sector, furthering your career, growing your networks and being recognised for your contribution to the sector – LGPro Membership will help you achieve this.

Why join?

LGPro Membership gives our members a voice on issues that matter to them and an opportunity to be part of the solution. LGPro Members can participate in professional development activities at significantly reduced rates, acquire specialist advice and resources and access a professional community that will support them through their career in Local Government.

For further information visit LGPro Individual Membership or contact Michelle Cox Membership Development Manager on (03) 9268 6400.

MEMBER NEWS

LGPro’s new Membership Development Manager › Meet Michelle Cox our new Membership Development Manager “I am excited to join the LGPro as

Specialising in membership

to connect with people in the

the new Membership Development

development and strategic

Local Government sector.

Manager. I have recently returned

marketing planning, I have extensive

to Melbourne after living in Alberta,

experience in digital and social

Canada, where I have discovered

media engagement, sponsorship

the true meaning of cold and

and stakeholder management,

have crossed paths with a wolf

business development and

running through downtown

process improvement, event

Calgary – true story!

and conference management,

My experience has largely

e-commerce, project management

been with membership-based

and financial planning at both

organisations within the education

state and national levels.

IT sector. In 2011, I successfully

It is wonderful to join an

completed my Master of Marketing

organisation like LGPro that

and for over a decade I have been

celebrates innovation and

focused on applying integrated and

excellence, encourages the sharing

creative marketing strategies for

of best practice and provides

associations and their affiliates.

great networking opportunities

I look forward to meeting and working with the LGPro Individual Members, Special Interest Groups and wider the Local Government

Michelle Cox

sector reinforcing the value of collegiality.

On a personal note, I suppose I’m a self-described techno geek.

If I’m not dabbling in how to develop an app or a bit of graphic design, I’ll be out on the weekend behind the camera lens of my beloved Nikon D300, taking shots of vibrant Melbourne.”

Rewarding performance with LGPro Membership Wangaratta Rural City Council has

and Performance Coordinator;

She invited other

embraced LGPro’s Be the Bridge

Anthea Sloane, Manager Finance

Council’s across

initiative with the five members

and Courtney Naughton, Waste

Victoria to beat

of the Council’s Executive Team

Management Coordinator.

Wangaratta’s result

gifting LGPro Individual Membership to someone in their team.

Their memberships were gifted

by Brendan McGrath, CEO; Ruth

– so “together we can grow the LGPro membership”.

The membership was gifted

Kneebone, Director Corporate

Wangaratta is one of many Councils

to the person in their team who

Services; Alan Clark, Director

who have gifted LGPro Individual

they considered worked hard in

Infrastructure Services; Barry Green,

Membership to a staff member

their role, demonstrated values

Director Development Services

through this initiative as reward and

based leadership and showed

and Jaime Carroll, Director

recognition for their performance.

great potential in the Local

Community Wellbeing.

Government sector.

It is not too late to join this

Fiona Shanks, Manager of People &

initiative, for further information

The lucky recipients were: Emily

Performance at Wangaratta described

visit www.lgpro.com or contact

Stone, Team Leader Family &

Be the Bridge as a great initiative

Michelle Cox Membership

Early Childhood Services; Joanne

and said she hoped the successful

Development Manager

Turner, Economic Development

staff made use of their membership

on (03) 9268 6400.

Officer; Robin Gardner, People

and the benefits it offered.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 47

New LGPro members from Wangaratta, from left, Emily Stone, Joanne Turner, and Robin Gardner.

Anthea Sloane and Courtney Naughton were absent from the picture.

NEW LGPRO MEMBERS

Welcome to new Members

›

We would like to welcome the following new members who joined LGPro between 18 August and 16 November 2015. We look forward to working with you to shape this wonderful sector.

Jessie Ablett

Jo Haw

Adrian Murphy

Baw Baw Shire Council

Gannawarra Shire Council

Moonee Valley City Council

Fiona Banks

Justin Hinch

Courtney Naughton

Boroondara City Council

Warrnambool City Council

Wangaratta Rural City Council

Allison Clark

Rebecca Hollingworth

Stevie Pearce

Frankston City Council

Gannawarra Shire Council

Gannawarra Shire Council

Steve Cook

Liz Hunter

Jenny Pemberton-Webb

Hepburn Shire Council

Melton City Council

Greater Dandenong City Council

Kelsey Corrie

Michael Hynes

Caroline Perry

Gannawarra Shire Council

Hepburn Shire Council

Yarra Ranges Council

Carl Cowie

Jonathan Kambouris

Shane Power

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Port Phillip City Council

Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Kayla Dare

Stephen Kerrigan

Daisy Price

Glenelg Shire Council

Glenelg Shire Council

Bass Coast Shire Council

Cathy Douglas

Simon Kinsey

Mark Remnant

Cardinia Shire Council

Whitehorse City Council

Buloke Shire Council

Maddy Dowling

Narelle Klein

Jodie Reyntjes

Melbourne City Council

Wodonga City Council

Greater Geelong City Council

Lisa Edgar

Ida Lloyd

Jarred Stevens

Whittlesea City Council

Maroondah City Council

Frankston City Council

Michelle Firmager

Sally MacAdams

Bradley Thomas

Frankston City Council

Yarra City Council

Mount Alexander Shire Council

John Fox

Jaya Manchikanti

Joanne Turner

Knox City Council

Stonnington City Council

Wangaratta Rural City Council

Vita Galante

Miranda Markovic

Daniel Vincent-Smith

Moreland City Council

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Whitehorse City Council

Robin Gardner

Joanne Massoud

Rachel Weaver

Wangaratta Rural City Council

Nillumbik Shire Council

Frankston City Council

Kate Gerritsen

Melissa Mazzarino

Matthew Wilson

Hepburn Shire Council

Greater Bendigo City Council

Melton City Council

Grace Girardi

Jessica Mether

Nerida Wood

Maribyrnong City Council

Baw Baw Shire Council

Yarra Ranges Council

Sally Gray

Christina Micallef

Central Goldfields Shire Council

Whittlesea City Council

Trevor Greenberger

Bill Mulholland

Moyne Shire Council

Stonnington City Council

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

48 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

VERNE KRASTINS FEATURE ARTICLE

Flipping the gender coin

›

Of all the whole-of-population demographic coins you might toss, only one has a 50/50 outcome, or nearly so. That coin is gender, with women making up just over 50% of the Australian population. The natural state is an equal balance of men and women.

But clearly, there is imbalance in some sectors and strata of our society. This is as true of the Local Government sector as it is in others, at least at the higher echelons of management and decision making.

LGPro membership shines a light But back to statistics, LGPro’s membership data is a shining light.

Around 52% of LGPro members in 2015 are women, a stellar

We even have the Victorian Government getting on board, with the Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins providing a grant for a female Director from a rural Council to join the 2016 XLP program.

According to ALGA*, in 2010

adjustment to gender balance

Australia wide, 27% of elected

compared to 29% in 2014. It’s good

Of course, LGPro isn’t the only Local

members and barely 5% CEO’s

at the top too, with seven women

Government peak body taking steps

and General Managers were

on LGPro’s 10 strong Board.

to promote gender balance. The

women. Victoria exhibits this disparity as well, though we do seem ahead of the game.

Growth in the female contingent may be attributed to a few factors, including a concerted push by

VLGA, ALGA and MAV* are each on the case, along with the VLGA related Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition.

For instance, 34% of councillors

and amongst women themselves,

elected in October 2012 were

to an extent facilitated by LGPro’s

It’s good to be able to cite Victoria

women (215 of 631 across Victoria),

calendar of events and programs.

as progressive in this balancing

and as of November 2015, 12 of our

Two examples are the Annual

act, but the statistics show that

79 CEOs are women (about 16%).

Women’s Network Dinner and

imbalance remains the norm. We

the LGPro Women’s Professional

still have a long way to go before

Development Forum.

the heads or tails of it are a fair toss.

making up 62% of Victorian Local

Gender balance is also one of

Verne Krastins,

Government employees, 66% of

the key recruitment criteria for

these part timers. We could debate

LGPro’s Executive Leadership

Sector Connector® verne@sectorconnector.com.au

the reasons at length, whether

Program (XLP) and Emerging

this is a gap of achievement,

Leaders Program (ELP), each equal

opportunity or something else,

in female and male participants

and what the solution may be.

(11/11 and 12/12 respectively).

Further down the hierarchy this skews the other way, with women

*ALGA – Australian Local Government Association.

VLGA – Victorian Local Governance Association.

MAV – Municipal Association of Victoria.

| 49

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Providing support for people working with volunteers ›

The Volunteering SIG was established four years ago when a gap was identified regarding support for Local Government officers working directly or indirectly with volunteers.

Jean Tusler (Hume City Council), Joan Pepi (formerly Casey City Council) and Christine Bell (Brimbank City Council) recognised the importance of providing a network of support and information sharing to Local Government officers working in the volunteering sector. LGPro was identified as the appropriate organisation to manage the group.

SIG members meet once a quarter and average 10-15 members per meeting. City of Melbourne has provided fantastic support to the SIG over the past two years by hosting meetings.

Jane Lawson, Volunteer Development Officer at Nillumbik

Shire Council and Maddy Dowling, Healthy Ageing Volunteer Coordinator at City of Melbourne are Co-convenors of the SIG. Membership varies from those who directly run volunteering programs to those who are involved in policy and procedure development.

The meeting format is generally informal and can include guest speakers, a quarterly update from Volunteering Victoria, discussion around relevant topics, information sharing and Q & A time. Highlights and achievements have included SIG members presenting at the 2014 International Volunteering Conference and also at the 2012 and 2013 LGPro Annual Conferences.

Members of the Volunteering SIG at their November meeting.

50 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

Jane says being part of the SIG has enabled her to grow and thrive in her role. “I first joined the SIG as a very inexperienced Local Government officer with limited knowledge of the Victorian volunteering sector. I also found myself in a role that was completely new to me. The SIG gave me the opportunity to establish relationships with others in Local Government and it removed the isolation I was experiencing allowing me to flourish within my role.”

Visit LGPro Volunteering SIG http://lgpro.com/sigs/volunteering for further information or contact Michelle Cox Membership Development Manager on (03) 9268 6400.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Relaunched SIG for executive and personal assistants

›

Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants play an important role in Councils.

Not only are they the gatekeepers for the Executive Team, staff in the organisation seek answers, advice, support and information from them.

LGPro is relaunching the Executive Assistants Special Interest Group (SIG) early 2016 to assist Local Government Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants to come together to support each other, share knowledge, experience, ideas and contacts and discuss topics of interest.

The first meeting will be held on 9 March 2016 at Whitehorse City Council. It is open to Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants to Chief Executive Officers, Mayors and Councillors, General Managers, Directors and Managers and is also extended to Assistant Team Leaders and Coordinators.

Jo George, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer at the City of Whitehorse and Jo Graham, Executive Assistant to the Director Community Wellbeing at Hobsons

Bay City Council are chairing the Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting and Doreen Hastas, Executive Assistant to Mayor and Councillors at City of Whitehorse is the Co-convenor of the group.

Jo George believes the group will provide a vital support network for Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants. “Early this year a few of us started talking about reforming the group which last met in 2008.”

Discussions continued with LGPro and it was decided to reform the Special Interest Group (SIG) in 2016 with the aim of having three meetings a year in different locations in March, July and November,” she said.

The first meeting on 9 March 2016 will be an “ice breaker” where participants can provide input to the aims and objectives of the

group to ensure meetings are meaningful and productive.

“Attendees should come with an open mind, ideas or suggestions and bring along any topics they would like to discuss or explore so we can construct some framework around this information and line up appropriate speakers/presenters, workshops and activities,” Jo said.

City of Whitehorse, Chief Executive Officer, Noelene Duff will also speak at the first meeting about her career journey from the beginning until present day. There will be an opportunity to ask Noelene questions following the presentation.

Visit www.lpgro.com for further information on this SIG or contact Michelle Cox Membership Development Manager on (03) 9268 6400.

Emerging leaders at Whitehorse Council test their management skills Members of Whitehorse City

knowledge of finance, risk

Council’s emerging leaders team

and asset management as they

pitted their wits and skills against

completed each of the tasks

each other on 19 November at the

all of which were relevant to

inaugural Whitehorse Management

issues facing the Council. Each

Challenge organised and facilitated

team was also assessed on

by LGPro.

a pre challenge task that they

Twenty one participants divided

completed before the event day.

into five teams to complete seven

The winning Whitehorse team

tasks during the one day event.

will compete in the Victorian

Experienced observers judged

State competition in the

the teams on their performance

Australasian Management

management, negotiation skills,

Challenge in March 2016.

If your Council is interested in running a tailored in house management challenge event, contact Leanne Bickley at LGPro on (03) 9268 6400 or email leanneb@lgpro.com PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 51

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Tastes of the world at Shepparton’s food festival Greater Shepparton Council developed

This year there was an increase in

including Uniting Care, Kildonan,

the St Georges Road Food Festival to

the number of stall holders with food

Headspace Shepparton, Word and Mouth,

acknowledge the range of cultures

from Turkey, Sudan, Italy, Asia, India

The Bridge, Alkasem Youth Organisation,

in the community and to celebrate

and Afghanistan, as well as Indigenous

Victoria Police and CFA.

multiculturalism.

foods available. Shepparton has a strong

Around 3,000 residents attended the second annual festival held in late September and enjoyed an assortment of multicultural food, entertainment and activities including kite making,

multicultural population with 10 per cent of residents from countries where English is not their first language.

Greater Shepparton also has a high population of Aboriginal residents.

henna art, turban tying and a

A number of groups and organisations

community sports game with the

in the community collaborated with

local police and CFA participating.

the Council to make the event a success

Historic lake transformed into cutting-edge rain garden A Moonee Valley City Council project to turn an historic but dilapidated ornamental lake into a cutting-edge rain garden was highly commended at the Stormwater

Victoria Excellence Awards.

The project was led by Venta Slizys and Liz Chapman from the Council’s Open Space and Urban Design team, with support from staff from teams across Council including Parks and Gardens, Infrastructure, Environment and Engineering Services.

Venta said Maribyrnong Park’s historic rotunda and lake had a great deal of heritage value for the community, but

over the years of drought it became obvious that design improvements were needed to sustain the lake and improve the health of the surrounding landscape.

“We are very pleased with the outcomes of this project. We’ve been able to redesign the existing ornamental lake and historic rotunda to bring about important environmental benefits while still retaining the area’s heritage value,” said Venta.

Cardinia budget brainstorm Cardinia Shire Council called for input

priorities, the needs, wants and aspirations

the Council’s updated logo being installed

from local residents on what services

of residents – both existing and future –

across the Shire. Installation started in

and support are most important to them

against the limited resources available.

October and it is expected that all of

at a series of community forums held

“Our goal is to ensure the budget is both

the new signage will be installed within

during November.

realistic and sustainable, so that we are

two years.

Dubbed the ‘big budget brainstorm’, the forums were part of the 2016/17 budget planning process and provided an opportunity for residents to have their say on how Council should prioritise its spending.

Cardinia Mayor Cr Jodie Owen said the

not spending beyond our means. It is an ongoing challenge each year to make sure the roads, bridges, sporting and community facilities, services and support are managed and maintained for our existing and future communities,” she said.

New signage

annual budget process involved difficult

Cardinia is getting a fresh look with

decisions balancing local and shire-wide

new township entrance signs featuring The new entrance sign to Pakenham.

52 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Realm – a first for Local Government Maroondah City Council’s Realm is a first of its kind library, cultural, knowledge and innovation centre, located centrally within the new Ringwood Town Square. The centre was officially opened on 29 October.

Owned by Council, Realm was constructed as part of Queensland Investment Corporation’s (QIC) $665 million Eastland redevelopment and is the flagship building in the new Town Square precinct.

During the planning Council undertook significant consultation with the Maroondah community to ensure the centre would meet their needs and remain relevant into the future.

From left, David Moloney, Simon Kinsey, Mark Varmalis and Ken Bott during their overseas research trip.

Engineering scholarship recipients share research results Three Local Government engineers received scholarships from the Municipal Engineering Foundation Victoria to attend the American Public Works Association (APWA) International Congress and Exposition held in Phoenix and to visit Local Government organisations across the USA and Canada to undertake research.

The successful scholarship recipients were: • Simon Kinsey, Design and Construction Coordinator Whitehorse City Council whose research topic was emerging environmental sustainability innovations and trends in design and construction for municipal engineering projects.

• Ken Bott, Manager Infrastructure Assets Bayside City Council researched bestpractice community engagement approaches and practices that ensure Local Government remains relevant by making level of service decisions that meet the needs of the broader community.

• David Moloney, Manager Works, Corangamite Shire Council researched the effects of preventative and proactive maintenance strategies on asset life.

• Mark Varmalis, Director of Engineering and Environment Yarra Ranges Council was the leader of the group and researched continuous improvement and leadership development within organisations to create a high performing culture.

In its 50th year, the Municipal Engineering Foundation Victoria continues to support the professional and personal development of engineers working in Local Government in Victoria.

Over 3,400sqm, the centre incorporates a Council Service Centre, library, Centre for Regional Knowledge and Innovation, curated art space, creative content studio and more. This is a first for Local Government and responds to the changing needs of the growing community in Melbourne’s east.

At Realm a truly unique Council Customer Service experience is redefining the way communities and visitors engage with Council through the introduction of state-of-the-art technologies and regional information services.

The 1,000sqm library includes over 45,000 books, iPads, e-books, DVDs, free e-learning programs and new touch screen technologies and the ArtSpace will feature dynamic, contemporary exhibitions by leading practice artists and present a range of participatory arts experiences, performances, arts incubators and artist-in-residence programs, to engage and delight the community and visitors.

The nationally significant Centre for Regional Knowledge and Innovation inspires lifelong learning and collaboration and BizHub, which is located within this centre, is a one-stop-shop business resource centre.

This outstanding facility is the result of strong partnerships with the Victorian and Australian Governments and QIC, innovative thinking and forward planning by Maroondah City Council. Community engagement played a key role in the project’s development and success.

The scholarship recipients have been active in sharing their experiences with their colleagues at their respective Councils and with industry bodies. Their study reports will be published on the MEFV website http://mefvic.org. au/research/ People using the new Realm centre.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 53

COUNCIL NEWSFROM FROMACROSS ACROSS VICTORIA VICTORIA COUNCIL NEWS

What’s happening in Local Government The sugar free drink campaign Healthy Together Whittlesea (HTW), a State Government funded initiative, ran a campaign during National Children’s Week from Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2015 to encourage local schools, sporting clubs, restaurants, cafes, leisure centres and events to remove sugary drinks from view.

The Sugary Drink Free Children’s Week campaign was in support of a broader state-wide push to support a reduction in sugary drink consumption.

Members of the South Morang Cricket Club show their support for the campaign.

The campaign was popular with local residents wanting to see more of this sort of support for parents and included 65 schools and early learning centres, two cricket clubs, six gyms and leisure centres, 55 retail food outlets and two major community events.

While the primary aim of the campaign was to remove sugary drinks from children’s view in popular settings during Children’s Week, a longer term project is to get a commitment from all stakeholders in HTW to remove sugary drinks from children’s view as part of an extended pilot program in term one 2016.

ALGWA bursary helps Melissa to achieve her goals Murrindindi Shire Council’s Senior Planning Officer, Melissa Crane has been awarded a bursary designed to support the professional development of women in Local Government.

Melissa received the Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association’s (ALGWA) annual bursary which encourages and assists women in the sector to further their education.

The award was presented by the new Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau AM, who is also Patron of ALGWA.

Melissa is currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Management through Swinburne University. The course is specially tailored for Local Government and designed in conjunction with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

She says the award will help her to achieve her goals and enhance her contribution to Council and the community of Murrindindi Shire. “The experience of attending high tea at Parliament House and the opportunity to hear from someone as impressive as our first female Governor was extraordinary

and I felt like I’d won by just being there, even before the outcome was announced,” she said.

Melissa Crane and Murrindindi Shire Mayor Margaret Rae at the bursary presentation.

Yarra Ranges introduces Indigenous language resource Yarra Ranges Council has launched the Woiwurrung Language Resource for Early Years after identifying a need for a language resource to respond to the strong interest from local early year’s services and schools.

Auntie Joy Wandin, Yarra Ranges Mayor Fiona McAllister and Mandy Nicholson at the language resource launch.

54 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

The resource, launched in partnership with Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association and the Wurun Child and Family Place, contains teaching aids including language cards and an accompanying audio CD created by Mandy Nicholson, Aboriginal Artist and

Woiwurrung Language Specialist at the Victorian Aboriginal Language Centre.

As language is an essential part of a culture, this resource will play a role in strengthening community knowledge and use of Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people.

It will be made accessible to early year’s services across the Yarra Ranges and is expected to provide a valuable resource that will enable children to reach their full potential.

LGPRO SOCIAL MEDIA CONFERENCE

Planning for 2016 LGPro Social Media Conference ›

What’s next in social media? How can we level up our skills and techniques to the cutting edge in online engagement?

These are the questions that will

Committee convenor, Steve

be tackled at the fourth annual

Fuery said while raising the bar

LGPro Social Media Conference

on successes of previous years,

on 20 April 2016.

the conference remains very

The conference has become the key event for people

affordable and relevant for Local Government professionals.

working in the digital media

‘’The 2016 event returns to the

space, communications, PR and

Bayview Eden to look at emerging

community engagement in Local

technologies and how we can

Government and in 2016 it will

use today’s tools across Council

also appeal to those working in

teams more effectively,” he said.

economic development.

Presenters will include a systems

An organising committee

thinker, innovator and TEDx

comprising sector professionals

expert from New Zealand who

has been busy developing a

will provide a keynote address.

program that is purpose-built for

Other sessions will focus on

people working in the sector.

video making workshops, live streaming, analytics and a lively debate.

The organising committee comprises: Steve Fuery, Bass Coast Shire Council Nate Leslie, Yarra Ranges Council Natasha Leary, Greater Bendigo Shire Council Roger Hicks, Boroondara City Council Ben Sylvan, Port Phillip City Council Dan Hogan, Melton City Council Roberta Baker, Indigo Shire Council Diana Pawluk, LGPro Check out the LGPro website www.lgpro.com early next year for further updates for the 2016 Social Media Conference.

What’s happening in Local Government cont’d

New sculpture puts Brimbank on the international stage Brimbank City Council has welcomed the

Association, Kane Construction, Lyons

commissioning of John Kelly’s Man lifting

Architects and Big West Festival.

cow sculpture which is a landmark arts project in Sunshine.

The project demonstrates how Council can work with artists and corporate and

The project was made possible through

philanthropic partners to deliver significant

significant financial and in-kind support

and lasting social and economic benefits

from both philanthropic and corporate

for the people of Brimbank through the arts.

organisations. The three principal

It is expected to give Sunshine an

project partners are Sotheby’s Australia, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Sunshine Market Place. The Sun Foundation is a major supporter and the project supporters are Sunshine Business

international profile as John, who grew up in Sunshine, is an internationally recognised artist. His other sculptures have been exhibited far and wide in Paris, London and Monte Carlo.

John Kelly’s Man Lifting Cow sculpture

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 55

Tony De Fazio and Joel Elbourne Tony De Fazio is the Manager of Civic Services at Whitehorse City Council and an LGPro Board Member.

›

I commenced in Local Government as a cooperative year student from RMIT as part of work experience in gaining the Bachelor in Business Studies (Local Government) in 1977.

I was Deputy Town Clerk at both the City of Preston and City of Port Melbourne before moving to KPMG in 1994 as a Management Consultant. I moved back into Local Government as Administration and Local Laws Manager at Hobsons Bay City Council and moved into my present role at Whitehorse in 2004.

Your last holiday destination and did you enjoy it?

Three famous people you would like to invite to dinner and why?

endurance events. And I played a mean game of billiards in my youth!

I went on a cruise on the Golden Princess to New Zealand for 13 days. While I was a little anxious about the potential of being sea sick, it all went well and I had a ball.

Nelson Mandela – a man of resilience and principle fighting for justice.

Mother Teresa – a person who had compassion and selfless service to the poor and disadvantaged.

John F Kennedy – a person of vision and political motivator.

What you enjoy most about your job?

What makes you laugh?

The antics and the words that come from the mouth of babes (i.e. my grandchildren).

Any hidden talents you have?

None that I would label as talents.

I do however enjoy keeping fit and participating in cycling and running

Working with councillors and the community, providing governance and customer service advice and delivering on projects which benefit the greater good. Enjoy the sense of theatre, the power plays, the politics and the diversity and challenges our democratic system provides.

Joel Elbourne is the Manager of Urban Planning and Building at Banyule City Council.

›

My planning career began with the Department of Infrastructure’s Alpine Planning Unit and I have since worked in a number of planning related roles in Local Government.

What you enjoy outside of work?

I like creating, designing, cooking, building, brewing and also consuming.

Sometimes there is bike riding.

Something about yourself that may surprise people?

I once played the important role of an eight foot banana alongside Pluck’a’Duck on the popular arts and entertainment program Hey Hey, It’s Saturday!

Your favourite film this year and why?

I saw 808 at the Melbourne Film Festival. It’s a documentary about

56 | PROFILE SUMMER 2015

a small machine that changed the landscape of music forever.

Amusing situations you have faced at work?

Without referencing a popular ABC comedy about a newly created government organisation that is too close to home, I see the humour in lots of situations at work. Perhaps I can share my laissez-faire approach to a job offer many years ago which is often brought out to the amusement of others. I met a Planning Manager at a landscape design course who suggested I come in ‘for a chat’ upon learning I would soon be

between jobs. I suggested I’d get back to him next week once I’d had a chance to look up where Banyule was in the Melways.

If you could take three things to a dessert island what would they be?

I’m counting my partner and daughter Kate and Dusty as one as they’ve only just become two, my kitchen and if they have internet then I’d bring Spotify.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

Diary Dates PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS

LGP MASTERING MANAGEMENT

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

DATE

INFORMATION

The 2016 program begins on 3 March

To equip and support senior executives in Local Government.

The 2016 program begins on 10 and 11 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 Victoria

Begins on 12 April 2016

For Managers working in Local Government

Begins on 17 March 2016

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

17 February at LGPro office, Level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands 8 March at Baw Baw Shire Council

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

First program for 2016 is on 16 March

A program to outline the importance of good governance to all staff in the sector who are required to interact with elected Councillors

10 February 2016

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

The Victoria heats of the Challenge will be held on 22 and 23 March, Karaylaka Theatre, Ringwood

For teams working in Local Government looking for a fresh challenge

Winners will be announced at the 2016 Annual Conference Dinner on 25 February

Celebrates the excellent work being undertaken in the Local Government sector

AWARDS

EVENTS

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES Australasian Management Challenge

AWARDS

CONFERENCES

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS

Social Media Event HR Conference

Thursday 25 February and Friday 26 February, 2016 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

The theme for the 2016 Annual Conference is: ‘Local Government is a VERB’

Wednesday 20 April 2016, Bayview Eden, Queens Road, Melbourne

For people working in Local Government who want to learn more about social media

Thursday 19 May and Friday 20 May 2016, Melbourne Park

For all HR, L&D and OD professionals

35984

For further information regarding these or any LGPro event visit www.lgpro.com or contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400