December 2017 Profile Magazine

Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Summer 2017

L A U ANN ERENCE F N O C E G R A H C G N I K A T

1 2 Y A D S WEDNEDAY 22 THURS ARY FEBRU ONVENTION

New LGPro Board

New Governance SIG

Recognising service

See the new line up

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Celebrating 70 years with ICMA

NE C TRE R U O B L ME ON CEN I T I B I H X &E

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

Contents

Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc)

6-9 2018 LGPro Annual Conference – Taking Charge

LGPro Level 3/58 Lorimer Street Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9268 6400 Fax: (03) 9646 0469 Email: info@lgpro.com Website: www.lgpro.com

A four page feature with information about

DEADLINES

Read about Rod’s 47 year career in the sector

Profile is published quarterly.

The deadline for the Autumn 2018 edition is Friday 2 February 2018.

The magazine will be circulated electronically in March 2018.

and his plans for retirement.

CONTRIBUTIONS Story ideas and photographs are always welcome. Please contact Vicki Amiguet, LGPro’s Manager Communication and Sponsorship on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com

the keynote speakers and other highlights of our conference.

12 Rod Nichols says farewell to the sector

18 LGPro Members salute another successful year See pics from our 2017 Member Event where we also farewelled CEOs leaving the sector.

16-17 Corporate Planners think outside the square

ADVERTISING

The 2017 LGPro Corporate Planners Network

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

Conference was all about thinking differently

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

Caption: Getting together at the Young Professionals Conference, from left, Chris Neilsen from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (VIC), Sarah Carles from Casey City Council, Jennifer Wang from Glen Eira City Council and Jessica Winston from Casey City Council.

and preparing for change.

42 Young professionals connect and inspire LGPro’s Young Professionals Network joined with their IPAA counterparts to present a one day conference, Let’s Make The Rules – Get your MBA in a day.

44 Meet LGPro Members working at all levels Our members talk about why they joined LGPro and what they have got out of it.

NEW LGPRO BOARD

Introducing the new LGPro Board Meet the new LGPro Board whose three year term of office officially begins this month.

Tony De Fazio, Executive Manager Governance and Customer Service, Whitehorse City Council.

Cameron Gray, Director, Innovation and Organisational Improvement, Ballarat City Council.

Celia Haddock, Director Corporate Services, Maribyrnong City Council.

Kathy Hynes, Coordinator Active Open Space, Knox City Council.

Chris Leivers, Director Community Wellbeing, Yarra City Council

Justine Linley, Chief Executive Officer, Ballarat City Council

Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, Rural City of Wangaratta

Rebecca McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Glen Eira City Council

Julie Reid, Director Engineering Services, Greater Dandenong City Council

Liana Thompson, Director Partnerships and Engagement, Whittlesea City Council

CEO’S MESSAGE

Building sector capacity and driving reform ›

This message marks the end of the three year term of our current Board. The entire Board should be congratulated on taking a leadership role in building sector capacity and creating opportunities for the people working in Local Government to drive and own sector reform.

One of the Board’s legacies is

model that continues to be of high

our Future Ready project through

value, but is more flexible, reduces

which we are working towards

the amount of administration

creating a framework and template

within Councils and allows for

for workforce planning, initially

easier access for those who want

with six rural Councils, and then

to raise their profile within our

for all Councils.

Special Interest Groups. It also

Gender equity a high priority Another Board focus has been gender equity which is increasingly becoming a high priority within the sector which is great to see.

More than 30 Councils have now implemented the Listen, Learn and Lead gender equity program.

Watch this space for more gender equity strategies to come in 2018.

The Board has, amongst other things, advocated for legislative protection for authorized officers and has been a respected contributor to the Local Government Act Review, amongst other things.

New membership offering Over the past 12 months we have considered and approved a significant restructure of our membership. Recognising the diversity of our members, we wanted to design a subscription

recognises and is sensitive to people’s career stage, interests and ability to access professional development and services.

Our new membership subscription model will be rolled out over the next two years with the first membership changes coming

Looking forward Looking forward, we were really pleased with the outcomes of the new format we used for our Annual Conference in 2017.

We have worked with your feedback to increase the prominence and value of networking as a key activity to support your professional development and career aspirations.

We think we’ve created a great program for 2018 and I hope to see you there and to hear your thoughts about it.

into effect on 1 July 2018. Initial

If you are taking a break have

changes will be seen in Council

a great one, and even if you’re

Subscriptions and benefits will

not, have a wonderful and happy

be boosted to the Fellow and

festive season.

Professional Membership categories.

Over the course of the roll out we will be focused on new initiatives that will further connect

Enjoy!

I look forward to catching up with you soon.

our members across the sector

DAVID PREISS

and improve access to professional

CEO

development and resources.

We will be writing to you in early 2018 with details on the changes.

“He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up.”

– Paul Keating

While we should acknowledge the achievements of the Board over the previous three years, I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the 30 high quality candidates who stood in the recent Board election and to welcome the new Board.

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 5

E C N E R E F N O C L A ANNU E

G R A H C TAKING

12.30PM M O R F BRUARY OM 8.30AM E F 1 2 FR DAY WEDNES Y 22 FEBRUARY A THURSD

Our 2018 Annual Conference is the largest specialist Local Government conference in Australia.

It provides people working at all levels with the opportunity to step away from their daily work and look at the bigger picture of what is happening in Local Government and beyond.

This year’s Taking Charge theme is particularly pertinent in this continually changing and challenging environment where the sector is being asked to do more with less. By taking charge, Local Government can lead from the front and develop new ideas to enhance the services provided to local communities.

WORKSHOPS WITH A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 12.30PM-5PM, MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE These six work focused sessions are designed to cover areas that are high priority for Local Government. They will provide people working at all levels in the sector with an opportunity to hear from leaders and subject matter experts and to take away tips and tools that will help them in their roles. Below is a brief snapshot of each workshop:

WORKSHOP ONE

WORKSHOP TWO

WORKSHOP THREE

Discovering self leadership that enhances and nurtures team performance – exploring what it means to be self aware and how to develop the skill and capability of self reflection that drives the emotional intelligence within us all.

Local Government as advocate – positioning your community for success in an election – taking a 360 degree view of advocacy with an emphasis on providing practical advice and insights from a range of people both inside and outside the sector.

Mastering your mind – an understanding of resilience and its importance to health, performance and relationships – providing practical skills and strategies for building resilience to stress, challenge and change; and a range of resources to encourage the ongoing WORKSHOP development of resilience skills.

SPONSOR

WORKSHOP SPONSOR

WORKSHOP SPONSOR

WORKSHOP FOUR

WORKSHOP FIVE

WORKSHOP SIX

How do we justify the intangible? Creating a love of place – in an environment of competing priorities and limited resources where decisions are made on quantitative data, is, how can we secure support for place-based creative initiatives.

From effort to outcome – how do we know if we’re succeeding? – how do we know if what we are doing is providing worthwhile outcomes, if they represent value relative to the resources they use, and if the new work processes have improved them?

Service delivery driving asset planning – examining why and how the sector is transitioning from traditional asset management practices to service driven outcomes and exploring a framework that enables Councils to tell their “value” story to their residents.

WORKSHOP SPONSOR

WORKSHOP SPONSOR

WORKSHOP SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Three high profile keynote speakers with vastly different stories to tell will present keynote addresses on Thursday 22 February.

LAYNE BEACHLEY Layne is regarded as the most successful female surfer in history being the only surfer, male or female, to claim six consecutive world titles (1998-2003). She then went on to win a seventh world title in 2006 before retiring from the ASP World Tour in 2008.

In 2013 Layne was recognised and awarded the third Greatest Australian Female Athlete of all time, behind Dawn Fraser and Betty Cuthbert.

In the 2015 Australia Day Honours list, she was awarded with an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to the community through support for a wide range of charitable organisations, as a mentor for women in sport and as a world champion surfer.

Layne is also on the board of the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame; is an ISA Vice President; Director of her own charity, the Layne Beachley Foundation, Aim For The Stars; and long time ambassador for Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific. She supports several other charities and organisations such as The National Breast Cancer Foundation, The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Planet Ark. Her exploits are astounding, her attitude unwavering and her achievements inspirational.

BEN PEACOCK Founder and Executive Creative Director at the Republic of Everyone, an awardwinning and world-leading community, sustainability champions, and all round do-good company. He combines creativity with change making to achieve the company’s mission to “make doing good, good for business.”

Ben is on a mission to create 100 ideas that change the world. Among them so far are the multi award winning 202020 Vision; Australia’s biggest community day, the Garage Sale Trail; and Grow it Local, a fun way to get people to compost and grow their own food. At 33 years of age Ben was diagnosed with cancer and survived choosing to turn his back on the world of advertising and marketing and instead turned his attention to ‘doing good’ in the world. His book, ‘Lessons from My Left Testicle’, is about beating cancer and learning to live. His is a spokesperson for the Cancer Council and ambassador for their event, The March Charge.

REBECCA SCOTT Rebecca is the Co-founder and CEO of STREAT, a Melbourne-based social enterprise that works with marginalised young people aged 16-25 years to provide them with a healthy self, job and home.

STREAT runs a portfolio of seven food service businesses, including cafes, an artisan bakery, a catering company, and a coffee roastery. Since they pushed their first small food cart into Federation Square in 2010 they have worked with more than 900 young people who have helped serve over two million customers, whilst gaining over 60,000 hours of support and training.

While they have provided these young people with help in finding housing, developing new vocational skills and improving their mental health and wellbeing, the most important thing they have provided them with is a sense of belonging. Prior to starting STREAT, Rebecca spent a decade at the CSIRO working in science communication.

She is also passionate about the arts and has spent 20 years collaborating with artists, photographers, illustrators, writers, makers and designers.

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 7

E C N E R E CONF IGHTS

HIGHL

2017 EMERGING LEADERS PRESENTATION The 2017 LGPro Emerging Leaders are a team of 26 highly motivated professionals working in a wide range of Victorian Councils. This close knit team comprises innovative and progressive people who are committed to the success of Local Government and to sustaining that success into the future. In 2017, they embarked on a journey together with a shared vision to strengthen and further evolve their leadership skills. Throughout the year, they have gained invaluable knowledge and insights from various levels of government and stakeholders who have taught them how to think a little differently about the challenges that can arise when working in the sector, and how to best respond to these challenges. The group will present their findings on the question of whether Local Governments can truly achieve community satisfaction at 11.10am on Thursday 22 February.

SHORT TALKS There will be four Short Talks from inspirational speakers during the program on Thursday 22 February. Short Talk presenters confirmed to date are: • • • •

Lisa J Griffiths, CEO, OzChild Adam McKay, Founder & Executive Director, Helping Hoops Madeleine Buchner, Founder & CEO, Little Dreamers Australia Keith Greaves, Co-Founder and Director, MosaicLab

CAREER WORKSHOP SKILLS YOU NEED TO TAKE CHARGE LED

BY BRETT DE HOEDT This new workshop on Thursday 22 February at 2.45pm provides a practical opportunity to work on your skills to enhance your career including: Presenting – whether you speak at conferences or to colleagues, the ability to engage, explain and persuade will set you apart (in a good way). How do you grab the audience’s attention, make them feel a part of the action and convey your priorities?

Meetings – these are fundamental to working life. Colleagues judge you on your behaviours and performance. Will you dominate or blend in with the curtains? Hopefully neither.

Pre and post meeting strategies will be discussed.

CAREER WORKSHOP SPONSOR

Persuasion/pitching – your great idea means nothing unless you persuade the powers-that-be to take it onboard. How do you overcome common objections and pre-conceived ideas?

Overcoming introversion and other barriers – introverts can take charge too, though they will have to work around their default setting. The worskhop will look at ways to network without having to reboot your personality.

CONFERENCE DINNER & AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE The Annual Conference Dinner and presentation of the LGPro Awards for Excellence is always a popular part of the conference program. It will held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on Thursday 22 February with pre dinner drinks starting at 6.30pm.

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

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

Proudly sponsored by:

WELCOME EVENT The Conference Welcome Event will be held at a ‘pop up’ bar at The Common Man, 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf on Wednesday 21 February from 6pm-8pm.

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

Beverages and substantial hot and cold canapés will be provided.

FEATURE SESSION – HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION? The Feature Session will be held at 5.25pm on Thursday 22 February and will be based on the popular TV quiz show, Have you been paying attention?

It will be a quiz format and delegates will have the opportunity to put the knowledge of some Local Government CEOs to the test!

FEATURE SESSION SPONSOR

SPECIAL OFFERS AND REGISTRATION OPTIONS MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL OFFER A 20% discount is being offered to LGPro Individual Members who are attending the Conference for the first time.

CONFERENCE OPTIONS DELEGATES CAN REGISTER FOR EITHER: • Full Conference Package – 21 & 22 February • A Wednesday workshop – 21 February • All Thursday sessions (this does not include the Annual Conference Dinner) – 22 February Registration can be completed online or via the hard copy registration form.

CONFERENCE COSTS LGPro uses considerable resources following up payments. Delegates paying prior to the Annual Conference by credit card or by providing LGPro with a purchase order will receive a 10% discount.

Take advantage of the discount and pay prior to the event by credit card or providing a purchase order.

SPONSORS LGPro thanks the following sponsors and exhibitors for their support of the 2018 Annual Conference.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

MAJOR SPONSORS

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 9

Gender equality.

It’s all about taking a balanced approach.

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

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

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

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

FEATURE ARTICLE

Born to be in Local Government ›

Reflecting on his distinguished 47 year career in Local Government, Golden Plains Shire CEO, Rod Nicholls says in some ways he believes he was “born to be in Local Government”.

In fact, over the years it has been

a headquarters at Bannockburn,

the motivation of some elected

a family affair with his mother,

just to name a few,” he said.

representatives. “Whilst there are

aunty, uncle, sisters and cousin all having been involved in the sector at some stage.

Change has continued over the ensuing years as the population of the municipality has continued

“I didn’t plan my career path, I guess

to grow with the implementation

in some ways I fell into it straight

of many new services to satisfy

out of secondary school but with

the needs and expectations of

a number of my immediate family

the residents.

having also been involved in Local Government, maybe it was in my blood,” he said.

Rod worked as an administration officer and rate collector at the Shire of South Barwon from December 1970 until 1976, then he moved to the Shire of Barrabool as the accountant, a position he held for five years. His next post was at the Shire of Leigh where he was Shire Secretary for seven years before he

many great Councillors across Local Government who have their community as their priority, there are some who use it as a stepping stone to other levels of government with little interest in Local Government. An even bigger concern is ‘rogue’ Councillors, the

Rod is proud of the fact that he

number of which appears to be

has lived in the community he

increasing, who are elected on a

works for all but six years of his life.

populist agenda of slashing rates,

“That has allowed me to know the communities and a lot of the people within those communities

getting rid of the CEO, and reducing staff while expecting service levels to be maintained,” he said.

very well and has resulted in us

The challenges that Rod sees in

working very closely together to

the future include the need to

achieve some amazing results

ensure that all Councillors are

whether they be infrastructure

properly “qualified” for their role in

projects, services or programs.

the interests of good governance for individual Councils and the

took up the same role at the Shire of

“I have also been able to employ

Grenville where he was promoted

and assist many staff to gain

to Chief Executive Officer.

experience which has enabled

Other challenges include rate

them to go on to bigger and better

capping and its long term

employment opportunities.

impact on the maintenance of

Four of my senior management

infrastructure, including buildings,

team have gone on to be CEOs

roads etc; the provision and funding

in Local Government, of which

of infrastructure in growth Councils;

I am very proud.”

the retro fitting of infrastructure

Rod became the interim CEO at the Southern Rural Shire during amalgamations in May 1994.

The municipality was renamed Golden Plains Shire and he was appointed the permanent CEO in December 1994, a position

As a leader, Rod provides direction

he still holds until his retirement

where and when required; trusts

on 12 December this year.

and believe in his staff and gives

As the CEO, Rod faced the huge task of setting up a new municipality which required implementing significant changes.

“We cut rate revenue by 23%, reduced staff by between 30-40%,

them the freedom, flexibility and accountability to do their job.

including footpath, kerb and channel and underground drainage in townships that are experiencing considerable growth; and long term financial and strategic planning.

He also believes being personable

He says stability in State and

and approachable, a good listener

Federal Governments will help to

and being able to work as part

meet these challenges together

of a team are important.

with other levels of government

rationalised depots, consolidated

While he is confident that the

the different accounting and

sector has a solid foundation of

payroll systems and established

good leaders to take it into the future he is concerned about

12 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

sector as a whole.

genuinely recognising the importance of Local Government.

My Council Services Council to Community Community to Council

•

•

Waste

o�o

I

Get active

Centres

Contact Council

Contact Us:

1300 760 011

FUTURE READY UPDATE

Managing and mitigating workforce risk through evidence based workforce planning

By Julie Sloan, Chief Executive Workforce Planning Global Are you positioning your Council

plan for their future needs in terms

These may include:

to compete for the workforce you

of people, to build workforce

require now and in the future? Do

planning capability across the state.

– Examples of how we can

you know what your current and future critical workforce capabilities are? Do you know the level of risk you have in retaining and attracting the people you need to deliver your services? Are you competing with other Councils to retain and attract your required workforce?

As Chief Executive of Workforce Planning Global I am pleased to

on the Victorian Local Government workforce

two books and lead writer of the Australian and the international (ISO) Standards on this topic.

outside of the Local Government

the project are: Alpine Shire,

sector) is looking for the same skills

Murrindindi Shire, Mansfield

and capabilities as you? Are you

Shire, Indigo Shire, Rural City of

making workforce decisions based

Wangaratta, Loddon Shire Council.

wide approach to workforce risk management and mitigation? Do you want to build your Council workforce planning capabilities?

– Internal and external influences

this project. I am the author of

Participating Councils in

being part of a Local Government

with our strategic priorities

have been engaged to deliver

Do you know who else (inside and

on evidence? Are you interested in

align workforce planning

The project team supporting this work is: Fiona Shanks, Manager People & Culture, Rural City of Wangaratta; Mary-Anne Palatsides, Manager People & Culture, Glen Eira City Council; Pauline Bennett,

– Roles, capabilities and locations considered critical to the capacity of Local Government to meet the project’s strategic objectives – HR data and analysis – Workforce risk assessment methods and workforce risk management and mitigation strategies.

LGPro will make available to all Councils the framework and template for workforce planning developed and implemented by the six Councils in this project.

All these questions and more

Manager Organisation Development,

will be answered through LGPro’s

Whitehorse City Council and

Anyone with questions on

Workforce Planning Project

David Preiss, CEO LGPro. LGPro

the project is welcome to

which is currently underway.

will provide workforce planning

contact at jsloan@workforce

‘insights’ to the sector as they

planningglobal.com or on

become available throughout

my mobile 0417 861 350.

This project aims to assist Councils to identify, analyse and

The Project Team at a recent meeting.

14 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

the project.

Corporate planners ‘step outside the square’ Corporate Planners took the opportunity to ‘step outside the square’ to look how to do things differently and adapt to change at the 2017 LGPro Corporate Planners Network Conference held on Friday 17 November.

The one day program included a keynote address, a presentation and facilitated panel discussion, a workshop session and presentations from the Corporate Planner Network Award finalists.

The conference concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Corporate and Community Planning Award and the Best Practice and Innovation in Council Plan Development Award, drinks and networking.

Corporate planners award winners Congratulations to Whittlesea, Bass Coast and Port Phillip Councils who won the 2017 LGPro Corporate Planners Network Awards.

Whittlesea City Council took out the 2017 Corporate and Community Planning Award for their Orchard Road Community Centre Partnership Project.

This project was the result of a partnership between the Council and the YMCA to deliver a new community centre which provides services that surpass the capacity of either organisation to deliver in a standalone facility of this scale.

This model has created new knowledge in partnership management, legal structures, capital works financing, project management and integrated services delivery agreements.

From left, David Preiss, LGPro CEO; Effie Giannikopoulos (CAMMS); David Echeverry and Robert Kisgen from Whittlesea Shire Council and Alex Kerr-Grant (CAMMS).

Bass Coast Shire Council who won the Best Practice and Innovation in Council Plan Development Award for their Council Plan Community Engagement.

The process used demonstrated the greatest breadth of any engagement campaign the Council has ever undertaken and it set a standard and expectation for community engagement going forward.

It also created opportunities for the newly elected Council to develop and extend their relationships with the community and raise the bar on Council’s community engagement processes.

From left, David Preiss, LGPro CEO; Effie Giannikopoulos (CAMMS); Christian Stefani from Bass Coast Shire and Alex Kerr-Grant (CAMMS).

For the first time this year those attending the conference voted for a Delegate’s Choice Award from the four finalists who presented during the day. The winner was Port Phillip City Council’s

Integrated Council Plan.

Click here for more information on the award winners, finalists and nominees.

16 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

From left, David Preiss, LGPro CEO; Effie Giannikopoulos (CAMMS); Chris Carroll from Port Phillip City Council and Alex Kerr-Grant (CAMMS).

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE 2017 CORPORATE PLANNERS NETWORK CONFERENCE AND AWARDS PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 17 PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 17

MEMBER EVENT

LGPro Members celebrate a successful year

Debbie Blanford (Whittlesea) and David Power (Port Phillip).

From left LGPro President, Rebecca McKenzie introduces the Board Executive, Cameron Gray (Vice President), Liana Thompson (secretary) and Kathy Hynes (Treasurer).

From left, Sainath Tavate (Frankston), Vicki Klapsinos (Moreland), Cameron Gray (Ballarat) and Lisa Ippolito (Hume).

From left, Noelene Duff (Whitehorse), Tony De Fazio (Whitehorse) and Julie Reid (Greater Dandenong).

Above: Chris Leivers (Yarra), Lynley Dumble (Brimbank) and Margaret Abbey (Murrindindi).

John Vastianos and Kirsty James from Glen Eira.

Liana Thompson (Whittlesea) toasts the success of the evening.

Right: Linda Harman from Darebin reports on the activities of the Family, Youth and Children’s Services SIG.

18 |

Margaret Abbey and Peter Utri (Warrnambool).

From left, Kelvin Spiller (Greater Geelong), Rod Nichols (Golden Plains) and Justine Linley (Ballarat).

Above: Brendan McGrath (Wangaratta) and Robyn Mansfield (Yarra Ranges).

Left: LGPro Members get together to celebrate a successful 2017.

Around 100 staff working in aged and disability services in Local Government came together in September to discuss Life after HACC at their annual seminar. They heard from keynote speakers and participated in streamed workshops and a panel discussion.

The feedback from delegates attending the seminar has been extremely positive.

The winners of the 2017 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards were announced at a dinner held following the seminar.

2017 LGPro Aged & Disability SERVICES AWARD WINNERS

OUTSTANDING PROGRAM/PROJECT – GRANT BASED (FUNDED) PROGRAM OR PROJECT Ballarat City Council, Small Mobile Planned Activity Groups (SMPAG) To trial the viability of small peer social support groups, Ballarat City Council developed the Small Mobile Planned Activity Groups program. The aim of the program was to provide companionship and community connectedness to socially isolated residents through flexible and people-focused social support options. SMPAG targets socially isolated residents wanting to re-engage with the community. The program has been operating for two years with 16 active groups held every week, including specialised groups for special needs residents. Feedback has been outstanding and the program continues to be in high demand.

20 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

Leigh Cashen from Mecwacare (centre) with Sue Kennedy, Ann Pitt, Joanne Fisher and Jennifer Vagg from Ballarat City Council that won the Outstanding Program/Project Grand Based award.

OUTSTANDING PROGRAM/PROJECT – NON GRANT BASED (FUNDED) PROGRAM OR PROJECT Joint winners were Moonee Valley City Council for their Crown Street Stables Community Café and Glen Eira, Kingston, Greater Dandenong, Port Phillip and Bayside City Councils for their YouMeUs program.

Moonee Valley Council’s Crown Street Stables Community Café is a social enterprise that leads the way in breaking down the perceived barriers of employing people with a disability.

The café acts as a community hub that supports residents with disabilities to find meaningful employment, provides affordable meals to concession card holders, and helps keep local residents connected. As a social enterprise, it aims to create a genuine social impact in the community.

Only five percent of people with disabilities in Moonee Valley are currently in the workforce compared to 62 percent of all residents (2011 Census data). To help combat this, Crown Street creates training and employment opportunities for residents with disabilities in the hope that it encourages other local businesses to do the same.

Moonee Valley were joint winners of the Outstanding Program/Project Non Grant Based award, from left, Susan Thompson, Jan Gilbert, Jim Karadinis, Leigh Cashen from sponsors Mecwacare, Maria Weiss and Steve Lambert.

Glen Eira, Kingston, Greater Dandenong, Port Phillip and Bayside City Council YouMeUs program is a collaborative project across the five Councils which aims to foster a culture of inclusion and best practise through comprehensive online training.

The free online training resources help users form a greater understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and seeks to promote the development of inclusive communities. The program is specifically designed for staff and volunteers in Councils, the leisure industry, small business and neighbourhood houses to increase staff knowledge, confidence and awareness of disability care. Crucially, the resource provides a flexible, portable and engaging means to deliver access and inclusion principles to a broad audience.

Reps from Glen Eira, Kingston, Greater Dandenong, Port Phillip and Bayside Councils who were joint winners of the Outstanding Program/Project Non Grant Based award. From left, Amanda Lawrie-Jones, Megan Grant, Leigh Cashen from Mecwacare, Gaye Stewart and Ana Tsaganos.

LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF THE 2017 AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES SEMINAR AND AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES AWARDS. AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES SEMINAR

SEMINAR MAJOR SPONSOR

SEMINAR SUPPORTING SPONSOR

AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES AWARDS

AWARDS SPONSOR

21 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

The 2017 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Seminar in pictures

22 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

2017/2018 LGPro Corporate Partners Directory CORPORATE PARTNERS Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd Aten Systems Pty Ltd Australian Receivables Limited CAMMS Clear Horizon Consulting Pty Ltd Community Chef CT Management Group Davidson Group Deakin University easigroup eAwards Eduhealth Fifth Ocean Technologies Pty Ltd Fisher Leadership HORNER Recruitment HR Legal .id (the population experts) Infor Pty Ltd Insync Surveys I Platinum Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ltd Jeylabs JWS Research Kernow Environmental Services LG Hub LG Software Solutions Pty Ltd Lingford Consulting Services Pty Ltd Maddocks Lawyers MAV Insurance – Liability Mutual Insurance McArthur MCS Corporation Australia Pty Ltd Mecwacare Morrison Low Consultant Pty Ltd On-Site Massage One Tree Community Services Oracle Corporation Australia Pty Limited Oracle Customer Management Solutions OurSay PeopleScape Pty Ltd Procura Software Pty Ltd Procurement Australia Productivity Matters Promapp Solutions QSR International Pty Ltd Resolve Sofware Group Russell Kennedy Lawyers SDS Group Pty Ltd Spookfish Symphony3 Tenix Solutions The Management Edge Urban Maintenance Systems P/L Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry VicTrack Vision Super Pty Ltd Votar Partners Pty Ltd Vudoo Warner Group Well Done International Pty Ltd Working Well Together YMCA Victoria Your Future Options Zurich Financial Services Australia

24 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

LGPro is grateful for the support it receives from its Corporate Partners. The following pages contain advertisements submitted by our financial 2017/2018 Corporate Partners. Please take a moment to learn about the many services, programs and products these organisations offer to the Local Government sector.

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

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

2018 LGPro Annual Conference Principal Sponsor

Note: All financial 2017/2018 LGPro Corporate Partners were invited to participate in this directory. Not all of our Corporate Members took up the opportunity.

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

Supporting Local Government through changing times:

Solutions for every challenge “Traditional Values,

Contact Paul Crapper National Head Local Government 03 9211 3313 paul.crapper@aon.com

COM0430 1117

Innovative Solutions”

Nikki Dennis Sales Director 0437 652 562 nikkidennis@arlcollect.com.au

Supporting Local Government with the design and evaluation of projects and engagement At Clear Horizon we specialise in providing, design, monitoring & evaluation and capacity building services Get in touch for an obligation free discussion about how we can help you www.clearhorizon.com.au 03 9425 7777

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 25

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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

Explore the possibilities that a Deakin MBA can offer you.

Discover our internationally-accredited program renowned for its flexibility and real-world connections to business.

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26 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 27

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CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.�

Continuing to get results for Local Government

We Listen

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Are you ready to adapt to change?

We Provide Solutions

As a long-standing supplier to Victorian Local Government, HORNER knows and understands your challenges and the need for councils to adapt at a time of significant change. We partner with councils Victoria-wide in providing effective staffing solutions, leading-edge training and a broad range of HR and OHS consulting services.

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Call Ben Hutchison for all Local Government recruitment enquiries on (03) 9604 2888

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CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 29

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

Why Choose PULSE by LG Software Solutions?

A powerful BPM (business process management) platform Facilitates & promotes Integrated Planning & Reporting Completely online, use a pc, laptop, iPad or tablet Select the modules you need now, add new modules later Simple, clean & intuitive making it easy to use Built and supported in Australia.

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Local Government Software Solutions

Get connected with Maddocks What’s the best way to have 132 years of Victorian local government legal knowledge at your fingertips?

Unlocking the secrets to Greater Efficiency and Effectiveness.

• Productivity/Time Management Training • Productivity with MS Outlook • Team Building using MBTI • Personal Effectiveness Coaching

Council Brief is a regular wrap up of the issues that are front of mind for Victorian councils – maddocks.com.au/councilbrief

Professional training, coaching and consulting for improved organisational performance.

Contact us today...

P (02) 6056 8887 F (02) 6056 8883 E gprior@lingfordconsulting.com.au www.lingfordconsulting.com.au

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30 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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

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

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 31

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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32 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

To find out how we can get it for you: sales@procurementaustralia.com.au

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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councils use Promapp for BPM Minimise waste Improve eďŹƒciencies Simplify audits www.promapp.com/lgpro

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 33

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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

• A large and experienced local government practice • A broad range of expertise • In-depth knowledge of the sector • Practical, cost-effective advice • Responsive, client-focused service

Andrew Sherman Chairperson 03 9609 1502 asherman@rk.com.au

Ian Pridgeon Principal 03 9609 1520 ipridgeon@rk.com.au

Anthony Massaro Principal 03 9609 1501 amassaro@rk.com.au

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34 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 35

CORPORATE PARTNERS DIRECTORY 2017/2018

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PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 37

NEWS

ICMA service awards for our members ›

Two long standing LGPro Members, Tony De Fazio and Dennis Hovenden recently received ICMA (International City/County Management Association) service awards.

Tony received a 40 year award

hear inspirational keynote speakers,

“I have had the opportunity to

and Dennis received a 30 year

learn about the latest developments

travel to many parts of the United

award at the annual ICMA

and trends and to network with

States and to see how Local

conference in San Antonio Texas

people from across the globe.

Government is contributing greatly

in October. It was the 103rd ICMA conference attended by around 4000 people from across the world.

Dennis joined ICMA to get an international perspective on Local Government and to be

Founded in 1914, ICMA is an

able to utilise its extensive resource

international not for profit

base to continue his personal

organisation that advances

development in addition to what

professional Local Government

he has experienced through

through leadership, management,

LGPro for many years.

innovation and ethics.

In the past two years Denis has

Tony joined ICMA as he believed

been a member of the ICMA

the international professional

Board and as one of the three

organisation provided a broad

International Vice Presidents

perspective on Local Government

has been able to influence

and offered invaluable resources

putting greater emphasis on

and information on serving

the international component

local communities.

of ICMA with his fellow

In 1990, through ICMA, Tony

International Vice Presidents.

to the community. There are many commonalities between our systems and there is a lot to learn.

Pleasingly there is a recognition amongst my Board colleagues that Australia is leading the way in delivering Local Government services,” Dennis said.

“Being part of ICMA has allowed me to exchange information with Local Government authorities right across the world and I have made lifelong friends along the journey. I am a recognised ICMA Credentialed Manager in the United States and I am working to deliver a similar program here in Australia.”

participated in the Institute of Municipal Management International Manager Exchange Program where he exchanged positions with Tom Lundy, a County Manager from North Carolina who is a former ICMA president. “I found the knowledge and experience gained through this exchange invaluable and Tom and our respective families continue to share a strong bond and friendship.”

“I have also benefited from the networking and collegiate relationships, broadening my experience and expertise at a global level to better serve my local communities,” he said.

Tony said attending the conference was a fantastic opportunity to

Tony De Fazio, Executive Manager Governance and Customer Service at Whitehorse City Council (left) and Dennis Hovenden, CEO of Frankston City Council congratulate each other at the ICMA Conference.

38 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

Leadership Acceleration Program Building leadership talent

BECOME THE LEADER YOU KNOW YOU CAN BE! The Davidson Leadership Acceleration Program addresses a growing need to accelerate and build future leadership talent.

Through our program, individuals will develop transformational capabilities aligned to: Strategic Leadership Self Leadership Stakeholder Leadership People Leadership Develop your leadership skills and accelerate your career progression.

Register today for our February 2018 program!

Find out more www.davidsonwp.com/dlap

EVENTS

Young professionals look to the future › More than 100 young professionals working in the public sector came together for the joint LGPro/ IPAA MBA in a Day conference on Thursday 23 November Two LGPro Young Professional Members, Kamal Singh from Stonnington City Council and Sibel Gradinscak from Wyndham City Council share what they took away from the Conference.

For Kamal the Conference: • “Reaffirmed my thinking on change and improvements and gave me a confidence boost that it is a fight worth fighting for and change is unavoidable • Built good connections with other like-minded young professionals • As industry professionals we all need to think ahead as the world around us is changing too fast in regard to technology, reforms, workplaces, skills. In Local Government we play such an important role for the overall wellbeing of the community and we should use this to our strength.”

The top three learnings for Sibel were: • “Peter Merrett reminding us how we can bring wonderful to life • The journey of transformation for the City of Casey through Sally Curtain • Communication styles in an era of social media.”

40 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

New ‘go to’ Governance Special Interest Group ›

With a new Local Government Act expected to be introduced next year, LGPro believes the time is right to form a Governance Special Interest Group.

The aim is for the new SIG to

“We understand that governance

become the ‘go to’ group for all

appears under different banners

things governance and the point

and sits within different areas in

of contact for professionals working

Councils, but this SIG will aim to

in this area to network, develop

provide collegiate support to all

their knowledge and skills and

people working within governance

share best practice.

no matter the size or locations of

One of the LGPro members behind the formation of the SIG is Liana

their Council or whether they work full or part time.

Thompson who is the Director

“If your role involves working with

Partnerships and Engagement at

Council meetings, decision making

Whittlesea City Council. “The plan

processes, elections, Councillor

is to connect all 79 Victorian

support, customer services this

Councils relating in governance

SIG is for you.”

issues, to provide learning and development and a forum to share information so that Councils don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” she said.

If you would like to you join the Governance SIG, just email sig@lgpro.com and let us know.

Leadership Acceleration Program Building leadership talent

BECOME THE LEADER YOU KNOW YOU CAN BE! The Davidson Leadership Acceleration Program addresses a growing need to accelerate and build future leadership talent.

Through our program, individuals will develop transformational capabilities aligned to: Strategic Leadership Self Leadership Stakeholder Leadership People Leadership

Register today for our February 2018 program!

Develop your leadership skills and accelerate your career progression.

Find out more www.davidsonwp.com/dlap

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 41

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Embracing innovation and best practice in HR ›

2018 promises to be a big year for our Human Resources (HR) Special Interest Group with plans to boost the group’s strategic focus and ensure it embraces innovation and best practice.

The SIG’s Convenors, Kirsty

Kirsty and Fiona say any change

“The feedback from people who

James from Glen Eira Council

in direction will respond to the

attend our meetings is that they benefit

and Fiona Shanks from the Rural

interest and needs of SIG members

from learning and understanding the

City of Wangaratta, want to it

who are mostly Human Resources

experiences of other HR professionals,

to become a group that shares

professionals including Manager

discovering how things are done

best practice and provides

and Coordinators.

in other Councils and being able to

innovative Human Resources and Organisation Development knowledge and information.

They encourage people working in HR to attend the SIG meetings

work collaboratively on projects,” they said.

where they will be able to share

Four SIG meetings are planned in

They are also keen to see the SIG play

information about innovative

2018 and the dates will be posted

a major role in the workforce planning

projects, HR/OD suppliers and

on LGPro’s website www.lgpro.com

project and any other initiatives that

consultants and the benefit from

come out LGPro’s Future Ready

networking and learning from their

project (see update on the workforce

counterparts working in other

planning project on page 14).

Councils across the state.

For further information contact LGPro’s Membership Development Manager, Michelle Cox on (03) 9268 6400 or email michellec@lgpro.com

LGPRO The member association and leading voice for Local Government Professionals

We support people working at all levels in Local Government with sector specific professional development to help you in your work and to progress your career, provide opportunities or you to develop strong networks, and ensure that your interests are represented by a credible and independent voice.

Through membership you can: • • • • •

Grow your expertise Develop your leadership Gain new insights Get connected and collaborate Build your reputation in the sector

LGPro opens doors. Become a member and have greater impact

JOIN TODAY! For further information call Michelle Cox, LGPro Membership Development Manager on (03) 9268 6403 or email michellec@lgpro.com (Note: Your Council being an LGPro Council Subscriber does not automatically make you an LGPro Individual Member.)

42 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

Meet our members from all levels LGPro members work at all levels in the sector from senior leadership roles, those looking to progress to the next level, right through to people who are just starting out.

As the membership association and leading voice for all people working in Local Government we have something to offer no matter what level you are at. We can support you through sector specific professional development, assist you to develop strong networks within the sector and advocate for your interests to other levels of government to ensure you are an integral part of the bigger picture.

Meet some of our members and learn what LGPro has done for them.

Colleen White

Director Corporate Strategy, Risk & Governance, Ararat Rural City Council

Colleen joined LGPro to engage with others working in the sector and to gain a greater knowledge of the education and development programs offered. She completed XLP in 2016, has been a mentor, has participated in Director and CEO forums and attended Annual Conferences and Awards for Excellence Dinners. Over the past five years she has also nominated staff to undertake LGPro programs.

She says: “The benefits of LGPro membership are many and varied. You have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the sector, learn about career progression and professional pathways, have your say on important issues as they arise and most importantly meet a range of people from diverse backgrounds and expand your professional and personal networks. If you are working in the sector always have a positive attitude and take any opportunity that presents itself, often the best time to try something new is when you think you aren’t ready. Take pride in the knowledge that you are working for the community and delivering important services. Work collaboratively with other Councils to learn from each other and build networks and relationships.“

Mauro Bolin

Manager Community Sustainability, Kingston City Council

Mauro joined LGPro to be part of a network of Local Government professionals and has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with professionals and leaders which has helped him to get the best from the sector and also to contribute as much as possible. He has participated in information seminars, conferences and received advice and gained different perspectives and insights from colleagues at SIG meetings.

He says: “Being an LGPro member has provided me with the opportunity to support capacity building and skill development through information and professional development. This has definitely assisted in advancing my career. Changes and associated disruption will always be part of our daily issues; having the professional development opportunity, forums to understand and discuss changes and impact, connect with other professional (technical and leadership) to gain different perspectives keeps us alert and engaged. My advice to others is to be informed and gather different perspectives in complex or challenging/changing circumstances.

Sharpen your interpersonal skills; relationships matter! Be proactive and use good data to support decision making. Seek feedback on things to help you enhance performance.”

Ajay Ramdas

Senior Business Excellence & Risk Advisor, Moorabool Shire Council

Ajay joined LGPro to network and interact with professionals in the sector and learn from their experience.

He has been involved in SIGs as a convenor, is a mentor in the Mentoring Program, has completed training programs and seeks and shares knowledge through the online forums.

He says: “LGPro SIGs are great to network and learn, especially if you are new to Local Government or your role. One thing that never changes is the willingness of LGPro members to help and support each other. I became a mentor as I believe I have a responsibility to pass on the guidance and benefits I have received from my mentors and fellow professionals throughout my career to others who may be in a similar position. I tell my mentee to capitalise on their strength to achieve their goals. To be aware of their weaknesses but focus on developing their strengths. Your goal will become visible to you when you are confident of your strengths and you will be able to channel your energy towards your success.”

For further information on LGPro Individual Membership call Michelle Cox, LGPro Membership Development Manager on (03) 9268 6403 or email michellec@lgpro.com Note: Your Council being an LGPro Council Subscriber does not automatically make you an LGPro Individual Member

44 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

Jason Watts

Team Leader Assessment & Inclusion Services, Greater Shepparton City Council

Jason joined LGPrio in 2000 after moving from the public health sector to gain a better understanding of how the hundreds of services Councils deliver help to shape and influence the culture of their communities.

He has completed the Ignite and Emerging Leaders Programs and has attended the Aged & Disability Services Seminar, Annual Conference and SIG meetings.

He says: “LGPro has given me an opportunity to explore and understand the sector and to meet new and interesting people from across Victoria. The skills, knowledge and contacts I have made through LGPro programs have given me confidence to take on opportunities including an Acting Manager role. I have met amazing people who are now part of my professional network, and are both supportive and share my passion for Local Government and community.”

Angela Umback

Human Resources Coordinator, Mildura Rural City Council

Angela joined LGPro to undertake the Ignite Program and then went onto complete the Emerging Leaders Program in 2016. She is a mentor in the Mentoring Program, has attended Annual Conferences and is a member of the Learning & Development SIG. She says: “I’ve found the networks, resources and training to be fantastic. As I am responsible for developing and sourcing training and professional development opportunities for Council staff, LGPro has proven to be really valuable. The mentoring I received through LGPro programs changed my perspective and my career path. I found it so empowering that I wanted to give something back. I was hesitant at first because I live in a regional area and thought the distance might be too difficult, but I have a fantastic mentee who has embraced the opportunity and hasn’t let the fact we can’t meet face-to-face very often dampen her enthusiasm or desire to grow her career. ”

Helen Lawless

Change Business Partner, Community Wellbeing Directorate, Brimbank City Council

LGPro Membership changes We are committed to ensuring that your membership is high value, tailored to your needs and accessible to all people working in Local Government, no matter what level you are at. So, from 1 July 2018 we will be boosting the benefits to our Fellow and Professional categories, whilst maintaining our support for young professionals in the sector. Information on the new categories is listed below:

Premium Level: Fellow Member This category is for leaders and mentors in Councils who are invested in supporting their team. Fellow membership provides another opportunity to give back to the sector, reward or recognise emerging leaders and contribute a colleague’s career development. From 1 July 2018 Fellow Members have the additional benefit of being able to gift two complimentary memberships and one half price membership to others in their organisation. Fellow membership offers exceptional value.

Classic Plus Level: Professional Member Known previously as an Individual Member, this category is best suited to Local Government professionals who want to access all member benefits. Changes will see Professional Members being able to contribute to a colleague’s career development by gifting one half price membership, where they too can access full member benefits.

Classic Plus Level: Young Professional Member

Helen joined LGPro to network with others working in Local Government and for professional development opportunities.

She has been involved in the Mentoring Program, SIGs, the Annual Conference and has attended various networking events.

She says: “Being part of LGPro provides an excellent forum to meet and network with people in the sector. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey and professional associations such as LGPro contribute to continuous growth that ultimately assists the sector in achieving great community outcomes. I am an LGPro mentor and enjoy being able to contribute to the development of people and in doing so hope to grow talent in the sector. It has also provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my own leadership style and practice.”

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 45

This category is best suited to young professionals (36 years and under) and who are actively developing their career and expanding their networks. Young Professionals are supported with specifically tailored learning and development either offered at no cost or at a significantly reduced rate.

Early 2018 we will be writing to all members with details on the changes to the categories. For further information contact Michelle Cox, Membership Development Manager on (03) 9268 6403 or email michellec@lgpro.com

MEMBER NEWS

Welcome to our new individual members We would like to welcome the following new members who joined LGPro between 15 August and 17 November 2017. We look forward to working with you to shape our wonderful sector.

Aaron Tan, Melton City Council

Avril Meehan, Rural City of Wangaratta

Chandra Ball, Ararat Rural City Council

Errol Lawrence, Colac Otway Shire Council

Adam Flynn, Indigo Shire Council

Barry McKenzie, Buloke Shire Council

Chantelle Hepworth, Yarra Ranges Council

Evert Grobbelaar, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Adam Smith, Glenelg Shire Council

Beate Matthews, Maroondah City Council

Cherie Arnott, Glenelg Shire Council

Fiona Blick, Moira Shire Council

Aleisha Hayes, Nillumbik Shire Council

Ben Allder, Whitehorse City Council

Chloe Beech, Moorabool Shire Council

Fiona Kerney, Borough of Queenscliffe

Aleisha Verwoert-North, Greater Bendigo City Council

Ben Rimmer, Melbourne City Council

Chloe Thomas, Moira Shire Council

Frank Castles, Colac Otway Shire Council

Alexandra Tonkin, Borough of Queenscliffe

Bernie Dowsley, Rural City of Wangaratta

Chris Bonehill, Glen Eira City Council

Gabrielle Hegarty, Banyule City Council

Allison Egan, Whitehorse City Council

Bernie O’Sullivan, Greater Bendigo City Council

Christian Middlemiss, Moira Shire Council

Georgia Anderson, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Allistair Krause, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Brad Gill, Rural City of Wangaratta

Claire Conlon, Moorabool Shire Council

Georgia O’Connor, Rural City of Wangaratta

Amanda Jones, Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Bradlee Smith, Buloke Shire Council

Claire Rose, Surf Coast Shire Council

Gerald Mirando, Casey City Council

Amanda Swayn, Whitehorse City Council

Brendan Ball, Melton City Council

Craig Byron, Yarriambiack Shire Council

Hayley Furlong, Murrindindi Shire Council

Amy Mak, Maribyrnong City Council

Briana Hynes, Indigo Shire Council

Daniel Alexander, Borough of Queenscliffe

Indivar Dhakal, Loddon Shire Council

Amy Turner, Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Bridget Spence, Casey City Council

Daniel Roberts, Colac Otway Shire Council

Jackie Wise, Kingston City Council

Andrea Learbuch, Boroondara City Council

Bridie Edwards, Towong Shire Council

Danielle Farrell, Borough of Queenscliffe

Jacqui Shannon, Frankston City Council

Andrew Forsyth, Banyule City Council

Bronwyn Milner, Whitehorse City Council

Danny Bilaver, Maribyrnong City Council

Jacquie Elliott, Moorabool Shire Council

Andrew McLeod, Darebin City Council

Caley Thomas, Rural City of Wangaratta

David Lay, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Jaiden Bach, Ararat Rural City Council

Andrew O’Connell, Towong Shire Council

Callum Bourke, Greater Geelong City Council

Dawn Bray, Mansfield Shire Council

James Vincent, Rural City of Wangaratta

Anna Giuliani, Darebin City Council

Camilla Jackson, Glenelg Shire Council

Dawn Farrugia, Indigo Shire Council

Jarrett Polkinghorne, Indigo Shire Council

Anna Handberg, Borough of Queenscliffe

Candace Guest, Brimbank City Council

Debbie Thewlis, Yarriambiack Shire Council

Jennie Roberts, Bayside City Council

Anna Ridgway-Faye, Indigo Shire Council

Carly Douglas, Borough of Queenscliffe

Donna Lea, Wyndham City Council

Jennifer Hewett, Buloke Shire Council

Anne-Maree Eckersley, Boroondara City Council

Caroline Carvalho, Knox City Council

Elise Cormick, Glen Eira City Council

Jessica Clarke-Hong, Greater Bendigo City Council

Anthony Kumnick, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Caroline Grylls, Greater Bendigo City Council

Ellie Stringer, Rural City of Wangaratta

Jessica Padbury, Indigo Shire Council

Ash Russell, Rural City of Wangaratta

Caroline Trainor, Glen Eira City Council

Elly Parker, Mitchell Shire Council

Jessica Poon, Manningham City Council

Ashley Borch, Colac Otway Shire Council

Catherine Tsintzas, Yarra City Council

Emma Beach, Campaspe Shire Council

Jessica Warburton, Swan Hill Rural City Council

Celeste Brockwell, Moira Shire Council

Eric Siegers, Rural City of Wangaratta

Jessie Keating, Moonee Valley City Council

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Jiongxin Zhang, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Lisa Gillard, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Natasha Vasey-Ellis, Wyndham City Council

Sarah Doggen, Knox City Council

Joe Arblaster, Alpine Shire Council

Lisa Haw, Maroondah City Council

Nathalie Cooke, Alpine Shire Council

Sarah Italiano, Whitehorse City Council

John Brockway, Surf Coast Shire Council

Lisa Knight, Mount Alexander Shire Council

Neil Ogilvie, Mansfield Shire Council

Sarah McKew, Colac Otway Shire Council

John Vastianos, Glen Eira City Council

Lisa Whyte, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Nellie Montague, Boroondara City Council

Sarah McPhee, Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Joseph Tabacco, Banyule City Council

Luke Casey, Moonee Valley City Council

Nicole Darth, Rural City of Wangaratta

Scott Mann, Alpine Shire Council

Judy Damoulakis, Borough of Queenscliffe

Mandy Kynnersley, Mansfield Shire Council

Nicole Epema, Alpine Shire Council

Scott Millard, Glenelg Shire Council

Judy Johnston, Greater Geelong City Council

Mark Connor, Maribyrnong City Council

Nicole Johnson, Stonnington City Council

Shannon Neil, Towong Shire Council

Julia Donaldson, Casey City Council

Matt Spiker, Rural City of Wangaratta

Nicole O’Keefe, Rural City of Wangaratta

Shelley Gersch, Hindmarsh Shire Council

Justin Collier, Casey City Council

Matthew Bryant, Loddon Shire Council

Patricia Keenan, Moonee Valley City Council

Sienna Scopel, Maroondah City Council

Kathy Richardson, Mansfield Shire Council

Matthew Kelleher, Nillumbik Shire Council

Paul Dow, Casey City Council

Stephanie Davies, Casey City Council

Kelly Dohle, Yarra Ranges Council

Matthew Saliba, Stonnington City Council

Peta Fenton, Greater Bendigo City Council

Steven Taylor, Greater Bendigo City Council

Kerryn O’Bryan, Rural City of Wangaratta

Meagan Hobbs, Indigo Shire Council

Peter Ford, Loddon Shire Council

Sunil Bhalia, Maribyrnong City Council

Kevin Carlisle-Stapleton, Cardinia Shire Council

Mehdi Hossini, Colac Otway Shire Council

Peter Smith, Port Phillip City Council

Talea Leenaerts, Baw Baw Shire Council

Kia Belsher, Indigo Shire Council

Michael Fromberg, Knox City Council

Peter Swabey, Glen Eira City Council

Tara Dennison, Baw Baw Shire Council

Kiah Cashman, East Gippsland Shire Council

Michael Harbour, Glen Eira City Council

Peter Townsend, Indigo Shire Council

Taryn Drewett, Wyndham City Council

Kirstin Tyler, Greater Geelong City Council

Michael Smyth, Greater Bendigo City Council

Phillip Carruthers, Borough of Queenscliffe

Teague Bottriell, Loddon Shire Council

Krishen Soobrayen, Banyule City Council

Michael Treanor, Mitchell Shire Council

Rachael Duncombe, Greater Shepparton City Council

Terry Demeo, Ballarat City Council

Kristie Lawson, Melton City Council

Michelle Chrimes, Wyndham City Council

Rachel Ollivier, Glen Eira City Council

Thea Douglas, Mildura Rural City Council

Kylie Allen, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Michelle Stedman, Greater Bendigo City Council

Rebecca Sacco, Rural City of Wangaratta

Tienyi Long, Glen Eira City Council

La Toya Hester, Loddon Shire Council

Michelle Tipton, Frankston City Council

Rho Fry, Rural City of Wangaratta

Tom Arnold, Rural City of Wangaratta

Lane Delany, Alpine Shire Council

Mina Ryad, South Gippsland Shire Council

Rhonda Monaghan, Mildura Rural City Council

Tony Caccaviello, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Laura Murphy, Hobsons Bay City Council

Miss Jaymie L . Coleman, Colac Otway Shire Council

Robert Dobrzynski, Colac Otway Shire Council

Tony Raven, Rural City of Wangaratta

Lauren Ryan, Indigo Shire Council

Murray Hyde, Greater Bendigo City Council

Robin Visser, Wyndham City Council

Trina Dale, Rural City of Wangaratta

Leah Johansen, Greater Bendigo City Council

Naomi Dower, Towong Shire Council

Sam Gowers, Northern Grampians Shire Council

Vanessa Baldovino, Loddon Shire Council

Leanne Osgood, Loddon Shire Council

Narelle O’Donoghue, Gannawarra Shire Council

Sam Hall, Towong Shire Council

Vanessa Thompson, Rural City of Wangaratta

Lee Jay Lindsay, Port Phillip City Council

Natalie Reiter, Moonee Valley City Council

Sam Ortisi, Maribyrnong City Council

Vannessa Estigarribia, Baw Baw Shire Council

Leslie Stokes, Melton City Council

Natalie Smyth, Moonee Valley City Council

Samantha Ferrier, Campaspe Shire Council

Vijay Kuttappan, Rural City of Wangaratta

Libby Wright, Yarriambiack Shire Council

Natalie Thomas, Maribyrnong City Council

Sara Wisnia, Moonee Valley City Council

Zhanna Sichivitsa, Boroondara City Council

Lindsay Rollings, Towong Shire Council

Natarlie Phillips, Greater Shepparton City Council

Sarah Carles, Casey City Council

Zoe Watts, Buloke Shire Council

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 47

2017 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Yarra City Council, Working with Pride Australians spend on average 40 hours a week at work, and often spend more time with their colleagues than their families. But nearly half of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people hide their sexual identity at work.

Yarra City Council’s Working with Pride program aims to create a workplace culture where difference is celebrated, not just tolerated. The program’s co-creator hopes it will lead to everyone being their ‘true selves’ at work, leading to increased productivity and happier, healthier employees.

When Cameron Gray won a SACS Leadership Award he knew straight away how he wanted to spend the prize money. As an openly gay man, Cameron had seen how he flourishes when he is able to be his “true self” in the workplace. “I am more productive, more innovative and more connected to my work and workplace when I’m not hiding some important part of myself,” he says.

So Cameron used the prize money to co-create the Working with Pride training program so other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people are supported at work.

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

It is best practice and grounded in research.

“Working with Pride asks people not to be passive in inclusion,” explains Cameron.

“Leaders need to take active leadership roles to promote acceptance. People should be free to be who they are at work regardless of their sexual orientation, biological sex or gender identity.

“Our energy shouldn’t have to be wasted on concealing our identities. It should be

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spent celebrating them. Workplace inclusion is critical for increasing productivity and competitive advantage, and in attracting and retaining staff. It’s the smart, as well as the right, thing to do” he said.

More than 45 Yarra managers and emerging leaders have participated in the Working with Pride program since June 2016, and the benefits are already being felt. The Council’s annual employee inclusion and diversity survey has found significant improvements in key measures. Now 71% of staff feel they have the knowledge and skills to properly support a colleague or team member from a diverse background, up from 65% last year.

Yarra’s Director Corporate, Business and Finance, Andrew Day attended the training and describes it as a must for any modern and aspiring leader. “It takes you comfortably out of your comfort zone and challenges your prejudices, even if you naively think you do not have any. Most importantly it creates a safe environment to learn, share experiences and ask the questions you need to ask.”

Yarra CEO, Vijaya Vaidyanath says: “Working with Pride isn’t just benefitting Yarra’s employees, it’s unleashing the creative potential of staff for the benefit

of the community and it is supporting us to maximise staff performance.”

Working with Pride is a ground-breaking new leadership training program that takes organisations from merely tolerating difference to celebrating it. Yarra created Working with Pride in collaboration with adaptive leadership specialists Polykala to support managers and emerging leaders take active leadership roles to promote acceptance.

Wyndham City Council, RACE RACE was an extended program of events that unpacked, unmasked and explored issues around race and what it means. It was built around a major visual art exhibition at Wyndham Art Gallery that featured prominent Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists creating work that explicitly dealt with racism.

This program was a first for Wyndham Art Gallery and Wyndham City Council and featured performance, film, community exhibitions and public discussions. While this conversation can be uncomfortable for many people, art offered a way to understand the human effect of both systemic and interpersonal racism and race based discrimination.

Wyndham City is a signatory to the “Racism. It Stops With Me” initiative and is a community that actively celebrates the unique cultures of its increasingly diverse population. Together Council and the community embarked on a journey to create a range of platforms for people of colour and their supporters and allies to talk about race in this community and at this time.

Yarra City Council, Yarra’s Gender Equity Strategy Yarra’s Gender Equity Strategy was the result of an inspirational journey to advance and achieve gender equity in the workplace and in the community. In 2015-16, Yarra successfully concluded the final year of actions of its first Gender Equity Strategy reflecting the Council’s genuine commitment to advancing diversity and equality.

Its success was in a large part due to visionary leadership from the CEO and Executive and an active, empowered Staff Committee from across all levels who wanted to be part of transformational cultural change in the workplace and the community.

The strategy included a plan with 33 actions with significant progress made in all areas.

It has successfully delivered significant outcomes and benefits for Yarra’s staff and community.

It has also sent a strong message, followed up by action that Yarra is determined to break through the barriers that women globally are facing in terms of leadership, pay equity, flexible working arrangements, safety and security.

Yarra Ranges Council, Yarra Glen People’s Panel Yarra Glen People’s Panel was the Council’s first deliberative engagement process. It brought together 12 community members who best represented the Yarra Glen community (based on demographic data) to make an informed decision on how to spend almost $1 million.

The panel met over three sitting days to hear from expert presenters on a number of project ideas that had come from various community consultation sessions. The process was inclusive of all community members, built trust between community and Council and provided an opportunity to empower community members to make decisions for the betterment of the broader community.

The two recommendations put forward by the community panel were unanimously supported

by Council. The Yarra Glen People’s Panel is a true example of a Local Government giving full decision making power to a community. It was delivered on a shoe-string budget, yet no negative impact on quality occurred as a result of collaboration and innovation.

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 49

2017 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

Cities of Banyule, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Yarra, The Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Policy – Planning Reform for a Sustainable Future

For more than 10 years a group of Melbourne Councils have run a sustained campaign calling for the State Government to change how Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) is considered through the Victorian Planning System.

This led to the Cities of Banyule, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Yarra collaborating successfully in a joint amendment to develop a robust, consistent policy that maximized ESD outcomes into their local planning schemes.

The ESD policy recognises the importance of considering environmentally sustainable design at the time of planning approval for new development to maximise sustainable design outcomes and minimise costs associated with retrofit and poor design.

The success of the ESD Local Policies is a significant step towards the important goal of environmentally sustainable development. The process was long, in depth and technically challenging for all involved. The teamwork displayed by the Councils was tireless, patient and refreshingly constructive.

This cross-Council collaboration was fundamental to the success of the project and steered the team towards the goal of developing a clear, measureable and consistent set of ESD performance standards suitable for consideration at the planning permit stage.

Having practical and enforceable ESD measures embedded in local planning schemes is a significant planning policy reform that brings the following benefits to the community: • Ensures developers engage in a holistic and ‘best practice’ approach to sustainable design suited to the scale of the development proposed

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• Encourages development to exceed the ESD principles assessed under Building Code requirements which are generally considered minimum standards

a meaningful performance requirement that can be practically applied and provides a better understanding of what best practice ESD means for built form in Victoria.

• Responds to gaps in the Building Code for energy performance, stormwater reuse, water and waste management, indoor environment quality, sustainable transport and urban ecology

Having six Councils collaborate on a planning policy project is a Victorian planning first and is testament to what can be achieved when Councils’ work together to achieve a common goal.

• Extends ESD principles in clause 54, 55 and 56 of the Planning Scheme beyond residential development

Whilst the process was long, complex and costly, the ultimate success in having practical and enforceable ESD measures embedded in these local planning schemes will ultimately bring long term environmental, economic and social benefits for the broader community.

• Provides Council planners, landowners and developers with clear, consistent environmental objectives and the information required to achieve these Not only does the policy support a more environmentally sustainable built form, it has the added social and economic benefits of improved amenity and liveability, reduced life cycle of building costs and improved housing affordability and running costs.

The success of the project has paved the way for other Councils to introduce the same controls and it is being considered as the basis for future state wide ESD provisions.

The ESD Policy translates the elusive concept of sustainable development into

Manningham City Council, Zero Additional Maintenance Water Sensitive Urban Design Manningham Council has long been a strong supporter of water sensitive urban design principals and for many years, as part of the civil engineering and building projects, has installed raingardens to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff before it enters waterways.

Due to high maintenance costs, Council was keen to find a lower cost solution to remove pollutants.

So Manningham’s Project Engineer, Simon Brink developed a new design called a zero additional maintenance water sensitive urban design (or ZAM-WSUD) raingarden which requires no more maintenance than a traditional nature strip.

Compared to traditional raingardens, the ZAM-WSUD is low maintenance and much more cost effective. It is aesthetically pleasing, something that has been widely accepted by both Council and the local community. This design has renewed the enthusiasm in Council and there has been widespread implementation across the municipality.

To share the lessons learned in the development of the ZAM-WSUD raingarden prototypes, Simon, along with Clearwater, published a user’s guide, which is available at www.clearwater.asn.au The guide is geared towards project engineers and urban designers who wish to include water sensitive urban design elements in civil projects such as road reconstructions, streetscape works etc. It has received positive feedback from the broader community as well as peer acceptance.

The innovative design has received significant exposure at industry conference presentations facilitated by groups such as the Stormwater Industry Association of Victoria, Melbourne Water, and Clearwater, and continues to receive positive feedback from practitioners in the stormwater industry. The design has also achieved good technical results in Monash University testing.

Other Councils can now easily install ZAM-WSUD raingardens, as Manningham Council has already done all the hard work of prototyping and developing the design.

PROFILE SPRING 2017 | 51

2017 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

YOUNG ACHIEVER

Hayley Rowe, Glenelg Shire Council

Hayley is a kind, optimistic and focused woman, who shows unrelenting commitment to young people and inclusive community engagement.

She has an incredible ability to bring people together with a shared goal and to amplify the voices of people who often do not have the opportunity to be heard.

She has developed and nurtured many meaningful and well loved youth programs at Glenelg Shire Council, such as the ‘12:25’ youth cafe, a local youth summit, and ‘Skittles’, a social support group for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people.

Most impressively, Hayley has had a lasting impact on Council’s community and youth engagement, through pioneering and embedding its Youth Charter in collaboration with local young people.

Hayley designed and ran an extensive, shire wide youth engagement project called ‘Voices and Choices’ which surveyed young people about topics including wellbeing, civic engagement, their view of Council, and the activities they would like Youth Services to support. Mindful of the challenges associated with being in a large, rural Shire with an incredibly diverse population, Hayley went above and beyond to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to contribute their ideas, particularly those who often face challenges in advocating for themselves.

Based on the outcomes of this consultation, Hayley developed a full and engaging range of youth programs and established a Youth Advisory Group, leading to the establishment of the first Youth Charter Action Plan amongst rural Councils in the area.

Hayley supported the Youth Advisory Group through the process of designing the Youth Charter, including guiding principles, commitment statements, and a detailed

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rolling action plan and then after securing endorsement from the Council, ensured that the Charter was binding.

her consistent and passionate advocacy for the rights of young people to be involved in decision making.

The Council was so impressed with the quality of Hayley’s engagement and the action plan, that they supported her request for additional resources in the form of a dedicated officer to embed youth engagement into Council practice.

Going over and above is routine for Hayley.

Working in rural areas and small towns has never stopped her from pushing for the best and her drive has had a hugely positive impact on both the young people in our community and the opportunities they have access to.

Her efforts have also set a high standard for Council’s subsequent work in enhancing its wider community engagement efforts, through the development of a community engagement framework.

Hayley is a supportive and generous team member, who routinely puts her hand up for additional roles and responsibilities that involve continuous improvement, whether it is related to human rights, innovation, or mentoring trainees.

She works hard to gather support and make sure that change happens, and is maintained. Despite facing obstacles associated with being a sole worker in a rural area, Hayley’s adaptive skills and commitment to best practice have driven programs and policies that are comparable to those in much larger and better resourced Councils.

She is a quiet achiever, who makes significant and lasting changes through

Stephanie Ristevska, Maribyrnong City Council In the four years Stephanie has worked at Maribyrnong City Council she has developed into a very capable and dedicated young leader. Starting out as the Community Recreation Officer before progressing to the Recreation Planning and Development Officer position, she has delivered a range of large projects including the 2014 and 2015 Melbourne Renegades Family Days, developing the VicSport Award winning Sponsorship Assistance Program and managing a range of capital works, planning and infrastructure projects. In 2016, she moved to the more senior, strategic Recreation Planning and Development Officer position where she has developed and implemented a range of initiatives. Stephanie has demonstrated versatility to deliver projects, programs and events beyond the parameters of her positions. She has gone above and beyond her role to deliver major events and gain experience in project management, policy development and service planning.

Jason Amos, Mount Alexander Shire Council Mount Alexander Shire is in a high bushfire risk area and over recent years has experienced significant flooding and heatwaves, so it is important that Council has robust Emergency Management (EM) systems. In his role as EM Coordinator, Jason has put the Council in a strong position to support the community during emergency events, as well as leading a number of community prevention and preparedness activities. He took on the role in May 2014 and as a result of his work, Council staff now have easy access to a full suite of plans, procedures and resources that enable them to engage as emergency management volunteers confident of their ability to contribute appropriately. Despite being only 27 years old, Jason has demonstrated a mature and insightful approach to his work and instills confidence in everyone he works with. He is highly respected by staff and his EM peers.

Megan Gill, Cardinia Shire Council Megan is a Community Planner at Cardinia Shire Council who is passionate about social justice issues. She works with local community organisations to address the needs of the socially disadvantaged in the Shire. Her strong interpersonal skills enable her to interact easily with everyone she works with. Megan’s hands on attitude and compassionate approach, coupled with her desire to make a difference, see her as a valued and competent member of the Cardinia team.

When Megan first joined Council she co-developed a central data portal for statistics and research pertaining to Cardinia. The site accesses more than 40 external government and non-government sites and has led to the creation of a number of social research initiatives such as fact sheets and advocacy documents on social, health and community challenges and the rejuvenation of a networking group called CWICS (Community Workers in Cardinia) which Megan facilitates.

Megan is a young achiever committed to improving social outcomes for the community.

Trenton Fithall, Northern Grampians Shire Council Trenton is one of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s youngest, most dynamic managers. Starting with Council as a trainee whilst studying engineering, Trenton has progressed through the ranks and now manages a staff of 72 who work in parks and gardens, and engineering. Trenton was appointed to the role of Infrastructure Manager in February 2016, aged just 26 and since has significantly improved communication and planning processes and instilled trust, confidence, and camaraderie among his staff. He has also been integral in the implementation of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Activity Based Working environment, setting an excellent example for his peers and assisting others to manage change effectively. Trenton’s excellent communication skills, willingness to take on a challenge, and commitment to the organisation make him a shining example of what can be achieved by young people working in management positions in Local Government, particularly in rural areas.

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 53

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Bunjil Place opens

Moreland wins Premier’s Sustainability Award

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Moreland City Council has won the Government category in this year’s Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards for development of their ten year Urban Heat Island Effect Action Plan.

Thousands flocked to the opening of Bunjil Place.

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Bunjil Place, the new home of entertainment in the City of Casey, opened its doors to the community for the first time with a weekend of festivities in late October.

Narre Warren was abuzz for the occasion with more than 35,000 people flocking to the $125 million precinct throughout the opening weekend to experience and explore Bunjil Place for the first time.

The opening signified the start of an exciting new chapter of entertainment, arts and culture for Melbourne’s south-east, with the best experiences and facilities now available close to home for local residents and beyond.

The opening festival included comedy and kids shows in the 800-seat theatre and families soaked up the sunshine and atmosphere with live music, food trucks and activities in the outdoor Community Plaza.

The beautiful exhibition ‘Designing Bunjil Place’, which showcased the making of the breathtaking facility, was also popular.

During the opening weekend, more than 14,000 people visited the three-level, contemporary and leading-edge library to check out this space which has been designed to deliver a first-class library experience that is interactive and accessible.

The momentum from the opening weekend hasn’t stopped, with thousands of people visiting the precinct over the opening weeks to enjoy the shows, exhibitions, activities and events that have brought Bunjil Place to life!

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The Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE) Action Plan 2016–2026 sets a clear approach for the Council and maps out vital projects required to transition to a cooler, greener and more liveable city.

urban heat and introduces new programs to improve Council projects.

It also provides support to encourage the community to plant trees, install rainwater tanks for garden watering, and upgrade existing homes to include cool roofs, insulation and shading.

Moreland has led the way in addressing the critical issue of urban heat. The UHIE plan will benefit Moreland in a number of ways, including increasing the community’s resilience to climate change, creating health, environmental and economic benefits, and improving overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

The plan brings together work already happening across the city to minimise

Louise Lovell, ESD Engineer at Moreland, with the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Lily D’Ambrosio and Moreland Mayor Helen Davidson.

In2Sport helps disadvantaged children play sport

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Brimbank City Council has provided more than 2,000 subsidised sports club memberships to help more than 1,300 children get involved in local sports through its innovative In2Sport program.

In2Sport was introduced in February 2013 to help disadvantaged children between six and 18 years become involved in organised sport and recreation in Brimbank.

Under the program, applicants are eligible for up to $200 in financial assistance towards membership fees if their name is listed on a health care card.

with 44 local clubs participating in 2016/2017. The program has helped boost memberships at local sports clubs that had been struggling. For example, the program has contributed to the success of St Albans East Tennis Club which came close to folding. Through In2Sport Council helped boost club numbers significantly by subsiding almost 160 memberships over the years. The club is now thriving.

In2Sport is supported by Cricket Victoria and Football Federation Victoria.

Of the subsidised memberships provided to date, 879 have been to children who have never played sport. More than 22 per cent of successful applicants were born overseas and more than 50 per cent had parents born overseas, with more than 50 nationalities represented.

In2Sport is open to all not for profit Brimbank sports clubs to be involved,

A young person participating in the In2Sport program.

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government A rainbow over Yarra

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Yarra City Council harnessed the power of local businesses to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in the recent marriage equality survey.

Yarra distributed nine rainbow flags to interested local businesses in a word of mouth campaign encouraging community advocacy for marriage equality. Businesses were encouraged to write messages of support on the flag they received and share this with their social media community.

Dozens of local small businesses got involved, sharing posts of their staff with the flags on social media with the hashtag #YARRAinbow.

Posts gathered thousands of likes and positive comments, many offering thanks to the Council for taking such a stand.

Each business kept the flag for a short time before passing it on to another business of their choosing.

That business then did the same.

Smith and Deli was one participating business and described the campaign as “a big gay chain letter of love”.

This prominent Brunswick Street restaurant wrote of their pride in being part of a community

where their local Council initiated a campaign of this type.

Welcome to Shepparton Sports City

Friends of the Earth Melbourne was another recipient, and said: “We’ve signed one of these flags to show our support. We want to show that Yarra is supportive of all people! #YARRAinbow.”

Smithward, a bar in Collingwood, added: “We’re proud to be part of a local community that believes in equality for its citizens.”

Brooke Colbert, Manager Advocacy and Engagement at Yarra, said: “It was important for us to stand up and show that we’re an ally for our LGBTIQ community, and advocate for equality for all.”

Yarra started its marriage equality campaign by pledging to fly the rainbow flag at all three of its town halls until same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia. Local Councillors also showed their personal commitment to the equality cause by signing the flags and encouraging the community to vote ‘Yes’ in an online video.

The campaign also received attention through Yarra Council branding its website and Facebook page with rainbow colours.

Athletes run through the banner to celebrate the opening of Shepparton Sports City.

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Greater Shepparton City Council has a new $21 million state of the art sporting venue called Shepparton Sports City, formally known as the Greater Shepparton Regional Sports Precinct.

The venue was officially opened in September with local sporting groups showcasing their sport and Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist John Steffensen and home-grown hockey royalty and Olympic gold medallist Louise Dobson discussing the value of regionally based competition and sporting facilities.

The official opening included the unveiling of the name and brand of the site – Shepparton Sports City – with the identity representing the energy and celebration of all sport and competition for all people.

“Shepparton Sports City is a shining example of what can be achieved when the three tiers of government work together,” says Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Cr Dinny Adem. “Collectively we have funded the creation of an international standard sporting facility that will have a long lasting legacy not only for the Greater Shepparton community but the sports that call Sports City home.”

The opening celebration culminated with an A-league Friendly football match between Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers in the evening, with approximately 2,500 in attendance Sports City is a shining example of why Shepparton is Australia’s regional sporting capital. The facilities enable Greater Shepparton to attract national and international sporting events, and any given Saturday and Sunday will see more than 4,000 people either playing or watching sport at the site.

Smith and Deli staff with their rainbow flag.

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 55

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Emerging leader takes a bow

Jennifer ‘laps up’ national swim instructor award

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Jennifer Fuhrmeister, a swim instructor with Mitchell Leisure Services, has taken out the National AUSTSWIM Teacher of Adults Award 2017.

Jennifer, who has worked with Mitchell Shire Council for almost 10 years, received the award at a ceremony on the Gold Coast in October. She advanced to the final after being named the Victorian AUSTSWIM Teacher of Adults in May 2017.

The award identifies and honours a swim teacher for their contributions to aquatic education and water safety for adults.

Jo Massoud (right) receives her award at the national conference.

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Congratulations to Joanne Massoud, Nillumbik Shire Council’s Recreation and Open Space Planner, who was named National Emerging Leader of the Year at the Parks & Leisure Australia National Conference in October.

Jo, who has worked at Nillumbik since 2015, won the award in recognition of the work that she has undertaken in her career in leisure, sport and recreation.

She is described as a dynamic young leisure professional who demonstrates skills and leadership beyond her years. Her work with sports clubs and the local community is exemplary and her commitment to continuous improvement and learning has set her on course for ongoing success.

Jo is thrilled with her win and says: “to be recognised on a national level for all the hard work and passion that I have put into delivering positive outcomes to sporting groups and the community is incredible. In no way do I do what I do for the recognition, I do it knowing that the community will benefit and more people will become active.”

“To be able to represent a large group of ambitious and talented young professionals is an honour. The future of sport and recreation is in capable hands and we should all be excited about what we can achieve individually and as a group,” Jo said.

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at teaching seniors about swimming and water safety.

She believes teaching adults to swim is important as statistics show many adults are drowning. “We tend to think of teaching swimming as something just aimed at children, but it’s vital for adults too as not everyone had the opportunity to learn swimming at a young age.”

“It’s such a big thing for adults to step out of their comfort zone and learn to swim, and it’s so rewarding when you see them succeed,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer said it was a great privilege to win the national award. “When they called my name out I was really shocked and surprised that I would actually win at this level. I feel very honoured to have won the award because there are a lot of people out there doing wonderful things for swimming and water safety.”

Jennifer was nominated for the award by colleagues for her work on the Grey Medallion, a 10 week program aimed

Jennifer proudly displays her award.

Latrobe City wins Sustainable City of the Year Award

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Latrobe City Council took out five awards at the Keep Victoria Beautiful, Sustainable Cities Awards 2017, including the prestigious Sustainable City of the Year Award.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, said the awards recognised and celebrated positive actions taken by communities to protect and enhance their local environments.

“Often our efforts in sustainability are quietly spoken about, but the awards shone a spotlight on the tremendous work occurring across our municipality.

Taking home the prestigious Sustainable City of the Year Award was beyond anything we could have imagined.

This is a wonderful opportunity to tell the world that industry, heavy industry

and a commitment to the environment are not mutually exclusive,” she said.

Latrobe won three awards in the Sustainable Cities Community category and two awards in the Sustainable Cities Council Initiatives category and was named as a finalist in the awards for another six projects.

Latrobe Mayor, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan proud displays their Sustainable City of the Year Award.

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Partnership provides state of the art pound

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The Cities of Whittlesea, Moreland and Darebin have joined forces in a unique partnership approach to building a state of the art pound that is catering for animals from the three municipalities.

Working smarter at Ballarat City Council

livestock. There is also an adoption centre, on-site vet for pets brought in by rangers and facilities to desex and vaccinate animals ready for adoption.

The $13 million Epping Animal Welfare Facility, which opened in October, was developed and funded by the three Councils with the RSPCA engaged to manage the centre.

Epping Animal Welfare Facility is expected to house more than 3,000 dogs and 3,000 cats in its first year with the capacity to house 165 cats, 110 dogs, 20 small animals and six livestock at any one time.

At least 20 adoption staff, animal care officers and volunteers will be on site each day.

The facility provides pound services, including shelter and accommodation for a variety of animals and holding stalls for horses, cattle, sheep and other

The project was recognised for its unique approach winning the Collaboration and Innovation in Procurement Award at the recent Procurement Australia Conference.

Manny Mason (centre) with his proud parents Bob and Joyce at the WorkSafe awards.

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Manny Mason doesn’t want to have to tell someone their husband, wife, partner or child isn’t coming home due to a workplace accident.

As one of Ballarat City Council’s Health and Safety Representatives he works hard to make sure this doesn’t happen. “It’s about working smart and working safe.

You can actually prevent a lot of workplace injuries – it’s all in your approach,” Manny said.

This approach has been so successful Manny was recently a finalist in the statewide WorkSafe Victoria Health and Safety Representative of the Year.

Council rangers with a dog at the new facility.

SAVE T HE DAT E 20

18 LGPro Social Medi Conferencea WED NESD

AY 9 MA CQ Func Y 2018 tions, Qu een Stre et, Melb The them ourne meaning e will be around ful enga gement.

Program to be re leased in late

Over the past six years, Manny has been the elected Health and Safety Representative for various Council Designated Work Groups, working hard to improve the safety of colleagues, contractors, volunteers, ratepayers and visitors.

Last December, Manny was elected as the Health and Safety Representative for the 15 members of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Designated Work Group. He also volunteers as the representative of 14 Designated Work Groups, which covers about 600 employees, on the Council’s Corporate Health and Safety Committee.

One of his proudest achievements was raising awareness of violence and aggression from the public towards Council workers, which led to a Ballarat City Council/ community wide awareness campaign to address occupational violence.

“Everyone has the right to be safe at work. You shouldn’t be abused and you shouldn’t just have to cop it,” he said.

March.

PROFILE SUMMER 2017 | 57

Nicole Nolan & Claire Conlon

Nicole Nolan

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Nicole Nolan is the Operational Improvement Project Officer – Strategy & Innovation at Yarra Ranges Council. She started with the Council in 2012 as a Customer Service Officer and also worked as a Business Operations Officer before moving into her current role this year.

What she enjoys outside of work

What makes her laugh

Her worst job you ever

Camping. I love switching off

Pics that aren’t what they seem… such as the one below where it looks like a tiny man is riding on a woman’s back.

A telemarketer… haha. Selling timeshare when I was studying.

Sorry if I interrupted anyone’s dinner.

and enjoying time with my husband and three kids.

Her favourite sports AFL and basketball. I also like playing basketball as its fun and social and the only sport I can still beat my nine year old at…. just…. ha ha!

Her last holiday destination Hervey Bay earlier this year.

Absolutely loved Fraser Island and looking forward to going back and exploring it further.

Three famous people she would like to invite to dinner Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon and Hamish Blake. I like to laugh and I think that with these three people there would be never ending laughter.

Three things he would take to a desert island Never ending Tim Tam packet, hammock and sunglasses.

Her hidden talents I can turn my eyelids inside out.

Claire Conlon

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Claire Conlon is very new to the Local Government sector having been the Manager of Active Ageing and Community Access at Moorabool Shire Council for only four months.

What she enjoys outside of work

Her favourite sports to play

The last book she read

My favourite thing to do is to announce to my dog Lola “do you want to go to the beach” and the excitement is priceless. She cannot contain her excitement in the car, she takes on the waves at the beach and then sleeps on the way home.

I have been playing softball since I was six years old. I love that I have been playing with the same bunch of girls since we were teens and we have travelled all over Australia and internationally to play. It is the best game in the world.

I read Magda Szubanski’s book.

I had always admired her before but I admire her even more so after reading her book. Worth a read!

Her favourite sports to watch

Something about her that may surprise people

I am an avid North Melbourne Kangaroos fan and go most weeks to watch them play. I especially love it when they beat Essendon.

58 | PROFILE SUMMER 2017

My dad is the bagpiper in ACDC’s video clip – It’s a Long way to the top.

What really annoys her The dollars spent on the recent same sex marriage vote.

What makes her laugh Kath and Kim, Fawlty Towers, Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres, Whoopi Goldberg and beating Essendon!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

Diary Dates

EVENTS

PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

DATE

INFORMATION

The 2018 program begins on Thursday 15 February

To equip and support senior executives in Local Government

The 2018 program begins on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 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

Series 1 begins Wednesday 7 March

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

Series 1 begins Thursday 15 and Friday 16 March

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

Series 1 begins Tuesday 20 March

Program tailored to outdoor workers to help them to develop competencies required to manage and lead people

Wednesday 7 February at LGPro office, level 3/58 Lorimer Street, Docklands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To assist non specialist governance staff to acquire a clear understanding of the governance context and arrangements

The Victorian heats of the Challenge will be held on Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 March

For teams working in Local Government looking for a fresh challenge

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES Australasian Management Challenge

WANT TO IMPROVE CAREER PROSPECTS IN 2018?

Check out LGPro’s 2018 Professional Development Calendar which lists a broad range of programs, conferences, seminars, events and awards that will not only help to advance your career, but will provide you with knowledge and support to perform your role.

Visit 2018 LGPro Professional Development Calendar or contact the LGPro office on 9268 6400 or email info@lgpro.com to get a copy of the calendar sent to you.

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

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