September 2016 Profile Magazine

Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Spring 2016

2017 Annual Conference

Emerging Leaders

2016 XLP graduates

Sneak preview of new format

Where are they now?

Congratulations to class of 2016

w

PROFILE SPRING 2016

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

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

The deadline for Summer 2016 edition is 4 November 2016. The magazine will be circulated electronically in December 2016.

CONTRIBUTIONS Story ideas and photographs are always welcome. Please contact Vicki Amiguet, LGPro’s Manager Communication and Sponsorship on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com ADVERTISING For information or to book advertising in Profile, please call Vicki Amiguet on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com CREDITS Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Editor – Vicki Amiguet Design: Bull Design Group (03) 9561 3313 www.bulldesigngroup.com.au

Contents

6-9 Pictorial coverage of 2016 women’s events See all the pics from these two events which attracted almost 700 people.

13 2016 Corporate Planners Network Conference Get “One step ahead” by attending this year’s Conference on 21 October.

14-15 Winners of the 2016 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards See which Council took out the Outstanding Program/ Project grant based and non grant based awards.

18 2006 Emerging Leaders Program graduates – where are they now Ten years on we talk to three 2006 ELP graduates and learn how the program has helped their career.

22-23 LGPro Members help to shape the sector Learn how our Members are making a difference and helping to shape the sector.

Profile is printed on recycled paper.

Cover pic: Dr Susan Carland who spoke at the 2016 LGPro Women’s Network Dinner with her mother, Jan Martin who is Director of Corporate and Community Services at South Gippsland Shire Council.

Main picture at top: Moonee Valley Council colleagues, Natalie Reiter, Jackie Liparota, Lauren Treby and Nina Stanwell at the 2016 LGPro Women’s Network Dinner.

33 Meet two new members of the LGPro team Introducing Henry Tamasese and Jodie Zomer who have recently joined LGPro.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Members defining and driving our work

›

As a member organisation we think it’s only right that our individual members define and drive our representation work. So we are really pleased and grateful for the terrific participation and support you have provided in response to the work on the Local Government Act Review Directions Paper and on addressing under representation of women in senior roles.

In terms of the Local Government

We are also asking executive

We believe that together we are

Act Review there’s a lot to like

recruiters for data on the gender

making a difference and that our

about the higher level principles of

balance of both application pools

active involvement will help shape

creating and instituting an Act that

and short lists for CEO and Director/

the sector and improve it.

enables greater collaboration and

General Manager roles in the sector

innovation, embeds community

recruited over the last three

engagement and acknowledges

years and their insights on this

the autonomy of the sector within

process. Over and above the

its broad parameters. Getting the

data, we are asking all of our

balance right between enabling

women members for their input

the sector and prescribing those

on a range of issues including their

things required to give the

ideas for increasing representation

I look forward to catching up with

community confidence won’t

of women at senior roles in the

you at an LGPro activity soon.

be easy, particularly at a time

sector, if there are institutional

when community confidence in

barriers preventing women from

government in general is very low.

being more equally represented

Creating the new Act is only the first part of the work. After that we will need to maintain our interest and involvement so that we can provide our expert input on developing regulations and guidance material that is consistent with the spirit of the legislation.

Understanding the views of women By the time the next edition of Profile is with you in December, we’ll have a detailed understanding of the number of women in Director and Manager roles and their percentage representation.

Once identified these women will be surveyed to better understand their views and experience of employment opportunities and their career aspirations.

at executive level and the opportunities that the sector could embrace to increase the number of women who are interested in competing for appointment at senior executive level.

Ministerial Roundtable We know there has been a lot of talk but precious little action to address the under representation of women in senior roles in Local Government. The information we are gathering is to ensure that when our two representatives on the Ministerial Women’s Roundtable, Rebecca McKenzie LGPro Vice President and CEO at Glen Eira and Robyn Mansfield, LGPro Board Secretary and Manager Built & Active Spaces at Yarra Ranges, attend the first meeting in October they will have a strong factual base to support their suggestions for effective action.

4 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

If you have colleagues who have the drive and commitment to make a difference for themselves, their colleagues and the broader sector, please encourage them to consider joining LGPro.

BRENDAN McGRATH PRESIDENT

CEO’S MESSAGE

Dipping into the past for perspective

›

I’ll freely admit that the public misrepresentation of the efforts of our members makes me crankier than it should, and there’s been a fair bit of it around lately.

To deal with my annoyance I dipped into my past for an approach that would give me comfort and perspective.

I was an ardent reader of comics and apart from the Phantom who was the chief of the local pygmy Bandar tribe, the loves of his life Devil, his trained wolf, Hero, his horse and Diana Palmer (too much information?), I was particularly taken with Superman’s ability to enter the Bizzaro World where everything was the opposite of what it is in the real world.

Differentiating between fact and opinion

I look forward to catching up

In the Bizzaro World the media

DAVID PREISS

was known for its integrity

CEO

and always made clear the differentiation between what is factual, unsubstantiated or just an opinion. But sadly, even

continued to be bitter, twisted

So, along with Superman

inspired fantasy and got my

I ventured into the Bizzaro World

annoyance out I can move onto

and this what I found. The three

a really positive reality. The recent

tiers of government respected one

LGPro Women’s Professional

another’s efforts in the interests of

Development Forum and Women’s

the community, while acknowledging

Network Dinner was an absolute

their respective failings.

highlight for me.

Their trust and respect was in fact

The enthusiasm and positivity

so strong that they had started

of the attendees and the level

discussing how their current

of collegiality is exceptional.

arrangement could be adapted to

Any sense of hierarchy based

meet the needs of the community.

on position and differences in

Politicians were the ethical standard

professional backgrounds and

bearers of the community and girls

locations disappeared.

trustworthy and wise like the people they were named after.

– Homer Simpson

radio hosts and their callers and terminally unhappy.

in the hope that they would be

“Hey, just because I don’t care doesn’t mean I don’t understand.”

in the Bizzaro World talk back

Venturing into Bizzaro World

and boys were named after them

with you soon.

Now that I’ve had my comic

David Preiss with Port Phillip City Council CEO Tracey Slatter at the recent Women’s Professional Development Forum.

It’s a credit to the LGPro Board women members, who, together with the LGPro staff, created terrific programs and to the attendees

The community supported the

who engaged so readily and

need for taxation and they were

generously with the presenters

happy that they understood the

and one another. I’d love to take

amount they paid to whom and

credit for it, but I couldn’t even

for what and public policy was

do that in the Bizzaro World.

based on a combination of reliable evidence and care and compassion.

PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 5

Engaging and inspirational

WOMEN’S EVENTS

Informative, inspirational, thought provoking, engaging and challenging were some of the words used to describe the 2016 LGPro’s womens events held on 21 July.

Feedback received from around 700 people who attended the two events held at Melbourne Park Function Centre was extremely positive. More than 90% of those who responded to our survey on the Forum said they attended for personal and professional development and 84% rated the event either excellent or very good. Around 81% of attendees at the Dinner said they attended to network with peers and colleagues. Guest speaker, Dr Susan Carland received rave reviews with 87% of survey respondents rating her as excellent or very good.

From left, Jenny Macaffer, Harriet McCallum, Libby Hargreaves, Stephanie Ristevska, Rosalynd Ponte and Clem Gillings (all from Maribyrnong Council).

From left. Julie Bertisen (Citywide) with Cassia da Silva, Liz van Doorn and Jill Mottram (Procurement Australia).

From left, Husne Kaya, Elizabeth Deakin and Laurel Russell (all from Hume Council).

Dr Susan Carland spoke about women and leadership at the Women’s Network Dinner.

Aunty Di’s Welcome to

6 |

Country brought a strong sense of country and connection to the land.

Natalie Hutchins address was one of the

most informative and interesting I have heard from a politician in a long while.

Great session. Very thought provoking, with knowledgeable (and well prepared) speakers and well facilitated.

Anitha Ajay and Shaimaa Elmasri (both from Casey Council).

Local Government Minister, Natalie Hutchins officially opened the Forum.

From left, Mary Martin (Monash Council) with Kate Bartlett and Michael Dowling (both from Russell Kennedy).

Aunty Di Kerr provided the Welcome to Country.

Deb Equid (Darebin Council) and Margherita Barbante, (Yarra Council).

Kylie Sprague (Greater Dandenong Council) and Kim Jaensch (Frankston Council).

From left, Jenny Horvarth (Manningham Council), Ann Hawley (Boroondara Council) and Lynne Gullan (Nillumbik Council).

From left, Elissia Cross, Dale McConchie and Janine Ahles from Yarra Ranges Council.

Shane and John Isaac with the Mel Jeffery who won the 2016 Sally Isaac Award.

Fantastic! Jacqui Cooper

was an amazing storyteller, she was uplifting, full of energy, inspiring and I just loved hearing her story.

Matthew Cripps (Baw Baw Shire) and Kaylene Hodgkin (Banyule Council).

From left, Tess Angarane and Kate Burge from Glen Eira Council with Michelle Cox (Membership Development Manager at LGPro).

Writer and feminist thinker, Clementine Ford was a keynote speaker at the Forum.

From left, Thea Escreet and Kath Stephenson (Cardinia Council).

LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR WOMEN’S EVENTS

Women’s Professional Development Forum MAJOR SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Women’s Network Dinner MAJOR SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

The Short Talks were excellent

Delegates get involved in an interactive session.

as they were of stories of individual people like me and you and I think people connect well with these talks.

Ellen Kimball (left) and Vanessa McLean (both from Whitehorse Council).

The Plenary Conversation provided some interesting discussion. Panel members from left, Dr Karen Morley, Sasha Lord from Yarra Ranges Council, Tracey Slatter, CEO Port Phillip Council (facilitator), Dr Graeme Emonson, Executive Director Local Government Victoria, Coral Ross, President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and Anni McArthur, Director at McArthur.

From left, Katrina Knox (Darebin Council), Lisa King and Michael Byrne (both from Maribyrnong Council).

From left, Tanya Styles, Sofie Anselmi, Jacinta Barnes, Fiona Brown, Sally Wansbrough (all from Boroondara Council).

David Harper and Robyn Mansfield (Yarra Ranges Council).

Lisa Ippolito From Hume Council was MC at the dinner.

8 | PROFILE SPRING 2015

Is there a higher category than excellent I would like to add in – fabulous, amazing!

Every year you have incredible speakers and having attended 10 of the 12 dinners held I think Dr Carland was actually the best.

Kerryn Ellis from Greater Bendigo Council toasts the success of the Dinner,

Jacqui Cooper, five time Olympian kept the audience entertained.

Storyteller Dalit Kaplan with LGPro Board Member Celia Haddock.

From left, Rhona Comport, Lauren Norman, Kate Mitchell and Maryann Smith (all from Casey Council).

Melanie McCarten and Linda Harman (both from Darebin Council).

Captain Jennifer Wittwer

Kieran Murrihy hosted a session on collaborating in the future.

Casey Ward and Holly De Kretser (Casey Council).

From left, Katy Jones (McArthur), Samantha Stanton (Greater Bendigo City Council) and Rachael Whiting (McArthur).

Syeda Erum Ali from the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre gave a Short Talk.

From left, Pauline Hassakis and Lilian Santora Brimbank Council.

This group from Banyule City Council enjoyed the dinner.

What a wonderful speaker. Such a shining example of the

reluctant spokesperson who has stepped up and taken on the leadership challenge. Her resilience and innovative ideas are an inspiration.

Dr Carland was very engaging and her talk was very thought provoking. It made you think

and take stock of your own thoughts and think about what you can do to help make a difference.

| 9

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

Advocating for quality for all

Mel Jeffery, the winner of the 2016 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award, is a firm believer in equality for all.

In her relatively brief career, this engaging and intelligent 27 year old has already created positive change in the community and throughout the state through her commitment to social justice.

Reading about Sally Isaac’s life and values which are so similar to her own made winning the award even more special for Mel. “I feel so privileged to win this award and to be able to carry Sally’s legacy forward,” she said.

Mel says her interest in social justice was sparked when as a high school student she volunteered with refugee young people.

“It seemed so unfair to me that such gentle and kind hearted young people, that had already been through significant challenges, still weren’t given the same opportunities as others their age,” she said.

“My mother and grandmother have also always been strong advocates for people with a disability and are firm believers in equality for all so I have had some strong role models.”

This year has been a big one for Mel who won LGPro’s 2016 Young Achiever Award for Excellence in February. In March she moved into a new role as Participation & Development Coordinator Youth Affairs Council of Victoria where she hopes to continue to advocate for social justice.

Mel plans to use the $10,000 Sally Isaac scholarship to undertake a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at Melbourne University.

Mel spent four years as Youth Programs Worker at Maroondah Council where she drove significant change by increasing the inclusion of all people who identify as LGBTIQ. She also instigated Council’s first youth program specifically supporting LGBTIQ young people which won the 2016 READYS (Recognising Excellence Awards for the Delivery of Youth Services) presented by YACVic and the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA).

Beyond her role in Council, Mel was been involved in policy development at a local, State and Federal level through her work as chair and board member of Minus 18 Foundation, on the Youth Affairs Council Youth Reference and Policy Advisory Groups, and as the Victorian Young Member for National Youth Week.

Mel said she could not have achieved as much without the fantastic support and mentoring she received at Maroondah. “I was so fortunate to have worked with such incredible people who gave me tremendous support and encouragement. Without that I don’t think I would have been able to achieve half of what I did,” she said.

Mel Jeffery (with certificate) celebrates her win with the team from Maroondah Council.

2016 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award nominees

Sarah Cousins Project Coordinator, Place-based Revitalisation, Maribyrnong City Council

Lauren Davy Team Leader Client Services Community Living & Respite Services Inc Phoebe Nagorcka-Smith Youth Engagement Officer, Glenelg Shire Council Colette Naufal Health & Wellbeing Officer, Surf Coast Shire Council Sarah Radlow Student, Bentleigh Secondary College 12 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

Samantha Suendermann Recreation Development Officer, Surf Coast Shire Council

Teneille Summers Preventing Violence Against Women Officer, Darebin City Council

Sundae Wharewera Community Leader/Secretary, Wallaroo Resident’s Action Group

Corporate Planners working in Local Government are invited to get One Step Ahead by exploring concepts and key trends to meet the changing landscape of the sector at the 2016 LGPro Corporate Planners Network Conference on Friday 21 October.

CONFERENCE DETAILS WHEN: Friday 21 October from 8.30am-4pm followed by drinks and networking WHERE: Citadenes, 131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne

KEYNOTE SPEAKER MARCUS BARBER works with senior management teams to help them make more effective decisions. He targets emerging issues and helps to identify specific strategic planning actions that an organisation can apply within its operating framework. With a broad portfolio across Government, Corporate and Not for Profit sectors from across the globe that includes the Department of Defence, FBI, City of Greater Dandenong, Gold Coast City Council, General Motors, and IAG, his cross-sector awareness ensures future focused and pragmatic decision making is at the forefront of all management levels.

The title of his keynote address is: Outcomes Based Decision Making – aligning the What with the How in Planning and Execution. It will focus on emerging issues in the sector and will also discuss a model that any Council can incorporate into their planning cycles to move from ‘good intentions’ to ‘good outcomes’.

OTHER CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

• • • • •

Presentation and panel discussion on service review planning Practical, activity based session on how to develop a service plan Case study presented by Whittlesea Council on accountability Innovation and problem solving workshop Discussion on career planning and what corporate planners can expect in the future

CORPORATE PLANNERS AWARD The winner of the 2016 Corporate Planners Award will be announced at 3.45pm.

All award finalists will present on their projects as part of the conference program.

This award is for initiatives implemented by Local Government that demonstrate excellence in Council planning, Council business planning, community planning, integrating Council and community planning, integrated planning, performance measurement and management, service planning, delivery or enhancement, sustainable community involvement in Council and community planning, planning for environmental sustainability and planning for organisational change.

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

PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 13

About 100 people working in the Aged & Disability Services sector came together on Thursday 8 September to explore the new world that they are working in. Speakers and sessions highlighted the vastly different environment that officers in the sector are operating in as a result of Government reforms that are still being rolled out. There was robust discussion on how the sector is dealing with the change and what lies ahead.

Keynote speaker, Ronda Held from COTA Victoria.

Pina McBride and Richard Joseph from Greater Dandenong City Council at one of the sessions.

Keynote speaker, Dr Liz Cyarto led delegates in a Have a Try exercise session.

A seminar delegate enjoyed a relaxing massage provided

by Chris Fallon from Onsite Massage.

Andrew Alford from McArthur speaks during the interactive session on leading through change.

Knox Council delegates from left, ShirleyFisher, Rose Vince, Robbie Leslie and Jasmine Kallaur.

Elsa Demetriou from Skills Training chats to two delegates from Whittlesea City Council.

Lorna Tornquist and Samantha Sales from Melton City Council enjoy a McArthur coffee.

LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS

AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES SEMINAR

MAJOR SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES AWARDS

MAJOR SPONSOR

The “Walk Around Australia and Up The Guts” program is an interactive, low cost, high impact, easy to follow program that targets the physical health and emotional wellbeing of participants. All participants are provided with a pedometer where their weekly step count is recorded on a large map of Australia that details the combined progress of the walk. Along the way, places of interest to participants are visited by Skype, YouTube and internet searches. Participants are encouraged to share places where that have lived, holidayed or worked. Experiences are shared using technology within the group setting that elicit stories and memories of the past. Around 85 people have participated in the program including social support clients, staff and volunteers and people from three community walking groups. It has increased their mobility, reduced the incidence of falls and improved the emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing of those involved.

From left, Leigh Cashen from award sponsor Mecwacare and April Archbold and Sharon Little from Golden Plains Shire. Noel Brebner who organised the winning program was not able to attend the dinner.

• Cities of Bayside, Greater Dandenong and Kingston, Early Implementation Project • Campaspe Shire Council, Community Transport Drivers • Casey City Council, Jo Smale, Aboriginal Gathering Place • Knox City Council, Seniors Housing Support Service

Moorabool Shire is ranked as having the 12th highest number of people suffering dementia in Local Government areas across Victoria. As a result of increasing numbers of dementia sufferers accessing Council’s HACC services, Moorabool became an active member of the Shaping a Montessori Community project with the Department of Health and Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria and this led to the development of Dementia Specific Day Respite programs. One of these is the Magical Respite Program which is a pilot project between a group of dementia sufferers from the Planned Activity Group programs, and children, parents and grandparents who attend the Imagination Magic Group from Early Years program. Once a quarter the two groups come together and experience a tactile driven, interactive, and sensory based program. Through the program, young mums and their children have become closer to the clients with dementia and the people with dementia have been laughing, relearning skills and joining in the activities.

Back row, from left, Leigh Cashen (Mecwacare), Nicole Mackenzie, Kristen Cahill, Denise Blyth and Lorraine Pilakis (all from Moorabool Shire). Seated from left, Tracy Jacobs, Liz Ellis, Nichole Russell and Robyn Salt (all from Moorabool Shire).

• Casey City Council, Jump Start for Life • Glenelg Shire Council, Glenelg SAVES (Seniors Achieving Valuable Energy Savings) • Greater Geelong City Council, Faces of a Generation • Greater Geelong City Council, Wise Words – Let Me Tell You My Story • Greater Shepparton City Council, Art for Empowerment Project PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 15

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Who has the ‘best job’ in the public sector? ›

Noelene Duff has worked in Local Government for 25 years and has been Chief Executive Officer at the City of Whitehorse since 2000. She honestly believes she has the “best job” in the public sector. In this Profile we learn a bit more about Noelene’s career and what she believes makes a good leader.

Tell us about your early career?

I had wanted to be a Social Worker, which involved five years of full time study, since high school. It stemmed from my commitment to social justice – I had never met a social worker and had no role models so it was an interesting choice!!

My first real job was as a Social Worker/ Community Development Officer at Collingwood Council mainly working in the Housing Commission flats. My early roles involved working with vulnerable children and families in a range of non-government organisations.

Later I progressed to management roles and my work focused more on policy and planning in the Victorian Government.

Did you plan your career path?

Yes and no. Following my earlier career in Social Work I progressed to managing people and services, as well as some experience in policy and planning. I decided I loved the management side of organisations, so completed a Masters Degree.

I decided that I wanted to be a CEO in the Local Government sector while I was working at Manager level at a Council and I pursued that goal.

About seven years later I got the job at Whitehorse as Chief Executive Officer.

your hand up for opportunities, as well as create them for yourself.

The amalgamation process in the sector in the mid 90’s presented me with a plethora of opportunities.

During this time, I offered to be a management resource to the CEO’s of three Councils who were to be amalgamated, to assist with that planning process and the many challenges. It was a pandora’s box of opportunity for me professionally and I learnt so much in a very short time frame.

Tell us about any mentors or role models you have had?

I have never had a formal mentor, but I have had lots of encouragement from accomplished leaders who gave me some great advice along the way, challenged me and provided me with opportunities to progress.

What attributes do you believe make a good leader Good leaders have a genuine passion for what they do and are keen to engage others in their passion. They work hard, take risks and have a strong commitment to the goals of their organisation.

They are people with a strong value framework that is meaningfully implemented in the way that they act day to day. They are not “all talk”!

Did you take any risks with your career?

Do you believe the sector has a sound foundation of good leaders?

Definitely! You have to stretch yourself, learn to be confident with your analytical skills and decision making. You also need to put

I am continually inspired by the many leaders at all levels of our Local Government sector. I think we are very fortunate to have a

professional association in LGPro who provide great opportunities for developing people in our sector. I have been so impressed with how many passionate leaders we have in Local Government.

What are some of the challenges facing the sector and how can these be met?

The Local Government sector has never walked away from any challenge! I continue to be amazed by the resilience of Local Government officers in dealing with change imposed on us, as well as the sector’s capacity for innovation and being ahead of the game. The biggest challenge we face at the moment is financial sustainability – meeting communities growing expectations at a time when our resources to respond are increasingly constrained.

What do you consider are the major contributions you have made in Local Government?

I have worked hard to encourage dialogue within about key issues and been a strong advocate for the sector and the value proposition we offer our communities. I have always been someone willing to speak up.

Any future career plans?

There is always so much to do and so many opportunities in Local Government. I look forward to continuing to learn and continuing to contribute!

PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 17

DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS

Emerging Leaders graduate ›

In the last 10 years our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) has developed and inspired hundreds of leaders in Local Government. So we thought it would be fun to talk to three graduates of our 2006 program and see where they are 10 years on and learn how the program has helped their careers.

Mike McIntosh

Tammi Rose

Paul Holton

Group shot of graduates from 2006.

Paul Holton is Director Development at East Gippsland Shire Council.

When he participated in ELP his substantive role at

Council and Wellington Shire Council which saw

Latrobe City Council was Manager Arts and Leisure

him take up the position of Director Development

but a restructure saw this change to Manager

at East Gippsland. Whilst it was a one year program,

Arts, Events and International Relations. In 2008,

when the position became vacant in 2014, Paul

Paul was asked to step into the role of Manager

applied for it and was successful.

City Development which presented an exciting opportunity that allowed him to explore the world of Strategic and Statutory Land Use Planning.

Paul says: “The Emerging Leaders Program provided me with a broader view of Local Government and what is required to be a leader in that environment.

In 2010, Paul moved to Wellington Shire Council

The program gave me the confidence to take up

as General Manager Development, responsible for

different opportunities and I have been able to

Planning, Building Approvals, Environmental Health,

progress my career in Local Government across

Local Laws and Economic Development and during

a range of different functional areas.”

his time there he acted as CEO for 10 months.

“I have and will continue to recommend the program

A fantastic professional development opportunity

to others as a way of lifting your perspective out of

came Paul’s way in 2012 when he participated in an

the day to day and seeing the bigger picture and the

exchange program between East Gippsland Shire

possibilities that are out there,” he said.

Nominations for the 2017 ELP program open on 3 October and close on 18 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

s… where are they now?

Mike McIntosh is currently Group Manager Development Services at Port Stephens Council in New South Wales.

When he completed ELP he was the Manager

Mike said ELP created an awareness for him of

of Economic Development and Tourism at the

what it takes to lead in today’s world. “It prompts

City of Port Phillip where he had been since 1998

you to question whether you want to be a part

working his way up through the ranks and taking

of it. It reinforced in me my passion for leadership

secondment opportunities managing other business

and gave me the encouragement to know that

units and services to build his “bag of tricks”.

I was good at it.”

Mike always regarded working in Local

Mike would recommend the program to

Government as an opportunity to travel and

those interested in exploring whether they

work in different communities so four and a half

have a penchant for leadership and to those

years ago he moved to Port Stephens Council,

already in leadership positions. “Leadership is

north of Newcastle where he heads up three

not a skill you acquire and then move on to

Council directorates with 100 staff as Director

the next skill. It’s a work in progress and there

of Development Services.

is always much to learn about yourself and how

Working at Port Stephens Council has been a fantastic experience for Mike who says being a key member of the executive has provided him with a great opportunity to lead change and continuously improve the way things are done.

you relate and communicate to others,” he said.

“Leadership is about influence and the core competencies explored in the ELP certainly have provided me with a fantastic toolkit to draw upon as I tackle the challenges of leadership in today’s work environment.”

Tammi Rose is currently Director of Corporate Services at Hobsons Bay City Council.

When she participated in ELP Tammi was a

develop and influence those in my teams or around

senior Coordinator in the Business Systems and

me.” She believes taking time out of the day to day

Accounting stream of the Finance Department

work to allow the opportunity for personal and

at Greater Shepparton Council which involved

professional development and learning is critical

working directly with the executive team and

and has played a big part in her career success.

Councillors, as well as managers and coordinators from across the Council on all things budget, as well as development of systems. From there she worked as Manager Finance and spent time on secondment as Manager Operations (Depot) and Manager Corporate Performance. Tammi has been in a Director role for three years and also has a NonExecutive Director role in a state sporting body.

Tammi said she has used many aspects of what she learnt in ELP throughout her career. “Reflecting back, I think at the time there was a lot about selfawareness and understanding personal motivations and drivers as a leader. Also about how to best

“Undertaking ELP helped me to put some form around my career aspirations. It also provided access to mentors and others who were at different stages of their careers and who were willing to share experiences, lessons learned along the way and advice on where to put your energy and focus, not to mention offering perspective and sometimes even being that critical friend,” she said.

Tammi says she has recommended ELP to people and has also put some of her team members onto the program as the takeaways it offers extend well beyond professional skills.

4 November. For further information visit Emerging Leaders Program PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 19

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PROGRAM NEWS

2016 Executive Leadership Program graduates

›

Congratulations to these 24 outstanding leaders in Local Government who recently graduated from LGPro’s 2016 Executive Leadership Program (XLP). The group celebrated the completion of the specialised nine month leadership program and received their graduation certificates from LGPro President, Brendan McGrath at a dinner on 1 September.

XLP is designed to help senior executives working in Local Government to expand and develop their skills and knowledge to assist them to become confident and capable leaders sector. Applications for the 2017 program open on 3 October and close on 4 November.

2016 XLP graduates Chris Leivers, Yarra City Council Fiona Banks, Boroondara City Council

Robyn Stevens, Surf Coast Shire Council

Ian Ellett, Indigo Shire Council

Glenn Reddick, Warrnambool City Council

Jaime Carroll, Rural City of Wangaratta

Kim Jaensch, Frankston City Council

Lisa Davis, Port Phillip City Council

Kath Brackett, Brimbank City Council

Mary-Anne Palatsides, Glen Eira City Council

Ilias Kostopoulos, Whitehorse City Council

Kevin van Boxtel, Greater Dandenong City Council

Janelle Bryce, Port Phillip City Council

Colleen White, Ararat Rural City Council

Kerryn Ellis, Greater Bendigo City Council

Fee Harrison, Monash City Council

Daniel Freer, Kingston City Council

Caroline Wallis, Strathbogie Shire Council

Waudi Tahche, Cardinia Shire Council

Elaine Wyatt, Murrindindi Shire Council

Penny Pavlou, Stonnington City Council

Sanjay Manivasagasivam, Northern Grampians Shire Council Vaughan Williams, Northern Grampians Shire Council Phillip Priest, Moreland City Council

For further information on nominating for the 2017 program, visit Executive Leadership Program (XLP).

2016 LGPro Executive Leadership Program graduates.

PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 21

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE SECTOR

Our members helping to shape the sector

›

LGPro members play a vital role in helping to shape the Local Government sector. Through their participation and input they are making a real difference and having a say on their future.

Many of our members are actively

meetings that LGPro hosted for

involved in developing solutions

Local Government Victoria to

in the sector by being part of

to important issues facing Local

gather feedback from people working

judging panels for a variety

Government. LGPro has invited

in the sector on aspects of the

of LGPro awards

our women members to put

Local Government Act Review.

• Providing their expertise and

LGPro Special Interest Groups

input on our conference

prepare submissions to provide

planning committees which

their input on government plans

develop and organise programs

and policies that affect them.

for a range of conferences

forward issues they would like to see discussed at the first Ministerial Women’s Roundtable being held in October. These roundtables were established by the Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, in response to a submission presented

by LGPro’s female Board members on addressing the representation of women at CEO Level in Local Government.

Only recently our Biodiversity

• Helping to celebrate excellence

• Connecting with other members

Special Interest Group prepared

through our programs, events

two detailed submissions on

and Special Interest Groups to

key pieces of policy around

share advice and resources.

the environment and biodiversity.

Other ways our members are

Our members were among 60 people who attended three

making a difference and gaining valuable personal professional development includes:

Hear from our Members

ON HOW THEY ARE HELPING TO SHAPE THE SECTOR

Marianne McArthur, Acting Senior Corporate Planner at Whitehorse Council Through my membership I have enjoyed access to so many opportunities. I represented LGPro on the Victorian City Council Model Budget taskforce. I contributed to various submissions, and served on working groups with Local Government Victoria to produce resources for the Local Government sector.

As an LGPro member, I was able to take a position as a Co-convenor of the Corporate Planners Network Special Interest Group (SIG). I collaborate with my Co-convenors (and with staff from Councils across Victoria) to develop engaging, topical agendas for our meetings. I am also now on my fourth conference organising committee: we are busy planning the program for the 2016 Corporate Planners Conference on 21 October. Conference organisation is a fun, creative, collaborative process, we consider current and emerging issues, develop a conference theme, identify speakers, and (very importantly) choose the menu!

The opportunity to meet so many people and to help shape the sector is very rewarding, as is seeing such strong attendances at our meetings and conferences. LGPro plays an important role in helping facilitate interaction between Councils. Local Government staff are so generous with sharing information – we really help each other out. I love it.

22 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

Amanda Dodd, Coordinator Environmental Planning, Hume Council I joined LGPro in 2012 and am Co-convenor of the Biodiversity Network Special Interest group.

I also completed LGPro’s Ignite program in 2013. Being a member of LGPro has helped me to make invaluable connections and develop relationships with people working across Local Government.

The Ignite program taught me some valuable negotiating and coaching skills which have helped in my career. In fact I still refer to notes from the program.

It is wonderful to be Co-convenor of the Biodiversity Planning Network SIG which has 83 members across 33 Councils. Our network has achieved many things including: • Submissions to the State Government – including network submissions and assistance with individual Council submissions • Increasing collaboration between State and Local Government • Organising two Forums, a Biodiversity and Health Forum in 2013 and the Business of Biodiversity Forum in 2014 • Supporting and providing advice for members to assist with planning decisions, preparing for VCAT hearings and for environmental enforcement cases • Assisting and providing advice on the Bushfire Recovery Process • Creating connections between biodiversity areas and other areas of Local and State Government

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

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PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 23

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development opportunities for all

›

Mildura and Moreland are just two of a growing lists of Councils who use an open and transparent process to offer professional development opportunities with LGPro to their staff on an annual basis.

They advertise a range of LGPro

We promote the programs to

of our more senior staff attend the

programs to staff from a variety

all staff and try to offer these

Executive Leadership Program and

of backgrounds and teams

opportunities to staff from a

Mastering Management Program

and interested staff complete

variety of backgrounds and teams.

and we also send staff to programs

a nomination process with the

Interested staff can them nominate

specific to their area of expertise.

support of their Manager which

with the support of their Manager,

is then considered by the

with the final decision being made

Council’s Executive Team.

by our Executive Leadership Team.

Leanne Bickley, Manager of

Melissa: All programs are initially

Professional Development at LGPro,

promoted and advertised in our

said this was a great approach to

Leadership Development Program

Why do you believe LGPro programs are a good option for your staff?

making professional development

which is launched in July each year

Kate: Because the programs are

accessible to all staff and also

and lists all leadership opportunities

tailored to Local Government

provides those nominating with

available for the year. We start

they directly relate to our day to

experience in putting together

nominations in September via an all

day challenges. Staff find that the

a nomination form and gaining

staff email. Nominations are collated

information shared and discussion

support from their Manager.

and the successful candidates are

is relevant and helpful. One

decided on by our Executive Team.

constant positive comment is

“The feedback we have received from our program participants who have been involved in this type of process has been really positive.

They take it seriously and feel a real sense of achievement when they are successful,” Leanne said.

What do you consider are the major benefits of the process you use?

Melissa: Ignite, Mastering Management, ELP and XLP.

that the programs provide great networking opportunities and our staff have made some really good professional contacts. The fact that

Kate: It is an open, transparent

the content in the program is so

process and all staff have the

specific to this industry also makes

opportunity to put forward a

these programs great value for

“They are also really keen for their

nomination. Non-successful

money which is really important,

Council to benefit from the learnings

applicants are also given feedback

particularly for a regional Council

they take away from the program.”

through their Manager. Our process

where we have the added cost

is coordinated independently by

of travel and accommodation

our Human Resources team.

to factor in.

at Mildura City Council and

Melissa: We try to ensure the process

Melissa: It’s a great opportunity to

Melissa Ujgunovski, Learning and

is equitable and accessible to all.

be involved in a Local Government

Kate McMillan, Manager Organisational Development

Development Advisor at Moreland below about their respective

What are the main LGPro programs your staff attend?

Council’s involvement with

Kate: Our staff attend a wide

City Council answer questions

LGPro professional development.

variety of programs but Ignite is

What is the internal process you use to offer LGPro programs to your staff?

certainly one of the most popular

Kate: We conduct our own internal

Emerging Leaders Programs and

nomination process for programs

have been very successful with staff

like Ignite and Emerging Leaders.

being selected to participate. Some

and we always have a strong field of applicants for this program. We also regularly nominate staff for the

specific development initiative and to be able to network with other professionals in the sector.

If your Council is interested in learning more about LGPro programs and how they can be tailored for staff in your Council, contact Leanne Bickley on (03) 9268 6400.

PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 25

FEATURE ARTICLE

My hospital holiday

›

I had a hospital stay recently. Nothing serious, but it took the better part of a week from familiar surroundings. I’m quite well now thank you, and somewhat enriched by the experience.

My last hospital holiday was over 30 years ago. I had little sense of what it would be like to become a cog in the hospital machine again, so decided to approach this as an unfolding adventure, to be observed, absorbed and noted.

It took the better part of day one to formally become a patient, starting at triage and registration desks with my GP’s referral in hand, taken to a room for assessment to verify his analysis, agreement amongst duty doctors about treatment, and finally as the sun set I snuggled into bed #5B, tubed up and poised to go in the next day or two. Time enough to observe the 24 hour cycle of checking my vitals (asleep or not), short chats with doctors, and the handover routine when nurses changed shifts.

On reflection, two things struck me – the mesh of complexity and procedure I found myself in, and that there was no choice but to trust and surrender to it.

26 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

Familiar to government workers, one way to deal with organisational complexity is to split into parts, manage them individually, and mesh it all back together into a coherent and reliable service organisation. Hospitals do the same I’m sure, but the difference is the degree to which the individual is at the centre.

Imagine a hospital’s organisation chart. You might think of a hierarchy of doctors, surgeons and nurses, and an extensive governance structure with the management that requires. True this may be, it’s not the right answer.

A hospital’s organisation chart is built around the patient. Patients create the complexity, each a unique person with a particular medical need and urgency. The ‘splitting into parts’ here gears services (care and treatment) to a collection of unique needs.

In a sense, there is no ‘community’ of patients, just lots of individuals who, like me, surrendered autonomy and had trust that we’ll receive personal attention from professional and caring people.

For good reasons, Local Governments tend to have a demographic-geographic approach to organising themselves and services, a sort of averaging of needs. In contrast, my hospital holiday was all about me. Not my neighbourhood, age, ethnicity, income or any other parameter.

Just me.

So, this was a reminder that communities are nothing if not a collection of individuals, and that it’s with each of us at centre where the organisation chart really begins.

Verne Krastins Sector Connector

EA AND PA EVENT

How to deal with being the ‘meat in the sandwich’

›

Around 40 Executive and Personal Assistants working in the sector learnt how to deal with being the ‘meat in the sandwich’ at a specialised session and lunch organised by LGPro in June.

Two highly respected sector leaders, Liana Thompson, Director Corporate & Community Services at Baw Baw Shire and Tony De Fazio, Manager of Civic Services at Whitehorse Council provided a legislative overview of the Caretaker Period and provided examples, case studies and insights drawn from their years of experience working in Local Government.

This was followed by a roundtable discussion about the issues EAs

and PAs face with Liana and Tony providing advice on how to deal with them. The sharing and networking continued over lunch and resources have continued to be shared since the event.

“A very informative presentation and the two speakers worked well together. Very impressive that Liana was across Caretaker policies for all Councils represented.”

Below is some feedback received from those who attended:

“It’s always good to hear what happens at other Councils and how they deal with problems”

“The interaction, lively banter and actual real life examples that Tony and Liana used made the session very engaging.

Time flew by so quickly!”

“I found the most beneficial part discussing how others do things, other situations and providing support to each other – great networking.”

Thanks to Maddocks for providing the venue for this event

From left, Amanda Rozich, Moreland City Council and Jo Graham, Hobsons Bay City Council.

Presenters, Tony De Fazio, Whitehorse City Council and Liana Thompson, Baw Baw Shire Council.

From left, Rachel Zoldak, Cardinia Shire Council and Karen Browne, Melbourne City Council.

From left, Julie Anlanger, Greater Dandenong City Council, Andrea Bolte, Glenelg Shire Council and Courtney Power, Manningham City Council.

Whittlesea Council colleagues, from left, Wendy Castles, Julie Kyriazis, Dianne Deal and Tracey Kahn.

PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 27

2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

COMMUNITY ASSETS & INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE – $1.5 MILLION & UNDER

WINNERS & FINALISTS

WINNER

Maroondah City Council, Parkwood Team Parkwood Community Hub

Parkwood Community Hub has reinvented the way in which Maroondah City Council caters for the needs of community groups.

After strong lobbying from Council and the community, the former school site was retained and transformed into a community hub. Six community groups – North Ringwood Community House, Maroondah Toy Library, Ringwood Men’s Shed, Penumbra, Ringwood U3A and the Ringwood Historical Society – now call the centre home.

The facility has allowed the groups to expand to meet the growing community and regional demand for their services. It has also seen them discover and understand each other’s work and come together and form partnerships to develop future community projects and program offerings.

After the former Parkwood Secondary School closed in 2012, Council lobbied the Victorian Government to retain the site to develop for community use. Council’s successful bid has seen the creation of this state-of-theart community hub catering to the needs of the six community groups, allowing them to expand their service delivery, as well as providing an opportunity to partner and offer complementary community services.

The retention of the land as a community asset has also seen the creation of a space corridor linking the community facility with Council’s existing Quambee Reserve.

A number of Council departments assisted in the project including Leisure, Assets, Finance, Integrated Planning, Engineering and Building Services and IT. Council worked closely with the DEECD to secure the site and buildings. This working relationship also assisted with the development of the creche and a grant towards the Men’s Shed.

A tenant users group has been extremely successful with all groups gaining a

28 | PROFILE AUTUMN 2015

greater awareness of what each offers the community. This has resulted in more willingness to form working partnerships between the individual community groups.

The new facilities also resulted in the amalgamation of Croydon and Ringwood Toy Libraries as it enabled them to expand their resources and share their volunteer base to provide extended opening hours.

Convincing the Victorian Government to maintain the site as a community space was one of Council’s biggest battles. Strong community support for the initiative and the fact that a number of community groups were in desperate need for larger facilities provided the ammunition Council needed to secure a commitment and lease for six years.

With six groups involved in this project it was essential that Council showed strong leadership and made tough decisions when required. Council also worked closely with each of the groups, who at times had their own agendas, during the process to ensure their needs were met.

Although the facility has only been operational since August 2015, already there have been positive outcomes. The community groups have expanded their membership base, increased and improved

the services they provide the community and have formed strong partnerships.

This has included the Men’s Shed assisting the Toy Library with the maintenance of toys and the Community House and Penumbra partnering to offer Certificate 4 training opportunities. An Open House event was staged to promote all of the services to the community.

FINALISTS Banyule City Council, A Safer Mall Banyule City Council’s Safer Mall project demonstrates how a place-focused approach can deliver joint wins for multiple stakeholders, and ultimately the communities they serve. By working alongside community organisations, traders and others, and bringing together different disciplines within Council, the project delivered benefits for economic vitality, community safety and creating a sense of place. Its key outcome of activating an unsafe space was achieved by Council departments working together, continually adding value to the project throughout its delivery and partnerships with local stakeholders.

On the ground, the project delivered a range of innovative and exciting streetscape initiatives including seating, murals, a stage, rolling green landscaping, lighting and planting. Its objectives were to enhance perceptions of safety through visual enhancements, by lighting unsafe areas and using space activation (CPTED principles) at the mall and to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

Larger numbers of people are now visiting the mall which has been transformed into a safe, lively and vibrant centre with a welcoming environment which has deterred opportunistic crime and anti-social behaviour.

The project’s innovative features are demonstrated in two principal ways. First, cross-departmental working and integration across teams, using a place management approach which fundamentally benefited the project and encouraged shared ownership of problems and solutions. Secondly, the works included the use of a number of innovative or new materials and techniques for streetscape improvements in Banyule.

This project, through its partnership approach, has taken a significant step forward for the mall.

Its legacy will be to pave the way for further work that brings stakeholders together, having demonstrated that change can happen from collaborative thinking and practical action.

Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Community Services Creswick Hub The Creswick Hub project involved major refurbishment and extension of the tired, old, rabbit warren that was the former Creswick Council Office and Library building, reinventing it as a vibrant and inviting contemporary space.

Combining Council’s customer service with the library has resulted in the extension of the library service from 2.5 days to 5.5 days per week and removed the barriers of a single staffed library which reduces the ability to provide programs.

The main objective of the Creswick Hub was to increase space, opening hours and visits and all of this has been achieved. Apart from the increase in visitors, people have tended to linger in the space as there are more areas to sit, socialise, study or just be in the hub. There is free, fast WiFi which allows residents and visitors to the region to go about their online business in a comfortable setting.

Young adults are using the space, where before they didn’t stay as they had nowhere to sit.

Since reopening in August 2015 with two staff, the hub has hosted seven Children’s Book Week activities, two school holiday programs and held its first adult author talk. The hub has also experienced an increase in visitors with 2,328 attending in the first full month of operation. Council Services have also been enhanced with the introduction of a video link to the head office in Daylesford.

This project wasn’t easy, the Council had some structural barriers to overcome as the existing condition was worse than anticipated resulting in the building not being opened up as much as what was originally intended. This project demonstrates the impact a small amount of money, $750,000, can have on a community which now has a vibrant comfortable meeting place where they can come together for a number of functions under the one roof.

PROFILE AUTUMN 2015 | 29

2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

COMMUNITY ASSETS & INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE – OVER $1.5 MILLION

WINNERS & FINALISTS

WINNER

Maribyrnong City Council (MCC) – Braybrook Community Hub, Braybrook Community Hub Project

The Braybrook Community Hub is a $12.6 million development completed in March 2015 as part of Maribyrnong City Council’s Revitalising Braybrook Strategy which seeks to redress the long term disadvantage of the area.

The state-of-the-art facility has provided Braybrook’s first library and commissioned public art, as well as meeting and training spaces, community health and social services, a community kitchen, new sports pavilion, Men’s Shed, community garden and early years centre.

Wide ranging and targeted services are delivered at the hub to address the challenges and difficulties that many of the highly vulnerable community members in this area experience.

Braybrook, situated 10 kilometres west of Melbourne, is one of Melbourne’s most disadvantaged suburbs. Maribyrnong City Council adopted the Revitalising Braybrook Strategy in 2011 to bring about genuine improvements to the lives of those in Braybrook and this project was a cornerstone of the strategy.

The building’s design is welcoming and accessible on all sides both literally and metaphorically. Unlike the existing Community Centre there is no ‘back of house’ to the building to help improve park safety and minimise vandalism. The building promotes the idea of connectedness, expressed by a series of five wings projecting out from lofty central volumes on all sides. Each of the projecting wings are extensively glazed, screened by the warmth and tactility of recycled timber and glazed screens set two metres beyond the skin of the building for ease of maintenance and sun protection.

The library facade design is complemented by a series of glazed screens strategically prescribed to correspond with the building orientation, angle of the sun, visual connection to and from reading areas.

The key challenge for the project was operating the existing services on site during the redevelopment. This was achieved by

30 | PROFILE AUTUMN 2015

close and inclusive management of project stakeholders and a strong community engagement process. Another challenge was keeping the construction on track despite weather delays.

Since its opening in March 2015, the hub has received a favourable response from the local community. This is reflected in the high usage of all facilities between March and October 2015 including 96,681 visits to the library, 62,917 library loans, and 1,403 new library members. The Braybrook Family Learning and Literacy program has also increased from 50 to 118 children participating per week and local secondary and primary schools have regular class visits each month.

Crucial to the successful operation and sustainability of the Braybrook Community Hub is a single facility governance commitment which supports the integration of the various functions and services and promotes practitioners working in a way that delivers collaborative community building, education, care, health and support services to families, children and individuals.

The Braybrook Community Hub has not only provided a modern iconic building for the

Braybrook community, it has also created a highly unique model of integrated services and programs. This will support the care, learning and recreation opportunities for the community that will carry Braybrook forward into a brighter future.

FINALISTS Kingston City Council Community Buildings Team Parkdale Family and Children’s Centre and Community Precinct Kingston City Council’s $5.5 million state-of-the-art Parkdale Family and Children’s Centre has used an innovative community partnership to deliver a raft of community benefits including best-practice earlyyears services, quality performing arts centre, indoor sports facilities and an improved community centre.

Built at Parkdale Secondary College, the project is a successful example of the Victorian Government’s initiative to co-locate education services. A new performing arts/recreation complex was also developed, which in turn freed up valuable space at the neighbouring community centre. Originally setting out to develop a Family and Children’s Centre, the Parkdale Community Precinct project transformed

into a broad-ranging partnership that achieved multiple community outcomes.

The Parkdale Family and Children’s Centre delivers facilities in a ‘one-stop shop’ making it easier for local families as kindergarten, child care, maternal and child health care plus playgroups all operate from the site. Community response to the new centre has been overwhelmingly positive with enrolments at capacity and a majority of families reporting they are pleased with the centre. The new performing arts and sports centre has also met strong community need with more than 1000 participants from over 100 teams competing weekly.

Maroondah City Council, Aquanation Team Aquanation Aquanation features a 66.5 metre 10 lane pool and diving facilities, a warm water pool, a dedicated learn to swim pool, large toddler and children’s leisure play pool, a large gym with three separate group fitness rooms, creche, café and two large waterslides.

With a regional catchment of more than one million people, it is expected that Aquanation will attract more than 800,000 visitors a year and will cater for people of all ages – from water play for babies and toddlers to dedicated activities for older adults.

The project was a true partnership between all three levels of government, community and sporting groups and corporate partners providing a state-ofthe-art aquatic and leisure centre for the community to enjoy health, social and wellness benefits.

Set in the Jubilee Park in Ringwood, Aquanation complements the existing FIFA grade soccer pitch and pavilion, premier grade cricket facilities, tennis, croquet and football facilities in the sporting precinct.

It was designed using best practice principles, in terms of pool engineering and construction techniques that include water and energy conservation options, environmentally sustainable design including maximising the use of natural light and ventilation and storm water harvesting and accessible design ensuring Disability Discrimination Act compliance.

Northern Grampians Shire Council, Infrastructure & Environment Directorate The Halls Gap Tourism and Community Hub With land between two important buildings sitting idle, Northern Grampians Shire Council had the opportunity to create something special in the heart of Halls Gap in the Grampians National Park.

The Halls Gap Community and Tourism Hub was born from the desire to join the public hall with the visitor information centre to create a community nucleus that filled a void in professional meeting spaces, also providing a visually appealing building for performances, exhibitions and events.

The building is designed for maximum flexibility with simultaneous use possible in all the spaces due to separate entrances. The hub also gives the area’s peak tourism body, Grampians Tourism, a new home in the heart of town, and they manage the spaces

on behalf of the Council. The sustainability of the hub is ongoing through hiring rooms and the lease with Grampians Tourism. Under the lease, Council is responsible for the building’s maintenance and has ensured this will be accommodated in future by incorporating it into its assets register.

The hub has provided many benefits for the community including: an innovative and modern architectural design for Halls Gap, a central hub for meetings, events and activities, using a vacant piece of land to create a valuable community asset and giving Grampians Tourism, a new, more prominent home.

PROFILE AUTUMN 2015 | 31

ONLINE LEARNING

Thumbs up for LGPro’s customised online learning › LGPro’s customised online learning has been given the ‘thumbs up’ by Whitehorse, the first Council to take advantage of this specialised offering.

Jayne O’Grady, Learning &

of services that the Council offers

LGPro and GVM have developed to

Organisation Development

presenting important information

support officers working in Local

Coordinator at Whitehorse, said

to staff new to Local Government

Government to perform their duties

they were impressed with the

and those coming across from

in the areas of:

two modules developed for their

another Council.

induction program for new staff.

“They certainly met our brief and I believe what we got was great value for money,” she said.

Jayne said staff who had completed the induction modules had found them easy to navigate, as they have a clean style, good mix of

• Information privacy • OH&S • Workplace bullying & harassment • Equal employment opportunity

Whitehorse opted for the

text, images and video. They also

• Fraud prevention and awareness

customised modules offered by

commented that the assessment

• Victorian Charter of Human

LGPro in conjunction with Global

questions were easy to understand

Vision Media (GVM) as: “Local

and answer.

Government is a different workplace

Rights and Responsibilities The courses were developed with

“These modules will play an

a high level of engagement from

important role in our induction

Council officers to ensure they

program moving forward.

are relevant and specific Local

While they will not replace our

Government examples are used in

face to face induction which is

the delivery of the programs. Each

Videos were produced for the

scheduled every two months, the

course has been checked and signed

modules featuring Whitehorse

overwhelming benefit is that the

off as legally compliant by HR Legal.

staff and scenarios. The ‘Welcome

online modules can be accessed

to Whitehorse’ module includes a

by new staff on the day they start

welcome message video from the

presenting them with an immediate

CEO and other videos throughout

introduction to the organisation,”

the module of staff talking about

she said.

due to the diversity of services we provide and therefore a standard off-the-shelf induction module did not suit us at all.”

the benefits of working at Whitehorse. The second module,

Online compliance courses

called ‘Getting to know Whitehorse’,

Councils have also signed up for the

provides an overview of the diversity

six online compliance courses that

The customised video prepared for Whitehorse Council for their induction program for new staff.

32 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

For further information on LGPro’s online learning offering, or to discuss your Council’s online learning requirements, contact Henry Tamasese on (03) 9268 6400.

NEWS

New LGPro team members ›

LGPro is pleased to welcome two new members to our team – Henry Tamasese in the role of Professional Development Coordinator and Jodie Zomer who is our new Administration Assistant.

Thalia Petroulakis, who has been our Administration Officer for 12 months, has moved into an expanded full time role as Program Support Officer.

Henry has had broad overseas experience working in international development and the public sector fields designing, delivering and evaluating professional development programs. He has also volunteered with many community organisations including People to People International, Rotary and Habitat of Humanity over the last 20 years.

Henry and his wife recently moved to Melbourne to be nearer to her family and he is thrilled to be working in Local Government which he believes plays a vital role in delivering good public service.

He is looking forward to building a strong working relationship with LGPro stakeholders and also hopes to learn and grow professionally.

Working in a professional association is something new to Jodie who previously worked as an interior designer. She has a deep love of fine arts and enjoys painting and showing her work.

During her career Jodie has always enjoyed client relations and the administrative side of business so she sees her new role at LGPro as a great opportunity to use these skills and immerse herself in a new industry.

“I am excited by the diversity of membership, the Special Interest Groups and the huge range of programs and networking opportunities LGPro offers. I hope to be of great support to my team to deliver high quality programs and service to people working in Local Government,” Jodie said.

Welcome to new Members ›

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

Kirsty Bromfield, Nillumbik Shire Council

Carole Hammond, Moonee Valley City Council

Rachel Palmer, Hepburn Shire Council

Gail Brown, Benalla Rural City Council

Fee Harrison, Monash City Council

Angie Pantazi, Maroondah City Council

Darren Brownscombe, Port Phillip City Council

Jill Henderson, Port Phillip City Council

Joy Russell, Latrobe City Council

Pieta Bucello, Cardinia Shire Council

Dannii Keevers, Knox City Council

Bart Ruyter, South Gippsland Shire Council

Leanne Caddy, Strathbogie Shire Council

Angela Lindsay, Moonee Valley City Council

Taegan Salt, Hindmarsh Shire Council

Naomi Clark, Wyndham City Council

Jon Liston, Moonee Valley City Council

Sally Schimleck, Baw Baw Shire Council

Robert Fillisch, Moorabool Shire Council

Sue-Ann Lowther, Hobsons Bay City Council

Colleen Seymour, Moonee Valley City Council

Darren Fuzzard, Mount Alexander Shire Council

Lynne McMahon, Glenelg Shire Council

Helen Sui, Whittlesea City Council

Adrian Gasperoni, Hindmarsh Shire Council

Richard Morrison, Greater Bendigo City Council

Carl Telfar, Hepburn Shire Council

Peter Giannoukas, Moonee Valley City Council

Sally Naughton, Bayside City Council

Lauren Treby, Moonee Valley City Council

Clem Gillings, Maribyrnong City Council

Joanne Oldland, Yarra Ranges Council

Melanie Van Dyk, Frankston City Council

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

Here is more information on LGPro Individual Membership or call our office on (03) 9268 6400 and ask to speak to Michelle Cox our Membership Development Manager.

PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 33

New LGPro staff members, Jodie Zomer and Henry Tamasese.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Defining and measuring Place Services ›

Members of our Activity Centre & Place Manager Special Interest Group focused on defining and measuring Place Services at their last meeting held at the new and temporary low-cost learning facility at Siteworks at Saxon Street, Brunswick in August.

About 30 people attended the

centres and the determined

meeting and heard presentations

focus the City of Greater Geelong

what is happening in respective

from Greater Dandenong, Knox

has in pursuing its goals.

Activity Centres

and Whitehorse Councils. A representative from the Department of Justice also spoke on “place based crime prevention” and there was a presentation from Moreland and an interactive session on defining the roles in centre revitalisation. This was followed by lunch and a walking tour of vibrant southern Brunswick.

This was the group’s second meeting for 2016 with the first being held in the new Geelong Library & Heritage Centre (the Dome). A showcase of place activation in downtown Geelong was followed by a tour of the new library and a town centre walk.

The day highlighted the clear

The group’s next meeting in October will be combined with Mainstreet Australia which

• Share information and ideas on Activity Centre projects • Provide a networking

provides a forum for information

opportunity for Local

exchange, networking and

Government officers

professional development for the people, businesses and projects in Australia’s traditional main streets and town centres.

• Lobby, advocate and promote Activity Centre programs • Act as a central group for Activity Centre queries in Local Government

The Activity Centre & Place Managers SIG was formed in May 2006 to provide a network for Local Government officers

• Host Activity Centre training, speakers, seminars and workshops • Work in partnership with

responsible for managing a town

the State Government

centre, or implementing activity

implementing Activity

centre policy on behalf of Councils.

Centre programs and policies

Its primary functions are to: • Act as a forum to discuss

benefits of revitalising town

Members of the Activity Centre & Place Managers SIG get together at their meeting in August.

34 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

• Develop an understanding on

the Activity Centres program

For further information visit LGPro Activity Centre & Place Managers SIG.

Bright future for Arts & Culture SIG ›

LGPro’s Arts & Culture SIG has a busy schedule with plans to organise a symposium in the next 12-18 months focusing on arts in Local Government.

The active SIG also aims to better

agreed that all areas of cultural

funding factors that impact on the

engage with people working in

activity are as important as general

delivery of art across all art forms.

the arts in regional Councils and is

arts administration, along with

considering targeting specific areas

successful projects.

of work to establish best practice

The group, which formed five years ago, generally meets four

“Furthering the profile and visibility

times a year at both metropolitan

of the arts and culture portfolio

and regional Councils where

to senior management and

members can also view venues,

Councillors is also very important

galleries and cultural spaces.

to our members as this is weak

Special guest presenters from

Convenor Michelle Ely, Arts

compared to other disciplines in

a broad range of areas within

Investment Team Leader at the City

Local Government.” Michelle said.

the arts often attend meetings.

Recent meetings of the SIG have

For further information visit

focused on the challenges of

LGPro Arts & Culture SIG.

models. Grants and sponsorship and contract management will also be included in the group’s future agendas.

of Melbourne, said the group was committed to regional, metropolitan and inner city participants having an equal and important voice in all areas of its work. Members also

budget constraints, structures that support the arts and external

A recent Arts & Culture SIG meeting.

LGPro Special Interest Groups bringing the sector together Our 30 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide Local Government employees working in similar fields with a valuable opportunity to network, share best practice and to learn about the latest trends and developments.

Want to join an LGPro SIG? While you do not need to be an LGPro Member to be part of a Special Interest Group, our members make it possible for us to support these networks which connect people across the sector.

Many of our Special Interest Groups also help to shape the sector through their work in advocacy and representation.

You can join LGPro’s Special Interest Groups by request to (03) 9268 6400 or email sig@lgpro.com Learn more about LGPro Special Interest Groups

PROFILE SPRING 2016 PROFILE | 35 SPRING 2016 | 35

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government New system increases landfill lifespan

›

South Gippsland Shire Council’s

The system is used to cover the waste at

Sustainability Coordinator, Geoff

the end of each day and is retracted at the

McKinnon and Waste Management

start of each day’s operation. This saves

Supervisor Peter Roberts have implemented

valuable landfill airspace as traditionally

a Tarpomatic cover system that is

300mm of soil was used to cover all the

expected to increase the lifespan of the

waste at the end of each day and it also

Koonwarra landfill facility by four years.

saves time, allowing the landfill team to

focus on litter management and other maintenance tasks. It also has a deodoriser unit which sprays a solution over the waste to reduce odours.

“Using airspace as efficiently as possible is a critical aspect of managing the Koonwarra landfill. In recent years the costs of landfill construction has risen significantly which has made airspace even more valuable. Since the system was implemented in July last year, we have saved approximately 6,400 cubic metres of airspace (a value of $960,000),” Peter said.

“When we took the idea of a tarp cover system to the EPA seeking ongoing approval, rather than a trial period that had been in place at a couple of other Victorian sites, the response was very positive. The machine paid for itself in the value of the airspace it saved in the first three months,” Geoff added.

Council staff use the Tarpomatic system at the Koonwarra landfill.

South Gippsland is the first Council landfill operator in Victoria to gain ongoing EPA approval to use the Tarpomatic system.

Disabled parking permits go online

›

As part of the Casey Council’s Digital Strategy, staff are working innovatively to create better services for their community by transforming them to be delivered through digital and digital assisted channels.

An example of this is disabled parking permit applications which have now been digitised which Casey believes may be a first for a Council in Australia.

Previously, when applying for a permit residents had to get a paper form from Council, complete it, visit a doctor to get it signed off and then take it back to a Council office to have the permit issued.

Under the new digital process, residents can simply visit their doctor and fill out the online form together with their doctor on the spot. The form is then automatically submitted to Council for consideration.

This has transformed the service by reducing the number of steps required.

The form has also been streamlined so there are fewer questions and they are easier to answer.

Council hopes to digitise and simplify some of its other highly-utilised services in the near future.

Dr Ghattas from Berwick is one of the doctors in Casey who have welcomed the digitising of Disabled Parking Permit applications.

36 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Sporting events a major economic boost to Greater Shepparton

Plan reflecting community aspirations

›

Benalla Rural City Council’s first ever 20 year Community Plan has been led by a group of 11 independent community members, while supported and funded by the Council.

The final document was presented to the Council in August by the Community Plan Steering Committee which comprises individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and is supported by Council representatives.

It was developed after extensive consultation including workshops, “kitchen table” discussions, postcards and online engagement. More than 600 people participated during the initial consultation phase, led by the Community Plan Project Steering Committee in conjunction with specialist consultants.

The Community Plan is intended to be a guiding document for the whole community. A communitybased group will implement the plan and it is hoped that organisations, businesses and all sectors of the community will use it to assist them in their own plans for the future.

Netball was one of the events that drew big crowds to Greater Shepparton.

›

Greater Shepparton City Council continues to build a strong reputation in regional Victoria for hosting successful major events.

Event visitation and economic data released for the 2015/2016 financial year show there were more than 220 events held in Greater Shepparton supported by Council, including 77 that Council sponsored financially.

There were 288,251 attendees and 115,462 visitors at the events which generated an economic impact of $44.5 million, of which $28 million came from sporting events.

In 2015/2016, there were more than 22 new events of state and national significance in Greater Shepparton. These included the Victorian Teachers Games with 2000 teachers competing in over 30 sports across four days; elite AFL and netball pre-season matches and the AFL NAB Challenge Country Game between Essendon and Geelong; and, ANZ netball between Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds generating over 10,000 visitors.

In addition the 2016 Tennis Seniors Australia Teams and Individual Championships carnivals were held in the city attracting visitors from around Australia and 13 countries across a two week period.

Eleanor and Josh at Peranbin Primary College, Swanpool, draw their dreams for their future.

PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 37

Kerryn Ellis and Andrea Bolte

›

Kerryn Ellis Kerryn is the Director Organisation Support at the City of Greater Bendigo and an LGPro Board Member. Her first foray in Local Government was a two week temporary appointment at Bayside City Council in July 1997, and 19 years later she is still loving working in the sector.

As well as Greater Bendigo and Bayside, Kerryn has worked at City of Melbourne, Knox and Boroondara Councils.

The most famous person she has met?

Who she would like to sit next to on public transport?

The worst job she has ever had?

I had the honour of meeting

Environmentalist, Tim Flannery.

School teacher, and I found it so

Heath Ledger, Eric Bana, Magda

I admire him enormously, and

completely daunting that I’ve been

Szubanski, Geoffrey Rush and

I’d be really happy that I happened

slightly terrified of large groups

Daniel Radcliffe, all at one pretty

to run into him the very day

of children ever since.

amazing AFI awards night.

I was being environmentally

I did work experience as a Primary

friendly and catching the train.

What she enjoys most about her job?

Hidden talents she has?

The ability to play a role in

Collingwood, which is not going

I love gardening and I am getting

building an exciting and dynamic

all that well this year!

pretty good at growing my own

city like Bendigo for current and

vegetables. It’s something that

future generations, and the chance

gives me a true break from the

to lead and work with some truly

office environment.

inspiring staff.

What AFL football team she barracks for?

Andrea Bolte

›

Andrea is Executive Assistant to the CEO at Glenelg Shire Council having been with the Council for just over 32 years. She started working at the then Town of Portland in 1984 as a Senior Typist after four years with a resource company. Andrea was promoted to Secretary to the Town Clerk in 1985, moving onto Executive Assistant to the CEO at City of Portland then Glenelg Shire Council at amalgamation in 1994.

What she enjoys outside of work?

Living by the sea in Portland, I love spending time at our wonderful beaches – mostly watching my husband surf, walking and whale watching – followed by a great cup of coffee at the beach cafe. Reading and travel are my passions – I spend lots of time on both.

Something about Andrea that may surprise people?

I was a contestant on Sale of the Century – with some success!

I still have some of the prizes and the diamond studded money clip!

Her last holiday destination and what she thought of it?

2015 saw me visiting places starting with P – Portland, Perth, Pittsburgh (USA), Paris and Proserpine visiting family and friends. This year it will be Darwin – a place we’ve never been!

And yes, I always enjoy my trips – I’m a thorough researcher and I look out for quirky experiences!

What makes her laugh?

Spicks and Specks on ABC2 – a great alternative to the 7pm news!

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

Adele for her enthusiasm for life and fabulous singing voice, Waleed

38 | PROFILE SPRING 2016

Aly, an extraordinarily intelligent man with so much to say about our Australian culture and the world, and Tim Winton, my favourite author – his sense of place and time makes for an engrossing read.

Her favourite TV personality and why?

Currently enjoying Benedict Cumberbatch as ‘Sherlock’ on ABC TV – the way he portrays Sherlock is always intriguing and I like trying to work the stories out before the ending!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

Diary Dates

PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

DATE

INFORMATION

Nominations open on Monday 3 October for the 2017 program and close on Friday 4 November

To equip and support senior executives in Local Government

Nominations open on Monday 3 October for the 2017 program and close on Friday 4 November

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

Thursday 10 November, LGPro office

A program to ensure that the importance of good governance is clearly understood by all staff in the sector who are all required to interact with elected councillors

Wednesday 9 November, LGPro office

A program to introduce career thinking and planning skills and concepts to Executive Assistants, administration officers and customer service staff

Tuesday 11 October, LGPro office

A half day workshop designed to help Local Government use communication technologies such as Facebook and Twitter to better engage with their residents and communities

Friday 7 October

Providing people who write or authorise Council reports with the skills necessary to report effectively

Thursday 17 November, LGPro office

This workshop assists finance and non-finance professionals working in Local Government to develop a Strategic Resource Plan in accordance with the latest legislative requirements

Wednesday 14 September, Bendigo Council Monday 3 October, Southern Grampians Shire Council, Hamilton Wednesday 19 October, LGPro office Thursday 8 December, LGPro office

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

Thursday 6 October, Richmond Town Hall

A networking event for LGPro Corporate Partners

Thursday 13 October and Friday 14 October

For CEOs to discuss issues of common interest

Thursday 1 December, 6pm-8pm, Platform 28, 82 Village Street, Docklands

A free event to thank our Individual Members for their support and to provide them with an opportunity to network with others in the sector

Online Nominations now open and close on Monday 10 October

Celebrate the excellent work being undertaken in the Local Government sector

AWARDS

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS

2017 LGPro Annual Conference

Friday 21 October, Citadenes, 131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne

A conference for those working in the areas of corporate, community and social planning

Wednesday 22 February and Thursday 23 February, 2017

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

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

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36441

CONFERENCES

AWARDS

EVENTS

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

Workers Compensation Management Review Enhance benefits

Reduce costs

Achieve cost savings and enhance the benefits of Council’s Workers Compensation program with the outcomes of an independent management review that: • Identifies cost saving opportunities • Recommends actions for continual improvement • Benchmarks performance • Evaluates compliance

Contact Paul Crapper National Head Local Government

03 9211 3313 paul.crapper@aon.com COM0241B 0816