June 2017 Profile Magazine

Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Winter 2017

Online learning

Join the LGPro Board

Around the Councils

Sector supports our customised programs

Board elections later this year

Latest news from Councils across the state

PROFILE WINTER 2017

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc)

Contents

6-7 2017 LGPro Women’s Events

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

See the program for our two popular women’s

DEADLINES

co-opted onto the LGPro Board, read his hopes

Profile is published quarterly.

The deadline for Spring 2017 edition is Tuesday 1 August 2017. The magazine will be published in September 2017.

and aspirations for the role.

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

2017

ADVERTISING

events that are always well supported by the sector.

8 Meet the new LGPro Board Member Young professional Cameron Gray has been

11 New look LGPro Customer Service Conference Our 2017 Customer Service Conference has a new format, see what the program will include.

16-17 Pictures from the 2017 LGPro Social Media Conference

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

More than 120 people attended this conference

CREDITS

20-23 Awards for Excellence winners and finalists

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

to learn how to do social media with less.

Featuring the winners and finalists in the Special Projects Initiative and the Community Partnerships Initiative categories of our 2017 Awards.

Picture above: Delegates at our 2017 Social Media Conference.

24-25 The benefits of LGPro Individual membership Hear from two LGPro members on what LGPro membership means to them.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Our commitment to remain relevant ›

As an organisation we enjoy and value the frequent informal contact we have with you through our SIGs, programs and events. We enjoy sharing our successes and frustrations, as well as our efforts to improve performance.

We’d also like to think that our

costs with the aim of providing

Policy and Innovation at the

contact with you gives us an

membership options that are

City of Ballarat to the Board

understanding of the matters in

sensitive to people’s career stage,

through to December 2017.

the sector that are concerning

interests and ability to access

See more on Cameron’s

you and helps us to work more

programs and services. This is a

appointment on page 8.

effectively with you to address them.

complex piece of work that needs to take account of a broad range

Strategic direction

of issues. The work to date has

Our strategic direction is also

I’ve written previously of our

had significant input from a number

regularly discussed. In order to

commitment to remain relevant

of our members and we hope

continue to add value we are

to you in the context of the

to be able to have an intended

increasing our work in advocacy

contemporary changes facing our

approach signed off at this

and services including:

sector. With this in mind we are

month’s Board meeting for

considering some significant shifts

consultation soon thereafter.

Shift in focus

in our focus that the Board is keen to ensure we keep you updated

• Supporting gender equity and strategies to achieve it

Draft budget

• Arguing for legislative protection

on and provide opportunities for

The draft 2017/18 budget was

for authorised officers

your input and involvement.

presented. This budget is not

• Promoting a sector-wide

As part of this, after each Board meeting I’ll be providing you with an update of the outcomes through Profile magazine or a direct email.

This will give you greater visibility of the issues that we are discussing and our future directions.

dissimilar to the current budget with

approach to workforce planning

a commitment to contain costs

and online learning

to our members by not increasing them by more than two percent and wherever possible decreasing the cost of participation in LGPro events. An example of this was our

• Establishing a secondment program aimed at achieving sector capacity building and leadership development.

2017 Annual Conference where we

For further information or to discuss

Membership restructure

reduced the cost of attendance.

any of the areas listed above please

At our April meeting the Board

A member of our Young

considered a plan to substantially

Professionals Network SIG, Sasha

restructure our Individual

Lord who was co-opted to

Membership categories and

the Board recently resigned to

contact or talk to one of our Board Members, visit LGPro Board for their contact details or David Preiss at LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.

take up a role outside of Local

The Board and I look forward to

Government. The Board has valued

seeing you soon.

the insights and input from a young professionals’ perspective and resolved to co-opt another member of the Young Professionals Network SIG to replace Sasha for the remainder of the current Board’s

Rebecca McKenzie

term. We are pleased to welcome

PRESIDENT

Cameron Gray, Deputy Director,

4 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

CEO’S MESSAGE

How we can influence the outcome ›

I know that in her message as President Rebecca talked about some of the exciting things we’re working on and how we propose to communicate with you about the opportunities we are developing.

I’m excited by the direction our

When I attend YPN activities the

acknowledge those people who

work is taking. What we are

feedback from those whose CEOs,

through their positive approach,

focusing on are those things

Directors and Managers take an

insights and energy have now

where you have the ability to

active interest in them is invariably

successfully developed and

significantly influence the outcome.

positive about their organisation

delivered our fifth Social Media

It’s the same focus on positive and

and the sector. The same is true

Conference which continues to

proactive leadership which was

for those who are nominated by

receive great feedback.

highlighted in Future Ready.

their Councils for the LGPro

Capacity building in the sector

Young Achiever award.

Congratulations to the planning group and to Diana Pawluk,

Attracting and retaining high performing staff

Manager Events who supported

strategies to achieve it, promoting a

Now I know I’m looking at this

• Steve Fuery,

sector-wide approach to workforce

from a biased perspective, but

planning, creating our own

if attracting and retaining high

online learning and establishing

performing staff is a priority then

a secondment program aimed at

what we do should reflect this. We

achieving sector capacity building

know that recognition, opportunities

and leadership development

for professional development and

are all things that we can take

having positive networks improves

responsibility for and achieve.

performance and retention.

Another area of work we can

If these staff are not forwarded

take the lead on is the attraction

information and feel uncomfortable

and retention of high performing

asking for support to attend

I look forward to catching up

younger staff. I frequently hear

programs then the problem is

with you again soon.

people lament about the ageing

ours, not theirs. Being passive and

profile of the Local Government

believing that someone else will

workforce and how hard it is to

address it just doesn’t work.

Advocating for gender equity and

get and maintain good young staff.

Supporting our Young Professionals

2017 Social Media Conference we were developing our first Social

Network (YPN) is proof of the

Media Conference I was skeptical

ability of younger professionals

about it being able to succeed.

in the sector and they do a fantastic

I just couldn’t see how we could

job of providing great professional

cut through the myriad of social

development, support and

media conferences and workshops

recognition. The YPN is growing but

being offered and establish the

the feedback we receive from them

value of what we were providing.

don’t know about the YPN or that those who do don’t feel able to ask for support to attend YPN programs.

Bass Coast Shire Council • Natasha Leary, Greater Bendigo City Council • Damien Willoughby, Greater Shepparton City Council • Angie Pantazi, Maroondah City Council • Donna Russ, Manningham City Council

DAVID PREISS CEO “Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.”

– Steve Martin

Talking about being positive, when

The LGPro Young Professionals

regularly is that their peers either

so them so well:

I’m really pleased to say that I was wrong and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank and

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 5

WOMEN CONNECTING, AD AND THRIVING IN LOCAL G Women make up a large percentage of Local Government’s 33,000 strong workforce and while performing their roles they face a range of unique issues, opportunities and challenges.

In 2010, LGPro held the first Women’s Professional Development Forum to address these gender specific issues and to support career development for women working in the sector. Since that time the forum has gone from strength to strength attracting large numbers of delegates keen to hear from inspirational speakers and participate in a range of workshops. The 2017 LGPro Women’s Professional Development Forum will be held on Thursday 22 June from 9.30am-4.45pm at Melbourne Park Function Centre. This year’s theme is:

Connect, Advance, Thrive

The forum will be followed by the Women’s Network Dinner which will be held at the same venue from 6.30pm.

Registrations are now open for both of these key women’s events on the Local Government calendar. To register for the forum visit 2017 LGPro Women’s Professional Development Forum and to register to attend the dinner visit 2017 Women’s Network Dinner.

Forum The forum targets officers working at all levels in Local Government regardless of their location, level or professional background. As well as addressing issues, opportunities and challenges facing women, it also supports career development and provides personal growth strategies and shared approaches to addressing these issues. This year’s programs will feature:

• Two keynote speakers • Four repeated concurrent participative sessions • Three Short Talks • A debate

Keynote speakers

Robyn Davidson

A critically acclaimed author and cultural commentator, Robyn’s voracious curiosity has led her to immerse herself in unfamiliar cultures in remote terrains. At the age of 27, Robyn walked 3.000 kilometres across the Australian desert, with a dog and four camels. She instantly became famous, and to set the record straight, she wrote ‘Tracks’ – an international best seller. In the desert Robyn developed strong and abiding personal relationships with Aboriginal people. Those connections spurred her interest in nomadic ways of thinking and led her, some years later, to go on migration with pastoral nomads in North West India. Both journeys saw Robyn overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, not the least being a woman.

Dr Louise Mahler

As a leadership influencer and thought leader, Louise provides opportunities for professional development with dramatic personal impact. Her work covers body language, vocal intelligence and the relevant communication processes to deal with everyday situations in which leaders frequently find themselves and often struggle.

This includes scenarios such as stressful confrontations, hostile media interviews and difficult staffing situations which are scrutinised and managed so that leaders feel more comfortable and in control in themselves, while those around them can easily engage for better results. Louise is a highly sought after international keynote speaker, executive team mentor and coach who advises top 100 listed companies and government in Australia, the US and Europe. She is a regular commentator and has appeared on national TV and radio.

6 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

VANCING OVERNMENT Women’s Network Dinner The dinner has become a popular event on the Local Government calendar where women and men get together to network and hear an interesting guest speaker. Many Councils take the opportunity to book full tables as a reward for their staff.

A highlight of the evening is always the presentation of the winner of the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award which recognises women, both in Local Government and beyond, 35 years and under who have demonstrated achievements in improving community life.

Anna Brown

GUEST SPEAKER FOR 2017

Anna is a human rights lawyer and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality whose fingerprints are on nearly every major reform for LGBTI people in recent years.

As member of the first ever Government LGBTI Taskforce, Anna advised the Victorian Government and is Co-Chair of the national campaign for marriage equality. She is the Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre and previously worked as an adviser to the former Victorian Attorney-General and Deputy Premier, the Hon Rob Hulls. Anna has worked as a Senior Solicitor with the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, a Senior Associate with Allens Arthur Robinson and as a Federal Court associate.

In recognition for her contribution to the LGBTI community, Anna was named Victorian GLBTI person of the year in the inaugural GLOBE community awards in November 2014, was a finalist in both the Tony Fitzgerald Community Award in the 2014 Australian Human Rights Awards and the Victorian Australian of the Year in 2015. She also won the Tim McCoy Award in 2015.

Sponsors LGPro thanks the following sponsors for their support of our women’s events.

MAJOR SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

MAJOR SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Photo Booth The photo booth has been a popular addition to the last two dinners so we have booked another one this year so guests can have a bit of fun with their colleagues and friends.

It will be set up outside the dinner room.

| 7

NEWS

Introducing our newest Board member ›

Cameron Gray is our newest Board member. He was co-opted as the young professionals member to replace Sasha Lord who has left the sector to take up a position with a private company.

Sasha was the first young professional co-opted onto the Board and we thank her for her contribution and the significant role she played in developing our Young Professionals Network.

What he hopes to achieve from being part of the Board?

I am really grateful to the LGPro Board for prioritising young professionals within our sector and

Cameron is the Deputy Director,

co-opting me to join the Board

Policy and Innovation at the City

to continue some of the great

of Ballarat. Prior to this he was

work of Sasha Lord. I was eager to

Communications Coordinator

accept this position to continue

– Digital and Brand at Yarra City

to advocate for young professional

Council. He spoke with Profile

members and non-members

about his appointment.

within Local Government. I hope

Brief career history?

to continue to bring more events and development opportunities

development and advocacy that will affect the future of Local Government. Local Government’s ageing workforce has long been spoken about, as has the lack of representation of women in senior management positions, keeping young professionals within the sector and balancing the competing needs of community against pressures from State and Federal Governments. Greater diversity on the Board of our peak body will continue to positively support the future of our sector – the sector that young professionals of today

I have been in Local Government

for young professionals in our

for almost 10 years. Prior to Ballarat

sector to keep them within our

I was at Yarra and Baw Baw

industry. After all we are the future

Councils. I have worked across

of the sector. I hope to continue to

a broad range of areas including

grow the number of YP members

health protection, health promotion,

and promote LGPro events and

community engagement, advocacy,

opportunities as being inclusive of

communications and continuous

all Local Government professionals

improvement/digital transformation.

no matter your age.

I enjoy that when I wake up on

Involvement with LGPro?

Importance of having a Young Professional on the LGPro Board?

work I know I am part of the sector

I am one of the Convenors of the Young Professionals Network and have been involved in the

I think it is really important to have

communications SIG and Web

diversity of all kinds on boards.

Network. I have also completed

Young professionals account for

ELP and countless sessions and

a growing percentage of LGPro

workshops and have presented at

members and to have them

a number of LGPro events including

represented on the Board means

the Social Media Conference.

that their perspectives are shared with fellow Board members and the LGPro organisation.

Especially important when we are making decisions about events,

MEET THE OTHER LGPRO BOARD MEMBERS ON PAGES 28 AND 29

8 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

will sooner or later lead.

Working in Local Government?

I enjoy working in Local Government because it really puts the “service” in public service. a Monday morning and head to that is really improving the quality of life of the community.

Helping women in small rural Councils access professional development ›

As part of our commitment to gender equity in the sector, and with the support of our Corporate Partners, LGPro is offering scholarships to female LGPro Members working in small rural Councils to attend our key women’s events on 22 June.

Invitations to nominate for the

Each company was happy to

scholarships have been extended to eligible women working in small rural Councils across the state and the successful candidates will be announced on 9 June.

provide an $800 scholarship to support female LGPro Members working in small rural Councils who often don’t get the opportunity to attend such professional development programs due to distance

The scholarships would not have been possible without the support of six companies (see

and limited budgets,

below) who are LGPro Corporate

Successful scholarship recipients

Partners and strong supporters

will attend both the Women’s Professional Development Forum and Women’s Network Dinner

of the Local Government sector.

being held at Melbourne Park Function Centre. The scholarship will also cover some of their accommodation and travel costs.

Scholarship recipients will be announced on the LGPro website and in our Your Sector Your News email newsletter. They will also be recognised at the events.

LGPro would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of this initiative:

Online learning grows in popularity ›

Councils from across the state are getting on board by taking up our sector specific online Child Safe Standards training course.

More than 20 Councils took up

support officers working in

was both affordable and developed

our offer to participate in a webinar

Local Government to perform

to a standard that was acceptable to

and to take up a free trial of the

their duties.

them. We are looking at developing

course in the first two weeks of it being available.

Many metropolitan, regional and rural Councils are now

further online courses and also have the capacity to design online course to meet the needs of individual or

The Child Safe Standards training

using these courses which were

course is the latest offering in a

developed with a high level of

partnership between LGPro and

engagement from Council officers

For further information on our

Global Vision Media (GVM) to bring

to ensure they are relevant.

online learning offerings visit

sector specific online learning to Local Government.

We added the Child Safe Standards (CSS) course to our online offerings

We began by developing six

after being approached by a Council

online compliance courses to

that was unable to find one that

groupings of Councils.

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

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 9

NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

Designing an active, healthier Victoria ›

The Heart Foundation launched a tool at the Smart Urban Futures Conference to champion change in the way Victoria designs and builds its environments to support the health of communities across the state. Healthy and Active by Design Victoria, is a tool to help urban planners and related design professionals create built environments that encourage people to lead healthy and active lives.

Heart Foundation Healthy Living

healthy and active communities.

The checklist provides a list of

Manager Roni Beauchamp said

These high quality case studies

strategies and questions that town

the built environment in which

have been prepared to demonstrate

planners, developers and designers

we live, work and learn, has a

how healthy and active living

can ask themselves when creating,

profound influence on our ability

can be supported by our built

preparing and assessing new

to lead heart healthy lives.

environment. As new projects

development to help evaluate the

emerge this resource will be

impact of the proposal on health

updated to provide the most

and wellbeing. Other potential users

current initiatives.

of the guide include professionals

“Designers, urban planners and those who create our cities can play a crucial role in shaping the elements that are conducive to

Research has identified seven

healthy living – such as enhancing

specific design features that have

people’s opportunity to make

been acknowledged as crucial

physical activity a part of their daily

in supporting healthy and active

routines,” Ms Beauchamp said.

living. These include, Public Open

“Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for heart disease and contributes to almost one quarter of the burden of cardiovascular disease in Australia – so creating spaces and places that promote cycling, walking and access to public transport has never been more important.”

Healthy and Active by Design Victoria includes practical guidance and planning resources, evidence based tools and Victorian case studies to support the creation of

10 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

from community development, health, and sport and recreation, who can use the tool to evaluate the impact of the projects on health and physical activity.

Space, Community Facilities,

Healthy and Active by Design

Buildings, Destinations, Movement

Victoria has been developed

Networks, Housing Diversity and

as part of a larger Healthy

Sense of Place. Each design feature

Design Partnership between

provides a useful summary of the

the Heart Foundation and

best evidence available to help

the Victorian Government.

demonstrate its importance in supporting active living. Where relevant, access to healthy fresh food has been incorporated into each design feature.

Another key feature of the website is the Master Checklist, which has been prepared with a focus on the Planning Framework.

The partnership has actively engaged local government planners, health professionals and strategists to consider the opportunities for building and delivering healthier communities.

For more information, visit www. healthyactivebydesign.com.au

NEWS

New look Customer Service Conference in 2017 ›

The program is coming together for our 2017 Customer Service Conference which will have a new format this year.

The biennial conference will be

The program will begin on

committee, comprising members

held on Thursday 7 September

Thursday afternoon with two

of our Customer Service Special

and Friday 8 September at Citadines

half day concurrent workshops.

Interest Group, is considering

on Bourke Melbourne.

One workshop will focus on the

a series of keynote speakers,

customer experience, the omni

presentations and a Q&A session

channel dream and journey

around the following topics:

This year’s theme is Maximising Customer Experience. It will consider the challenges the sector is facing around cost, customer experience and a fast changing environment with a focus on where we are heading in future in terms

mapping, while the second will be on leading change and will include insights, concepts, contemporary and practical tools to help lead a team through change.

of a vision for customer service

The winner of the 2017 LGPro

and the customer experience.

Customer Service Award winner

Instead of the usual two day format the 2017 event will be held over one and a half days and will target customer service staff from the

will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at the end of

• What is a CX strategy (elements of a good one, logical order of doing things) • CX measurement (metrics and do they mean anything, what we should measure and how, can it be done in house • Building the CX future

the day on Thursday and this will be followed by drinks and canapes.

top down (Directors, Managers,

While the Friday program is still

Team Leaders and Coordinators).

in development, the conference

2017

LGPRO CUSTOMER SERVICE conference

Delivering better services through innovation ›

Embedding innovation into Councils is becoming increasingly important as Local Government grapples with how to create more effective processes to deliver better services to their communities.

LGPro has developed a new

The focus will be on building

The program will also provide

specialist program to assist

the participants’ strengths and

a number of takeaways for

graduates of our Executive

identifying opportunities to provide

participants including how to

Leadership Program (XLP) embed

new ways of approaching the

determine what type of innovation

innovation into their Councils.

increasing challenges of doing

will fit into their respective Councils

more with less.

and how it can be implemented.

your organisation, the two and

Each session will have a different

All graduates of our XLP program

a half day workshop will be held

emphasis. Day one will look at

have received an invitation to

in Melbourne in August. It will be

creativity and innovation, day

participate in the program.

facilitated by Marcus Powe from

two will be about ideas and

Enterprise Innovation Creativity (EIC)

opportunities and the final half day

Growth who has been coaching

session will reflect on selling and

business leaders nationally and

delivering these opportunities.

Titled: Embedding innovation in

internationally for 30 years.

For further information contact Leanne Bickley via email at leanneb@lgpro.com or phone (03) 9268 6400.

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 11

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

A country boy at heart ›

Horsham Rural City Council CEO Peter Brown is a country boy at heart and unashamedly so. He grew up in the Wimmera, moved to Melbourne and completed an economics degree, but as a family man with a young baby he was keen to move back to country life to raise a family so he took a job as a payroll officer with the former City of Horsham.

That was the start of a long and

we can really make a difference

“This may sound strange but

illustrious almost 30 year career

and we can generally effect change

I have found remaining calm in a

in Local Government apart from

quickly compared to the state

volatile situation is a really powerful

a six year hiatus from 2002 to

and federal levels of government.

tool. In Local Government you

2008 as CEO of Wimmera Uniting

I believe Local Government as a

are dealing with so many different

Care where he says he gained a

sector is also flexible and adaptable

people on so many different levels,

different perspective of life.

to change and community needs,”

from our elected representatives to

he said.

community groups and this can be

Peter loves country life and all

really challenging so it’s important

that comes with it. However, being

Peter has always been a strong

a CEO in country Victoria does

supporter of country Councils

present some challenges. Even

working collaboratively, looking

at the local footy on a Saturday

at the bigger picture and having

“It is also vital to have trust and faith

afternoon people come up to him

a vision of how to achieve it. For

in your staff at all levels. At Horsham

to discuss issues that require the

many years five Councils in the

we operate under the mantra that

Council’s attention. “I am all about

Wimmera have worked together on

it is okay to make mistakes. We also

being approachable and listening

major advocacy projects. “I worked

have a strong values and principles

to people in our community, it

out many years ago that the only

that our staff operate under and

is something that I encourage,”

way for regional Councils to get

that works really well for us.”

he said. “And I am always open

noticed was to work together,”

to talking to people, but over the

he said. The Wimmera group of

years I have learnt how to finish

Councils has achieved remarkable

a conversation. I just make sure

success with the completion of

I note their concerns, investigate

the $700 million Wimmera Mallee

and get back to them.”

pipeline project being one of their

Even though Peter says he “fell

crowning jewels.

to be able to adapt to respond to each group,” he said.

Peter says there has been no wholesale changes to services at Horsham as a result of rate capping but they are continually looking for more efficient ways to provide services. The Wimmera Councils have been more severely affected

into” a career in Local Government

Another project the Councils are

by the reduction in federal grants

he is extremely passionate about

currently advocating for is to see

which he fears will have a severe

the sector and the difference it can

passenger rail services returned to

long term impact on the region.

make to a community. “I think that

the Wimmera. Peter was thrilled with the $1.4 billion announced in the recent State Budget for improvements to rail services in regional Victoria and is confident the Wimmera just has to “wait our turn” for the $300 million they have asked for.

As for future plans, he believes a CEO should only stay in one role for 8-10 years and after that time it’s important for an organisation to have a “fresh injection of ideas and approaches”.

At this stage he doesn’t know what his future holds but given

Peter believes a great leader

his penchant for country life

needs to be enthusiastic, forward

it would be a safe bet that it

thinking and most of all calm.

will be in country Victoria.

Peter Brown enjoying an event with community members.

14 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

PROGRAM NEWS

Swapping the outdoors for the classroom ›

This group of Council officers from across the state recently swapped the great outdoors for a day in the classroom.

They are the participants in our

will be of value to both

leadership training and want

inaugural Ignite program which

themselves and their Council.

to extend and update their

has been specifically tailored for Council outdoor workers. The first of the four, full day sessions the group will attend over the next

Overall response to the program has been great with officers attending from nine metro and

leadership skills or are interested in moving into a supervisory role in the future.

rural Councils across Victoria.

The content and case studies

The participants come from a

used are relevant to outdoor

variety of roles in the areas of

workers and the duties they

Two participants, Niki Bedford

drainage, maintenance, parks

perform and participants are

from Mansfield Shire and Danny

and gardens, waste, natural

provided with examples they

Membrey from Bass Coast Shire

resources and horticulture.

can take back and use in their

few months was held at our offices at Docklands in May.

Council, were enthusiastic following the first day. Niki said she enrolled in the course to progress her career and had really enjoyed meeting and networking with people in similar roles, while Danny said he had already put some of the practical tools he had learnt on the first day to use in his job. The pair are confident the program

This program is based on our

workplace setting.

successful Ignite program which

Due to demand we are offering

is a leadership learning pathway

a second Ignite for Outdoor

for supervisors and team leaders

Workers program starting on

working in Councils. It has been

Monday 24 July.

adapted specifically for outdoor

For further information visit

workers who are new or with limited experience in a supervisory role, have no previous formal

LGPro Ignite for Outdoor Workers program or contact our office on (03) 9268 6400.

The participants in LGPro’s inaugural Ignite for Outdoor Workers program.

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 15

Doing more with less in the world of social media More than 120 Local Government communications specialists learnt all about ‘doing more with less’ at the 2017 LGPro Social Media Conference held on 10 May. They heard from the experts including former TV and radio personality Jules Lund and from their peers on what has worked well in their Councils.

The aim of the day was to provide participants with tips and practical tools that will help them in their role and from the feedback we have received the conference certainly achieved its aim.

Delegates enjo y one of the m any informative se ssions held du ring the day.

Sally Curtain fro m Casey City Council welcomes deleg ates to the co nference. ynote esenting the ke Jules Lund pr . ce en er nf co e address at th

ndigo from Greater Be Natasha Leary t. in po a Council makes

16 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

Angie Pantazi from Maroond ah City Council presenting a se ssion on socia l media storm s.

Council m Melton City Dan Hogan fro . conference facilitated the

Photos by Sam Woodberry – Phone 0478 715 076

Steve Fuery fro m Bass Coast Shire Council presented an interactive sess ion.

ations, e Communic anager Onlin Department, ns io Mark Bayly M at ic un orate Comm rd to Media & Corp engaging ha spoke about e lic Po ia or Vict ces. reach audien

Nate Leslie, Ya rra

Ranges Coun cil.

A conference

s a question.

delegate pose

Tim Gentle fo under of Thin k Digital participated in the On the Co uch session.

e sessions. joy one of th Delegates en

Damien Willo ughby from Gr eater Shepparto City Council pr n esenting a wor kshop on demystifying social media co ntent.

ns mmunicatio ne, Digital Co Simon Osbor .

Yarra ents, City of and Civic Ev

The On the Co uch session pr ompted some great di scussion.

The 2017 LGPro Social Media Conference was proudly sponsored by

BUSINESS SCHOOL

Major Sponsor

Exhibitors

Exhibitors

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 17

2017 RISK REPORT

Australian Local Government Based on a survey of more than 135 Australian local council risk management executives, the 28–page 2017 Risk Report for Australian Local Government provides valuable insights into the sector’s key risk concerns and risk management practices. It also incorporates Aon’s observations of the current insurance market as well as the state of the commercial and mutual insurance environment.

135

Risk management executives from councils nationally

Risk Concerns Change from 2016 Risk Report

Top 3 ranked risks

Financial sustainability and stability remains the

1 concern

#

Cyber gained it’s

first top ten ranking

1.

Financial sustainability and stability

SAME

2.

Infrastructure

SAME

3.

Asset protection

2

In the 18 months to prior to June 30 last year, the Australian Signals Directorate received 1095 reports of serious cyber assaults on Australian federal, state and local government information system networks.

Does your council have a cyber risk policy in place?  62% – Yes  34% – No  4% – Don’t Know

aon.com.au/localgovernment

Big Top 10 mover

Health & Safety risk moved from #11 to be the

5 concern

#

Mutual schemes v commercial insurance More than 60 councils nationally have already publicly tendered their insurance and risk management services this financial year, compared to approximately 20 in the previous year.

Insurance market update The insurance market is being driven by a surplus of capacity. Across almost every product line there’s strong appetite from insurers for local government business. Councils that have moved to the open market are seeing a new norm in their pricing expectations.

• Property: Retention options can lower premiums and reduce total cost of risk transfer • General Liability: Effective risk management is becoming increasingly important • Professional Indemnity: The market is undergoing change; now is the time to seek the best deal

Premium Forecast Council respondents’ average expected change for the next 12 months*

Actual rate movement June 2016 v June 2015 All Policies†

Actual rate movement June 2016 v June 2015 Public Sector†

Public liability, General liability, Professional indemnity insurance

+ 1.12%

- 2.19%

- 3.96%

Property insurance

+ 2.84%

- 0.85%

- 1.46%

* Source: 2017 Risk Survey: Australian Local Government † Based on client data collected by the Aon Centre for Innovation and Analytics

Claims Top 3 causes of claims

1.

Storm damage to council assets

2.

Trips and falls

3.

Tree root damage

Change from 2016 Risk Report 4

1

SAME

Download the complete Risk Report 

COM0330C 0517

2017 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

SPECIAL PROJECTS INITIATIVE

Moorabool Shire Council, CASIMO (Community and Social Infrastructure Model) and Community Infrastructure Framework Community infrastructure is a hot topic among many Victorian Councils that are seeking ways to get the most out of existing facilities and focus their increasingly constrained budgets on critical community needs and real infrastructure priorities.

Moorabool Shire is one of those Councils.

It is in a group of Councils which, over the past three years, have met to share ideas and develop innovative new approaches to community infrastructure planning, delivery and maintenance. Moorabool’s main contribution to this collective innovation has been the development of CASIMO, the Community and Social Infrastructure Model.

All Local Governments plan for community infrastructure. While there are many differences between the approaches taken by large versus small or urban versus regional Councils, there are also substantial areas of commonality. In particular, Councils’ gap analysis of supply and demand for services and facilities.

Moorabool’s Social Infrastructure Planner, Raeph Cumming convenes a network of Local Government planners and through many discussions it became clear that the similarities between their assessment methods were resulting in a huge duplication of effort and unnecessary spending.

Generally speaking, they were all running numbers the same way. While gap analysis requires a lot of data, the analysis itself is fairly simple. Many traditional infrastructure studies expended more time and effort on data collection and manipulation than on the analysis, over-simplifying the complexities and changing nature of communities’ need for infrastructure.

So Moorabool set about developing a pilot database to test whether the most

20 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

common analyses carried out by Councils could be achieved through a data model.

What CASIMO does is to shift the focus of planning away from one-off studies that are, at best, a snapshot in time, towards a flexible and easily updatable data platform that integrates with Council’s other systems.

CASIMO took 18 months of intensive development and provides users with tools to develop a comprehensive register of infrastructure and compare it with various planning standards or service levels that are tailored to each municipality. By uploading their population projections and applying their knowledge of service delivery within their communities, Councils are able to identify the quantity, quality, accessibility and capacity shortfalls or surpluses that exist now and in the future.

Through a partnership with the Victorian Planning Authority and a group of metropolitan Councils, Moorabool has now extended the CASIMO pilot to test its use as an online platform used to conduct strategic analysis across multiple municipalities.

HIGH COMMENDATION Kingston City Council, Residential Aged Care Reform In 2016 Kingston Council transferred the operational responsibility of its four residential aged care homes to a new service provider. The transfer involved rental of the current homes, sale of 172 bed licences, employment offers for 138 existing staff and the sale of Council land to build and operate a new aged care home. The Council-led public tender resulted in all homes being transferred to the new provider with minimal disruption to residents.

The transition process went well and there was positive feedback from residents and their families.

Further, media coverage was favourable, there were no industrial challenges and the overall financial result has benefited the Kingston community.

The project ensured that vulnerable residents and the Kingston community will have access to a contemporary new aged care home within Kingston that will be operated by a specialist service provider. Kingston benefits from the recurrent savings of not operating residential aged care homes. It ensured that the bed licences stay within the municipality so there is no loss of access to residential aged care places in Kingston.

Overall the project demonstrates the Council’s ability to undertake a large and complex project by primarily relying on the expertise and experience of officers from across the organisation.

FINALISTS

Brimbank City Council, Business Transformation #CommunityFirst The Business Transformation Project #CommunityFirst has been the biggest strategic project that Brimbank Council has embarked on. It consisted of multiple projects, which all inter-linked, and worked towards the ultimate goal of bringing services online and improving the overall customer experience providing customers with the choice to interact with Council anywhere, any time on any device. In 18 months, the project team launched a new Mobile Responsive Website, online payments with online transactions and forms, a successful single view of the customer and a whole of organisation digitisation program.

Since the ‘soft-launch’ of the website in early July 2016, hundreds of applications and payments have

been generated through the site. The digitisation program was more successful than anticipated, with all hard copy files and documents archived/ back scanned and the organisation working electronically. Major changes were made such as closing the local drives, closing the USB ports and intensive training in the Council’s electronic document management system (TRIM). The single view of a customer has been successful with three of the Council’s systems successfully integrating with the Spectrum software providing a preview of the capabilities of the product. The Council now has a platform where it can see all of its customers, the relationships they have with other customers and the transactions they have with Council.

Greater Shepparton City Council, GreaterSheppUpdate GreaterSheppUpdate, a dedicated news and events webpage and online channel, is a central source for the Greater Shepparton community to get news, events and information.

‘First, free and from the source’, it capitalises on the growth of social media including video, as a key mechanism to engage and educate. No longer is Greater Shepparton City Council at the mercy of its local media, with the ability to drive its own message in its own time in a dynamic way. The results say it all with a 54 per cent increase, a total of 86,639 web visits up from 39,802 visits over the same period in 2015. GreaterSheppUpdate was conceived to increase engagement with and

better inform the community rather than being reliant on local media providers. The Council needed the means to drive its own messages and priorities rather than it being determined by media.

GreaterSheppUpdate provides the community with not just up-to-date information regarding Council activities, but also other key initiatives occurring within the community. The Council’s social media strategy was already driving record traffic to its news and events webpages; however they were not being retained beyond their initial landing page.

The aim was to encourage people to stay longer on the site to further engage and educate them and GreaterSheppUpdate has achieved this.

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 21

2017 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS INITIATIVE

Knox City Council, Gardens for Wildlife The Gardens for Wildlife (G4W) program, unique to Knox City Council, is designed to encourage the owner/occupiers of suburban blocks or businesses to set aside an area of their garden to provide habitat for local wildlife. This is done by planting indigenous or native plants.

Since its inception in April 2006, the participation rate has been overwhelmingly positive. The G4W program currently has more than 600 individual participants (growing every week) and eight registered businesses – which, through the support of the program, have contributed to local biodiversity, amenity and provided a natural environment for employees to relax at lunch breaks.

In addition, the ‘Gardens for Wildlife Streetscaping Project’ provides the opportunity to grow the program in clusters and provide buffers around Sites of Biological Significance. There have been five streetscaping projects to date.

G4W provides a forum to engage with the community on conservation and environmental issues and empowers individuals to make a difference locally.

It is accessible to anyone at any level of interest and knowledge; has the capacity to build networks of like-minded people and provides ongoing opportunities for participants to build their knowledge.

The program provides a high level of resources, information and commitment to the participants. It is the only program of its kind nationally that offers a one-onone garden assessment with two assessors (Council Officer and/or volunteers), followed up with a personalised report, Gardens for Wildlife booklet, certificate signed by their Ward Councillor and informative brochures.

The program is a partnership between the Knox Environment Society (KES)

22 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

and Knox Council. KES collect seed and propagate plants that are local to Knox and its nursery offers a hub where Gardens for Wildlife participants can seek additional support and advice.

G4W is accessible to anyone at any level of interest and experience. It supports and encourages strong resilient communities through connecting participants and providing ongoing opportunities to build their knowledge.

The day-to-day performance of the program relies on goodwill and bonding of previously unrelated community members and volunteers. The program and its volunteers share easy, accessible and practical ways with participants that empower them to work for the benefit of the whole community.

G4W is a leading example of how the community and businesses can contribute to protecting and enhancing local biodiversity and take part in environmental sustainability.

The program is the first of its kind in Australia that was co-designed by Knox Council and community members and it enables and empowers local biodiversity champions and enhances local urban biodiversity.

Unintended, yet positive outcomes identified are stronger community connections and pride of place. G4W has already inspired, encouraged and supported other Local Government agencies to participate in this sustainability initiative.

HIGH COMMENDATION

Surf Coast Shire Council, Spring Creek Community Panel Surf Coast Shire Council attempted to undertake precinct planning for Spring Creek Valley – located between Torquay and Bellbrae – in 2008 but was met with community backlash including 2,220 submissions and a 3,000-strong protestor group. When the Minister for Planning rezoned the area and made the Council responsible for the master-planning of the precinct in 2014, Council recognised that a new approach to community engagement was required.

A community panel was formed which achieved

the highest level on the IAP2 scale and provided for authentic community engagement that exceeded expectations. Its main objectives were to gain an authentic cross section of stakeholder views into planning for the precinct and to design a precinct structure plan that included community views and fitted into the Surf Coast environment.

In addition to achieving these objectives, the panel also lessened angst in the community about development of the valley.

FINALISTS Cardinia Shire Council, Bless Collective Food Van The ‘Bless Collective’ initiative supports people who are homeless or experiencing financial hardship

the foundation for ongoing, improved and targeted service delivery to disadvantaged residents. The

by working collectively to provide a centralised, accessible and safe place for the provision of hot meals, material needs, laundry and showering facilities and social connection. The objectives were primarily to address a gap in the opportunity to access meals and social interaction, but more broadly the outcomes of the collective impact model are to form

co-location of the laundry service and the mobile shower provided homeless people with opportunities to access each separate service at the one time and location, whilst sharing a meal and company.

This project is believed to be the first of its kind in Melbourne providing a holistic model of care for homeless and disengaged community members.

Corangamite Shire Council, Retail Area Facade Improvement Program The Retail Area Facade Improvement Program is a $1 for $1 grant program (up to $3,000) for businesses in the 12 towns within the Corangamite Shire to complete improvement works to their facades such as painting, cleaning, minor repairs or reinstalling old elements. Thirty one businesses have received funding that generated more than $200,000 worth of works in the Shire, mostly completed by local tradespeople. The innovative program has seen

Council partnering with local businesses to improve the appearance of towns. The Retail Area Facade Improvement Program has exceeded Council’s expectations by improving the appearance of the towns to make them more liveable, encouraged businesses to complete improvement works to their facades and restored buildings with high levels of local heritage significance.

Knox City Council, Knox Midnight Basketball Program This program brought young people together in a supportive, fun environment that left them with life skills they would have otherwise missed. Open to 12-18 year-olds, the free nationally-based program provided structured activity for ‘at-risk’ young people on Friday and Saturday nights. Held over seven weeks, each tournament night included hot, nutritious meals, followed by life skills workshops, and games of

competition basketball. The format provides structure, and opportunities to develop and strengthen relationships and support for young people.

The project was driven and led by the community, supported by Midnight Basketball Australia, Knox Council, Victoria Police, Lions Clubs, churches, local businesses, schools, service providers (Headspace and the Reach Foundation), and sporting clubs.

Maroondah City Council, MABELS Project (Mothers and Babies Engaging and Living Safely) Maroondah City Council’s MABELS Project is a Health Justice Partnership in the eastern metropolitan region of Melbourne. The project aims to prevent and

violence advocacy and support within a safe and familiar setting, (a Maternal and Child Health clinic).

This is the only model of its kind operating in Victoria

respond to family violence in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) context. Project partners from Local Government, legal and community organisations, deliver community legal services and domestic

integrating three very distinct disciplines from the Local Government, legal and community sector to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for women at risk of or experiencing family violence

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 23

The value of LGPro ›

1. Why did you join LGPro?

People become LGPro Members for a variety of reasons and see different value in their membership.

We asked two of our members the following questions:

4. Why do you like working in Local Government?

2. Why do you value your membership?

3. What has been your favourite LGPro moment?

5. The top three challenges you are facing right now?

Bradley Thomas Manager Business Performance, Mount Alexander Shire Council

1

There are a lot of networking opportunities within Local Government but I found that I was continuing to meet others within my own profession (finance). So I joined LGPro to network with individuals across all the industries that make up Local Government.

2 3 4

5

LGPro provides fantastic opportunities for learning and development, which is delivered in modern formats and the content is relevant, especially to me as a younger executive in Local Government.

I attended the LGPro Annual Conference this year and met for the first time our group undertaking the Emerging Leaders 2017 Program, a fantastic night and great way to meet a bunch of strangers that I’m already calling good friends.

In Local Government colleagues from other Councils are more than willing to share ideas, how they are completing tasks, what has worked, what hasn’t. It might be sharing a report or a policy, but because we aren’t competing against each other like in the corporate world, the ability to share ideas and assist each other is extremely useful.

My challenges are finding ways to deliver more with less as we adjust to the Fair Go Rates System, implementation of a new corporate system and trying to balance the demands of day to day operations while trying to be more strategic in my thinking.

It’s time to renew your LGPro Membership ›

LGPro Individual Membership renewals for 2017/18 will be sent out this month. We value the support of our members which allows us to provide representation, advocacy, and sector specific professional development for Council officers at all levels.

Through membership you can:

We do this by organising a range of

membership body and leading voice

programs, conferences, seminars and

for all Local Government officers. We

awards to celebrate excellence within

are committed to helping you in your

the sector, and Special Interest Groups

work and to progressing your career by

where many share best practice and

providing opportunities for you to develop

provide collegiate support. When you

strong networks with sector leaders, and

• Gain new insights

join LGPro, you are joining Victoria’s peak

by representing your interests with a

• Get connected and collaborate

credible and independent voice.

• Build your reputation in the sector

24 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

• Grow your expertise • Develop your leadership

membership Sally Curtain Director Customer Focus & Innovation, Casey City Council

1

I am really passionate about creating, promoting, and supporting excellence within Local Government. I joined up as soon as I returned to the sector after seven years in the State Government to reconnect and establish a new network in a new area.

2

I am curious by nature, have a thirst for knowledge and make it my business to keep learning, exposing myself to new ways and avoiding the status quo. My LGPro membership gives me access to a broad range of conferences, seminars, and professional development programs, allowing me to be constantly engaging with innovators and leaders in my field.

3

At the LGPro Social Media Conference last month, I was given the absolute honour of being asked to give the opening address. It was incredibly rewarding to be recognised for our work in encouraging the use of social media in Local Government, and to have the chance to celebrate the ingenuity and creativity demonstrated by people I work with.

4

You can really make a difference to people’s lives… and you always know whether something hits the mark or sometimes falls short. In a Council as dynamic, diverse and as large as Casey there are unique combinations of factors that make the work both exceptionally challenging, but also immensely fulfilling.

5

I’m an optimist at heart, so I tend to think of opportunities:

• How can we deliver the services and infrastructure our growing community need in a rate cap environment?

• How can we partner with other levels of government to provide seamless delivery at critical life stages to our communities?

• Lastly, assuming we can achieve the first two, how can we change our operating model to remain relevant, attract talent, and ultimately achieve the aspirations of our growing community?

All of our activities are designed by our

• Young Professionals receive

members to ensure they are relevant to

a $100 discount to one event

Local Government and all proceeds from

and free access to two other

our activities go back into the sector to

Young Professional events

provide services that benefit members and the sector.

• Significant discounts for LGPro conferences, the Annual Conference,

Member benefits include:

programs, events, Women’s

• The right to contribute to submissions

and Women’s Network Dinner

made to Government and other key stakeholders in representing the professional officer perspective • $200 discount for the LGPro Mastering Management or Ignite programs • Complimentary registration to the Induction to Local Government program

Professional Development Forum • Exclusive invitations to Members Only events

• Eligibility to nominate in LGPro Awards • Exclusive opportunities to develop skills and raise your profile with a leadership role in our Special Interest Groups, working groups and conference planning committees • Access specialist advice and resources and join a professional community that will support you through your career in Local Government

• Profile magazine

For further information please visit

• Eligibility to apply for the

LGPro Individual Membership or

LGPro Emerging Leaders and

contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.

Executive Leadership Programs and mentoring roles

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 25

My Council Services Council to Community Community to Council

•

•

Waste

o�o

I

Get active

Centres

Contact Council

Contact Us:

1300 760 011

NEWS

Promoting gender equity in Local Government ›

Local Government Victoria is promoting and supporting gender equity in the sector through a new Local Government Listen, Learn and Lead Gender Equity Program and by developing a best practice guide.

Both initiatives were developed

• Sharing insights and identifying

The detailed outline of the guide

through the Ministerial Women’s

opportunities for sector-wide

has been shaped through input

Roundtable chaired by the Minister

action where combining efforts

from the Ministerial Women’s

for Local Government, Natalie

will lead to greater impact.

Roundtable. It will provide practical

Hutchins MP. The Roundtable was formed as a result of a report LGPro Board members presented to Local Government Minister Hutchins titled: “Addressing Representation of Women at CEO Level in Local Government.

The Local Government Listen, Learn and Lead Gender Equity Program was successfully piloted at four Councils – Ballarat, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Yarra

information relevant for both Council officers and Councillors including case studies and links to further resources. The guide will be released later this year.

– earlier this year. Feedback has

For further information visit

been very positive and will continue

http://www.localgovernment.

Listen, Learn and Lead Gender Equity Program

to inform the program as it is

vic.gov.au/council-funding-

implemented by other Councils.

and-grants/gender-equity or

Twenty seven Councils across

An easy to use practical guide

the state have each received State

has been prepared for participating

Government funding of $5,000

Councils which outlines all steps

towards rolling out the Local

in the program and provides

Government Listen, Learn and

templates and other resource

Lead Gender Equity Program

materials. Local Government

in the second half of the year.

Victoria is hosting an introductory

This program, supports Councils to advance gender equity and diversity in their organisations by

workshop later this month to provide participating Councils with information on the program.

facilitating rich discussions between

While the funding round for 2017

Chief Executive Officers and

has now closed, Local Government

Council staff on the subject.

Victoria is keen to see as many

It aims to identify strategies and implement actions to improve outcomes for women in leadership positions in Councils by: • Encouraging a deeper level of insight into the barriers to gender equality that need to be tackled within Councils • Informing the development or enhancement of Council’s gender equity actions

Councils as possible participate in the initiative. Further funding rounds may be available in 2018 for Councils subject to budget.

Best Practice Guide for Gender Equity in Local Government This guide is another initiative designed to promote and support gender equity and diversity, encouraging more female

contact Jenny-Maree Kardaras on (03)9948 8523.

55% of the LG workforce are women

15% of LG CEOs are women

34%

of LG Directors are women

representation in senior positions across Local Government.

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 27

LGPRO BOARD ELECTIONS

Consider joining our Board ›

An election for the LGPro Board will be held later this year and we are keen to see a large field of candidates from across the sector contest the 10 positions.

Each Board is elected for a three year term and only

announced in November with the new Board meeting

current financial LGPro Individual Members are eligible

for the first time in December.

to stand for election.

In this Profile we introduce our current Board members

This year’s election will be conducted via an online

with their answers the following questions:

ballot. Nominations will open in August and close in

1. Why did you stand?

September. Ballot papers will be distributed to eligible members to vote in October with voting closing in

2. What have you got out of being on the Board?

early November. The outcome of the election will be

3. Why would you recommend others to stand?

Rebecca McKenzie

Robyn Mansfield

CEO Glen Eira City Council, Board member for five years and current Board President

Manager Built & Active Spaces Yarra Ranges Council, Board member for six years and is currently Vice President

1

1

I had enjoyed my association with LGPro as a SIG Member and XLP graduate and wanted to do a bit more for the sector.

Getting onto the Board was a good way to do that while also expanding my own skills and experience.

2

LGPro is a company limited by guarantee and so being on the Board gives you the opportunity to be exposed to other aspects of company governance that you might not get exposure to in your normal role at Council. I’ve met and worked with some great people, many of whom I now count as friends. Finally, I’ve had exposure to meetings with Ministers and government agencies in my LGPro advocacy work that I certainly wouldn’t have had in any other way before I became a CEO.

3

Great way to give back to the sector, build your networks and get new experiences. I can highly recommend it.

Brendan McGrath

I am committed to improving the professional image of Local Government and attracting the next generation of professionals in order to further develop the sector.

2

The ability to work in a highly influential and committed team that has real impact at a state level has been an extremely valuable experience. The staff at LGPro are passionate and skilled and have continued to create new opportunities for professional development. The ability to drive a strategic focus to this work and opportunities to work on state committees as a board member has been a fantastic opportunity.

3

Local Government is changing and providing opportunities for young people to shape the future of the sector is essential.

I strongly encourage people to bring their innovative and influential ideas to the sector by running for a Board position.

Kerryn Ellis

CEO Rural City of Wangaratta, Board member for six years and former Board President

Director Corporate Performance Greater Bendigo City Council, Board member two and a half years

1

1

I wanted to help work on issues affecting the sector, particularly officers. Also LGPro is a great organisation doing fantastic things, why wouldn’t you?

2

I have attended many great events, met lots of interesting people, kept up to date on current issues, and have had the opportunity to influence future outcomes.

3

I would recommend others to stand for the LGPro Board for all of the above reasons plus it’s a great organisation, doing remarkable things in a wonderful sector.

28 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

I have been fortunate enough to benefit from membership of and participation in LGPro for the course of my 20 career in Local Government. Joining the Board seemed like an opportunity to give something back, as well as lead and influence the direction of the organisation for the future of the sector.

2

Being on the Board has provided me with so many wonderful experiences! The opportunity to work closely with some great people, both Board members and LGPro staff, the chance to consider and influence some of the most significant changes affecting our sector.

3

If you love the sector you work in and want to be able to lead and influence its future direction, the opportunity to join the Board is perfect for you. It’s also a chance to guide LGPro in its role of supporting the sector to grow and develop.

If you would like information on joining the LGPro Board contact

Liana Thompson

Director Partnerships and Engagement City of Whittlesea, Board member since December 2015 to fill a vacancy

1

I stood for election because I am a Local Government tragic and I really wanted to participate in the strategic direction of our peak body.

2

I have had the opportunity to participate in the development of our women’s forum, advocate to the Minister for Local Government to increase the number of women in leadership positions, work on the new Local Government Act, set our sustainable strategic direction and work with some really smart, committed people.

3

I would highly recommend standing for election to the LGPro Board, you will gain a wider appreciation of our sector, give back to the sector and maybe do something that is outside of your day to day work. Oh, and the people you meet are fabulous.

Lynley Dumble Manager Community Planning, Culture & Development Brimbank City Council, Board Member for two and a half years

1

I wanted to join the Board as I have worked in Local Government all my career and was really keen to be more actively involved in supporting and developing the sector. I had also participated in a some of the LGPro programs and really valued what LGPro achieves.

2

Being a member of the Board has been a terrific way to expand my knowledge of the breadth of work being undertaken by Local Government, as well as to gain exposure to some of the critical external factors impacting and providing opportunities for the sector. Working with the LGPro staff has also been very rewarding in helping to shape the strategy, programs and initiatives LGPro delivers.

3

The work we do in Local Government is incredibly important to help shape and support great communities. Having an active and engaged Local Government professional association is critical to ensuring our sector remains progressive, relevant and attractive.

Celia Haddock

Pauline Bennett

1

1

Director Corporate Services, Maribyrnong City Council, Board Member for two and a half years and is currently the Board Treasurer It provided an opportunity to contribute back to the sector as an experienced director and mentor. LGPro Board provides a representative body to work within to promote the profile and sustainability of the sector and work collaboratively on projects to support the future for Local Government.

2

The Board makes decisions about organisational direction and policy, innovation, learning directions and, strategic advocacy.

Networking not just with the Board members, but also with a broad range of members from Councils across Victoria, at LGPro events and conferences has been a great opportunity to find out what is happening across the sector and learn from others.

Manager Organisational Development, Whitehorse City Council, Board Member for two and a half years I stood for the board as I wanted to contribute to the sector and the member organisation further from my initial involvement with the SIG and other input to training programs.

2

In my time on the Board I have met and worked with a terrific group of senior people in the sector and staff at LGPro and have initiated a number of new and exciting programs and directions for the organisation that should hold it in good stead for the future.

3

3

I would recommend others to stand for the Board for personal and professional development opportunities – stretching yourself to do some things that may not come naturally (like introducing speakers at conferences or moderating a large group session at a specialist event) and helping to influence the shape of the organisation into an exciting future.

Dennis Hovenden

Tony De Fazio

1

I wanted to firstly provide service to the Board and LGPro who have given me so much assistance over my Local Government career and secondly wanted to assist LGPro in helping provide services and support for the next generation of Local Government professionals.

1

2

Being on the Board has been a great opportunity to work with other Local Government professionals on the Board and alongside the LGPro staff to continue to develop programs for our members and to ensure that LGPro remains a highly recognised voice for everyone who works in Local Government.

2

3

3

It provides an opportunity to contribute to the development and sustainability of the sector, as well as growing your network with a broad range of Local Government members across different roles and to make a positive contribution to the sector.

CEO Frankston City Council, been a Board member for six years and is a former Board President

You will find being a part of an organisation that does so much for its members is a rewarding experience. If you are successful in being elected you will find it to be a wonderful professional experience.

Manager Civic Services, Whitehorse City Council, Board Member for two and a half years It is my way of giving back. I have had a long career in Local Government and continue to be fulfilled in serving the community through our profession. I believe with my experience and professional background I can make a valued contribution and difference to our profession and our professional body.

I have enjoyed working with a group of professional and caring Board members, committed to serving the profession, as well as our hard working CEO and his team. It has been rewarding to plan and implement strategies, events and advocacy programs to the benefit of the profession and the sector.

If you are passionate about Local Government and want to ensure that the profession grows, develops and remains relevant into the future then we need people with ideas, vision and commitment to make things happen for the benefit of the people we serve.

David Preiss at LGPro on (03) 9268 6400 or email davidp@lgpro.com

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 29

LOOKING FOR SOME WAYS TO SPREAD THE WORD OR GET THE COMMUNITY INVOLVED, BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START? ASK OUR SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERTS HOW WE CAN ASSIST YOU IN ENGAGING WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Invitation to nominate for an LGPro award There is still time to nominate for a number of the specialist awards that we offer during the year to recognise the outstanding work being done in the Local Government sector.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD – this biennial award recognises an individual or team that has improved customer service within a Council. Nominations for the 2017 award close on Friday 30 June. The winner will be announced at the Customer Service Conference 7 and 8 September. For further information visit Customer Service Award.

AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES AWARDS – celebrate the success of individuals and teams working in the aged and disability services sector in Local Government. Nominations for the 2017 awards close on Monday 24 July. The winners will be announced at the Aged & Disability Services Seminar on 21 September. For further information visit Aged & Disability Services Awards.

AWARDS STILL TO OPEN CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY PLANNING AWARD – open to teams and individuals working in the Victorian Local Government community planning sector with a focus on initiatives that demonstrate excellence.

Nominations open on Monday 17 July and close on Thursday 31 August. The winner will be announced at the Corporate Planners Network Conference on Friday 17 November.

2018 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE – offered in nine categories to celebrate the success of individuals and teams working in Local Government in Victoria. Nominations open Monday 13 August and close on Friday 13 October. The winners and finalists will be announced at the LGPro Annual Conference Dinner held in February.

For general information on LGPro awards contact the LGPro office on (03) 9268 6400

Top honours for Victoria ›

Congratulations to Hayley Rowe from Glenelg Shire Council for winning LG Professionals National Federation Young Achiever Award.

Hayley Rowe, winner of the LG Professionals National Federation Young Achiever Award.

This has been a big few months for Hayley who, in February, won LGPro’s Young Achiever Award in our 2017 Awards for Excellence. As the winner of this award Hayley was automatically put forward for the national award.

Hayley has had a huge impact on community and youth engagement at Glenelg. She has developed many youth programs including ‘12:25’ youth cafe, a local youth summit, and ‘Skittles’, a social support group for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people.

Victoria also fared well in the final of the Australasian Management Challenge with the team from Greater Dandenong City Council being named runners up.

Dandy Greats representing Greater Dandenong City Council who were runners up in the Australasian Management Challenge.

| 31

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Connecting Local Government officers across the state ›

We are bringing Local Government officers from across the state together through our 30 Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Being part of a SIG helps time poor Council officers learn what their counterparts are doing and what is already working in the sector so they don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Around 3,300 people working in a broad range of areas in Councils attend our SIG meetings to connect, further their networks and develop relationships with others working in similar roles.

Each SIG is supported by an online forum which allows people to share information and find answers to questions and problems, in many cases almost instantly. People who join our SIGs are automatically signed up to a relevant forum so they can start tapping into the knowledge of others.

LGPro provides administrative support to the SIGs but each group is independently managed by a convenor or in some cases co convenors, who, in conjunction with the members, organise meetings, agendas, guest speakers and special events.

A survey of our SIG members presented a picture of just how valuable they are to network, share best practice, learn about the latest developments and to improve your practices and knowledge.

Below is a snapshot of the value some LGPro Members place on our SIGs.

Amanda Mills, Property Coordinator, Glen Eira City Council, Property Network for eight years

Diana McDonald, Risk Management Coordinator, Horsham Rural City Council, Risk SIG seven years and SIG co convenor for four years

Ruth Kneebone, Wangaratta Rural City Council, Corporate Services, Corporate Planners Network for two years

I’ve had fantastic opportunities

As a co convenor it is wonderful

Sharing of resources and

to meet others in similar roles

to see the support that our group

intelligence saves hours in

across Councils. I have been able

gives. The SIG provides a wealth

preparation and research. At the

to learn and hear what other

of knowledge to all attendees.

Corporate Planners Network, I met

Councils do the same or differently

On a daily perspective when a

a corporate planner from a large

to you within the same field, which

policy, procedure, or new system/

metropolitan Council who later

is valuable. On top of that there

process is developed there is always

provided me with a comprehensive

are excellent learning opportunities

someone who has already got

listing of performance measures.

on current topics of interest that

one or has purchased some type

I am now using these to review

skilled outside presenters can

of system and you can get some

and assess our current corporate

offer the group.

really honest and appropriate

reporting framework.

information from them.

32 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

create a supportive community of ideas and foster opportunities to learn from other experts. It’s an enjoyable and low cost way of improving the professional practice of the whole sector.

Joe Watkins, Coordinator Community Laws, Whitehorse City Council, Statutory Services SIG more than 10 years

Andrew Mifsud, Baw Baw Shire Council, Learning & Development SIG for five years

I am able to deal with issues with

networks, knowledge, resources

confidence, if I don’t know the answer, one of the SIG members who has had a similar experience or situation can provide a solution.

There is nothing I do not know that relates to local enforcement issues, as between the sector we all do know.

Mozma Tate, Senior Corporate Planner, Whitehorse City Council, Corporate Planners Network since 2010 In today’s Local Government environment, where we are facing growing pressures from community and State Government, it is rewarding to liaise with a group of like-minded professionals and share ideas and thoughts to move us through the various challenges we face. Being part of a SIG provides access to, and sharing of, great ideas. It is invaluable for establishing points of contact at other Councils for seeking support, confirmation of practices and sharing resources.

Being a part of a SIG expands our

Sally Schimleck, Team Leader Administration and Customer Service, Baw Baw Shire Council, Customer Service SIG for two and a half years I believe the forums are exciting, they share great ideas as well as saving time in getting started on initiatives, as you send an email out and the valuable information received often eliminates the prep work. Networking and the forums are terrific, this is the type of learning that is exciting – because it is real and relevant! I feel like I am part of a large supportive team – we are all facing the same challenges, looking for the same successes, and excited about where we are going.

Libby Webster, Strathbogie Shire Council, Events SIG for seven years The SIG allows me to network, learn what other Councils do, find out about new and relevant

and collaboration effort. Many heads have made better outcomes.

Chris Albon, Project Coordinator, East Gippsland Shire Council, Project Management SIG more than two years SIG members tend to be enthusiastic regarding the SIG subject matter and are keen to share positives and negatives from their experiences. If you’re part of a Special Interest Group, you are part of an enthusiastic and supportive group with members willing to share experience and advice.

Lisa Fricke, Executive Assistant to the CEO, Mansfield Shire Council, EA/PA for 12 months Being from a small rural Council I find it very beneficial to meet other EAs and PAs and to learn what their organisations are doing and how they are achieving results for their

Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance, Greater Bendigo City Council Corporate Planners Network for 15 years and just joined Corporate Services SIG

software/service providers/

I have been part of LGPro SIGs

insurance, risk management issues.

For further information visit

for over 15 years, and have found

I put this question on the forum

LGPro Special Interest Groups

them to be a vital part of my

and within 20 minutes I had all

work in Local Government. They

the answers I needed.

equipment and have a network to ask specific questions to – which always gets immediate answers.

I needed information about specifically weddings/small events held in Council run parks and

community. It’s also really interesting to compare the relationships that exist between EAs and the people they work for as well as the Councillors and discuss the difficulties we face in our day to day roles.

promote sharing of good practice,

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 33

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government Consulting Surveyors award for Boroondara

› Gathering everybody in Yarra’s new library

›

Yarra City Council is celebrating the launch of Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, a state-of-the-art community facility located in the heart of Melbourne’s inner north.

Thousands of people attended the formal opening in April, paying testament to the name Bargoonga Nganjin, which means ‘gather everybody’ in Woiwurrung, the language of the local Wurundjeri Aboriginal people.

On the day, locals were thrilled with the facility, with feedback such as “What a great place it is! Loved exploring it”, “Sensational place! Wonderful new addition to the village” and “Bargoonga Nganjin is fabulous” shared with staff.

The community’s passion is also being reflected in impressive visitor numbers. In just the week after Bargoonga Nganjin opened its doors, an average of almost 1,000 people visited each day. This is more than triple the visits at Yarra’s old library in the area. Loans have also doubled and in April there were 10 times as many new members, compared with the same time last year at the old library.

Bargoonga Nganjin is an extraordinary facility that offers a range of services and activities for people of all ages.

It has a library, Council customer service counter, maternal child health services and playgroups, as well as community meeting rooms and activity spaces for hire.

The building itself is also a standout, with a variety of environmentally sustainable design features seeing it achieve a six star Green Star rating – the highest environmental rating awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia.

Bargoonga Nganjin is the result of many years of work, with everybody from across Yarra gathering to bring this project to fruition – including Building Projects, Yarra Libraries, Arts and Culture, Venues and Events, Access Yarra, Family, Youth and Children’s Services, Aged and Disability Services, and Communications and Engagement.

34 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

Boroondara City Council has received the Award for Victorian Municipal Excellence from the Association of Consulting Surveyors Victoria (ACSV) for the first time this year.

Biennially, members of the ASCV, comprising private land surveying businesses in Victoria, rate the performance of Councils across Victoria. They are assessed on efficiency, response time, understanding of the Subdivision Act and level of cooperation.

Simon Mitchell, Manager Statutory Planning, said that Council was honoured for the recognition and credited the award to Roxanne Kavanagh, Subdivision Officer.

“There is a significant residential development and building activity taking place in Boroondara, which leads to subdivision applications to create separate titles. The Statutory Planning Department processes around 300 subdivision applications every year.

We pride ourselves in processing these applications efficiently and delivering a high-level of customer service,” Simon said.

“Roxanne deserves the kudos for the win. Day in, day out, she has to deal with a high volume of enquiries not only from the surveyors but also residents, purchasers and solicitors. She manages them with high degree of professionalism and enthusiasm.”

Roxanne was chuffed to win the award. “I was not expecting this.

It’s great to receive the recognition after 30 years in the profession and having worked in seven different Councils. I’m proud to win it for the team.”

Roxanne proudly displays the award and cup.

Rewarding staff a priority at Hume

›

Rewarding and recognising staff is a high priority at Hume City Council. Every two years the Council presents the Kurt Bruhn Award as part of its annual staff Reward and Recognition program to an employee for their outstanding contribution and leadership qualities.

The award, for up to $9,000 towards professional development, is named in honour of Kurt Bruhn, who was Hume’s Director City Sustainability until his passing in 2006.

Amanda Dodd, Coordinator Environmental Planning won the

award in 2016 but has not yet decided how she will use the money.

Lisa Letic, Manager Family, Youth and Children’s Services won the award in 2012. She said receiving the award and being likened to Kurt made her feel very proud. “It was very empowering to have my colleagues express this confidence in me, and a fantastic opportunity to shape my own professional development with no boundaries,” she said.

“I used the money to do a study tour to New York City and England to explore two key approaches to delivering early years services in

COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA

What’s happening in Local Government New design platform making it easy to create quality marketing materials

›

As part of a review of its corporate brand, Darebin City Council has created a simple design platform called dhub which makes it easy for everyone across the organisation to comply with the Council’s newly established brand guidelines.

The Council’s Brand and Design Specialist, Dan Stancombe said it was great collaborating with the developers at Myadbox to create the powerful dhub tool that responds to the issue of design and the consistent use of brand.

“A conservative estimate shows the dhub system saved over $200,000 in its first 18 months by reducing spend on external graphic design services,” Dan said.

Dhub is an online, template-based system that allows all staff to create high quality design without having to engage an external graphic designer or worry about incorrect use of the corporate logo on their marketing materials.

Tree change a career winner

›

Many people working in Local Government view a stint in rural and regional Victoria as a rite of

passage to a position in the ‘major league’ Councils in metropolitan Melbourne.

Matthew Cripps is the Director of Planning and Economic Development at Baw Baw Shire Council and more recently was the acting interim CEO. He has experienced roles at both metropolitan and rural Councils and believes Dan Stancombe with the dhub landing page in the background.

It includes its own image library featuring high quality photography.

It also has robust reporting functionality and an automated approval workflow which makes creating and approving high quality marketing materials a very efficient process.

Since its inception, dhub has continued to grow and evolve.

It currently offers templates in formats such as A4 and A3 posters, brochures and postcards, with usage steadily increasing. Dan is happy to share information about dhub with other Councils. He can be contacted on 8470 8557 or email: dan.stancombe@darebin.vic.gov.au

there can be some fantastic professional and personal opportunities from actively pursuing positions in rural and regional areas.

He has worked in Local Government for 20 years, primarily at Councils in the middle and outer suburbs of Melbourne. In November 2013 he made the tree change to the peri urban city of Baw Baw as the Director Growth & Economic Development.

“The peri urban cities and regional Shires provide great employment and lifestyle opportunities. I have one of the most beautiful backdrops to work at on a daily basis, I have heard it called God’s country and I can see why that is so,” Matthew said.

“Baw Baw Shire is a large and diverse municipality. While it has many, if not more urban growth challenges that are common to Melbourne’s outer suburbs, it also has a significant interface with agricultural land uses which are one of the key economic strengths of the area.”

Matthew said Baw Baw is one of Victoria’s fastest growing regional areas, located between the urban fringe (interface municipalities) and a regional city. The area is doing considerable heavy lifting in relation to providing

vulnerable communities.

I learnt from several projects how to be more innovative with the resources available and maximise partnerships to enhance community outcomes.

This has made me look at our own partnership opportunities more eagerly and see what is replicable here.

Lisa Letic

“Winning the award has changed me, in a good way. Being more open to exploring opportunities and having a different conversation with partners about ‘what else’ or ‘what if’, as well as encouraging my staff to look at things differently has been fantastic.”

Amanda Dodd

affordable housing on the outskirts of Melbourne.

“With the growth comes many challenges including providing basic and expected services like public transport, kindergarten and maternal child health centres, schools, parks and recreation facilities,” he said.

“It’s these challenges that make the regional roles really interesting. There’s a diversity in the projects and work required and an opportunity to think outside the box to get projects completed within very tight budgetary constraints.”

PROFILE WINTER 2017 | 35

Matthew Cripps

Rebecca McKenzie and Richard Stone

Rebecca McKenzie

›

Rebecca McKenzie is the CEO of Glen Eira City Council and the President of LGPro. She has worked in Local Government in Victoria for eight years at Yarra Ranges, Mitchell and Glen Eira Councils. Prior to this she worked in Local Government in the UK for five years.

What I enjoy outside of work?

What really annoys me?

My dream holiday?

Walking my rescue staffy, Zarli

People who make a commitment then don’t follow through.

Anything that involves a mountain, fresh air, and preferably with pack transportation and a hot shower at the end of each day.

and holidays that involve long distance trekking.

Any hidden talents?

The most famous person I have met?

I can order a bottle of red wine and ask for the bill in five languages!

Princess Anne

The worst job I have ever had?

Something about me that may surprise people?

Dairy controller at Franklins Supermarket. I knew then I was destined for greatness.

When I was 12, I was the Queensland under 35kg judo champion.

›

What I enjoy most about my job?

The diversity, working with a great team, and knowing that the work that you do is appreciated by the community.

Richard Stone Richard Stone has worked at Warrnambool City Council for 16 years in various management positions within the Community Services branch.

The most famous person I have met?

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

My favourite TV and radio personality?

11 times World Surfing champion Kelly Slater.

It would have been John Clarke until he sadly passed away because I loved his satirical humour so the stand in is Barry Humphries because he is Australia’s other great satirist; Rick Stein because he can help cook dinner and Bonnie Rait because she can break out the guitar after dinner.

Radio, Ross Stevenson and TV, The Back Page Team.

Something about me that may surprise people?

I used to be professional fisherman.

What would my last meal comprise?

Given it’s my last meal and I want to live as long as possible maybe I go the Yum Cha, just keep bringing the dishes, I’m in no hurry to go anywhere.

36 | PROFILE WINTER 2017

If I could take three things to a desert island they would be?

Surfboard, spear fishing gear and my wife not in that order.

My last holiday destination?

Sumatera, Indonesia.

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

Someone who showers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

Diary Dates

PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS

Connect with us at

LGProVIC

DATE

INFORMATION

Nominations open in September for the 2018 program

To equip and support senior executives in Local Government. To learn more visit XLP

Nominations open in September for the 2018 program

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. To learn more visit ELP

Series Two commences on Thursday 24 August

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

Another series of this program will begin on Monday 24 July at the LGPro office

Program for people working in outdoor roles to develop the competencies required to manage and lead people. To learn more visit Ignite for Outdoor Workers

Wednesday 28 June, rural south west region, Warrnambool City Council

Designed to provide anyone writing Council reports with a better understanding of what makes a good report. To learn more visit Local Government Report Writing

Wednesday 9 August, LGPro office

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

To learn more visit Engaging Citizens

Tuesday 20 June, Latrobe City Council Tuesday 27 June, Warrnambool City Council Wednesday 28 June, LGPro office Thursday 20 July, Rural City of Wangaratta Friday 11 August, Horsham Rural City Council Tuesday 29 August, LGPro office

Designed for those who are new or recently appointed to the sector. To learn more visit Induction to Local Government

Thursday 22 June, Melbourne Park Function Centre

A forum to address the issues, opportunities and challenges facing women in the sector. To learn more visit 2017 Women’s Professional Development Forum

Thursday 22 June, Melbourne Park Function Centre

Great networking opportunity for women working in Local Government. To learn more visit 2017 Women’s Network Dinner

Thursday 20 July, Smart Artz Gallery, South Melbourne

Targeting, but not exclusive to Local Government professionals under 35, irrespective of their position, discipline, band, level and status. To learn more visit Young Professionals Network

EVENTS

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

CONFERENCES

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS Thursday 7 September and Friday 8 September

For people working in customer service.

2017 Aged & Disability Services Awards Seminar

Thursday 21 September

A one day seminar for all Local Government staff working in the areas of aged and disability services.

2017 Corporate Planners Network Conference

Friday 17 November

For Local Government staff working in the areas of corporate, community and social planning

Customer Service Award

Nominations close Friday 30 June

Recognising an individual or team initiative that has improved customer service in a Council. To learn more visit 2017 LGPro Customer Service Award

LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards

Nominations close on Monday 24 July

Open to individuals and teams working in the aged & disability services sector in Local Government

LGPro Excellence in Local Government Corporate and Community Planning Award

Nominations open on Monday 17 July and close on Thursday 31 August

Open to individuals and teams working in corporate and community planning in Local Government

LGPro Awards for Excellence

Nominations open Monday 13 August and close on Friday 13 October

Acknowledging the excellent work being undertaken in the Local Government sector.

2017

LGPRO CUSTOMER SERVICE conference

36843

AWARDS

AWARDS