Profile Magazine - LGPro - 2023 Winter Edition

Local Government Professionals biannual magazine

Winter 2023

LGPRO WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FORUM 16.11.2023 Nurture, Grow, Celebrate CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The 24/7 Librarian Inspiration from one of this year’s big winners from the 2023 Awards for Excellence

Council Chiefs React to CommGames Cancellation

How LGPro is Working for You

What regional and rural councils have lost (but stand to gain)

What your member association has achieved so far

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REMUNERATION SERVICES

WE WILL HELP MAKE SURE YOUR REMUNERATION STRATEGIES ARE ON THE MONEY. For more than 20 years McArthur has researched and published national remuneration surveys for Local Government, providing councils with vital insight to support remuneration and wider business decision-making.

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

• Improve staff retention rates • Increase staff engagement • Ensure competitive advantage • Optimise recruitment

It is our unparalleled experience and genuine expertise that makes sure your remuneration strategies are on the money, so to find out more, contact Mark O’Brien or Michael Arcella: e: mark.obrien@mcarthur.com.au e: michael.arcella@mcarthur.com.au t: (03) 9828 6565

The 24/7 Librarian

07

11

14

With the opening of nominations for 2024’s Awards for Excellence, we look back at one of this year’s big winners for inspiration.

Bayside braves the international competition A group of high-achieving staff from Bayside take on councils from across ANZ in the Australasian Management Challenge.

Council chiefs react to the Commonwealth Games cancellation LGPro finds out what regional and rural councils have lost (but stand to gain) from the Commonwealth Games cancellation.

Above: Victorian Management Challenge champions from Bayside City Council at the 2023 LGPro Annual Conference.

Shaping up for award season

22

We find out how the Shaping South Gippsland project took top spot for the Corporate and Community Planning Award for South Gippsland Shire Council.

Award-winning customer-centricity

24

We revisit the Customer at Centre Program to find out why it won Bass Coast Shire Council the Customer Impact Award.

How LGPro is working for you

27

49

53

We look back to see how far we’ve come since the LGPro Board set the organisation’s new strategic direction back in 2021.

How LGPro is spearheading misconduct reform Poor behaviour is creating poor outcomes for Councils, staff, and communities. This is what LGPro is doing about it.

Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc) LGPro, Level 3/58 Lorimer Street Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9268 6400 Email: info@lgpro.com Website: www.lgpro.com CONTRIBUTIONS Story ideas and photographs are always welcome.

Contact: info@lgpro.com ADVERTISING For information or to book advertising in Profile, contact: info@lgpro.com CREDITS Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Graphic Design: ADW Design www.adwdesign.com.au

Insights from Local Government’s emerging leaders Emerging Leaders Program grads take on two issues they’re passionate about to influence change for the whole sector’s benefit.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 3

From the LGPro President & CEO

Reflecting, refreshing, and moving forward.

Each edition of Profile magazine is a chance for our cohort of local government professionals to learn from our recent past, stay current on what is happening now, and look ahead to plan for what is to come.

This issue provides us with a moment to reflect on our achievements over the year behind us and to learn from the work of our sector’s high achievers.

Our emerging leaders lend fresh eyes to persistent problems, prompting us to rethink how we recruit into our skills-strapped workforces amid the skills shortage and feeding new ideas into how we promote our sector’s work to the communities we serve.

We meanwhile look back at the stand-out recipients of some of this year’s most prominent awards, learning from the council initiatives that took home trophies and the individuals and teams who made them happen.

This edition is also an opportunity to stay up to date on the current affairs shaking up our sector, with insights from our sector’s leaders on issues like the recent cancellation of the Commonwealth Games that has direct effects on our peers in rural Victoria and the regions.

This Winter issue is also our chance to peer over the horizon. In the pages ahead, you will find out where LGPro’s advocacy is heading after the significant milestones we have hit so far. You will also find the key dates for LGPro professional development so that you can plan out your learning and development for the year ahead.

Until we meet again at the big events coming up in the months ahead, enjoy this new edition of your member magazine, Profile.

Liana Thompson President Local Government Professionals Victoria Jill Brown Chief Executive Officer

“This issue provides us with a moment to reflect on our achievements over the year behind us and to learn from the work of our sector’s high achievers.”

4 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION NOW CLICK HERE

NOMINATIONS CLOSE STRICTLY ON MONDAY 23 OCTOBER 2023

The 24/7 Librarian

With the opening of nominations for 2024’s Awards for Excellence, we look back at one of this year’s big winners for inspiration.

The Awards for Excellence is our sector’s annual celebration of the individuals and teams behind the projects that reveal just how innovative local governments can be.

Nominations for the 2024 Awards are now open, with the recipients to be announced and celebrated at next year’s Annual Conference.

As you prepare the shortlist for your council’s own submission, we take a look at the legacy of one of this year’s 11 category winners.

The 2023 Awards for Excellence were proudly sponsored by JLT and JMAPP.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 7

They were looking for the very best practice in delivering for Victorian communities.

Open Libraries – a Yarra City Council initiative

A radical change

When the judges were combing through the nominations

Yarra City Council introduced a radical concept to the

in this year’s Service Delivery Initiative category, they

way public libraries operate in early 2022: they allowed

were looking for the very best practice in delivering for

the community to access library buildings outside

Victorian communities, whether they be the broader resident

of the usual opening hours, completely unstaffed.

group right through to specific targets within communities.

Inspired by Europe’s public and academic libraries that

This year’s winner bridged these groups with a shake-up

offer 24/7 library access, the Open Libraries initiative had

of a universal council service that went on to expand its

been allowing members to use two of five community

user base. And the initiative has only grown since.

libraries outside of scheduled open times when they nominated for the award.

8 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

After-hours access included internet access, borrowing and returning books, using public computers to scan, print, and copy, and the use of study spaces.

The project required an investment in security software, security cameras, and automation for lights and air conditioning, making the unstaffed locations as safe as possible for the community to access. Members were required to attend a simple induction program to upgrade their library membership, thenceforth gaining access to the libraries out of hours.

This effectively increased library opening hours by 84 hours per week without increasing staffing overheads. Rather, staff time was allocated to setting up policies and procedures, risk assessment, guidelines for membership, and the inductions which have since become a business-as-usual process. After setup costs, the only reported ongoing expenditure has been on security monitoring, cleaning of branches on public holidays, and utility bills.

An ongoing impact At the time of their nomination, the Yarra team reported over 1,700 visits outside of usual business hours at one location and over nearly 2,000 at another, from students using the facilities to study in the times that suit them to parents using the spaces with their children before school times and on weekends.

They have since expanded the program to an additional library branch, collectively seeing over 500,000 visits to their now-more-accessible libraries over the course of a year. The goal over the coming years is to expand the all-day service to all locations.

Your turn LGPro needs your help to promote and celebrate the outstanding work being undertaken across our sector.

Nominations for the 2024 Awards are now open until Monday 23 October 2023.

NOMINATE

Yarra City Council introduced a radical concept to the way public libraries operate in early 2022.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 9

We keep a sharp eye out for ways to keep fees low

Issued by Vision Super Pty Ltd ABN 50 082 924 561 AFSL 225054. Read the relevant PDS and TMDs available from visionsuper.com.au and see if the product is right for you before investing. Investment performance and fees depend on the investment option.

10 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

Bayside braves the international competition

A group of high-achieving staff from across Bayside City Council took on councils from across Australia and New Zealand as the Bayside Braves in this year’s Australasian Management Challenge.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 11

The Bayside Braves took out the Victorian trophy in May, representing the state in the international competition in August.

Each year, small teams of local government staff from across council divisions come together to problem-solve their way through complex tasks based on real-world experiences – the kind that typify management in the council context.

Some teams compete for the win, some councils invest in upskilling their emerging leaders, and all of them develop their individuals and teams in the process.

Up against the best of nationwide and kiwi councils in Adelaide, the team took on their counterparts for the annual trophy where ultimately South Australia’s City of Marion took home the top spot.

The Management Challenge will return in 2024 to develop a new round of emerging leaders from across the sector.

The Bayside Braves took out the Victorian trophy in May, representing the state in the international competition in August.

The Victorian heat of the 2023 Australasian Management Challenge was proudly sponsored by JLT.

12 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

TN360

Your fleet can provide a goldmine of information that can reduce costs & boost productivity.

Dashboards, Insights, Analytics & Reports

Digital Documents & Electronic Forms

Routes & Navigation

Vehicle & Asset Maintenance

Smart AI-Enabled Cameras

Driver Behaviour & Performance

Vehicle & Driver Performance Metrics

Compliance and Health & Safety

With the power of AI, TN360 delivers real-time visibility to all your vehicles, assets & equipment across your business. Experience fleet visibility that delivers intelligence instantly. From driver safety through to productivity, monitor your operation in real-time to make smarter decisions.

Get all the tools you need to get connected.

1300 111 477 TeletracNavman.com.au LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 13

Council chiefs react to the CommGames cancellation

14 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

LGPro finds out what regional and rural councils have lost (but stand to gain) from the Commonwealth Games cancellation from Greater Shepparton City Council’s Peter Harriott and Yarriambiack Shire Council’s Tammy Smith.

The Premier recently announced the Commonwealth Games would not be going ahead, claiming cost blowouts in the billions. At the same time, he announced new and redirected funding for housing, tourism, and sport to the tune of 2 billion dollars.

LGPro caught up with chief executives from both regional and rural councils to find out how this is affecting their organisations.

You can listen to this article on the LGProcast – LGPro’s podcast for local government decision makers.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 15

Pictured: Greater Shepparton City Council CEO, Peter Harriott.

“We were most disappointed, but we’re looking at what the opportunities are going forward now.”

Peter Harriott is the CEO of Greater Shepparton City Council,

To more recent history, Peter recalled his reaction to the

but also represents Shepparton at Regional Cities Victoria –

announcement of the cancellation.

an alliance of 10 regional Victorian cities that represent the collective interest of the regions.

“We were not prepared for the announcement, we didn’t expect the announcement, and we’d had recent meetings

The Commonwealth Games story began six years ago for

with key players, and we thought the Games was proceeding.

Shepparton when it was marked as one of the five hubs

When we received the announcement … we were most

planned to host the event. The council has been planning

disappointed, but we’re looking at what the opportunities are

and investing ever since.

going forward now.”

“We were planning for BMX events and time trial events

While regional councils course-correct following the news,

on the road, we were putting various staff in place, we

the simultaneous announcement of new and redirected

were liaising with the organising authority, we were getting

funding offers new opportunities.

facilities organised – we were all set to go,” explains Peter.

16 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

“The basis of running the Games in the region was to change

With money also set aside for committed sports

the focus from large expenditure in metropolitan Melbourne

infrastructure associated with the Games, Peter sees

to expenditure in the regions, and the 2.6 billion dollars was

an opportunity for flexibility.

a fantastic announcement for that to happen,” said Peter.

“We’d probably ask for a bit of a review of that, and say

“So now that the Games have been cancelled it is still so

that now that infrastructure that was specifically for Games

important that similar investment is made and similar

components that is not going to happen, there should be

opportunities are provided for regional Victoria. So a billion

a more equitable distribution of that 550 million.”

dollars for affordable housing – that’s critical. Per head of population, Shepparton has the largest affordable housing crisis in the state.”

“Now that the Games have been cancelled it is still so important that similar investment is made and similar opportunities are provided for regional Victoria.”

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 17

Pictured: Yarriambiack Shire Council CEO, Tammy Smith.

“I think we all need to be getting ready and planning for the opportunities that are going to arise from this.”

As a predominantly regionally-focused event, the redirection

“The one billion dollar housing fund for the 1,300 new social

of funds from the Games is a particular opportunity now

and affordable homes in rural and regional Victoria – for us

for rural councils. CEO of Yarriambiack Shire Council and

at Yarriambiack, that’s a huge benefit, and I know it’s a huge

Treasurer of Rural Councils Victoria, Tammy Smith gave

benefit for our other rural councils.

LGPro the rural perspective.

“We really weren’t going to be benefiting, as such, from the Commonwealth Games being held in regional areas,” Tammy explains. “The big things that we were working on were the Legacy items. We were working on a regional

“We have effectively four sites ready to go, ready to pitch for social and affordable housing.”

And as noted earlier, flexibility is the key to getting the best bang for buck moving forward, as Tammy explains.

partnership level, putting in for relocatable housing that

“Probably the key thing for the housing though, rural areas

could be redistributed out into the regions and rural areas.”

need more flexibility and ideally we need affordable housing because social housing can be quite limited with the tenants

Social and affordable housing are some of the biggest opportunities from the announcement for both rural and regional councils.

18 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

that you can put into those homes, where affordable housing has so much more flexibility for us. It potentially can be utilised for skilled workers or to attract and retain new migrants to the region.”

“We have effectively four sites ready to go, ready to pitch for social and affordable housing.”

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 19

Funding opportunities are much broader under the changes,

“I think we all need to be getting ready and planning

meaning more councils are eligible for money for a wider

for the opportunities that are going to arise from this,”

range of projects.

Tammy said.

Regional councils – including those that were set to benefit

“But I would probably be saying to the Government that

from the Commonwealth Games – might also have more

it is really important for them to … work with us as a

flexible access to funding depending on what gets deemed

committee because we’re in a prime position to actually help

eligible by the State Government.

them understand ... how it can benefit regional and rural communities. It would help the Government understand

Peter pointed out sporting infrastructure projects that

some of the challenges that rural councils face.”

could have positively impacted the community but were not eligible for funding under the auspices of the

And Peter is optimistic: “I think we’ll be listened to, and

Commonwealth Games. Under redirected funding, these

I’m quite hopeful that will lead to some really good results,

could be given a second life, for example.

not only for our council but for many other regional and

So how should councils be approaching the State

rural councils throughout Victoria.”

Government to capitalise on this potential?

Want the full story? Listen to the full version. Tune into the LGProcast.

CLICK HERE

20 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

2023

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 21

CORPORATE & COMMUNITy PLANNING

Award

SHAPING UP FOR AWARD SEASON We find out how the Shaping South Gippsland project took top spot for the Corporate and Community Planning Award for South Gippsland Shire Council.

22 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

With a new Councillor group elected following two years

Councillors and staff worked collaboratively to design

of administration, South Gippsland Shire Council began

and implement an extensive and proactive campaign that

rebuilding community connection and trust through a process

leveraged existing community feedback exercises while

of integrated plan development while a comprehensive

developing new approaches along the way.

transition program was underway.

A shift to cross-team collaboration was created, culminating

At the beginning of their term, the new group of

in fortnightly group meetings that brought together staff

Councillors made the ambitious decision to align the plans

from across the organisation together to achieve a shared

in November 2021, with the aim of having these adopted

objective. Councillors meanwhile took ownership of the

by June the following year to maximise the outcomes of

process and identified the need to engage first-hand with

their three-year terms.

the community, with two to four Councillors present at every engagement event.

Over seven months, the organisation engaged with 3,356 people – 11 per cent of the population. Shaping

The campaign was delivered largely in-house, with minimal

South Gippsland was the Shire’s largest community

budget, using existing resources, and with a supporting

engagement campaign to date, delivered in record time.

investment in long-term skills development to build the organisation’s ongoing capacity.

Read about 2023’s award winner, high commendation, and finalists in the 2023 Corporate and Community Planning Award Booklet.

CLICK HERE

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 23

CUSTOMER IMPACT

Award

AWARDWINNING CUSTOMERCENTRICITy We revisit the Customer at Centre Program to find out why it won Bass Coast Shire Council the Customer Impact Award.

The 2023 Customer Impact Award was proudly sponsored by CSBA

24 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

Bass Coast Shire Council transformed a culture of passivity

supported with monthly toolbox meetings to embed

and avoidance into one of proactive service delivery

learnings in their service environment, and further supported

by providing every one of their employees with the

through achievement tracking.

systems, skills, and support to make customers their priority.

Through this overhaul – spearheaded by a transformation team of two – overdue customer request numbers reduced by 98 per cent and overall processing times dropped by

dashboard that integrates a variety of metrics, ‘Employee Pulse’ surveys, action trackers, and open communication lines.

The dashboard’s data is an enabler of good decision-making

more than 70 per cent.

around team resourcing and prioritisation while serving as an

To effect genuine, significant, and long-lasting cultural

early indicator of issues.

change, a multifaceted approach was required. The Customer at Centre Program was an education and process improvement initiative that saw every employee being trained in customer service excellence, participating in team workshops to develop customer improvement actions,

Effectiveness is measured and monitored through a CX

Like any cultural change, time is required to fully realise the benefits. The program regularly serves reminders to ensure it stays front of mind through its ongoing, sustainable activities and a regular revisiting of the program’s various components.

Read about 2023’s award winner, high commendation, and finalists in the 2023 Customer Impact Award Booklet.

CLICK HERE

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 25

The modern Australian law firm Maddocks is a trusted partner of Victorian councils, driving community transformation through strategic collaborations. With our unrivalled track record of working alongside local government, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the sector. Maddocks’ trusted advice empowers councils to seamlessly serve and deliver.

We work closely with councils to develop strategies to bring their visions to life. Our collaborative approach helps drive innovation that shape and uplift the communities they serve.

Find out how our marketleading multi-disciplinary team can assist you by scanning this QR code.

26 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

How LGPro is working for you Back in 2021, the LGPro Board set the organisation’s strategic direction for the five years to come. We look back to see how far we’ve come.

LGPro’s 2021-2026 strategic plan set out five strategic priorities, centred on advocacy, inclusivity, member value, connection, and engagement. We trace the milestones since the plan was laid out to find out what your member association has achieved so far.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 27

How we’re advocating for you We’ve been influencing the decisions affecting our sector and your profession.

Ongoing consultation has been informing how we support our sector, talking to members like you, undertaking research, collecting valuable feedback at our events, and listening closely to our Special Interest Groups.

This consultation shaped our position on three key issues facing the sector and its people: Skills, Inclusion, and Culture.

Pictured: LGPro Treasurer Bruce Dobson.

28 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

Our original research into the skills shortage facing councils helped us identify pathways to employment for Victoria’s diverse communities that LGPro has since been filling with Victorian Government support. We’ve been striving for practical change to support positive workplace cultures in our councils from the administration to elected representatives in an ongoing campaign.

Our executive and Board have been meeting with the key peak bodies in our sector, Local Government Victoria, and the Local Government Minister to make sure the issues affecting council professionals are being heard.

Pictured: LGPro President Liana Thompson.

How we’re including you (whoever and wherever you are) We’ve been improving our professional development opportunities, embedding inclusivity into the design of everything we do.

This has meant consciously diversifying who takes the stage and what is spoken about at events to foster greater learning opportunities, from engaging speakers from LGBTIQA+ communities and people with Indigenous backgrounds to those living with disability.

We’ve proactively diversified the planning committees behind our programs to ensure they represent the interests of more of the local government workforce.

The Local Pathways project has meanwhile been addressing the sector’s skills shortage by matching entry-level council vacancies and job seekers from distinct, diverse cohorts, spanning youth to veterans, with wraparound training and support.

We introduced new workshops to meet our sector’s diverse skills needs, including two new project management courses that have been bolstered with additional, recurring sessions to meet demand.

All of these offerings have been regularly reviewed with specific consideration of the sector’s future needs, assessed through research and council staff feedback.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 29

Pictured top-left, top-right, lower-right: LGPro Secretary Chris Leivers, Board Member Gail Gatt, Board Member Kerryn Ellis.

How we’re making your membership valuable We’ve been supporting our diverse and engaged membership through an improved member experience.

We’ve surveyed our members and non-members alike to ensure a wide range of voices are included in our understanding of what services you need, reaching out across every channel we have to find out how we can continually enhance the member experience.

30 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

Your feedback has been shaping what we deliver, from the content of webinars to the latest conferences and executive forums, and from program agendas to the format of networking opportunities.

While the Customer Service Conference became the CX Conference to support our members’ digital transformation journeys, the Aged and Disability Services Seminar was similarly rebadged and broadened as councils moved out of service provision and into wellbeing promotion.

We’ve been elevating our sector by celebrating the best of what our council teams do and fostering connections between you and your peers.

Pictured left to right: LGPro Vice President Sue Wilkinson and outgoing Board Member Steve Hamilton.

We’ve since developed new resources in response too, from the WebinarHQ series to the member resource library.

We’ve also been listening out for what barriers are in the way of you getting the most out of being a member, introducing discounts to small rural councils and those far from the metro area to make our specialist events more accessible.

These smaller councils are now being recognised in the Small Rural Council Award, recognising the unique constraints on lessresourced teams.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 31

How we’re connecting you We’ve been elevating our sector by celebrating the best of what our council teams do and fostering connections between you and your peers.

That celebration has been particularly important. We’ve held a diverse array of awards programs, promoting their positive outcomes as useful case studies. We’ve also invited the professionals behind these initiatives to present their findings at our events and webinars for our sector’s collective growth.

Long distances can hamper connection, so we’ve consulted with rural, regional, and remote councils to ensure offerings like these are relevant and accessible to staff, wherever they are.

Over this time, we’ve increasingly made programs accessible both in-person and online while bringing more of them in-house to your workplaces. We’ve meanwhile brought our foundational workshops to regional centres to offer rural, regional, and remote council staff the opportunity to participate in face-to-face learning.

Pictured: LGPro Board Member Jen Bednar.

32 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

And not just face-to-face learning, but networking.

We’ve been creating more opportunities for you to meet and share knowledge through our conferences, events, and increasingly frequent executive forums.

We’ve extended this networking into programs like Local Pathways, where we’ve connected new entrants to the sector with experienced mentors to foster the newest generation of council professionals. We’ve meanwhile introduced a formal process for engaging our leadership program alumni so that they can continue their connection and learning longer-term.

For our diverse specialists, we’ve invested more into our Special Interest Group network to address the issues facing the sector as they arise. We’ve added new communities to the growing list while introducing more feature-rich meeting platforms to strengthen our participants’ connection.

Pictured left to right: LGPro President Liana Thompson and Board Member Sally Jones.

How we’re engaging We’ve been diversifying and improving our engagement with valuable partners to our sector who support us in delivering high quality services.

We’ve leveraged the quality partnerships we’ve developed with subject matter experts in the LGPro Corporate Partner pool to deliver timely, insightful advice to you and your peers at times of crisis, during emergent issues, and as part of our events and programs.

As part of the way we advocate for you, our Board and executive have been regularly meeting with and writing to our sector’s key stakeholders whose decisions affect you, from our fellow peak bodies right up to State and Federal Governments.

We’ve been proactively engaging with organisations that can positively impact our sector and members.

We’ve been working alongside Jobs Victoria, for example, to create local government jobs for distinct, diverse cohorts, from women over 45 to those at risk of long-term unemployment.

We’ve been proactively engaging with organisations that can positively impact our sector and members.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 33

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

LGPro CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 CORPORATE PARTNERS (listed in the directory in alphabetical order)

Billing Bureau Camden Search Copyright Agency CouncilJobs Customer Service Benchmarking Australia (CSBA) CT Management Group Datacom Davidson Group EasyPark Fisher Leadership Fleet Complete Happsa Group HR Legal Hunt & Hunt iPlatinum JLT Jost & Co Julie Reid & Associates Kernow Environmental Health Lánluas Leading Roles Leadsun Australia Lingford Consulting Maddocks Lawyers McArthur Melbourne Water Moray & Agnew Lawyers Peter Berry Consulting PKF PowerStack Energy Procurement Australia Public Sector People Pulse Software Push My Button Redman Solutions Resonate Russell Kennedy Lawyers Skefto Steople TDG Environmental TechnologyOne Teletrac Navman Telstra The Leadership Movement Urban Maintenance Systems Victorian Pride Lobby Vision Super Votar Partners Warner Institute Well Done International Your Future Options

34 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

LGPro is grateful for the support it receives from its Corporate Partners. The following pages contain advertisements submitted by LGPro’s 2023 Corporate Partners. Please take a moment to learn about the many services, programs, and products these organisations offer to the Local Government sector.

LGPRO PRINCIPAL PARTNER

Note: All financial 2023 LGPro Corporate Partners were invited to participate in this directory. Not all Corporate Partners took up the opportunity.

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

Infringement Management System

It’s Never Been Easier To Manage Infringements In-House.

Flexible infringement management that works for your council.

Powered by

LOOKING FOR YOU CouncilJobs is the council talent pool for your recruitment. We have motivated subscribers with the key skills you need available right now.

counciljobs.com TARGETED RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 35

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

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

For more information www.ctman.com.au 1300 500 932

36 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

@CTManagementGroup

@CTManagementGrp

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

Australia’s 3G network will be shut off in June 2024.

This will have a huge impact on the connectivity and functionality of parking equipment.

EasyPark’s Pay-via-Phone technology is 4G & 5G ready and we are working with Councils and Parking Operators to support them through the transition, at no cost.

Contact Craig Logan craig@easypark.com.au 0437 555 889

Executive coaching Executive coaching and and mentoring mentoring No matter where you are now, CLA’s expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring can enhance your performance to propel you to the next level in your career journey.

Contact June to get started: jparker@clasolutions.global

Advisory | Assessment | Coaching | Development | Organisational Transformation | Wellbeing

Available on Google Play or App store

1300 347 437

clasolutions.global

Reduce fuel consumption Track CO2 emissions Fleet electrification EV performance monitoring and reporting

fleetcomplete.com.au

Green your fleet with data-driven insights LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 37

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

2023 LGPro Corporate Partner

Key members of our Local Government Team We are a team of experienced workplace relations and safety lawyers continuing to achieve positive results for local government clients.

Dan Feldman Managing Partner

Georgie Chapman Partner

David Sztrajt Partner

Nikola Prestia Partner

Fleur Calvert Senior Associate

Anat Hirsh Senior Associate

Jenny Collins Associate

Nathaniel Ganeson Senior Associate

Rohan Ajzensztat Associate

Emily Durack Lawyer

Alex Bennett Lawyer

Jenny McPherson Lawyer

Our main services: Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Unfair Dismissal Enterprise Agreement Negotiations Investigations Employment Contracts Safety Managing Injured Workers Training

03 9948 2450

Visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn for employment law updates and insights:

www.hrlegal.com.au HR Legal - Australia

Talk to an expert HR Lawyer We listen, we provide solutions, you get results.

Trial options available

iFerret enables staff to quickly and easily search and retrieve information from email, network drives, corporate systems, sharepoint, onedrive, teams and more

• Provides instant information

• Duplicate document

• Single login to all information • Supports a broad variety of

• Full audit trail • Integrated to commonly used

• Searches scanned image

• Installed as a ‘turnkey’

access via key word searching

data sources information

• Preserves application security • Automatic electronic information packaging

identification

corporate systems appliance solution

• Simple to use with minimal training

• Improve efficiency and reduce administration costs

Now installed at circa 60 councils

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

38 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

23-0467_JPS_Year Book Advertising_90x125mm_Bronson Justus OUTLINE.indd 1

13/07/2023 1:43:07 PM

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

Julie A. Reid

& associates

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 39

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

SMART

SOLAR LIGHTING

PERFORMANCE, CULTURE AND RECRUITMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES Leading Roles has worked with local governments for over 10 years, transforming councils through high performing people.

Our highly experienced team can assist your council with:

100+

Permanent Recruitment Solutions Contract & Temporary Placements Performance & Culture Consultancy

Contact Edwina to discuss your requirements on 0448 402 510 or visit leadingroles.com.au.

The modern Australian law firm Partnering with Victorian councils to drive community transformation. Our trusted advice and expertise empowers local government to seamlessly service residents’ needs through new innovation, to beyond expectations.

Find out how our marketleading multi-disciplinary team can assist you by scanning this QR code.

40 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

We are one of Australia’s largest law firms with over 700 staff. Our specialist Local Government practice represents the foundation of our commitment to the public sector.

We have well-established credentials and a reputation for providing high-quality legal advice and representation to Local Government. We work for approximately 200 Local Government bodies and authorities in both panel and off-panel appointments and offer Councils convenient, on demand access to excellent legal advice, guidance and representation across the entire spectrum of legal services, including day-to-day operations and long term strategies.

Contact Moray & Agnew to discuss how we can assist you. melbourne@moray.com.au +61 3 9600 0877

Sydney // Melbourne // Brisbane // Canberra Newcastle // Perth // Cairns

PKF INTEGRITY INVESTIGATION & RISK SOLUTIONS

When experience counts The PKF Integrity team has more than 100 years of forensic investigation and integrity risk management experience gained from a range of backgrounds, including law enforcement and regulatory environments, industry and professional services.

For complex issues that your business must address, we ensure that our experienced team provides hands-on delivery and leadership, and adopts a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to achieving excellent outcomes.

Whitepaper Australian Local s Government Leader of Research, e Cruickshank, Head

Authored by: Dr Lynn

PBC

For expert investigation and integrity risk advice and assistance, contact one of our experts

Robert Cockerell

Head of PKF Integrity 03 9679 2257 rcockerell@pkf.com.au

David Lehmann

Principal 03 9679 2387 dlehmann@pkf.com.au

Sonia Hennessy

Senior Manager 03 9679 2279 shennessy@pkf.com.au

www.pkf.com.au PKF Integrity Services (BMNS) Pty Ltd ABN 44 610 622 001 Level 12, 440 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

03 9679 2222

PKF Integrity Services (BMNS) Pty Ltd is a member firm of the PKF International Limited family of separately owned firms and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions of any individual member or correspondent firm or firms.

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 41

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

Power Purchase Agreements

Procurement Australia's PPA's Procurement Australia’s NSW & VIC PPAs are helping more local councils realise their large-scale, renewable energy goals in a cost-effective and riskreduced way.

Talk to us today

Aligning strategy, people, and performance.

Strategy

Projects

Governance

Talent

pulsesoftware.com 1300 363 325 • info@pulsesoftware.com

42 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

Collecting customer feedback does not need to be complicated.

Keep it simple. All your need is a customer to press a smiley face to turn feedback into actionable insight with HappyOrNot. Find out more at www.pushmybutton.com.au

Get in touch!

Helping local governments shape society, now and into the future, for the better.

We offer unrivalled expertise to councils across Victoria. With decades of experience and industryspecific knowledge, our full-service approach covers all aspects of the law. We take pride in fostering enduring relationships with clients, driving positive and impactful change within our community. russellkennedy.com.au/government

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 43

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

Risk One place for all risks Risk Compliance Audit Policies BCP

Incidents One place for all incidents Manage Investigate Respond Control Act

Planning One place for all plans Risk Compliance Audit Policies BCP

Safety Proactively manage safety Hazards Risk Assessments Audits & Inspections Injuries & Claims Safety registers

www.skefto.com +61 3 8256 1665

ZERO HARM

ZERO

IMPACT

Sustainable Success.

Helping provide sustainable waste and stormwater management solutions through Australia and New Zealand.

1300 330 294

tdgenvironmental.com.au

44 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

steople.com.au

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

THE CONNECTED FLEET

Uniting one of Queensland’s most iconic regional hubs

The Connected Fleet is transforming the way our teams work by bringing real-time visibility and information to the workplace.

This technology enhances not only our driver’s safety with utilisation and maintenance tools, but also promotes sustainability through fuel efficiency and effective job management.

Longreach Regional Council now boasts faster speeds, robust redundancy and complete network visibility.

1300 111 477

See how

TeletracNavman.com.au

LEADERSHIP COACHING for executives, emerging leaders and teams

Empowering leaders and organisations to achieve greater influence, purpose and success Christine Taylor m: 0419 102 988 e: christine@theleadershipmovement.com.au www.theleadershipmovement.com.au

Serving the Local Government sector for over 20 years

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 45

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

THE VICTORIAN PRIDE LOBBY IS WORKING TO TURN LOCAL G O V E R N M E N T S R A I N B O W. IF YOU NEED SUPPORT TO PROMOTE LGBTIQA+ INCLUSION OR PROGRESS COMMITMENTS ON THE RAINBOW PLEDGE, C O N TA C T U S T O D AY !

I N F O @ V I C P R I D E L O B B Y. O R G

We keep a sharp eye out for ways to keep fees low

Issued by Vision Super Pty Ltd ABN 50 082 924 561 AFSL 225054. Read the relevant PDS and TMDs available from visionsuper.com.au and see if the product is right for you before investing. Investment performance and fees depend on the investment option.

46 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

We're as committed to your community as you are.

Extend your TEAM

with Well Done

Supporting you to develop your team, through the delivery of best-practice training.

Grow

Adapt

Lead

Nationally accredited courses in: Compliance Animal Management Aged Care and Disability Support Leisure & Health

RTO: 21622 warnerinstitute.com.au ABN: 26 935 546 475 Warner Institute, a division of Warner Group Pty Ltd

Real choice for Victorian Councils After Hours - Overflow - Messaging Digital Services - Welfare Monitoring CH8311-2020 Provision of Call Handling and Associated Services

Well Done International | Melbourne | 1800 935 536

your leadership

SERIES 3 NOW OPEN LEARN MORE HERE

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023 47

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

2023 LGPro Corporate Partner

Key members of our Local Government Team We are a team of experienced workplace relations and safety lawyers continuing to achieve positive results for local government clients.

Dan Feldman Managing Partner

Georgie Chapman Partner

David Sztrajt Partner

Nikola Prestia Partner

Fleur Calvert Senior Associate

Anat Hirsh Senior Associate

Jenny Collins Associate

Nathaniel Ganeson Senior Associate

Rohan Ajzensztat Associate

Emily Durack Lawyer

Alex Bennett Lawyer

Jenny McPherson Lawyer

Our main services: Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Unfair Dismissal Enterprise Agreement Negotiations Investigations Employment Contracts Safety Managing Injured Workers Training

03 9948 2450 48 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023

Visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn for employment law updates and insights:

www.hrlegal.com.au HR Legal - Australia

Talk to an expert HR Lawyer We listen, we provide solutions, you get results.

How LGPro is spearheading misconduct reform

Pictured left to right: Maddocks Partner Mark Hayes, Local Government Professionals NSW CEO Vicki Mayo, Local Government Professionals WA CEO Candy Choo, Local Government Inspectorate Manager Investigations David Walker.

Poor behaviour in extraordinary cases leads to expensive Workcover claims, dysfunction in the Councillor group, and the loss of dedicated local government professionals who leave the sector.

This is what LGPro is doing about it.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 49

As representatives of all those who work in our sector, a key

Misconduct has been borne out in the media over the last

LGPro priority is ensuring their health and safety.

year through high profile investigations, damning reports,

A cornerstone of our advocacy to this end is our call for State

and unfortunate – but ultimately preventable – outcomes.

and Federal Governments to financially and legislatively

LGPro has been striving for practical change to support

invest in the improvement of relationships between elected

positive workplace cultures and best practice governance

members and council officers for the betterment of staff and

in our councils from the administration to elected

community outcomes. Conduct issues span governance,

representatives in an ongoing campaign.

culture, training, and the structures that support all the above, from legislation to practical oversight mechanisms.

LGPro has been pursuing legislative reform to support positive workplace cultures in our councils.

50 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

What we’ve done so far LGPro has spent almost two years engaged with our counterparts across the sector representing both council officers and Councillors, our members, professionals across Victorian councils, and two successive Local Government Ministers to address the issue of Councillor misconduct.

18 months of work culminated in LGPro’s submission of considered, specific recommendations for legal reform to address the rare but harmful cases of Councillor misconduct that slip through the cracks of the current system.

LGPro’s case for legislative reform methodically but clearly articulates what is currently in place, the flaws in this system, and how to fix it.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 51

What’s happened since This last month has seen IBAC table its special report on Operation Sandon, identifying broad, systemic misconduct and corruption vulnerabilities at both the state and local government levels.

While officers were given a clean bill of health in the investigation into allegations of corrupt conduct, the report highlighted the urgent need for Victorian Government-led reform for our sector.

Many of the recommended governance reforms echoed the sensible changes LGPro has been calling for, articulated in submissions to the Local Government Minister and the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI).

18 months of work culminated in LGPro’s submission of considered, specific recommendations for legal reform.

Pictured: Maddocks Partner Mark Hayes.

What’s next The LGI has since begun its own investigation into how Councillor misconduct is managed, conducting an examination into the efficacy of the Councillor conduct framework in the Local Government Act (2020).

This process began in April, with a tentative December timeframe for a report to be made ready.

LGPro is now liaising with our sector and State Government counterparts to help shape legislation, drawing on these recent reports and those to come, as well as our own recommendations for reform, to enact positive change with meaningful outcomes for the sector and those who work in it.

52 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

Insights from Local Government’s emerging leaders

A core component of LGPro’s Emerging Leaders Program is its action-learning group project. The last cohort took on two issues they were passionate about for their projects and sought to influence change for the whole sector’s benefit.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 53

The Role of Government – A Community Awareness Campaign The role of Local Government is complex and often misunderstood by the communities it serves. This issue is compounded by the ambiguous definition and purpose of Local Government codified in the Local Government Act (2020).

As many councils have begun developing voting options for the allocation of financial resources during annual budget discussions based on community needs, the issue is all the more pertinent.

This project looked at building capacity within local communities through an information campaign; it sought to enhance community understanding of what Local Government does so that they can proactively and confidently participate in decision making on matters impacting them.

The campaign produced is ‘un-badged’ and can be tailored to suit the service delivery specifics of any council and the needs of each community. A communications plan has been developed, along with a short video which can be amended to suit more specific circumstances particular to each council and local government area.

In order for the community to vote on their preferred project (or projects), they must first understand the role of Local Government. Specifically, they must understand what their local government can and cannot deliver.

LEARN MORE HERE

The role of Local Government is complex and often misunderstood by the communities it serves.

54 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

Councils face challenges in attracting suitable staff for the roles they are offering. Rather than a universal workforce issue, it may come down to recruitment processes.

Agile Recruitment Councils face challenges in attracting suitable staff for the roles they are offering. Rather than a universal workforce issue, it may come down to recruitment processes.

This project investigated the benefits of agile recruitment practices across local governments to remedy the issue.

Specifically, it explored how a flexible approach to recruiting can strengthen organisations, creating more diverse workforces that represent the council’s community

The 2023 program is now underway, with a new group of emerging leaders getting ready to contribute their unique perspectives to the issues facing them and the sector at large.

and ultimately achieve better outcomes for them.

Through their project’s deliverables, the team of emerging leaders hoped to help the sector attract a more diverse pool of applicants while creating better hiring outcomes and more

LEARN MORE HERE

inclusive workplace cultures.

The 2023 Emerging Leaders Program is proudly sponsored

by HR Legal.

LGPro thanks Telstra for sponsoring the 2023 scholarship, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals through the program.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 55

Uniting one of Queensland’s most iconic regional hubs

Longreach Regional Council now boasts faster speeds, robust redundancy and complete network visibility.

See how

56 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

2 024 E C N E R C O N F E

WITH OUR

y t i n u m m o C

SAVE THE DATE 20 MARCH 2024

TICKETS ON SALE SOON LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 57

58 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

2023 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES MORE INFO

CONFERENCES Annual Conference

May 2024

The premier professional development and networking event of the Victorian Local Government calendar.

Social Media Conference

March 2024

A full-day specialist conference for officers working across digital communications disciplines.

MORE INFO

FORUMS 2023 Women’s Professional Development Forum

16 November 2023

A forum addressing the issues, opportunities, and challenges facing women in the sector.

Joint CEO and Director Forum

23 November 2023

A forum for CEOs and Directors/General Managers from councils across Victoria to come together to collaborate, network, and participate in professional development opportunities.

MORE INFO

AWARDS 2023 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award

Nominations close 24 July 2023

A scholarship opportunity open to women 35 years and under who have demonstrated achievement and commitment to improving community life.

2023 Positive Ageing & Wellbeing Awards

Nominations close 14 August 2023

Reflecting the sector’s focus on building an age-friendly society, these awards recognise those that have made significant contributions to positive ageing and wellbeing.

2024 Corporate & Community Planning Award

Nominations open August 2023

Celebrating the success of individuals and teams working in the Local Government Corporate and Community Planning sector in Victoria.

2024 Customer Impact Award

Nominations open August 2023

Recognising innovative initiatives which have assisted in delivering more engaging, meaningful, and relevant customer experiences.

2024 Awards for Excellence

Nominations close 23 October 2023

Celebrating the success of individuals and teams working in Local Government in Victoria. The winners will be announced at the 2024 Annual Conference.

MORE INFO

OTHER EVENTS 2023 Women’s Network Dinner

16 November 2023

An evening of inspiration and networking for women of the sector, celebrated annually.

Member Event and AGM

23 November 2023

LGPro’s Annual General Meeting, bookended with a celebratory congregation of LGPro members.

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 59

CERTIFIED COURSES

WEBINAR SERIES

LEADERSHIP SUITE

Targeted to outdoor workers without formal experience in managing and leading people to develop skills required to be successful in their role.

Expressions of interest for 2024 now open

Unique leadership-focused activities and experiences designed to develop and inspire emerging leaders.

Nominations for 2024 program open October 2023

Designed exclusively to expand and develop the skills of senior executives to become confident and capable leaders.

Nominations for 2024 program open October 2023

Designed to equip managers with the skills and knowledge they require to further develop their career.

Expressions of interest for 2024 now open

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

Expressions of interest for 2024 now open

Thought-provoking ideas and sector insights from highly regarded presenters in regular lunchtime learning opportunities.

Webinars are held weekly from January onwards (excl. school holidays and conference weeks)

Six core units fully accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Online: 8-10 August Self-Paced Distance: Anytime

11 core units fully accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Online: 2 blocks: 8-10 and 29-30 August Self-Paced Distance: Anytime

Nine core units fully accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

In-person: 21-25 August Online: 3 blocks: 4-6 and 24-26 October, 15-16 November Self-Paced Distance: Anytime

60 LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023

DEC 2023

Registrations for Series 3 now open. Program commences 14 September 2023

NOV 2023

Ignite enables those without formal experience in managing and leading people to develop the competencies required to be successful in their role.

OCT 2023

DATES

SEP 2023

INFORMATION

AUG 2023

PROGRAM

JUL 2023

2023 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

MORE INFO

SPECIALISED PROGRAMS

Supporting non-finance staff in performing their financial planning and reporting responsibilities.

TBA

An introduction to project management covering the basic principles of managing projects to ensure successful project delivery.

Online: 6+12 September and 16+23 November

Building on the fundamental skills and underlying theory of project management, this is the next stage of learning for those who have begun managing projects.

In-Person: 29 August, 21 November

Helping frontline local government workers manage their most challenging customer conversations.

Online: 18 October

A two-part workshop exploring the roles of the Council and executive in the context of the Integrated Strategic Planning and Reporting Framework and the Local Government Act 2020.

TBA

A practical short-course on the importance of correctly defining problems and creating step-by-step processes for overcoming challenges.

Online: running across three dates from 16 August

A best practice workshop on governance and decision making in the local government context for managers, new governance officers, and those aspiring to governance positions.

In-Person: 12 October

DEC 2023

Online: 1 November In-Person: 6 September

NOV 2023

Providing anyone creating Council reports with the nuance behind writing a good report.

OCT 2023

An overview to Local Government and the important role it plays for newcomers to the sector.

Online: 19 October, 5 December In-Person: 12 September, 15 November Regional: Wangaratta – 6, 7 September Self-Paced: Anytime

SEP 2023

DATES

AUG 2023

INFORMATION

JUL 2023

PROGRAM

MORE INFO

LGPRO PROFILE WINTER 2023 61