Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Spring 2015
A Change in Landscape Conference 22 & 23 October 2015 All Seasons Hotel, Bendigo A collaboration between the LGPro Corporate Planners Network and Communications Special Interest Groups
Advocating on rate capping
New XLP scholarship
Be a bridge campaign
Submission on behalf of LG officers
Opportunity for female Directors
Reward your staff and grow their career
There are lots of reasons why it’s easy to trust us as your preferred training company Jania Warner Managing Director
PROFILE SPRING 2015
Contents
Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc)
6-9 Pictorial coverage of 2015 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 all the fun pics from these two events
DEADLINES
promoting equality in sport for women.
Profile is published quarterly. The deadline for Summer 2015 edition is 2 November 2015. The magazine will circulated electronically in December 2015. CONTRIBUTIONS Story ideas and photographs are always welcome. Please contact Vicki Amiguet, LGPro’s Manager Communication and Sponsorship on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com ADVERTISING For information or to book advertising in Profile, please call Vicki Amiguet on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com
which attracted almost women 800 people.
12 2015 Sally Isaac Award winner Meet Emily McKie, a remarkable young women
20-21 2015 Aged & Disability Services Seminar Learn all about this one day Seminar which focuses on how the sector is ‘At the Crossroads’.
23 New scholarship for 2016 Executive Leadership Program (XLP) Details of a new scholarship for a female Director to participate in our 2016 XLP including the opening and closing dates for nominations.
CREDITS
31 LGPro program news
Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Editor – Vicki Amiguet Design: Bull Design Group (03) 9561 3313 www.bulldesigngroup.com.au
Find out about how our Ignite program can be tailored to suit all needs and the new compliance modules available in our online learning offering.
Profile is printed on recycled paper.
Main picture at top: A record crowd attended the 2015 LGPro Women’s Network Dinner.
34-35 Special Interest Groups connecting the sector More than 2400 officers across the sector are connecting through our 30 Special Interest Groups. Find out how you can get involved.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Representing our members’ interests on rate capping
i
There are a lot of things happening in and around Local Government that we have been turning our minds to lately. We made a submission on rate capping in July and we have developed another submission in response to the rate capping draft recommendations.
I think it’s important that we make it clear that the reason we are making submissions is not because we support rate capping as a policy, but because we understand that it will be introduced and that we need to make our voice heard in an attempt to minimise the risk of it producing perverse and damaging consequences. Our
Gender equity LGPro has rightfully been proud
Invitation to connect with the Board
of its performance with regard to
The LGPro Board is keen to ensure
gender equity. Some examples of
that it is strongly connected to
this are that we have gender equity
its members and that it is able to
as a key selection criteria in our
acknowledge and promote the
leadership programs and the LGPro
excellent work being done. To that
Board has achieved at least an equal
end the Board is introducing a
number of women since 2006.
program of inviting representatives from one of our SIGs or other
submissions have been developed
We believe it is time to increase
through consultation with our
our efforts with the aim of seeing a
members and written with and by
substantial increase in the number
our members to ensure they are
of women in CEO roles in the
We are first and foremost a
from an officers’ perspective and
sector. We know that there are
member organisation and if we
are genuinely representative. We
many skilled, capable people of
are to grow our influence and
know from discussions with the
high integrity in the sector of both
impact we need your support to
Essential Services Commission and
genders capable of filling CEO roles,
grow the number and involvement
the Minister for Local Government’s
but the fact that currently only 15%
of our individual members.
office that our input is heard and
of CEOs are women suggests there
respected.
is a need for action.
Future workforce project
Following discussions with women
The work we are doing on the future role and workforce of Local Government is coming to the end of its first phase. We have received strong involvement and support for this work through CEOs and HR practitioners and we will be looking for broader involvement and input soon. The aim is to introduce some opportunities to trial new ways of using collaboration and technology to improve the capacity to meet community needs and in doing so, provide greater interest and satisfaction in the performance of your work.
4 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
CEOs we are working on a proposal to develop strategies and targets for women in senior roles and in particular CEO roles. We have flagged our interest in this with the Minister for Local Government and have received strong support, including funding for a scholarship for a female Director to participate in our 2016 Executive Leadership Program. We will be seeking your input on this work and we will keep you updated on our progress.
groups to present and sit in on our Board meetings.
I look forward to catching up with you at an LGPro activity soon. BRENDAN McGRATH PRESIDENT
CEO’S MESSAGE
The important of transparency at all levels of government
i
I find myself somewhat bemused by statements from other levels of government about their desire to help Local Government improve its accountability and transparency.
It’s not that I think that people in
in professional development but
Local Government, appointed or
without the opportunity to reflect
elected, have no scope to improve
on your work and to see it through
their performance with regard to
the eyes of others we are always
transparency and accountability,
at risk of learnt blindness and
it’s more that it’s made to sound
accepting things that maybe we
like State and Federal Governments
should not.
have got it sorted and they need to teach Local Government how it’s done. There is no shortage of recent examples of Federal and State politicians and public servants behaving inappropriately, rorting the system for their own gain, failing to disclose conflicts of interest and bias and defrauding the government of millions of dollars.
Time for transparency Perhaps it’s time all levels of government came together to share their knowledge and to develop consistent standards of behaviour regarding transparency and accountability. The three levels of government have different functions and responsibilities and while we should be informing and educating the community about those various functions and responsibilities, the community has every right to expect that politicians and public servants at all levels of government are committed and accountable to the same standards of behaviour and performance.
The value of professional development I know you are busy and it’s hard to justify to yourself, much less
Pride March LGPro is a small organisation with a very large reach. Earlier this year we participated in the Pride March in support of our LGBTIQ members. We were surprised and delighted at the response of the crowd to a
I was at the graduation of the
Local Government officer group
participants in the 2015 Executive
marching and were even more
Leadership Program (XLP). What
pleased by the comments we
struck me was the level of self-
received about how important this
awareness and openness that
small gesture was to LGBTIQ people
this group of people, who were
working in the sector. We had 20
strangers only seven months
people participate in our first march.
earlier, had achieved. Questioning
We aim to get at least 100 for the
themselves, as opposed to doubting
next one.
themselves, and being open to the opinions of others outside of Local
Will you be one in a hundred?
Government through their mentors
I look forward to catching up with
and their ability to care, support
you soon.
and gain insights from one another was inspiring. I hope they maintain their openness and enthusiasm
DAVID PREISS
and the desire to continue learning
“Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.”
and growing.
– Isaac Asimov
for reflecting on what’s important
Online learning modules By the end of October we will have a complete set of six online compliance modules customised for Local Government available. We’ve had terrific input and advice from HR and Learning & Development people from right across the sector. We are confident that what we offer you will be better quality and more than competitive price wise than the products that are currently being used.
to others, the need to participate David Preiss with Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty at our Women’s Professional Development Forum.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 5
Record numbers attend
women’s events i
Record numbers attended LGPro’s two key women’s events – the Women’s Professional Development Forum and Women’s Network Dinner – held on 30 July
Panelists in the Advocate session, from left, Cr Meghan Hopper, Moreland Mayor; John Rogerson, CEO of Australian Drug Foundation and Sherene Hassan, Director of the Islamic Museum of Australia.
LGPro Board Member, Dennis Hovenden and Mary Miljanovic from Warner Institute.
The 295 women who attended the Forum heard from two high profile keynote speakers, Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty and the founder of the Carman’s muesli empire, Carolyn Creswell and attended a series of interactive sessions based around the Forum theme – Which future will you live? Around 500 women and some men attended the Dinner and enjoyed a compelling keynote address by journalist and author Catherine Fox, who is one of Australia’s leading commentators on women and the workforce. Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2015 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award to Emily McKie, Game Development Officer at the Eastern Football League and Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League (see full story on Emily on page 12). Feedback from those who attended both events has been positive with many saying it was the strongest line up of speakers they had seen at events for some time. Photos provided by Bruce Millikan Photography Carolyn Creswell makes a point during her keynote address.
Yarra City Council had a large contingent at the Dinner.
Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty spoke about domestic violence.
Captain Jennifer Wittwer
A didgeridoo featured in the Welcome to Country. Record numbers attended the sessions at the Women’s Forum.
Ingrid Busuttil and Carmel Stapleton from Moonee Valley Council catch up with Rachel Whiting from McArthur.
From left, Cindy Dunbar, Andrea Gillies and Vicki Pulling from Yarra Ranges grab a coffee.
Catherine Fox provided a compelling address at the Dinner.
Chrissy Dainton and Dana Burnett from Hume City Council.
Panel conversationalist, from left, Marika Hubble-Marriott from Russell Kennedy; Sadhana Smiles, CEO of Harcourts Real Estate; Sharon Kelsey, former CEO and Caterina Borsato, restaurateur.
Aleesha Grace, Maryanne Mocnik and Riki Fenwick from Moonee Valley City Council.
LGPro Board Member, Robyn Mansfield chaired one of the sessions.
Exhibitors, Kylie Wickert and Kath Kelley (centre) from Horner chat with Jill Roache from Monash City Council.
LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THESE EVENTS
Women’s Professional Development Forum MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Women’s Network Dinner MAJOR SPONSOR
6 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
Left: Zhanna Sichivista from Melbourne City Council enjoyed the Secret Women’s Business session.
Top: Representatives from OracleCMS who were the Major Sponsor of the Women’s Network Dinner, from left, Rebecca George, Ivona Petkovska and Christine Reynolds.
Emily Fothergill from Boroondara Council and Kristina Marko from Greater Shepparton Council.
SUPPORTING SPONSORS Sandy Keath and Melissa Crane from Murrindindi Shire Council.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 7
Record numbers attend
Indigenous dancers perform at the Welcome to Country.
women’s events
Heather Johnson from Wyndham City Council and Celia Haddock, LGPro Board Member.
The Darebin City Council group at the Dinner.
Sadhana Smiles makes a point during the Panel Conversation.
Presenter Carol Fox during her session on communicating to collaborate.
Front row from left, Pauline Bennett and Lynley Dumble (both LGPro Board Members); Emily McKie winner of the Sally Isaac Award with her certificate); Catherine Fox (Dinner guest speaker); Kerryn Ellis (LGPro Board Member). Back row from left, Jennifer Bednar (Dinner MC); Alison Coe, Rebecca McKenzie, Ceila Haddock and Robyn Mansfield (all LGPro Board Members).
LGPro Board Member, Allison Coe.
A group from Casey Council at the Dinner. Captain Jennifer Wittwer
Yvonne Crouch facilitated the Secret Women’s Business session.
A capacity crowd of around 500 attended the Dinner.
Jania Warner from Warner Institute chats with colleague, Di Cook
Antonella Grosso and Sandra Pankhurst from Specialised Trauma Cleaning Services at their exhibition stand.
Kate Dempsey, who facilitated the Panel Conversation.
Jill Mottram and Alexander Giaquinta from Procurement Australia.
The photo booth at the Dinner proved popular with this group.
Michelle Scerri from Yarra Council with Lisa Ippolito and Elizabeth French from Hume City Council.
The contingent from Greater Dandenong City Council.
Bethany Holborn (left) from OracleCMS presents the TV they donated as a door prize to the winner, Melinda Grant from Whitehorse City Council.
Nick Kelly from McArthur participated in the Secret Women’s Business session
Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Local Government officially opened the Forum.
8 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
Left: Rebecca McKenzie, Jennifer Bednar and Diana Pawluk from LGPro.
There was some fantastic discussion during the interactive sessions.
Libby Ward Christie presented the Trailblazer concurrent session.
Moonee Valley trio, from left, Allison Coe, Jennifer McCurry and Sharon Jackman.
| 9
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Sally Isaac Award winner
The girl who just wanted to play AFL football i
Emily McKie, the 2015 LGPro Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship fund Award winner, has one major regret in life… that her mother never let her play AFL football!
But the 20 year-old hasn’t let that stop
Emily also coaches one of the U12 Girls
play football against boys and I encourage
her involvement in the coaching and
football teams in Healesville, and even
them to follow their dreams if that is
administration side of the game that
assisted Wesburn Junior Football Club
what they want to do.”
she is passionate about. As a Game
in starting its girl’s team by offering to
Development Officer with AFL Victoria
coach for the first two weeks. Last year
and the Eastern Football League and
she travelled to Vanuatu with Olinda Ferny
Dandenong Ranges Junior Football
Creek Football Netball Club as an AFL
League, Emily has been able to follow
official to coordinate clinics at schools
her dream of providing girls with more
in Vanuatu which she described as an
opportunities to play the game.
“awesome” opportunity. Jacinda Erich,
This year she organised two successful six-a-side girl’s competitions, one for under 12 girls and the other for under 16 girls. They are affiliated with the Eastern Football
the Recreation Inclusion Officer at Yarra
(Outreach and Community Education) she is studying at LaTrobe University. Emily is hoping the course will provide her with a future career path with a focus on gender and diversity and aboriginal studies.
Sally Isaac Award and has taken on the role of her mentor. “Jacinda has been a great support, we are
League and six sides are competing in each.
in regular contact and she motivates me
program she ran in her home town of
towards the Bachelor of Teaching
Ranges Council, nominated Emily for the
League and Dandenong Ranges Football
The competitions followed a successful
She plans to put the $10,000 scholarship
and provides me with really useful advice,” Emily said.
Healesville called Goals for Girls. Emily
Emily is passionate about social justice and
promoted the program through local
empowering women and girls to realise
football clubs and schools and was
their potential through participation in
amazed to have around 70 girls aged from
sport. She believes assisting more women
eight to 12 participate. “I was blown away
to be involved in playing, coaching and
by the success of the program and realised
administration in sport will elevate the
there were obviously a lot of girls who
current view of women as equal to men.
wanted to have a go at footy,” she said.
“When I go out and speak at schools I tell girls my mother wouldn’t let me
Sally Isaac winner Emily McKie (right) with her mentor, Jacinda Erich from Yarra Ranges Council.
2015 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award nominees Shalee Cameron Administrative Support Officer, Greater Dandenong City Council Nina Collins Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator, Yarra City Council Jacqui Hawkins LaTrobe University Student Ambassador, Wodonga City Council Jessie Lees Senior Manager, Community Partnerships, cohealth (community health service) Sharee Logan Children’s Services Library Officer, Boroondara City Council 12 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
Tanya McAlpin Events Coordinator, Wangaratta Rural City Council
Liz O’Loughlin Clayton CANVAS Program Officer, Monash City Council
Felicity Smith Access & Inclusion Officer, Knox City Council
ADVOCATING FOR THE SECTOR
LGPro advocates on rate capping i
LGPro is continuing to advocate for officers working in Local Government in regard to the introduction of rate capping in the 2016/17 financial year.
We have made two submissions to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) which is conducting a review and reporting to the State Government on a Local Government rates capping and variation framework. LGPro President and CEO at Wangaratta Rural City Council, Brendan McGrath, has been invited by the Minister for Local Government to be part of the
• Capital works and infrastructure investment • Standards of service including delivery of discretionary versus non-discretionary services • Workforce relations and wage growth • Other Local Government Performance Management frameworks • Cost shifting and the
was released. In the report, Dr Ron Ben-David, the Chairperson of the committee overseeing the review, said he and his team had met with hundreds of people with an interest in Local Government including ratepayers, Council staff, councillors, their representative bodies and other peak organisations. LGPro prepared a further submission in August in response to the recommendations contained
reference group that is providing
relationships between levels
in the review. Rather than duplicate
advice to the Minister on the
of Government
what was in our original submission,
work of the ESC in regard to the rate capping framework.
Our submission expressed concern that a rate capping framework that
this one only offered input on those draft recommendations where we have been asked to do so by our
The ESC was asked in January this
assumes CPI is a relevant measure
year to advise the Government
will fail to recognise the complex
on options and a recommended
nuances that are unique to the
it is warranted.
approach for a rates capping
Local Government budgetary
The submission stated: “While
framework for implementation from
model in Victoria.
we believe that there is insufficient
the 2016-17 financial year. It will also
“Our members are committed to
evidence to support the introduction
provide advice on the processes and guidance for the best approach to introduce this framework.
transparency and accountability but feel it is important that any attempt to constrain rates
members and where we believe
of rate capping, we acknowledge the efforts of the Essential Services Commission in undertaking
In April, the ESC released a
recognises that all communities
meaningful consultation.”
Consultation Paper which identified
and their Councils are different.
The next round of submissions
key challenges in designing a rates
They have different pressure points
will be considered by the ESC
capping and variation framework.
around service delivery, which
before it completes its final
That paper outlined the eight
increase and decrease according to
report by 31 October 2015.
principles that would guide the
the circumstances of that particular
Commission in developing the
community at a particular point in
For further information
framework and invited submissions
time. Councils need to retain the
on LGPro’s advocacy work
on the paper.
ability to respond to those dynamic
visit http://www.lgpro.com/
needs,” the LGPro submission said.
representation or contact David Preiss on (03) 9268 6400.
LGPro was one of 287 submissions received by the ESC. Our submission
In late July, the Essential Services
listed the following five key areas in
Commission’s ‘A Blue Print for
Local Government that we believe
Change, Local Government
the framework will impact, and
Rates Capping & Variation
outlined the effects it will have
Framework Review – Draft
in each area:
Report Volumes 1 & 11’
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 13
Hotline Sponsored by
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2016 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE – GO ONLINE LGPro is introducing an online system for our 2016 Awards for Excellence to make nominating for an Award easier. The new system will streamline the process and means people will be able to start their nomination, save it and go back and complete it or check it at a later date before submitting it for consideration. Nominations for the 2016 Awards, which celebrate the fantastic work of individuals and teams in the Local Government sector, are now open and will close at noon on Monday 12 October.
The following are the Award categories: • • • • • • • • •
Innovative Management Initiative Service Delivery Initiative Special Projects Initiative Community Partnerships Initiative Community Assets & Infrastructure Initiative ($1.5 million & under) Community Assets & Infrastructure Initiative (over $1.5 million) Sustainability Initiative Organisational Diversity Young Achiever
Winners of the Awards will be announced at the 2016 LGPro Annual Conference Dinner on Thursday, 25 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Visit http://www.lgpro.com/awards/awards-for-excellence for full details on how to nominate for an award or for further information contact the LGPro office on (03) 9268 6400.
2016 LGPro Annual Conference Thursday 25 & Friday 26 February Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Theme – ‘Local Government is a verb’ STREAMS
NEW FOR 2016
• Place – role of Local Government as a placemaker
• Walking tours
• Person – putting you and your wellbeing first
• Ideas Marketplace to be developed and facilitated by Young Professionals
• Planning – for what’s next
• Dr Helen Szoke, CEO Oxfam Australia and human rights advocate a confirmed keynote speaker
• Participation – being a leader
• Short leadership talks
Full program and registration details available in November at www.lgpro.com
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 15
CONFERENCE NEWS
A CHANGE IN LANDSCAPE CONFERENCE
OTHER CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS • Presentation by Crispin Butteriss, a founding Director of Bang the Table and creator of EngagementHQ, Australia’s premier online community engagement application for governments of all levels. Crispin will speak on engaging the community from an online collaboration perspective for the provision of services.
This year the Corporate Planners Network Conference is being replaced with A Change in Landscape Conference. This is a one off collaborative initiative that has been developed between LGPro’s Corporate Planners Network and Communications Network Special Interest Groups.
22 & 23 October 2015 All Seasons Hotel Bendigo
The program will reflect on an era of accelerated change, financial constraints and increased scrutiny in performance that Local Government is currently experiencing through rate capping and the Local Government Performance Reporting Framework.
CONFERENCE DETAILS Thursday 22 October and Friday 23 October
VENUE
s
Crispin Butteris
• Marcel van Hove will present an interactive workshop on facilitation techniques to communicate process improvement and change. It will focus on an innovative way of facilitating working groups or consultation with key stakeholders by using the bikablo® drawing technique. • Lee-Anne Molony from Clear Horizons, who is an Australian Evaluation Society Convenor, will host an interactive session that will equip participants with a set of good practice principles for evaluation. • A walking tour will be held on Friday morning 23 October for delegates who want to see the best of what the Bendigo area has to offer. The tour will depart from the All Seasons Hotel at 9am.
Sessions, which includes keynote speakers, special presentations and workshops, target people working in both corporate and community planning and communications.
DATE
• A consultant from Red Quadrant will speak about proven techniques and ideas to balance the pressures of maintaining service, inspiring staff and creating sustainable change.
All Seasons Hotel, 171-183 McIvor Road, Bendigo
PROGRAM • Full day program on Thursday 22 October • Awards dinner on the Thursday evening with a Halloween dress up theme • Walking tour Friday morning 23 October
CONFERENCE DINNER
Marcel van
Hove
A Dinner will be held on Thursday 22 October at All Seasons Hotel in Bendigo with pre-dinner drinks starting at 6.30pm. The two Excellence in Local Government Awards – Corporate and Community Planning and Communications – will be presented at the Dinner which will have a Halloween dress up theme.
We thank the Major Sponsor of the Conference and the Corporate and Community Planning Award
olony Lee-Anne M
Further information and to book for the Conference: Visit http://www.lgpro.com/events-activites/conferences/ a_change_in_landscape_conference or contact the LGPro office on (03) 9268 6400.
SEARCHING FOR CLAIMS ENLIGHTENMENT?
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Former Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay will speak about leadership in challenging times including how to work through leadership issues, addressing issues at the front end and establishing social connections. Ken is a high profile Victorian who has recently been appointed to chair a new national task force to come up with strategies to tackle the spiralling use of the drug ice.
Chris Helder, one of the most in demand conference speakers in Australia, will present a keynote address around how to communicate effectively and influence people. This will be followed by a workshop on the tools of persuasion (reading people, influencing and prioritising), how to apply to leadership and management and how to build resilience in an environment of change and the unknown.
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PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 17 Call us on 9860 3442 or email george.ruka@echelonaustralia.com.au to discuss how we can help
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FEATURE STORY
An engineer at heart who likes building things
i
Vito Albicini has worked in Local Government for more than 20 years starting out as a university graduate with an engineering degree and progressing through to Manager level and then to a Director’s role which he has been in since 2007.
In that time he has gained experience in many areas from project and asset management through to transport, environment and open space. He has learnt from, and been mentored by the best in the business and in turn has tried to impart his knowledge to staff he has worked with over the years. But ask him what has been the best thing about working in Local Government and his answer is simple: “I like to build stuff and see people getting enjoyment out of using it.” He is proud of spending his career in a level of Government that provides so much for the local community. “Whether it is seeing children splashing in a swimming pool we have built or playing on new equipment, or fishermen launching their boats at a new ramp provided by Council, it still gives me a buzz,” he said. “I guess I will always be an engineer at heart who likes building things, but the real thrill comes in seeing people enjoy them.” Vito’s theory on Local Government being vital to communities came to the fore when he moved into his first Director role at Baw Baw Shire Council shortly before the Black Saturday bushfires. “I was definitely thrown into the deep end but it also confirmed my belief of the true value of Local Government to the community,” he said. “While the State Government was still working out how to handle the situation our officers were at the
coalface providing vital support and assistance to the community. Local residents were looking to their Council to help them and I was so proud that we were able to be there for them in their time of need. And as well as providing emergency services and support for many people who were deeply traumatised, we also had to keep the business side of the Council operation going,” he said. Vito has always liked to challenge himself and to continue to learn during his career. He has completed a Graduate Diploma in Local Government Management and an MBA and is a graduate of LGPro’s Emerging Leaders and Executive Leadership programs. “I undertook ELP earlier in my career and found it helped to broaden by skill base and provide me with a better understanding of the sector. XLP, which I completed in 2012, really helped to develop my leadership skills and also allowed me to expand my network in the sector.”
coaching and mentoring staff to help them to develop their full potential,” he said. Vito believes to be a great leader you need to be a good listener to people both inside and outside of your organisation and be courageous enough to make the tough decisions. “It’s also important to have a can do attitude and a philosophy of continuous improvement with a strong focus on improving what you do. We are facing difficult times ahead with rate capping, but this can also be a challenge to further refine the delivery of services to meet and improve community needs,” he said.
Throughout his career he has always enjoyed the “people” side of his job. In his current role as Director City Development at Frankston City Council, he has over 200 staff who he likes to “get out of the office” and see as much as he can. “I believe it is important to develop strong relationships with your staff and to do this you need to be present, to lead from the front to provide them with the opportunity to develop and grow and you must reward and recognise their achievements. I firmly believe in
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 19
2015 LGPRO AGED AND DISABILITY SERVICE AWARDS DINNER & SEMINAR ‘At the Crossroads’
The provision of aged and disability services in Victoria is currently undergoing significant changes in the way services are provided. So it is fitting that ‘At the Crossroads’ is the theme of the 2015 LGPro Aged and Disability Services Seminar being held on Thursday 15 October 2015 at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston.
The one day Seminar targets people working at all levels in Local Government who have an interest in aged & disability services. This includes people working in assessment, administration, community development, disability services, human resources, community services, social planning, OH&S, social support, food services and other community care providers. The Seminar will include keynote speakers, a panel discussion, four interactive sessions and a performance by the 2 Hot 2 Handle hop hop crew.
K EYNOT E SP EA K E RS Claire Madden, social researcher and Director Research at McCrindle Research, will present a keynote address. With Australia’s ageing population, increased life expectancy and longevity, there are growing demands for aged care in our nation. Not only is Australia’s population growing, the older proportion of the population is growing at an even faster rate and Australians are living longer than ever. In 1984 there were 120,862 Australians aged over 85, today there are four times as many, and in 2044 there will be 14 times as many. Claire will provide an overview of the demographic realities creating this ‘perfect storm’, as well as a snapshot of the future based on the current trends. She will also outline the workforce challenges that this demand is creating and provide insights into how community service providers can best meet the in-home needs of this growing and ageing population.
Gerard Mansour, who was appointed Commissioner for Senior Victorians in 2013, will open the Seminar. His role encompasses advising the Victorian Government on key issues for seniors and providing community information and public education on seniors’ issues. Gerard will discuss a study he is undertaking for the Victorian Government on geographic and social isolation and loneliness among older Victorians. His study is also looking at the role that volunteering might play in addressing these issues and the importance of community-based opportunities for social engagement and connectedness, such as those provided through the development of age-friendly communities.
Age doesn’t matter. What matters most is how you age, and how you spend the time in between – Ritu Ghatourey Unless you try to do something beyond what you have
FAC IL I TAT ED PA NE L D ISCUSS IO N What lies beyond the crossroads? The focus of the panel discussion will be on the HACC transition from a Commonwealth, State and Council perspective. Panelists will offer their insights into the current environment and likely future direction. They will also provide their thoughts on the considerations for Local Government and key areas of focus required in understanding and deciding its future roles within this environment of change.
Panelists
Pauline Gordon, Director Community Wellbeing, City of Greater Bendigo Mary Rydberg, Manager Community Care & Library Services, Greater Dandenong City Council Deb Warren, HACC Transition - Ageing & Aged Care, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Social Capital and Ageing and Jeannine Jacobson, Manager HACC and Assessment, Ageing and Aged Care Branch, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Social Capital and Ageing, Department of Health
CO NCURR E NT I NT E RACT IV E SESS IO NS The cultivation of a successful collaborative partnership – presented by Nillumbik Council and RDNS
and working together is success – Henry Ford
Age is simply the number of years the world has enjoyed you! – Nishan Panwar 20 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
discusses the importance of mental health first aid awareness in the workplace focusing on the relationship between attention/cognitive function and the tasks undertaken. Participants will be equipped with communication strategies to employ when faced with a colleague/ employee or client presenting with mental health issues and/or inappropriate behaviours, along with effective strategies to address mental health concerns and who to contact to get further help.
HomeCare, Royal District Nursing Service. This case study will demonstrate some great outcomes that can be achieved when working within a collaborative partnership.
It’s simply a matter of biomechanics – a presentation about a two-phase collaborative research study undertaken by Deakin University and the HACC Department from Banyule Council investigating the body angles and postures, muscle activation patterns and heart rate response associated with home support tasks, in both laboratory and home settings. The research data was used to design interventions to minimise injuries, which are currently being implemented by Banyule City Council.
The other 3 “Rs”- recruitment, retention and retirement – a workshop by Skills Training Australia addressing potential ways of utilising the skills and knowledge of an ageing workforce. A group facilitated problem-solving approach will be used looking at workplace scenarios emphasising key issues which may occur over the next five to 10 years. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the identification of tools and strategies to be used as potential solutions.
2015 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards Dinner The winners of the 2015 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards will be announced at a Dinner to be held on Wednesday 14 October, 6.30pm for a 7pm start at the Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre. Join us to recognise the excellent work being done, and to celebrate the success of individuals and teams working in the Victorian Local Government Aged & Disability Services sector. The evening includes pre-dinner drinks from 6.30pm-7pm, a three course meal, entertainment by a DJ and presentation of the Awards. Arrange a Council table, bring your partner or just yourself and catch up with your colleagues from across the sector.
The 2014 winning team from the City of Yarra and Yarra Community Housing.
I NV I TAT IO N TO S HOWCASE YOUR WO R K Councils are invited to submit promotional brochures, flyers, material or merchandise that may be of interest to the broader Aged and Disability Services sector for distribution at the 2015 LGPro Aged and Disability Services Seminar.
already mastered, you will never grown – Ralph Waldo Emerson Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress,
Stephanie Cassidy, Director, Productivity Matters –
LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS
The material will be inserted into the Seminar satchels that will be distributed to all delegates attending the Seminar. All material needs to be approved by LGPro and must be submitted by Friday 2 October 2015. For further information please contact Diana Pawluk at LGPro on 9268 6404 or email dianap@lgpro.com.
AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES SEMINAR
AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES AWARDS
THE COMMONWEALTH AND VICTORIAN GOVERNMENTS UNDER THE HACC PROGRAM MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSOR
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 21
PROGRAM NEWS
Good governance is everyone’s responsibility i
Everyone working in Local Government has a responsibility to understand good governance and the important role it plays in Council operations.
LGPro’s Good Decision Making
Steve says the program targets
topic sounds as he encourages
workshop outlines what constitutes
all staff who are all required to
participants to discuss and come
good governance and why it is so
interact with elected councillors
up with good processes for decision
important to the sector. The one
and he is pleased with the range of
making that are repeatable and
day workshops have been operating
people who have been attending
sustainable. CEO and Councillor
in both metro and regional areas
from directors, line managers and
perspectives on governance are
for just over 12 months and are led
coordinators, communications staff
provided to ensure participants
by Steve Cooper, a governance
through to executive assistants.
receive practice and feedback
and ethics practitioner.
The content is not as dry as the
on real-world examples.
Here is what people who have participated in the program had to say:
Leanne Mulcahy, General Manager Corporate, Moira Shire Council
Robert Barr, Assessment and Care Planning Coordinator, Baw Baw Shire Council
Lise Eagan Bales, Media & Communications Officer, Horsham Rural City Council
“I enrolled in the workshop as I was
“I attended the workshop to
“I work closely with the CEO,
returning to Local Government
increase my knowledge of overall
Directors, Mayor and Councillors and
after two years working in industry.
Council process and function.
completing this program was a good
I saw it as a good opportunity to
It was an enjoyable day, well
reminder about the processes for
refresh myself on key considerations
planned and moved at a good
making and implementing decisions
within Local Government. It was
pace. I found the discussions with
and more importantly making
excellent, with a free flowing format
other participants useful, as were
decisions that are clear and open to
and offered the opportunity to ‘pick
the practical examples of different
the community. As communicators
the brains’ of the presenters and
situations that we were provided
in municipal government, we need
participants. I often refer back to
with. It has given me a greater
to have a strong commitment
the material that was presented on
understanding, particularly of the
to integrity, ethical values, and
the day. It was also great that it is
role and responsibilities of the CEO
the important of openness and
available in regional Victoria.”
and Council, and I would certainly
engagement with our stakeholders
recommend it to others.”
and the community.
The next Good Decision Making workshop will be held on Tuesday 27 October at the LGPro office. For further information and to book visit Good Decision Making workshop.
22 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
PROGRAM NEWS
Government scholarship for female Council Director
i
The Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins has announced a new $5000 scholarship for a female Council Director to participate in LGPro’s 2016 Executive Leadership Program (XLP).
The scholarship was announced
that while the number of
Members were female. In 2015,
as part of a funding package to
women in leadership roles within
this has increased to 52% and 70%
encourage gender equity and
Local Government was slowly
of the LGPro Board are women.
increased diversity across Victorian
growing, women were still under
Councils. The Victorian Local
represented. Currently 39% (30) of
“We are also committed to
Governance Association’s (VLGA)
all mayors are women, 35% (217)
GoWomenLG 2016 project, which
councillors are women and 18%
aims to increase the number of
(14) Council CEOs are female.
female candidates across the state,
LGPro CEO David Preiss welcomed
received $50,000 and the Australia Local Government Women’s Association was awarded a $20,000 grant. Ms Hutchins said
the Government’s scholarship saying his organisation worked hard to promote and encourage gender equity. “In 2006, 37% of LGPro
XLP class of 2015
achieving a gender balance in our key leadership programs, XLP and ELP,” he said. Applications for the 2016 Executive Leadership Program open on Wednesday 23 September and close on Friday 30 October. For more details visit Executive Leadership Program or contact Leanne Bickley on (03) 9268 6400.
i
The XLP class of 2015 graduated from the program on Thursday 13 August. The participants were presented with their certificates by LGPro President Brendan McGrath. The group has met monthly since March this year to expand and develop their leadership skills and knowledge. Applications for the 2016 program open on Wednesday 23 September and close on Friday 30 October.
Congratulations to the following 2015 XLP graduates: Alison Wastie, Director, Social and Economic Development, Yarra Ranges Council Sally Both, CEO, Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation Jeff Green, General Manager, City Development, Whitehorse Council Greg Little, Manager, Community Development, Northern Grampians Shire Council Ruth Kneebone, Director, Corporate Services, Wangaratta Rural City Council Simon Thomas, General Manager, City Works, Stonnington City Council Bruce Myers, Director, Community & Cultural Services, Swan Hill Rural Council Antoinette Mitchell, Manager, Community Strengthening, Bass Coast Shire Council Peter Panagakos, Director, City Development, Monash City Council Pauline Gordon, Director, Community Wellbeing, Greater Bendigo Council Frank Joyce, Manager, Human Resources OHS & Risk, Moreland City Council Janice Lane, Manager, Leisure & Wellbeing, Surf Coast Shire Council Katherine Oakley, Manager, Corporate Communications, Knox City Council Fleur Cousins, Manager, Active Ageing & Disability Services, Knox City Council Oliver Vido, Manager, Infrastructure Planning & Services, Greater Dandenong City Council Alison Leighton, Director, Infrastructure, Mornington Peninsula Shire Michelle Hansen, Manager, Financial Services, Greater Dandenong City Council Eric Braslis, Chief Executive Officer, Gannawarra Shire Council Mandy Hutchinson, Executive Manager, Community Wellbeing, Gannawarra Shire Council Jeff Saker, Director, Engineering & Infrastructure, Mitchell Shire Council Stuart Menzies, Director, City Development, Brimbank City Council Fred Warner, Executive Manager, People & Culture, Yarra City Council PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 23
Graduates of the 2015 XLP pictured at their graduation dinner.
REWARDING AND RECOGNISING STAFF
BE THE BRIDGE
to someone else’s success By Virginia Boyd, Manager People Performance, Greater Shepparton City Council
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Managing employees in the modern and fast paced workplace can be challenging, however the key to effective leadership is the ability to successfully engage, enable, empower and encourage our employees. As senior leaders, if we reward
another, to build their knowledge
the behaviour and performance
of the sector and gain greater
we want more of from our
understanding as they build
employees, we will get more
their careers in the future.
of this behaviour from them. Employees will perform highly when they undertake tasks that interest them, but more importantly because we continually reinforce with them that they are making an important contribution and we value this contribution. We need to ensure a work environment that provides opportunities for internal To ensure our employees are
advancement, good work
in a position to maximise their
structure, provide competent
performance and feel job satisfaction
management and rewards on
every day at work we need to
merit. We also need to provide
provide them with resources,
challenging work, allow for
personal and professional support
employee creativity and provide
and the required professional
opportunities for personal
development opportunities. To
growth and advancement.
optimise performance employees need to be actively engaged to feel valued and to know that they contribute to their organisation.
Saying thank you to your employees could take the form of a gesture, personal acknowledgement in front
There are many examples of reward
of their team, department,
and recognition programs for
directorate or at a formal
employees; wellbeing programs
recognition function.
and other ways that we can reward employees, not simply through remuneration. In fact motivation through remuneration alone is proven not to be the trigger for exceptional performance. It is certainly not the only method of recognising employees as shown by the many excellent Reward and Recognition Programs now in place in Councils.
However offering our employees additional opportunities to grow and develop at work is also an important way to provide recognition. Why not consider rewarding your employees by
Be the bridge campaign In September, LGPro will be giving leaders in Local Government the chance to support and encourage staff who deserve recognition for their contribution to their team and to Local Government. We are inviting LGPro Members working at Director and CEO level to be the bridge to someone else’s success so that those with the capacity to grow as future leaders in Local Government don’t have to get their feet wet on the way there. LGPro is committed to working with all LGPro Members to strengthen the professionalism and integrity of the Local Government sector no matter what level or position you hold. So look out for your special ‘Be the Bridge’ pack in the post and reward a deserving member of your team with LGPro Membership in 2015/2016!
providing them opportunities to join Local Government networks such as LGPro where there will be opportunities to learn so they may support one
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 25
2015 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY ASSETS & INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE -‐ $1.5 MILLION & UNDER
WINNERS & FINALISTS
WINNER
GREATER DANDENONG CITY COUNCIL, AFGHAN BAZAAR PROJECT TEAM AFGHAN BAZAAR STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT
Greater Dandenong City Council partnered with the community in 2011 to develop a significant cultural precinct in Dandenong’s Afghan Bazaar which the community had asked the Council to upgrade. The Council sought to invest in a community driven urban design solution for the Afghan Bazaar that
As a result, the Afghan Bazaar is now a visually distinctive urban streetscape that integrates authentic cultural elements and artwork. Innovative features include new dais style seating, paving, expanded footpaths, a focal centre-piece, landscaping and lighting treatments. The street is now a cultural destination,
The State Government and Council funded the $1.2 million precinct project. At the launch, the Hon. Matthew Guy, then the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, said: “Victoria is fortunate to be home to a vibrant and growing Afghan community and this exciting project provides a place for Victorians to experience and learn about Afghan culture and a place for the community to proudly share its traditions and culture with the wider society.” Local community knowledge was valued and harnessed to develop a design framework for the project before the urban design team was appointed. An extensive consultation process was undertaken with more than 1400 participants to discuss the divergent ethnic perceptions about the precinct’s identity. Participants worked cooperatively to develop a unifying framework that shaped the design of the upgraded cultural precinct. Using social media,
26 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
BRIMBANK CITY COUNCIL, URBAN DESIGN TEAM, ALICE’S PLAYSPACE Alice’s Playspace is an inclusive playground located in the heart of St Albans that has become a key destination for the residents of Brimbank since it opened in July 2013. This project to develop the playspace is an outstanding example of Local Government partnering with the private sector, which assisted with funding and in-kind support, while the consultation, design and delivery of this great space was led by Council staff. This playground is innovative, interactive and engaging and caters for all abilities, young and old. Council and the Touched By Olivia Foundation (TBOF) worked together on the project in what is believed to be the first time this type of partnership has occurred in Victoria. TBOF specialise in providing Local Government with financial and in-kind support from the private sector in creating all-inclusive playgrounds for children with all abilities.
proactively addressed trader concerns of potential blight, low amenity, outdated area branding and social/physical disconnection.
a place where visitors and locals can share a diverse array of Afghan services, food, music and cultural experiences.
FINALISTS Alice’s Playspace is located in Errington Reserve which is in the heart of St Albans Activity Centre that contains an array of community buildings and sporting facilities. The reserve was gifted to the people of St Albans by Alice Errington in 1910. The total construction budget for this project was $670,000 with $200,000 provided by TBOF through sponsorship and donations with the remainder provided by Council. The playspace is Stage 1 of the implementation of the Errington Precinct Master Plan, 2012 which builds on the recommendations of the St Albans Structure Plan, addressing community needs identified through the development of the plan and objectives for the Errington Precinct. The social and interactive benefits that this park provides to the community are invaluable and Alice’s Playspace is considered a real asset to Brimbank.
TOWONG SHIRE COUNCIL TALLANGATTA SPORTS CENTRE imagery, scale models and open dialogue, the local community was empowered
Afghan community and local community members helped to disseminate project
to verbalise its vision for the precinct to inform the design process.
information widely. The upgraded cultural precinct is a source of community pride
The Afghan Bazaar project is transferable to other organisations as an innovative consultation methodology and community driven design development approach.
and renewed identity and has become a popular attraction for food lovers. It has also established itself as a social space where community members meet, exchange news and support one
This approach can be used by other organisations seeking to partner with the community to develop culturally enriched urban design solutions. The resulting precinct design, developed by HASSELL, is based on the community identified themes and uses, materials, colours and patterns that reference Arabic geometries. A positive commitment to the project by the local community and funding partners exceeded early expectations. The spirit of collaboration and respect saw solutions emerge to address cultural and language barriers, overcoming previously low levels of local community participation in the planning and design of community life. Council provided an equal voice to the various ethnic groups within the
another with settlement in Australia.
The Tallangatta Sports Centre is a signature project arising from Towong Shire Council’s collaboration with the local community through an extensive master planning process, called Tallangatta Tomorrow. The Council partnered with the Rowen Park Revitalisation Committee to deliver this key community recreational facility.
the local community. It incorporates an innovative and environmentally sustainable design providing improved amenities for a wide variety of sporting activities undertaken at Rowen Park. It is home to the Tallangatta Valley Football Netball Club, Tallangatta Cricket Club and the Tallangatta Swimming Club.
The centre is located in a sporting precinct surrounded by a football oval, cricket field, netball courts, swimming pool and hockey field. It replaced an old derelict facility and includes much sought after improvements including a function space, commercial kitchen and accessible male and female facilities.
The new building provides a much improved and more functional space which is able to cater for a broader range of user groups promoting social inclusion and community participation. Netballers and sportswomen are provided with superior sporting change facilities and a compliant netball court to meet the demands of the game and to ensure equitable access for both spectators and players alike.
The project was born out of extensive community consultation undertaken as part of the Shire’s Tallangatta Tomorrow master planning process and was keenly advanced by the Rowen Park Revitalisation Committee. The Tallangatta Sports Centre was funded by the Victorian Government ($878,692), Towong Shire Council ($536,000) and
The Tallangatta Sports Centre is highly supported by the general community, Tallangatta and District Football Netball League, Tallangatta Cricket Club, Cricket Victoria, Netball Victoria, Cricket Australia, Tallangatta Secondary College and Council.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 27
2015 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY ASSETS & INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE -‐ OVER $1.5 MILLION
WINNERS & FINALISTS
WINNER
HOBSONS BAY CITY COUNCIL, NEWPORT GARDENS EARLY YEARS CENTRE PROJECT TEAM NEWPORT GARDENS EARLY YEARS CENTRE PROJECT
In January 2014, Hobsons Bay City Council opened the state-of-the-art $5.4 million Newport Gardens Early Years Centre. The facility was funded by Council with a $1 million contribution from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. It has met a number of key outcomes for the municipality addressing a shortage of early year’s services, the consolidation of
Services include Yooralla Early Intervention and Family Support, Maternal and Child Health, 149 licensed places for long day
Construction of the centre has enabled delivery of an integrated early year’s
single site, under a financially sustainable model for all parties, that is managed by a not for profit service provider, Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS). The creation of an early year’s multi-use hub located on a school site where families can access a multitude of services is unique. A defining factor of this project is that every key objective was achieved; this included project completion on time and on budget, the successful relocation of large entities, the implementation of an integrated governance model and a sustainable business model aligned with community expectations. In a short time the centre has proven to be an invaluable resource for the Hobsons Bay community. Under the management of ECMS, it is committed to a range of high quality services under a governance model which promotes community
28 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
East Gippsland Shire Council has delivered an innovative $1.72 million all-abilities playground following a 10-year grassroots community campaign for a local and accessible playspace. The East Gippsland All Abilities Playground was conceived in 2004 by a community-led steering committee which saw a need for a fully accessible playground in Bairnsdale, complete with toilet, shower, BBQ and car parking amenities.
The result is a 2000m2 fully inclusive playspace that uses “universal design principles” to ensure the park and amenities are accessible to everyone. A Liberty Swing enables people in wheelchairs to experience the simple joy of swinging at a playground, and there are six
care 0-6 years and kindergarten, toy library, playgroups and community rooms.
In constructing this facility, Council has brought together a not-for-profit committee and Council services on a
EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL, KATE NELSON, PRUE MCTAGGART AND GEOFF NEWTON ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND PROJECT
The Council partnered with key stakeholders, including the East Gippsland All Abilities Playground Association Inc, service groups, community groups, State Government agencies and local businesses to deliver this outstanding new experience for children.
ageing infrastructure, relocation of several services and establishment of the first early year’s hub to be based on a school site – Newport Gardens Primary School.
service model that has been embraced by the community since it opened.
FINALISTS
engagement, participation and delivery of integrated services for all families
provides the opportunity for quality learning outcomes.
and those targeting vulnerable families. This is evidenced by initiatives driven
The overarching state policy intent
by Yooralla specialist services, conduct of facilitated playgroups, targeted assessment by Maternal Child Health and early literacy programs. The excellent working partnership already established between the Newport Gardens Primary School and the early years centre has already ensured integrated, seamless service delivery for families. The community has clearly endorsed this model with prep enrolments growing from 26 two years ago to 80 in 2015.
to support the smooth transition of pre-school children to the primary school environment by facilitating the construction of early year’s facilities on school grounds is proven with the community response to this facility. This strong partnership and service model clearly has the potential to improve educational outcomes for young people with all early years providers on site able to focus on the developmental progress of participants.
accessible toilet cubicles, one with a washing facility and hydraulic hoist. The East Gippsland All Abilities Playground is a major public asset, contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community and delivering widespread social and economic benefits. It is an excellent example of State Government, Local Government and community groups working together to deliver outstanding outcomes for the region. The playground features interactive descriptors sharing East Gippsland’s history. Play areas represent the region’s rich heritage, including a timber mill representing the mountains, hinterland and timber industry; a boat and sandpit representing fishing, tourism and the Gippsland Lakes; and a BBQ area and paths representing local towns and highways. As well as providing an inclusive recreational resource, it is a popular meeting place and tourist stopover point with a high profile location beside the Princes Highway.
KINGSTON CITY COUNCIL CARRUM SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB PROJECT When severe storms all but destroyed the Carrum Surf Life Saving Club, Kingston City Council made a new development a major priority. In planning the new building, the Council’s priorities were to renew the buildings and surrounds with a focus on improving safety for beachgoers and boating users of the Patterson River, and also to encourage greater use of the Carrum Foreshore Precinct.
From a design perspective the building and linked outdoor spaces have provided the impetus to encourage children of all ages and abilities to maximise their potential and enhance their play and
The end result is a state-of-the-art clubhouse that meets best practice guidelines and reconnects central Carrum to the foreshore through a visual link to the sea. The facility has not only set the benchmark for future community infrastructure developments in Kingston, it provides a best practice example for life-saving clubs across the nation.
learning experiences. The external play spaces designed in consultation with local families with an emphasis on the natural local coastal environment
The total cost of the project was $1.9 million with Council providing $1.2 million and $700,000 coming from external funding. Distinguishing features include:
• A unique design which re-establishes the visual connection between the sea, the Carrum Shopping Centre and the railway station • The project was a catalyst for the regeneration of the Carrum Foreshore, providing a safe new playground which is now one of Kingston’s most popular areas where families and children utilise the inspirational toddler sand-play spa • A highly functional partnership arrangement with key stakeholders and project participants, enabling the pooling of investment to achieve the delivery of this new landmark building The project has created a vibrant new foreshore precinct at Carrum and has provided a stimulus for change in this relatively disadvantaged area. This vital infrastructure and aesthetic regeneration will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in encouraging residents to feel proud of where they live and provide them a heightened sense of community connectedness.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 29
procurementaustralia.com.au
PROGRAM NEWS
Stepping up’ to ignite leadership skills i
LGPro’s Ignite program has provided a valuable ‘step up’ for Local Government staff new to supervising people.
The versatile program has been
A total of 16 staff in coordinator
environment and will include
offered in Melbourne and rural
roles at Glenelg, Corangamite,
specific examples that participants
areas to help people develop the
Warrnambool, Moyne, Colac
can relate back to their workplace.
competencies required to be
Otway and Ararat Councils will
successful and to support their
participate in the regional Ignite
transition into a leadership role.
program from September to
For the first time a group of six Councils in the south-west of the State are banding together to offer the program to their staff. A customised and targeted version
November this year. The program has been adapted to meet the
Two series of the Ignite program have been offered this year and both were well supported by the sector.
needs of the group and to keep
If you want further information
their travel and time away from
on this program and how it
the office to a minimum.
can be tailored to suit your
of the program may also be piloted
The customised pilot program
next year for Depot Based or
for depot based and outdoor
Outdoor Crew team leaders.
staff will be relevant to their work
needs please contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400.
The latest group of Ignite graduates who completed the program last month.
Online learning modules ready next month The first six compliance modules in LGPro’s new specialist online learning being offered in partnership with Global Vision Media will be ready in October. The modules which are customised for Local Government are:
• Bullying & harassment,
to build further customised Local
incl. sexual harassment
Government specific practitioner
• Fraud prevention and awareness • Victorian Charter of Human Rights In recent months LGPro has met with several Councils to discuss
• Information privacy
their online learning needs. Once
• OH&S
the compliance modules have been
• Equal employment opportunity
taken up by Councils, the plan is
led online learning programs, as well as online material as an adjunct to existing face to face programs. For further information on LGPro online learning contact David Preiss on (03) 9268 6400.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 31
DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS
Emerging Leaders Program offers lifelong rewards
i
Emerging leaders from Councils across the State come together each year to participate in LGPro’s Emerging Leaders Program. They have various reasons for enrolling in the program and different expectations of what they will get out of it. In this Profile we talk to three participants in the 2015 Emerging Leaders Program to learn what being part of the program has meant to them.
Brooke Wilson, Partnership and Communications Coordinator in the Healthy Together Whittlesea team A bit about your role…
for family, I was keen to reinvest
ELP program has provided me not
in my professional development
only with the incentive to contribute
and leadership skills. Several of my
positively to this internal program,
colleagues at the City of Whittlesea
but the skills and confidence to
have participated in the program in
make a difference within my team
Katherine Thom, Aquatic Program Coordinator, Yarra City Council
What have you liked about
in which I understand myself
the program…
differently, to how I approach
There is so much to like about this
situations and manage myself
A bit about your role…
program; getting to work each
as a professional in the workplace.
month with a group of highly
Has this been a good professional
motivated and clever leaders has
development opportunity…
I have been in my role for the past four years which involves organising a lot of moving pieces to deliver over 600 weekly swimming lessons, across three leisure centres to almost 3000 learn to swim students within the community. My team is made up of nearly 70
been wonderful, as well as interacting and having personal learning master classes with some of the best leaders within the Local Government sector. The program continues to exceed my expectations.
I believe it is vital for Council’s to invest in their staff to develop through the Emerging Leaders Program. The gift of granting time away from your day-to-day role unlocks different and new thinking,
swim teachers and programming
How has the program helped you…
which you can bring back to your
staff, who are stellar in helping to
I have noticed a number of changes,
workplace the very next day and
achieve such a moving feast!
both large and small. From the way
start doing.
the past and spoke highly of it and
and across the organisation.
I have been in this role for just
their experience with it. I was keen to gain new insights and skills from
Personal highlights from
Applications for the 2016 Emerging Leaders Program open on Wednesday 23 September and close on Friday
over three years. Healthy Together
peers across Local Government and
the program…
30 October. For more details visit Emerging Leaders Program or phone Violeta Madireddi on (03) 9268 6400.
Whittlesea aims to tackle preventable chronic diseases caused by obesity,
the mentors and leaders involved
smoking and poor nutrition -
in the delivery of this program.
working with local community, schools and workplaces to create healthier environments. My role in the team is to identify and support
Has the program helped you to make a difference in your workplace…
I have made new networks with colleagues from across the sector and have had the opportunity to work with people with a range of backgrounds and experiences. The professional development
partnerships between Council,
My workplace is undertaking
workshops associated with the
Plenty Valley Community Health,
a ONE Whittlesea program,
program have been interesting
local business and community
implemented by the People and
and challenging, providing me
organisations and residents.
Culture Department including a
with motivation and skills that
comprehensive leadership program
I have been able to bring back
Why participate in ELP…
for senior management across the
to my day-to-day work at the
After taking a break from my career
organisation. Participating in the
City of Whittlesea.
Lauren Rundle, Executive Assistant to CEO, South Gippsland Shire Council
What have you liked about
throughout the program allows you
the program…
to discuss what is happening at your
The speakers have been wonderful,
workplaces and share ideas on how
Career background…
engaging and we would not have
I’ve worked in Local Government for seven years. Previously, I worked for Beretta Australia (yes the Italian firearms company) as their Exports Manager. I enjoyed my role and the travel opportunities it provided, but was very keen to return to beautiful South Gippsland where I grew up.
access to otherwise. That being said, the networks and friendships gained
things can be done better. You really do leave each session inspired to be a better person and do better things
throughout the program with other
in your role.
participants are by far the greatest
Would you recommend the
highlight for me. Each and every
program to others…
participant is thrilled to be involved
Most definitely. Opportunities like
and works so hard to learn and support one another along the way.
the ELP course really reinvigorate your interest in Local Government
I secured the role as EA to the CEO
How has the program helped you…
and support natural leaders at
and promised myself I would stick it
It has definitely pushed me out of
all levels of the organisation. I’ve
out for one year… but I am still here
my comfort zone helped me gain
as like so many others, I’ve caught
confidence and provided me with
the Local Government bug!
an opportunity to focus on my own learnings and future career. The interaction with other participants
32 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
already encouraged several of my colleagues to nominate for the ELP
Join us for this joint LGPro/YIPPA event for young professionals working in the public sector Get involved in conversations with leaders around innovation, what they see in the future for the public sector and what that means for you in charting your own course to lead into the future and beyond? Date: Time: Venue: Cost:
Wednesday 7 October 10am for 10.30am start, finish about 4pm CQ Melbourne 113 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000 LGPro Members: $220 incl. GST and Non Members $330 incl. GST
2016 program! The course content
Visit Young Professionals Network Event or contact LGPro
in itself is brilliant, but the friendships
on (03) 9268 6400 for further information
and networks you will create are lifelong rewards! PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 33
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Connecting with a common purpose
Arts & Culture SIG learning from others in the industry
i
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More than 2500 Local Government professionals are currently registered with one or more of LGPro’s 30 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and since February this year, 64 SIG meetings have been held.
Each year people working in Local Government have the opportunity to participate in SIG meetings and activities to willingly share their ideas and knowledge for a common purpose – to enhance the programs and services they provide to their local communities. With networks ranging from 25 to 240 people, conversations are taking place every day in meetings and through LGPro’s online forums about the big issues effecting the sector. Many of our Special Interest Groups are also helping to shape the sector work in advocacy and
representation. This year, the Corporate Planners Network, in collaboration with a group of CEOs from a mix of metropolitan, interface, growth, regional cities and rural Councils, together with the LGPro Board developed a submission to the Essential Services Commission which emphasised the range of impacts rate capping will have on Councils. In addition to the opportunities for networking at SIG meetings, LGPro works closely with members of our groups to provide the sector with events and conferences
at affordable rates. Members work hard behind the scenes to generate programs that are engaging and relevant. The Aged and Disability Services Network work with LGPro each year to bring the Aged and Disability Services Seminar and Awards to the sector, members of the Web Network and Communications Network help to deliver the popular Social Media Conference, and this year the Corporate Planners Network and the Communications Network have teamed up to develop the program for the A Change in Landscape Conference in Bendigo in October.
LGPro’s largest SIG The Web Network is convened by Steve Fuery from Bass Coast Shire Council and is currently LGPro’s largest network comprising 200 members who work on the web in Victorian Local Government. The network meets quarterly, has a very engaged Google Group and once a year in collaboration with LGPro, hosts the Social Media Conference. This year the Web Network conducted a survey of its members to provide a snapshot of resources, skills, software and best practices across the sector. The group has also started a new tender process for the provision of website software, which was last run in 2010. A range of presentations have been made during their meetings from in-house case studies to industry vendors sharing best practice. 34 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
Examples include a joint presentation between South Gippsland Shire Council and Oursay.org on their budget consultation, the City of Bendigo sharing their experience with Siteimprove, a website quality assurance service who Skyped in from the US. Members from Warrnambool and Manningham also shared a presentation on their adoption of open source software, dispelling a few myths along the way.
The network achieves healthy attendance numbers and also stream meetings online for members from remote Councils who can’t make the journey to Melbourne. If you would like to join the Web Network, contact Steve on (03) 5671 2765 or email s.fuery@basscoast.vic.gov.au
LGPro’s Arts & Culture Special Interest Group is one of our most active and successful groups in reaching out to learn from others in their industry.
Michelle Ely, Teams Leader of Arts & Investment at Melbourne City Council, has been Convenor of the SIG since it started five years ago. In order to engage colleagues she sets themes for meetings that are relevant to all working in arts and culture whether they are in a metropolitan or rural Council. “The aim is for everyone attending to connect with the topic and to take something away from our meetings that will inform their work” she said. Up to four people deliver theme based presentations relating to an aspect of arts and culture at each SIG meeting. They can be from small community based organisations right through to the organisers of large events such as White Night and the World AIDS Conference and Cultural Program. At recent meetings the group has focused on some challenging areas of the arts including: • Censorship in the arts with a presentation by the CEO of the National Association for Visual Arts (NAVA) who provided provocative and informative advice on how Local Government can better deal with the issue of censorship when or if this arises. • Delivering festivals (both
Steve Fuery says: “We still have much to achieve in the coming year, including developing a common set of resources and exploring the changing future of customer engagement, as Council websites are now a channel for two-way communications with our customers. We’re passionate about doing business in the digital space, which is where many of our customers are now.”
general and film festivals)
featuring presentations by people involved in running festivals which varied significantly in size, complexity, attendance numbers and risks. • Other themes for meetings have included jewellery and craft artists, arts and heritage conservation, visual arts, cultural diversity and access to programs for artists with disability. To improve the involvement of officers working in arts and culture in rural Councils, one SIG meeting this year was held in a regional area. Macedon Ranges Council hosted the June meeting which was well attended by over 25 people. “This was a terrific meeting as the agenda focused on local arts and culture issues which generated some fantastic discussion from people working at both metro and rural Councils,” Michelle said. Networking, problem solving and sharing ideas is another focus of each meeting with time set aside for a round table discussion. “This is pretty much an open forum where our members share and discuss whatever is on their mind including the issues that reflect both day to day matters and problem solving around strategic issues impacting the arts and culture,” she said.
“We also connect with each other via email between meetings if issues crop up which require attention or one of our members wants specific advice and feedback. Therefore the meeting is serving many purposes and the time invested is very worthwhile for members.” The next meeting of the Arts & Culture SIG will be held on Friday 23 October from 10am1pm. For further information visit Arts & Culture SIG or or email sig@lgpro.com
Want to join an LGPro SIG? While you do not need to be an LGPro Member to be part of a Special Interest Group, our members make it possible for us to support these groups which provide professionals working in Local Government with the opportunity to network, share best practice and learn about the latest trends and developments in areas of special interest. You can join LGPro’s Special Interest Groups by request to sig@lgpro.com
Web Network Convenor, Steve Fuery presenting at the 2015 LGPro Social Media Conference.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 35
FEATURE ARTICLE
Communication top down bottom up
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Communication is in our DNA. Without it we limit our knowledge, have few friends and will never become wise. Personal communication between two or a few is relatively simple – information, opinion and response makes content, words and pictures give us voice, body language and facial expression give us away.
But when many are communicating
communication if they can.
where communications officers
with many others, such as between
With that as background, my
have service area portfolios,
a corporation and its publics, it’s
hypothesis is that the organisations
supported by a backroom of
not that simple. For corporate
able to communicate best and
content delivery experts.
communications departments
most effectively are the ones
there’s a bunch of internal publics
striking a balance between this top
as well, between a rock and a hard
down verses bottom up scenario.
place if not resourced accordingly.
• Wellington Shire Council’s communications department took advantage of tablet
We sent out a straw poll via LGPro’s
deployment across the
Commercial corporates have it
Communications Network asking,
organisation and use of
easy. Whatever triggers a sale is
“What is the best or most effective
the MS One Note cloud for
good and easily measured. On the
thing your communications
“simultaneous document editing
other hand, governments have
department has done in the
by multiple parties”, streamlining
multipurpose policies in lieu of
last year or two?” The question
content creation for everyone.
single purpose products, and the
excluded turn-key projects and
• Yarra City Council took internal
payoff is a functional and cohesive
campaigns. By and large, responses
communications to the level
community, not sales. Needless
seem to support the hypothesis,
it deserves, consulted with
to say, it’s what services do at the
for instance:
staff to produce a strategy and
coal face (or the solar panel) which ultimately produces this payoff.
• Baw Baw Shire Council set up a “news brand” and diversified
indicators, and appointed a dedicated officer to run with it.
As keepers of corporate channels,
its channels to better match
If these examples are at all a guide,
communications departments
intended audiences, an
the best thing you can do to
experience a continuous stream
important factor for services.
improve corporate communication
of demand from services for airspace and expertise.
• Benalla Shire Council made its
is to improve how the corporate
customer service staff corporate
and the rest of the organisation
A corporate communication
messengers with a regime of
work together.
department’s default role is to
regular and detailed briefings about major initiatives.
Effective communication lies less
inform, pre-empt and represent the organisation at large. Although
• The City of Boroondara
their colleague service departments
reimagined its modus operandi
may understand why, if not given
for services communication by
enough attention they’ll feel
setting up an agency model,
out on a limb and do their own
36
in controlling the message than accommodating the diversity of messages your organisation has. Verne Krastins Sector Connector
NEW LGPRO MEMBERS
Welcome to new Members
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We would like to welcome the following new members who joined LGPro from 01 July – 17 August 2015. We look forward to working with you to shape this wonderful sector.
Courtney Aquilina Latrobe City Council
Paul Fitzgerald Banyule City Council
Leanne Mulcahy Moira Shire Council
Michael Bailey Northern Grampians Shire Council
John Gabb Port Phillip City Council
Roger Murnane Whitehorse City Council
Jodie Basile Gannawarra Shire Council
Jackie Gatt Greater Dandenong City Council
Andrew Newton Glen Eira City Council
Andrea Bolte Glenelg Shire Council
Lucia Giagnorio Boroondara City Council
Cheryl Nickels-Beattie Mansfield Shire Council
Robyn Bonaddio Moira Shire Council
Warren Groves Northern Grampians Shire Council
Linda Nieuwenhuizen Moira Shire Council
Bruce Braines Strathbogie Shire Council
Ann Hawley Boroondara City Council
Fiona O’Brien Horsham Rural City Council
Margaret Brennan Melton City Council
Dan Haysom Strathbogie Shire Council
Jane O’Brien Moira Shire Council
Bailey Byrnes Banyule City Council
Kate Heissenbuttel Moonee Valley City Council
Vanessa O’Toole Moorabool Shire Council
Shalee Cameron Greater Dandenong City Council
Anne Howard Campaspe Shire Council
Emily Outlaw Banyule City Council
Jessica Campbell Boroondara City Council
Melissa Huell Melton City Council
Karen Parkinson Bayside City Council
Cathy Capogreco Nillumbik Shire Council
Lauren Iseppi Northern Grampians Shire Council
Stephanie Sassine Moonee Valley City Council
Natalie Capsalis Greater Dandenong City Council
Colin Kemp Horsham Rural City Council
Michael Sinclair Hume City Council
Jill Clarke Indigo Shire Council
Tony Kerr Greater Geelong City Council
Robyn Sommers Knox City Council
Michelle Collett Hepburn Shire Council
Sandra Mack Moonee Valley City Council
Alana Stevens Moonee Valley City Council
Jayne Cook Wyndham City Council
Kaye Mason Campaspe Shire Council
Zoe Thorn Whittlesea City Council
Jason Crockett Moonee Valley City Council
Sean McManus Whittlesea City Council
Jane Tyzack Maribyrnong City Council
Karoline Curits Maribyrnong City Council
Ben McManus Banyule City Council
Andy Van Horsham Rural City Council
Lisa Davis Port Phillip City Council
Kirsty Merritt Nillumbik Shire Council
Tracey Varley Yarra Ranges Council
Brant Doyle Moira Shire Council
Cian Middleton Moira Shire Council
Cher Wakefield Bass Coast Shire Council
Dianne Elshaug Moorabool Shire Council
Lisa Moore Hobsons Bay City Council
Hannah White Mitchell Shire Council
This is not a full list of new members. Some members requested not to be listed.
Why join LGPro? LGPro Membership gives our members a voice on issues that matter to them and an opportunity to be part of the solution. LGPro Members can participate in professional development activities at significantly reduced rates, acquire specialist advice and resources and access a professional community that will support them through their career in Local Government. Find out more about LGPro Membership benefits in 2015/2016. PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 37
LGPRO TEAM
Introducing the new LGPro team members
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LGPro is pleased to introduce two new team members – Thalia Petroulakis our full time administration support officer and Columbia Winterton who has moved into a part-time professional development support role.
Thalia joined LGPro last month
Columbia has been part of the
working at the niche professional
after having worked for 10 years in
LGPro team since January when
organisation that is LGPro, and looks
a customer service/administrative
she joined to fill the administration
forward to making a contribution to
role for a large retail organisation.
support role on a short-term basis.
professional development.
She was attracted to the role at
She quickly fitted into the team and
LGPro as the organisation’s vision
brought with her a range of skills
and values are in line with her own.
as a professional writing, editing
“I was also attracted to working with
and philosophy major, along with
a smaller team and organisation
her Local Government background
that provides a multitude of quality
working as a casual at Stonnington
professional development programs.
City Council.
I look forward to building long lasting relationships with members, staff and all those involved with the wonderful and meaningful work of LGPro,” she said.
Columbia moved into the new part-time professional development support role recently and works closely with Leanne Bickley and Violeta Madireddi. She says she likes
Columbia Winterton (seated) and Thalia Petroulakis.
Thursday, 8 October from 5.30pm-7.15pm Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road, Richmond Financial LGPro Corporate Partners are invited to bounce around ideas and seek frank advice from LGPro Board Members and senior people from within the Local Government sector. It is run as a speed networking event with additional time for general networking. Remember to bring your business cards on the night to provide to the Local Government representatives in attendance. Note: This event is only for 2015/16 financial Corporate Partners. Invitations will be sent this month.
For further information contact Vicki Amiguet on (03) 9268 6400
38 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
FEATURE ARTICLE
Encouraging cybersafety and digital inclusion
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Libraries play an important role in bridging the digital divide by providing opportunities for Australians of all ages to appreciate the benefits of technology, regardless of their income or skill.
Thanks to the Alannah and
helped them deliver the best
The eSmart framework for libraries
Madeline Foundation’s multi-
possible service to users both
has been developed from a holistic
year partnership and $8 million
young and old.
and evidence-based approach
investment with the Telstra Foundation, a purpose-built cybersafety solution called eSmart Libraries is being provided to public libraries at no cost. It is designed to equip library staff and users with the skills to be smart, safe and responsible when using online technology. More than 40 per cent of Australia’s public libraries have signed up for eSmart Libraries with branches in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia joining every week.
“eSmart Libraries gives our library service the opportunity to comprehensively review policy and procedures,” Ms Klein said.
www.esmartlibraries.org.au
assisting customers on important issues such as cybersafety.” The eSmart accreditation process can take each library between six and 24 months to complete and can be paused and progressed at any time. Across Australia, 626 public library branches are with the aim to reach 100 per
community’s greatest barriers in the
cent of public libraries by 2018.
“Running regular cybersafety education programs and providing resources via eSmart Libraries helps us achieve our aim of increasing community access to digital technologies,” Cr Frederico said.
Australian Library and Information Association Executive Director, Sue McKerracher said her association was in full support of the program. “We are really supportive of this initiative. It fits so well with libraries being essential community resources – physical and online spaces for people
Moonee Valley Libraries eSmart
to share knowledge and ideas,”
Libraries Coordinator, Nicola
Ms McKerracher said. “The internet
Klein said the library service was
has opened so many new doors
extremely excited to have recently
for library professionals to help
achieved its accreditation. Ms Klein
library users discover inspiration
said eSmart was vital in ensuring
and information at their fingertips.”
library users could access and enjoy digital technology in a safe, smart and responsible way.
digital behaviours. For more information visit
Felicity Frederico said one of the
when working with senior users.
smart, safe and responsible
confident in their knowledge when
now participating in the program,
fears about online safety, particularly
library community can develop
“It also empowers staff to be
Bayside City Council Mayor
take up of digital technologies was
and considers how the whole
eSmart Libraries will help build skills, change behaviours and contribute to a greater sense
She said library users trusted the
of wellbeing in the community
library service to provide secure
by facilitating digital inclusion
technology for their personal use
and empowering good
and eSmart Libraries consequently
digital citizenship.
The eSmart Libraries system is helping to make library user safer for young people.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 39
COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA
What’s happening in Local Government Vegetables are child’s play at Benalla Community Care Centre
Zeekray Coyne, Pauline Barnes (Educator), Baiden Guppy, and Sophie Waite learn about planting vegetables at the Community Care Ray Sweeney Centre.
The Benalla Family Day Care service
has been established since last summer,
provides enriching activities for Family
is an initiative of the Council’s Community
Day Care educators and the children
Services staff and includes environmentally
in their care. One of these was in a
friendly initiatives such as wicking garden
practical lesson on healthy food and
beds, and recycled materials for trellises.
sustainability for children in the Family
It is tucked away in a sunny nook within
Day Care Playgroup. The children
the Community Care complex, providing
got the opportunity to get their hands
a space for practical and enjoyable
dirty in the vegetable garden at the
activities for people of all ages, from
Benalla Community Care Ray Sweeney
toddlers at playgroup to adults in the
Centre. The vegetable garden, which
Planned Activity Group.
Baw Baw Shire is on the move Baw Baw Shire Council has undergone
use of phone or email. ‘Seat Bingo’ was
ensure that all staff will be accommodated
some exciting changes with the official
introduced to move staff out of teams
by modern and user friendly offices no
reopening of its Drouin office in early
to seat them with other colleagues as
matter which location they work.
August following extensive renovations.
an opportunity to work together as one
Council decided in March 2014 to refurbish the former Buln Buln Shire
The Drouin office is a state of the art
offices in Drouin to move 85 staff from
building that has been designed to
leased buildings in Warragul.
minimise energy consumption by
The new office is accommodating the
incorporating photovoltaic solar panels,
majority of Council’s office based staff changing the structure of work from three separate locations to one open plan building. The design encourages innovation and collaboration between staff members; to spark conversations face-to-face rather than the traditional
thermal mass including phase change insulation and double glazing. The $3.3 million project was delivered on time and on budget and includes the reinstatement of the Smith Street offices in Warragul and refurbished customer service centre at Civic Place, Warragul. These works
Drouin resident Mr Graeme Grieve checks out the new office. He was the first through the doors when they opened.
Sharing is caring in regional Victoria Northern Grampians Shire Council is trying its hand at a Shared Services Model with pleasing, and sometimes surprising, results. Council is currently engaged in three different shared services arrangements – providing engineering services (surveying and design) to Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shire Councils and Environmental Health Services to Ararat Rural City Council. All three Councils were having difficulties filling the respective roles. In the case of the Environmental Health Officer, a service 40 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
review at Northern Grampians had shown that the position was not completely viable. The sharing of services with Ararat has allowed Northern Grampians to retain their EHO which avoids the consideration of a further restructure or redundancy. Sharing engineers with Hindmarsh allows Northern Grampians to attract quality engineers by offering them a range of work in different landscapes. Both departments say that the arrangement has also strengthened the relationship between neighbouring Councils and built the skill and knowledge base of their existing staff.
Price is a huge positive for the partnering Councils as Northern Grampians only recovers its costs meaning that the option proves much cheaper than employing a contractor or consultant. The shared services model may just be the way of the future, particularly for small regional Councils where specialist staff are difficult to attract and retain. The use of expertise from other Councils at affordable costs means municipalities can provide services at realistic costs and still undertake works that benefit their ratepayers.
Hume City Council has been involved in an innovative maintenance blitz called Hume Clean which saw Council officers complete 151 separate maintenance jobs such as cleaning graffiti, fixing broken signs, damaged pit lids and seats and cutting back overhanging branches. A number of the blitzes began with Council organising free neighbourhood barbecues where residents were invited to meet face-to-face with councillors and Council officers to suggest areas that needed a spruce-up. Council officers descended on six areas for blitzes that each lasted five days to help improve the appearance of streets, parks and Council buildings.
From left, Stonnington CEO Warren Roberts, Stonnington Mayor Cr Melina Sehr, Boon Wurrung Elder Carolyn Biggs, artist Jonathan Jones and Cr John McMorrow at the unveiling of a new public artwork.
Creating more open space in Stonnington The City of Stonnington has prepared a 20-year plan to address the significant need to create more open space within its municipality. Currently Stonnington has the second lowest amount of public open space per capita of all Victorian Councils.
unit rather than separate entities.
Hume cleaned up… in a blitz!
Launched in October 2013, Strategies for Creating Open Space is part of a broader, long-term plan that builds on the extensive and continuous work undertaken by Council since 2010. In February this year, the Stonnington community showed a strong vote of confidence in the strategy in a door-to-door survey of 599 randomly selected houses from 36 statistically representative areas within the municipality. The survey results confirmed that Council is taking the right steps to create more open space in Stonnington, with 91 per cent of respondents believing it is important for Stonnington to create open space now and into the future. A range of options are being explored by Council to increase open space including
undergrounding car parks to provide open space and parkland above, promoting and encouraging green roofs and walls, creating new urban green spaces such as small parks, extending existing green spaces, and the placement of a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) on properties. While the concept of PAOs has caused some concern and apprehension within the community, Stonnington has reiterated that it will not be compulsorily acquiring properties. Rather, it will be looking to identify and reserve land should it become available in the future, and is carefully and strategically pursuing open space opportunities by identifying options based on partnerships, negotiations and agreements. Council has noted that with increased development and population growth, if there is not active pursuit of public open and green space opportunities, Stonnington will become quite a different place. For more information visit www. stonnington.vic.gov.au/open space
They scrubbed off graffiti at 20 different sites, removed rubbish that had been dumped across 27 locations in parks and along streets, repaired park seats, restored or replaced 34 broken signs, and dealt with damage to 22 pit lids and seven sections of road or kerb. The Council’s parks crew applied mulch to garden beds, and trimmed and collected branches from trees. They also mowed long grass and removed trip hazards along footpaths and nature strips. Council officers pinpointed 59 additional tasks to be completed in the future, such as road improvements, tree pruning and new planting. They also issued 192 notices to property owners who had unsightly premises, overhanging branches or landscaping which was not authorised. Hume Mayor, Cr Adem Atmaca said the comprehensive Hume Clean blitz had made a big difference and he is confident that people will notice the improvements. “We want all residents to have pride in their neighbourhoods and Hume is keen to ensure our streets, parks and Council buildings look clean and well maintained,” he said.
Councillor Alan Bolton, Deputy Mayor of Hume City Council, with Council officers at one of the clean ups.
PROFILE SPRING 2015 | 41
Lynley Dumble and John Gabb Lynley Dumble is Acting Director Community Wellbeing at Maribyrnong City Council and an LGPro Board Member.
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I started my Local Government career as an Environmental Health Officer before moving into health promotion and health planning roles and then diversifying to roles managing Family and Youth Services and also Community Infrastructure and Social Development. I have worked at Werribee, Bairnsdale, Kew, Manningham and Maribyrnong Councils. The last book you read? The Go-Between by L.P Hartley – a bit of a classic – many of us may have had to read it at school – nice to revisit.
What makes you laugh? The ABC series “Utopia” – I feel like I’m part of the set some days at work!.
What would your last meal comprise? Pretty hard to choose, but my absolute favourites would
be a selection of Japanese seafood dishes – finished off with crème brulee.
Three famous people you would like to invite to dinner? Michael Parkinson, Julia Gillard and Julie Zemiro because Julie and Michael are such great interviewers and I would have a box seat to hear them interview Julia about her warts and all time as Australia’s first female Prime Minister!
Your dream holiday? Walking one of the (short) pilgrim trails in Spain but making sure the end of each day was in gorgeous boutique accommodation with great food and wine.
What you enjoy most about your job? I love the variety of what we deal with in Local Government and meeting all the amazing people doing inspiring things in their community.
John Gabb is Executive Manager, Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO) at the City of Port Phillip
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I came to the Local Government sector 18 months ago with 30 years experience working in projects, originally as a software developer then project manager for a software development company in the 80s’. I soon incorporated organisation change management as projects got more complex and multi-disciplined before becoming a specialist project manager. I spent two years as a consultant in project management for Thomsett International and then took a series of roles as project director for corporate and government before coming to the City of Port Philip to establish their Enterprise Portfolio Management Office.
Your favourite sports to play?
Something about yourself that may surprise people?
What you enjoy outside of work?
I’m a keen golfer.
We run a 130 acre farm in our spare time.
I like my red wine and I try and keep fit… life is all about balance isn’t it?
The most famous person you have met? Good question… no-one famous yet… although I did meet Stephen Fry’s brother… lovely chap!
42 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
The last book you read? I love to read and will read just about anything… at the moment I’m reading “A Spy Among Friends” by Ben Mcintyre, which is about the British Spy Kim Philby.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
Diary Dates
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
DATE
INFORMATION
Nominations open on Wednesday 23 September for the 2016 program and close on Friday 30 October
To equip and support senior executives in Local Government
Nominations open on Wednesday 23 September for the 2016 program and close on Friday 30 October
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
Tuesday 27 October, LGPro office
A program to ensure that the importance of good governance is clearly understood by all staff in the sector who are all required to interact with elected councillors
Wednesday 28 October, LGPro office
A program to introduce career thinking and planning skills and concepts to Executive Assistants, administration officers and customer service staff
Friday 16 October, LGPro office
A half day workshop designed to help Local Government use communication technologies such as Facebook and Twitter to better engage with their residents and communities
Thursday 8 October, LGPro office
To support non-finance staff to perform their financial planning and reporting responsibilities
Thursday 29 October, LGPro office Thursday 4 December, LGPro office
Designed for those who are new or recently appointed to the sector
Wednesday 7 October, CQ Melbourne 113 Queen St, Melbourne
A one day event for all young professionals working in the public sector
Thursday 8 October, Richmond Town Hall
A networking event for LGPro Corporate Partners
Thursday 15 October and Friday 16 October
For CEOs to discuss issues of common interest
EVENTS
EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
CONFERENCES
CONFERENCES/SEMINARS A one day seminar for all Local Government staff working in the areas of aged and disability services
Thursday 22 October, All Seasons Hotel, Bendigo
This one off conference is a collaborative initiative between LGPro’s Corporate Planners Network and the Communications Network SIG
Thursday 25 and Friday 26 February, 2016 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The theme for the 2016 Annual Conference is: ‘Local Government is a verb’
Online Nominations now open and close on Monday 12 October
Celebrate the excellent work being undertaken in the Local Government sector
AWARDS
For further information regarding these or any LGPro event visit www.lgpro.com or contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400
35831
AWARDS
2016 LGPro Annual Conference
Thursday 15 October, Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, Preston