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*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation
BACKGROUND Sally Elizabeth Isaac was an extraordinary woman and young leader in the Local Government sector who passed away in early 2009. In 2006, at the age of 33, Sally was appointed Director of Community Programs at Yarra City Council where she was directly responsible for 342 professional staff working in aged care, childcare, community planning, advocacy, the arts and library services. She had an amazing capacity for developing people and engaging in policy debate, and her absolute commitment to social justice in the community is sorely missed. People from all walks of life, from government to business, remark on the respect and admiration they had for Sally. Sally was exuberant and brave, bright and insightful, brilliant and engaging. She was focused and intelligent with an enduring commitment to making things better. She was also humble, loving and full of fun, with wisdom beyond her years. There was something truly special about Sally Isaac. For all who knew her, she will remain an inspiration and close to their hearts. Soon after her death her family, friends and colleagues met to discuss ways to recognise the incredible impact that she had on people’s lives. In 2009, they established the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, as a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation. Its aim is to raise funds and awareness to build a significant capital endowment which is distributed in perpetuity by way of an educational scholarship to help foster young women leaders who make a significant contribution to their community. The award recipient receives a $10,000 educational scholarship for research or study in Australia or overseas.
PURPOSE OF THE AWARD The purpose of the LGPro Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award is to: •
Recognise the enormous contribution that Sally Isaac made to public life, especially to those in the community who were more socially excluded and disadvantaged
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Raise the profile and support fundraising efforts for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund
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Foster and encourage future female leaders in the community who commit to making a significant improvement to the community
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Tourism Development Officer - Product Development Indigo Shire Council Radiant Personality and Dedication to Community Enhancement Chloe Powell is more than just a Tourism Development Officer; she is a ray of sunshine in the workplace and the community. Her infectious smile and vibrant personality infuse positivity into every situation. Chloe excels at building rapid rapport with community groups and individuals, a crucial asset in her work, including delivering the Community Comeback Project and supporting small businesses to adapt to evolving consumer expectations. Her cheerful demeanour and warmth uplift colleagues and the broader community, contributing to the success of her projects. Over her 18 months at Indigo Shire Council, Chloe has consistently demonstrated her capacity to drive positive outcomes.
She employs sound planning, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to community engagement. Chloe’s ability to acquire new skills and build her capabilities has empowered her to deliver critical projects in collaboration with the community. Chloe’s enthusiasm goes beyond youthful exuberance. She eagerly tackles challenges, embraces change, and exhibits problem-solving dynamism. Her determination, coupled with a knack for fostering collaboration, enables her to achieve results and overcome obstacles. She excels at engaging both the community and colleagues, emphasising the importance of collecting and leveraging new information from external sources.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Team Leader Community Inclusion Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Inspiring Leadership and Dedication to Community Wellbeing Lauren Peta Carlomagno, a remarkable team leader, inspires her team and community through her unwavering optimism, positivity, and passion. Her leadership qualities, including honesty, care, sincerity, and professionalism, have earned her praise from community members and stakeholders.
She employed her leadership qualities of care, honesty, and empathy to instil trust within the team and implement personal development and team-building activities. This led to a remarkable 100 per cent employee engagement rate and the achievement of all relevant team KPIs within just six months.
Lauren’s ability to work effectively with her team and community members, coupled with her dedication to wellbeing and professional growth, sets her apart.
Lauren’s transition to Mornington Peninsula Shire following a team realignment was seamless, where she created a collaborative and innovative team culture that harnessed the strengths and passions of all team members. Her friendly demeanour, genuine care for the community, and cooperation and collaboration skills shine through her work.
During her tenure at Bayside City Council, Lauren faced the challenge of leading a previously underperforming team.
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Finance Officer/Community Wellbeing Officer Loddon Shire Council Driven, Compassionate, and Dedicated to Social Value Genevieve Plozza is a driven, highly intelligent, friendly, and passionate young woman dedicated to achieving high performance in her work and studies. She consistently maintains a high distinction average with a GPA of 4.0, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence. Beyond her academic achievements, Genevieve’s impactful work includes her role as an Administration Support Officer for the Community Care Team. Here, she ensured that vulnerable community members had access to nutritious meals, going the extra mile by personally delivering meals when needed. Genevieve’s dedication extends beyond the workplace. She volunteered during the October 2022 flood event, assisting with evacuations and staffing a relief centre.
Genevieve’s commitment to social value is evident in her role as a mentor for new Swinburne students. Her lived experience of domestic violence, homelessness, and mental illness has made her a compassionate and insightful person, driven to make incredible achievements and maximise social value throughout her career. Genevieve’s current career path as a Finance Officer in local government reflects her desire to improve financial and data management, ultimately working towards becoming an effective leader in the corporate services sector with the goal of maximising social value.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Social Policy and Planning Officer Hume City Council Committed to Progressing Social Outcomes Since joining Hume City Council in July 2022, Jamad Ahmed has displayed a steadfast commitment to enhancing social outcomes within Hume’s communities. Her contributions go beyond her job description, showcasing a strong dedication to making a difference. Jamad’s contributions are characterised by her quiet yet steady and well-considered efforts. She has taken a leading role in initiatives like developing comments on the HomeVic’s Social Housing Compact and creating an Engagement Plan for the review of the Animal Management Plan.
Her approach aligns with the values of Hume City Council, and she consistently seeks the best interests of the Hume community, striving to achieve the most for its residents. With her unwavering commitment to addressing complex social issues, such as gambling harms and homelessness, Jamad Ahmed exemplifies the attributes of Sally Isaac, which made her a strong candidate for the Memorial Scholarship Award.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Early Years Assertive Outreach Port Phillip City Council Passionate About Supporting Families and Children Brittany Brimmer’s career path has been driven by her passion for supporting families and children. She was inspired by a friend’s mother who fostered children, sparking a deep commitment to helping families throughout her career. Brittany’s expertise lies in trauma-informed practice and ensuring that all children have equal opportunities for general wellbeing. She excels at building strong relationships within the community and with other local service organisations, creating an environment where clients turn to her for support and trust her judgment.
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Her outstanding ability to build relationships, not only with professionals but also with clients, underscores her strength in building trust and rapport. Her dedication and the trust she inspires are evident in the repeated requests for support, even from clients with whom she may not interacted with for years at a time.
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Economic Development Officer Banyule City Council Passion for Economic Development and Community Growth Roxy Cheng is a passionate professional in economic development, with a track record of impressive achievements across multiple councils. She has organised successful events, such as the Women in Business Lunch, and through meticulous planning and strategic marketing achieved significant budget savings while breaking attendance records. Roxy’s role in the BestBiz Awards campaign highlights her exceptional problem-solving skills and proactive approach. By spearheading a dynamic roadshow and leveraging engaging social media efforts, she surpassed vote targets and garnered overwhelming support from the community.
Her dedication extends to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering business growth, as evidenced in her work on the ‘Ignite’ startup program, and supporting economic recovery while advocating for the CALD community in other campaigns. Roxy’s versatile skill set, encompassing project management and relationship building, positions her as a rising star in the field of economic development. Her passion for making a positive impact and promoting community growth is central to her work, reflecting a deep commitment to the communities she serves.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Zero Carbon Project Officer Melbourne City Council Dedicated Environmental Scientist with a Passion for Climate Resilience Ellie Drenth is a dedicated environmental scientist on a mission to improve city and community resilience to climate change. As a Zero Carbon Project Officer for the City of Melbourne, she actively reduces emissions and engages with the community and stakeholders to address climate-related challenges. Ellie’s strengths lie in her team-player mentality and empathetic communication skills. She takes her role as a public servant seriously and strives to lead the charge in responding to the climate and biodiversity crisis while protecting communities. Her enthusiasm, support, and dedication to learning sets her apart.
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Pursuing a Masters of Environmental Management, Ellie aims to represent the community’s best interests in all she does. She is enthusiastic and supportive as she develops climate change strategies and communicates the latest scientific findings to a diverse audience both inside and outside of her organisation. Ellie’s deep commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing residents’ quality of life underpins her public sector work, making her a valuable asset in the fight against climate change.
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Statutory Planning Officer Moorabool Shire Council Committed to Clear Communication and Customer Service Fatima Goreishi takes her role as a town planner seriously and focuses on clear communication to help the community understand the local government system. Her excellent social skills and initiative contribute to bridging the gap between the community and local government. Fatima excels at patiently explaining planning permit requirements, differences between use and development, and the distinction between planning and building permits. Her dedication to ensuring the community has a thorough understanding of these processes is particularly commendable.
Her adroit translation of technical planning frameworks to the community helps ease potential misinterpretations of how local government operates within legislation. When Fatima receives a phone enquiry in relation to a permit requirement, for example, she is able to detail the difference between building and planning permits with clarity in a way that reassures the person on the other side of the phone. Fatima’s approach to her work is characterised by a high level of patience and professionalism, ensuring that community members are well-informed and confident in their interactions with the local government.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Team Leader – Sustainability Planning Greater Dandenong City Council Forward-Thinking Leadership for Environmental Excellence Jessica Harrison is an inspiring, forward-thinking leader dedicated to enhancing the environmental values of Greater Dandenong. She possesses high levels of emotional intelligence and actively challenges the status quo to make a meaningful difference in the community. Jessica played a pivotal role in finalising the Climate Emergency Strategy, which won a PIA award for Planning Excellence, and she continues to lead its implementation.
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Her innovative mindset led to the development of the Climate Change Assessment Tool, which won the Innovation category at the 2021 National Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards. Outside the organisation, Jessica actively engages in environmental pursuits, holding senior positions at the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance. She coordinates the council’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, arranges tree planting days, and volunteers with Wildlife Victoria, further highlighting her commitment to environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.
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Manager People and Culture Southern Grampians Shire Council Compassionate and Authentic Leader in Community Engagement Tahlia Homes is a compassionate and authentic leader dedicated to serving the community. She balances her professional responsibilities with parental duties and actively engages with staff, community members, and youth, giving her time willingly to support others. Tahlia’s ambition and dedication to continuous learning are evident in her commitment to seeking feedback and challenging the status quo.
She exemplifies leadership that is accountable while maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a mother of two and full-time senior manager. Her willingness to serve the community and engage with various stakeholders – whether in her Southern Grampians role or in volunteer roles – is a testament to her genuine care for the community, making her a compassionate and dedicated leader.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Youth Programs and Services Coordinator Maroondah City Council Quiet Achiever Committed to Positive Community Outcomes Rachelle Jones is a quiet yet determined achiever who continually seeks innovative solutions to achieve positive outcomes for the community. She leverages her calm and approachable demeanour to connect with others, helping them bring out their best. Rachelle’s social intelligence enables her to engage effectively with her peers and the young people she supports. Her passion for social justice and equity underlies her ability to build connections and find opportunities that promote positive social change. Her strengths in critical thinking, problem-solving, and efficient work practices reflect her dedication to delivering the best outcomes for the community.
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Rachelle leads by example and is a curious learner, always eager to find ways to get the best out of herself and her team. A critical thinker with an eye for identifying efficiencies in work practice and service delivery, Rachelle will put her hand up to be involved in projects and initiatives that go beyond her work requirements to extract new and exciting ideas. Rachelle’s character strengths, including bravery, perspective, creativity, and forgiveness, shine through her work, reflecting her commitment to positive social change.
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Coordinator Social Policy and Inclusion Latrobe City Council Engaging Communities for Social, Health, and Wellbeing Outcomes Georgia Karavis is a dedicated professional with a career focused on improving social, health, and wellbeing outcomes. Her goal is to drive positive social change through policy and legislation. She approaches problem-solving with a methodical and critical mindset, always aiming for the ideal outcome while being open to negotiation based on context.
Georgia champions the belief that the best ideas are refined through collaboration with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She collaborates with internal teams to unite the community around various celebrations, like partnering with the Centre for Multicultural Youth to empower their Advisory Group in creating podcasts.
In her role developing library programs and engagement strategies, Georgia sought buy-in from various stakeholders, including staff, the public, and the organisation. She connected the council’s strategic documents to a theory of change, serving as the basis for designing and implementing programs that address community needs.
Her leadership style is empathetic and focuses on understanding and respecting individuals for who they are and their unique journeys. Georgia strikes a balance between ensuring people’s voices are heard while maintaining accountability. She embodies the values required to drive community wellbeing and foster inclusivity through her work in social policy and inclusion.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Advocacy and Government Relationship Advisor Yarra Ranges Council Community Advocate Extraordinaire Abby McCarthy is a dynamic professional with a mission to amplify community voices and empower those with lived experiences of complex social issues to advocate for change. Abby’s strategic approach involves aligning the council’s community connections, strategic plans, and communications capabilities. In 2022, she delivered Yarra Ranges’ first whole-of-organisation advocacy agenda, securing over $30 million in commitments for critical infrastructure and services. Her advocacy campaigns enabled community members to address issues such as emergency preparedness, climate change, and mental health.
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Abby’s negotiation skills, ability to influence, and coalition-building expertise build trust among stakeholders, driving collective benefits for funders, the council, and the community. For instance, she attracted investments for over 60 high-risk telecommunications projects, enhancing community resilience and disaster readiness. With a background in communications, Abby plans to further her studies in politics and public policy to expand the council’s advocacy services and increase community impact. She is also committed to strengthening the advocacy capabilities of the broader sector.
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Coordinator Strategic Transport Port Phillip City Council Community Sustainability Champion Nellie is a passionate and positive advocate for community sustainability as well as a dedicated volunteer in various community initiatives, such as the local kitchen library and Opportunity Shop. Her commitment to sustainability aligns with her core values of social justice and environmental stewardship. Nellie recognises the pivotal role of accessible and equitable transport in achieving these goals. She believes that sustainable transportation is the key to ensuring that everyone in the community has access to work, open spaces, and education.
Nellie actively promotes alternatives to private car ownership and fossil fuel consumption. She encourages families to embrace new modes of daily travel, such as using electric cargo bikes, teaching biking skills to children and adults, and organising group rides and bike-related festivals. Nellie’s strong verbal communication skills and her ability to foster collaboration with hope and humour make her a charismatic leader and valued community member. Her work at the kitchen library, where kitchen appliances and reusable party packs are borrowed, and at the Opportunity Shop, where second-hand clothing finds new life, exemplify her dedication to helping people build sustainable habits.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Governance Services Team Leader Darebin City Council Dedicated to Good Governance Georgina Steele is a dedicated public servant committed to serving her local community. Her role as the Governance Services Team Leader at Darebin City Council showcases her talent and her dedication to upholding the principles of good governance and public participation in decisionmaking processes. Georgina’s accountability, unwavering dedication, and her passion for good governance are evident in her work.
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She believes in the importance of accountability, and her inquisitive nature drives her to continuously seek improvements in governance practices, ensuring that the council operates efficiently and effectively. Georgina has a commitment to professional growth and a dedication to the principles of good governance. Recognising the value of formal training, Georgina is looking to enhance her skills and knowledge further and is eager to undertake formalised training to bolster her experience and develop her capabilities in a more structured manner.
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Coordinator Services Glen Eira City Council Problem Solver with a Strong Commitment to Community In her role within the services team, Lucy Mae Thompson is known for her unwavering commitment to delivering her best in every task she undertakes. Proactive and resolute, she does not allow problems to fester but addresses them promptly, ensuring that the team’s performance has a direct and immediate impact on the community’s wellbeing. One of her standout attributes is her unyielding integrity, guided by strong moral principles. She is deeply committed to promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, believing that respect should be at the heart of everything her team does. Inspired by colleagues who have been open about their experiences, she is now in a position to be a catalyst for cultural change.
She strives to ensure that others do not have to face the challenges they did, focusing on normalising acceptance and inclusivity. With a dedication to teamwork, she brings a mutual commitment to improvement and learning to her teams, fostering a culture of continuous growth and development. She goes the extra mile herself, actively participating in various field tasks to get firsthand insights into her team’s challenges and daily realities. Her actions have earned her respect, providing her with valuable knowledge and empathy for her colleagues’ work experiences.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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Team Leader Diversity and Inclusion Kingston City Council Driving Positive Change Through Diversity and Inclusion Claire Tietze is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion within Kingston City Council. Her work in leading the Diversity and Inclusion function and implementing the Gender Equality Action Plan has been integral to building a more equitable, collaborative, and future-ready organisation, as has her implementation of a shared parental leave policy in Kingston’s most recent Enterprise Agreement.
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Claire’s dedication is evident in her role in Kingston’s first Workplace Gender Audit, the implementation of a shared parental leave policy, and the establishment of an anonymous reporting line for sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and fraud and corruption. Claire created a Local Government Diversity and Inclusion network of more than 34 councils and has since gone on to become one of the youngest conveners of LGPro’s Diversity and Inclusion Special Interest Group.
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Governance Officer Bass Coast Shire Council Energetic Colleague with Infectious Enthusiasm Chelsea Wilson is an energetic and enthusiastic colleague known for her commitment and passion at Bass Coast Shire Council. This enthusiasm is described as infectious, inspiring those around her. Chelsea’s dedication to governance shines through her leadership and contributions to elected representatives. She stewards them through difficult decisions, ensuring that they result in improved outcomes for the community.
Her role in identifying and leading improvements within her portfolio has fostered a positive transformation in the organisation, particularly with regard to a high-performing Council Report System. Chelsea’s colleagues, leadership team, and Councillors trust and respect her for her integrity and strong work ethic. Having achieved so much in such a short amount of time, she has paved the way for an exceptional career ahead of her.
*The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund is a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation.
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