Quarterly magazine for Local Government Professionals Spring 2016
2017 Annual Conference
Emerging Leaders
2016 XLP graduates
Sneak preview of new format
Where are they now?
Congratulations to class of 2016
w
PROFILE SPRING 2016
Connect with us at
LGProVIC
Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc) LGPro Level 3/58 Lorimer Street Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9268 6400 Fax: (03) 9646 0469 Email: info@lgpro.com Website: www.lgpro.com DEADLINES Profile is published quarterly. The deadline for Summer 2016 edition is 4 November 2016. The magazine will be circulated electronically in December 2016. CONTRIBUTIONS Story ideas and photographs are always welcome. Please contact Vicki Amiguet, LGPro’s Manager Communication and Sponsorship on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com ADVERTISING For information or to book advertising in Profile, please call Vicki Amiguet on (03) 9268 6400 or via email to vickia@lgpro.com CREDITS Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Editor – Vicki Amiguet Design: Bull Design Group (03) 9561 3313 www.bulldesigngroup.com.au
Contents
6-9 Pictorial coverage of 2016 women’s events See all the pics from these two events which attracted almost 700 people.
13 2016 Corporate Planners Network Conference Get “One step ahead” by attending this year’s Conference on 21 October.
14-15 Winners of the 2016 LGPro Aged & Disability Services Awards See which Council took out the Outstanding Program/ Project grant based and non grant based awards.
18 2006 Emerging Leaders Program graduates – where are they now Ten years on we talk to three 2006 ELP graduates and learn how the program has helped their career.
22-23 LGPro Members help to shape the sector Learn how our Members are making a difference and helping to shape the sector.
Profile is printed on recycled paper. Cover pic: Dr Susan Carland who spoke at the 2016 LGPro Women’s Network Dinner with her mother, Jan Martin who is Director of Corporate and Community Services at South Gippsland Shire Council. Main picture at top: Moonee Valley Council colleagues, Natalie Reiter, Jackie Liparota, Lauren Treby and Nina Stanwell at the 2016 LGPro Women’s Network Dinner.
33 Meet two new members of the LGPro team Introducing Henry Tamasese and Jodie Zomer who have recently joined LGPro.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Members defining and driving our work
›
As a member organisation we think it’s only right that our individual members define and drive our representation work. So we are really pleased and grateful for the terrific participation and support you have provided in response to the work on the Local Government Act Review Directions Paper and on addressing under representation of women in senior roles.
In terms of the Local Government
We are also asking executive
We believe that together we are
Act Review there’s a lot to like
recruiters for data on the gender
making a difference and that our
about the higher level principles of
balance of both application pools
active involvement will help shape
creating and instituting an Act that
and short lists for CEO and Director/
the sector and improve it.
enables greater collaboration and
General Manager roles in the sector
innovation, embeds community
recruited over the last three
engagement and acknowledges
years and their insights on this
the autonomy of the sector within
process. Over and above the
its broad parameters. Getting the
data, we are asking all of our
balance right between enabling
women members for their input
the sector and prescribing those
on a range of issues including their
things required to give the
ideas for increasing representation
I look forward to catching up with
community confidence won’t
of women at senior roles in the
you at an LGPro activity soon.
be easy, particularly at a time
sector, if there are institutional
when community confidence in
barriers preventing women from
government in general is very low.
being more equally represented
Creating the new Act is only the first part of the work. After that we will need to maintain our interest and involvement so that we can provide our expert input on developing regulations and guidance material that is consistent with the spirit of the legislation.
Understanding the views of women By the time the next edition of Profile is with you in December, we’ll have a detailed understanding of the number of women in Director and Manager roles and their percentage representation. Once identified these women will be surveyed to better understand their views and experience of employment opportunities and their career aspirations.
at executive level and the opportunities that the sector could embrace to increase the number of women who are interested in competing for appointment at senior executive level.
Ministerial Roundtable We know there has been a lot of talk but precious little action to address the under representation of women in senior roles in Local Government. The information we are gathering is to ensure that when our two representatives on the Ministerial Women’s Roundtable, Rebecca McKenzie LGPro Vice President and CEO at Glen Eira and Robyn Mansfield, LGPro Board Secretary and Manager Built & Active Spaces at Yarra Ranges, attend the first meeting in October they will have a strong factual base to support their suggestions for effective action.
4 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
If you have colleagues who have the drive and commitment to make a difference for themselves, their colleagues and the broader sector, please encourage them to consider joining LGPro.
BRENDAN McGRATH PRESIDENT
CEO’S MESSAGE
Dipping into the past for perspective
›
I’ll freely admit that the public misrepresentation of the efforts of our members makes me crankier than it should, and there’s been a fair bit of it around lately. To deal with my annoyance I dipped into my past for an approach that would give me comfort and perspective.
I was an ardent reader of comics and apart from the Phantom who was the chief of the local pygmy Bandar tribe, the loves of his life Devil, his trained wolf, Hero, his horse and Diana Palmer (too much information?), I was particularly taken with Superman’s ability to enter the Bizzaro World where everything was the opposite of what it is in the real world.
Differentiating between fact and opinion
I look forward to catching up
In the Bizzaro World the media
DAVID PREISS
was known for its integrity
CEO
and always made clear the differentiation between what is factual, unsubstantiated or just an opinion. But sadly, even
continued to be bitter, twisted
So, along with Superman
inspired fantasy and got my
I ventured into the Bizzaro World
annoyance out I can move onto
and this what I found. The three
a really positive reality. The recent
tiers of government respected one
LGPro Women’s Professional
another’s efforts in the interests of
Development Forum and Women’s
the community, while acknowledging
Network Dinner was an absolute
their respective failings.
highlight for me.
Their trust and respect was in fact
The enthusiasm and positivity
so strong that they had started
of the attendees and the level
discussing how their current
of collegiality is exceptional.
arrangement could be adapted to
Any sense of hierarchy based
meet the needs of the community.
on position and differences in
Politicians were the ethical standard
professional backgrounds and
bearers of the community and girls
locations disappeared.
trustworthy and wise like the people they were named after.
– Homer Simpson
radio hosts and their callers and terminally unhappy.
in the hope that they would be
“Hey, just because I don’t care doesn’t mean I don’t understand.”
in the Bizzaro World talk back
Venturing into Bizzaro World
and boys were named after them
with you soon.
Now that I’ve had my comic
David Preiss with Port Phillip City Council CEO Tracey Slatter at the recent Women’s Professional Development Forum.
It’s a credit to the LGPro Board women members, who, together with the LGPro staff, created terrific programs and to the attendees
The community supported the
who engaged so readily and
need for taxation and they were
generously with the presenters
happy that they understood the
and one another. I’d love to take
amount they paid to whom and
credit for it, but I couldn’t even
for what and public policy was
do that in the Bizzaro World.
based on a combination of reliable evidence and care and compassion.
PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 5
Engaging and inspirational
WOMEN’S EVENTS
Informative, inspirational, thought provoking, engaging and challenging were some of the words used to describe the 2016 LGPro’s womens events held on 21 July. Feedback received from around 700 people who attended the two events held at Melbourne Park Function Centre was extremely positive. More than 90% of those who responded to our survey on the Forum said they attended for personal and professional development and 84% rated the event either excellent or very good. Around 81% of attendees at the Dinner said they attended to network with peers and colleagues. Guest speaker, Dr Susan Carland received rave reviews with 87% of survey respondents rating her as excellent or very good.
From left, Jenny Macaffer, Harriet McCallum, Libby Hargreaves, Stephanie Ristevska, Rosalynd Ponte and Clem Gillings (all from Maribyrnong Council).
From left. Julie Bertisen (Citywide) with Cassia da Silva, Liz van Doorn and Jill Mottram (Procurement Australia).
From left, Husne Kaya, Elizabeth Deakin and Laurel Russell (all from Hume Council).
Dr Susan Carland spoke about women and leadership at the Women’s Network Dinner.
Aunty Di’s Welcome to
6 |
Country brought a strong sense of country and connection to the land.
Natalie Hutchins address was one of the
most informative and interesting I have heard from a politician in a long while.
Great session. Very thought provoking, with knowledgeable (and well prepared) speakers and well facilitated.
Anitha Ajay and Shaimaa Elmasri (both from Casey Council).
Local Government Minister, Natalie Hutchins officially opened the Forum.
From left, Mary Martin (Monash Council) with Kate Bartlett and Michael Dowling (both from Russell Kennedy).
Aunty Di Kerr provided the Welcome to Country.
Deb Equid (Darebin Council) and Margherita Barbante, (Yarra Council).
Kylie Sprague (Greater Dandenong Council) and Kim Jaensch (Frankston Council).
From left, Jenny Horvarth (Manningham Council), Ann Hawley (Boroondara Council) and Lynne Gullan (Nillumbik Council).
From left, Elissia Cross, Dale McConchie and Janine Ahles from Yarra Ranges Council.
Shane and John Isaac with the Mel Jeffery who won the 2016 Sally Isaac Award.
Fantastic! Jacqui Cooper
was an amazing storyteller, she was uplifting, full of energy, inspiring and I just loved hearing her story.
Matthew Cripps (Baw Baw Shire) and Kaylene Hodgkin (Banyule Council).
From left, Tess Angarane and Kate Burge from Glen Eira Council with Michelle Cox (Membership Development Manager at LGPro).
Writer and feminist thinker, Clementine Ford was a keynote speaker at the Forum.
From left, Thea Escreet and Kath Stephenson (Cardinia Council).
LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR WOMEN’S EVENTS
Women’s Professional Development Forum MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Women’s Network Dinner MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
The Short Talks were excellent
Delegates get involved in an interactive session.
as they were of stories of individual people like me and you and I think people connect well with these talks.
Ellen Kimball (left) and Vanessa McLean (both from Whitehorse Council).
The Plenary Conversation provided some interesting discussion. Panel members from left, Dr Karen Morley, Sasha Lord from Yarra Ranges Council, Tracey Slatter, CEO Port Phillip Council (facilitator), Dr Graeme Emonson, Executive Director Local Government Victoria, Coral Ross, President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association and Anni McArthur, Director at McArthur.
From left, Katrina Knox (Darebin Council), Lisa King and Michael Byrne (both from Maribyrnong Council).
From left, Tanya Styles, Sofie Anselmi, Jacinta Barnes, Fiona Brown, Sally Wansbrough (all from Boroondara Council). David Harper and Robyn Mansfield (Yarra Ranges Council).
Lisa Ippolito From Hume Council was MC at the dinner.
8 | PROFILE SPRING 2015
Is there a higher category than excellent I would like to add in – fabulous, amazing! Every year you have incredible speakers and having attended 10 of the 12 dinners held I think Dr Carland was actually the best.
Kerryn Ellis from Greater Bendigo Council toasts the success of the Dinner,
Jacqui Cooper, five time Olympian kept the audience entertained.
Storyteller Dalit Kaplan with LGPro Board Member Celia Haddock.
From left, Rhona Comport, Lauren Norman, Kate Mitchell and Maryann Smith (all from Casey Council).
Melanie McCarten and Linda Harman (both from Darebin Council).
Captain Jennifer Wittwer
Kieran Murrihy hosted a session on collaborating in the future.
Casey Ward and Holly De Kretser (Casey Council).
From left, Katy Jones (McArthur), Samantha Stanton (Greater Bendigo City Council) and Rachael Whiting (McArthur).
Syeda Erum Ali from the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre gave a Short Talk.
From left, Pauline Hassakis and Lilian Santora Brimbank Council.
This group from Banyule City Council enjoyed the dinner.
What a wonderful speaker. Such a shining example of the
reluctant spokesperson who has stepped up and taken on the leadership challenge. Her resilience and innovative ideas are an inspiration.
Dr Carland was very engaging and her talk was very thought provoking. It made you think
and take stock of your own thoughts and think about what you can do to help make a difference.
| 9
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Advocating for quality for all
Mel Jeffery, the winner of the 2016 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award, is a firm believer in equality for all. In her relatively brief career, this engaging and intelligent 27 year old has already created positive change in the community and throughout the state through her commitment to social justice.
Reading about Sally Isaac’s life and values which are so similar to her own made winning the award even more special for Mel. “I feel so privileged to win this award and to be able to carry Sally’s legacy forward,” she said.
Mel says her interest in social justice was sparked when as a high school student she volunteered with refugee young people. “It seemed so unfair to me that such gentle and kind hearted young people, that had already been through significant challenges, still weren’t given the same opportunities as others their age,” she said. “My mother and grandmother have also always been strong advocates for people with a disability and are firm believers in equality for all so I have had some strong role models.”
This year has been a big one for Mel who won LGPro’s 2016 Young Achiever Award for Excellence in February. In March she moved into a new role as Participation & Development Coordinator Youth Affairs Council of Victoria where she hopes to continue to advocate for social justice. Mel plans to use the $10,000 Sally Isaac scholarship to undertake a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at Melbourne University.
Mel spent four years as Youth Programs Worker at Maroondah Council where she drove significant change by increasing the inclusion of all people who identify as LGBTIQ. She also instigated Council’s first youth program specifically supporting LGBTIQ young people which won the 2016 READYS (Recognising Excellence Awards for the Delivery of Youth Services) presented by YACVic and the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA). Beyond her role in Council, Mel was been involved in policy development at a local, State and Federal level through her work as chair and board member of Minus 18 Foundation, on the Youth Affairs Council Youth Reference and Policy Advisory Groups, and as the Victorian Young Member for National Youth Week. Mel said she could not have achieved as much without the fantastic support and mentoring she received at Maroondah. “I was so fortunate to have worked with such incredible people who gave me tremendous support and encouragement. Without that I don’t think I would have been able to achieve half of what I did,” she said.
Mel Jeffery (with certificate) celebrates her win with the team from Maroondah Council.
2016 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award nominees
Sarah Cousins Project Coordinator, Place-based Revitalisation, Maribyrnong City Council
Lauren Davy Team Leader Client Services Community Living & Respite Services Inc Phoebe Nagorcka-Smith Youth Engagement Officer, Glenelg Shire Council Colette Naufal Health & Wellbeing Officer, Surf Coast Shire Council Sarah Radlow Student, Bentleigh Secondary College 12 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
Samantha Suendermann Recreation Development Officer, Surf Coast Shire Council
Teneille Summers Preventing Violence Against Women Officer, Darebin City Council
Sundae Wharewera Community Leader/Secretary, Wallaroo Resident’s Action Group
Corporate Planners working in Local Government are invited to get One Step Ahead by exploring concepts and key trends to meet the changing landscape of the sector at the 2016 LGPro Corporate Planners Network Conference on Friday 21 October.
CONFERENCE DETAILS WHEN: Friday 21 October from 8.30am-4pm followed by drinks and networking WHERE: Citadenes, 131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne
KEYNOTE SPEAKER MARCUS BARBER works with senior management teams to help them make more effective decisions. He targets emerging issues and helps to identify specific strategic planning actions that an organisation can apply within its operating framework. With a broad portfolio across Government, Corporate and Not for Profit sectors from across the globe that includes the Department of Defence, FBI, City of Greater Dandenong, Gold Coast City Council, General Motors, and IAG, his cross-sector awareness ensures future focused and pragmatic decision making is at the forefront of all management levels. The title of his keynote address is: Outcomes Based Decision Making – aligning the What with the How in Planning and Execution. It will focus on emerging issues in the sector and will also discuss a model that any Council can incorporate into their planning cycles to move from ‘good intentions’ to ‘good outcomes’.
OTHER CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
• • • • •
Presentation and panel discussion on service review planning Practical, activity based session on how to develop a service plan Case study presented by Whittlesea Council on accountability Innovation and problem solving workshop Discussion on career planning and what corporate planners can expect in the future
CORPORATE PLANNERS AWARD The winner of the 2016 Corporate Planners Award will be announced at 3.45pm. All award finalists will present on their projects as part of the conference program. This award is for initiatives implemented by Local Government that demonstrate excellence in Council planning, Council business planning, community planning, integrating Council and community planning, integrated planning, performance measurement and management, service planning, delivery or enhancement, sustainable community involvement in Council and community planning, planning for environmental sustainability and planning for organisational change.
We thank the Major Sponsor of the Conference and the Corporate and Community Planning Award
PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 13
About 100 people working in the Aged & Disability Services sector came together on Thursday 8 September to explore the new world that they are working in. Speakers and sessions highlighted the vastly different environment that officers in the sector are operating in as a result of Government reforms that are still being rolled out. There was robust discussion on how the sector is dealing with the change and what lies ahead. Keynote speaker, Ronda Held from COTA Victoria.
Pina McBride and Richard Joseph from Greater Dandenong City Council at one of the sessions.
Keynote speaker, Dr Liz Cyarto led delegates in a Have a Try exercise session.
A seminar delegate enjoyed a relaxing massage provided by Chris Fallon from Onsite Massage.
Andrew Alford from McArthur speaks during the interactive session on leading through change.
Knox Council delegates from left, ShirleyFisher, Rose Vince, Robbie Leslie and Jasmine Kallaur.
Elsa Demetriou from Skills Training chats to two delegates from Whittlesea City Council.
Lorna Tornquist and Samantha Sales from Melton City Council enjoy a McArthur coffee.
LGPRO THANKS THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS
AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES SEMINAR
MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES AWARDS
MAJOR SPONSOR
The “Walk Around Australia and Up The Guts” program is an interactive, low cost, high impact, easy to follow program that targets the physical health and emotional wellbeing of participants. All participants are provided with a pedometer where their weekly step count is recorded on a large map of Australia that details the combined progress of the walk. Along the way, places of interest to participants are visited by Skype, YouTube and internet searches. Participants are encouraged to share places where that have lived, holidayed or worked. Experiences are shared using technology within the group setting that elicit stories and memories of the past. Around 85 people have participated in the program including social support clients, staff and volunteers and people from three community walking groups. It has increased their mobility, reduced the incidence of falls and improved the emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing of those involved.
From left, Leigh Cashen from award sponsor Mecwacare and April Archbold and Sharon Little from Golden Plains Shire. Noel Brebner who organised the winning program was not able to attend the dinner.
• Cities of Bayside, Greater Dandenong and Kingston, Early Implementation Project • Campaspe Shire Council, Community Transport Drivers • Casey City Council, Jo Smale, Aboriginal Gathering Place • Knox City Council, Seniors Housing Support Service
Moorabool Shire is ranked as having the 12th highest number of people suffering dementia in Local Government areas across Victoria. As a result of increasing numbers of dementia sufferers accessing Council’s HACC services, Moorabool became an active member of the Shaping a Montessori Community project with the Department of Health and Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria and this led to the development of Dementia Specific Day Respite programs. One of these is the Magical Respite Program which is a pilot project between a group of dementia sufferers from the Planned Activity Group programs, and children, parents and grandparents who attend the Imagination Magic Group from Early Years program. Once a quarter the two groups come together and experience a tactile driven, interactive, and sensory based program. Through the program, young mums and their children have become closer to the clients with dementia and the people with dementia have been laughing, relearning skills and joining in the activities.
Back row, from left, Leigh Cashen (Mecwacare), Nicole Mackenzie, Kristen Cahill, Denise Blyth and Lorraine Pilakis (all from Moorabool Shire). Seated from left, Tracy Jacobs, Liz Ellis, Nichole Russell and Robyn Salt (all from Moorabool Shire).
• Casey City Council, Jump Start for Life • Glenelg Shire Council, Glenelg SAVES (Seniors Achieving Valuable Energy Savings) • Greater Geelong City Council, Faces of a Generation • Greater Geelong City Council, Wise Words – Let Me Tell You My Story • Greater Shepparton City Council, Art for Empowerment Project PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 15
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Who has the ‘best job’ in the public sector? ›
Noelene Duff has worked in Local Government for 25 years and has been Chief Executive Officer at the City of Whitehorse since 2000. She honestly believes she has the “best job” in the public sector. In this Profile we learn a bit more about Noelene’s career and what she believes makes a good leader.
Tell us about your early career? I had wanted to be a Social Worker, which involved five years of full time study, since high school. It stemmed from my commitment to social justice – I had never met a social worker and had no role models so it was an interesting choice!! My first real job was as a Social Worker/ Community Development Officer at Collingwood Council mainly working in the Housing Commission flats. My early roles involved working with vulnerable children and families in a range of non-government organisations. Later I progressed to management roles and my work focused more on policy and planning in the Victorian Government.
Did you plan your career path? Yes and no. Following my earlier career in Social Work I progressed to managing people and services, as well as some experience in policy and planning. I decided I loved the management side of organisations, so completed a Masters Degree. I decided that I wanted to be a CEO in the Local Government sector while I was working at Manager level at a Council and I pursued that goal. About seven years later I got the job at Whitehorse as Chief Executive Officer.
your hand up for opportunities, as well as create them for yourself. The amalgamation process in the sector in the mid 90’s presented me with a plethora of opportunities. During this time, I offered to be a management resource to the CEO’s of three Councils who were to be amalgamated, to assist with that planning process and the many challenges. It was a pandora’s box of opportunity for me professionally and I learnt so much in a very short time frame.
Tell us about any mentors or role models you have had? I have never had a formal mentor, but I have had lots of encouragement from accomplished leaders who gave me some great advice along the way, challenged me and provided me with opportunities to progress.
What attributes do you believe make a good leader Good leaders have a genuine passion for what they do and are keen to engage others in their passion. They work hard, take risks and have a strong commitment to the goals of their organisation. They are people with a strong value framework that is meaningfully implemented in the way that they act day to day. They are not “all talk”!
Did you take any risks with your career?
Do you believe the sector has a sound foundation of good leaders?
Definitely! You have to stretch yourself, learn to be confident with your analytical skills and decision making. You also need to put
I am continually inspired by the many leaders at all levels of our Local Government sector. I think we are very fortunate to have a
professional association in LGPro who provide great opportunities for developing people in our sector. I have been so impressed with how many passionate leaders we have in Local Government.
What are some of the challenges facing the sector and how can these be met? The Local Government sector has never walked away from any challenge! I continue to be amazed by the resilience of Local Government officers in dealing with change imposed on us, as well as the sector’s capacity for innovation and being ahead of the game. The biggest challenge we face at the moment is financial sustainability – meeting communities growing expectations at a time when our resources to respond are increasingly constrained.
What do you consider are the major contributions you have made in Local Government? I have worked hard to encourage dialogue within about key issues and been a strong advocate for the sector and the value proposition we offer our communities. I have always been someone willing to speak up.
Any future career plans? There is always so much to do and so many opportunities in Local Government. I look forward to continuing to learn and continuing to contribute!
PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 17
DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS
Emerging Leaders graduate ›
In the last 10 years our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) has developed and inspired hundreds of leaders in Local Government. So we thought it would be fun to talk to three graduates of our 2006 program and see where they are 10 years on and learn how the program has helped their careers.
Mike McIntosh
Tammi Rose
Paul Holton
Group shot of graduates from 2006.
Paul Holton is Director Development at East Gippsland Shire Council. When he participated in ELP his substantive role at
Council and Wellington Shire Council which saw
Latrobe City Council was Manager Arts and Leisure
him take up the position of Director Development
but a restructure saw this change to Manager
at East Gippsland. Whilst it was a one year program,
Arts, Events and International Relations. In 2008,
when the position became vacant in 2014, Paul
Paul was asked to step into the role of Manager
applied for it and was successful.
City Development which presented an exciting opportunity that allowed him to explore the world of Strategic and Statutory Land Use Planning.
Paul says: “The Emerging Leaders Program provided me with a broader view of Local Government and what is required to be a leader in that environment.
In 2010, Paul moved to Wellington Shire Council
The program gave me the confidence to take up
as General Manager Development, responsible for
different opportunities and I have been able to
Planning, Building Approvals, Environmental Health,
progress my career in Local Government across
Local Laws and Economic Development and during
a range of different functional areas.”
his time there he acted as CEO for 10 months.
“I have and will continue to recommend the program
A fantastic professional development opportunity
to others as a way of lifting your perspective out of
came Paul’s way in 2012 when he participated in an
the day to day and seeing the bigger picture and the
exchange program between East Gippsland Shire
possibilities that are out there,” he said.
Nominations for the 2017 ELP program open on 3 October and close on 18 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
s… where are they now? Mike McIntosh is currently Group Manager Development Services at Port Stephens Council in New South Wales. When he completed ELP he was the Manager
Mike said ELP created an awareness for him of
of Economic Development and Tourism at the
what it takes to lead in today’s world. “It prompts
City of Port Phillip where he had been since 1998
you to question whether you want to be a part
working his way up through the ranks and taking
of it. It reinforced in me my passion for leadership
secondment opportunities managing other business
and gave me the encouragement to know that
units and services to build his “bag of tricks”.
I was good at it.”
Mike always regarded working in Local
Mike would recommend the program to
Government as an opportunity to travel and
those interested in exploring whether they
work in different communities so four and a half
have a penchant for leadership and to those
years ago he moved to Port Stephens Council,
already in leadership positions. “Leadership is
north of Newcastle where he heads up three
not a skill you acquire and then move on to
Council directorates with 100 staff as Director
the next skill. It’s a work in progress and there
of Development Services.
is always much to learn about yourself and how
Working at Port Stephens Council has been a fantastic experience for Mike who says being a key member of the executive has provided him with a great opportunity to lead change and continuously improve the way things are done.
you relate and communicate to others,” he said. “Leadership is about influence and the core competencies explored in the ELP certainly have provided me with a fantastic toolkit to draw upon as I tackle the challenges of leadership in today’s work environment.”
Tammi Rose is currently Director of Corporate Services at Hobsons Bay City Council. When she participated in ELP Tammi was a
develop and influence those in my teams or around
senior Coordinator in the Business Systems and
me.” She believes taking time out of the day to day
Accounting stream of the Finance Department
work to allow the opportunity for personal and
at Greater Shepparton Council which involved
professional development and learning is critical
working directly with the executive team and
and has played a big part in her career success.
Councillors, as well as managers and coordinators from across the Council on all things budget, as well as development of systems. From there she worked as Manager Finance and spent time on secondment as Manager Operations (Depot) and Manager Corporate Performance. Tammi has been in a Director role for three years and also has a NonExecutive Director role in a state sporting body. Tammi said she has used many aspects of what she learnt in ELP throughout her career. “Reflecting back, I think at the time there was a lot about selfawareness and understanding personal motivations and drivers as a leader. Also about how to best
“Undertaking ELP helped me to put some form around my career aspirations. It also provided access to mentors and others who were at different stages of their careers and who were willing to share experiences, lessons learned along the way and advice on where to put your energy and focus, not to mention offering perspective and sometimes even being that critical friend,” she said. Tammi says she has recommended ELP to people and has also put some of her team members onto the program as the takeaways it offers extend well beyond professional skills.
4 November. For further information visit Emerging Leaders Program PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 19
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PROGRAM NEWS
2016 Executive Leadership Program graduates
›
Congratulations to these 24 outstanding leaders in Local Government who recently graduated from LGPro’s 2016 Executive Leadership Program (XLP). The group celebrated the completion of the specialised nine month leadership program and received their graduation certificates from LGPro President, Brendan McGrath at a dinner on 1 September.
XLP is designed to help senior executives working in Local Government to expand and develop their skills and knowledge to assist them to become confident and capable leaders sector. Applications for the 2017 program open on 3 October and close on 4 November.
2016 XLP graduates Chris Leivers, Yarra City Council Fiona Banks, Boroondara City Council
Robyn Stevens, Surf Coast Shire Council
Ian Ellett, Indigo Shire Council
Glenn Reddick, Warrnambool City Council
Jaime Carroll, Rural City of Wangaratta
Kim Jaensch, Frankston City Council
Lisa Davis, Port Phillip City Council
Kath Brackett, Brimbank City Council
Mary-Anne Palatsides, Glen Eira City Council
Ilias Kostopoulos, Whitehorse City Council
Kevin van Boxtel, Greater Dandenong City Council
Janelle Bryce, Port Phillip City Council
Colleen White, Ararat Rural City Council
Kerryn Ellis, Greater Bendigo City Council
Fee Harrison, Monash City Council
Daniel Freer, Kingston City Council
Caroline Wallis, Strathbogie Shire Council
Waudi Tahche, Cardinia Shire Council
Elaine Wyatt, Murrindindi Shire Council
Penny Pavlou, Stonnington City Council
Sanjay Manivasagasivam, Northern Grampians Shire Council Vaughan Williams, Northern Grampians Shire Council Phillip Priest, Moreland City Council
For further information on nominating for the 2017 program, visit Executive Leadership Program (XLP).
2016 LGPro Executive Leadership Program graduates.
PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 21
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE SECTOR
Our members helping to shape the sector
›
LGPro members play a vital role in helping to shape the Local Government sector. Through their participation and input they are making a real difference and having a say on their future.
Many of our members are actively
meetings that LGPro hosted for
involved in developing solutions
Local Government Victoria to
in the sector by being part of
to important issues facing Local
gather feedback from people working
judging panels for a variety
Government. LGPro has invited
in the sector on aspects of the
of LGPro awards
our women members to put
Local Government Act Review.
• Providing their expertise and
LGPro Special Interest Groups
input on our conference
prepare submissions to provide
planning committees which
their input on government plans
develop and organise programs
and policies that affect them.
for a range of conferences
forward issues they would like to see discussed at the first Ministerial Women’s Roundtable being held in October. These roundtables were established by the Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, in response to a submission presented by LGPro’s female Board members on addressing the representation of women at CEO Level in Local Government.
Only recently our Biodiversity
• Helping to celebrate excellence
• Connecting with other members
Special Interest Group prepared
through our programs, events
two detailed submissions on
and Special Interest Groups to
key pieces of policy around
share advice and resources.
the environment and biodiversity. Other ways our members are
Our members were among 60 people who attended three
making a difference and gaining valuable personal professional development includes:
Hear from our Members
ON HOW THEY ARE HELPING TO SHAPE THE SECTOR
Marianne McArthur, Acting Senior Corporate Planner at Whitehorse Council Through my membership I have enjoyed access to so many opportunities. I represented LGPro on the Victorian City Council Model Budget taskforce. I contributed to various submissions, and served on working groups with Local Government Victoria to produce resources for the Local Government sector. As an LGPro member, I was able to take a position as a Co-convenor of the Corporate Planners Network Special Interest Group (SIG). I collaborate with my Co-convenors (and with staff from Councils across Victoria) to develop engaging, topical agendas for our meetings. I am also now on my fourth conference organising committee: we are busy planning the program for the 2016 Corporate Planners Conference on 21 October. Conference organisation is a fun, creative, collaborative process, we consider current and emerging issues, develop a conference theme, identify speakers, and (very importantly) choose the menu! The opportunity to meet so many people and to help shape the sector is very rewarding, as is seeing such strong attendances at our meetings and conferences. LGPro plays an important role in helping facilitate interaction between Councils. Local Government staff are so generous with sharing information – we really help each other out. I love it.
22 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
Amanda Dodd, Coordinator Environmental Planning, Hume Council I joined LGPro in 2012 and am Co-convenor of the Biodiversity Network Special Interest group. I also completed LGPro’s Ignite program in 2013. Being a member of LGPro has helped me to make invaluable connections and develop relationships with people working across Local Government. The Ignite program taught me some valuable negotiating and coaching skills which have helped in my career. In fact I still refer to notes from the program. It is wonderful to be Co-convenor of the Biodiversity Planning Network SIG which has 83 members across 33 Councils. Our network has achieved many things including: • Submissions to the State Government – including network submissions and assistance with individual Council submissions • Increasing collaboration between State and Local Government • Organising two Forums, a Biodiversity and Health Forum in 2013 and the Business of Biodiversity Forum in 2014 • Supporting and providing advice for members to assist with planning decisions, preparing for VCAT hearings and for environmental enforcement cases • Assisting and providing advice on the Bushfire Recovery Process • Creating connections between biodiversity areas and other areas of Local and State Government
For further information visit LGPro Membership or contact Michelle Cox, Membership Development Manager on (03) 9268 6400.
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PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 23
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional development opportunities for all
›
Mildura and Moreland are just two of a growing lists of Councils who use an open and transparent process to offer professional development opportunities with LGPro to their staff on an annual basis.
They advertise a range of LGPro
We promote the programs to
of our more senior staff attend the
programs to staff from a variety
all staff and try to offer these
Executive Leadership Program and
of backgrounds and teams
opportunities to staff from a
Mastering Management Program
and interested staff complete
variety of backgrounds and teams.
and we also send staff to programs
a nomination process with the
Interested staff can them nominate
specific to their area of expertise.
support of their Manager which
with the support of their Manager,
is then considered by the
with the final decision being made
Council’s Executive Team.
by our Executive Leadership Team.
Leanne Bickley, Manager of
Melissa: All programs are initially
Professional Development at LGPro,
promoted and advertised in our
said this was a great approach to
Leadership Development Program
Why do you believe LGPro programs are a good option for your staff?
making professional development
which is launched in July each year
Kate: Because the programs are
accessible to all staff and also
and lists all leadership opportunities
tailored to Local Government
provides those nominating with
available for the year. We start
they directly relate to our day to
experience in putting together
nominations in September via an all
day challenges. Staff find that the
a nomination form and gaining
staff email. Nominations are collated
information shared and discussion
support from their Manager.
and the successful candidates are
is relevant and helpful. One
decided on by our Executive Team.
constant positive comment is
“The feedback we have received from our program participants who have been involved in this type of process has been really positive. They take it seriously and feel a real sense of achievement when they are successful,” Leanne said.
What do you consider are the major benefits of the process you use?
Melissa: Ignite, Mastering Management, ELP and XLP.
that the programs provide great networking opportunities and our staff have made some really good professional contacts. The fact that
Kate: It is an open, transparent
the content in the program is so
process and all staff have the
specific to this industry also makes
opportunity to put forward a
these programs great value for
“They are also really keen for their
nomination. Non-successful
money which is really important,
Council to benefit from the learnings
applicants are also given feedback
particularly for a regional Council
they take away from the program.”
through their Manager. Our process
where we have the added cost
is coordinated independently by
of travel and accommodation
our Human Resources team.
to factor in.
at Mildura City Council and
Melissa: We try to ensure the process
Melissa: It’s a great opportunity to
Melissa Ujgunovski, Learning and
is equitable and accessible to all.
be involved in a Local Government
Kate McMillan, Manager Organisational Development
Development Advisor at Moreland below about their respective
What are the main LGPro programs your staff attend?
Council’s involvement with
Kate: Our staff attend a wide
City Council answer questions
LGPro professional development.
variety of programs but Ignite is
What is the internal process you use to offer LGPro programs to your staff?
certainly one of the most popular
Kate: We conduct our own internal
Emerging Leaders Programs and
nomination process for programs
have been very successful with staff
like Ignite and Emerging Leaders.
being selected to participate. Some
and we always have a strong field of applicants for this program. We also regularly nominate staff for the
specific development initiative and to be able to network with other professionals in the sector. If your Council is interested in learning more about LGPro programs and how they can be tailored for staff in your Council, contact Leanne Bickley on (03) 9268 6400.
PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 25
FEATURE ARTICLE
My hospital holiday
›
I had a hospital stay recently. Nothing serious, but it took the better part of a week from familiar surroundings. I’m quite well now thank you, and somewhat enriched by the experience.
My last hospital holiday was over 30 years ago. I had little sense of what it would be like to become a cog in the hospital machine again, so decided to approach this as an unfolding adventure, to be observed, absorbed and noted. It took the better part of day one to formally become a patient, starting at triage and registration desks with my GP’s referral in hand, taken to a room for assessment to verify his analysis, agreement amongst duty doctors about treatment, and finally as the sun set I snuggled into bed #5B, tubed up and poised to go in the next day or two. Time enough to observe the 24 hour cycle of checking my vitals (asleep or not), short chats with doctors, and the handover routine when nurses changed shifts. On reflection, two things struck me – the mesh of complexity and procedure I found myself in, and that there was no choice but to trust and surrender to it.
26 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
Familiar to government workers, one way to deal with organisational complexity is to split into parts, manage them individually, and mesh it all back together into a coherent and reliable service organisation. Hospitals do the same I’m sure, but the difference is the degree to which the individual is at the centre. Imagine a hospital’s organisation chart. You might think of a hierarchy of doctors, surgeons and nurses, and an extensive governance structure with the management that requires. True this may be, it’s not the right answer. A hospital’s organisation chart is built around the patient. Patients create the complexity, each a unique person with a particular medical need and urgency. The ‘splitting into parts’ here gears services (care and treatment) to a collection of unique needs.
In a sense, there is no ‘community’ of patients, just lots of individuals who, like me, surrendered autonomy and had trust that we’ll receive personal attention from professional and caring people. For good reasons, Local Governments tend to have a demographic-geographic approach to organising themselves and services, a sort of averaging of needs. In contrast, my hospital holiday was all about me. Not my neighbourhood, age, ethnicity, income or any other parameter. Just me. So, this was a reminder that communities are nothing if not a collection of individuals, and that it’s with each of us at centre where the organisation chart really begins. Verne Krastins Sector Connector
EA AND PA EVENT
How to deal with being the ‘meat in the sandwich’
›
Around 40 Executive and Personal Assistants working in the sector learnt how to deal with being the ‘meat in the sandwich’ at a specialised session and lunch organised by LGPro in June.
Two highly respected sector leaders, Liana Thompson, Director Corporate & Community Services at Baw Baw Shire and Tony De Fazio, Manager of Civic Services at Whitehorse Council provided a legislative overview of the Caretaker Period and provided examples, case studies and insights drawn from their years of experience working in Local Government. This was followed by a roundtable discussion about the issues EAs
and PAs face with Liana and Tony providing advice on how to deal with them. The sharing and networking continued over lunch and resources have continued to be shared since the event.
“A very informative presentation and the two speakers worked well together. Very impressive that Liana was across Caretaker policies for all Councils represented.”
Below is some feedback received from those who attended:
“It’s always good to hear what happens at other Councils and how they deal with problems”
“The interaction, lively banter and actual real life examples that Tony and Liana used made the session very engaging. Time flew by so quickly!”
“I found the most beneficial part discussing how others do things, other situations and providing support to each other – great networking.”
Thanks to Maddocks for providing the venue for this event
From left, Amanda Rozich, Moreland City Council and Jo Graham, Hobsons Bay City Council.
Presenters, Tony De Fazio, Whitehorse City Council and Liana Thompson, Baw Baw Shire Council.
From left, Rachel Zoldak, Cardinia Shire Council and Karen Browne, Melbourne City Council.
From left, Julie Anlanger, Greater Dandenong City Council, Andrea Bolte, Glenelg Shire Council and Courtney Power, Manningham City Council.
Whittlesea Council colleagues, from left, Wendy Castles, Julie Kyriazis, Dianne Deal and Tracey Kahn.
PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 27
2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY ASSETS & INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE – $1.5 MILLION & UNDER
WINNERS & FINALISTS
WINNER
Maroondah City Council, Parkwood Team Parkwood Community Hub
Parkwood Community Hub has reinvented the way in which Maroondah City Council caters for the needs of community groups. After strong lobbying from Council and the community, the former school site was retained and transformed into a community hub. Six community groups – North Ringwood Community House, Maroondah Toy Library, Ringwood Men’s Shed, Penumbra, Ringwood U3A and the Ringwood Historical Society – now call the centre home. The facility has allowed the groups to expand to meet the growing community and regional demand for their services. It has also seen them discover and understand each other’s work and come together and form partnerships to develop future community projects and program offerings. After the former Parkwood Secondary School closed in 2012, Council lobbied the Victorian Government to retain the site to develop for community use. Council’s successful bid has seen the creation of this state-of-theart community hub catering to the needs of the six community groups, allowing them to expand their service delivery, as well as providing an opportunity to partner and offer complementary community services. The retention of the land as a community asset has also seen the creation of a space corridor linking the community facility with Council’s existing Quambee Reserve. A number of Council departments assisted in the project including Leisure, Assets, Finance, Integrated Planning, Engineering and Building Services and IT. Council worked closely with the DEECD to secure the site and buildings. This working relationship also assisted with the development of the creche and a grant towards the Men’s Shed. A tenant users group has been extremely successful with all groups gaining a
28 | PROFILE AUTUMN 2015
greater awareness of what each offers the community. This has resulted in more willingness to form working partnerships between the individual community groups. The new facilities also resulted in the amalgamation of Croydon and Ringwood Toy Libraries as it enabled them to expand their resources and share their volunteer base to provide extended opening hours. Convincing the Victorian Government to maintain the site as a community space was one of Council’s biggest battles. Strong community support for the initiative and the fact that a number of community groups were in desperate need for larger facilities provided the ammunition Council needed to secure a commitment and lease for six years. With six groups involved in this project it was essential that Council showed strong leadership and made tough decisions when required. Council also worked closely with each of the groups, who at times had their own agendas, during the process to ensure their needs were met. Although the facility has only been operational since August 2015, already there have been positive outcomes. The community groups have expanded their membership base, increased and improved
the services they provide the community and have formed strong partnerships. This has included the Men’s Shed assisting the Toy Library with the maintenance of toys and the Community House and Penumbra partnering to offer Certificate 4 training opportunities. An Open House event was staged to promote all of the services to the community.
FINALISTS Banyule City Council, A Safer Mall Banyule City Council’s Safer Mall project demonstrates how a place-focused approach can deliver joint wins for multiple stakeholders, and ultimately the communities they serve. By working alongside community organisations, traders and others, and bringing together different disciplines within Council, the project delivered benefits for economic vitality, community safety and creating a sense of place. Its key outcome of activating an unsafe space was achieved by Council departments working together, continually adding value to the project throughout its delivery and partnerships with local stakeholders. On the ground, the project delivered a range of innovative and exciting streetscape initiatives including seating, murals, a stage, rolling green landscaping, lighting and planting. Its objectives were to enhance perceptions of safety through visual enhancements, by lighting unsafe areas and using space activation (CPTED principles) at the mall and to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Larger numbers of people are now visiting the mall which has been transformed into a safe, lively and vibrant centre with a welcoming environment which has deterred opportunistic crime and anti-social behaviour. The project’s innovative features are demonstrated in two principal ways. First, cross-departmental working and integration across teams, using a place management approach which fundamentally benefited the project and encouraged shared ownership of problems and solutions. Secondly, the works included the use of a number of innovative or new materials and techniques for streetscape improvements in Banyule. This project, through its partnership approach, has taken a significant step forward for the mall. Its legacy will be to pave the way for further work that brings stakeholders together, having demonstrated that change can happen from collaborative thinking and practical action.
Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Community Services Creswick Hub The Creswick Hub project involved major refurbishment and extension of the tired, old, rabbit warren that was the former Creswick Council Office and Library building, reinventing it as a vibrant and inviting contemporary space. Combining Council’s customer service with the library has resulted in the extension of the library service from 2.5 days to 5.5 days per week and removed the barriers of a single staffed library which reduces the ability to provide programs.
The main objective of the Creswick Hub was to increase space, opening hours and visits and all of this has been achieved. Apart from the increase in visitors, people have tended to linger in the space as there are more areas to sit, socialise, study or just be in the hub. There is free, fast WiFi which allows residents and visitors to the region to go about their online business in a comfortable setting. Young adults are using the space, where before they didn’t stay as they had nowhere to sit.
Since reopening in August 2015 with two staff, the hub has hosted seven Children’s Book Week activities, two school holiday programs and held its first adult author talk. The hub has also experienced an increase in visitors with 2,328 attending in the first full month of operation. Council Services have also been enhanced with the introduction of a video link to the head office in Daylesford.
This project wasn’t easy, the Council had some structural barriers to overcome as the existing condition was worse than anticipated resulting in the building not being opened up as much as what was originally intended. This project demonstrates the impact a small amount of money, $750,000, can have on a community which now has a vibrant comfortable meeting place where they can come together for a number of functions under the one roof.
PROFILE AUTUMN 2015 | 29
2016 LGPRO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY ASSETS & INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE – OVER $1.5 MILLION
WINNERS & FINALISTS
WINNER
Maribyrnong City Council (MCC) – Braybrook Community Hub, Braybrook Community Hub Project
The Braybrook Community Hub is a $12.6 million development completed in March 2015 as part of Maribyrnong City Council’s Revitalising Braybrook Strategy which seeks to redress the long term disadvantage of the area. The state-of-the-art facility has provided Braybrook’s first library and commissioned public art, as well as meeting and training spaces, community health and social services, a community kitchen, new sports pavilion, Men’s Shed, community garden and early years centre. Wide ranging and targeted services are delivered at the hub to address the challenges and difficulties that many of the highly vulnerable community members in this area experience. Braybrook, situated 10 kilometres west of Melbourne, is one of Melbourne’s most disadvantaged suburbs. Maribyrnong City Council adopted the Revitalising Braybrook Strategy in 2011 to bring about genuine improvements to the lives of those in Braybrook and this project was a cornerstone of the strategy. The building’s design is welcoming and accessible on all sides both literally and metaphorically. Unlike the existing Community Centre there is no ‘back of house’ to the building to help improve park safety and minimise vandalism. The building promotes the idea of connectedness, expressed by a series of five wings projecting out from lofty central volumes on all sides. Each of the projecting wings are extensively glazed, screened by the warmth and tactility of recycled timber and glazed screens set two metres beyond the skin of the building for ease of maintenance and sun protection. The library facade design is complemented by a series of glazed screens strategically prescribed to correspond with the building orientation, angle of the sun, visual connection to and from reading areas. The key challenge for the project was operating the existing services on site during the redevelopment. This was achieved by
30 | PROFILE AUTUMN 2015
close and inclusive management of project stakeholders and a strong community engagement process. Another challenge was keeping the construction on track despite weather delays. Since its opening in March 2015, the hub has received a favourable response from the local community. This is reflected in the high usage of all facilities between March and October 2015 including 96,681 visits to the library, 62,917 library loans, and 1,403 new library members. The Braybrook Family Learning and Literacy program has also increased from 50 to 118 children participating per week and local secondary and primary schools have regular class visits each month. Crucial to the successful operation and sustainability of the Braybrook Community Hub is a single facility governance commitment which supports the integration of the various functions and services and promotes practitioners working in a way that delivers collaborative community building, education, care, health and support services to families, children and individuals. The Braybrook Community Hub has not only provided a modern iconic building for the
Braybrook community, it has also created a highly unique model of integrated services and programs. This will support the care, learning and recreation opportunities for the community that will carry Braybrook forward into a brighter future.
FINALISTS Kingston City Council Community Buildings Team Parkdale Family and Children’s Centre and Community Precinct Kingston City Council’s $5.5 million state-of-the-art Parkdale Family and Children’s Centre has used an innovative community partnership to deliver a raft of community benefits including best-practice earlyyears services, quality performing arts centre, indoor sports facilities and an improved community centre. Built at Parkdale Secondary College, the project is a successful example of the Victorian Government’s initiative to co-locate education services. A new performing arts/recreation complex was also developed, which in turn freed up valuable space at the neighbouring community centre. Originally setting out to develop a Family and Children’s Centre, the Parkdale Community Precinct project transformed
into a broad-ranging partnership that achieved multiple community outcomes. The Parkdale Family and Children’s Centre delivers facilities in a ‘one-stop shop’ making it easier for local families as kindergarten, child care, maternal and child health care plus playgroups all operate from the site. Community response to the new centre has been overwhelmingly positive with enrolments at capacity and a majority of families reporting they are pleased with the centre. The new performing arts and sports centre has also met strong community need with more than 1000 participants from over 100 teams competing weekly.
Maroondah City Council, Aquanation Team Aquanation Aquanation features a 66.5 metre 10 lane pool and diving facilities, a warm water pool, a dedicated learn to swim pool, large toddler and children’s leisure play pool, a large gym with three separate group fitness rooms, creche, café and two large waterslides. With a regional catchment of more than one million people, it is expected that Aquanation will attract more than 800,000 visitors a year and will cater for people of all ages – from water play for babies and toddlers to dedicated activities for older adults. The project was a true partnership between all three levels of government, community and sporting groups and corporate partners providing a state-ofthe-art aquatic and leisure centre for the community to enjoy health, social and wellness benefits.
Set in the Jubilee Park in Ringwood, Aquanation complements the existing FIFA grade soccer pitch and pavilion, premier grade cricket facilities, tennis, croquet and football facilities in the sporting precinct. It was designed using best practice principles, in terms of pool engineering and construction techniques that include water and energy conservation options, environmentally sustainable design including maximising the use of natural light and ventilation and storm water harvesting and accessible design ensuring Disability Discrimination Act compliance.
Northern Grampians Shire Council, Infrastructure & Environment Directorate The Halls Gap Tourism and Community Hub With land between two important buildings sitting idle, Northern Grampians Shire Council had the opportunity to create something special in the heart of Halls Gap in the Grampians National Park. The Halls Gap Community and Tourism Hub was born from the desire to join the public hall with the visitor information centre to create a community nucleus that filled a void in professional meeting spaces, also providing a visually appealing building for performances, exhibitions and events. The building is designed for maximum flexibility with simultaneous use possible in all the spaces due to separate entrances. The hub also gives the area’s peak tourism body, Grampians Tourism, a new home in the heart of town, and they manage the spaces
on behalf of the Council. The sustainability of the hub is ongoing through hiring rooms and the lease with Grampians Tourism. Under the lease, Council is responsible for the building’s maintenance and has ensured this will be accommodated in future by incorporating it into its assets register. The hub has provided many benefits for the community including: an innovative and modern architectural design for Halls Gap, a central hub for meetings, events and activities, using a vacant piece of land to create a valuable community asset and giving Grampians Tourism, a new, more prominent home.
PROFILE AUTUMN 2015 | 31
ONLINE LEARNING
Thumbs up for LGPro’s customised online learning › LGPro’s customised online learning has been given the ‘thumbs up’ by Whitehorse, the first Council to take advantage of this specialised offering.
Jayne O’Grady, Learning &
of services that the Council offers
LGPro and GVM have developed to
Organisation Development
presenting important information
support officers working in Local
Coordinator at Whitehorse, said
to staff new to Local Government
Government to perform their duties
they were impressed with the
and those coming across from
in the areas of:
two modules developed for their
another Council.
induction program for new staff. “They certainly met our brief and I believe what we got was great value for money,” she said.
Jayne said staff who had completed the induction modules had found them easy to navigate, as they have a clean style, good mix of
• Information privacy • OH&S • Workplace bullying & harassment • Equal employment opportunity
Whitehorse opted for the
text, images and video. They also
• Fraud prevention and awareness
customised modules offered by
commented that the assessment
• Victorian Charter of Human
LGPro in conjunction with Global
questions were easy to understand
Vision Media (GVM) as: “Local
and answer.
Government is a different workplace
Rights and Responsibilities The courses were developed with
“These modules will play an
a high level of engagement from
important role in our induction
Council officers to ensure they
program moving forward.
are relevant and specific Local
While they will not replace our
Government examples are used in
face to face induction which is
the delivery of the programs. Each
Videos were produced for the
scheduled every two months, the
course has been checked and signed
modules featuring Whitehorse
overwhelming benefit is that the
off as legally compliant by HR Legal.
staff and scenarios. The ‘Welcome
online modules can be accessed
to Whitehorse’ module includes a
by new staff on the day they start
welcome message video from the
presenting them with an immediate
CEO and other videos throughout
introduction to the organisation,”
the module of staff talking about
she said.
due to the diversity of services we provide and therefore a standard off-the-shelf induction module did not suit us at all.”
the benefits of working at Whitehorse. The second module,
Online compliance courses
called ‘Getting to know Whitehorse’,
Councils have also signed up for the
provides an overview of the diversity
six online compliance courses that
The customised video prepared for Whitehorse Council for their induction program for new staff.
32 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
For further information on LGPro’s online learning offering, or to discuss your Council’s online learning requirements, contact Henry Tamasese on (03) 9268 6400.
NEWS
New LGPro team members ›
LGPro is pleased to welcome two new members to our team – Henry Tamasese in the role of Professional Development Coordinator and Jodie Zomer who is our new Administration Assistant.
Thalia Petroulakis, who has been our Administration Officer for 12 months, has moved into an expanded full time role as Program Support Officer. Henry has had broad overseas experience working in international development and the public sector fields designing, delivering and evaluating professional development programs. He has also volunteered with many community organisations including People to People International, Rotary and Habitat of Humanity over the last 20 years.
Henry and his wife recently moved to Melbourne to be nearer to her family and he is thrilled to be working in Local Government which he believes plays a vital role in delivering good public service. He is looking forward to building a strong working relationship with LGPro stakeholders and also hopes to learn and grow professionally. Working in a professional association is something new to Jodie who previously worked as an interior designer. She has a deep love of fine arts and enjoys painting and showing her work.
During her career Jodie has always enjoyed client relations and the administrative side of business so she sees her new role at LGPro as a great opportunity to use these skills and immerse herself in a new industry. “I am excited by the diversity of membership, the Special Interest Groups and the huge range of programs and networking opportunities LGPro offers. I hope to be of great support to my team to deliver high quality programs and service to people working in Local Government,” Jodie said.
Welcome to new Members ›
We would like to welcome the following new members who joined LGPro between 12 May 2016 and 18 August 2016. We look forward to working with you to shape our wonderful sector.
Kirsty Bromfield, Nillumbik Shire Council
Carole Hammond, Moonee Valley City Council
Rachel Palmer, Hepburn Shire Council
Gail Brown, Benalla Rural City Council
Fee Harrison, Monash City Council
Angie Pantazi, Maroondah City Council
Darren Brownscombe, Port Phillip City Council
Jill Henderson, Port Phillip City Council
Joy Russell, Latrobe City Council
Pieta Bucello, Cardinia Shire Council
Dannii Keevers, Knox City Council
Bart Ruyter, South Gippsland Shire Council
Leanne Caddy, Strathbogie Shire Council
Angela Lindsay, Moonee Valley City Council
Taegan Salt, Hindmarsh Shire Council
Naomi Clark, Wyndham City Council
Jon Liston, Moonee Valley City Council
Sally Schimleck, Baw Baw Shire Council
Robert Fillisch, Moorabool Shire Council
Sue-Ann Lowther, Hobsons Bay City Council
Colleen Seymour, Moonee Valley City Council
Darren Fuzzard, Mount Alexander Shire Council
Lynne McMahon, Glenelg Shire Council
Helen Sui, Whittlesea City Council
Adrian Gasperoni, Hindmarsh Shire Council
Richard Morrison, Greater Bendigo City Council
Carl Telfar, Hepburn Shire Council
Peter Giannoukas, Moonee Valley City Council
Sally Naughton, Bayside City Council
Lauren Treby, Moonee Valley City Council
Clem Gillings, Maribyrnong City Council
Joanne Oldland, Yarra Ranges Council
Melanie Van Dyk, Frankston City Council
*This is not a full list of new members. Some members requested not to be listed.
Here is more information on LGPro Individual Membership or call our office on (03) 9268 6400 and ask to speak to Michelle Cox our Membership Development Manager.
PROFILE SPRING 2016 | 33
New LGPro staff members, Jodie Zomer and Henry Tamasese.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Defining and measuring Place Services ›
Members of our Activity Centre & Place Manager Special Interest Group focused on defining and measuring Place Services at their last meeting held at the new and temporary low-cost learning facility at Siteworks at Saxon Street, Brunswick in August.
About 30 people attended the
centres and the determined
meeting and heard presentations
focus the City of Greater Geelong
what is happening in respective
from Greater Dandenong, Knox
has in pursuing its goals.
Activity Centres
and Whitehorse Councils. A representative from the Department of Justice also spoke on “place based crime prevention” and there was a presentation from Moreland and an interactive session on defining the roles in centre revitalisation. This was followed by lunch and a walking tour of vibrant southern Brunswick. This was the group’s second meeting for 2016 with the first being held in the new Geelong Library & Heritage Centre (the Dome). A showcase of place activation in downtown Geelong was followed by a tour of the new library and a town centre walk. The day highlighted the clear
The group’s next meeting in October will be combined with Mainstreet Australia which
• Share information and ideas on Activity Centre projects • Provide a networking
provides a forum for information
opportunity for Local
exchange, networking and
Government officers
professional development for the people, businesses and projects in Australia’s traditional main streets and town centres.
• Lobby, advocate and promote Activity Centre programs • Act as a central group for Activity Centre queries in Local Government
The Activity Centre & Place Managers SIG was formed in May 2006 to provide a network for Local Government officers
• Host Activity Centre training, speakers, seminars and workshops • Work in partnership with
responsible for managing a town
the State Government
centre, or implementing activity
implementing Activity
centre policy on behalf of Councils.
Centre programs and policies
Its primary functions are to: • Act as a forum to discuss
benefits of revitalising town
Members of the Activity Centre & Place Managers SIG get together at their meeting in August.
34 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
• Develop an understanding on
the Activity Centres program
For further information visit LGPro Activity Centre & Place Managers SIG.
Bright future for Arts & Culture SIG ›
LGPro’s Arts & Culture SIG has a busy schedule with plans to organise a symposium in the next 12-18 months focusing on arts in Local Government.
The active SIG also aims to better
agreed that all areas of cultural
funding factors that impact on the
engage with people working in
activity are as important as general
delivery of art across all art forms.
the arts in regional Councils and is
arts administration, along with
considering targeting specific areas
successful projects.
of work to establish best practice
The group, which formed five years ago, generally meets four
“Furthering the profile and visibility
times a year at both metropolitan
of the arts and culture portfolio
and regional Councils where
to senior management and
members can also view venues,
Councillors is also very important
galleries and cultural spaces.
to our members as this is weak
Special guest presenters from
Convenor Michelle Ely, Arts
compared to other disciplines in
a broad range of areas within
Investment Team Leader at the City
Local Government.” Michelle said.
the arts often attend meetings.
Recent meetings of the SIG have
For further information visit
focused on the challenges of
LGPro Arts & Culture SIG.
models. Grants and sponsorship and contract management will also be included in the group’s future agendas.
of Melbourne, said the group was committed to regional, metropolitan and inner city participants having an equal and important voice in all areas of its work. Members also
budget constraints, structures that support the arts and external
A recent Arts & Culture SIG meeting.
LGPro Special Interest Groups bringing the sector together Our 30 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide Local Government employees working in similar fields with a valuable opportunity to network, share best practice and to learn about the latest trends and developments.
Want to join an LGPro SIG? While you do not need to be an LGPro Member to be part of a Special Interest Group, our members make it possible for us to support these networks which connect people across the sector. Many of our Special Interest Groups also help to shape the sector through their work in advocacy and representation. You can join LGPro’s Special Interest Groups by request to (03) 9268 6400 or email sig@lgpro.com Learn more about LGPro Special Interest Groups
PROFILE SPRING 2016 PROFILE | 35 SPRING 2016 | 35
COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA
What’s happening in Local Government New system increases landfill lifespan
›
South Gippsland Shire Council’s
The system is used to cover the waste at
Sustainability Coordinator, Geoff
the end of each day and is retracted at the
McKinnon and Waste Management
start of each day’s operation. This saves
Supervisor Peter Roberts have implemented
valuable landfill airspace as traditionally
a Tarpomatic cover system that is
300mm of soil was used to cover all the
expected to increase the lifespan of the
waste at the end of each day and it also
Koonwarra landfill facility by four years.
saves time, allowing the landfill team to
focus on litter management and other maintenance tasks. It also has a deodoriser unit which sprays a solution over the waste to reduce odours. “Using airspace as efficiently as possible is a critical aspect of managing the Koonwarra landfill. In recent years the costs of landfill construction has risen significantly which has made airspace even more valuable. Since the system was implemented in July last year, we have saved approximately 6,400 cubic metres of airspace (a value of $960,000),” Peter said. “When we took the idea of a tarp cover system to the EPA seeking ongoing approval, rather than a trial period that had been in place at a couple of other Victorian sites, the response was very positive. The machine paid for itself in the value of the airspace it saved in the first three months,” Geoff added.
Council staff use the Tarpomatic system at the Koonwarra landfill.
South Gippsland is the first Council landfill operator in Victoria to gain ongoing EPA approval to use the Tarpomatic system.
Disabled parking permits go online
›
As part of the Casey Council’s Digital Strategy, staff are working innovatively to create better services for their community by transforming them to be delivered through digital and digital assisted channels. An example of this is disabled parking permit applications which have now been digitised which Casey believes may be a first for a Council in Australia. Previously, when applying for a permit residents had to get a paper form from Council, complete it, visit a doctor to get it signed off and then take it back to a Council office to have the permit issued.
Under the new digital process, residents can simply visit their doctor and fill out the online form together with their doctor on the spot. The form is then automatically submitted to Council for consideration. This has transformed the service by reducing the number of steps required. The form has also been streamlined so there are fewer questions and they are easier to answer. Council hopes to digitise and simplify some of its other highly-utilised services in the near future.
Dr Ghattas from Berwick is one of the doctors in Casey who have welcomed the digitising of Disabled Parking Permit applications.
36 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
COUNCIL NEWS FROM ACROSS VICTORIA
What’s happening in Local Government Sporting events a major economic boost to Greater Shepparton
Plan reflecting community aspirations
›
Benalla Rural City Council’s first ever 20 year Community Plan has been led by a group of 11 independent community members, while supported and funded by the Council. The final document was presented to the Council in August by the Community Plan Steering Committee which comprises individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and is supported by Council representatives. It was developed after extensive consultation including workshops, “kitchen table” discussions, postcards and online engagement. More than 600 people participated during the initial consultation phase, led by the Community Plan Project Steering Committee in conjunction with specialist consultants. The Community Plan is intended to be a guiding document for the whole community. A communitybased group will implement the plan and it is hoped that organisations, businesses and all sectors of the community will use it to assist them in their own plans for the future. Netball was one of the events that drew big crowds to Greater Shepparton.
›
Greater Shepparton City Council continues to build a strong reputation in regional Victoria for hosting successful major events. Event visitation and economic data released for the 2015/2016 financial year show there were more than 220 events held in Greater Shepparton supported by Council, including 77 that Council sponsored financially. There were 288,251 attendees and 115,462 visitors at the events which generated an economic impact of $44.5 million, of which $28 million came from sporting events.
In 2015/2016, there were more than 22 new events of state and national significance in Greater Shepparton. These included the Victorian Teachers Games with 2000 teachers competing in over 30 sports across four days; elite AFL and netball pre-season matches and the AFL NAB Challenge Country Game between Essendon and Geelong; and, ANZ netball between Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds generating over 10,000 visitors. In addition the 2016 Tennis Seniors Australia Teams and Individual Championships carnivals were held in the city attracting visitors from around Australia and 13 countries across a two week period.
Eleanor and Josh at Peranbin Primary College, Swanpool, draw their dreams for their future.
PROFILE SUMMER 2015 | 37
Kerryn Ellis and Andrea Bolte
›
Kerryn Ellis Kerryn is the Director Organisation Support at the City of Greater Bendigo and an LGPro Board Member. Her first foray in Local Government was a two week temporary appointment at Bayside City Council in July 1997, and 19 years later she is still loving working in the sector. As well as Greater Bendigo and Bayside, Kerryn has worked at City of Melbourne, Knox and Boroondara Councils.
The most famous person she has met?
Who she would like to sit next to on public transport?
The worst job she has ever had?
I had the honour of meeting
Environmentalist, Tim Flannery.
School teacher, and I found it so
Heath Ledger, Eric Bana, Magda
I admire him enormously, and
completely daunting that I’ve been
Szubanski, Geoffrey Rush and
I’d be really happy that I happened
slightly terrified of large groups
Daniel Radcliffe, all at one pretty
to run into him the very day
of children ever since.
amazing AFI awards night.
I was being environmentally
I did work experience as a Primary
friendly and catching the train.
What she enjoys most about her job?
Hidden talents she has?
The ability to play a role in
Collingwood, which is not going
I love gardening and I am getting
building an exciting and dynamic
all that well this year!
pretty good at growing my own
city like Bendigo for current and
vegetables. It’s something that
future generations, and the chance
gives me a true break from the
to lead and work with some truly
office environment.
inspiring staff.
What AFL football team she barracks for?
Andrea Bolte
›
Andrea is Executive Assistant to the CEO at Glenelg Shire Council having been with the Council for just over 32 years. She started working at the then Town of Portland in 1984 as a Senior Typist after four years with a resource company. Andrea was promoted to Secretary to the Town Clerk in 1985, moving onto Executive Assistant to the CEO at City of Portland then Glenelg Shire Council at amalgamation in 1994.
What she enjoys outside of work? Living by the sea in Portland, I love spending time at our wonderful beaches – mostly watching my husband surf, walking and whale watching – followed by a great cup of coffee at the beach cafe. Reading and travel are my passions – I spend lots of time on both.
Something about Andrea that may surprise people? I was a contestant on Sale of the Century – with some success! I still have some of the prizes and the diamond studded money clip!
Her last holiday destination and what she thought of it? 2015 saw me visiting places starting with P – Portland, Perth, Pittsburgh (USA), Paris and Proserpine visiting family and friends. This year it will be Darwin – a place we’ve never been! And yes, I always enjoy my trips – I’m a thorough researcher and I look out for quirky experiences!
What makes her laugh? Spicks and Specks on ABC2 – a great alternative to the 7pm news!
Three famous people she would like to invite to dinner and why? Adele for her enthusiasm for life and fabulous singing voice, Waleed
38 | PROFILE SPRING 2016
Aly, an extraordinarily intelligent man with so much to say about our Australian culture and the world, and Tim Winton, my favourite author – his sense of place and time makes for an engrossing read.
Her favourite TV personality and why? Currently enjoying Benedict Cumberbatch as ‘Sherlock’ on ABC TV – the way he portrays Sherlock is always intriguing and I like trying to work the stories out before the ending!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
Diary Dates
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
Connect with us at
LGProVIC
DATE
INFORMATION
Nominations open on Monday 3 October for the 2017 program and close on Friday 4 November
To equip and support senior executives in Local Government
Nominations open on Monday 3 October for the 2017 program and close on Friday 4 November
For those who aspire to positions of leadership and to those who aspire to provide leadership in a particular area of interest in Local Government Victoria
Thursday 10 November, LGPro office
A program to ensure that the importance of good governance is clearly understood by all staff in the sector who are all required to interact with elected councillors
Wednesday 9 November, LGPro office
A program to introduce career thinking and planning skills and concepts to Executive Assistants, administration officers and customer service staff
Tuesday 11 October, LGPro office
A half day workshop designed to help Local Government use communication technologies such as Facebook and Twitter to better engage with their residents and communities
Friday 7 October
Providing people who write or authorise Council reports with the skills necessary to report effectively
Thursday 17 November, LGPro office
This workshop assists finance and non-finance professionals working in Local Government to develop a Strategic Resource Plan in accordance with the latest legislative requirements
Wednesday 14 September, Bendigo Council Monday 3 October, Southern Grampians Shire Council, Hamilton Wednesday 19 October, LGPro office Thursday 8 December, LGPro office
Designed for those who are new or recently appointed to the sector
Thursday 6 October, Richmond Town Hall
A networking event for LGPro Corporate Partners
Thursday 13 October and Friday 14 October
For CEOs to discuss issues of common interest
Thursday 1 December, 6pm-8pm, Platform 28, 82 Village Street, Docklands
A free event to thank our Individual Members for their support and to provide them with an opportunity to network with others in the sector
Online Nominations now open and close on Monday 10 October
Celebrate the excellent work being undertaken in the Local Government sector
AWARDS
CONFERENCES/SEMINARS
2017 LGPro Annual Conference
Friday 21 October, Citadenes, 131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne
A conference for those working in the areas of corporate, community and social planning
Wednesday 22 February and Thursday 23 February, 2017
The theme for the 2017 Annual Conference is: Small Change Big Difference
For further information regarding these or any LGPro event visit www.lgpro.com or contact LGPro on (03) 9268 6400
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36441
CONFERENCES
AWARDS
EVENTS
EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Workers Compensation Management Review Enhance benefits
Reduce costs
Achieve cost savings and enhance the benefits of Council’s Workers Compensation program with the outcomes of an independent management review that: • Identifies cost saving opportunities • Recommends actions for continual improvement • Benchmarks performance • Evaluates compliance
Contact Paul Crapper National Head Local Government
03 9211 3313 paul.crapper@aon.com COM0241B 0816