This month we spoke with Andrew Raine, Team Leader of Service & Response, City of Mitcham, about his involvement in the LG Professionals SA Field Services Development Working Group, his biggest takeaways from completing the Ignite Program, and his love for exploring our states hidden gems.

What is your role, and how long have you been in local government?

I’m currently the Team Leader of Service & Response at the City of Mitcham, where my team focuses on maintaining safe and clean public spaces for the community. Our responsibilities include managing traffic signs, line-marking, customer responses, graffiti removal, footpath sweeping, and the active identification and management of public hazards.

I started my local government career in 2019 and have since gained valuable experience across various roles at the City of Mitcham. From my initial position as a Field Worker in the Civil Team, I was fortunate to progress into leadership through the Team Leader Pool, an internal development program at City of Mitcham. This led to acting roles as Team Leader of Civil Works and, eventually, Team Leader of Service and Response.

You're a part of the LG Professionals SA Field Services Development Working Group – what led you to want to be involved?

I have a proud background as a member of the outdoor workforce, and genuinely believe that field workers are at the coal face of local government, increasing the value and safety of our roads, trees, parks, and so much more.

The work this diverse group achieves must be acknowledged and supported by professional organisations, like LG Professionals SA.

My aim is to ensure that Field workers are proud and respected for the vital work they all do.

Last month, you officially graduated from the Ignite Program after successfully completing the course. What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

The Ignite Program was tailored to the local government sector; it provided direct leadership and management training using real-world projects that not only helped us learn and develop as individuals but also benefited my council and team. It was a joy to learn, share and network with other professionals in local government. Even better, it resulted in a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management to add to the CV!

What advice would you give someone who’s considering doing the Ignite Program next year?

Allocate dedicated time to the course; it’s a commitment where you get out what you put in. Utilise and seek advice from your organisation - I was lucky to have a lot of support and help from my managers, expert staff at Mitcham and all the participating students. It was a personal journey and allowed me to reflect and grow from the feedback received throughout the course and develop as a leader.

What do you do with yourself in your spare time?

My wife and I love to go for impromptu, rambling drives along the many back and unsealed roads in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula to find and discover the many hidden gems and sights in our state (thank you to Alexandrina Council for maintaining 800 km of unsealed roads around my home!).