This month we spoke with Chris McDermott, Manager City Operations at the City of West Torrens, about his role, his learnings and takeaways from completing the Change Drivers Program, and how time around the bonfire contributes to a fresh perspective at work.

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

I am the Manager City Operations at the City of West Torrens and have close to 30 years' experience in local government. My career has included roles with the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and the City of Salisbury, where I have built strong expertise in operational leadership and service delivery.

You recently completed our Change Drivers Program, what was your biggest takeaway?

The most illuminating learning from the Change Drivers Program was the concept of the 'street corner view', the importance of grounding decisions in what is actually happening on the ground, rather than relying only on strategic assumptions, reports, or established processes.

It reinforced the importance of understanding what is happening in practice by observing behaviours, experiences, and local context, rather than relying only on assumptions or data.

For me, this showed that better decisions come from combining strategic thinking with genuine on-the-ground insight. By staying curious and taking the time to understand people’s experiences, change can be shaped in a more practical, effective, and meaningful way.

This concept has shifted the way I approach my work. I now place greater emphasis on observing, listening, and understanding the day-to-day experiences of the people directly involved in or affected by a change.

In practice, this means I am more deliberate about:

• spending time in the field to better understand the local context;
• engaging directly with staff and community members;
• testing assumptions against what is happening in practice before moving to solutions.

As a result, I am approaching decisions with more curiosity and context. This leads to more practical, better-informed actions that are more likely to be adopted and deliver lasting impact.

What do you do with yourself in your spare time?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring regional areas, particularly observing how local communities develop, adapt, and sustain what makes them distinctive. I also value the opportunity to unwind around a bonfire, reflect, and take time to disconnect. These moments help me reset and often provide fresh perspective that I can bring back to my work.