This month we spoke with Emily Pemberton, Team Leader Communications at the City of Salisbury, about her role, her participation as Vice Chair of the LG Professionals SA Women's Network Committee, why she thinks you should consider joining a Network Committee, and what's next in her professional development journey.

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

I’m the Team Leader of Communications at City of Salisbury in the Brand, Communications and Experience Division. I’m coming up on my 2-year anniversary in local government in October, and it has flown!

As Vice Chair of the LG Professionals SA Women’s Network, what has been the most rewarding part of the experience so far?

It has been so rewarding meeting inspiring women from across local government and building new connections across both metro and regional councils. In my role, it is great to have insight into how different councils are approaching similar projects and communicating with their residents, which has helped to shape some of my strategic thinking.

As part of the organising committee for the recent Forum, I also loved seeing how the speakers' topics resonated with the audience. It’s always great to be in a room full of driven women!

With Committee nominations opening soon, what would you say to someone who is considering putting their hand up to join a Network Committee?

If you’re looking to make new connections, grow your leadership skills and learn more about local government, this is the perfect place to do so in a supportive environment.

Joining the Committee is a great opportunity to contribute to growing the skills of other women across local government and empowering them to connect with each other, as well as helping to build a strong community we can all rely on for advice and support.

What’s next for you in your professional development journey? 

I’m looking forward to completing the Emerging Leaders Program in November and seeing how I can use these new skills throughout my career in local government.

Tell us something about you that we don’t know?

You may recognise me from COVID vaccination posters (the things you do working in state government comms)!