• 26 Jul 2013 3:15 PM | Anonymous
    This month we chat with Tony Lawson, well known consultant in the sector and former CEO of Mitcham.

    Tony give us his perspective of some of the challenges facing Local Government, and his current involvement.

    Hi Tony - What's your current role, and what does it involve?

    I have been running my own consultancy practice for the last 16 years building on my experience as a CEO in State and Local Government.

    I have had some really interesting and challenging assignments over my whole career and as a consultant. I consider that I have been really fortunate to have undertaken a really diverse range of exciting projects which brings me to my current role as Lead consultant and Executive Officer to the Local Excellence Expert Panel. This independent Panel was established by the LGA to develop a vision for a "Council of the Future". The Panel is chaired by former State Government Minister, Hon Greg Crafter with former District Court Judge, Christine Trenorden and the former Director of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government, Professor Graham Sansom.

    I was appointed by the LGA in October 2012 to undertake this role and I have found it an absolute joy to work with the Panel and to engage with a huge array of key stakeholders across the government and industry spectrum, including many key people involved in Local Government. I worked with the Panel to produce a Discussion Paper – Towards the Council of the Future. This discussion paper is aimed at encouraging debate and discussion about the future of local government and the changes which are required to ensure that it has the capacity to remain relevant and sustainable into the future.

    I will be closely involved in the preparation of a final report to the LGA which is due in mid October.


    What's your Local Government background?  Where were you before and what attracted you to your current role?

    As stated I was CEO at the City of Mitcham in the late 90’s and I was engaged by the council as a “change agent”. I presided over a major transformational change of the organisation and introduce a customer service focus for which we were recognised nationally. I also introduced a more rigorous approach to strategic and business planning and we became more involved in economic development and community engagement.

    When I established my consulting practice I was fortunate to be able to continue my role in Local Government and the LGA particularly used me to undertake a wide number of projects involving policy development and review. I think this is a particular strength of mine and this is what attracted me to the role with the Expert Panel.


    What are the some of the most significant changes you have seen in Local Government - and what does the future hold, in your opinion?

    A very significant change has been the professionalisation of Local Government at the staff level from CEO level and down. We have seen a significant change from the “town clerk” mode to professional corporate leadership and management. There is a greater focus on governance, accountability and community engagement.

    However, one of the challenges will be to address the capacity of elected members to manage the affairs of councils in an increasingly complex environment. The research that the Panel has undertaken suggests that financial pressures alone will stretch the capacity of councils to be able provide the required level of resources to meet the needs of their communities as both State and Federal governments struggle with burgeoning debts and constricting revenues.


    How would you compare a consulting role to working for a council? 
    What are the advantages, and maybe some of the disadvantages?


    A key advantage of working as a consultant is the exposure to a wide variety of organisations and issues. I am also fortunate to have a constant supply of really good projects and I have made very good friends in the Local Government and other sectors.

    Over the last few years I have expanded my focus into the health sector and as such I have been involved in some really challenging and interesting projects particularly in Indigenous health.

    As for disadvantages I must say I miss the daily interaction with staff and the other thing that keeps me alert as a consultant is the old adage is that you are only as good as your last job!


    What is the most satisfying thing about working for yourself?

    The variety of my work is its greatest attraction. In addition so long as I meet my deadlines I can work quite flexibly which an office environment does not always allow.


    What's the longer term plan - where do you see yourself in 5 years?

    In the medium to longer term I see myself continuing what I am doing but the focus may change a little. I have really got the bug for local government reform and want to focus more on this in all its facets.

    I also intend doing more work in the health sector including board appointments on a number of health related boards.

    In addition I believe in keeping my brain active to hopefully stave off Alzheimer’s! You never know I may end up doing a PhD!


    What's your most embarrassing Local Government moment?

    There is too many to recall! However there was one occasion when I gave an answer to a question to an elected member which involved some financial analysis which was clearly wrong but I gave the answer in such an authoritative manner that it wasn’t challenged but all my senior staff were falling around laughing their heads off! I was constantly reminded by them of this gaff!


    How do you spend your leisure time outside of work?

    I am a passionate Crows supporter and go to most home games. I am also an avid reader and read mostly crime – what I call ”gripping trash”. I have also discovered the game Words with Friends and play this constantly.

    We also have 6 children (a blended family) and 4 gorgeous grandchildren (with another on the way) so this keeps me really busy!

    Finally we have caravan and go away at every opportunity, including on local government assignments in the country.

  • 24 Jun 2013 10:36 AM | Anonymous
    This month we speak with Kylie Flynn, a graduate of the PLP (Professional Leaders Program) and a past participant in the LGMA Emerging Leaders Program.

    Kylie talks about her role, and how she thinks Council relationships with their communities will change over the coming years.


    Hi Kylie - thanks for speaking with us.

    What’s your current role, and what does it involve?
    Customer Team Development Coordinator, Community Relations; ensuring team members are trained in all aspects of their role through performance development strategies and quality assurance.

    The City of Onkaparinga is the largest metropolitan council in South Australia and as such we have four Customer Service locations throughout the area that are touch points for the community. Our team takes pride in what we do with a focus on service delivery and quality, advocates for the customers that contact us.

    Where were you before and what attracted you to your current role?
    Prior to working in local government I lived overseas working in the tourism and hospitality sectors. When I returned to Adelaide with my young family, Local Government seemed a natural transition to move into with the skills I had. I saw local Government as providing a valuable service and resource for the community and this resonated with me.

    What is the most satisfying thing about working in Local Government?
    Local Government is diverse and varied, everyday there is something different giving me the opportunity to make a difference and positively impact others.
    I enjoy developing and getting the best out of people in my role and I actively do this myself. I have been fortunate to have the support to develop myself, completing a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, as well as participation in some the LGMA’s programs including; Management Challenge, Emerging Leaders Program, and Professional Leaders Program.

    Speaking about your role - How do you think Councils have changed their relationship and interface with customers and the community over the last 10 years?
    It is challenging for councils large and small due to the complexity of the responsibilities we all have. We are no longer ‘rates, roads & rubbish’. Along with this, technology has evolved, our lives have become busier and community expectations have grown along with this.

    The role of Council is to be the spokesperson for the community, to act on behalf of and provide the resources needed. Councils are certainly now working more collaboratively with communities to enable a successful and sustainable future.

    How do you think that relationship will evolve? 
    The relationship will continue to strengthen and change as we take advantage of technology to connect further with our community. I am also keen to see what lies ahead with the Council referendum in September and what impact this will have for Local Government in future.
     
    What’s the longer term plan – where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    I see myself continuing to work in Local Government, linking my qualifications and experience in other roles in future where I can have a positive influence and impact for the business.

    What’s your most embarrassing Local Government moment?
    Hmm, I try to forget those. Which one? I do recall spending a considerable amount of time trying to start a fleet vehicle in the manager’s car park only to eventually realise it was a hybrid vehicle. I still hope that no-one noticed that one. Too late now I suppose!

    How do you spend your leisure time outside of Local Government?
    I enjoy having a busy and full life with family and friends with various sports and outdoor activities. We are fortunate to have at our doorstep some fantastic beaches down south and we are all actively involved in Surf Life Saving, where I manage a Nipper age group at our club in the summer months.

    Recently, I have explored my ‘creative side’ and taken my hand to silver jewellery making. Friends and family are enjoying the handmade gifts and I am enjoying the process.
     

  • 25 May 2013 2:34 PM | Anonymous
    This month we speak with Tara Dunstone, Librarian/Group Leader at Alexandrina Council.

    A "dyed in the wool" young Librarian, she tells us her thoughts about the future of libraries and her passion for Local Government.

    Hi Tara, great to speak with you.  Can you start by telling us about your current role?

    Librarian/ Group Leader at Alexandrina Council. The roles involves the coordination of programs through the lifespan, as well as overseeing some very capable people who organise book groups, volunteers and deliver programs.

    Where were you before and what attracted you to your current role?
    I have been in local government since 2005, and moved across from City of Marion in August last year.

    In your opinion, how different is a regional council compared to metro, as a place to work?
    The biggest differences are the amount different things you get to do in your role within a smaller organisation, and the strong sense of community in a regional area.

    What is the most satisfying thing about working for a regional council?
    Both of the above. The community down here on the Fleurieu are really amazing – they are very connected and involved. As an example, a lovely man in the community leant me half a dozen of his easels for an art workshop that I coordinated in the Strathalbyn Library, simply because he wanted to help out. We have a large number of passionate volunteers in the library service and two very committed Friends of the Library groups who I have the privilege of working with.

    How do you think the role of libraries has changed over the last 10 years?
    Libraries are amazing places. If you haven’t been into one in a while drop by your local, and be prepared to be blown away. I have only been working in libraries for 7 or 8 years, but in that time the public library network in South Australia has worked enormously hard to introduce new e-services such as free audio book and e-book borrowing, and OneCard – which is the connecting of all South Australian Public Libraries via their online catalogues – this project, currently at the half-way mark of completion, allows the customer to order books online from all across SA, and borrow and return at any public library.

    How do you think they will evolve?  What will they look like in 10 year’s time?
    Libraries are always going to be about connecting people with information, with technology, and with each other. How this happens in 10 years may look different to now, but expect constant innovation and an ever increasing focus on what the customer wants and needs.

    What’s the longer term plan – where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    Definitely still in Local Government and in a role working directly with the community. Those of us here know how rewarding it is to help shape our community.

    What’s your most embarrassing Local Government moment?
    I’m far too honest for my own good, so here goes – I once split my skirt up the back quite significantly as I dashed up some steps in the café of a busy public space. In front of a number of colleagues from different departments who were having a team meeting. Good fun.

    How do you spend your leisure time outside of Local Government?
    Probably reading! The moment I walk out of the workplace in the evening I’m hooking up an audio book through my car radio that I’ve borrowed online with my smartphone during the day. The weekends will be spent walking with my partner around our suburb of Hallett Cove – maybe eating breakfast at the lovely waterfront café there. Or snuggled up in bed with a good book – you can take the girl out of the library, etc. etc.!


  • 27 Apr 2013 2:51 PM | Anonymous
     
    This month we speak with Andrew Johnson, the CEO of Port Pirie Regional Council.

    Andrew talks about how he enjoys working for a regional council, and how he once got lost in Parliament House...

    Hi Andrew - thanks for talking with us.

    What’s your current role, and what does it involve?
    CEO of Port Pirie Regional Council

    Where were you before and what attracted you to your current role?
    I was previously the General Manager (CEO) of Guyra Shire Council in northern NSW

    In your opinion, how different is a rural council compared to metro, as a place to work?
    Due to the small size of many rural councils, you get a much broader range of experience that you can't get in larger organisations.  One minute you are talking to Ministers and developers, the next you are sorting out dead pigs.

    What is the most satisfying thing about working for a rural council?
    You can make a profound difference to the community, through major community projects, service improvements, and attracting new businesses to town.  These are more noticeable in small self contained communities.

    What’s the longer term plan – where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    I have recently had my contract extended for another 5 years, so I am likely to be driving the growth of Port Pirie for some time to come.

    What advice would you have for someone seeking a career in Local Government?
    Local Government offers so many career paths, that you will find both rewarding and satisfying.  Don’t be afraid to try a rural council to expand your experience.

    What’s your most embarrassing Local Government moment?
    Getting lost in the Ministerial wing of Parliament House in Canberra.

    Are you known as having a favourite “saying” or term?  What is it?
    No

    How do you spend your leisure time outside of Local Government?
    I am a mad keen Port Power member and attend most home games.



  • 25 Mar 2013 12:31 PM | Anonymous
     
    This month we speak to Gary Brinkworth, Manager, Environmental Services at Berri Barmera Council.

    Gary talks to us about his experiences working for a rural council, and his memorable "brush with the law"....!

    Hi Gary, thanks for talking with us. 


    What’s your current role, and what does it involve?
    I am currently the Manager of Environmental Services at Berri Barmera Council. This includes the areas of Development Services, General Inspectors, Environmental Health, Property and Major Projects.
     
    Where were you before and what attracted you to your current role ?
    I was previously at Marion Council and was attracted by the variety of work that is provided working in a regional area.

    In your opinion, how different is a rural council compared to metro, as a place to work?
    Very different, both negative and positive. The distance creates some barriers; however the major positive for me is the ability to undertake roles that I would not be afforded in a metro council.

    What is the most satisfying thing about working for a rural council?
    The lifestyle that is attached to the work outside hours – golf, the river, fishing, sport are all the way of life.

    What’s the longer term plan – where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    Cashing in the winning lottery ticket! Or more realistically trying to progress and learn as much as I can within Local Government in roles that I enjoy doing.

    What advice would you have for someone seeking a career in Local Government?
    Find something you are passionate about and pursue that course.

    What’s your most embarrassing Local Government moment? 
    Getting stopped directly out the front of the Berri Barmera Council office by a local police officer as I arrived for my interview, luckily not for an offence. Made the initial conversation a little interesting.

    Are you known as having a favourite “saying” or term?  What is it?
    My most frequent saying would have to be to my assistant “Tracey, I need help with……”

    How do you spend your leisure time outside of Local Government?
    Enjoying the lifestyle that the Riverland has to offer through golf, the Berri Warriors Baseball team, or relaxing around the river. A lot of time travelling back to see my partner in Adelaide as well.

  • 23 Feb 2013 7:23 AM | Anonymous

    This month we speak to John Devine, General Manager, Assets and Infrastructure at the City of Unley.

    John Share with us his background, his "return" to Local Government and why "Ad-Hocary" is one of his favorite sayings!

    Hi John, thanks for talking with us.   

    What’s your current role at Unley, and what does it involve?

    General Manager, Assets & Infrastructure
    Key Responsibilities include:
          Depot related services – maintenance & renewal of open space & infrastructure;   street sweeping; fleet management & workshop
          Asset Management for all assets
          Property portfolio management, renewal & maintenance
    Capital program
    Waste management & related services
    Sustainable landscapes, design & delivery - includes streetscape renewal, arboricultural services

    Where were you before and what attracted you to the role (and back to Local Government?)

    For most of the last decade I have been in consulting, specialising in change management, process redesign, organisational reviews & improvement, and asset management.

    During this time I have worked in UK, Asia, South Africa, New Zealand and across Australia with a range of clients. I worked with a large number of Local Governments during this time & believe it is can be an interesting, diverse and dynamic place to work.

    Having got tired of continually travelling I decided that working in Adelaide with a progressive medium to large Council going through major change would be an exciting opportunity.

    In your opinion, how have things changed in local government since you last held a position in a council?

    The expectations of local government continue to increase from our stakeholders, particularly other tiers of government and our residents. There are also a growing number of legislative hurdles and requirements which must be complied with.

    Internally staff are still looking for strong, ethical leadership, but a new generation of employees come to work with a somewhat different mindset and attitude to their predecessors.

    The level of innovation and cooperation within and across Councils also appears to have increased, albeit that Local Government always tended to be a leader across governments in these areas

    What is the most satisfying thing about your Unley role?

    Its early days yet, but I would say joining a Council with a completely new Executive team and many new senior managers and being a part of these as they mould into a strong leadership group with a united focus has been very satisfying

    What’s the longer term plan – where do you see yourself in 5 years?

    Unley is a great place to work. The Council, senior staff and residents all want and expect Unley to “punch above our weight”.

    We have an exciting and challenging forward agenda, & I am particularly keen to see and assist our next generation of leaders grow and mature.

    What advice would you have for someone seeking a career in Local Government?

    Do it. Local Government has a great diversity in jobs, styles and opportunities. Don’t be worried about moving round to different Councils as this will help grow your knowledge and capabilities.

    Seek out a mentor who can help provide you some guidance and advice. Ask lots of questions & continue to learn.

    What’s your most embarrassing Local Government (or consulting) moment?  
    We were conducting a major marketing/ promotional evening with potential local gov’t clients in New Zealand & I was presenting our capability in some key areas. All was going well until my summary when instead of the punch line being the name of our company as the consulting firm with all this expertise who could help, I announced the name of a major competitor – who I used to belong to.

    The partners of the firm, while being able to make light of this, never let me live it down.

    We know you’ve only been there a relatively short time – but are you already known as having a favourite “saying” or term?  What is it?

    Ad-hocary – relating to the fact that we seem to have very little over arching principles, guidelines, frameworks, or operational process to assist in defining scope of work or approach.

    Consequently each project or task tends to be unique and it can be difficult to defend the preferred option with residents. In other words we take an ad-hoc approach to our work

    How do you spend your leisure time outside of Local Government?

    I mostly enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially with a good wine & great music.

    Sport has always been a passion, particularly the “real football” & now that I’m too old to play I enjoy cycling.

  • 30 Jan 2013 4:44 PM | Anonymous
    This month we speak with Julie Janssan, Team Leader, Customer Service at the City of Onkaparinga.  Julie tells us about her role and what she enjoys most about Local Government.
     

    Hi Julie - thanks for speaking with us. 


    What is your current role, and what does it entail?

    As Team Leader of Customer Service with the City of Onkaparinga, I am responsible for the overall management of our customer service team and developing and implementing strategic customer service initiatives. I lead a team of 38 staff who  handle more than 250,000 call centre and front counter enquiries each year.  I ensure they have the required knowledge, systems, processes and resources to  provide  an excellent service to our customers. It is a fantastic role and I am very fortunate to have a great team who are just as enthusiastic about customer service as I am.

     

    What attracted you to local government?

    I was amazed with the diversity of services that local government provides. It is progressive, exciting and the opportunities are endless.

     

    What's been the biggest surprise about your role?

    It is so diverse. Every day is different and brings new opportunities and challenges. That is what I really like about my job.

     

    What do you most enjoy most about local government?

    I have enjoyed all the opportunities that I have been provided. I have been lucky enough to have participated in the LGMA Challenge and the Emerging Leaders program, which provided me with a greater knowledge of local government, helped me establish new networks and allowed me to learn from experienced mentors. Leading on from this, I have also been fortunate to be a member of the Emerging Leaders Alumni and the Women in Local Government network.

     

    What's next for you? Where do you want to be in 5 years?

    I am very passionate about customer service, staff development and team promotion . Although I have been in the role for the past 6 years, there is still many opportunities, new projects and process improvements that I plan to implement over the coming years.

     

    What do your friends say you are passionate about, and would your staff say the same?

    My friends would say that I am passionate about shopping and my staff would say the same. This would be judged by the number of shopping bags I bring back to the office during my lunch break!

     

    What sayings at work are you famous for?

    I do have quite a few but the sayings I would most use are 'what the', OMG and 'booya!'

  • 08 Dec 2012 6:36 PM | Anonymous
    This month we speak with Santa Claus, CEO, North Pole Regional Council

    Hi Santa, thanks for speaking with us at this busy time of the year.

    What’s your current role, and how long have you been in that role?
    Well, I’m Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, St Nicholas or even Kris Kringle, although I’m not so happy about that last one, makes me sound like a rapper. 

    My role is CEO of the North Pole Council, and my main responsibility is project managing the preparation and delivery of all the presents to children around the world on Christmas eve.

    I’ve been doing this job for so long I can’t remember when I started. 

    Some people reckon I started soon after some guy called “Good King Wenceslas” but I find that hard to believe.  Who would give a guy a job with that name? 

    I mean, was his first name actually “Good”? But I digress…

    When did you decide to get involved with Local Government?
    I’m not sure I ever did decide.  I just wanted to deliver presents to kids around the world, and the next thing I know I’m having to manage elves, maintain a sleigh and report my KPI’s to an Elected Council that’s all over me like a cheap suit. 

    But’s that’s the business I guess.

    What do you love about your role?
    Well, primarily of course, the biscuits and milk.  But beyond that, I do enjoy bringing some joy to the kids around the world, and the perks that come with my association with Coca-Cola.

    What would you be doing if it wasn’t working for Local Government?
    I’d probably semi retire, and work just for a month or so a year as one of those charlatan “Mall Santas”.  What an easy gig, no responsibility, and it would be funny because no-one would know that I’m the real Santa.

    What are you famous for?
    Well, lots of stuff of course, like I’m mentioned in lots of songs such as “Jingle Bells”.   Speaking of Jingle Bells, that song gave me lots of trouble because in it they say that I use a one-horse open sleigh, which really ticked off Rudolph and the rest of the reindeers.   

    They got the union involved, saying I was trying to make them redundant, but we worked through it.  Just for the record, I don’t know anything about a one-horse open sleigh. 

    Do you have an embarrassing moment in your work life that you are willing to share?
    Lots of people would expect me to say that occasionally, I get stuck in a chimney, because I’m carrying a few extra kilos.  To be honest, that has happened, but not as often as you’d think. 

    And actually the couple of times when it did happen, it had nothing to do with Christmas, but that’s another story.

    What advice would you have to anyone looking to get into local government?
    Think things through and make sure you know what you are getting yourselves in for.  I must admit, I didn’t think things through.  I was in a bar one night, maybe after a couple of sherries, and made this statement to everyone about how “I’m going to deliver presents to all the kids in the world”. 

    Then I looked more closely at the KPI’s and realised it was a bigger task than I thought.  I mean, to get it all done in one night I need to visit about 970 households a second, and I have to remember millions of wish lists.  

    So, in retrospect I should have taken the time to work that out first. 

    Any improvements planned?
    Well, we are looking at using technology better.  I’m trialling a system where instead of obtaining the wish lists and delivering the presents, we’ll encourage the kids to Skype in and tell us their wish lists that way. 

    I’m working on an avatar that will nod at the right moments, so I won’t actually have to be present during the Skype calls. 

    And the gift deliveries will be using Amazon as a drop-shipper, so we won’t have to hold any stock, and an automated email will let the kids know what’s on the way.  So finally, I may be able to relax at Christmas like everyone else.

    But, we may to go out to community consultation on that before we go live.
  • 24 Nov 2012 3:34 PM | Anonymous
    This month we speak with Shane Thompson, Manager, Community Development at Mid-Murray Council.

    Shane, thanks for talking to us.
     
    What’s your current role, and how long have you been doing it? 
    I have been Manager Community Development at Mid Murray Council for almost 3 years. What was your previous role? My previous role was Marketing and Strategic Projects at the Rural City of Murray Bridge for 5 year.

    When did you decide to get involved with Local Government? 
    I was employed at the Murraylands Regional Development Board and worked in partnership with the Rural City of Murray Bridge on different projects. An opportunity came up with the RCMB that provided more job security and career pathways.  

    What attracted you to the sector?
    The opportunity was the initial attraction and the sector provides good security, working conditions, diversity of roles and experiences plus training and development opportunities.

    What do you love about your role, and working for a  council generally?
    I love working with a fantastic community development team who are delivering great outcomes throughout our vast geographic area. I enjoy working for a supportive Council, the diversity of my role so I never get bored and being able to make a difference in the community.

    What would you be doing if it wasn’t working in local government? 
    Working in hospitality management, sitting on the couch watching sport and drinking wine or delivering basketball junior development programs because I have done them before or enjoy doing them. The only problem with all of them is the hours and pay is terrible!

    What are you “famous” for at Mid-Murray?
    Recruiting the healthy lifestyle programs who are trying to make us all healthy! Wanting everything to be ‘funky’!

    Do you have an embarrassing moment in your work life that you are willing to share? 
    On about my second day at the RCMB I was MC for a large Reconciliation Day Event with about 400 people in attendance. One of my new colleges told me that the Mayor had to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ so I did as I was told to follow the correct protocols and kept looking like an idiot in front of the large crowd.

    What advice would you have for others seeking to get involved in local government? 
    Go for it! There are good career pathways, conditions, training and development opportunities.


     
     
  • 27 Oct 2012 7:47 AM | Anonymous
    This month we speak to the newest LGMA (SA) board member, Kerry Loughhead from the City of Prospect.
     
    Hi Kerry - What’s your current role, and how long have you been doing it?  What was your previous role?

    I'm the Manager Governance and Administration at the City of Prospect, which includes responsibility for governance, customer service, HR, Information Management (records management and an IT resource).  It also includes EA to the Mayor.  I am also doing 5 days per fortnight as Acting Manager Governance at City of Unley on a short term basis until they find cover for Victoria McKirdy's maternity leave.
    My previous role was Manager Governance which also included EA to the Mayor.  (This was also at Prospect).


    When did you decide to get involved with Local Government?  What attracted you to the sector?

    I was originally approached by a recruitment firm to apply for the position of EA to the CEO and Mayor at City of Prospect.  I was on a long term temp contract at the time at the SAMFS (South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service), and thought it sounded interesting enough as it was 5 minutes from home!  To be honest I had never thought about working for local government until then.


    What do you love about your role, and working for a  council generally?

    I really like the career opportunities that LG can provide.  Although I have only worked at Prospect (until the recent secondment to Unley) my role has changed considerably.  I can credit this mainly due to having two very different but dynamic CEOs during my time at Prospect, and two very different but very committed Mayors, that have allowed me to get involved and take on new challenges.


    What would you be doing if it wasn’t working in local government? 

    I know this questions means what work I would be doing, but I can't get past "Travelling the world".  I love to get out and see the world, taste the food and wine, and generally soak up the different cultures.



    What are you “famous” for at Prospect?

    Going on holidays or saying "What section of the Act does that relate to?"



    Do you have an embarrassing moment in your work life that you are willing to share? 

    I believe the embarrassing moment will be in a couple of weeks time when I participate in the inter council sports day, in the City of Prospect netball team.  It seemed like a good idea to sign up a couple of months ago, but as the date looms, the realization that I have not played for many (many!) years is starting to become all too clear!


    What advice would you have for others seeking to get involved in local government?  

    Just as the question says...."get involved".  (See netball comment above!) It can be just a job if you let it, but it can also offer so much more.  There are plenty of training and professional development opportunities available through the LGMA and LGA, and the LGMA Management Challenge is a terrific opportunity to network, learn, challenge yourself, and just be a part of something bigger than your own Council.

     
     

Mailing Address: 148 Frome Street ADELAIDE SA 5000   Phone: 08 8224 2080   Email: admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au


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