We recently spoke with Lee-anne Graham, Manager Solutions at Alexandrina Council, to hear about her career journey in councils across Australia, what traits make for a great leader, and how saying 'yes' has opened doors that she never imagined!

Hi Lee-anne, what does your role at Alexandrina Council entail?

As Manager Solutions at Alexandrina Council, I oversee two key teams: Business Solutions and Information Management.

My role focuses on driving digital transformation, streamlining business processes, and ensuring strong information governance. I work closely with stakeholders across all service areas to deliver innovative technology solutions that enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and support the organisation to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

You’ve been a people leader for some time now – what are the fundamental traits you believe are important to leading a team?

I’ve been with Alexandrina Council for 12 years and have led people throughout this time. My leadership approach is grounded in being genuine, authentic and compassionate, empowering my team, and showing empathy. I believe in being present when needed, creating opportunities for growth, and maintaining regular check-ins to support both professional development and overall wellbeing. By fostering trust and open communication, I aim to create an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their best. Leadership for me is about enabling people to thrive while delivering outcomes that align with organisational goals.

Before your current role, you were the Manager Customer Service at Alexandrina Council. What are the benefits of a career spanning different units within council?

In my previous role as Manager Customer Service, I looked after a diverse portfolio including Customer Experience, Libraries, Visitor Services and Events. Working across these areas gave me a real appreciation for the breadth of services council provides and the impact those areas have on our community. I loved the variety and the chance to connect with so many different teams and people. It was rewarding to see how each area contributes to creating great experiences for residents and visitors. Taking on new opportunities has taught me adaptability, broadened my perspective, and shaped how I lead today with a strong focus on collaboration and community.

Our most recent 2025 LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Conference theme was ‘Embrace It’! What’s something you’ve embraced either recently or across your career?

My career in local government began in 2001 at Yarra City Council in Melbourne as their Team Leader Customer Service. Over the past 24 years, I’ve embraced every opportunity - opportunities for secondments, committee roles, and to learn new skills. I’ve always put my hand up for new challenges, and each experience has shaped my growth and perspective. Saying ‘yes’ has opened doors I never imagined and taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone, which has shaped who I am today. My most recent “Embrace It” opportunity was putting myself forward to be the President of Great Southern 8Ball Association, slightly daunting and overwhelming at times, but I love it!