We recently spoke with Tammy O'Malley from Coorong District Council about her experience in the LG Professionals SA Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot, and why you should play an active part in your community.

Hi Tammy, you were involved in our
LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot last year, what was the most valuable aspect of this experience for you as a Mentor?

For me, it was my first official step into mentoring - until then, I had always found myself in more of an 'accidental mentor' role. Having been mentored myself in the past, I felt the time had come to shift gears and begin sharing my insights with others. What I found most valuable in this experience was the opportunity to empower my mentee to trust in her own abilities and truly embrace her role. It was incredibly rewarding to hear her share examples of how she had applied the advice I offered in her projects. My approach to mentoring isn’t necessarily centred around technical skills, but more on fostering adaptability and confidence in the process.

You have been an active participant in your community. What advice can you give our Network for the benefits of being involved in their communities more than just through their roles?

I truly believe that community involvement goes beyond just fulfilling roles - it’s about creating meaningful connections and making a lasting impact. Through my experiences, whether as a Board Member of the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, volunteering with the local hall committee, or founding Slow Down Mate to support mental health in rural and regional areas, I’ve learned that giving back to your community can be deeply rewarding in ways you might not always expect.

My advice to the Network would be to find something that resonates with you personally, something you care deeply about, and offer your time, skills, or voice to it. It’s not just about the roles you hold, but the people you connect with and the change you can help foster. Involvement helps build relationships, encourages learning, and can offer you new perspectives, which are incredibly valuable both personally and professionally. And, sometimes, it's those connections that lead to the most unexpected opportunities. The benefits aren’t always immediate, but the long-term impact of showing up and contributing to your community can be incredibly fulfilling and powerful. 

Holding over 20 years of experience in government including corporate and community development, project and account management, customer engagement, people management and data analysis, what’s been the driving force of your time in our industry?

Over the past 20 years, my driving force in the government sector has been the belief in the positive change we can create for both communities and individuals. Whether through corporate and community development, managing projects or working directly with people, every role I've had has been grounded in the desire to make a tangible impact.

For me, it’s always been about more than just the work itself. It’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and finding ways to address those needs in meaningful ways. The opportunity to bring together data analysis, people management, and customer engagement has allowed me to help shape strategies that truly benefit the community. What keeps me motivated is knowing that no matter the challenge, there’s always the potential to make a difference, especially when we take a collaborative and thoughtful approach to problem-solving.

You know what they say… The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

What’s something you’ve led that you’re most proud of through your role at Coorong District Council?

The Community Sustainability & Resilience program was developed to support local volunteer-led groups and organisations. With volunteering on the decline and a growing need for support, I conducted a needs analysis to identify what was necessary for these groups to remain sustainable and resilient.

The program offered workshops on volunteer retention, grant writing, marketing, governance, cyber security, conflict management, and more. In 2023, we hosted 17 workshops, engaging over 350 participants from nearly 90 local groups and clubs.

It was inspiring to see volunteers actively embrace the program and apply what they learned. The result has been a more confident, engaged volunteer base, stronger connections between the Council and community, and increased external funding. This program continues to motivate and empower communities today.

Our most recent LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum focused on ‘Owning Your Space’, what’s a way that you own your space at work or in life?

Owning my space, both at work and in life, is about staying true to who I am and confidently contributing wherever I am. At work, I strive to bring my authentic self, sharing insights while encouraging others to do the same, creating a space where everyone feels valued. Personally, owning my space means setting boundaries that protect my well-being while supporting others.

It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to step back and having the courage to take up space without apology. Self-advocacy is key- - it’s about speaking up for what you need and deserve. When we own our space, we empower others to do the same.