A WORD FROM THE COMMITTEE
Welcome to the last edition of the LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Newsletter for 2023.
What an amazing year it’s been!
We held three fantastic forums, showcasing three council facilities, welcomed a record breaking 278 attendees to our annual Women's Network Conference and were pleased to announce that we will be launching a Mentor Mentee Connection Pilot in early 2024.
As we turn our attention to 2024, we encourage you to consider opportunities to expand your influence. The
LG Professionals SA Women's Network Committee is currently calling for nominations - if
you have a keen interest in creating opportunities for female local government
professionals to thrive, then please take this excellent opportunity
to get involved! Please see further information below - nominations close 5pm Monday 27 November 2023. LG Professionals SA is pleased to once again be partnering with
Anna Lee from Hacks for Her to bring you two Women's Leadership Programs in
2024 - Career Catalyst and Career Navigator. Please see further information within the newsletter below.
Wishing you a fun and safe Festive Season. Best wishes
Danni Biar, Lee-anne Graham and Ritu Datta
LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Committee |
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JOIN THE WOMEN'S NETWORK COMMITTEE
Be part of a Network Committee that aims to maintain and improve the role of women employed in local government, to celebrate their contributions, and identify and provide opportunities to network and/or access development and training.
For further information on the Network Committee please click here.
The Women's Network Committee wish to invite nominations for the following: Seven positions for a two-year term, concluding 30 November 2025
Nominations can be made by completing this nomination form and emailing Haylie Maynard, Membership and Networks Officer, at haylie@lgprofessionalssa.org.au by 5pm Monday 27 November 2023.
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EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN THE MENTOR MENTEE
CONNECTION PILOT
The LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Committee are excited to be developing a Mentor/Mentee Connection opportunity for Network Members, to be launched in 2024. We invite you to express your interest in becoming a mentor or mentee via the links below, and we will be in touch with further information once available. Express your interest to be a Mentor or Mentee. |
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THE YEAR THAT WAS
The LG Professionals SA Women's Network Committee were thrilled to deliver three incredible forums in 2023, based around the theme of 'Discovery', all carefully curated, providing the valuable opportunity for development, connection and sharing.
The first forum of the year 'Positioning Yourself for You' saw 121 attendees tune in virtually or in person at City of Playford, with some of our regional members hosting hubs to attend as a group from a regional location. We heard from two inspirational speakers: Nicole Marshall, Senior Consultant, Perks People Solutions and Whendee Young, Executive Manager Infrastructure and Operations, Town of Gawler, and finished off with a 'Pitching to Succeed' panel made up of amazing local government professionals who shared their reflections and advice on helping women to pursue their career passions.
Another record was broken with 131 women attending the second forum of the year at Rural City of Murray Bridge 'Now You See Me'. Anna Lee from Hacks for Her encouraged attendees to reflect on their experiences and shared why building courage can be more valuable than focusing on building confidence. Heather Barclay, (then Acting) Chief Executive Officer, Rural City of Murray Bridge, walked us through her incredible career journey, demonstrating the valuable role an excellent leader can play in supporting and guiding us to grow. Finally, in a panel session, we heard from three inspiring women who shared their career journeys - how they have shown courage and what lessons they have learned.
The final LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum of this year 'Taking the Plunge', hosted at City of Marion, broke yet another attendance record with a total of 136 attendees in person and online. Attendees heard from Ruth Morgan, Director, Creating Healthy Careers, who encouraged them to reflect on their values to identify roles that genuinely resonate with them. Attendees were also inspired by Katrina Head, Manager Community Connections – Projects, City of Mitcham; her personal and professional journey touched all. To conclude the forum, we heard from four remarkable women who took part in the Local Government Management Challenge, who shared their experience and how it has changed their professional outlook.
The LG Professionals SA Women's Network Committee extends their gratitude and thanks to all forum guest speakers and attendees. We are excited to continue to offer valuable Network opportunities such as these in 2024. Here's to new records being broken! |
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WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE: CONNECT, DISCOVER, SOAR - REFLECTIONS
Friday 3 November 2023 The 2023 LG
Professionals SA Women's Network Conference was a roaring success, with 278 women from 37 Councils and subsidiaries coming together at the Adelaide Convention
Centre to enjoy the day.
This year's conference
program was a carefully curated mix of uplifting, thought-provoking and educational speakers
from inside and outside the sector, inspiring attendees to Connect, Discover and Soar.
We were thrilled to
welcome Carly Findlay OAM, a respected writer, speaker, arts worker, and
appearance activist. Carly shared her story
as a proud disabled woman and discussed how workplaces can make it safe and
accessible for people with disabilities to apply for roles and thrive once
appointed. She highlighted that effective communication, taking feedback
onboard, and implementing it, are vital factors in being truly inclusive.
Bel Ryan encouraged us
to reflect on our mental load and identify positive wellbeing strategies. She
knows that being honest with ourselves and facing our struggles head-on is the
key to smashing through barriers and achieving genuine success.
The midday session was
focused on local government: Steph Paprzycki-Baker, Community Safety Team
Leader at City of Adelaide, shared raw and heartfelt insights and learnings from her
leadership journey, which was followed by an interactive panel session where we heard from four fearless Local Government Leaders, Lee-anne Graham, Manager Business
Solutions, Alexandrina Council, Amy Hosking, Corporate Services Manager,
Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority, Sheila McGregor, Depot Operations
Manager, Port Augusta City Council and Olivia Robinson, Horticulturist, City of
Adelaide Enfield who spoke authentically about experiences throughout
their local government leadership journeys.
Mia Handshin encouraged
us to step into our courage zone to find our authentic voice, to express our
unique presence. We were seamlessly led to Dr Amy Silver, who supported us in
understanding where our fears can limit us and gave us tips to ensure we no longer let fear control
our choices, giving us the superpower of ultimate control over our future.
We're thrilled to see
increased attendance and participation at the conference each year - it truly is a valuable day out of the office.
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SHOUT OUT TO THE WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM REGIONAL HUBS
Attending
Women's Network Forums provides valuable opportunities for our Network members, and we are thrilled that these are accessible to both metro and regional participants.
Recognising that travel and time can be a barrier to attendance, LG Professionals SA are pleased to offer the option of virtual forum attendance. In 2023, we have seen a surge in virtual registrations, through the
formation of Regional Hubs. A Regional Hubs allows one or more neighbouring councils to
come together in one location, and participate in a forum whilst having the opportunity to network with
one another during the breaks.
If you are interested in hosting a
regional hub, please reach out to Haylie Maynard, Membership and Networks Officer at haylie@lgprofessionalssa.org.au
to express your interest and we will be in touch once 2024 dates have been
scheduled to support you with coordination. |
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Alexandrina Council and District Council of Yankalilla attendees came together to virtually attend the
Women's Network Forum 'Positioning Yourself for You'.
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We recently spoke with Emma Grivell from City of Charles Sturt about her role as Business Engagement Advisor and her career to date.
What’s your role and what does it entail?
In my current role as Business Engagement Advisor, in City of Charles Sturt’s Economic Development team, my day-to-day centres around supporting our local business community. Some of the key elements of my role include developing business networking events, creating and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns, promotion of business support initiatives, and creating social media marketing content for business communication channels. Our team also works collaboratively with the Western Adelaide councils to promote our region as a tourism destination.
What is your proudest career moment?
I would have to say accepting a national award in my field – the ‘National Economic Development Australia - Rising Star Leadership Award 2022’. I had accepted many main street awards on behalf of a main street committee or council before, but that one was the cherry on top.
What do you enjoy most about working in local government?
Something I really love about local government is the loyalty and commitment within the industry. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow, through professional development and beyond. I really enjoy collaborating with a variety of departments and councils, which I have found to be a way to learn new things and the many facets of local government.
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Who or what has inspired you in your career?
At the start of my career I was really inspired by marketing experts and my inspirations have evolved as my work has. Within local government I have been really inspired by females who have furthered their career and become strategic leaders. Recently I have been inspired by friends, family and peers who have done further study and juggled their working career to do this.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your role?
My roles in local government and economic development have grown and evolved by asking lots of questions and putting my hand up to be involved in projects. My advice would be to say ‘yes’ to new initiatives and projects that take you outside of your comfort zone if starting out in a similar role. I would encourage anyone to learn, study, or attend events outside of work to network and think outside the box.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to exercise at the gym, reformer pilates or walk my dog outdoors. I like to volunteer at events and assist with marketing for not-for-profits that I’m passionate about such as Business Chicks, Zahra Foundation, and Friends for Good. I enjoy cooking at home but love going out and trying new places to eat and experience.
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Emma Grivell
Business Engagement Advisor
City of Charles Sturt
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WOMEN'S CAREER NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
Program Commences February 2024
The LG Professionals SA Career Navigator Program supports women to develop a strong, authentic professional identity and approach their career and work with positivity and proactivity. Suited to aspiring leaders, and high potential women who may not want to move into more senior roles but want to build their professional profile and cultivate greater influence and impact in their workplace.
The Program equips participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to:
- build their professional presence and profile
- maintain their cool in stressful and challenging situations
- understand and navigate organisational politics and team dynamics with integrity
- apply a Growth Mindset to personal and professional challenges to build resilience and wellbeing set and pursue personal and professional goals.
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WOMEN'S CAREER CATALYST PROGRAM
Program Commences February 2024
The LG Professionals SA Career Catalyst Program is designed for female leaders who want to build a strong leadership legacy and identity, without compromising their values, wellbeing or relationships.
The program equips participants with:
- a deeper understanding of their current professional terrain, and the skills and tools required to navigate it with resilience and authenticity
- skills to build an authentic 'leadership presence', communicate with clarity and increase workplace impact and influence
- an understanding of how gender dynamics can influence workplace, particularly leadership experience, and tried-and-tested tools to respond effectively to bias and double standards
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On Thursday 16 November 2023 LG Professionals SA, in partnership with Hostplus, held a Women and Super webinar, available to all LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Members. The session was filled with great information, tips and tricks to help us better understand what it means to effectively use and grow our super, to set us up for life after work.
We were joined by Lisa Palmer, Executive Manager, Intermediary Distribution, Hostplus, who walked us through unique financial challenges women face, the super gap, tips on how to get the best out of our super, insuring our futures, and understanding our super and superfund as a whole.
To view the resources Lisa shared with the group please follow the below links:
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R@W SUSTAIN 7
In our extremely busy lives, where we often juggle many things, it's important to remember to look after ourselves.
R@W Individual (aka Sustain 7) is made up of 7 components that interrelate and contribute to individual resilience {Authenticity, Purpose, Adaptability, Self-Care, Support, Energy & Networks}.
- Living Authentically
- Finding Your Calling
- Maintaining Perspective
- Mastering Stress
- Interacting Cooperatively
- Staying Healthy
- Building Networks
Find out more about the R@W Sustain 7 here. |
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INVITATION TO CONNECT
As the LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Committee represents you, we would love to hear your suggestions of content for future editions. Please feel encouraged to send relevant articles, links, profiles or information through to Haylie Maynard, Membership and Networks Officer at haylie@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.
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ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIA, SA
LG Professionals SA is a not-for-profit member based association representing professionals working in local government in South Australia.
We have the ability to link and connect people from different councils who may not otherwise form relationships or share.
Our high quality professional development programs and networking events are uniquely local government – reflective of the culture of the sector and sensitive to the needs of its professionals.
The content of our events and programs are informed by our members and people who genuinely care about the sector.
We provide a safe and supportive environment in which to grow and learn while creating opportunities to make time away from the office to work on the business or on self.
We award and acknowledge achievements of excellence. We are proud to be part of a national Federation of State based Local Government Professionals Australia organisations, supported by a national office dedicated to supporting the National Local Government sector. |
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