This month we spoke with Lucy Reynolds, People and Culture Support Officer, City of Mitcham, about her role, professional development and what's next for her.

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

My role is People & Culture Support Officer at the City of Mitcham. I work as a generalist support within the People & Culture team, assisting with recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, and employee relations. I started out at City of Mitcham as a Graduate through our Grad Program with Flinders University. In December this year I will reach my five-year milestone of working in Local Government.

In February this year you participated in the LG Professionals SA Women’s Career Navigator Program; how would you describe your experience?

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I registered to attend the LG Professionals SA Women’s Career Navigator Program. It came at a time when I was feeling a bit lost in both my professional and personal life. The program ended up being one of the highlights of my local government career so far. I found the program incredibly fulfilling, and it helped me to better understand what I wanted from my career and how to navigate it with a ‘Growth Mindset’. I would highly recommend this program for all local government women no matter the stage of their career. We had participants of all ages and all professional levels. The program will leave you feeling powerful, positive and in-control of your career and life.  

You recently attended the 2024 People and Culture Network Conference, what was your biggest takeaway from the day?

The People & Culture Network Conferences are always a great time with this year’s being no exception! My biggest takeaway from the day came from Samantha Young, CEO of Human Psychology. Her presentation on how councils can better utilise and promote their EAP services really resonated with me as I have a keen interest in promoting a culture of wellbeing, and with the external pressures we are all facing I think it’s the perfect time to instil Samantha’s suggestions.  

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

I would love to develop my career within the People & Culture field, aspiring to be a Business Partner or Senior Advisor. I care deeply about wellbeing and mental health so would love to focus on these subjects, too. I think further education is on the horizon and definitely more professional development. I just want to say ‘yes’ to everything and better myself each day.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

What is ‘free time’? Kidding! I love spending time with my husband and son, Teddy, and our fur babies Maeby and Timmy. I also enjoy training at the gym, reading, and my ultimate guilty pleasure, watching trashy reality TV! Love Island and Real Housewives are my go-to at the moment for some good, fun mindless TV.