This month we speak with Ginny Moon, Director Corporate Services at the City of Prospect.

Ginny explains the challenges facing Corporate Services at Prospect, and also an interesting incident regarding the Council "undertaker" period leading up to the Elections!

Hi Ginny - thanks for speaking with us..

What’s your current role, and what does it involve?
My current role is Director Corporate Services.  My portfolio includes Financial Management, Governance, Information Technology, Information Management, Procurement, Customer Services and Human Resource.

Where were you before and what attracted you to your current role?
Prior to this role, I have been Manager of Finance at both Regional and City Councils.  The diverse services provided to the community at both regional and city councils, has given me a higher level of appreciation of the services provided by the Local Government Industry.

The role of Director Corporate Services lifted my horizon and given me an opportunity to contribute to other areas of Council.

What is the most satisfying thing about working in Local Government?
The diversity of the industry, knowing that Council’s decisions and service delivery has a direct impact in shaping a community.
Working amongst passionate, community minded local government colleagues. 

Speaking about your current role - What are the key challenges ahead for Corporate Services at Prospect? 
Like other portfolios, one of the common challenges is to meet/manage community expectations.

Functions of Corporate Services are likened to the engine room.  Key challenges will be ensuring that the engine is running smoothly and to have systems and processes in place to provide regular maintenance.  Keep an eye out for more efficient and cost effective engine parts and, if required, purchase a whole new model.  In a nutshell, the focus is to deliver more efficient services, maintain and improve financial sustainability.

Prospect is already a leader in shared services – are there even more shared services on the horizon?
City of Prospect will continue to look into collaboration and shared service arrangements that deliver further efficiencies, economy of scale and improved service delivery.
 
Personally, what’s the longer term plan – where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years time.....I would hope to have made a positive impact within and beyond Corporate Services, also the opportunity to expand or change my current portfolio.

Do you have an embarrassing "Local Government moment"?
During a Workshop session during the Election period, I informed our Elected Members that we will be organising several training sessions over the coming months.  One of the training sessions they will need to participate, is a course relating to the “undertaker” period.  Before I knew it, they burst into laughter.

I hate to imagine the direction and outcome of our Council if they attended the suggested course...

How do you spend your leisure time outside of Local Government?
Reading and catching up with friends, with food being the main attraction.  Please do not be misled that I am in any way good at the cooking part, I just enjoy the end product.