This month we spoke with Dewald Hartzenberg, Manager City Maintenance, City of Charles Sturt, about his career journey so far and recent move, his experience in the LG Professionals SA Executive Leaders Program, and his advice for those participating in the 2025 LG Professionals SA South Australian Management Challenge.

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

I am currently the Manager City Maintenance at the City of Charles Sturt. I’ve been in Local Government for 14 years, starting in the City of Tea Tree Gully communications team as their Events Officer.

You completed the Executive Leaders Program with LG Professionals SA in 2024, and you’ve recently gained a new role in management. What have you learned from XLP that you’ve been able to apply in your new role?

Firstly, the Executive Leaders Program (XLP) was just amazing! For me, it was the right thing at the right time, and I still have a strong sense of connection with the content, the facilitator, and my fellow participants. I cannot recommend the program highly enough!

I moved into a management role at the City of Tea Tree Gully almost 3 years ago during significant organisational change. A key takeaway from XLP that I’ve put into my daily habit is to seek to understand. In management, it’s easy to feel pressure to speak, to be seen and to have the pearls of wisdom, but building trust with your staff, peers and broader workforce relies on listening to one another. This learning has challenged me to look in the mirror to reflect on how I think and the actions I prioritise. Following the program, my focus has shifted from solving problems quickly to making progress on complex challenges over time. The by-product of this has been that I’ve slowed down a bit and been able to bring others along on a journey. I’m super keen to keep progressing through my action plan after the course, there is much more content to put into practice!

You have participated in the Local Government Management Challenge, and you’ve been a mentor! What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d pass along to new participants having been on both sides?

The challenge is fantastic, such a great buzz of energy around it and a wonderful opportunity for self-development. I would encourage anyone going into the challenge to be very clear on why they are doing it. While the challenge is a competition and has a winner, I would encourage participants (teams and mentors) to approach it from a self-development perspective versus striving to win. I think you will get a lot more out of the process and learn more about yourself if you enter with an open mind and are ready for some surprises to come your way!

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

At the beginning of this year, I joined the team over at the City of Charles Sturt, so for now I am looking to settle in and learn more about CCS and the wonderful people who work here. Following on from this, I have some plans for further study in a couple of years' time, but for now the XLP has given me a smorgasbord of concepts to put into practice. I am busy re-designing my leadership approach which includes prioritisation for where my energy gets consumed and a fresh new set of goals and KPIs for the next 3 years.

Tell us something about you that we don’t know?

During my late teens and early twenties, I worked as a recording engineer based out of Sydney. This was a wonderful career, and I learnt a lot about people, which has been so valuable for me in my career in local government. 

This month we spoke with Shovana Perera, Communications Officer, The Rural City of Murray Bridge, about her career journey so far, her involvement in our LG Professionals SA Women's Network committee, and in celebration of International Women's Day next month, how she holds her own space.

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

I have worked in local government for more than three years as a Communications Officer for the Rural City of Murray Bridge. In my role, I contribute to providing communications advice and services across the council and its stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective engagement.

You’ve recently been welcomed to our LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Committee, what led you to put your hand up to join?

I saw this opportunity as a chance to contribute to a cause that is close to my heart. The committee fosters empowerment, supports professionals at all stages of their careers and creates valuable networking opportunities for women to thrive in the workplace.

As an immigrant with roots in South Asia, where the glass ceiling is a very real obstacle for working women. I learnt from a very young age to embrace the challenges as part of the journey. It’s exciting to be part of a space that champions growth, connection and positive change.

Our next LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum is celebrating International Women’s Day and is all about ‘Owning Your Space’. How do you own your space?

I own my space by staying consistently excited, embracing new experiences, challenges, bringing authenticity and a better version of myself to the workplace every day. I approach my work with an eagerness to continuously learn and grow.

I'm privileged to work for the Rural City of Murray Bridge, where diversity is celebrated, and employees are encouraged to push boundaries in their journey for growth. This supportive environment has helped me find my rhythm in owning my space.

What is the most important part about holding connections with other women in local government?

Building strong connections with other women in local government fosters a sense of community, mentorship and empowerment. Having a network of like-minded professionals creates a space to share experiences, navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

What do you do with yourself in your spare time?

Since I was young, I have always loved the outdoors. To disconnect and recharge I usually yearn for big open spaces and the long open road, with a good playlist in my ear. I also love art, I haven't found the time to paint recently, but I fill this cup by exploring galleries and discovering new artists when I travel. 

This month we spoke with Mike Ravnö, Director — Development & Community, Adelaide Plains Council, about his career journey so far, his involvement in our General Managers and Directors Network, and what he's looking forward to as part of the Executive Leaders Program this year.

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

My role is Director — Development & Community. I have worked in local government for 25 years. I started in the Field Staff team at the City of Playford in 1999, before moving indoors and taking a position as Technical Officer Traffic. With further part-time studies under my belt, I progressed from Traffic to Land Development and from Mitcham Council to the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. After a brief hiatus in the private sector at a consulting engineering company, I joined the Adelaide Plains Council as Asset Engineer in 2019. I then undertook a role as a Group Manager for a period, before being appointed as Director Development & Community in November 2023.

You have attended a few of our Network Forums. What’s been the most valuable thing you’ve learnt from the General Managers and Directors Network?    

Networking with peers has been the best part of attending the Network Forums. Being relatively new to the executive management level in local government, I am always interested to hear about similar issues that are being faced at the executive level, by other councils. I have also enjoyed the content of the Network Forums, particularly those focused on challenges facing the local government sector in general.

You’re also joining us this year in the Executive Leaders Program (XLP)! What are you most looking forward to?    

I am super excited to be taking part in XLP 2025. I am keen to explore and understand complex problem-solving techniques, in order to equip myself to embrace necessary change, using effective strategies. Innovative leadership in local government is fundamental to fostering a healthy team-focused culture, where everyone enjoys and celebrates the achievements of each team member.

Why is professional development important to you?    

Professional development is essential to address complex challenges, enhance leadership skills, and drive organisational success. It equips leaders with tools for strategic thinking, effective communication, and decision-making in a dynamic environment. Being relatively new to executive management, I feel that professional development is critical for me to expand my thinking and leadership impact.

Tell us something about you that we don’t know?

In 1996, I coached Prince Harry in the Under 11”B” cricket team at Ludgrove School in Berkshire, England, where I was working, during my backpacking years. I also taught him how to throw a "frisbee”! He was actually a remarkably down-to-earth kid.

This month we spoke with Bree Moore, Horticulturalist, City of Charles Sturt, about her career journey so far, her biggest takeaways from the 2024 LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference, and her favourite native plant in the City of Charles Sturt.

How long have you been in local government and what is your role?

I have been in local government for close to a year and a half now and work as a Horticulturist for the City of Charles Sturt. In my role, I maintain parks and garden spaces for the local community and find it super rewarding. 

In November, you attended the Women’s Network Conference: The Power of Belonging on a Field Staff Scholarship, which was a first-of-its-kind scholarship made available through LG Professionals SA. What was your biggest takeaway from the day?

Being selected for this scholarship was amazing, I definitely took a lot from the day. These events help build a sense of purpose and direction in terms of our development and are such a great opportunity to network with women in local government (especially field staff) and see what the bigger picture might look like.

My biggest takeaway was learning the importance of taking intentional actions towards our overall wellbeing and how showing up for that extra 1% in our day-to-day lives can really make a significant impact both personally and professionally. 

What’s your favourite native plant that you work with in your role?

That is definitely a hard question as I could talk about native plants all day. I’d say one of the more underrated plants that I love is actually the native coastal grass spinifex. 

It is unique in the fact that its root system is quite deep, it is fast growing and super hardy. It can withstand the harsh coastal conditions and acts as a stabiliser in the dunes which is great to help control some of the erosion issues we face along the coast. It is an important plant for our role in protecting and increasing the biodiversity of the area.

What are your career goals?

At the moment I’m enjoying the role that I am in currently and want to continue to grow within this space. In saying this I am interested in doing further studies and moving into a leadership role in the future. 

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? 

My time outside of work is generally spent doing something active either walking, going to the gym or yoga. I love travelling and being outside but also love to stay inside and binge watch tv shows. It’s about balance, right? 

This month we spoke with David Waters, Director Environment and Infrastructure, Adelaide Hills Council, about his career journey, his participation in the Executive Leaders Program the same year he was Acting CEO, his key takeaways from the General Managers and Directors Network Forum, and his picks for when you're in the hills.

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

I've been in local government for 20 years (never, ever did I think I'd be saying that!) and have led a range of functions from community development to economic development and parks management to infrastructure planning. I'm currently Director Environment and Infrastructure at Adelaide Hills Council following 10 years as Director Community Capacity.

With LG Professionals SA, you completed the Executive Leaders Program across 2022, and in the same year, you were Acting CEO at Adelaide Hills Council. What learnings from the program assisted you during this period of change and opportunity?

The Executive Leaders Program was one of the best leadership development programs I've done, and I was able to draw on so many of the learnings when I was Acting CEO. The program teaches you a range of systematic and logical ways to approach complex issues but also draws upon the forces of human nature and encourages participants to be open and sharing.

There were loads of 'ideas for rent' but the best thing about doing the course was meeting a whole bunch of sector colleagues I'd never otherwise have come across. I've since called upon many of them for ideas, advice and guidance.

You recently attended the LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum: Hot Topic Hub, what was your biggest takeaway from the Forum?

The General Managers and Directors Network is always a hive of ideas and creativity. There was a really interesting topic on AI and we started wondering how it would look if we started letting AI systems actually make decisions for us, not just write reports with analysis and recommendations. Could AI one day replace the elected body?!

We also workshopped elected member and staff relations and ways of remaining focussed on big picture thinking ahead of the small stuff.

You were a Board Member for Adelaide Hills Tourism – what’s somewhere/something we have to check out when we’re in the hills?

I always encourage people to take the road less travelled, so start by taking a different route into the Hills than the one you'd normally take. Stop at a roadside produce or craft stall. Have lunch and a sip at a winery in Lenswood and then head on to Australia's newest cultural centre, the Fabrik arts and heritage hub in the old Onkaparinga Woollen Mill Museum at Lobethal. It has a textile art focus in keeping with the woollen mill theme. It's an initiative of Adelaide Hills Council and has just been opened after a two-year redevelopment of the site - a project I was heavily involved with and incredibly proud of.

This month we spoke with Renee Jericho, Manager Finance and Procurement, Town of Gawler, about her role, her recent participation in the Ignite Program, and her insights into how procurement provides for the community.

How long have you been in local government and what is your role?

I have dedicated 10 years to local government, beginning in the Infrastructure and Environment Department at Light Regional Council before moving to the Finance and Procurement Department at Town of Gawler in 2022. With a background in law and commerce, I have developed a strong expertise in local government procurement, contracting and property. My role as Procurement Specialist at the Town of Gawler allowed me to focus on strategic management in procurement, and in July 2024, I was appointed Manager Finance and Procurement. 

Last year you completed the Ignite Program. A year on, how has the program shaped your career?

Just a few months after starting the program, I was offered the opportunity to step into the acting Manager Finance and Procurement role. Although I had always aspired to management, I initially doubted by readiness. The Ignite Program gave me the confidence to take the leap. Throughout the program, I remained in the acting role, applying the skills and knowledge I gained in real time.

What’s something a community member might not know about how your role helps to build their community?

Procurement in local government is about making sure that public money is spent responsibly to deliver the best services, infrastructure, and community programs. Whether it’s building roads, maintaining parks, or delivering essential services like waste collection, procurement ensures we get the best value for the community’s investment.

Guilty pleasure tv show, game, book or hobby?

I have 3 children and a full-time job, so I don’t get a lot of downtime. My guilty pleasure is dinner and drinks with friends, we went to Gin Long Canteen on O’Connell Street recently – amazing! 

This month we spoke with Chloe Brown, Accountant - Financial Management, Yorke Peninsula Council, about her role, her recent participation in the Strategic Management Program, and what's next in her professional development journey.

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

At Yorke Peninsula Council, I’m an Accountant – Financial Management, which means my biggest priorities are long term financial plans, budgets and general financial tasks. This year, I also had the opportunity to assist with Councils’ rate review process. My direct reports in this role include an Accounts Payable Officer, and a Finance Officer, so my weeks are usually quite interesting and diverse. My time in council has spanned eleven years and counting.

You recently participated in the LG Professionals SA Strategic Management Program; how would you describe your experience?

The Strategic Management Program was a great experience, with a balanced mix of in person learning and virtual learning, which was very helpful to me as a regional attendee. We had an excellent group of people, all with diverse backgrounds and roles within our respective council’s; this allowed for even more learning opportunities from my peers themselves. The topics we covered in the program were relevant to local government and flowed together beautifully.

What’s your biggest takeaway from the program? What advice would you give to others considering this program?

My biggest takeaway was to push my thinking to consider things from all sides - not everything can come down to dollars and cents (which is how my world works a lot), to think strategically, and to use the tools available to further your thinking. The Strategic Management Program provides different tools and perspectives to assist with this. You will also have the opportunity to think differently from the relationships you form with others participating in the program. One of the most valuable things about this program was not only learning from the lecturers, but from each other as well.

Give it a shot, even if you only take away a few learnings, you will gain great connections from those who are on the journey with you. My only advice is to take a considered approach to the planning and time required for assignments, as it can take a lot but is worth it in the end.

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

To take opportunities as they arise, continue to grow, and to develop as a person and an employee.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I really enjoy reading, walking my dog, Bess, and enjoying the outdoors. I’m also passionate about playing and watching sport and spending time with my friends and family. 

This month we spoke with Josh Fraser, Aquatic Services Team Leader, City of Tea Tree Gully, about his role, winning the Australasian Management Challenge and what's next for him. 

How long have you been in local government and what is your role?

I have been in local government in the role of Aquatic Services Team Leader at Waterworld Aquatic Centre for over two years, starting out with the City of Tea Tree Gully as a casual at Waterworld in 2017. As a part of my role, I am responsible for overseeing 50+ Lifeguards and Duty Managers, while ensuring the operations, safety standards and cleanliness of our facility are up to standard.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day varies depending on the time of year. As I am based at Waterworld Aquatic Centre, during the summertime I am fully focussed on our operational requirements - maintaining a safe facility through the leadership of our lifeguard team, ensuring effective pool supervision, maintaining a clean facility and ensuring water quality is within acceptable ranges.

Being Adelaide’s largest and busiest outdoor centre, Waterworld can have up to 3,000 patrons within the facility at one time. It is our mission that every person who exits the centre leaves as happy and healthy as they entered.

During winter, it is all about preparation for the summer season. Through this time, I organise and oversee maintenance on the facility, review and implement training plans and procedures, and any other professional development associated with my role.

You participated in the Local Government Management Challenge this year. After winning the State Challenge your team ‘LeGully Blonde’ represented SA at the Australasian Management Challenge Final earlier this month, where you were crowned joint National Champions! Congratulations on the win, can you share some reflections from this experience?

The overall experience at both State and National Challenges were amazing! The state event was a bit of “going into the unknown”, however, our entire team came together and prepared incredibly well. We knew part of our success would come from putting in a clear structure from the word “GO”, with weekly meetings, training and development and mock challenges all scheduled in advance. Tuesday afternoons became our “Management Challenge Afternoon”.

We went in confident, yet hesitant about what the day may bring, but once the challenges dropped the team worked so well together, stuck to our process and were rewarded a month later at the LG Professionals SA 23^rd Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. It was an incredible feeling at the time, with the underlying tone of “we’re going to have to do it all again”.

As a team of naturally high achievers, we were confident that our process worked and focused on further developing our knowledge gaps in the buildup to the National Challenge. The City of Tea Tree Gully and our respective teams were so supportive and allowed us to pack in as much development and cross collaboration from as many aspects of council as we could into the couple of months before we jetted off to Brisbane.

Once there, you could just see why each team won their respective State, Territory or New Zealand competition. Each team represented their state with flair, and there was a Welcome Reception the day before the Challenge, so we were able to spend time getting to know one another and connect in a very unique circumstance.

Whilst the tasks at Nationals were more difficult than States, and with more strategic elements, the team settled into the rhythm of the day and worked diligently to their strengths. We finished the day exhausted, content and with no idea of how we went.

At the presentation lunch the next day, the team and I waited in anticipation for the results. Knowing how fierce the competition was, we were content with the achievement of making it to Nationals and as the first team from the City of Tea Tree Gully to ever do so. When we were announced as joint winners, the feeling of excitement and relief was immense!

Reflecting back on the whole process, I’m proud and grateful for the incredible opportunity to develop my leadership skills and understanding of the diversity of issues and tasks that local government encounters on a day-to-day basis - winning both titles was just a nice cherry on top! However, the credit must go to the rest of the LeGully Blonde team - each member was integral to our success. As a team, we were strong and as a team we were able to achieve success.

What would be your advice to others thinking of participating in the Management Challenge?

Sign up and get your name in the draw! If you’re relatively new to council, this opportunity allows for such a quick learning process into the intricacies of local government. It challenges you to step into areas foreign to you and your role yet has a variety of tasks to also allow individuals to show their skills and talents in their respective roles.

If you do get the opportunity to do this challenge, make sure you go in with an open mind and the flexibility to turn your hand to whatever task you may be given. Make sure to put your full effort into it, and by doing that, you will get the best results individually and as a collective.

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

My next step is to finish my university degree! I have ten weeks left and I am looking forward to having that off my plate.

I also aspire to look into a couple of additional short courses in the aquatic training realm, before most likely going on to study a Masters, part time, while I continue at the City of Tea Tree Gully.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am a triathlete and adventure athlete, so love the outdoors, training and competing. I have Ironman Western Australia coming up in December, so training is just about building back up to full force in the next couple of months.

I also enjoy spending time with my fiancé, friends and family - we’re very active so love spending time paddle boarding, going on coffee rides/walks/runs, and heading up to the river when I get the opportunity.

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.

This month we spoke with Andrew Hall, Arborist, Tree Maintenance, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, about his role, professional development and what's next for him. 

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

I have worked in local government for four and a half years. In my current role as an arborist, I lead and participate in the maintenance of our city’s trees within our parks, gardens, and sporting grounds. I also contribute to the community by making our city cleaner, safer, and a better place to live and work.

You are part of the recently formed LG Professionals SA Field Services Development Working Group. Can you share with us the aim of this working group and why you wanted to be involved?

The Field Services Development Working Group aims to provide guidance, advice, and support to LG Professionals SA in communicating with and curating relevant opportunities for field staff employees. I joined this working group because I am passionate about improving field staff knowledge and skills. If we can help and support field staff by providing a wider variety of training and exposing them to a broader scope of local government, it will benefit them in their current positions and future roles they aspire to. This would be advantageous for both the field staff and the council they work for.

You participated in the Australasian Management Challenge this year. How would you describe your experience? What was your biggest takeaway?

When I applied and was accepted into the management challenge team for my council, I didn’t know what to expect. However, after completing the event, I realised it was the best decision. It helped me build confidence, gain knowledge, and meet other people to learn from. The experience on the day was a significant learning curve, with the pressure of completing tasks in short time frames, the excellent teamwork among all teams, and the support everyone provided to each other. It felt like a safe place to step out of your comfort zone.

The biggest takeaway from the management challenge is the confidence, knowledge, and further opportunities it has given me, such as participating in the Field Services Development Working Group.

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

I am currently pursuing a Diploma in Leadership Management to enhance my leadership skills and assist in applying for future leadership roles within the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council. Additionally, I plan to undertake a Diploma in Arboriculture to further my knowledge of the arboriculture industry.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

The most important thing I enjoy is spending time with my kids and my partner. I also have a passion for toy collecting, especially Star Wars, MOTU, Wrestling, and Hot Wheels. I like to go to toy fairs, swap meets, and hunt for that piece I am looking to add to my collection. You could call me a bit of a nerd.