We caught up with one of this year's Emerging Leaders cohort, Simon Keller, Team Leader Horticulture at City of Tea Tree Gully to find out how he found the program.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?
I signed up for the Emerging Leaders Program to further develop myself both personally and professionally, and give myself the best opportunity to further my leadership aspirations.

A recent module focused on sustainability – what were some of your takeaways from this? I found the module very interesting, and it was great to see how both public and private partnerships can work so successfully. The waste recycling facility was very impressive, it was quite an eye opener seeing just how much rubbish gets sorted and recycled.

What was your biggest take away from the program?
I found the opportunity to learn more about myself, my personality and preferences as both a leader and team member very insightful. I am able to use that information to target what I perceive to be my weaknesses, but to also improve and build upon my strengths both personally and professionally.

We caught up with one of this year's Emerging Leaders cohort, Madeleine Brookes, Tourism Officer at City of Mount Gambier to find out how she's finding the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I’ll admit, before starting my tourism role with the City of Mount Gambier I had very limited knowledge about local government. It was only once I started that I began to learn about how passionate the sector was. I found myself looking to build my understanding of local government and increase my confidence and ability to work well within it. So, when I saw the opportunity to participate in the ELP I knew it would be the perfect fit.

The most recent module focused on Media and Engagement – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

In this session, we had some great discussions with a range of speakers. We explored the challenges that Councils face when communicating and attempting to connect with their community; the changing landscape and technology that impacts the way Councils use media; the opportunities Councils can use to better engage with media representatives and strengthen relationships; and how Councils can effectively engage all segments of the community including those who are diverse and vulnerable

We caught up with one of this year's Emerging Leaders cohort, Craig Mudge, Manager Corporate Services at District Council of Mount Remarkable to find out how he's finding the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I had been interested in the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) for a couple of years, however it wasn’t until I was appointed to my current role that I took a proper look at the program. The opportunity to build on my confidence and further develop my leadership skills in a program tailored for the Local Government sector was one that I just couldn’t pass up.

I did have some reservations, in particular the time and travel commitment, but the feedback and encouragement I received from others from regional Councils who had participated made it a no brainer.

A huge shout out to my CEO and my amazing team for their support in me taking on this opportunity!

The most recent module focused on leading through change – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

The leading through change topic facilitated by Dr Marguerite Kolar focussed on change leadership, change management, the impact of change on people and their reactions, and how leaders can help all during periods of change.

We were given insights and aids into skills of change leaders, including how to take everyone on the journey and how to be enthusiastic, genuine and sincere about circumstances surrounding change.

My main takeaway was the importance of active listening, always keeping the communication lines open and persevere.

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

We’re getting towards the end of the ELP now, so I’m keen to work with my group on finalising our group project, as well as taking in the final modules on sustainability and integration.

On a side note – our Council has entered the Rural Management Challenge for the first time, and I will be the Team Mentor. I am looking forward to supporting the team as they navigate the challenge in November. Go Team Remarkable!

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

I’m really looking forward to seeing what each of the groups put forward for the final group project. We are really passionate about our topic and can’t wait to see what the rest of the groups have been working on.

We caught up with one of this year's Emerging Leaders cohort, Sally Bartlett, Information Management Lead - Operations at City of Charles Sturt to find out how she's finding the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

Following a transition to a new team and team leader position, I saw the Emerging Leaders Program as an opportunity to increase my knowledge and understanding of local government and further develop my leadership skills and confidence, in order to become a more effective and valuable leader within my portfolio and the wider Charles Sturt team.

The most recent module focused on ‘A Rural Perspective’ – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

Firstly, as someone who has only worked for a metropolitan council, it was interesting to learn about the different challenges facing rural councils and how they manage these through sharing of resources with neighbouring councils.

I was also surprised to hear that regional communities place higher expectations on senior leadership staff representing council at community events etc, whereas in my experience this has predominately been the role of the Elected Members in metropolitan councils (in most instances).

We caught up with one of this year's Emerging Leaders cohort, Dayle Arblaster, Business Support Officer - Corporate Services & Innovation at City of Mitcham to find out how he's finding the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

As someone who is relatively new to the sector, I saw the Emerging Leaders Program as a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Local Government. It represented a chance to meet with like-minded peers from across the sector, understand the challenges they are facing, and learn from their experiences with new ideas and approaches. The Uni SA modules offered through the program were also of interest as leadership concepts around leading change and shaping culture are particularly important in a Local Government context.

What was your biggest takeaway from the opening retreat?

During the opening retreat of the 2021 program the participants enjoyed getting to know each other and understanding more of what to expect as the program progresses. For me, the biggest takeaway was that leaders must constantly check in on their assumptions, not only about the environment and those around them but themselves. Leaders need to seek contrary data to challenge their assumptions and beliefs to see things from a different perspective and explore new approaches. This is particularly important within the ever-changing sector we all operate in.

What is your advice for someone who is thinking of undertaking this program in 2021?

Go in with an open mind and willingness to learn and grow. The program is well organised and beneficial for anyone working in Local Government.

We caught up with one of this year’s Emerging Leaders Program cohort, Laura Gamble, Senior Records Management & Accredited FOI Officer at Town of Gawler to find out how she found the program.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I was considering undertaking some kind of leadership course, I just hadn’t chosen one yet when my Team Leader suggested the ELP, and I’m so glad she did. The program has been fantastic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about their next step in leadership.

Can you give us your top three highlights from the program? 

I think the first highlight would have to be our first face-to-face module. This doesn’t sound very exciting, but during the year of COVID-19 we have learnt to appreciate the little things! After only communicating through zoom for so long we finally got to put personalities to faces and our cohort just clicked.

Secondly, the Leading Change module, facilitated by Marguerite Kolar at the UniSA City West Campus, was my personal favourite. Change is a part of life and although there will always be those who resist the change, through this program, we have now been given the tools on how to overcome resistance and keep moving forward, making sure no one is left behind.

Lastly, our recent overnight stay at the Monastery, which included our presentations, graduation and final module was a fantastic way to conclude the year. We were able to celebrate the completion of the program while also reflecting on the past 7 months. It also gave us a chance, as a cohort, to further strengthen our bonds and networks for the future. I’m very grateful to have been given this opportunity.

What is your advice for someone who is thinking of undertaking this program in 2021?

Absolutely do it. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain! It has given me knowledge outside of what I can learn in the workplace while also opening doors for further study opportunities. Tahlia and the LG Professionals SA team have done an outstanding job this year keeping the program running, and I can’t wait to see it further influence the actions of many other hopeful leaders, much like myself.