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.

We caught up with one of this year’s Emerging Leaders Program cohort, Aaron Curtis, Team Leader Planning, Development Services at City of Salisbury to find out how he's finding the program.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I’d heard really good things about the program from Local Government colleagues and the opportunity presented itself at Salisbury and I just had to take it on. I wanted to challenge myself and get myself out of my comfort zone and it was the perfect time to give it a go. I’m so glad I took it on, the program has a good balance of theory-based learning from very experienced staff from UniSA as well as practical application to Local Government. Despite what Covid has thrown up, the program was really well organised and was adjusted to suit the circumstances.

The most recent module focused on sustainability – what were some of the takeaways from this module?

The key takeaway for me was that Local Government can and does play a significant role in supporting sustainable communities, environmentally, socially, and economically.  Local Government is more relevant than ever in supporting sustainable communities.  The module had some really good speakers that spoke to the work the Local Government sector is taking to deliver sustainable communities such as the proposed investment in a new material recovery facility by the Cities of Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield that will support recovery of co-mingled recycling generated in these communities while at the same time reducing the cost profile for these Councils.  The module evoked some really good discussion from a range of speakers.

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

The program has been really challenging and it does require some commitment both during work hours and after hours.  I’m looking forward to taking a break and spending time with family from what has been a very challenging year.  That said, the program has given me the chance to connect with so many new Local Government employees and I look forward to keeping in touch with my new friends. The program has also left a lasting impression on me in terms of my appreciation of the business and psychological theory behind some of my practical learning that I’ve gained working in a leadership role in Local Government the past 5 years.  It has given me the appetite to take on further business studies.

We caught up with one of this year’s Emerging Leaders Program cohort, Sandra Mann, Development Support Officer, City Development at Mount Barker District Council to find out how she's finding the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I expressed interest in taking part in the program last year, as did 5 other people within my council - who couldn't sponsor all of us.  When the program was offered again this year, again I put my hand up, as I feel continually learning within the workplace is beneficial for not only myself but also the organisation, and really felt it was time for me to study again.

Many of my Council's previous cohorts also highly recommended the program, being a fantastic opportunity to meet and work with other people from other councils, how it was a great hands on experience when it comes to learning transferable leaderships skills.

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

Change is something that is very real within any workplace and organisation, probably now more than ever with the challenges thrown our way this year, and the impending changes within the LGA due to the SA Planning portal (yes, I work in the Planning Department!)

I found this module was a great reminder that everyone deals with change differently, to continually check in with the rest of your team and workmates to 'see how they are travelling'.

I found the stages of change really interesting, how this cycle works for everyone, and how everyone can be at different steps during the whole process.  Also was great to talk through how good leaders can help implement and guide the change process, so everyone feels involved and engaged in the process, also acknowledging there will be negativity.  Giving us skills, tools and knowledge to overcome this effectively, and the confidence to do so.

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

After having to start out with a few of our modules being zoom sessions, I wasn't sure how this was going to go, but I enjoyed the challenge of the first assignment where we analysed our own strengths and weaknesses, identifying how I can improve my own leadership skills and style. 

The module presentations were a great learning curve, from the perspective from working with people that you hadn't met before - straight after analysing your own working styles and preferences, but also a great information sharing opportunity when the other groups presented.  
Looking forward, I am keen to further develop my own skills and knowledge through the learnings and this self-reflection, having the ability and confidence to put these in practice due to the program. 

I am also looking forward to finishing off the program in person, finalising our group assignment and delivering our group presentation to the rest of the cohort and invited guests in person, and of course seeing the other cohorts’ presentations.

We caught up with one of this year’s Emerging Leaders Program cohort, Nick Noack, Operations Business Manager at District Council of Yankalilla to find out how he's finding the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to participate in the Management Challenge. I got a lot out of the program and it sparked an interest in career development and progression. One of the things that really resonated with myself was a lot of the CEOs and Executives that spoke, and I have since spoken to, participated in the Emerging Leaders Program. It was these conversations which lead me to look further into the program and decide to participate after seeing the value they gain from it.

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

I enjoyed the Rural Perspective Module. It was really interesting to learn how sporting hubs and community groups were so integral to sustainability of rural communities. With these facilities and groups being a key indicator to the health of a community and the impacts rural communities are experiencing with reducing populations. My biggest takeaway for the day was around attracting industry to the rural areas. It wasn’t necessary attracting the industry but attracting a workforce skilled enough to support industry and growth. How the shortage of skilled workers, professionals and executives in the regions inhibits industry growth, with businesses struggling to recruit the right people with the skill set for the job. The flow on effects then impacts economic growth and exacerbates the decline of population in the regions as people move to find work.

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

This year’s program, as with the rest of the nation, has been impacted by the Covid-19 Restrictions. We have had to undertake some of the modules via Zoom to meet with social distancing requirements. While this has been a valuable experience presenting opportunities such as how we meet each other for group work, and should be a part of the program going forward. With restrictions beginning to lift it will give the emerging leaders cohort a chance to meet face to face and engage with our peers in person. So as the program progresses, in addition to the content, I am looking forward to building on the networking opportunities going forward.