We recently spoke with Jennifer Fleming from the City of Holdfast Bay, to hear more about her role and interest in the Network.

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

My current role is Strategy and Governance Lead. I’ve worked in local government for four years, and since joining the City of Holdfast Bay, I’ve been honoured to receive two peer-nominated awards recognising my commitment to exceptional service delivery.

What’s the most beneficial aspect of being a member of the Business Performance and Improvement Network?

I find the most beneficial aspect to be the shared learning environment - hearing firsthand how other councils are enhancing their services and processes. These insights not only inspire new ways of thinking but also help identify practical improvements we can apply to deliver more efficient and customer-focused outcomes.

What’s your favourite performance or improvement work / life hack?

My go-to improvement hack is questioning whether a task or process adds real value. If not, I find a smarter or leaner way to achieve the same outcome - whether that’s through automation, simplification, or combining efforts. It’s a simple mindset shift that consistently saves time and money.

I’ve also had the privilege of reporting to inspirational and successful women throughout my career - Alana Martin, Ania Karzek, and Pamela Jackson - whose leadership has shaped how I think about improvement and efficiency. Having such great teachers has truly been one of the secrets to my own success. 

What do you do with yourself in your spare time?

I have a strong desire to step into a leadership role, drawing on my extensive experience across state and local government, political environments, and customer-focused roles. These experiences have shaped my strategic mindset and strong “can-do” attitude, both in supporting my peers and serving the community. I’m driven to make the most of each day - professionally and personally. Outside of work, I’m passionate about fitness and train daily at The Yard in Somerton Park. I’ve been lifting weights for the past year, and while I’m naturally competitive and love my cardio, my trainers have helped me shift my focus from competition to personal growth - setting meaningful goals and striving for continuous improvement.