We recently spoke with Emma Grivell from City of Charles Sturt about her role as Business Engagement Advisor and her career to date.

What’s your role and what does it entail?

In my current role as Business Engagement Advisor, in City of Charles Sturt’s Economic Development team, my day-to-day centres around supporting our local business community. Some of the key elements of my role include developing business networking events, creating and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns, promotion of business support initiatives, and creating social media marketing content for business communication channels. Our team also works collaboratively with the Western Adelaide councils to promote our region as a tourism destination.

What is your proudest career moment?

I would have to say accepting a national award in my field – the ‘National Economic Development Australia - Rising Star Leadership Award 2022’. I had accepted many main street awards on behalf of a main street committee or council before, but that one was the cherry on top.

What do you enjoy most about working in local government?

Something I really love about local government is the loyalty and commitment within the industry. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow, through professional development and beyond. I really enjoy collaborating with a variety of departments and councils, which I have found to be a way to learn new things and the many facets of local government.

Who or what has inspired you in your career?

At the start of my career I was really inspired by marketing experts and my inspirations have evolved as my work has. Within local government I have been really inspired by females who have furthered their career and become strategic leaders. Recently I have been inspired by friends, family and peers who have done further study and juggled their working career to do this.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your role?

My roles in local government and economic development have grown and evolved by asking lots of questions and putting my hand up to be involved in projects. My advice would be to say ‘yes’ to new initiatives and projects that take you outside of your comfort zone if starting out in a similar role. I would encourage anyone to learn, study, or attend events outside of work to network and think outside the box.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to exercise at the gym, reformer Pilates or walk my dog outdoors. I like to volunteer at events and assist with marketing for not-for-profits that I’m passionate about such as Business Chicks, Zahra Foundation, and Friends for Good. I enjoy cooking at home but love going out and trying new places to eat and experience.

We recently spoke with Tash Sumner from City of Playford about her role as Human Resource Officer and her career to date.

What’s your role and what does it entail?

As the HR officer, my role looks after recruitment advertising, onboarding, including pre-employment clearances, cross-boarding, including employment changes, exits as well as maintaining current employee clearances and accreditations. I also support the wider team where required. I am also currently supporting the Wellbeing space for City of Playford.

What do you enjoy most about working in local government?

I enjoy engaging with stakeholders in other departments, the different services offered to the local community and being able to partner with the organisation and our people.

What is your proudest career moment?

I started in local government as a Temp early 2017 and then commenced on a contract late 2017 with Customer Contact at the City of Playford. I was then successful in a contract with the HR team late September 2019 and made permanent in February 2021 after a successful interview. I took it upon myself to study my Certificate IV in HR with AHRI in 2020 to gain a qualification while also working on the job and getting the hands on experience. I successfully completed this online through Covid-19 and working full time.

What advice would you give someone starting out in your role?

A new role or industry can be scary, but just to take one step at a time, slow down and learn as much as you can and ask any questions. There are many steps of the process to learn and being adaptable helps to move through the changes successfully.

How do you handle stress and pressure? I am really good at self-reflection in both work and personal life. I can acknowledge when I am feeling tense or stressed and will take note of why I feel this way, how I might make someone else feel and what I need to do to move forward. At work when I am feeling stress or pressure, it helps when I right a task list or use my calendar action things and also take one thing at a time. What courses / books / resources have made an impact on your career? Studying with AHRI (plus their membership and resources) Atomic Habits (Book) Anything that is professional development for my learnings & growth. I like to be pushed out of my comfort zone and try new things. What do you like to do outside of work? I used to compete in Artistic Roller Skating from 7 years old to 20 years old, I Coach still and I am a Mum now, so continuously working on my self-care and how to push through challenges to juggle work and mum-life. I do enjoy the challenge. I love going on walks and also seeing family and friends. Any excuse to drink coffee (ahaha).

We recently spoke with Heather Barclay from Rural City of Murray Bridge about her role as Acting Chief Executive Officer and her career to date.

What is your proudest career moment?

There are many, but most recently, delivery of the Adelaide Road Linear Park in Murray Bridge. It is not only transformational from a town entrance perspective, but feels like it changes the face of Murray Bridge, for visitors and tourism to the region, and importantly it has created a community place and space for meeting and recreating that did not exist before – the community loves it and is proud their town is changing.

You are currently Acting CEO – congratulations! What does a typical day look like for you in this role?

It’s mostly back to back meetings and focuses on the business of Council and maintaining and building relationships for economy and community wellbeing, towards creating a thriving community. At the moment the work is diverse and has a strategic focus, Strategic Plan Review, Structure Planning as part of our Future Cities Program and of course the Annual Business Plan and Budget process which is more challenging than it has been for some time given the financial environment.

What do you enjoy most about working in local government?

I love working regional!!! At the base-line it is about people, relationships and community – recently the Murray River Floods have shown how important these community relationships are. Mostly, it’s so good to be part of the system that supports local communities directly.

Who or what has inspired you in your career? Good leadership inspires me, it is the key to our growth as individuals and as a community – without it organisations and communities can become stale. What piece of advice would you give to someone with aspirations to move into a leadership role? Treat people well, respect them, value their contribution and they will respond Take opportunities as they arise – it’s how you grow – you don’t need a tight plan Choose who leads you... Work towards TEAM Play always – the opportunities are amazing when you are aligned. What do you like to do outside of work? Spending quality time with my partner Camping / fishing / beach walking Walking, running and cycling for fitness  PS - I like red wine a lot too...

We recently spoke with Sally Bignell from The Barossa Council about her role as an Administration and Technical Support Officer – Infrastructure & Environmental Services. What’s your role and what does it entail? I support senior staff within our different works teams who oversee maintenance, open space, fleet & stores, our depots and other areas. I enjoy having variety in my role, where extreme weather conditions can change the day in a second. When it comes to flooding and fallen trees blocking roads, it is all-hands on deck! My responsibilities include receiving, assigning, and completing customer requests through our Pathway system, as well as providing customer service both over the phone and in-person. I follow up with utilities companies regarding works they’re doing on our roads, order fuel and supplies for the depots, and assist with finance. The guys always introduce me as the depot manager and say it does not run without me; very flattering, but so not true. We have awesome staff at the depot and a very supportive manager, and it is definitely a team effort! What do you enjoy most about working in local government? Few industries combine so many disciplines into one organisation, all working towards the same end goal. You have more to offer than just your qualifications. You speak a local community language and build local networks with people you may not have otherwise met. The work is meaningful because you’re often able to see the results where you make the lives of your neighbours better. What important lessons have you learnt over the years? To create structure in my life that enables me to manage my time better and get things done. Facing the fears that can hold me back from achieving and trying new things. Treating other people as I want to be treated. This can change your whole outlook on life; you will enjoy it more and have less stress which is a lesson worth learning at any age.

What advice would you give someone starting out in your role? My role has grown and changed so much over the almost 17 years I have been here. I am looking forward to new changes which will see me get out of the office more. It is important to learn about the work environment and make a good first impression. Participate in meetings (there are a lot of them) take notes, and offer to help others. Practice good time management, don’t be afraid to ask for help and schedule time for skill development. What do you like to do outside of work? I love to read and spend time with my family and friends. I have three married children and eight grandchildren aged between 10-21. All of them play sports so I spend a lot of time watching them which I enjoy so much. During football and netball season my Saturdays start at 8:30am and finish at 4pm watching games. I walk for fitness in the mornings before work, which makes for a good start to my day. I also enjoy doing the annual stadium stomp at Adelaide Oval; I have completed three, did my first at age 59, and plan on doing it again this year. It really gives me a great sense of achievement!

We recently caught up with June Austin, General Manager - Business and Finance at Light Regional Council and asked her about her experiences with the Women's Network and Committee.

What’s your role and what does it entail?

In my current role as General Manager, Business and Finance, I oversee the finance, information services and organisational development functions at Light Regional Council. Working with multifaced specialist teams we deliver the core corporate functions across council, to ensure legislative compliance, management, employee and community support and sound financial management. One of the most significant projects for Business and Finance this year is the upgrade of council’s Business Enterprise system.

How did you find out about the Women’s Network Committee?

As a member of LG Professionals SA I receive regular emails from the Women’s Network Committee promoting upcoming events such as the annual Women’s Network Conference, Women’s Network forums and annual call for nominations to become a Committee member.

How long have you been in the Women’s Network and what’s your favourite part about the Network?

I attended my first Women’s Network event over 10 years ago - it was the Women’s Network Conference in 2009. My favourite part about this network is having the opportunity to meet other women from diverse fields, backgrounds and stages in their career development. I have also been inspired and encouraged by the guest speakers, who at times, have overcome significant challenges and gone on to achieve fantastic outcomes.

What have you gained/learned as a result of being on the committee? As a member of the Women’s Network Committee I have had the opportunity to provide input into the development and composition of the annual conference and quarterly forums held in 2022. I value the collaborative approach of the committee meetings and have enjoyed listening to the ideas being generated for future committee member’s to take carriage of. What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming Women’s Network Conference ‘Unlock YOU’? So many interesting speakers with subjects aimed at helping us deal with some of our inner negative thoughts and self doubts. I’m sure I will take away strategies from the day that will help me strengthen my approach to dealing with matters both personally and professionally. The call for nominations for the Committee are currently open – what advice would you give to something considering putting their name forward? I strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in contributing to the development of opportunities that benefit women in the local government sector. Committee membership provides the opportunity to engage with like minded people, helps you to develop leadership skills and broaden your professional networks.