We recently spoke with Doreen von Linde of The Barossa Council about her role as Barossa Bushgardens Natural Resource Centre Coordinator.

What’s your role and how long have you worked in local government?

I am the Natural Resource Centre Coordinator at the Barossa Bushgardens and have started in this role in February 2020, a few weeks before the first Covid lockdowns, making it a very interesting first few months.

My role is to manage and maintain the 7ha native display gardens as well as
environmental education. My position is funded by The Barossa Council and Green Adelaide. I deliver workshops, addressing environmental and sustainability topics and work with a variety of stakeholders, including schools, landholders, other
environmental organisations, Aboriginal nations, businesses, across councils and Landscape Boards.

What does a typical day look like for you in this role?

Tuesday and Thursday are our volunteer days. Our Nursery Coordinator and I
currently manage 40 volunteers that help us with site maintenance as well as nursery production. In the mornings we catch up with everyone to assign the tasks. If we get a chance, we support the teams doing the work. From Autumn until now, the site team has been able to focus on adding around 1500 native plants to the gardens as the dry weather has kept weeds from growing. That has changed over the last few weeks and we now work on weeding, pruning, irrigation and path maintenance. Often, we have visiting groups taking garden tours or Traditional Uses Trail tours, learning about
edible plants and their medicinal uses and I am glad I have some fantastic tour guides.

Wednesday and Friday are the days where we have team and management meetings or workshops. These can cover a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to) frogs, native bees, habitat gardening, bird ID, edible weeds, mushrooms, wicking beds, composting and worm farming. Most workshops are held on site and I love to make them hands-on to support learning and information retention. I understand that it can be challenging for some schools to organise transport and at times we visit schools as far away as Clare and Gawler to run workshops with Aboriginal students and children with different abilities.

What important lessons have you learnt over the years?

Having a great team around you and being supported by the other departments within council makes my job amazing. Here at the BBG we are a great team with our direct line manager being super supportive. Going further up, management is challenging our thinking in a good way, broadening our horizon and pushing us to learn and adapt.

Our volunteers are the most important people and without them the Bushgardens simply would not exist. I find it very important to listen to their ideas and make sure they are involved in any new developments and changes. Our teams are very passionate and having them involved ensures they are dedicated and take
ownership. 

What is your proudest career moment?

There is not only one, but probably about five! I will only go into two of them though. The first is the development of our Food for the Soul Community Garden. We organise activities for people with different disabilities as well as dementia and during the lockdowns in 2020, these were suspended. As a result, and to do something about this in case it ever happens again, I invited five local disability and mental health support groups to help develop an inclusive and accessible
community garden. We now have 8 wicking beds of which four are wheelchair
accessible and four large enough for people to plant or harvest standing up.
The garden has a shelter and wheelchair-friendly table setting and is used by the community regularly.

The second thing I am proud of is the organising of our first ever Barossa
Bushgardens Bush School sessions during the last school holidays. We invited up to 10 kids from 8 to 12 years of age to learn about fire and food, including fire safety, fire
starting methods and native food plants in the first session, and birds, traditional
shelters and tools in the second session. On both days we had the children for 4 - 5 hours gaining knowledge and skills in different survival techniques, including
orienteering and having a better understanding about how Aboriginal people managed to thrive in the Australian environment.

What do you like to do outside of work?  

After work I’ll usually have a play with my children and finish the night with a book. Weekends are three days long for me and our family either spends it hiking, at the beach, with friends or in our own garden, which has grown into a beautiful little
paradise since we started planting ten years ago. My husband and I home school and we use all the above mentioned activities and other opportunities to instil a deep love of the environment and learning into our children. My six-year-old is not great in math but knows a few scientific names of plants and can name most native animals without hesitation!

We recently spoke with Corna Kotze from City of Adelaide about her role as Senior Consultant - Corporate & Community Property and her career to date. What’s your role and how long have you worked in local government? I am the Senior Advisor, Corporate and Commercial Property at the City of Adelaide. I am responsible for leading a team and managing the council’s commercial, retail, and corporate property portfolios. I also oversee the management of commercial contracts. I have had the privilege to work in local government for more than 25 years, commencing as an in-house lawyer for the City of Tshwane (Pretoria, South Africa). My first role in local government in Australia was with the City of Onkaparinga in their property department. I will be forever grateful for the ‘work family’ that supported me in adjusting to my new home. It was with a heavy heart that I moved on to a new and exciting opportunity. The City of Adelaide relies significantly on commercial income to support community service delivery with a large commercial leasing portfolio. In 2013, I dived into my new challenge, taking responsibility for their Commercial, Corporate and Residential Leasing portfolio. What an amazing role: negotiating and structuring leases, ensuring that we grow ‘the pie’ instead of dividing it, and fostering good relationships with tenants, contributing to their success. I am blessed to lead a knowledgeable and supportive team. When you commenced your career, did you anticipate that you would end up in local government? Not for a moment. Life is the sum of the decisions we make. I studied law with the sole intention of becoming a criminal or litigation lawyer. Advice from a mentor was to invest in an alternative area of law in case, heaven forbid, I did not enjoy criminal law. I wisely chose property law and conveyancing. Criminal law is a tough gig that robbed me of my humanity, and disillusioned, I turned away to pursue a career in property. What an enjoyable ride! Property is interesting, diverse, and challenging. Never a dull moment. What is your proudest career moment? A question like this makes you stop and think. We do not take time to celebrate our successes. Fortunately, there were many successes, ranging from successful lease and contract negotiations, resolving complex competing interests of stakeholders, to appearing before court and tribunals representing the council’s interests. However, my most cherished moments of my career are the positive contributions I have made to my peers and team through advice and mentoring, focusing on upskilling and empowerment. What important lessons have you learnt over the years? Your reputation is everything. Do not compromise your values. Do not promise what you cannot deliver. You have taken others you work with under your wing and helped them to feel comfortable in their role and even mentored colleagues – why do you feel this is important? We have all experienced the unknown of a new workplace, wondering ‘who is who…’ If you help new colleagues find their feet, then they are independent and productive sooner, and definitely happier. Knowledge is power, but it is not there for you to hoard and use to manipulate people. Knowledge increases the more you share it. Why would you not give your time to mentor colleagues? Yes, it takes time and energy. However, it is rewarding, and I have learned valuable lessons from my mentees. What better legacy than to be a part of shaping tomorrow’s leaders? Many of my mentees moved into senior roles in local and state government, and the private sector. Seeing people grow, blossom, and in turn pay it forward makes me feel like a proud parent. Go forth and conquer! What do you like to do outside of work? Relationships are key in my work and private life. I receive energy from those around me. My favourite activity is meeting up with friends and family. My preferred holiday is cruising; nothing beats travel in comfort with good food, cocktails, and entertainment. The feeling of indulgence.

We recently spoke with Emma Rennie from Town of Gawler about her role as Manager Information, Records and Business Improvement and her career to date.

What’s your role and what does it entail?

My role as Manager of Information, Records and Business Improvement is multifaceted. It encompasses various responsibilities for managing organisational information, records, technology and business processes to support efficiency, compliance and effectiveness. As a service provider, my role has a strong focus on customer service, user experience and people management.

What was it like breaking into the IT world, a male dominated industry, and what enticed you to follow that career path?

Post-university studies, I started my career in my chosen field of Multimedia and Information Management, working with education departments to program online learning courses. I've always been interested in the arts and technology, so my career path began as a natural progression. Early in my career, I found myself in many creative roles with graphic designers, animators, programmers, and film production staff, all of which were made up of an even mix of both male and female staff. It wasn't until a few years later when I took on more IT-focused roles, that I noticed that there were fewer women in the industry. At times, this presented unique challenges, but it also offered opportunities for growth and innovation. Building confidence and advocating for yourself have been essential skills for navigating these challenges. In the past, I have experienced gender pay gaps and disparities and challenges juggling children and work commitments. I feel that the sector has grown substantially over the years and that the workplace has become more flexible and inclusive by recognising the challenges faced by women within the workforce.

What is one of your proudest career moments?

Being asked to speak at a major conference in Brisbane was a highlight of my career. However, watching the careers of those I have worked with grow has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. This reinforces the value and importance of mentorship and highlights the impact it can have on individual growth and development.

Who or what has inspired you in your career? I've been very fortunate to have some outstanding female leaders throughout my career who have always inspired me. They've not only demonstrated what's possible for women in the workplace but have also provided valuable guidance, mentorship and support as I've navigated my own career journey. By fostering a supportive network and community of women in the workplace, you can help empower the next generation of female leaders and contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your role? My advice for someone starting in my role would be to cultivate confidence in your abilities and advocate for yourself and your ideas. Be bold, speak up, contribute your perspectives and assert your value in team or professional discussions. Proactively seek career advancement opportunities, whether by taking on challenging projects or exploring lateral moves that broaden your skills and experiences. Most importantly, you should be a kind and empathetic leader and invest in the culture and people surrounding you. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work I have a creative family life and enjoy being a mother of two children. My spare time is spent wood-turning, leather working, managing a band and producing a collaborative arts performance.

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.