WELCOME FROM THE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Welcome to our first LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Newsletter of 2025!

It’s only March, yet our committee is already planning an exciting schedule of events for the year. Each year we set a theme for our events so we can constructively build on an idea and offer different perspectives and tools for you to take away and apply in your own life – be it personally or professionally. This year’s theme is “Embrace”. The theme centres around acknowledging your own lived experiences, skills, and values, and how they’ve shaped you into the person you are today. Throughout the year we’ll explore how we can each accept our own strengths, and that each of us in our own right, can take up space – just as we are.

March 2025
Edition 10

Naomi Molloy
Women's Network Committee Chair
Project Manager Business Systems
City of Unley

Last year, our committee finalised our strategic plan for 2024-26. Our key focus areas are:

• Networking / Connecting
• Influence, Engagement and Support
• Skills and Professional Development
• Balance and Wellness.

We have ongoing and new initiatives to explore to deliver value to you in these areas so watch this space!

I’m thrilled to announce that at our March meeting, Danielle Sommerville was endorsed as our Vice Chair for another 2-year term. Dani has been a wonderful support and passionate advocate for our Women’s Network and always brings strong ideas to our discussions, ensuring no woman gets left behind. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with her guidance and support.

Lastly, if you know of a woman who is new to your organisation or someone who hasn’t yet participated in our events before, please share this newsletter with them and encourage them to activate their membership via this link. We would love to ensure that all women in the sector have access to what we do.

Please enjoy this edition of our Network newsletter and be sure to save the date for our future Forums and annual conference!

Gemma Chambers
Waste Management Officer
City of Mitcham

WELCOME FROM THE COMMITTEE

We have well and truly dived into 2025, with the International Women’s Day Breakfast and our first
LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum for the year under our belts. These events remind us of our worth and that we can own our space – at work, at home, in our sport, or even the dancefloor!

The new year brings some changes to our Women’s Network Committee. We would like to say thank you to the following women who have shared valuable insights, experiences ideas and energy to the Committee during their term:

• Jaimi Bradshaw – City of Onkaparinga
• Katrina Head – City of Mitcham
• Fiona Harvey – City of Port Adelaide Enfield
• Jayme Leis – The Barossa Council
• Melissa Kretschmer – Port Augusta City Council

Excitingly, after receiving plenty of nominations, we welcome new faces to our Women’s Network Committee:

• Sandy Beaton – City of Unley
• Belinda Halling – City of Tea Tree Gully
• Shovana Perera – Rural City of Murray Bridge
• Dani Scuteri – City of Charles Sturt
• Renee Stevens – City of Mitcham

The 2025 Committee is now working together to create an exciting year ahead where we will focus on embracing who you are and the journey you are on.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM: OWNING YOUR SPACE

The LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum, Owning Your Space, brought together nearly 200 attendees in person at Unley Oval and through Zoom online. The day commenced with Emma Grivell and me, the MCs for the day, welcoming everyone and sharing our personal journeys of owning one’s space.

The Forum featured three amazing speakers.

Dr Tiffany De Sousa Machado reminded everyone to ‘own your space, Beyoncé style.’

Julia Grant shared her inspirational story, provided an update from the Champions for Gender Equity Working Group and left the room with a reminder that none of us gets a ‘leave pass’ - our actions in all roles are significant.

Carly Thompson-Barry highlighted the importance of a supportive network, how it influences the journey you take in life and career, and why value alignment in the workplace is crucial.

Our next Forum is taking place on Wednesday 11 June 2025, and we hope to see everyone for another insightful and empowering event. 

Shovana Perera
Communications Officer
Rural City of Murray Bridge

A shoutout to our LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum Regional Hubs for Members in Fleurieu Peninsula at Alexandrina Council and Spencer Gulf at Port Augusta City Council. Our live stream brought together over 20 women for the event. Great super woman poses, Fleurieu Hub!

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY NOW OPEN!
Nominations close Friday 2 May 2025

Nominations are now open for LG Professionals SA Members to apply for a scholarship to join one of our Women’s Leadership Programs - Career Catalyst or Career Navigator.

This scholarship aims to support and empower women to grow in leadership roles within our community, and is generously supported by Daniel Fletcher, General Manager - Community & Liveability, Western Downs Regional Council QLD.

To apply to complete one of these programs through the scholarship, please enter your details through the button below, ensuring that you meet the eligibility of the selected program.

The scholarship will be awarded through a random draw from all eligible applicants, with one scholarship to be awarded.

Nominations close 5:00PM on Friday 2 May 2025. Scholarship recipients must be able to complete the selected program in 2025 or 2026 (dates to be confirmed), and at that time be employed in local government in South Australia. The scholarship is not transferrable. Should the selected program not be on offer in 2025 or 2026, an alternate professional development opportunity of the same investment value will be provided.

We recently spoke with Tammy O'Malley from Coorong District Council about her experience in the
LG Professionals SA Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot, and why you should play an active part in your community.

Hi Tammy, you were involved in our
LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot last year, what was the most valuable aspect of this experience for you as a Mentor?

For me, it was my first official step into mentoring - until then, I had always found myself in more of an 'accidental mentor' role. Having been mentored myself in the past, I felt the time had come to shift gears and begin sharing my insights with others. What I found most valuable in this experience was the opportunity to empower my mentee to trust in her own abilities and truly embrace her role. It was incredibly rewarding to hear her share examples of how she had applied the advice I offered in her projects. My approach to mentoring isn’t necessarily centred around technical skills, but more on fostering adaptability and confidence in the process.

You have been an active participant in your community. What advice can you give our Network for the benefits of being involved in their communities more than just through their roles?

I truly believe that community involvement goes beyond just fulfilling roles - it’s about creating meaningful connections and making a lasting impact. Through my experiences, whether as a Board Member of the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, volunteering with the local hall committee, or founding Slow Down Mate to support mental health in rural and regional areas, I’ve learned that giving back to your community can be deeply rewarding in ways you might not always expect.

My advice to the Network would be to find something that resonates with you personally, something you care deeply about, and offer your time, skills, or voice to it. It’s not just about the roles you hold, but the people you connect with and the change you can help foster. Involvement helps build relationships, encourages learning, and can offer you new perspectives, which are incredibly valuable both personally and professionally. And, sometimes, it's those connections that lead to the most unexpected opportunities. The benefits aren’t always immediate, but the long-term impact of showing up and contributing to your community can be incredibly fulfilling and powerful. 

Holding over 20 years of experience in government including corporate and community development, project and account management, customer engagement, people management and data analysis, what’s been the driving force of your time in our industry?

Over the past 20 years, my driving force in the government sector has been the belief in the positive change we can create for both communities and individuals. Whether through corporate and community development, managing projects or working directly with people, every role I've had has been grounded in the desire to make a tangible impact.

For me, it’s always been about more than just the work itself. It’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and finding ways to address those needs in meaningful ways. The opportunity to bring together data analysis, people management, and customer engagement has allowed me to help shape strategies that truly benefit the community. What keeps me motivated is knowing that no matter the challenge, there’s always the potential to make a difference, especially when we take a collaborative and thoughtful approach to problem-solving.

You know what they say… The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

What’s something you’ve led that you’re most proud of through your role at Coorong District Council?

The Community Sustainability & Resilience program was developed to support local volunteer-led groups and organisations. With volunteering on the decline and a growing need for support, I conducted a needs analysis to identify what was necessary for these groups to remain sustainable and resilient.

The program offered workshops on volunteer retention, grant writing, marketing, governance, cyber security, conflict management, and more. In 2023, we hosted 17 workshops, engaging over 350 participants from nearly 90 local groups and clubs.

It was inspiring to see volunteers actively embrace the program and apply what they learned. The result has been a more confident, engaged volunteer base, stronger connections between the Council and community, and increased external funding. This program continues to motivate and empower communities today.

Our most recent LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum focused on ‘Owning Your Space’, what’s a way that you own your space at work or in life?

Owning my space, both at work and in life, is about staying true to who I am and confidently contributing wherever I am. At work, I strive to bring my authentic self, sharing insights while encouraging others to do the same, creating a space where everyone feels valued. Personally, owning my space means setting boundaries that protect my well-being while supporting others.

It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to step back and having the courage to take up space without apology. Self-advocacy is key- - it’s about speaking up for what you need and deserve. When we own our space, we empower others to do the same.

Tammy O'Malley
Community Development Special Projects Officer
Coorong District Council

By Gemma Chambers, Waste Management Officer, City of Mitcham

In our careers, we often receive advice on workplace behaviour and performance - tips, techniques, and best practices from every direction. But after twenty years in local government, one piece of advice has truly stuck with me. It’s from Amy Cuddy’s 2012 TED Talk on body language and how to positively create and own your space. The insights she shares have resonated with me, and it’s clear I’m not alone - her video has been viewed over 26 million times on YouTube. Clearly, Amy is onto something!

Her message has been a game-changer for me, especially in moments of stress - whether navigating a tough meeting with a colleague or gearing up for a public speaking task. But beyond personal application, it has also given me a deeper understanding of the behaviours and mannerisms of my colleagues, work associates, and even those in leadership roles.

I highly encourage you to take just 20 minutes to watch the video for yourself. Embrace your power pose, and see how it can transform your presence, both in the workplace and beyond.

CELEBRATING OUR 2025 LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S CAREER CATALYST PROGRAM COHORT

We’d like to take a moment to celebrate our 2025 LG Professionals SA Women’s Career Catalyst Program cohort for diving into their professional development journey!

Hosted by Anna from Hacks For Her, this multi-day intensive program develops women who are committed to their learning and supporting the growth of their co-participants.

Our cohort this year consist of (in alphabetical order of last name): Michelle Arbon, Sally Bartlett, Jenna Bloom, Michelle Callaghan, Caitlin Clothier, Kathrin Davidson, Kathryn Goldy, Elyse Hearne, Sharee Klein, Naomi Nielsen, Nicola Slack, Jasmine Yates.

The LG Professionals SA Women's Career Catalyst Program is designed for female leaders who want to build a strong leadership legacy and identity, without compromising their values, wellbeing or relationships.

We hope they have enjoyed the program spanning February and March, and we look forward to hearing what they have learned from the experience.

2025 ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY BREAKFAST
By Naomi Molly, Women's Network Committee Chair, Project Manager Business Systems,
City of Unley

In early March, 11 of our Network Committee Members attended the International Women’s Day breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Surrounded by almost 3,100 people, the room was buzzing with conversation, celebrating and acknowledging this important event.

This year’s theme was “March Forward: For All Women and Girls”. It highlights that despite the significant progress made towards gender equality, for millions of women across the world, we are simply not where we should be.

A key takeaway from the event for me was that sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. We see people freeze in inaction, wondering how to make effective change for women now, and ensure the protection of those actions and steps towards equality for future generations. But this doesn’t need to hold us back. Just 1% of incremental change compounds over time. So, I encourage you to find that 1%, so that the women who come behind us, can stand on our shoulders and surge towards equality, locally and globally. Our actions, however small, can make a difference.

SAVE THE DATE - LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM

As we wrap up our first Forum of the year, please save the date for the next
LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum set to take place on Wednesday 11 June 2025.

LOCAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY - THE (M) FACTOR

Menopause and perimenopause are something that will affect around half of the population yet can sometimes still be a taboo topic. The (M) Factor aims to bring visibility to this by screening a documentary where they challenge the stigma and assumptions made on the menopause journey and shed light on this significant women’s issue.

The screening and panel discussion will be hosted at The Piccadilly Cinema, North Adelaide on 29 March 2025 from 2:30PM – 5:00PM.

INVITATION TO CONNECT

As the LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Committee represents you, we would love to hear your suggestions of content for future editions. Please feel encouraged to send relevant articles, links, profiles or information through to admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIA, SA

LG Professionals SA is a not-for-profit member based association representing professionals working in local government in South Australia. 

We have the ability to link and connect people from different councils who may not otherwise form relationships or share. 

Our high quality professional development programs and networking events are uniquely local government – reflective of the culture of the sector and sensitive to the needs of its
professionals. 

The content of our events and programs are informed by our members and people who
genuinely care about the sector. 

We provide a safe and supportive environment in which to grow and learn while creating
opportunities to make time away from the office to work on the business or on self. 

LG Professionals SA  I 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000  I  Phone: 08 8224 2080
www.lgprofessionalssa.org.au

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