A WORD FROM THE CEO

Welcome to the end of September, and a bumper edition of Leaders Connect!

This is an exciting and busy time of the year for the team as we plan and launch our various flagship offerings for 2024. As always, we welcome your feedback – if you have unmet training needs, please feel encouraged to reach out. As your professional association, we would love to hear from you and explore how we can support you through the provision of relevant development opportunities.

Our Strategic Management Program will kick off the launch of our Leadership Programs for 2025, with registrations opening early next week. Should you be an experienced manager looking to build high-level leadership, management and technical skills, I encourage you to register for the upcoming virtual information session to learn more.

Registrations are open for our 2024 Economic Development Conference, an exclusive Emotional Intelligence Masterclass with Dr Barry Bales, who is coming to us from the USA, and, we have added a couple of additional places to the upcoming Introduction to Project Management Session – register below!

As we continue to progress our strategic priority of increasing field employee offerings to ensure specific and tailored opportunities for field employees, we are pleased to offer, for the first time, 16 scholarships for female field employees to attend our 2024 Women’s Network Conference ‘The Power of Belonging’ – please see further information below of which we would be so appreciative of you sharing within your organisations. For your calendars, ensure you save the date for our Annual General Meeting – to be held on Thursday 7 November 2024.

Finally, we recently launched the Call for Nominations for the LG Professionals SA Board. If you are a Member of LG Professionals SA and are interested in sharing your passion for the sector and supporting the development of local government people, I encourage you to consider submitting a nomination. Information has been sent to all members, however if you’d like to discuss what’s involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

As you read on, I urge you to consider how you might make the most of the presented opportunities to get involved in relation to your own leadership and development. Of course, should you have any questions at all, my team are here to support you.

Enjoy this sunshine – I hope to see you soon.

Best wishes

Rhiannon

September 2024
Edition 156

Please save the date for the following LG Professionals SA events for 2024/2025. If you are planning a local government event, we invite you to contact us to avoid date clashes. 

Thursday 7 November 2024 - LG Professionals SA Annual General Meeting 

Friday 21 March 2025 - LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference

Wednesday 9 April 2025 - LG Professionals SA Australasian Management Challenge

Friday 9 May 2025 - LG Professionals SA 24^th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR POSITIONS ON THE BOARD

We're seeking board nominations as we look to appoint six positions as Board Member (noting five will be for a two-year term, ending at the conclusion of the 2026 AGM and one will be for a one-year team, ending at the conclusion of the 2025 AGM).

Such nominations can be made to the Returning Officer in writing on the accompanying nomination form via email to executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 2 October 2024.

If you are seeking hands on experience, the opportunity to bring fresh and alternative perspectives and have a drive to help to shape the future of the association for the benefit of your peers and the sector, we encourage you to nominate.

To discuss what’s involved in being a Board Member, or to gain access to the recording of our LG Professionals SA Prospective Board Member Information Session, please contact Rhiannon Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, on 0448 490 027 or executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

WOMEN'S CAREER CATALYST PROGRAM
Thursday 20 February 2025 - Thursday 27 March 2025

Unlock your potential and transform your leadership journey with the
LG Professionals SA Career Catalyst Program - where female leaders build lasting legacies without sacrificing their values or wellbeing.

Designed to be highly interactive with an emphasis on peer learning, the Women's Career Catalyst Program is made up of a virtual orientation session, two-day in person workshop and three virtual implementation sessions, which provide ongoing accountability, the opportunity to troubleshoot, experiment, celebrate successes and share insights and support with co-participants.

WORKFORCE AND GENDER EQUALITY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT

Project Update
This month we are pleased to share some reports and resources which showcase the work being done in Australia to improve gender equality in workplaces.

Part-time work in Australia
Across countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Australia has one of the highest rates of part-time work. The part-time workforce in Australia tends to comprise more women than men.

On 9 September, Bankwest, Curtin University and the Workforce Gender Equality Agency released their 2024 Gender Equity Insights report on the Changing Nature of part-time work in Australia. This report is worth a look to better understand the impacts of part-time work for women and to consider how work flexibility policies and work redesign can make a difference.

GENDER EQUITY INSIGHTS 2024 THE CHANGING NATURE OF PART-TIME WORK IN AUSTRALIA (bcec.edu.au)

Australian Economy
Many people aren’t aware that there is a strong link between women’s economic insecurity and the incidence of violence.

The Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce has produced a ten-year plan that provides some great insights and actions. A 10-year-plan to unleash the full capacity and contribution of women to the Australian economy 2023 - 2033 | PM&C (pmc.gov.au)

This project has been supported by the Local Government Research and Development Scheme administered by the Local Government Association of SA.

City of Holdfast Bay won the 2024
Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award for their initiative Signal Fires: A Revival of Culture. We spoke with Adrian Hill, Manager of Community Safety, City of Holdfast Bay to find out more.

Congratulations! You and your team
won the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the LG Professionals SA 23^rd Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. Can you tell us about your project?

For the first time in over 150 years on Proclamation Day 2023, in collaboration with Kaurna Elders, the Kaurna Firesticksteam, and the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS); the City of Holdfast Bay hosted a revival of Kaurna knowledge and culture with the inaugural Signal Fires event. Three fires were lit by Kaurna people along the Gulf St Vincent, from Kingston Park to Brighton.

The City of Holdfast Bay has worked collaboratively with the Kaurna Nation over a four-year period to expand the inclusivity and focus of Proclamation Day, which marks the colonisation of South Australia in 1836. Together, our goal is to bring to the attention of our community the dual narratives of this day. In doing so, the team aims to provide further knowledge, truth telling and education around colonisation and Aboriginal histories.

What does winning this award mean to you, your council, and your community?

The award has given the team involved the inspiration to expand this type of work with truth telling and supporting different cultures.

While the inaugural Signal Fires event had a focus on First Nations, it was also presented as an opportunity for the City of Holdfast Bay community to engage with truth-telling, cultural practice and cultural revival.

In doing so, council aimed to foster togetherness and respect for each other’s heritage.

Building a foundation like this, paves the way for inclusion whilst creating a psychologically safe space for people to learn, interact and participate. The award helps council further promote these learning and participation.

What advice would you give someone considering nominating for an award in the future?

The experience helps you self-reflect on all the work that’s been completed and gain a greater appreciation for the positive impact it has had on the community and the connections made along the way. It also helps to acknowledge and validate the hard work done by all those that are involved. This alone is enough reason to participate. 

Are you interested in nominating for an Award? Nominations for the 24^th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards will open in October 2024. 

City of Holdfast Bay - Signal Fires: A Revival of Culture team.
(Pictured L-R) Marisa Marchegiano, Julia Garnaut and Marnie Lock.

WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE - THE POWER OF BELONGING
Friday 1 November 2024

The 2024 LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Conference is designed to focus on personal and professional development for women in local government. This event will highlight the profound impact that a sense of belonging has on career growth, overall wellbeing and the wider community. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools to foster a strong sense of community and belonging both within their professional lives and beyond.

Join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and empowerment as we explore ‘The Power of Belonging’ and work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in local government.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR FEMALE FIELD STAFF

To assist in the professional development of our field staff, we are very excited to offer, for the first time, 16 scholarships for female field employees to attend our 2024 Women’s Network Conference ‘The Power of Belonging’.

Are you an outdoor field staff member working in local government, who is passionate about advancing your career and empowering women in your field?

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your professional growth and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive community. Nominate through the link below for your opportunity to secure a free conference registration by 5pm Friday 11 October 2024!

Are you a manager looking to invest in the growth and development of your female field staff members?

By nominating your staff, you are not only supporting their professional advancement, but also fostering a stronger and more dynamic team. Seize this chance to invest in their future - submit your nominations through the link below by 5pm Friday 11 October 2024!

Successful scholarship recipients will be notified by Wednesday 16 October and must be able to attend the 2024 Women’s Network Conference ‘The Power of Belonging’ on Friday 1 November 2024 at the Morphettville Event Centre, as the ticket is non transferrable.

The Norman Waterhouse Lawyers Local Government Conference has been South Australia's leading law conference for local government since 1989.

Take your learning to the next level as their experts delve into the unique challenges facing local government today with sessions curated with up-to-date and relevant content specific to your area of work, including:

Norman Waterhouse looks forward to welcoming you to what will be an invaluable day for local government.

Date: Friday 11 October 2024

Location: National Wine Centre, corner of Hackney Road and Botanic Road

LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2024 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE: BUILDING TOMORROW

The 2024 LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference ‘Future Prosperity: Building Tomorrow’, is a premier forum designed to equip Local Government Professionals with the insights and strategies needed to drive South Australia’s future economic prosperity. As the only event focused exclusively on the unique challenges and opportunities for councils in economic development, this conference will offer a blend of expert guidance, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies.

With Deputy Premier Dr. Susan Close MP, internationally sought after AI futurist Simon Kriss and UniSA Chair of Economics Dr Susan Stone headlining, attendees will gain critical insights into how global shifts in workforce dynamics, sustainable industries, and technology are reshaping the local economies

Learn more about this year's conference and to join us in collaborating, innovating, and driving long-term prosperity for local communities, register now through the button below.

YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP

6. TAKE ON A LEADERSHIP ROLE

Represent the association as a Board Member, Network Committee Member or Chair.

Learn more about what LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. 

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our 53 new members! Click here to see the list.

We look forward to providing support and professional development and networking
opportunities through every stage of your local government career.

This month we spoke with Chloe Brown, Accountant - Financial Management, Yorke Peninsula Council, about her role, her recent participation in the Strategic Management Program, and what's next in her professional development journey.

How long have you been in local government and what is your role?

At Yorke Peninsula Council, I’m an Accountant – Financial Management, which means my biggest priorities are long term financial plans, budgets and general financial tasks. This year, I also had the opportunity to assist with Councils’ rate review process. Read more...

Chloe Brown

Accountant - Financial Management
Yorke Peninsula Council

REFLECTIONS FROM THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA PEOPLE AND CULTURE NETWORK FORUM - DRIVING CHANGE AND CULTURE THROUGH COURAGE, RESILIENCE AND TRUST

Last week, our LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Committee hosted international keynote speaker, Jamie Getgood, to share his story and learnings of the Holden Closure and Transition program at our forum.

When General Motors (GM) Holden closed its manufacturing operations in Australia, Jamie took on the leadership of the closure of the Automotive industry, focusing on culture, people leadership, change management and employee engagement principles. Through his approach, his team transformed GM Holden from a bottom quartile performer, to one of the best General Motors quality plants in the world during the last eight months of its existence.

With a focus on ‘Driving Change and Culture through Courage, Resilience and Trust’, Jamie’s insights included: listening with our eyes, leadership being looking after people, using tenacity to navigate and overcome toxicity, setting people up for success, being transparent and honest to build trust, learning to accept and reject, having the courage to be real and raw, building your own brand and legacy, not confusing movement with progress, and the importance of a clear purpose and direction.

Our sincerest thanks to Jamie Getgood for generously volunteering his time to share his experiences and knowledge with the LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network members. Thanks to City of Charles Sturt for hosting the event and to committee members, Candie Trimboli, Gus Rankine and Rachel Read, for their efforts in planning and delivering this valuable opportunity.

We caught up with one of this year's Emerging Leaders Program participants, Jamie Thornton, Team Leader Environment & Natural Assets, Mount Barker District Council to find out how he is enjoying the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I was honoured to be nominated by P&C and after looking at the prospectus I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn leadership skills in a local government context given my mostly commercial background. I have attended various professional development short courses in leadership during my career including Certificate IV in Frontline Management (Business) and feel that leadership requires ongoing work and diligence in training to effectively lead your team and organisation.

A recent module focused on the Political Context – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

The day was very good and provided great insight with excellent speakers. One of the key things I took away was from Mark Withers who provided detail on how he spends his time - 20% each across – strategy planning, relationship management, problem solving, politics and creative. It highlights the multiple areas, disciplines and skills a CEO is required to work, and time spent to remain sustainable given multiple responsibilities within the role. 

This backed up comments from the CEO of Rural City of Murray Bridge, Heather Barclay, from the rural module who noted her CV would for some be quite chaotic but as a CEO the diversity and understanding of multiple areas is not only key but politically this diversity is needed to gain an understanding of all aspects, seen as good experience for the CEO role.

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

Continued networking and problem-solving opportunities with the group and valued insight from various speakers and leaders within the local government setting.

Jamie Thornton
Team Leader
Environment & Natural Assets
Mount Barker District Council

INTERNATIONAL GUEST SPEAKER LEADING EXCLUSIVE INTERACTIVE MASTERCLASS - TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
Wednesday 13 November 2024

Join us with internationally renowned Dr Barry Bales, who is flying in from the USA to facilitate an exclusive masterclass delving into the power of leading with emotional intelligence. In this course, you will learn to identify and manage your own emotions, clearing a path for you to inspire, connect and drive positive outcomes. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your leadership skillset from an industry expert.

INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Thursday 3 October 2024

Enhance your career and make a greater impact in your community. Project management is a fundamental skill in our modern workforce, as it ensures that what is being delivered is not only right, but that it also delivers against the business opportunity.

“I found the course to be highly informative and gave me a better direction, this assisted me in attaining my new position as a Contract and Project Delivery Officer with council”. 
Jamie Gardiner, City of Tea Tree Gully

THREE PLACES LEFT - GRAB YOURS NOW!

POWERFUL BUSINESS WRITING
Friday 22 November 2024

Learn how to improve your writing skills to communicate clearly, efficiently and with impact using plain English principles.

SAVE THE DATE - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK FORUM
Wednesday 23 October 2024

Mark your diaries to join us for the Community Development Network Forum, hosted by the City of Charles Sturt at Ngutungka West Lakes from 9:15am to 12:30pm next month.

SAVE THE DATE - GENERAL MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS
NETWORK FORUM
Thursday 7 November 2024

To be held directly prior to the LG Professionals SA Annual General Meeting at the Gallery on Waymouth Street. Program coming soon!

LG PROFESSIONALS SA SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

Do you work for or know an organisation who would be interested in gaining exposure to local government professionals through sponsorship with LG Professionals SA? 

As a not-for-profit association, LG Professionals SA rely on the support of sponsors to be able to continue to deliver the range of high quality events and professional development programs that we are known for.

Partnering with sponsors also creates opportunities for our members to learn, build
relationships and receive best value.

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. 

We award and acknowledge achievements of excellence.

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

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