National Congress

2007 Outcomes

Keynote Presentations, Plenary Sessions and Workshops

Opening Session

Bruce Davidson – LGMA National President and Chief Executive Officer, Noosa Council, QLD
ceo@noosa.qld.gov.au
http://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/
The Honorable Michelle O'Bryne MHA, Minister Assisting the Premier on Local Government and Minister for Community Development
http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/cabinet/mob.html
The Honorable Jim Lloyd MP, Minister for Local Government
Address to LMGA 2007 National Congress and Business Expo
http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/cabinet/mob.html

Keynote Addresses

Challenge Leadership

General Peter Cosgrove AC, MC, (Ret.)

Peter Cosgrove became a national figure following his appointment as Commander of the International Forces East Timor (Interfet). He was responsible for overseeing East Timor’s transition to independence during, what was to become, a tense and uncertain period. He shone as both a soldier and diplomat.

Following his achievements and the international respect that he had achieved, he was promoted and made Chief of the Army. He went on to be promoted to General and was appointed Chief of the Defence Force. Peter Cosgrove retired from the Army in July 2005.

His leadership qualities have again been to the forefront during his involvement in the Cyclone Larry reconstruction efforts.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Emotion – A Perspective on Leadership and Public Policy

Dr Phil Burgess, Group Managing Director for Corporate Affairs, Telstra

Phil has a long record of leadership in public policy and communications with broad experience as an academic, business executive, media commentator and writer on economic, political and cultural trends in the US and around the world.

Prior to his appointment with Telstra, Phil served most recently as president & chief executive of the National Academy of Public Administration in Washington, D.C. Phil also served as President of the Annapolis Institute, a U.S. think tank established in 1993 to help leaders manage change - at every level in both the public and private sectors.

Phil also serves as a Visiting Professor of Policy Studies at UCLA's public policy school, where he teaches in the graduate program on communications and culture.

Change Leadership

The Hon Jeffrey Kennett AC
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Mr Kennett was elected Leader of the Opposition in October 1982.

Under his leadership, the Victorian Coalition was elected to Government on October 3, 1992, with two-to-one majorities in both Houses of Parliament - a position unparalleled in almost 140 years of responsible State Government in Victoria.

Under his Premiership, Victoria earned the reputation as Australia’s most reformist government. They implemented extensive reforms of the Victorian public service, led Australia in privatisation of public authorities, reduced the State’s indebtedness from $33bn to $5.5bn, reinvigorated its economy and reinstated confidence among the Victorian community.

In 1999, Mr Kennett resigned from the Victorian Parliament after 23½ years service to pursue a corporate career. He has travelled extensively internationally, and has a wide network of business and political contacts. Mr Kennett is currently the Chairman of: Beyondblue (National Depression Initiative) and several other national corporations. He was appointed President of the AFL Hawthorn Football Club in 2005.

Inspired Leadership

Kirsty Dunphey, Author and Business Entrepreneur
http://www.kirstydunphey.com/

In 2002 Kirsty was named as the National Winner of Telstra’s Young Business Woman of the Year Award. Winning this prestigious award and in fact being its youngest ever recipient shows the depth of her knowledge, experience and most importantly passion.

Kirsty’s business experience started as she set up her own first two small businesses at the tender age of 15 combining this with top high school grades and two part time jobs.

A highly active member of her local Launceston community and fast becoming a well known name in national real estate and business circles Kirsty has been featured regularly in the media.

Combining her passion for real estate, customer service, property investment, building wealth, Tasmania, youth potential, business practices and enhancing public perception and skills of real estate agents Kirsty now delivers around 30 keynote speeches a year and is available as a speaker and trainer on the above topics. Kirsty’s typical audience is by no means typical ranging from business professionals to the real estate community to future entrepreneurs in our high school system.

Chance Leadership

John Anderson, Founder Contiki Holidays

At the age of 22 John Anderson left New Zealand for a one-year trip overseas. He returned 20 years later with a wife, four children and the 'international' tourism business – Contiki Holidays!

With just 25 pounds in his pocket he created one of the world's major tour operators (the largest catering for 18-25 year olds). When John sold the company a few years ago it was firmly established as an international 'brand' name. To date 1.8 million young people have travelled Contiki including 920,000 Australians and now turns over in excess of $300 million.

John now lives with his wife in Marlborough NZ (famous for its fine sauvignon blanc wine) where he is writing a book on the Contiki story.

Panel Sessions

National Issues

Bruce Davidson – LGMA National President and Chief Executive Officer, Noosa Council, QLD
Presentation
ceo@noosa.qld.gov.au
http://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/

Chris Champion – Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia
Presentation
cchampion@ipwea.org.au
www.ipwea.org.au

Lyn Russell – Chief Executive Officer, Thuringowa City Council, QLD
Presentation
lyn.russell@thuringowa.qld.gov.au
www.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/

The LGMA National Officer has been working with sector partners in developing a position on issues of Skills Shortage and Financial Sustainability...

International Perspectives on a National Issue

Rod Oxley – representing the International City / County Association (USA) and General Manager, Wollongong City Council
Presentation
roxley@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Byron Davies – Deputy President Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (UK) and Chief Executive Officer, Cardiff Council
www.solace.org.uk

Phillippa Wilson – President Society of Local Government Managers (NZ) and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin District Council.
Presentation
phillippa_wilson@franklin.govt.nz
www.solgm.org.nz

Presents the views of the Presidents or their representatives on the issue of "Attracting and Retaining Good Staff" as it applies in their country...

Women In Local Government

Pru Blackwell – Director of Community Services, City of Salisbury, SA
Presentation
pblackwell@salisbury.sa.gov.au
www.salisbury.sa.gov.au

Anne McAllister – Director Strategic Community Services, City of Melville, WA
Presentation
AMcAllister@melville.wa.gov.au
www.melvillecity.com.au

Nick Clarke – Manager Natural Environment and Sustainability, Brisbane City Council, QLD
Presentation
Nick.Clarke@brisbane.qld.gov.au
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Noelene Duff – Chief Executive Officer, City of Whitehorse, VIC
noelene.duff@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

A showcase of various initiatives from around Australia that have promoted women in Local Government ...

Workshops

Masterclass: Sustainable Management of Infrastructure – An Essential Part of Doing Business

John Howard, Project Manager, National Asset Management Strategy Australia
Presentation
johnhoward.jra@bigpond.com
www.nams.au.com

Infrastructure is the very foundation of our communities. It plays a critical role in the delivery of services...

Improving Self Awareness, Organisational Performance and Loving Relationships

Rob Nobel, Chief Executive Officer, Caboolture Shire Council, QLD
Presentation not available
nobler.csc@bigpond.com
www.caboolture.qld.gov.au

How well do you know and understand the subconscious and powerful influences that frame the way you feel, think and relate to yourself and the outside world of people and events? ...

Concurrent Sessions – People

PE1 – People Making Organisations Powerful?

John Coombe – Chief Executive, Alexandrina Council, SA
Presentation
john.coombe@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au

Alexandrina Council is a growing organisation which is experiencing ever increasing demands on service delivery and work place pressures ...

PE2 – Workplace Planning: Best Fit, Not Best Practice

Andrew Reimer – Principal, Managing Director, High Performance Management & Sales Training, TAS
Presentation
andrew@highperftraining.com.au
www.highperftraining.com.au/

This session provides an overview to developing a Leadership and Staff Development Program to ensure long-term council success...

PE3 – Creating the Next Generation

Andrew Roach – General Manager, Blayney Shire Council, NSW
Presentation
anneg@blayney.nsw.gov.au
http://www.blayney.local-e.nsw.gov.au/

Blayney Shire Council has embarked on a systematic approach to addressing the skill shortage, whilst providing a small rural shire with the innovation direction to ensure its longevity...

PE4 – Leading Change That Lasts

Garry Hunt – Chief Executive Officer, City of Joondalup, WA
Presentation
glenda.blake@joondalup.wa.gov.au
www.joondalup.wa.gov.au

The rate of change required of modern local government is not going to slow down any time soon and creating the right organisational culture is essential to position an organisation for success during these times of enormous change...

PE5 – Strengthening the Relationship between Change Dialogue, Behavior and Productivity

Sanjib Roy – Director Human Resources, Victoria Police, VIC
Presentation
sanjib.roy@police.vic.gov.au
www.police.vic.gov.au

Victoria Police has made significant progress in contributing to a safer community in Victoria – however significant challenges exist for the organisation to adapt as the pace of change in the community continues to build...

PE6 – Courage Under Fire – The Need to Lead

Lynn Mason – Chairperson, Affordable Housing, TAS
Presentation
and Presentation Speech Notes
lynn.mason@bigpond.com

In leadership roles and positions of influence we are faced with challenges and dilemmas everyday that require us to make the right decisions, act with integrity and be accountable for our actions...

PE7 – A Best Practice Story

Dr Shayne Silcox – Chief Executive Officer, City of Belmont, WA
Presentation
Shayne.Silcox@belmont.wa.gov.au
www.belmont.wa.gov.au

This session presents A Best Practice Story; comprehensive working strategies which resulted in the organisation being the first in Western Australia to win the National Best Practice Excellence Medal...

PE8 – Local Government Sector Recruitment and Retention Project

Antony Crane – Manager, Recruitment and Retention Project, SOLGM, NZ
Presentation
acrane@solgm.org.nz
www.solgm.org.nz

At the request of local authority Chief Executives, SOLGM commissioned research into the problems faced...

Concurrent Sessions – Process

PR1 – The Best of the Best

Selected category winners from the National Awards for Local Government Program.

Daniel Owen, Director General Local Government and Natural Disaster Relief, DoTaRS
Presentation
nolg@dotars.gov.au
http://www.dotars.gov.au

Goulburn - A Water Conservation Community

Vanessa Toparis – Public Communications Officer, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, NSW
Presentation
vanessa.toparis@goulburn.nsw.gov.au
www.goulburn.nsw.gov.au

Goulburn Mulwaree Council has achieved a high level of water conservation almost entirely through education and the establishment of partnerships with the community...

Community Development Program

Cr Neil Repacholi – Campaspe Shire Council, VIC
Presentation
n.repacholi@campaspe.vic.gov.au
www.campaspe.vic.gov.au

The Shire of Campaspe's Community Development Program has been operating for three years and is a major social capacity building initiative...

PR 2 - Managed Services as a Risk Management Strategy

This session features case studies by two Councils in regional and metropolitan Australia, looking at how a Managed Service delivery model has effectively provided Council with the resources and infrastructure necessary to sustain their service levels, with improved economies, and at a predictable cost base...

Trevor Smart – Deputy Chief Executive Officer, District Council of Ceduna, SA
Presentation
tsmart@ceduna.sa.gov.au
www.ceduna.net

Grant Humphries – Director Corporate and Community Services, City of Mount Gambier, SA
Presentation
ghumphries@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au

Karyn Siegmann – Manager Library Services, Bayside City Council, VIC
Presentation
KSiegmann@bayside.vic.gov.au
www.bayside.vic.gov.au

PR 3 – Embedding Sustainability in Local Government through Triple Bottom Line

Kate McKeand – Executive Manager, Sustainability Services, ICLEI
Presentation
kate.mckeand@iclei.org
www.iclei.org

ICLEI-A/NZ has been working successfully with 14 Councils around Australia to implement their TBL Capacity Building Program...

PR 4 – The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Allan McGill – Chief Executive Officer, Darwin City Council, NT
Presentation
A.Mcgill@darwin.nt.gov.au
www.darcity.nt.gov.au/

Although passion, will and good intentions might exist, the leadership challenge is to avoid peripheral distractions that consume energy and resources at the expense of getting the job done for people...

PR5 – Beaconsfield Mine Crisis – 1 Year After

Mayor Barry Easther, West Tamar Council, TAS
Presentation
www.wtc.tas.gov.au

Jannie Turner – Community Service Manager, West Tamar Council, TAS
Presentation
jannie.turner@wtc.tas.gov.au
www.wtc.tas.gov.au

This presentation reveals how the West Tamar Emergency Management and Community Recovery Plan was implemented to deal with the Beaconsfield mine crisis...

PR6 – Working with Local Government for Regional Development

Norm McIlfatrick - Secretary, Department of Economic Development and CEO of Tasmania Development and Resources, TAS
Presentation>
norm.mcilfatrick@development.tas.gov.au
www.development.tas.gov.au

Understanding investment, growth and infrastructure issues, intentions and constraints is vital to continuing economic success for any small regional area...

PR7 – Leading Practice Model for Development Assessment

Daniel Owen – Director General Local Government and Natural Disasters Relief, DoTaRS
Presentation
nolg@dotars.gov.au
http://www.dotars.gov.au

The Development Assessment Forum's role in researching and developing leading practice models for improving all elements of the development assessment system...

PR8 - LGIS - Innovation and Procurement in Local Government

Graham Matthew – Chief Executive, LG Infrastructure Services, QLD
Presentation
gmatthew@qtc.com.au
www.qtc.qld.gov.au

LG Infrastructure Services is a unique organisation comprising a joint venture between Local Government Association of Queensland and Queensland Treasury Corporation...

Concurrent Sessions – Place

PL1 – The Challenge of Place in Coastal Australia'

Alan Stokes – Director, National Sea Change Taskforce, NSW
Presentation
stokes@bigpond.net.au
www.seachangetaskforce.org.au

More than five million people live in Australian coastal areas outside Australia’s capital cities...

PL2 – Riverway: Small Council Big dream

Lyn Russell PSM – Chief Executive Officer, City of Thuringowa, QLD
lyn.russell@thuringowa.qld.gov.au
www.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/

Karin Hartog – Riverway Project Manager, City of Thuringowa, QLD
KarinH@thuringowa.qld.gov.au
www.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/
Presentation

Thuringowa, twin city to Townsville, is the fastest growing city in regional Queensland, and with this growth comes the need for major public infrastructure...

PL3 – Childers: Heritage at Work

Steve Johnston – Chief Executive Officer, Isis Shire Council, QLD
Presentation Notes
Presentation
johnston@isis.qld.gov.au
www.isis.qld.gov.au

Peter Kenyon – Director, Bank of Ideas, WA
Presentation
pk@bankofideas.com.au
www.bankofideas.com.au

In June 2000 the historic township of Childers was devastated when the Palace Hostel was ravaged by fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of 15 backpackers...

PL4 – Sustainable Place Shaping

Bruce Davidson – Chief Executive Officer, Noosa Council QLD
Presentation
ceo@noosa.qld.gov.au
www.noosa.qld.gov.au

Located on Queensland's Sunshine Coast and as part of the fast growing region of South East Queensland, Noosa enjoys a reputation as one of Australia's premier locations...

PL5 – Suburban Revitalisation - Plans into Action: Lessons from Footscray Transit City

Kelvin Walsh – Manager City Design and Place Making, Maribyrnong City Council, VIC
Presentation
kelvin.walsh@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Improving city sustainability through revitalisation of suburbs and suburban centres can only be effectively delivered through a comprehensive approach and collaboration between government, the private sector and the community...

PL6 – Transforming the Cultural Heart of Newcastle

Janet Dore – General Manager, Newcastle City Council, NSW
Presentation
cminehan@ncc.nsw.gov.au
www.ncc.nsw.gov.au

Since BHP closed its steel mill in 1999, Newcastle has emerged from its industrial base to a modern services oriented economy...

PL7 - Public Place as Infrastructure

Noel Corkery – Managing Director, Corkery Consulting, NSW
Presentation
corkery@tpg.com.au

For too long the urban development process has divided people and place. The result is urban environments that are at best bland and un-engaging while at worst aggressive, ugly and dysfunctional...

PL8 – What truly makes a place? People!

Allan Tranter – Director, Creating Communities, WA
allan@creatingcommunities.com.au
www.creatingcommunities.com.au

Some places are simply spectacular, have a certain something that draws people to them and holds their interest. Historical buildings, gorges, groves, fields, vistas all come to mind...