I was honoured to have been sworn in as National President, LG Professionals Australia at the 2018 National Congress and Business Expo Gala Dinner on 23 August.
The event held in Canberra last week was highly successful.
It was packed with excellent guest speakers, workshops and social activities, designed to explore the themes of leadership, innovation and best practice.
Highlights included a Q&A with former Australian cricket captain, Michael Clarke, the release of a new Code of Ethics for local government, the signing of agreements with international partners and the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held at Canberra’s stunning National Arboretum.
The professional development opportunities at the national level that Congress presents are unmatched for Australian local government professionals.
Not only is it an excellent forum to connect with interstate and international colleagues, but it is also attended by local government’s leading service providers.
Such a rare two days out of the office also gives delegates the space to consider, reflect and contribute to the big issues affecting local government.
The 2018 program included a number of sessions to workshop the development of LG Professionals Australia’s national advocacy platform to take to the upcoming Federal Election.
These were very useful and informative sessions and I’m looking forward to working on this with my colleagues in the coming months.
Finally, I’d like to extend my congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Australasian Management Challenge – the Bay of Plenty team from New Zealand who took the trophy across the Tasman. Indeed, every Challenge finalist team deserves to be acknowledged for their outstanding effort in the competition – well done to all!
I’d also like to acknowledge the winners of the 2018 Federation Awards. They are:
2018 Emerging Leader of the Year – Brad Vitale, Shire of Waroona WA
Environmental Leadership & Sustainability – Solar Farm, Sunshine Coast Council QLD
Innovative Management Initiative – Wujal Wujal Emergency Management Network & Communications Forum, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council QLD
Excellence in Community Development & Service Delivery – Our Whitsunday Our Utopia Whitsunday Regional Council QLD
Partnerships & Collaboration – Lismore Council Solar Initiative (LCS), Lismore City Council NSW
