Creating a culture of learning: ‘Ready Set Grow’

Georges River Council, New South Wales, is an amalgamated council working strategically to integrate and grow a positive, high-performing culture by introducing a council-wide learning program: Ready Set Grow!

The two-year program is a strategic approach to how staff development is planned, scheduled and prioritised.

Workshops range in length to provide staff with flexible learning options, from a series of two-hour sessions, to more intensive master classes and two-day workshops.  

The program builds on the 70:20:10 model of development, integrating on-the-job experiences and stretch projects, coaching and formal learning opportunities.

Based on extensive research and consultation, the program offers staff development across six key themes: Project Management; Systems and Technology; Customer Experience and Communication; WHS/Wellbeing; and Corporate Governance and Leadership.

In addition to its Ready Set Grow Learning Program, Council held the first of its annual all-staff conferences this year – the River Run.

The River Run aimed to engage and motivate staff, launching a theme of growth both personally and professionally.

It also further strengthened and embedded a strong and positive culture across Council, communicating key corporate knowledge and enabling staff to network across the organisation.

The conference featured four interactive workshops that included gamification and design thinking, which saw Council’s own staff build a Reward and Recognition Program – the Shine Bright Awards.