With the theme One Voice, Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA) held its Local Government Week Convention in Perth from 7–10 August 2004.
Local Government Week focused on three areas:
- United – despite the distance between individual Local Governments, we are as one.
- Focused – we know where we are going and what we want to do.
- Committed – we are going to do it.
In addressing the conference, Premier Geoff Gallop said that One Voice is a reminder to all of us to summon our energies and work as a united team to provide the most effective outcomes for local communities.
“If individuals can come together collectively and work for the good of the community then we have the cornerstone of Local Government,” he said. “There is also a strong need for all levels of government to work together in a more united fashion – Local, State and Federal.”
The Premier spoke about major achievements including the signing of a consultation and communications partnership agreement between peak Local and State Government bodies “ensuring decisions based on the best available information, bringing about better laws, services and infrastructure for all Western Australians”.
In his President’s Report presented at WALGA’s Annual General Meeting, Councillor Clive Robartson said, “As a sector, we need to be proactive and develop positions on the issue of greater regional cooperation against a backdrop of structural reform processes in other States, and current State and Federal service delivery structures.”
Noting WALGA’s position, that it opposes ‘forced’ amalgamations but supports and encourages regional cooperation, he said there is little doubt that the next State Government, whichever Party is successful, will be extremely interested in the future of WA’s 144 Councils.
Keynote speaker, Fabian Dattner, described leadership as not a position but an action which inspires others on a journey into the future. The leadership challenge she said, “is to have a keen sense of self – you can’t influence others if you don’t know the model of the world you are working on”.
“Sustainability will come from people working for a common purpose and a sense of ownership,” she said. “Not we will do but I have to do something. There is a profound difference.”
Fabian Dattner spoke about change initiatives driven solely by dissatisfaction generally results in quick fix solutions, whereas change driven through an inspiring vision will build momentum and sustainable long term results.
She argued that people may resist change if it is imposed on them, if they are not involved in the reasons for change, or made to feel part of the vision of the future. Leaders who reward and recognise behaviours aligned with the vision and who provide one on one supportive coaching ensure that the unforeseen hurdles are overcome and surpassed.
Fabian Dattner covered the five critical keys to aligning people with the vision:
- Affinity – depth and quality of relationships.
- Ownership – individuals being accountable for their team or organisation.
- Interdependence – integrating individuals talents for the fulfilment of the whole.
- Purpose – the connection people make between their work and the overall direction of the organisation.
- Risk – individuals willingness to express themselves fully and take bold action for the organisation.
She urged delegates to listen to their communities and not be afraid of hearing how people feel. “To listen and then do something differently, to get out and about to generate leadership support and give hope is vital,” she said.
During the convention, the WALGA State Council elected Councillor Bill Mitchell from Murchison Shire Council as President of the Association for a three year term. Deputy President is Councillor Paul Kelly from the Town of Claremont.
