Locale Learning

Many councillors step up to serve because they are passionate advocates for their communities. They see issues that need addressing, believe in better communication between council and the community, and feel a strong call for change. After the election, it can take a moment to realise that you’re now part of the system. You’re no longer on the outside, where it’s easier to voice criticism and judgment without consequence. As natural doers and people who are inclined to help others, councillors might also feel an urge to dive into the operational side of things to make things happen for the community. But it’s essential to remember that the role of a councillor is to set the policy and strategic direction for both the community and the council. It’s the General Manager’s job to manage the organisation and get things done. So, what can help you stay in your leadership lane? Here are a few tips: 🔶 Focus on big picture goals: Keep your eyes on the strategic vision for your community and the long-term outcomes. Invest your time and energy here. 🔶 Lean into the strengths of each other: Council staff bring substantial expertise and knowledge to the table that is a huge asset. Tap into this well of wisdom. 🔶Establish protocols for communication and action: Know how to best connect the community with the help they need, without defaulting to "fix it" mode. What other strategies help you stay in your leadership lane? #LocalLeadership #LeadershipJourney #CollaborativeLeadership #CouncillorLife #LeadWithPurpose #GoodGovernance #LocalGov #Leadershiptips #Consciousleadership #Localcouncils

Meet Emma and Anna, the driving forces behind the first-ever Political Wellbeing Summit! We believe that leaders are humans first, and that supporting the whole person is key to impactful political leadership. At Locale Learning, we’re on a mission to equip local government councillors with the tools and resilience they need to lead their communities with purpose. As a non-partisan Australian political leadership accelerator, we are all about transforming the capabilities of local elected representatives so they can make real, lasting change. The mental wellbeing of our councillors is at the core of everything we do. This Summit will bring together forward-thinking leaders and experts for an essential, culture-shifting conversation about mental health in political spaces. Don’t miss this opportunity! Secure your spot now with early bird tickets. https://lnkd.in/gnhwg4z9 #LeadershipWellbeing #SummitHosts #Localgovernment #Localcouncils #Councillor #Mayor #PoliticalWellbeing #politicalwellbeingsummit25 #leadingandlearning #localelearning #consciousleadership

We've wrapped up this week with three more induction sessions for newly elected councillors including: 🔶 Ballina Shire Council: We delivered our introductory workshop on the NSW land use planning system which explores the difference between strategic planning and development decisions from the perspective of a councillor. Plus a quick stop to see the iconic big prawn! 🔶 Byron Shire Council: Next stop was Mullumbimby - the biggest little town in Australia - where we delivered another session to demystify the complex planning system in NSW. 🔶 Glen Innes Severn Council: In the beautiful highlands, we facilitated our one day program with councillors and staff, providing an ideal opportunity to explore some of the norms (and rules!) of working together and making effective decisions in the Chamber. Congratulations to each councillor, new and returning, and wishing each elected Council every success for the next four years. #inductionsupport #localgov #localcouncils #workingtogether #commmunityimpact

Our induction support for newly elected councils continued this week with: 🔶 Richmond Valley Council: We delivered our full day induction program which covered finding common ground, exploring how to deliver outcomes together, plus the good governance essentials of the Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice. 🔶 Tenterfield Shire Council: We delivered the same session with lots of discussion about the importance of working together to deliver results for the community. These sessions provide an opportunity for new and returning councillors to understand the humans behind the titles, connect over shared values and purpose and head into the council term feeling prepared. Congratulations to each councillor who has been elected to serve their community - we wish you the very best over the next four years. And thank you to Hein Basson and Vaughan Macdonald for enabling these sessions at the start of the council term. #goodgovernance #inductionsupport #newterm #localcouncils

Join us over three days of insightful conversations focused on the mental wellbeing of our elected leaders. We have guest speakers form Australia and across the globe ready to share their insights, wisdoms and ideas and to go deep into this previously taboo topic. The Summit will also be the official launch of our thought-leading Political Wellbeing Framework!! There will be three online sessions over three days - you can come and go as you please. Your ticket also gains you access to exclusive content and networking opportunities with other attendees and speakers. Be sure to click on the link to read all the details and reserve your seat.

This week our team has continued our induction support for newly elected Councils across NSW. Here is a snapshot: 🔶 Bellingen Shire Council: We delivered our first day of a two-day program - focusing on finding common ground, building connection and understanding each councillor's priorities for the term ahead, whilst also mastering the essentials of good governance. 🔶 Federation Council: We are part way through delivering our signature two-day hybrid program covering roles and responsibilities, working together to deliver outcomes, the planning system, and—importantly—how to maintain wellbeing in political leadership. Day two kicks off tomorrow! 🔶 Albury City Council: We were back delivering a session on the NSW land use planning system and exploring a councillor's role within it. We demystified some of the planning mumbo jumbo and walked councillors through the planning galaxy (yes, thats a thing!) A big congratulations to every councillor stepping into, or continuing, their civic leadership! A special thank you to Mark Griffioen GAICD FCPA and Adrian Butler for facilitating these sessions at the start of the council term. Wishing each council a successful term ahead!

With the dust settling post-election, it is the perfect time to take a pause, reflect and refocus on what is ahead: 🔶Regroup on your purpose 🔶Focus on your relationships and 🔶Adopt a growth mindset In our latest article, we give you our top three tips to set yourself up for success. #leadershiptransition #refocus #growthmindset #leadwithpurpose #relationshipsmatter

What you do today contributes to your long-term wellbeing - and your future self will thank you for dialing into our upcoming leadership recharge sessions. Top up your leadership tank with resident mindset and wellbeing coach Anna Miley each month with our complimentary sessions on the last Friday on the month. You will learn practical ways to implement wellbeing strategies into your daily schedule: 🔶 Short 30 minute session 🔶 No slides, no fuss - just potent wellbeing coaching for leaders in local government 🔶 No recording available - maximum benefits are gained live 🔶 Register once to access the live sessions Next session: 📅 Friday, 25 October 2024 ⏰ 12.30pm to 1.00pm https://lnkd.in/gaBpBeD5 #leadershiprecharge #refuel #refocus #recharge #wellbeingforleaders

This past week we've been hard at work supporting newly elected councillors with a range of induction workshops. Here’s a snapshot: 🔶 Woollahra Municipal Councill: We led a one-day session with the elected Council, guiding them through an exploration of what they wish to achieve over their term. We also identified key challenges ahead and values and behaviors that will keep them on course. 🔶 Griffith City Council: We helped councillors connect on a personal level, sharing the legacy they want to build together. Our sessions also focused on understanding their civic duties, and ensuring clarity around the Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice. 🔶 Albury City Council: We dived deep into the Code of Meeting Practice, unpacking the rules of debate in the Chamber plus how to foster a healthy decision-making culture that supports progress for the community. Next week, we'll be delivering a session to demystify the NSW planning system! A big congratulations to every councillor stepping into, or continuing, their civic leadership! Thank you to Craig Swift-McNair, Frank Zaknich and Brett Stonestreet for making these sessions possible at the start of the council term. Wishing each council a successful term ahead! #leadandlearn #inductionsupport #localgov #civicleadership #localcouncil #goodgovernance

As local councils across NSW come together for their first formal meetings, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of healthy debate in the Chamber. But what does "healthy debate" really mean? It’s more than just exchanging words—it’s about respectful, thoughtful dialogue that taps into the rich diversity of ideas and experiences that elected leaders bring to the table. Healthy debate means: ✨ Sharing perspectives with an open mind and engaging with one another to reach better outcomes. ✨ Drawing from the unique experiences and understanding of our communities to inform decisions. ✨ Collaborating in the Chamber by actively building on each other’s ideas. However, there are warning signs that the culture might not be so healthy: ❗ A few loud voices dominating the conversation ❗ Silence from some councillors during key debates ❗ Questioning tactics aimed at catching others out ❗ Procedural tactics being used excessively or unfairly ❗ Disrespecting the Chairperson by interrupting ❗ Personal attacks instead of focusing on the issue These behaviors were highlighted in the public inquiry into Balranald Shire Council, and there are important leadership lessons we can learn from this. Dive deeper into these insights in our latest blog and discover how to foster a stronger, more effective governing body: https://lnkd.in/ggZGkzSd #leadandlearn #localgov #localcouncils #civicleadership #leadershiplessons #LocalGovernment #Leadership #CouncilCulture #HealthyDebate #Collaboration