This week was all about the LGAQ’s Civic Leaders Summit at the Gold Coast. It’s a unique event in Australia and this year it has won a lot of praise from those attending as well as speakers at the event like Deputy Premier Jackie Trad.
Delegates heard from the Deputy Premier, Chair of the CCC, Alan MacSporran, the Ombudsman, Phil Clarke, and Auditor- General Andrew Greaves.
They were spell bound as the legendary All Black World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry spoke plainly and succinctly about winning teams. He slayed the crowd with his home truths, humility and dry wit.
We also had subject experts talking on leadership related matters, laws, dealing with government and the media and, best of all, three mayors’ panels where peers shared their experiences with their other local government colleagues.
As it's a closed door Chatham house rules event a lot of truth is spoken and a lot genuine learning achieved.
But the forum is only part of how the LGAQ supports our local government elected officials. All members have access to councillor and mayoral handbooks, elected member update sessions across the length the breadth of Queensland, the three mayoral mentors and ethics advisor, the purpose built members lounge at Local Government House for visiting mayors, councillors and CEOs, and the Diploma in Local Government specifically designed for elected members. Then there are LG Online and the LGAQ Member Service Centre where elected members and senior council staff can get immediate help and advice.
Our commitment to our members is not words: its real, tangible support.