Leading in the Public Interest

In this episode, we discuss Southern Downs Regional Council’s innovative approach to engaging with their younger community members. This episode features Michael Bell, the Manager of Community and Cultural Services, , who was the driver of establishing a youth council and Liam Gow, a previous member of the Youth Council in 2019 and a student at Stanthorpe High School. The podcast discusses how the Youth Council was established, how it functions and the impact it has had on the young people wi...

In this episode, we talk with Steph Amir and Trent McCarthy, two councillors at Darebin City Council about council’s decision to be the first in Australia to declare a climate emergency on 5 December 2016, what was involved in doing so and the implications. About our guest speakersTrent McCarthy was first elected to Darebin Council in 200 on a climate action platform. Since then Trent has led the development of Darebin’s climate policy including proposing the world's first government le...

In this episode, we talk with Glenn Patterson about how he has led the council through this period of turmoil and how they are planning to emerge into a post COVID-19 future. About our guest speakerGlenn Patterson is the CEO of Casey Council located in the south eat of Melbourne. It is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Victoria. Prior to joining Casey Glenn was the long-serving CEO at Yarra Ranges Council. Casey Council has faced a number of significant chal...

In this episode, we interview Noelene Duff, an experienced senior leader in both State and Local government management, about her reflection on public service, her professional career and her advice to young public servants.About our guest speakerNoelene Duff retired in 2019 after a career spanning almost 40 years most of which were spent in local government. Her professional life started in 1981 when she commenced work as a Community Outreach Worker with the City of Collingwood. Rising...

In this episode, we interview Amanda Stone, a Councillor at the City of Yarra Council, about deliberative democracy and how it can enhance the work of local government through engaging and connecting with community stakeholders. About our guest speakerAmanda Stone is a councillor at the City of Yarra. She was first voted on to the Council in 2008 and was immediately elected to the role of Mayor a position she again held in 2016-2017. Amanda began her professional life as a secondary school te...

In this episode, we interview Amanda Stone, a Councillor at the City of Yarra Council, about deliberative democracy and how it can enhance the work of local government through engaging and connecting with community stakeholders.