Locale Leadership: the art, heart and science of civic leadership

What does it really take to lead in a world where everyone has a platform, but not everyone has influence?

In this episode of Locale Leadership, Emma Broomfield speaks with community leader Lavinia (Liv) Hutchison about the changing nature of civic leadership in the digital age.

Together, they explore how the decline of trusted local media has reshaped communities, why influence is different from popularity, and what it takes to build trust and lead with integrity in an increasingly polarised online world.

Drawing on more than two decades working across media, Liv shares how she came to see herself as a civic leader, why impartiality matters, and why regional communities need more people willing to step forward and tell honest, hopeful stories.

This conversation explores:

• How Liv's journey from working in media to regional development has shaped her understanding of civic leadership
• Why the loss of trusted local media has changed how communities connect and make decisions
• The difference between being a leader, an influencer, and someone with genuine influence
• How misinformation, social media and digital platforms are reshaping civic leadership
• Why trust, impartiality and accountability are more important than ever
• The role storytelling plays in building stronger communities and regional identities
• How emerging leaders can find their voice and back themselves, even in challenging environments

Whether you're leading in your community, serving in local government, or simply passionate about creating positive change, this episode offers valuable insights into leading with purpose and heart in a rapidly changing world.

🎧 Subscribe to Locale Leadership for conversations exploring the art, heart and science of civic leadership.

About our Guest

Lavinia (Liv) Hutchison has decades of experience in media ans is now a passionate advocate for regional Australia. Beginning her career in local newspapers, Liv witnessed firsthand the transformation of Australia's media landscape and the impact this has had on communities, civic participation and public trust.

Today, she works at the intersection of communications, regional development and community engagement, helping organisations navigate complex change while championing authentic storytelling, trusted leadership and meaningful community connection.

About our Host

Emma's passion is helping communities work better together. She is an engager + educator, problem + conflict solver (plus recovering lawyer!). She works with councillors, councils and communities across Australia to strengthen leadership capability, embed good governance, and create positive change.

Her work is diverse and draws on her experience as a lawyer, mediator, conflict coach and engagement practitioner. She is fortunate to live and work in regional NSW on Gumbaynggirr Country.

Find out more about Emma's work here:

➡️ www.localelearning.com.au – a political leadership accelerator that trains, coaches and mentors local councillors and civic leaders across the whole election cycle

➡️ www.localeconsulting.com.au – a niche consulting firm focused on creating better outcomes in regional areas

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-broomfield-b97a2263

#CivicLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #CommunityLeadership #RegionalLeadership #CommunityEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #DigitalLiteracy #Trust #Storytelling #RegionalAustralia

What does it really take to lead change inside local government?

In this episode of Locale Leadership, Emma Broomfield speaks with local government leader and experienced General Manager, Laura Black, about the complex reality of civic leadership from inside the council system.

Together, they explore how councils function, the evolving role of civic leaders, and what it takes to create meaningful outcomes for communities in an environment shaped by competing expectations, regulation, and increasing complexity.

Laura shares her insights from more than 20 years working in local government and being the General Manager of one of the largest councils in NSW. We talk about the changing nature of civic leadership, why councillors and council staff need strong relationships to succeed, and how leaders can balance immediate community concerns with the long-term needs of future generations.

This conversation explores:

• How civic leadership has changed and why authority alone is no longer enough
• The different roles of councillors and the General Manager, and how they work together to deliver community outcomes
• Why local government change takes time and what communities often misunderstand about council processes
• The challenge of balancing loud community voices with the needs of the broader community and future generations
• Why trust, relationships and respectful leadership are critical to successful councils
• The advice Laura would give to aspiring councillors and emerging civic leaders

This episode is for you if you’re a current councillor, considering running for council, working alongside councils, or simply interested in how decisions are made in local councils. This episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at civic leadership and what it takes to create lasting change.

🎧 Subscribe to Locale Leadership for conversations exploring the art, heart, and science of civic leadership.

About our Guest

Laura Black is an experienced local government leader with more than 20 years’ experience working within the sector. As a General Manager of a large regional council, Laura works at the intersection of elected leadership and council operations, supporting councillors to make informed decisions while leading the organisation responsible for delivering services, infrastructure, and outcomes for the community.

Laura brings deep experience in governance, organisational leadership, community expectations, and the practical realities of delivering change in complex public sector environments.

About our Host

Emma's passion is helping communities work better together. She is engager + educator, problem + conflict solver (plus recovering lawyer!). She works with councillors, councils and communities across Australia to strengthen leadership capability, embed good governance, and create positive change.

Her work is diverse and draws on her experience as a lawyer, mediator, conflict coach and engagement practitioner. She is fortunate to live and work in regional NSW Gumbaynggirr country.

Find out more about Emma's work here:

➡️ www.localelearning.com.au - a political leadership accelerator that trains, coaches and mentors local councillors and civic leaders across the whole election cycle

➡️ www.localeconsulting.com.au - a niche consulting firm that is focused on creating better outcomes in regional areas

Connect with Emma on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-broomfield-b97a2263

#LocalGovernment #CivicLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #CommunityLeadership #Councillor #LocalPolitics #WomenInLeadership #PublicLeadership #Governance #LeadershipDevelopment #LocalGovernmentLeadership #CouncilLeadership #CommunityEngagement

What does it really take to become an effective civic leader?

In this episode of Locale Leadership, Emma Broomfield speaks with Ian McCormack, President of Strategic Steps, about governance, leadership, and the skills needed to serve communities well.

With decades of experience advising local governments and not-for-profit organisations across Canada and beyond, Ian shares his insights into what happens when people step into elected office — and why understanding the “rules of the game” is essential for effective civic leadership.

Together, they explore why governance literacy is one of the most important capabilities for councillors, mayors, and emerging civic leaders, and how strong governance creates the foundation for meaningful community outcomes.

Ian shares why good leaders need to move beyond simply “getting things done” and instead understand their role in setting direction, building relationships, making collective decisions, and creating the conditions for long-term community success.

This conversation explores:

• Why good civic leadership matters so much in today’s complex environmentThe biggest surprises people encounter when they enter local government
• The difference between advocacy and governance — and why councillors need both
• Why the shift from individual action to collective decision-making can be challenging
• How trust, culture, relationships, and role clarity shape effective councils
• Why governance literacy is essential for turning community aspirations into meaningful change

Whether you’re currently serving in local government, considering running for council, working in community leadership, or simply interested in how communities are governed, this episode offers practical insights into leading with purpose, humility, and a commitment to the public good.

🎧 Subscribe to Locale Leadership for conversations exploring the art, heart, and science of civic leadership.

About our Guest

Ian McCormack is the President of Strategic Steps and an experienced advisor, facilitator, and author specialising in governance, leadership, and strategy. He has spent decades working with local governments and not-for-profit organisations across Canada and internationally, helping leaders understand their roles, strengthen decision-making, and create better outcomes for their communities.

Ian is passionate about making governance practical and accessible, and helping civic leaders understand how relationships, systems, and strategy come together to create thriving communities.

You can learn more about Ian’s work at Strategic Steps and connect with him through LinkedIn.

About our Host

Emma's passion is helping communities work better together. She is engager + educator, problem + conflict solver (plus recovering lawyer!). She works with councillors, councils and communities across Australia to strengthen leadership capability, embed good governance, and create positive change.

Her work is diverse and draws on her experience as a lawyer, mediator, conflict coach and engagement practitioner. She is fortunate to live and work in regional NSW on Gumbaynggirr Country.

Find out more about Emma's work here:

➡️ www.localelearning.com.au - a political leadership accelerator that trains, coaches and mentors local councillors and civic leaders across the whole election cycle

➡️ www.localeconsulting.com.au - a niche consulting firm focused on creating better outcomes in regional areas

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-broomfield-b97a2263

#LocalGovernment #CivicLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #CommunityLeadership #Councillor #LocalPolitics #Governance #LeadershipDevelopment #PublicLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #GoodGovernance #CommunityChange

How do civic leaders communicate change in a way that people actually understand?

In this episode of Locale Leadership, Emma Broomfield speaks with communication strategist and leadership expert Cat Matson about how to communicate your ideas in a way that brings people with you - especially when you're tasked with long-term change.

Together, they explore why great civic leadership is about far more than presenting information. It’s about creating understanding, building trust, and helping communities navigate complex issues with honesty and clarity.

Drawing on her experience working across local government, innovation, and public sector leadership, Cat shares why communication is often the missing link between good ideas and meaningful community outcomes. She explains how leaders can move beyond simply delivering messages to creating genuine understanding that enables better decisions and stronger relationships.

This conversation explores:

• Why communication is one of the most important skills in civic leadership
• The difference between presenting information and influencing
• How to explain complex policies and difficult decisions in ways communities can understand
• Why repetition, clarity and consistency are essential when leading change
• How empathy and curiosity help leaders navigate disagreement and build trust
• Practical communication strategies for councillors, council staff and community leaders

Whether you're an elected representative, local government professional, community leader, or anyone working to influence positive change, this episode offers practical insights into communicating with greater impact and helping people come with you on the journey.

🎧 Subscribe to Locale Leadership for conversations exploring the art, heart, and science of civic leadership.

About our Guest

Cat Matson is a communication strategist, facilitator and founder of Impactful Projects. She helps leaders find their voice, articulate their message and craft their stories so they can contribute, potently, to the conversations that matter to them. With experience spanning local government, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development, Cat works with business owners, public servants and other 'corporate hippies', that is, people who want to make a positive contribution to society, but struggle with imposter syndrome, being heard or wondering if what they have to say is of value, to speak up and land their message.

You can connect with Cat on Linkedin, Instagram or Facebook and find out more about her at:

⭐ https://www.impactfulpresenters.com/

⭐ https://www.catmatson.com.au/

Or listen to Cat's podcast, Speaking with Impact:

🎙️https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/speaking-with-confidence-with-cat-matson/id1543599229

About our Host

Emma's passion is helping communities work better together. She is an engager + educator, problem + conflict solver (plus recovering lawyer!). She works with councillors, councils and communities across Australia to strengthen leadership capability, embed good governance, and create positive change.

Her work is diverse and draws on her experience as a lawyer, mediator, conflict coach and engagement practitioner. She is fortunate to live and work in regional NSW on Gumbaynggirr Country.

Find out more about Emma's work here:

➡️ www.localelearning.com.au – a political leadership accelerator that trains, coaches and mentors local councillors and civic leaders across the whole election cycle

➡️ www.localeconsulting.com.au – a niche consulting firm focused on creating better outcomes in regional areas

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-broomfield-b97a2263

#CivicLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #CommunityLeadership #Communication #PublicLeadership #LocalGovernment #Governance #LeadershipDevelopment #Communication #LocalGovernmentLeadership #StrategicCommunication #LeadershipSkills

What does it really take to create change in your local community?

In this episode of Locale Leadership, Emma Broomfield speaks with councillor, former mayor, and leadership advisor Karen Foster about the power of intentional influence in civic leadership.

Together, they explore why influence is one of the most important (and misunderstood) leadership skills for councillors, mayors, community leaders, and elected representatives.

Karen shares why civic leaders can’t simply “command outcomes into existence,” and how authentic influence helps leaders build trust, mobilise communities, navigate competing priorities, and create meaningful change in complex environments.

This conversation explores:

• Why influence matters so much in civic leadership
• The difference between influencing accidentally and influencing with intention
• How leaders can mobilise people authentically, without feeling icky

Whether you’re a current councillor, considering running for your local council, working in community leadership, or simply interested in how to mobilise others to create change, this episode offers practical insights into leading with self-awareness and intention.

🎧 Subscribe to Locale Leadership for conversations exploring the art, heart, and science of civic leadership.

About our Guest

Karen Foster is a current serving councillor and former mayor at Moyne Shire Council in Victoria, Australia. She is also an experienced board director and seasoned community leader who works with emerging and senior civic leaders to build their leadership capabilities.

You can connect with Karen on Linkedin or Facebook, or visit her website O2 Advisory for more information about her leadership support.

⭐ https://o2advisory.com.au/

Or listen to Karen's podcast, The Self Leadership Podcast:

🎙️ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-self-leadership-podcast/id1896893774

About our Host

Emma's passion is helping communities work better together. She is engager + educator, problem + conflict solver (plus recovering lawyer!). She works with councillors, councils and communities across Australia to strengthen leadership capability, embed good governance, and create positive change.

Her work is diverse and draws on her experience as a lawyer, mediator, conflict coach and engagement practitioner. She is fortunate to live and work in regional NSW Gumbaynggirr country.

Find out more about Emma's work here:

➡️ www.localelearning.com.au - a political leadership accelerator that trains, coaches and mentors local councillors and civic leaders across the whole election cycle

➡️ www.localeconsulting.com.au - a niche consulting firm that is focused on creating better outcomes in regional areas

Connect with Emma on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-broomfield-b97a2263 

#CivicLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #CommunityLeadership #Councillor #LocalPolitics #WomenInLeadership #PublicLeadership #Governance #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthenticLeadership #LocalGovernment