URBAN PLANNING 61
Not just a flash in the pan
Australia in a Century of Transformative Governance : A Federation for Communities and Places was released by LG Professionals Australia and the University of Canberra ' s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis in 2016 . The report calls for a greater role for local government within our threetiered system . It suggests that local knowledge and connections within their communities – which councils around Australia intrinsically possess – are key to unlocking innovative approaches and unexpected collaborations ; and if allowed to flourish , will deliver the best possible quality of life to residents .
In many respects , the State of the Sector 2016-2017 is the natural progression for our organisation . Given the place-based and multi-functional strengths of local government , how can the sector better present our position , and contribute on the local , state and national levels ? We believe that a crucial component to developing and delivering on the promise of local government is by gathering , analysing and sharing important , relevant data that can be leveraged to enhance understanding , set priorities , and improve and enable communities .
Lauren Oakey CEO LG Professionals Australia
Lauren Oakey became CEO of LG Professionals Australia in 2014 , and works closely with the Board of Directors to create and run programs to support local government professionals around Australia . With the federation partners and national office staff , Lauren has been a driving force in changing the conversation at the national level within and about local government towards a more collaborativecommunity approach ; focusing on issues that impact local government nationally and programs that support sharing and engagement between local governments , the different levels of government within Australia and between local government associations internationally .
Building on her previous role as National Manager of Programs and Strategy , Lauren has played a leading part in repositioning and revitalising the organisation ’ s role with the development and implementation of the 2015-2020 LGMA Federation Strategic Plan ; the establishment of an Indigenous scholarship supporting learning and development ; and an exchange program for local government professionals between LG Professionals Australia and its counterpart in the USA , ICMA ; and international technical support and exchange opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region .
Lauren has ensured the organisation is truly a part of the wider governance network ; facilitating new working partnerships with the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis at the University of Canberra , online engagement specialists , OurSay , and . id the population experts , as well as formal understandings with sister organisations in New Zealand , United States , Canada , United Kingdom , Nepal and Kiribati , and with the Governments of Timor-Leste and South Korea , providing Australian local government professionals opportunities in for international collaboration .
Constantly in motion , Lauren has degrees in political science and international relations , and is soon to complete her Juris Doctor at RMIT , and is an awardwinning wushu and taijiquan practitioner .
GOVLINK » ISSUE 2 2017