At their graduation ceremony ACELG Director Sector Engagement and Teaching Dr Tim Robinson praised the graduates and reiterated how the program is tailored to the complex and ever-changing context of the local government sector:

"Today's local government manager must combine a high level of professional expertise with a broad range of managerial skills and a sound understanding of the sector’s changing needs and priorities."

The ACELG-UTS graduates were Catherine  Zammit, Manager of Children’s Services at Holroyd City Council; Paul Sullivan, Area Coordinator at City of Sydney, Patricia Kirkland, Projects Coordinator at Byron Shire Council; and Jessica Quilty, Corporate Administration Officer at North Sydney Council.

The Diploma has been offered by the Centre for more than a decade and is highly regarded by the sector for its flexibility and up-to-date local government research and theory.

"The degree helps local government practitioners gain a holistic understanding of the sector and equips them with a working knowledge of applying new expertise," said Dr Robinson.

Another strength of the program is the final research project, guided by respected industry teachers and specialist academics. Often, students focus on a topic that relevant to their council, and can be taken up within their organisation or published for broader reference.

Graduate projects in 2014 were:  

• Holroyd Council’s role in co-ordinating education and care services to its local area and the expectations of citizens and key stakeholders, with recommendations for improvement
• The importance of fire safety understanding for tenants living in multi-storey residential units in the City of Sydney
• The role of local government managers in fostering public value
• Workforce planning at North Sydney Council.
   

The last word about the value of the Diploma is reserved for our graduates: 

"I have really improved my confidence in meeting situations -  particularly those of a higher level …even if you have no specific desire to enter the management area of local government [the course]  … helps with strategic thinking and looking at the sector as a whole." – Paul Sullivan

" … the degree supported my progression into a management position and significantly supported my continued management-level employment through a few organisational restructures. The ‘study block’ structure was good as I am located in a rural area." – Trish Kirkland

"I feel more confident in my role as a local government manager and more knowledgeable when discussing and commenting on other sections of council. The partnerships and connections with the other students and the UTS teachers were invaluable." – Cathie Zammit

Applications for the next intake of the ACELG-UTS Graduate Diploma of Local Government Management close January 31, 2015.

For more information go to ACELG Teaching and Learning or contact Gabrielle Watterson on 02 9514 7971 or [email protected].

Left to right (back row): Rebecca Ryan, Catherine Zammit, Alison Ballind, Paul Sullivan, Tim Robinson (ACELG), Geraldine O’Connor (ACELG). Left to right (front row): Gabrielle Watterson (ACELG), Ronald Woods (ACELG).