Waratah–Wynyard Council engaged Dattner Group to strengthen how its councillors work together so decisions could be made with clarity, trust and shared purpose. The outcome was a clearer shared direction, stronger confidence and connection across the group, and a practical councillor charter to guide everyday conduct.
“After many years in leadership roles within a large organisation, I moved into the role of Local Government Councillor. Our councillor group is diverse, and at times our progress has been slowed by different personalities and behaviours. That’s why it was so timely to work with the Dattner Group.” — Leanne Raw, Councillor.”
The Challenge
Across Australia, councillors operate within codes of conduct, yet meetings can still become adversarial: uneven voice, reactive behaviour and conflict that distracts from community outcomes. At Waratah–Wynyard, early indicators included cautious participation, withholding ideas, and misalignment on behavioural expectations.
“It’s taught me the importance of listening deeply and appreciating the diversity of views around the table… Decisions are being made with maturity and consideration, which has created a more respectful and effective working environment.” — Michael Johnston, Councillor
The Solution
Dattner Group partnered with the councillor group and leadership to deliver a focused, values-led culture intervention that balanced confidentiality, evidence and momentum without burdening already full diaries.
Align around purpose and values A collaborative foundation workshop brought councillors together to align on purpose and define the behaviours they want to be known for. The group drafted a Vision Statement, a Councillor Charter and values to guide decisions and conduct for the remainder of the term.
“The opportunity to work with the Councillor group at a different and more personal level. I see each of them in a different light now, and how they wish to improve the group dynamics to generate more stable debate and achieve more positive outcomes for our communities.” — Mary Duniam, Mayor
Build a shared language for constructive debate Using practical, neuroscience-informed concepts, councillors explored constructive vs. defensive patterns and how to create psychological safety so all voices can be heard. This gave the group a depersonalised way to talk about behaviours and impact.
“The most valuable part of the workshop for me was receiving my Life Styles Inventory (LSI) feedback. It was a wake-up call that I need to consciously shift my responses and interactions into constructive behaviours..” — Councillor testimonial
Measure what matters safely (bi-monthly Team Excel pulse + coaching) A 12-month, bi-monthly Team Excel pulse and coaching cycle provides real-time insight on safety, inclusion and collaboration, turning data into focused conversations, and aligning with WHS psychosocial risk management (ISO 45003). The pulse acts as an objective, depersonalised mirror so the group can address uneven voice and inclusion without blame.
Sustain progress and link back to the Charter Insights from coaching translate into 1–2 tangible commitments linked to Charter values. This keeps momentum visible between meetings with simple nudges, tracks shifts in behaviour and culture over time, and strengthens the Charter as a live guide.
As facilitators, we combined structured coaching, evidence-based tools and authentic dialogue. This created both safety and stretch, enabling councillors to confront unhelpful patterns without blame while moving quickly toward solutions.
The Results
Stronger confidence and connection. Councillors reported feeling more confident in their roles, more connected to one another and more open to growth as a collective leadership body.
Clear values and a live Charter. The group aligned on values: Kindness, Courage, Fairness, Teamwork, Accountability, and created a charter to guide behaviour and decisions.
Objective, shared insight. Early pulse feedback depersonalised tension and highlighted practical opportunities to improve safety, inclusion and collaboration.
Visible commitments. Councillors agreed to draw in quieter voices, practise respectful disagreement and recommit to their Charter.
“We are now working together in a far more constructive way. We are more aware of each other, and clearer about what we need to do to achieve as a Council, together.” — Leanne Raw, Councillor
“I have noticed less angst from some councillors. They know that they will be listened to rather than being challenged because they have presented a different opinion.” — Mary Duniam, Mayor
At A Glance
Engagement: 7 of 8 councillors participated in the alignment workshop.
Experience: Workshop and facilitator both rated 4.8/5.
Outputs: Draft Vision Statement, councillor values and behaviours, and a working Charter for day-to-day conduct.
Why It Matters
Investing in your councillor group builds the conditions for good governance: psychological safety, constructive debate and decisions grounded in shared values. For Waratah–Wynyard, this shifted the focus from personalities and legacy patterns to purpose and performance.
This work also complements broader efforts to build councillor wellbeing and leverage individual strengths, which are critical foundations for sustainable leadership.
Waratah–Wynyard is one of a growing number of councils recognising that how councillors work together is as important as the decisions they make. By investing in culture, they have set a benchmark for collaborative leadership in local government.
“The Dattner Group delivered an engaging program, tailored precisely to our needs, which has resulted in a noticeable positive change in the Chamber. We are enthusiastic about the top-up program which is about to commence and will run over the next 12 months to help councillors embed the shift.” – Vanessa Adams, CEO
Talk to Us
If you want to reduce conflict, amplify constructive voice and model leadership in your chamber, we can design a tailored councillor-dynamics engagement for your council.
Councils across Australia are realising that a constructive culture is not optional. It is the foundation of effective governance. Waratah–Wynyard shows what is possible.
To find out more about how partnering with Dattner Group could impact your council contact us.
