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Regional Councils

Dattner Group has a significant footprint in regional councils in Australia. Why? Our purpose is to transform the practice of leadership and create legacies for the future.

In the realm of the local council, this purpose is writ large, permating way beyond the limits of the organisation and beyond, into the community.

Find out all about some of the work we’ve done, and if you’re a leader in a council yourself, get in touch with us today. We know how to help.

Case Studies

Broken Hill City Council Case Study

A deep commitment to investing and collaborating with their people at all organisational levels during complex and uncertain times, saw Broken Hill City Council make a vital shift towards a constructive, empowered culture.

Armidale Regional Council Case Study

Read how Armidale Regional Council navigated a merger and went from being a council that has ‘nothing to be proud of’ to one that is repeatedly being nominated for awards.

City of Greater Bendigo Case Study

Explore how The City of Greater Bendigo is bridging the gap between intention, action and outcomes when it comes to gender equity. And how their approach is yielding substantial benefits at Council.

Download our free resources to help increase your leadership effectiveness in regional council

Cultural Transformation Blueprint for Regional Council

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Exceptional Workforce: Attract & Engage the Right People

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”Council is aware, like a vast majority of Councils, particularly in regional areas, that it has a way to go in ensuring gender parity within its leadership group. The Compass program is absolutely the first step to changing this. We know that the impact of this program absolutely builds confidence and leadership capability, but it also develops strong role models and mentors for the next generation of women who join Council.

Annie Harris Executive Manager People & CultureArmidale Regional Council

”The feedback from the participants has been overwhelmingly positive in terms of personal and professional growth and development.  They are more self-aware, are challenging their own behaviours and the stories they tell themselves and are actively seeking opportunities to step outside of their comfort zones to stretch and grow.

All participants have acknowledged that they have a role to play in both organisational leadership and culture, regardless of their position or work area.  They are also clearer about their own goals and values and how these can align with the City to improve performance.

Toni Lyon, Coordinator Organisation DevelopmentCity of Greater Bendigo

”I was always one to say what I think but I now take the time to think about how I say things. Overall, this benefits everyone because what I say is delivered more constructively. I have found I am a more positive and happier person and my passion for what I do at BHCC has only grown.

Shannan Botten - Senior Events OfficerBroken Hill City Council

”Another unexpected benefit of the Compass Course is the amazing cohort of women I met through the program. I was inspired, humbled, energised and supported by a powerful and diverse group of women from around the country and internationally. I have gained an invaluable and lasting network through Compass.

Annaliese Battista Director Planning and PlaceCity of Stonnington

”Dattner Group have led the organisation on a change journey like no other, pushing and testing the boundaries of our executive and senior leadership groups and making them think about every fibre of their being, testing our resolve and resilience.

James Roncon General ManagerArmidale Regional Council

”It’s been an honour and privilege to be a part of the turnaround strategy at Armidale Regional Council. I have found immense value in the work the Dattner Group team do. The past three roles I have worked in have all had elements of a “cultural clean up”, but nowhere has delivered this as genuinely and thoroughly as the DG team have done. The learnings I have gained from you all are something I will take with me wherever I go.

Simone Mooketai, Ex Manager GovernanceArmidale Regional Council

Regional Council Blog

The art of self awareness and a house full of infinite rooms

There is no trick to building self-awareness, no single one-stop-shop to buy insight or a guru who imparts the wisdom of the ages via a peaceful chant. Self-awareness is a life-long commitment comprised of hard work and consistent effort. But the benefits are monumental, startling even.

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The courage to hear the truth about what is actually happening in your council

In a complex world, where our sense of purposeful engagement is getting more and more ambiguous, where trust in leaders and the institutions they are tasked with leading is standing on increasingly troubled ground. Innovation, is essential to our ability to solve some of our most wicked problems.

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Why CEOs and GMs need each other

Many years of working with leadership teams in vastly different contexts has taught me a lot about what we don’t say.It has been said that it’s lonely at the top. It isn’t always easy to find someone to talk to, as an equal, about the things that keep you awake at night.

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A change in (local) leadership: Councillors and the administration they are elected to influence

In Australia, we have three tiers of government: federal, state and local. I and the DG team have worked in all three, though I personally have developed a sweet spot for local government. They are so close to my home and do so much for the community I live in and are, for the large part, invisible and unthanked.

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Emotional Intelligence Culture

Imagine for a moment you’re abseiling up a rock wall. You get halfway up, stop momentarily and look down. In that moment you realise you’re afraid of heights and paralysed with fear. Gasping for air, heart rate racing, fuzzy head, and that oh so sick feeling in your stomach.

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An amazing 72-year-old and a transformational leadership initiative

We have done a range of things for this progressive and deeply committed organisation, from deep level cultural work to the development of strategy (and cultural strategy), to leadership development and elevating the skill and visibility of women leading.

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Media

Nillumbik Shire Council’s women in business networking event

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What’s culture strategy mapping and how can it help my council?

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Fabian Dattner chats to Chris Eddy from Local Government New Roundup about how regional councils can attract and retain the best people, and leadership insights to deal with wicked problems and challenges.

Listen Here

Fabian Dattner’s 3 Tips when navigating your first 10 months as a regional CEO

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Fabian Dattner chats to Chris Eddy from Local Government New Roundup about Dattner Group’s interactive live webinar.

Listen Here

Armidale Regional Council (ARC) has been recognised with a NSW Local Government Excellence Award nomination for its Women in Leadership Program.

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Stories from the frontline: attracting the best local government workforce

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Find out more

Interested to learn more about culture audits and culture mapping strategies?

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