WHAT'S NEW

Open Space Technology

Collective Possibilities recently participated in the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) 2009 Annual Conference, with a Taste of Open Space Session. Using Open Space Technology (OST) was a great way for participants at the conference to interact, have their say and be actively involved in the conference. Open Space allowed for a break from listening and a chance to shape the day’s proceedings, it puts a different spin on networking. 

For many of the participants at the Conference this was their first experience of Open Space Technology and there was some skepticism of how it would work.  Participants put forward their suggested conversation topics, 11 in all, each conversation leader introduced what they wished to discuss and it was left open to the conference participants as to what conversation they wanted to attend.  The conversations ran for 30 minutes and each conversation was well represented. At the conclusion of the conversations, the conversation leaders reported back to all participants two headlines from the group’s dialogue.

The use of Open Space Technology made for a dynamic, interactive session. Following are a few comments from participants:

-          Interesting concept!

-          I found this session the most interesting and would like to have gone to all workshops

-          Well organised and a good opportunity to articulate issues, hurdles and problems in Council.

-          The open space session was better than I expected - Perfect for after lunch!

-          This session delivered results - Great networking.

If you would like to know more about OST and how we can bring this exciting facilitation tool to your organisation or community, contact us today.

Women Leading in Local Government

Congratulations to Kim Rawlings, Manager Strategic Planning and Economic Development - Knox City Council on recently receiving the LGPro Sally Isaac Women Leading in Local Government Award.

Successful city planning and management required individuals who understand the disparate parts of communities and cities and have the vision, courage, passion and leaderships skills to bring all the parts together to support communities achieve their aspirations. Kim through her projects and roles in local government has shown that she is such a leader.  Strategic, innovative, energetic, intelligent, insightful, supportive and collaborative are also key words that describe Kim.

Kim’s energy and vision motivates those around her including staff, managers, directors, Councillors, and community members.  Examples of roles and projects that demonstrate Kim’s outstanding leadership skills include:

• As Manager Strategic Land Use Planning with Maroochy Shire Council, Kim, managed a budget of $7m and a multidisciplinary team of 38 staff across the areas of strategic planning, infrastructure planning, urban design, GIS, social planning and economic development.  Her achievements during this time included the introduction a new Planning Scheme, the first of its kind in Queensland under the new Integrated Planning Act; developed a lobbying campaign and strategic response to protect the sugar cane industry; and development new urban growth boundaries to provide for the sustainable growth of the Shire.
• As Manager Strategic and Economic Development with Knox City Council, Kim manages a multidiscipline team of 15 staff across the areas of strategic land use planning, economic development, place management/ activity centre revitalisation, and major project delivery.  All Kim’s projects are high profile and involve complex issues that benefit from Kim’s big picture and inclusive approach.  Examples include: Major land use planning projects such as activity centre structure plans (Maintain Gate and Stud Park Activity Centres) and innovative pilot projects like ‘knowledge clubs’ as a way of increasing innovation through enhanced interaction between businesses, Monash University and CSIRO in South East Melbourne’s Innovation Precinct.  A key project that epitomizes Kim’s leadership skills is The Stamford Project.  This project involves the restoration of a historic homestead, the creation of a 50 hectare regional park in a floodplain and the planning and development of a 7 hectare residential development. .

Kim’s influence is not limited to the projects and people she is directly responsible for.  Kim applies her leadership skills to other aspects of the organisation and the community.  Kim convenes the Knox Manager’s Leadership Forum – a monthly forum of all senior managers at Knox Council that focuses on leadership development, personal awareness and open and honest dialogue.  

Canteen Can do!

Collective Possibilities has been a proud supporter of CanTeen, the national support organisation for young people (aged 12-24) living with cancer for several years. The touchstone of CanTeen is the belief that young people, through meeting and talking with one another, are better able to cope with the uncertainties of a cancer diagnosis.

A diagnosis of cancer at any time is traumatic, but even more so for a young person - already facing issues of identity, independence, relationships and career. Cancer is not a death sentence, but it can mean the start of a long process of painful treatment and years of uncertainty.Since its inception, CanTeen has had a clear focus on the needs of young people living with cancer and has demonstrated a commitment to the principle of Member participation in management. This commitment ensures that CanTeen remains true to its mission and continually assesses the needs of the Members.

CanTeen's mission is to support, develop and empower young people living with cancer, they do this by providing an Australia-wide peer support network for 12-24 year-olds including:

•     Patients - young people who have been diagnosed with cancer,
•     Siblings & Offspring - young people who have an mmediate family member who has been diagnosed with cancer
•     Bereaved Siblings & Offspring - young people who had an immediate family member who died from cancer 

One of the things we appreciate about CanTeen is that the organisation provides Members with a place where they can simply be young people, away from the daily pressures of living with cancer in the hospital or at home. Through a wide range of camps and programs, CanTeen encourages Members to share their experiences, make great friends...and of course, have fun!  Find out more about Canteen and how you can support this awesome cause!