Govtech Australia

Australia's Leading Source of Truth for Local Government Executives

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The leading professional association for the next generation of government technology leaders.
A dynamic network linking Australian leaders to unparalleled opportunities and resources.

About Govtech Australia

Govtech Australia is an incorporated association, established to create an active interface between leading digital industry pioneers and Government/Local Government leaders. We help our passionate members find innovative solutions to old and new challenges, enabling them to realise future ambitions and fulfil citizens demands and expectations.

We foster development, collaboration and growth for professionals in government and the industry that serves them, creating a network of well-informed thought leaders at the forefront of global change.

Through a range of events, campaigns and face to face discussions, we create opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals both withinthe digital industry and with government leaders. This enables new opportunities for growth and market development for government leaders.

We connect innovators together to share and accelerate learning, and to create new solutions to improve services. It also creates an advocacy for better technology and better government (federal, state and local) which will attract inward investment, grab attention, and attract new talent and increase skills on new technological advancements affecting governments in Australia.

We will provide the frameworks for building innovation goals into your plans for growth, minimising risk & creating a community that is well-informed & equipped to make key business decisions. However, we will be product & brand agnostic, and will not replicate discrete procurement activity being conducted elsewhere, promote any particular commercial interest or share commercial confidentiality.

Join us today to be a part of the community.

Watch our Directors of the Future Video Series

Featured

David Keenan - CEO of Scenic Rim Regional Council

Hear from David Keenan, CEO at Scenic Rim Regional Council as we explore his pathway to the C-level, advise for aspiring local government leaders and how his council is preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games

David Keenan is currently CEO at Scenic Rim Regional Council and has been in the role since November 2022. David comes from over 30 years of experience in local government beginning his career at Melton Shire Council.

David has held leadership roles at multiple councils and has served as CEO at Mitchell Shire Council, Tweed Shire Council, Southern Downs Regional Council and Mt Isa City Council.

Amongst a number of projects active at council - David and his team are busy preparing for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. The Scenic Rim region has been selected to host both the rowing and the canoeing events which is an exciting prospect for the area.

David is a treasure trove of advice for aspiring directors in this interview and cites the important of undertaking further study, being part of industry groups and trying to give back to local government by exploring mentor/mentee relationships.

In his spare time David is a keen AFL fan and still plays for the local Masters AFL team

Matthew Sykes - Director of Corporate at Nambucca Valley Council

Meet Matthew Sykes - Director of Corporate Services at Nambucca Valley Council and learn how he builds a strong organisational culture

Recently we met Matthew Sykes - Director of Corporate Services at Nambucca Valley Council. Nambucca Valley Council is based in the north-east region of NSW; with the main council office based in Macksville.

Matthew has had a long tenure in local government serving for over 31 years in various leadership roles at Coffs Harbour City Council & Clarence Valley Council.

In his current role, Matthew supervises economic development, libraries, customer service, finance, IT and community development making it one of the broader reaching local government roles.

Matthew has completed a double masters in politics and policy and also has an MBA; furthering his education with the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.

Matthew believes that continuous education and learning is critical to professional development and encourages his staff to pursue further training in areas which are relevant to their career paths.

Since 2019, the council has gone through a series of natural disasters so there are a number of projects under Matthew’s supervision focused on improving council infrastructure. Given the entire was affected and there are other state and federal government projects in the area; Matthew raised the difficulty local councils face when competing with other councils/government bodies for the same talent to achieve project completion on time.

Matthew’s team also spends a vast majority of their time on admin associated with these projects given that they are grant funded - ensuring that council is complying with all of the relevant conditions to achieve grant milestones.

Matthew’s major point of advice for other directors is the importance of investing time into industry as peer support is vital to finding success and a healthy sounding board for strategic ideas.

Stephen Fernando - Director of Corporate Services at Murray River Council

Join us as Stephen Fernando, Director of Corporate Services, at Murray River Council, delves into the multifaceted nature of rural council governance.

In this video, Stephen Fernando, the Director of Corporate Services at Murray River Council, shares invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by large rural councils and the innovative strategies employed to address them. With years of experience and dedication to public service, Stephen provides a comprehensive overview of the complexities involved in governing large rural areas.

Join us as Stephen delves into the multifaceted nature of rural council governance, from infrastructure development and service delivery to community engagement and economic growth. Through candid anecdotes and practical examples, he highlights the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership in overcoming the obstacles inherent in rural council management.

Discover how the Murray River Council navigates issues such as limited resources, vast geographic areas, and diverse community needs, finding creative solutions to enhance quality of life and promote sustainable development. From harnessing technology to fostering partnerships with stakeholders, Stephen offers valuable insights that resonate with rural councils worldwide.

Whether you're a public official, community leader, or simply interested in rural governance, Stephen's perspective provides invaluable lessons and inspiration for tackling the challenges of large rural councils and fostering thriving, resilient communities.

Local Government Leaders

Featured

9 June 2024

Optimism in Action with Paul Bennett - General Manager of Tamworth Regional Council

9 June 2024

In the debut episode of "Lessons from Local Government Leaders," host Elliott Donazzan explores the career of Paul Bennett, General Manager of Tamworth Regional Council.

In the inaugural episode of "Lessons from Local Government Leaders," host Elliott Donazzan delves into the inspiring career of Paul Bennett, the General Manager of Tamworth Regional Council in New South Wales.

Paul, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in local government, shares his insights on the power of optimism, the complexities of managing diverse business units within local government, and his innovative approach to business partnering.

This episode explores Paul's journey, his philosophy of enablement, and the practical strategies he employs to drive his council and community forward. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on leadership, strategic management, and the importance of fostering a collaborative, tribal culture within an organization.

9 June 2024

8 June 2024

Embracing Failure with Sharon Bowman - Manager Technology & Transformation, Hornsby Shire Council

8 June 2024

In this episode of "Lessons from Local Government Leaders," host Elliott Donazzan speaks with Sharon Bowman, Manager of Technology and Transformation at Hornsby Shire Council. Sharon's diverse career journey, spanning journalism to technology, highlights the importance of embracing failure to foster innovation. Drawing from lessons learned in Silicon Valley, Sharon's story inspires listeners to challenge conventions and drive transformative change within their council organisation.

In the second episode of "Lessons from Local Government Leaders," host Elliott Donazzan interviews Sharon Bowman, the Manager of Technology and Transformation at Hornsby Shire Council.

Sharon, a trailblazer in the field of local government, discusses the importance of fostering a culture that embraces failure to drive innovation. Drawing from her diverse career spanning journalism, accounting, and technology, Sharon shares her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to local government.

The conversation highlights her philosophy of "pushing boundaries" and the lessons learned from Silicon Valley on the value of failure in achieving success. Sharon's story is a testament to the power of adaptability, strategic thinking, and the courage to challenge the status quo in creating transformative change within organizations.

8 June 2024

Membership Opportunities

Professionals working within government, and the industries who serve it, are eligible to apply for individual membership. Organisations and businesses are eligible to apply as a corporate member.

For businesses who proactively serve government organisations, and want to positively share beneficial insights with members. Only Corporate Members are eligible to sponsor events. All funds contributed by Corporate Members go directly to supporting our mission. Contact us to find out more.

Corporate Member

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To get exclusive access to Govtech Australia events & the countrywide network, apply to be a Professional Member. Applications are open all year round Access to Members Slack/Teams lounge.

Professional Member

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For Govtech professionals who have pioneered a transformation within or for an organisation. Speaking opportunities and the chance to shape this industry group as it grows. Founding Members will be considered for appointment to the inaugural Executive Committee. Applications close on October 2024.