Lauren Sculley
Wendouree,VIC
Summary
I am an efficient professional with 20+ years of experience and a proven knowledge of Government, community, and regional development. Aiming to leverage my skills to successfully fill the Business Transition Coordinator role at your company. I am proficient in the use of GEMS, eBriefings, Sharepoint, Microsoft Office 365 applications, email, and other cloud-based platforms.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Development Coordinator - Regional Development Victoria
Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
04.2008 - 05.2024
- As Regional Development Coordinator I:
- Brought together key/senior stakeholders and partners; and developed and maintained strategic relationships/networks with Federal, State, and local government, community organizations and key industry stakeholders to support integrated investment across the Grampians Region:
- Lead and managed regional cross-government involvement, identifying and building capacity of local/regional stakeholders.
- Championed regional perspectives, influencing policy makers to reflect regional needs and stakeholder perspectives within DJSIR and other Government Departments.
- Contributed to relevant forums, communities of practice, committees and working groups that delivered social and economic outcomes.
- Provided regional intelligence to help inform decision making as it relates to program design and policy development.
- Provided advice on the performance of rural and regional communities, and current and emerging issues impacting on their social, economic, and environmental growth and development.
- Lead the delivery of a range of DJSIR/RDV program initiatives across the region, to achieve program objectives by maintaining strategic links with program areas and monitored, managed, and reviewed performances of grant recipients:
- Supported the delivery of funded programs such as Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, Tiny Towns, and the Council Support Package and helped shape project activities.
- Liaised with stakeholders to determine project priorities, assist in project development, and provided advice as part of the funding assessment.
- Monitored and reported on funded projects and managed emerging risks.
- Participated in departmental working groups where required.
- In the 2022/2023 financial year I processed 120 financial and non-financial milestone to the value of $6 million across approximately 30 projects.
- Lead the Grampians Housing Working Group and supported the Advanced Manufacturing Working Group. The working groups align with the Grampians' regional priorities and provide an opportunity for the RDV Grampians team to take some action in addressing the priority and provides the whole team an opportunity to learn more and do something about the big issues in the Grampians region.
- Established the Grampians Housing Working Group, managing the rhythm of regular meetings, and lead those meetings.
- Coordinated the development of a database to capture proposed housing opportunities across the region.
- Met with external stakeholders and made connections with relevant LGAs, industry, and other key stakeholders.
- Provided a Housing Working Group progress report at the quarterly Grampians all-staff meeting, giving key updates on that sector, and advising of work being done to support/assist the priority.
- As a member of the Advanced Manufacturing Grampians Region Working Group, I provided coordinating support to stimulate economic growth and respond to social challenges and realise economic growth opportunities for the Grampians region by facilitating Government support for private industry.
- Prepared high quality, well researched correspondence, reports, submissions, and briefings with clear and concise recommendations:
- Provided advice/responses for DJSIR and RDV Executives and relevant Ministers, including for Ministerial briefs, PPQ’s, PMOs and PAEC.
- Responded to corporate requirements for things such as FOI.
- Prepared and assessed Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, Tiny Towns, Council Support Package, and numerous other funding stream EOI’s and applications for Ministerial consideration using the most up to date data and information available.
- Developed reporting tools and processes for the Grampians Regional team to effectively review and provide feedback on grant applications and to monitor the progress of projects under the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which resulted in high rates of successful applications.
- Developed reporting templates which achieved consistency with report writing and information sharing.
- Input Regional Intelligence (RI) into GEMS and prepared monthly reports (pipeline, milestones, Integrated Delivery report) that fed into the Regional Business Plan and the overall strategic plan of the team.
- Supported Regional Delivery activities and projects, maintaining a broad awareness of DJSIR/RDV activities and programs relevant to regional stakeholders in support of an integrated approach to regional delivery and stakeholder engagement:
- Have been the lead contact at various times for all 11 Grampians region local government areas (LGAs), and prior to my departure was the lead for Horsham, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Yarriambiack, and parts of City of Ballarat LGAs.
- As required, I was the lead contact point for organizations and LGAs including internal and external stakeholders regarding funding assistance for programs such as the Bushfire Recovery Program and the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
- Liaised with grant recipients, where agreed with RDV, to identify emerging risks and issues & provided timely advice on infrastructure projects under the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
- As Economic Development Officer, I supported the Economic Development Coordinators to undertake the above-named functions, and:
- Provided executive support for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership.
- Processed milestone paperwork and claims.
- Developed spreadsheets, tools, and systems to better improve the Grampians’ Regional Team workflow.
- Managed the delivery of small grant programs such as Bushfire Recovery, Agricultural and Pastoral Society Fund, Community Support Fund, and Regional Recovery Fund.
- Participated in state-wide working groups such as Systems and Processes, Variations, IFF Assessment panel, and other assessment panels as required.
- As Acting Community Engagement Manager, I had Line Management of seven staff members and:
- Managed the implementation and delivery of a comprehensive range of regional departmental programs including RDV, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Neighbourhood Houses, Men’s Sheds, Women’s Affairs, and Community Investment.
- Contributed to the development of a strategic regional planning model that incorporated strong engagement with local government, business, community, and other stakeholders.
- Undertook the management of the Regional Community Engagement team.
- Developed work plans and KPIs for each area of delivery.
- Lead and developed the capability of staff within a changing work environment and consistent with the overall DJSIR directions.
- As a member of the Regional Senior Management Team, I:
- Provided corporate leadership on matters of governance, resource management, financial monitoring, strategic planning, priority projects as well as leading motivating and mentoring a team of staff.
- Provided support and advice to the Grampians Regional Director, Ministers, and senior DJSIR staff.
- Attended monthly CEM meetings.
- Advocated on behalf of and for stakeholders and projects in the Grampians Region.
Resident Communications Officer
Department of Human Services – Wendouree West Community Renewal
02.2004 - 04.2008
- Stakeholder and partnership development:
- Established networks across government, agency, and community to facilitate the delivery of Neighborhood Renewal’s six key objectives linked to state governments ‘A Fairer Victoria’ policy.
- Built and maintained positive, productive, and mutually beneficial working relationships with external organizations such as Wendouree West Community House, Yuille Park Community College, City of Ballarat, welfare agencies, government bodies and private businesses to link a range of community services such as housing, health, welfare, and recreation.
- Facilitated meetings between the community and City of Ballarat which oversaw the redevelopment of Weeramar Park (formerly Jaycees Park).
- Leadership, teamwork and developing organisational culture.
- Developed and managed policies and procedures aimed at respecting and valuing community through equity and participation in decision-making processes.
- Demonstrated leadership as a key team member in inclusive practices to establish common goals to respect and value others’ contributions, share information, team cohesion and communication.
- Advocacy and community support:
- Participated on behalf of residents in several committees including the Education committee, Housing Control group, and Community Works and Environment committee.
- Facilitated wide community participation in the planning, development, maintenance and evaluation of community resources, programs, and support networks.
- Developed and supported community health and wellbeing initiatives and community enterprise which contributed to the ongoing sustainability of outcomes for the community.
- Development, delivery, and implementation of community initiatives:
- Developed and implemented strategies outlined in the community action plan which achieved positive outcomes for the community, government, and agencies.
- In partnership with the University of Ballarat developed and implemented a skills audit of Wendouree West residents.
- Developed and implemented a leadership program for the residents of Wendouree West and mentored those residents.
- Planned and coordinated a community working bee where residents constructed the playground, planted trees, and spread mulch at Weeramar Park.
- Supported, developed, and evaluated strategies that encouraged community participation in activities and community events.
- Informed and communicated with the community and other key stakeholders by:
- Developing and implementing a communication strategy for the community.
- Guest speaker on behalf of Neighbourhood Renewal residents at the announcement of four new Neighbourhood Renewal sites with the Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and Minister Candy Broad.
- Guest speaker at Community Development Conference with the Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and Yehudi Blacher.
- Guest speaker at several universities across Australia and various community organisation including Monash University, UNSW Sydney, ZONTA, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Jaycees, and Committee for Ballarat.
- As Chairperson of the Premier’s State-wide Community Renewal Resident’s Committee advocated for change and resident’s rights and was the conduit between the residents and all levels of Government.
- Preparing written correspondence, submissions and reports for government bodies and other agencies attending management meetings.
- Preparing documentation and delivering power point presentations for residents to identify and communicate local ideas.
- Facilitating community events and achievements at public presentations, forums, and conferences.
- Producing a bi-monthly newsletter to inform the community and other organisations of community events.
- Was the community speaker when hosting high profile dignitaries including the Governor General of Victoria John Landy, the Premier of Victoria Joan Kirner, and Federal Minister Penny Wong.
- As a key team member, I:
- Participated on interview panels for a range of recruitment including the Hub Architectural firm; YES trainees; CJP positions; Office Administration staff; and DHS Tenant Participation Officer.
- Provided high level executive and administrative support to the manager and Renewal team including:
- Organising and coordinating ministerial visits, briefs, guest lists and speeches.
- Managing the community survey process in 2007.
- Negotiating fencing contracts with local business for CJP.
- Providing administration support and guidance to CJP participants.
- Managing Resident’s Group budget.
- Acted as the Deputy Chief Fire Warden for Wendouree West renewal team.
- Acted as the OHS Officer for Wendouree West and Delacombe renewal teams.
- Managed the webmaster and ensured the website was maintained.
Education
Diploma - Business Management
RMIT University
01.2009
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Strong Work Ethic
- Analytic / Quantitative
- Communication (Written and Verbal)
- Stakeholder Management
- Project Proposals
- Project Implementation
- Project Management
- Project Analysis
- Business Operations
- Workflow Processes
- Organization and Prioritizing Tasks
- Electronic Filing System
- Data Collection
Certification
- Advanced Project Management: Mastering the DEECA Project Management Framework
- Local Economic Development
- IAP2
CONTACT
- Lozzy3069@gmail.com
- 0407 946 614
Timeline
Regional Development Coordinator - Regional Development Victoria
Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
04.2008 - 05.2024
Resident Communications Officer
Department of Human Services – Wendouree West Community Renewal
02.2004 - 04.2008
Diploma - Business Management
RMIT University