Years of Local Government experience
Megan Richards
Yornup,Australia
Summary
An experienced Executive Manager bringing diverse Local Government experience to the management of services, teams, customer service, strategic development, and the budgetary processes associated with local government regulations and legislation . Well-versed in effective communication and relationship building. Proven history of successfully engaging and building stakeholder relationships. A dynamic individual with a talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
17
17
Work History
Executive Manager Community & Economic Development
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
03.2024 - 05.2025
- Worked closely organisational leaders and council to develop and guide operational strategies.
- Managed and implemented the organisations communications and Crisis Management strategies.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to improve the organization's influence and reach.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop actionable strategies that aligned with corporate goals and objectives.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Increased overall productivity in council's facilities by implementing innovative management strategies, developing staff and improving communication and promotion with the council and community.
- Successfully navigated complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and industry standards, mitigating potential legal risks.
- Implemented work flow reviews and change management processes with internal stakeholders.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
- Strengthened internal communication channels to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and decision making.
- Worked with team managers to support facility budget planning and financial forecasting, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum return on investment.
Manager Community Services
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
04.2022 - 03.2024
- Company Overview: The Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes is a rural shire in the South West of Western Australia (300km south of Perth) with a population of 5,000.
- Manage the Shire Library Services, Leisure and Aquatics Centre, guide the development, implementation and evaluate community initiatives within the context of the Community Strategic Plan, the Corporate Business Plan and the strategic direction of the organisation.
- Prepare and manage a number of budgets.
- Plan/implement and manage multi departmental community based projects and develop regional projects with key regional stakeholders.
- Actively engage and consult with key stakeholders and service providers to ensure all shire projects and programs reflect and incorporate community engagement from relevant targeted community sectors or whole of community.
- Develop and negotiate strategic partnerships with other Local Government Authorities, State and Federal Government agencies, non-Government agencies, and the corporate sector to address identified needs within the community.
- Mentor team members in all facets of community development relevant to their role, encourage and support the development/management of innovative programs and events that respond to the needs of the community within the context of organisational strategic direction.
- Work within the community to provide mentoring for community groups, build capacity and partnerships to strengthen sustainability and resource sharing.
- Operate as the responsible officer for Councils Advisory Committees.
- Complete, agenda reports to Council, funding applications, research reports and community consultation reports. Develop policy and strategic documents. Actively communicate and promote community initiatives to internal and external stakeholders through various forms of media, in keeping with the relevant communications procedures.
- Monitor gaps in service provision for targeted sectors of community (youth, seniors, and people with disability, tourism and community groups) and guide and support the development of programs to address these gaps, and guide and support the development and embedding any change to service delivery.
- Represent the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes on key community networks and committees. Mentor and supervise relevant shire officers and volunteers.
- Reported to: Director Community Infrastructure and Development
- Direct Reports: Coordinator Library Services, Coordinator Recreation and Leisure, Community Development Officer, Film Festival Officer, Community Bus Caretaker/Drivers, Community Development Officer, Casuals, Volunteers
Grants and Services Manager
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
01.2015 - 03.2022
- Developed and implemented capital works projects and community based programs in line with council's strategic direction.
- Developed strong relationships with key clients, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
- Introduced process improvements that led to faster resolution times for customer issues without sacrificing quality or attention to detail.
- Acted as a liaison between clients and internal teams during project execution phases guaranteeing clear communication lines were open throughout entire project lifecycles.
- Implemented best practices in workflow management to ensure timely completion of tasks without compromising quality or client satisfaction levels.
Various Positions
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
04.2008 - 01.2015
- Events and community program management.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Proprietor OSH Consultancy
Self Employed
09.2002 - 12.2003
- Company Overview: I continued to operate as an independent consultant to support a number of Safemin Pty Ltd clients after Safemin Pty Ltd liquidated (with the consent of the previous proprietor), providing support to several small and medium mining and transport contractors.
- Implement and facilitate all areas of OSH management systems for small to medium sized businesses. Including:
- Policy development
- Procedure generation
- Workers compensation case management
- OSH management systems analysis
- Tender preparation
- Data collection and analysis.
- Successfully supported clients in all areas of OSH until I terminated the consultancy and moved with my family to Bridgetown in February 2004.
- Supported clients by mediating on their behalf in a number of long term worker compensation claims to the point of return to work or payout to reduce long term organisational expenditure.
OSH Consultant
Safemin Pty Ltd
03.1998 - 07.2002
- Company Overview: Safemin Pty Ltd was a small OSH consultancy providing support to small and medium mining and transport contractors.
- Implement and facilitate all areas of OSH management systems for small to medium sized businesses. Including
- Policy development
- Procedure generation
- Workers compensation case management
- OSH management systems analysis
- Tender preparation
- Data collection and analysis.
- Reported to: Proprietor Phil Petite
- Direct Reports: Nil
Counsellor
Ministry of Justice
01.1995 - 08.1995
- Company Overview: Ministry of Justice – Substance Use Resource Unit was a small unit of counsellors providing to complete an individual program with inmates whose drug use had contributed to their re-incarceration.
- Provide counselling services for repeat offenders where substance use was a key factor in their reoffending and incarceration.
- Reporting to: Program Coordinator
Outreach Worker
Inner City Mental Health Service
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Company Overview: Inner City Mental Health Service was a support service for people with chronic mental illness coordinated from Royal Perth Hospital.
- Implemented programs developed by the clinical psychologist to assist chronically mentally ill clients to function in a supported community based living environment.
- Reporting to: Clinical Psychologist
- Direct Reports: Nil
Education
Bachelor - Psychology
Certificate - Addictions Counselling
Australian Applied Management Colloquium - undefined
Diploma - Project Management
Leadership - Change Management
Skills
- Workflow management
- Performance evaluation
- Strategic partnerships
- Personnel management
- Organizational development
- Stakeholder management
- Goal setting
- Budget planning
- Workforce planning
- Project development and implementation
- Corporate communications
- Cross-functional team leadership
Accomplishments
- 17 years experience in Local Government sector
- Executive Leadership Team – Strategic Development
- LGA budgetary processes including Council workshops, levying rates/differential rates, CBP/SCP review, Community Grants and Service Agreements, service level reviews, budget reviews and budget adoption.
- Grant funding and sponsorship procurement and management
- Development and management of capital works projects
- Internal and External stakeholder engagement
- Development of Integrated Planning Strategies.
- Management of community engagement, community programs and projects
- Successful management of facilities including the Bridgetown Library, Leisure Centre & Aquatics Centre, Community Development (seniors, disability, Traditional Owners, Youth, famillies, community groups) Economic Development, Tourism, Trails Development, Arts, and external and internal communications.
- Runner up in State Community Development Awards for Innovation/Innovative Partnership Award 2018
- Designed, funded and project managed the Warren Blackwood Stock Route – a 320km long bridle trail based on the stock droving routes of the original farming families of the south west - a regional project for the WBAC.
- Worked with team members to develop strategies/programs and methods of consultation to engage with sectors of community, including an annual Youth Awards Night, annual Seniors Morning Tea, implementing processes to ensure Disability Awareness compliance to statutory requirements, inclusive programs including Coding Club, Teenfit and Kidfit, disability awareness training for swimming instructors, Digital Inclusion for seniors and a pilot local transport service.
- Completed concept planning, community engagement, concept refinement, detailed planning, and preliminary costs of local projects including; Blackwood River Foreshore Redevelopment, Bridgetown and Gereenbushes Youth Precinct Redevelopment, Railway Station Renovation, Greenbushes Renewal Project, River Park BBQ and Shelter.
- Support and assist with community initiatives including Bridgetown Art Trail, Community Health and Wellbeing Plan (Mental Health Commission initiative), Youth Services, Senior Services, Trails Development, Road Safety, Cultural Inclusion and Shire facility support and staff mentoring.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Executive Manager Community & Economic Development
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
03.2024 - 05.2025
Manager Community Services
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
04.2022 - 03.2024
Grants and Services Manager
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
01.2015 - 03.2022
Various Positions
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
04.2008 - 01.2015
Proprietor OSH Consultancy
Self Employed
09.2002 - 12.2003
OSH Consultant
Safemin Pty Ltd
03.1998 - 07.2002
Counsellor
Ministry of Justice
01.1995 - 08.1995
Outreach Worker
Inner City Mental Health Service
01.1993 - 01.1994
Certificate - Addictions Counselling
Australian Applied Management Colloquium - undefined
Diploma - Project Management
Leadership - Change Management
Bachelor - Psychology
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