Councillor Holstein invests in Council’s future

Gatton Star 24 January, 2007 and Local Government Focus newspaper March, 2007
Gatton Shire deputy Mayor Cr Janice Holstein recently graduated from a Diploma in Local Government Administration course, which is designed specifically for local government folk. Cr Holstein is the first Councillor of Gatton Shire Council to undertake this formal study and was in the Pilot program through LGAQ. Since that time there have been several employees of Gatton Shire to undertake this study also. The course was delivered over a six months period for candidates who meet the selection criteria. All attendees undertake a range of projects and tasks that reflect issues, development and legislation for local government. “As a result of this course, I feel much more confident about protocols, legislation and best practices, I thoroughly recommend this course to any employee who wants to be skilled up about our industry. “The opportunity to learn, re-learn some aspects of the work and network with others gave me a chance to review the way things are done for me and Council”. “You are never too old to learn and this was an opportunity to learn from others and share experiences and best practices”
she said. Cr Holstein has now been accepted into university to continue her studies.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) designs and delivers programs for all councils within Queensland. The industry employs over 36,000 employees in more than 400 occupations - startling statistics! As a body they strongly support education, training and employability for all staff and elected members.
“Our training services are designed to be pragmatic, relevant and recognise the wealth of experience in our industry” said LGAQ acting Executive director Greg Hoffman. We will continue to deliver a range of programs that support our council members in developing
their skills and confidence in a range of matters. In partnership with Queensland University of Technology, the graduates can claim credits towards further studies for a degree.