Western Downs Regional Council gears up for Rural Management Challenge

Western Downs Regional Council has once again joined in the annual Local Government Managers Australia Rural Management Challenge this year, as part of a continued initiative to optimise services to the community.

Four fresh representatives from Council took part in the Southern Queensland Challenge, which sees Western Downs compete against several neighbouring Councils in a series of scenarios relevant to the day-to-day workings of a Council.

Western Downs Regional Council CEO Ross Musgrove said the event was hugely beneficial in developing performance skills across the board, which ultimately benefited the community.

“This Challenge gives us the opportunity to think outside of the box, which complements our forward-thinking attitude,” Mr Musgrove said.

“We’re serious about investing in the region’s future and seizing the opportunity to network with other Councils in South Queensland ensures we’re at the forefront of new ideas and strategies to better serve our residents.”

This is the seventh year Council has taken part in the Challenge, which requires participants to work together and manage a ‘mock’ Council to improve influencing, negotiating and presentation skills, as well as providing a forum to network with staff from other local government authorities.

Previous attendees have returned with newfound networking and teambuilding skills, as well as fresh ideas to implement in their day-to-day duties as a local government professional.

The Local Government Managers Australia Rural Management Challenge took place in Stanthorpe on Wednesday, 23 October.

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Media Contact: Emily Kendall | Communications, Marketing and Design Officer | 0438 064 975