parkes shire council

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM AND CONNECTED MANAGEMENT TEAM

leadership masterclass AND future planning program

OrganisationAL Profile

Parkes Shire Council is a dynamic regional local government located in Central West New South Wales, serving a diverse and growing community. With a strong focus on innovation, economic development, and community wellbeing, the Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region.

The organisation is committed to delivering high-quality services, infrastructure, and initiatives that support both urban and rural communities. Council’s strategic priorities are guided by a long-term vision to build a connected, sustainable, and inclusive region—underpinned by core values of integrity, collaboration, respect, and excellence.

Parkes Shire Council prides itself on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and civic leadership. Through strong partnerships, community engagement, and forward-thinking governance, the Council continues to position the Parkes Shire as a thriving place to live, work, and invest.

Parkes Shire Council
Executive Leadership Team & Connected Management Team

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Parkes Shire Council partnered with the Australian Leadership Academy (ALA) to deliver a bespoke Leadership Masterclass and Future Planning Program for its Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Connected Management Team (CMT). Delivered over two consecutive days, the program was designed to strengthen leadership capability, enhance team effectiveness, and align the organisation around a shared vision for future success.

Central to ALA’s methodology was its unique agenda-setting process, which enabled participants to identify and prioritise the most significant adaptive challenges facing the organisation. Through this process, the leadership group explored key focus areas including leading with personal responsibility, embedding shared organisational values, and fostering a high-performing team culture. The team co-created a collective team vision and developed the mindset and skills to lead with intention, engage in high-performance conversations, and support one another through ongoing collaboration.

The second component of the program focused on future planning, with leaders engaging in strategic dialogue to shape the Council’s long-term direction. Emphasis was placed on commitment, accountability, and collective action planning—ensuring the program’s impact would translate into meaningful, results-driven outcomes for the organisation. This initiative represents a forward-focused step in strengthening Parkes Shire Council’s leadership culture and building a more connected, resilient, and purpose-aligned organisation.

 executive leadership team
and connected management team
Program Feedback

ALA’s leadership and program was motivational and challenging?

96% strongly Agree

ALA’s program approach supported the needs of the ELT and CMT?

95% strongly Agree

The ELT and CMT actively participated in the leadership program?

95% strongly Agree

ALA’s leadership facilitator was credible and effective?

99% strongly Agree

“whole two days were significant - the interactions - the way it was delivered.”

Tim Gillogly
Coordinator Shire Presentation

“Very engaging and humour was light and needed to keep heavy topics digestible.”

Logan Hignett
Director Operations

“excellent facilitator - best leadership training i’ve done.”

Luke Nash
Executive Manager Finance

To what extent would you recommend the Australian Leadership Academy?

95% STRONGLY AGREE

Program outcomes

The Leadership Masterclass provided a platform for thoughtful reflection on the responsibility of effective leadership. Participants discussed the qualities required to lead with integrity, purpose, and impact—both as individuals and as a collective team. Key outcomes included:

  • A renewed focus on collaboration, empathy, and courage as essential leadership traits

  • Greater recognition of how to effectively ask, respond, lead, and support others

  • A deeper commitment to being intentional in the practice of leadership

  • A willingness to build more personal relationships based on listening and acceptance

  • A shared aspiration to embody and model strong, values-based leadership


The Future Planning component aligned the team around a shared vision, starting with a clear articulation of ‘why’ they lead and serve. Participants acknowledged and celebrated the Council’s successes to date, while identifying opportunities for continued improvement and long-term impact. Key future-focused outcomes included:

  • A unifying commitment to collective purpose and community-centred decision-making

  • Strategic and resourceful thinking to meet current and emerging challenges

  • A determination to represent the broader community’s needs and aspirations

  • A focus on informed leadership to guide the development and sustainability of Parkes Shire Council

  • A forward-looking mindset anchored in optimism, accountability, and service

Together, the Leadership Masterclass and Future Planning Program fostered a more connected, purposeful, and high-performing leadership team—well-positioned to shape the ongoing success for the Parkes Shire community.

“Very engaging, Loved the facilitated approach to enhance engagement and getting
the team out of their
comfort zone”

Patrick Williams
Manager People, Safety & Culture

“With the opportunity
to share knowledge and insights, I felt a sense of connectivity THAT I
haven’t before – one team”

Kerryn Jones
Manager Culture, Education & Library Services

 Australian leadership academy clients