Here, City of Mitcham mayor and president of the Local Government Association of South Australia Dr Heather Holmes-Ross offers six insights into public service.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?
A very long time ago I was living at Illawarra and there was a brand new council there. I ran for council because I had an interest in the childcare centre and I wanted that interest to be known at a council level. I got to see the power that you could have – the power of the people when they’re united. And how good it is to take the things that regular people are concerned about and give that voice. It’s the understanding of the difference you can make which, when it works out, is just so wonderful that you can make a change and make people’s lives better.
How do you define effective leadership in public service?
It’s all about relationships. As a mayor, we have no power of our own. We can’t make decisions – no councillor can unless it’s a decision of the chamber. So it’s about relationships with your councillors, relationships with your community, relationships with the CEO and the administration. It’s about listening to all the points of view within the community and looking for an outcome that will unite people and not divide. Always building, empowering the community and enhancing the pride that they have in their community. Always showing them how great they are and helping them to be the best that they can be. Putting things in place to help your community to help themselves – not in a paternalistic way but in a bringing everyone along type way.
What steps do you take to ensure your leadership decisions reflect the needs of the communities you serve?
I talk to people, I’m out and about in the community. I listen to my community. I’m having conversations all the time. My sister won’t come to the supermarket with me because every time we go someone will tell a story about their needs. I’m really contactable as all mayors are, as all people in local government are. My phone number is on the public record so people phone me all the time. Again, it’s about the relationships and listening. Also it’s about talking to experts about what has worked for other places in the past – not reinventing the wheel all the time.
What is the most pressing issue local government is addressing?
It’s the reputation of governments as a whole. There is a lack of trust in governments in general across the world. Local government polls better than state or federal government but still there is this growing mistrust in democracy and I think that is the biggest threat for us at the moment. And it doesn’t help that the media is continually bagging councils – it’s almost a sport for the local media to do that. The reason I think that’s the most pressing issue is because without trust in what your government is doing democracy falls apart. We need to be doing everything we can do to show – at all tiers of government – to show our people that we are trustworthy and that we working for the best for them and that we are one of them.
And the current cost-of-living crisis; meeting community expectations. When the cost pressures are high on families want they want and need from local government increases so their requirements increase. For example, we’re seeing a record use of libraries and the community centres and the sports fields. There’s a lot of pressure on all of our infrastructure because people are looking for things that are cheaper to do. At the same time as there is pressure on us to provide these things, we have a lesser capacity to pay than normal. There are financial constraints and pressures on community and on councils that are really pressing. You see that playing out in some of the councils being potentially financially unsustainable. AI and the climate emergency are also sitting there in the background as well.
How do you stay motivated in challenging times?
Sometimes you cry; you take the dog out for a big long walk. I’m really lucky, I’ve got a very supportive family. I have a supportive CEO. I have good relationships with all of my councillors. It’s about reminding yourself why you’re there. And there’ll be someone or something that has made you cross or brought you down, but you have to remember the good times. And look back and see the things you put in motion that have a made a real difference to people and remind yourself that whatever it is you’re going through, while traumatic at the time, when you balance it all out, it’s worthwhile being there.
Advice for someone aspiring to work in public service?
Just do it. It’s a fabulous place to be because you can make a difference. You can absolutely have your own ideas but remembering that not everything we think or any person thinks is right. There are different views of the world. It’s about communicating, and listening and then advocating. It’s good to have your own ideas but you have to have the community on board. Be a listener and just go for it – because it’s fabulous.
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