President's Welcome
The theme of the 2020 Annual State Conference 'Who would have thought - what was around the corner?' is one that serves to remind us of how quickly life and circumstances can change, and how adaptable we must be to face such disruptions.
The coronavirus pandemic presents many unprecedented challenges for the local government sector, not the least of which is the need to show stewardship and compassion for our community's continued economic and social wellbeing.
Our recently conducted Community and Employee Resilience Scorecard research demonstrated that local government in Western Australia has been innovative, that the sector is resilient, and that we have managed our resources well, continuing to deliver and build upon much needed services to the community.
We should all be proud of the strength of leadership, commitment and integrity of the people within the sector and the way in which we have responded to the crisis, though there remains a long road to recovery ahead.
Our Association also managed to adapt well to the challenges of the pandemic due to members' support to the changes of our service and program delivery to an on-line environment, and as a small organisation we have been particularly proud to be able to support our members and your positive feedback has been most welcomed.
But it is not just the challenge of the pandemic that has tested our resolve, and the agility we have shown during 2020 will need to continue as we welcome in a new
Local Government Act during the next term of government.
This Conference is a time to reflect on the challenges we are facing and come together to share the lessons we have learned with a range of relevant topics and speakers, and how we can become a stronger, more collaborative sector working with each other and State Government agencies for the benefit of the communities we live within and serve.
On behalf of the Board I thank the Conference Committee chaired by Matt MacPherson, and look forward to you joining us at this Conference and to hear how we as your representative Association can support you during these changing times.
Jamie Parry, FLGP State President