A lot to offer their communities…(back) Michael Valantine, Phil Blight, George Campbell, Vera-Anne Hannaford, (front) Phillip Costa, Philip Sanson and Federation President Maree O'Halloran.

Synergy between local government and local schools

When the Local Government Association Annual Conference was held in Armidale from October 23 to 27 OWEN HASLER spoke to teachers who offer their skills to their communities as councillors.

The Oaks Public School principal and Wollondilly Shire Cr Phillip Costa said there was "a lot of synergy between local government and local schools".

"Involvement such as arts festivals, environmental programs, reviews of fees and charges for local council operated facilities are all areas in which schools can and do assist," Cr Costa said.

Muswellbrook Shire Cr and Muswellbrook TAFE teacher Michael Valantine said teachers bring accessibility and a public face to local government which creates true links with the community.

"My role as a NSW Teachers Federation Councillor has also assisted me in the role by providing skills such as lobbying, moving motions, debating and the confidence to present issues."

Campbelltown City Cr and DET Equity Strategy Unit coordinator Meg Oates is particularly interested in a program sponsored by Campbelltown City Council, Mission Australia and Australian Theatre for Young People aimed at students from seven local high schools and Juvenile Justice centres in the area. The initiative is called Directions and involves the students working with youth workers, professional actors and script writers utilising drama to deal with important (positive) things in the young people's lives.

Campbelltown City Council is also sponsoring the Bell Shakespeare Company in four schools in the area.

Cr Oates said Campbelltown City Council works very closely with the South East Area Office Coordination Committee -- which involves representatives from the Departments of Community Services, Health, Housing, [and] Education, local members of parliament and Council -- in a "very productive partnership".

"Council also has a sister city relationship with Koshigay City in Japan and we work closely with schools in providing exchange opportunities for teachers and students," Cr Oates added.

"Our Youth Advisory Council, elected from local schools, has its own agenda and budget through which they recommend expenditure to Council.

"The Education office in the Regional Art Gallery was developed to specifically work with local schools and TAFE colleges, an innovative program of which we are very proud."

DET's Human Resources acting chief executive officer and Hurstville Councillor Philip Sanson believes most teachers are altruistic and sees this altruism flowing into their role as local councillors.

"Overall, teachers have great skills to make a difference in local government," he also said.

"They are used to dealing with stress, talking to people, dealing with a number of levels at the same time, an they usually have excellent research skills."

Lake Macquarie City Councillor and Hunter Institute of TAFE Lake Macquarie Campuses director Wendy Harrison said: "Skills which are common to teachers such as the ability to consult, conflict management, meeting procedures and organisational skills place teachers in a good position to effectively represent their communities."

Holroyd City mayor and Muirfield High teacher John Brodie said: "Teachers have great organisational skills, communication and presentation skills, as well as the ability to work with a range of people of diverse ages, backgrounds and they are able to cope with enormous change without losing focus."

Cessnock City Councillor and Kearsley Public School assistant principal Bob Pynsent said has gained a good deal from his council experience, "strategic planning, thinking outside the square, relating to more than one bureaucracy, improved public speaking and debating skills are a product of my time on council".

Owen Hasler is a Country Organiser.

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