Local Government: A flexible way of learning

At IPPG, we understand the evolving demands placed on leaders in the public sector, which is why we have designed a range of flexible leadership programs that meet the diverse needs of professionals in public policy and local government. Our programs are tailored to empower both new and experienced leaders with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to navigate complex challenges, drive organisational change and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Whether you're looking to pursue a postgraduate qualification, enhance specific leadership competencies through a microcredential, or gain practical insights from our leadership short courses, IPPG at UTS provides flexible and accessible learning opportunities to support your professional development journey.

Join us for our information session and get inspired, network and connect.

Event highlights

• Discover our range of postgraduate courses designed to enhance leadership skills and knowledge in public policy and local government.
• Learn about our microcredential program tailored for professionals seeking targeted leadership development.
• Explore our range of flexible leadership short courses, providing practical insights and strategies for effective leadership in the public sector.

Why attend

• Gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in public policy and local government leadership.
• Connect with industry experts, academic staff and fellow professionals in the local government sector.
• Explore how IPPG at UTS can support your career advancement and personal growth goals.

Meet your panellists

Vanessa Chan
Vanessa Chan is an Adjunct Associate Professor at UTS IPPG and is a contemporary public sector leader with a reputation for innovation and driving sectoral transformation. She has over 20 years of experience in strategy and operations across various NSW metropolitan Councils, including almost a decade in executive management. This includes successfully leading Ashfield Council as General Manager before being appointed to lead the Inner West Council merger.

Over the last few years Vanessa has been working in top-tier private sector consulting, including as a Director with the Public Sector Practice at Deloitte and Senior Associate at Spencer Maurice. She has recently worked with the National City District Commission in Port Moresby (PNG’s only local government authority) supporting the Governor to better align local government operations to emerging strategic priorities.

Vanessa is a member of the NSW Ministerial Advisory Group for Local Government and Chair of Head Start Homes, an innovative new social enterprise supporting First Nation families to move from social housing into home ownership.

Tish Creenaune
Tish Creenaune is a Senior Manager at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance. Tish is a highly regarded and experienced public sector executive with over 30 years working in the education and training, innovation, communities and social policy fields as a policy planner and strategic project manager leading change projects and reform. She has worked closely with senior officers in government agencies and Government Ministers in leading the implementation of policy and delivered social, innovation, community and educational outcomes through influencing a diverse range of stakeholders.

Tish was the founding Director of the Catalyst Lab Innovation Program, the first NSW education innovation lab leading the exploration, design and scaling of innovative education ideas and incubator for innovation in education, providing a structured process to trial and prototype new ideas. She is a skilled facilitator in leadership growth and development, design thinking and innovation: developing and customising innovation processes and methodologies to solve complex problems.

Sophi Bruce
Sophi is an Industry Fellow with UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance providing specialist expertise in leadership teaching and learning programs. Sophi previously held strategic responsibility for initiatives and programs designed to build leadership capacity across the local government sector, as Senior Program Specialist for the Institute's Centre for Local Government and the federally funded Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government. Prior to joining UTS, Sophi worked with a range of Government bodies and NGO's providing bespoke input into holistic change and leadership programs. Her work with the Local Leadership Centre, and the National School of Government in the UK directly contributed to new national initiatives around leadership, place shaping, co-design of services and partnership working.