As the level of government closest to the people, Local Government practitioners are often the loudest voice for their communities and the most meaningful - provided the information can be captured, analysed and shared. This session will help all Local Government staff, from planners to engagement officers, communications and policy officers alike. It will also interest anyone providing data to local government, using data to make policy or doing research on changes to local communities.

Our expert panel will discuss population issues at a local level – what changes we’re seeing, the data we use to understand local communities, and the challenges for Council staff when there’s no reliable or readily available data, particularly in fast growing and changing communities. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions as our experts share their insights.

Speakers:

Dr Kim Johnstone | President Australian Population Association & Demographer Astrolabe Group

Kim provides leadership for the development of evidence based strategy and policy. As a skilled communicator, Kim understands population dynamics and how these affect different parts of the community and how to talk to diverse audiences about impacts on place. Recognised for her demographic expertise, Kim is an advisor to the NSW Government and local governments.

Simon Massey| Economic Strategy & Government Relations, City of Newcastle

Simon has 10+ years professional experience in state and local government with a track record of developing transformational strategic documents and implementing key reforms to government policy. In 2020, Simon co-developed the City of Newcastle's $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Package and facilitated a City Taskforce, a collaboration of 17 key city leaders responding to the economic crisis of COVID-19. Simon has a background in economics and demography and is passionate about ensuring that demographic analysis drives decision-making.

Sarah Shehata | Coordinator Social Planning, City of Casey

Sarah is a passionate public servant currently leading the social planning unit within Local Government at the fast growing City of Casey. She is fascinated by humans and spends most of her time trying to learn about them and how they interact with their environments. Sarah has a background in geography, politics, cultures, and worked as a journalist overseas before turning to local government. Sarah is now studying a Master of Urban Planning in hopes to crack the code, how to create good places for people to thrive.

Simone Alexander | Demographer, Remplan

Simone is the senior demographer and research analyst at REMPLAN. Working with councils across Australia, Simone has developed expertise in population forecasting and spatial demography. Her career includes experience at all three levels of government and private sector. At REMPLAN, Simone works on population forecasts, product development and bespoke consultancy projects. She also maintains the Demog Blog, which looks at how Australian cities and regions are changing through a demographic and spatial lens.