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Performance Plans                                              The Employee Awards were presented in various                 and practical learning, this program provides the               Equal Opportunity Employment
                                                               categories, aligning to our SPARC values, to deserving        tools, insights, and hands-on experience to take
During this reporting period, performance planning             finalists and winners. A total of 172 nominations across      on the responsibility of leading a team with greater            Council recognises the importance of workforce
processes; through Performance Agreements for                  Council were received for the various awards.                 confidence.                                                     diversity and promotes a working environment where
Senior Officers and MyPlans for Employees, assisted                                                                                                                                          people are treated on their merits at every stage of
Council to deliver on our Corporate Plan, Operational          Learning and Development                                   — LGMA Australasian Management Challenge                          their employment. At Council, all staff are encouraged
Plan and Branch Plans.                                                                                                       Council participated in the LGMA Australasian                   to embrace equity and diversity at all levels within the
                                                               To complement the technical expertise of our staff            Management Challenge, an innovative                             organisation. Council’s Employee Code of Conduct
These performance planning processes support the               and contractors, Council provides its employees with          development opportunity that is a convergence                   reinforces the standards of behaviours required of
performance and development of our leaders and                 various learning and development opportunities,               of ideas, energy, academic rigour, and practical                employees including non-discriminatory workplace
employees, by cascading performance objectives                 some of which are highlighted below. Our training             application – the elements of which develop great               practices. This is supported by training opportunities
to individual contributors. They also provide the              is focused on compliance, safety, operational and             leadership. This program is the premier forum for               focused on non-discrimination and unconscious bias.
opportunity to identify development goals and                  corporate requirements to ensure the continued                current and emerging local government leaders.
supporting activities that upskill our workforce and           maintenance and development of skills and                                                                                     Positive Duty Prevention Plan
enhance behaviour in-line with our SPARC Values.               knowledge for current roles. Throughout the year, staff    Training                                                           In alignment with our commitment to a fair, respectful
                                                               also attend ad hoc industry seminars and conferences       Employees accessed learning and development                        and inclusive workplace, Council has responded to
Our Culture                                                    to remain current in their area of expertise. Key          training to equip them with the necessary skills, ability,         recent changes to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984
                                                               opportunities are highlighted below:                       and knowledge to effectively perform their roles                   (Cth), which introduced a strengthened Positive Duty
At Council, we recognise our people are our greatest                                                                      whilst growing professionally. Training opportunities              on all employers to take proactive and preventative
asset, and we strive to cultivate an organisational            —L
                                                                 eadership Development Program – LEAD                    were supported via the Learning and Development                    action against workplace sexual harassment and




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Noosa Council Annual Report 24/25
culture that is inclusive, values driven, and community         Our LEAD Program learning objectives aligned              Calendar and/or by individual or team requests                     related conduct.
focused. We believe it is important to recognise                to two key organisational priorities; employee            through our annual performance planning process.
individuals and teams who have made a significant               wellbeing and managing psychosocial hazards                                                                                  During this reporting period, Council commenced
contribution to Council and our community, either               in the workplace. In September 2024, all Council                                                                             the development of a Positive Duty Prevention Plan.
through years of service, by delivering a successful            leaders participated in Psychosocial Masterclasses         Learning and Development Training Types                           This work reflects our commitment to the legislative
outcome, or exhibiting our SPARC Values.                        which introduced the Work Health and Safety                                                                                  reforms arising from the national Respect@Work
                                                                                                                           Training                                             Count
                                                                (Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work) Code                                                                                 Report and our broader focus on employee wellbeing
                                                                of Practice 2024 and raised awareness of the               Safety training for Induction, Fire and First Aid*   414
Together we SPARC Culture Program                                                                                                                                                            and organisational integrity.
In August 2024, the CEO introduced our Together we              four risk management steps for psychosocial                Corporate Induction Training                         99
SPARC Culture Program to build upon our embedded                hazards; identify, assess, control, and review.                                                                              The Plan aligns with the Australian Human Rights
                                                                                                                           Leadership Development                               104
SPARC Values and Values in Action Framework. The                                                                                                                                             Commission’s seven Standards for Complying with the
purpose of the Program is to improve employee                  —L
                                                                 GMA Propeller Program                                    Training and Development                             480          Positive Duty and will be implemented in stages across
engagement and participation, whilst cultivating our            Council participated in the Local Government                                                                                 the organisation throughout 2025. By embedding
                                                                                                                           Conferences and Seminars                             34
desired culture for a cohesive and united workforce,            Managers Australia (LGMA) Propeller Program. This                                                                            these obligations into everyday practice, Council is not
                                                                is a dynamic professional development program             Note: *Casual and contractor positions included
with performance driven purpose.                                                                                                                                                             only meeting its legal responsibilities but reinforcing a
                                                                offering participants a broad understanding of                                                                               workplace culture where every employee feels safe,
2024 SPARC Employee Awards and Recognition                      local government in Queensland – its nuances,                                                                                valued and respected.
                                                                challenges, and opportunities.                             Learning and Development Training Spend
of Service
On 28 November 2024, the CEO and leadership team                                                                           Training Type                           Training Spend ($)        Traineeships
hosted a SPARC Values reward and recognition event             —L
                                                                 GMA Ignite Program                                                                                                         Council continued its participation in the First
                                                                                                                           Safety and Compliance                   115,374
for all employees. Council celebrated and thanked               Council participated in the LGMA Ignite Programme                                                                            Start Program, one of eight initiatives under the
its staff for their contributions and outstanding work          which is a tailored leadership development                 Learning and Development                319,352                   Skilling Queenslanders for Work strategy led by the
delivered across Noosa Council and the Shire.                   program designed to provide new or aspiring                                                                                  Department of Employment, Small Business and
                                                                managers, supervisors, or team leaders with the                                                                              Training. The program provides wage subsidies
This year, 42 employees were recognised for their               necessary skills to manage and lead themselves                                                                               to local councils to employ trainees, offering
commendable years of service at Noosa Council.                  and their team. Through interactive workshops                                                                                young people and disadvantaged job seekers


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