Mount Isa City Council Facilitates 2022 Rural Management Challenge

Rural Management Challenge 2022
Members of Team Veela, one of two Mount Isa City Council teams participating in the 2022 Rural Management Challenge. Pictured from left are Valerie Tutaki, Svitlana Cernoia, Holly Honey, and Siobhan Slattery.

Published: 15th September 2022

As proud winners of the 2021 Local Government Managers Australia Queensland Rural Management Challenge, Mount Isa City Council will both host and participate in the challenge in 2022.

Two teams of four Mount Isa City Council staff will be among dozens of professionals testing their expertise, innovation, and collaboration in real time during the challenge on Wednesday, October 12.

The annual event attracts entrants from Local Government organisations across the North Queensland region.

Teams are formed to intentionally bring together staff from diverse areas of the organisations.

Svitlana Cernoia, an Asset Management Officer and entrant from Council’s Team Veela, said: “The team has members who work in parks, assets, environment, and regulatory services. I know I’ll be outside of my comfort zone and day-to-day role, but it’s a great opportunity to grow our leadership and problem-solving skills which helps us better serve the community.”

Based on the Australasian Management Challenge, the Rural Management Challenge is an innovative development opportunity that tests individuals and teams on a broad range of skills and knowledge of local government.

Participants are presented with various tasks that mimic real-life activities and challenges which executive leaders deal with daily and must develop solutions in timed competition with other entrants.

Mayor Danielle Slade said: “On behalf of Council we wish both of Council’s teams all the best for this year’s challenge. I trust that all participants will have a valuable experience that can be shared with their co-workers and gain a fresh insight and energised perspective.”

Council CEO David Keenan said: “The annual Rural Management Challenge is a unique opportunity for staff to move out of their comfort zone in order to develop future leaders and I look forward to hearing from both of Council’s teams post-challenge on their growth and experience."