MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 12 May 2025
District Council of Robe’s Cultural Transformation Program Receives High Commendation at Leadership Excellence Awards
Photo caption: Max Perry, Katie-Anne Agnew, Jake Fletcher, Anne O’Loughlin, Camille Lehmann, Nat Traeger, Molly Murdock, Felicity Heading, Sophie Attwood & Dave Worthley – representing District Council of Robe – One Team.
On Friday 9 May 2025, the red carpet was rolled out for local government professionals at the Adelaide Convention Centre for the Local Government Professionals Australia, SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. Over 450 attendees celebrated the event, including a team from the District Council of Robe, who were named finalists in the Excellence in People and Culture category.
“The event is a showcase of the amazing services and programs that local government delivers each year to our communities. It’s an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate those achievements—at one of the most exciting and prestigious nights in local government for the year,” said Rhiannon Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Professionals SA.
The District Council of Robe’s “Robe Wasn’t Built in a Day” program received a High Commendation, recognising the team’s outstanding achievement in transforming organisational culture following a period of significant instability.
Marked by leadership transitions and long-term absences, the program has served as a stabilising force, strengthening the workforce and reaffirming the Council’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and inclusivity. Key initiatives such as the introduction of employee consultative committees, service awards, an employee recognition program, and the first-ever staff-curated professional development conference have provided meaningful growth opportunities for all employees.
"The strength of our team is the foundation of our success. Through collaboration, dedication, and a shared sense of purpose, we’ve achieved more than we could have imagined. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together, and this award is a testament to the collective spirit of our entire team,” said Nat Traeger, Chief Executive Officer.
The program’s success is evident not just in internal development but also in its outward impact—such as a cost-effective compliance video, which garnered over 28,000 views and replaced expensive external contractors for a fraction of the cost.
The staff conference, a collaboration between the employee consultative committees, featured personality profiling, AI in the workplace demos, and health and wellbeing sessions. The event has become a model for other councils, demonstrating the program’s forward-thinking nature and its contribution to broader sector development.
The health and wellbeing initiatives, including two walking challenges that resulted in 12.3 million steps and 100kg of weight loss, have not only boosted morale but fostered a greater sense of unity and teamwork.
The team at the District Council of Robe has turned instability into opportunity—transforming challenges into a thriving, inclusive workplace culture. By investing in people and prioritising collaboration, the Council continues to strengthen its ability to respond to community needs with capability, creativity, and care.
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Council Contact:
Nat Traeger, Chief Executive Officer, ceo@robe.sa.gov.au 0429 799 526