Professional Development
The USSA project seeks to promote learning through a range professional development opportunities. This includes workshops and forums, training sessions and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
FREE In house Sustainability Training to December 2010
The USSA offered FREE in house sustainability training to all NSW councils by calling for Expressions of Interest. These closed on 16 June 2010 and have been awarded.
To register your council's interest in training in the event that additional spaces become available, please complete a rolling expression of interest form.
The intention of the training is to support organisational change occurring within councils as they progress towards sustainability, and to spark action within council. EOIs will be assessed on a case by case basis subject to availablility. Click here for details about the training and EOI assessment criteria.
Sustainability Tools Workshop, March - April 2010
The USSA hosted a series of one day regional workshops and a Sydney Showcase on how to select and apply tools for sustainability during March and April 2010.
The workshops were part of the roll out of the "Sustainability Tool Selector: A Guide for Local Government".
Tell us what you think! Complete a 10 minute questionnaire and help us improve and further develop the electronic version of the Tool Selector.
For case study presentations and the Tool Selector click here.
Local Government Sustainability Professional Development Needs
The professional development needs of Local Government in relation to sustainability were reviewed by the LGSA on behalf of the USSA in December 2009. The resulting evaluation report is available from the USSA resource database and is based upon 120 survey responses received from Local Government employees from a range of disciplines representing the views of 85 NSW councils.
Understanding Sustainability for Councillors, Ongoing
A full day workshop, Understanding Sustainability for Councillors is designed to provide councillors and senior staff with skills and knowledge to clarify the legislative and ethical requirements relating to Ecologically Sustainable Development is now being offered as part the Councillor Professional Development Program.
Sustainability Health Check Training, Ongoing
The Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA NSW) are delivering Sustainability Health Check Training on on getting the best outcomes from the NSW Local Government Sustainability Health Check. Training is experience-based, directed to the needs of senior management, corporate and sustainability planners and designed to help you undertake the NSW Local Government Sustainability Health Check (SHC).
Intensive Sustainability Training, Ongoing
The intention of the Intensive Sustainability Training is to support organisational change occurring within councils as they progress towards sustainability, and to spark action within council.
Discover how to use "Now" Media, December 2009
The workshop presentations and resources are now available
Is the Global Financial Crisis (G.F.C.) Opportunity or Threat to Sustainability? October 2009
The presentations and footage from the Great Debate are now available for viewing.
Onya Soapbox Poster Presentations, November 2008
The USSA co-ordinated a unique poster presentation session for NSW sustainability practitioners at the Department of Environment and Climate Change/NSW Environmental Trust Integrating Sustainability in Local Government Symposium.
Ten local government presenters got on the USSA soapbox and shared their approach to a sustainability project or issue. Posters topics ranged from an Eco-fashion Show to converting a Pool to a Pond to Retro-fitting diesel engines.
Copies of the posters and the case study YouTube clips are available for viewing.
Planning for a Sustainable Future Forums, August 2008
Regional forums on integrating sustainability into council corporate plans, reporting and decision making for NSW councils were held during August 2008.
Forum presentations are available for download here.
Evaluating Sustainablility Projects, October 2007
The USSA ran a series of Evaluating Sustainability Projects workshops in October 2007 throughout the NSW. The workshops were well received and attended by 96 officers from 53 councils.
The powerpoint presentation, worksheets and the evaluation report are available for download here