Intensive Sustainability Training
2010 Program
The USSA adapted its popular Sustainability Intensive Training Program" and offered FREE full day in-house sustainability training to councils through an expression of interest process which closed on 16 June 2010. Additional training may be offered subject to availablility.
What is the training for?
The broad aim of the workshops is to develop a better understanding of sustainability concepts as they relate to Local Government practice.
How do I apply?
Complete and submit a rolling expression of interest form.
When will the training be run?
Training must be completed by December 2010 - You can nominate a date that suits your council.
How will you select councils?
Workshops will be offered, subject to availability to councils that demonstrate:
- An agreement by council that training will focus on current Council operations, policies and processes and how these might be made more sustainable;
- A commitment to make change happen as a result;
- A willingness to assist with the evaluation of the training;
- Evidence that the training initiative is strongly supported by council senior management; and
- Need that can't be met through other providers.
Be quick: this offer is subject to availability!
For more information see the introduction letter distributed at the time of the original EOI.
2009 Program
In 2009, 9 councils and 2 Regional Organisations of Councils (ROCs), which represent a further 20 councils, were the successful recipients of Intensive Sustainability Training. This follows an Expression of Interest process which was open to all NSW councils.
Each successful council or ROC received a minimum of 2 full days of customised in-house training.
Congratulations to the following councils, or consortia of councils, who were successful in their EOI and participated in Intensive Sustainability Training in 2009:
- Bathurst City Council
- Canada Bay Council
- Coffs Harbour City Council
- Holroyd City Council
- Goulburn - Mulwaree Council
- NamoiROC
- RAMROC
- Strathfield Municipal Council
- Tumut Shire Council
- Wakool Shire Council
- Yass Shire Council
Intensive Sustainability Training Evaluation
In July 2010 the USSA carried out an evaluation of the "Sustainability Intensive" workshop programs conducted at councils between 2008 and 2010. The impact of the training was qualified by one council as follows:
"The training has given our sustainability program a significant boost. It would probably tae some years to
achieve that level of communication and support for sustainability without the training. The key for us now
will be to harness the enthusiasm demonstrated at the workshops."
To access the full report Click here (672KB).
How else can my council benefit?
The USSA's linked peer-to-peer program will provide the Intensive Sustainability Training materials, resources and support to other councils who wish to benefit from this training.
The Intensive Sustainability Training is part of the professional development support that the USSA project is providing to NSW councils. Other learning support includes workshops and forums, training sessions, sustainability health check support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Resources
- Sustainability Learning Guides: a series of practical guides that provide 10 strategies you can use to affect organisation change that is required to deliver sustainability outcomes. Guides currently developed include involving council staff, working with councillors and assisting businesses. The information collected in this guide has come from practitioners who have shared their initiatives with the USSA sustainability learning officer.
Additional resources will be uploaded to the USSA resource database when available.