Risk Aware

In this episode of Risk Aware, David Royston‑Jennings speaks with Lesley Harpeng, Workplace Health & Safety Manager at Local Government Workcare, about the Mutual Risk Program (MRP). They discuss the program’s evolution, its core obligations, practical resources, and how councils can build a culture of openness and stronger safety systems. Tune in for real‑world tips on engaging leadership, sh...

The LGM Assets Risk Engineering program is designed to assist Members to reduce the frequency and severity of loss to Council facilities and interruption to Council operations. The program involves a physical inspection of aselection of Council facilities and incorporates consideration of many important matters. Following the site attendance, Members will provided with a report that details any is...

In this episode of Risk Aware, Steph Te'o and David Royston-Jennings speak with Madonna Brennan from Lockyer Valley Regional Council about developing risk appetite statements. Madonna shares practical insights on engaging stakeholders, working with councillors and leadership teams, and embedding risk thinking across the organisation.

In the first Risk Aware episode of 2026, hosts Emma O’Connell and Paul Bright sit down with Chatur “Zala” Zala, CEO of Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, to explore the powerful connection between leadership and risk management. Drawing on more than 15 years in local government, Zala shares his journey from Chief Accountant to CEO and reflects on how empathy, relationship-building and strong gove...

In this episode of Risk Aware, LGM Assets Account Manager Stephanie Te'o steps in as host alongside Nick Rossmann, LGMS Manager Risk & Resilience, for a conversation with Dr Alexander Pui, Senior Vice President, Climate and Sustainability at Marsh Advisory. Together, they unpack the realities of climate risk, from global climate trends and adaptation planning to how Queensland councils are...

David Royston-Jennings is joined by Gary Okely (Head of JLT Public Sector – Pacific) and Nick Rossmann (Manager Risk and Resilience) to unpack the findings of the latest JLT Public Sector Risk Report. Based on input from nearly 200 council CEOs across Australia, the report highlights the top strategic risks facing local governments from financial sustainability and cyber threats to workforce chall...

In this episode of Risk Aware, Paul and David are joined by Peta Irvine, CEO of LGMA Queensland and Stephanie Stewart, Customer Contact Coordinator at Western Downs Regional Council. Together, they explore the critical role of leadership in shaping a strong risk culture. From managing rising community expectations to navigating psychosocial risk and workplace wellbeing, this conversation unpacks h...

Artificial intelligence is transforming how councils work—but how do you harness its potential while managing the risks? In this episode of Risk Aware , Mackay Regional Council shares how they're rolling out generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot with a strong focus on governance, risk, and staff engagement. Hosts Paul Bright and David Royston-Jennings are joined by Mackay’s Karen Peeris,...

This episode explores the risks of community use in natural areas around waterways, featuring a case study on Sunshine Coast Regional Council's efforts to improve safety at Gardiner Falls after past incidents, including fatalities. Our hosts interview Kurt Martin and Shari Fisher, who discuss the challenges of balancing enjoyment with safety. They highlight the importance of effective signage in p...