Planning mentoring for busy councillors
Amplify your application of the NSW planning system with our tailored mentoring package - on your own or with a small group of other councillors.
Cut through the jargon & strengthen your skills
The NSW land use planning system is complex, with a maze of laws, rules, and policies that affect local areas differently. Planning decisions often attract strong community interest and are a key reason residents reach out to councillors. If your council has planning powers, understanding this technical area is essential.
Our planning mentoring program helps you demystify the system, cut through the jargon, and gain the knowledge you need to make informed planning decisions for your community. Designed as tailored support, this program meets you where you are and equips you with the confidence and skills to navigate the planning system effectively.
Our planning mentoring program helps you demystify the system, cut through the jargon, and gain the knowledge you need to make informed planning decisions for your community. Designed as tailored support, this program meets you where you are and equips you with the confidence and skills to navigate the planning system effectively.
Take the first step—apply today to be part of the program.
Mentoring: in brief
Our mentoring program meets you where you are at in your councillor journey.
It provides expert guidance to deepen your understanding of the NSW planning system and the key decisions you make as a councillor. We help you build confidence in this complex area so you can better serve your community.
Over 12 weeks, you’ll strengthen your practical knowledge through six one-on-one or small group mentoring sessions with a dedicated mentor.
It provides expert guidance to deepen your understanding of the NSW planning system and the key decisions you make as a councillor. We help you build confidence in this complex area so you can better serve your community.
Over 12 weeks, you’ll strengthen your practical knowledge through six one-on-one or small group mentoring sessions with a dedicated mentor.
What?
A supportive and tailored mentoring experience designed to give you an instant boost in your competence and confidence in making planning decisions as a councillor.
Who?
New or experienced councillors who are ready to address skills gaps and want tailored support to deepen their practical understanding of the NSW land use planning system.
Why?
To strengthen and enhance your working understanding of the NSW planning system and a councillor's role within it.
Planning mentoring compatibility guide
You are a new or returning councillor with a strong interest in planning
You want to deepen your expertise and improve confidence in navigating planning decisions
You have completed your initial induction training but are still feeling like there is so much to know and master
You wish to enhance your understanding of the planning system in the areas that are of most interest to you
You are unfamiliar with the complexities of the NSW planning system and need foundational knowledge.
You are being frequently contacted by residents about planning matters and needing to communicate decisions clearly
You wish to accelerate your learning curve to avoid a “I wish I had known that” scenario
You want to be guided by a planning expert and experienced mentor who can be an objective and trusted sounding board
The next steps
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Apply to be part of the next cohort of mentees
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Complete an intake call to confirm the program is right for you
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Receive confirmation of acception to the program
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Payment for program due
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Complete the onboarding process in our online portal
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Book your online sessions with your mentor
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Check your tech set-up (you need access to an online meeting platform and a good internet connection)
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Complete the mentoring journey (see it mapped out below)
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Apply your new skills and capabilities in your councillor role
The mentoring process
Phase 1
Self-reflection
Use the self-reflection exercises to evaluate your current knowledge and to assess where you would like to be by the end of the program. This is a crucial first step to the process.
Phase 2
Co-design
Debrief on your goals and identify your
most desired learning areas with your mentor. Your action plan
will identify growth areas to successfully transform
knowledge gaps into leadership assets.
Phase 3
Growth & impact
Online mentoring sessions to take you from where you are now to where you want to be. Fully serve your community with informed decision-making and
competent communication with your community.
competent communication with your community.
Your mentor
Your mentor, Cinnamon Dunsford, is a Registered Planner, community engagement specialist and trained mentor with the Planning Institute of Australia who has an exceptional knowledge of the NSW planning and local government system. Her love is community-led and grassroots planning. She loves to facilitate and engage with a wide range of stakeholders in the planning realm, and works closely with regional councils and communities to align visions and aspirations with practical solutions.
With over 20 years' experience in the planning and local government sector across strategic, coastal, rural, environmental and economic planning issues, she brings a wealth of practical insights. In recognition of her planning expertise, she has recently been appointed as an Alternate Member of the Sydney & Regional Planning Panels by the Department of Planning & Environment.
Outside of planning, Cinnamon loves being outdoors, the coast and cooking.
With over 20 years' experience in the planning and local government sector across strategic, coastal, rural, environmental and economic planning issues, she brings a wealth of practical insights. In recognition of her planning expertise, she has recently been appointed as an Alternate Member of the Sydney & Regional Planning Panels by the Department of Planning & Environment.
Outside of planning, Cinnamon loves being outdoors, the coast and cooking.
Mentoring client archive
Two councillors from the same local council identified that they would like to improve their understanding and knowledge of the NSW planning system. Like other councillors, they found the content quite dry and difficult to digest and retain.
Their mentoring sessions focused on accelerating their understanding of key planning processes including a councillor's role in the planning proposal stages and the essential elements of determining a development application.
The sessions were tailored to respond to their identified learning needs.
Their mentoring sessions focused on accelerating their understanding of key planning processes including a councillor's role in the planning proposal stages and the essential elements of determining a development application.
The sessions were tailored to respond to their identified learning needs.
Frequently asked questions
Who is suited to mentoring?
Motivated councillors wanting targeted learning support for their unique professional development. Our mentoring packages are available to new and returning councillors.
Is this a confidential learning experience?
Yes it is. We do not disclose any information discussed in the mentoring sessions.
What is the delivery method?
Mentoring is generally delivered via live virtual (Zoom or Teams) calls. Additional learning resources and content may be delivered via pre-recorded videos and reading materials. None of the content is dry and all of it is useful.
How do I access the materials?
We will use Zoom or Teams, email and our specialised learning platform which is easy to access and use.
Will I have access to my mentor?
Yes you will! You will directly work with your mentor at your one to one sessions and from time to time, your mentor will share resources with you to support your learning.
Does mentoring contribute to my professional development?
Yes. Our mentoring programs can be reported in your professional development obligations as required by the Office of Local Government NSW.
Who pays for the mentoring?
Councillors may be able to access a professional development budget through their council. You are also able to purchase our mentoring packages personally.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the program depends on the size of the mentee group. Please email us at contact@localelearning.com.au for more information about prices.
Will my mentor give me advice?
The mentor does not give you advice on how to make planning decisions, as this is ultimately your role as a councillor.
Have more questions?
We are available to answer your questions at contact@localelearning.com.au or call our Founder & Lead Faciliator, Emma Broomfield directly on 0421 180 881.
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All rights reserved. Locale Learning (c) 2023 - 2024
All rights reserved. Locale Learning (c) 2023 - 2024