Resource centre

Political wellbeing resource centre

Welcome to our political wellbeing corner: a space dedicated to elevating the wellbeing of councillors in Australia and beyond

Placing wellbeing at the heart of civic leadership

Being a councillor is an incredible opportunity—one that can be deeply rewarding. It’s also a high-demand role with unique pressures.

Civic leadership comes with public scrutiny, complex decision-making, and a constant workload—all of which can take a toll on mental wellbeing. Evidence from Australia and around the world shows that elected leaders are under increasing strain, and the wellbeing cost of political leadership is real. This includes local government councillors in Australia.

We’ve created this resource centre because civic leadership shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing.

Defining political wellbeing

At its core, political wellbeing is about performance and impact as an elected leader.

It’s about having the mental resilience to navigate the unique stressors and high demands of the role—so you can deliver the outcomes your community needs in an increasingly complex world

It recognises that civic leadership is inherently political and a complex interplay of personal and collective responsibility.
"It’s not about mindfulness, green smoothies, or day spas—though these will make you feel good!"

Why it matters

We're part of a growing global movement who see the urgent need to take action to address the wellbeing of our elected leaders. It is our mission to bring this conversation out into the open and be a drive for change.

Poor political wellbeing doesn’t just affect individual councillors—it impacts entire councils, staff, and communities. When councillors struggle with stress and burnout, decision-making suffers, relationships break down, and community trust erodes.

Without greater support for those stepping into the political arena, fewer people will be willing to take on this essential role—harming our democracy and communities.

A new way of thinking

Our thought-leading Political Wellbeing Framework for councillors in Australia and beyond is a practical resource to prevent burnout of our elected leaders, support their personal sustainability and ensure better outcomes for our communities.

The Framework identifies eight key elements that impact a councillor’s wellbeing and leadership. Each element is supported by a mindset and set of micro-skills to boost performance and impact.

Curious about learning more?

Political Wellbeing Summit

In February 2025 we hosted a world first Political Wellbeing Summit bringing together more than 15 speakers over three days. The Summit united innovators from Australia and beyond who're ready to take positive action to support the wellbeing of our elected leaders. Be part of the change.
Day 1: International panel event + plus launch of our framework
Day 2 & 3: Exploring eight elements of political wellbeing with councillors and expert guests
Plus behind the scenes exclusive interviews!

Be at the forefront of positive change

7+ hours on-demand content | 15+ speakers | 12 months access
Plus access to our Political Wellbeing Framework

$150(+gst) for an individual | Group booking discount

What others say about us

"The Summit content was really impressive - both for its empathic tone and wise content."
Summit attendee
"Your framework is something to be really proud of – it is brilliant in my opinion, comprehensive and right on point."
Michelle McFayden - Michelle McFayden Consulting
"I believe the Summit was very worthwhile. I am sure this is just the beginning of a very long and much needed conversation that must be had now and into the future."
Craig Swift-McNair - General Manager, Woollhra Municipal Council

Your wellbeing partners

Our political wellbeing services are led by Emma Broomfield and Anna Miley—bringing together deep expertise, years of experience in the local government sector and health industry, plus a whole lot of heart.

Emma Broomfield

Emma is our founder & lead facilitator who deeply believes in the power of local leaders to transform local communities. Over her 20 years experience in the local government industry, she has keenly observed the impacts of its adversarial nature on our elected leaders and knows how tough the job can be to lead and govern in today's complex world.

She created Locale Learning with the express intent to support the whole human behind the official title and to provide a new way of supporting those that we elect to lead us.

Emma is a trained lawyer, mediator, conflict coach and engagement specialist. She bridges the gaps between communities, councils and councillors. She has worked in over 40 LGAs and with hundreds of councillors as a trainer, coach, facilitator, legal advisor and Code of Conduct reviewer.

Anna Miley

Anna is our resident mindset and political wellbeing coach. Anna has a deep understanding of the impact of stress on the mind and body and loves to share both the science and the art of being mentally fit.

As an accredited exercise physiologist, mindset coach and yoga therapist, with a strong background in entrepreneurship and small business, Anna brings a wealth of knowledge to Locale Learning.

Since joining the Locale team in 2021, Anna has tailored her mindset & wellbeing coaching to help local government leaders build the mindset and self-care practices they need to support their brilliance. Anna’s professional mission is to educate on the power of self-leadership for better community leadership.

It just makes sense!

Investing in the wellbeing of councillors has a ripple effect

Build resilience & prevent burnout

Improve relationships & conflict resolution

Strengthen decision-making & outcomes

Enhance motivation & common purpose

Increase leadership capacity & skills

Restore trust with the community

Create a culture based on connection

Nurture the next-gen of civic leaders

"Change begins within, by focusing on what you can control and taking intentional action"

Boost your leadership & wellbeing

Explore practical, tailored courses designed to help councillors navigate the demands of civic leadership while prioritising their wellbeing.

Coaching, programs & workshops

We support councillors to reach their leadership potential and help local councils mitigate the organisational risks of poor political wellbeing. All service options include access to the online Summit content. 

One-on-one leadership coaching

Work directly with Emma or Anna to develop personalised strategies for political resilience, confidence, and leadership growth. This includes private coaching tailored to your challenges to support decision-making, conflict management & personal sustainability.

Locale Leaders accelerator program

Join a supportive, structured program designed for councillors who want to elevate their leadership while staying grounded and well and by connecting with other councillors in the same boat. Next cohort launching June 2025 – Limited spots available!

Workshops for elected Council

Host a workshop for your elected Council and Executive to embed our Political Wellbeing Framework into your culture. This practical and interactive workshop will strengthen your entire council’s leadership capacity - delivered online or in-person.

Embed political wellbeing into your Council's culture

Write your awesome label here.

Book us for a keynote

About us

At Locale Learning, we believe in humanising the political experience and supporting locally elected leaders to reach their leadership potential. 

We are an Australian-based non-partisan political leadership accelerator working with local government councillors. Our mission is to build the capacity of impactful leaders for the communities they serve. 

We've been recognised by the Apolitical Foundation on a list of 26 global organisations for our work in actively supporting the mental wellbeing of local government councillors and other elected leaders.

Be a champion of change & join our growing community

Thank you!

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  • contact@localelearning.com.au
  • 0421 180 881

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