Executive+summary+019

Building on part of a successful acclaimed project that was conducted by the Byron Region Community College in 2007, we will focus on innovative e-learning professional development with a diverse group of local government staff. This has arisen from an identified need for Councils to find better ways of informing, communicating, consulting and debating with residents about issues that affect households and small business, particularly in relation to improving resilience and sustainability of community and environment. Our College has a considerable track record in local government partnership, ICT training, environmental education and community engagement. We have provided leadership in adult community education within the northern Rivers of NSW and in many other parts of regional Australia.

The solution is in part for the implementation of user friendly interactive e-tools built into Byron Shire Council’s website. To do this involves significant awareness and skill from a key team within Council. .The final service enables audio visual material to be researched, designed and produced by the individuals who have participated in the e-learning workshops and assignments. They will in turn be able to facilitate the on-line discussion and mentor others to expand the work. They will also own the guidelines and protocols that encourage, protect and respect the communication process.

The result will be a much better interface between council operations and public interest with lively debate around challenging issues and more informed Council policy development. The process and product will be showcased on DVD/streaming video. We believe it may be of interest to other government bodies at all levels.