Successfully leading the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) through a period of significant change and uncertainty, while lifting the profile and appreciation of the organisation across Gippsland Providing positive and constructive leadership across Gippsland in collaboration with State and Local Government, industry partners and community alliesLed the development of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan and currently implementing associated body of work through… Show more Successfully leading the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) through a period of significant change and uncertainty, while lifting the profile and appreciation of the organisation across Gippsland Providing positive and constructive leadership across Gippsland in collaboration with State and Local Government, industry partners and community alliesLed the development of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan and currently implementing associated body of work through Gippsland 2035Established the Gippsland New Energy Co-ordinating Group, with RDV Gippsland Re-established the Gippsland Regional Directors Forum, with RDV Gippsland Worked collaboratively with the DJPR/ DEECA Forestry Team to support the implementation of the Victorian Forestry Plan and support affected communities and workers Codesigned the creation of the highly successful Gippsland Innovation Breakfast series with Federation University.Established the Festival of Big Ideas Achieved greater integration and collaboration between the LVA and multiple Government Departments Led the improvement of Risk, HR, H&W and Contract Management processes at LVAActively contributed to Regional Development and Outdoor Recreation (RDOR) Group in matters of strategy, planning and cultureLed the facilitation of the Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging Working Group for RDOR Show less

Transformed a traditional regional library corporation into a dynamic and contemporary public library service leading significant cultural change through the adoption of shared values and guiding behaviours coupled with strengths-based performance management.Removed overdue fines and established alternative revenue streams to offset the impact on the bottom line. This initiative became the state-wide benchmark for change across the sector.Successfully negotiated increased… Show more Transformed a traditional regional library corporation into a dynamic and contemporary public library service leading significant cultural change through the adoption of shared values and guiding behaviours coupled with strengths-based performance management.Removed overdue fines and established alternative revenue streams to offset the impact on the bottom line. This initiative became the state-wide benchmark for change across the sector.Successfully negotiated increased recurrent funding from Member Councils in a rate capped environment eg 7.4% in 2019 – 20 and 3.0% in 2020-21 that in turn delivered increased opening hours and improved service levels across the network.Negotiated a 4-year Enterprise Agreement that provided greater financial stability for the organisation and the team.Oversaw the opening of the national award winning Bunjil Place Library.Successfully advocated for the refurbishment of Cranbourne and Emerald Libraries and helped secure funding for a new mobile library in Cardinia Shire.Led the modernisation and improvement of Risk, HR, OH&S and Contract management processesDeveloped key strategic partnerships across the region with education and community service providers including Federation University.Led the Statewide Libraries Change Lives campaign which helped deliver a record increase in State Government funding of $11.1 million infrastructure funding over two years and a 3.5% uplift in recurrent funding (2021-22) for the sector. Show less

Worked with a dedicated team to regulate the development of Victoria's earth resources. Key strategic objectives included:Protected the safety of the Victorian community, environment and infrastructure through robust regulation of earth resources activities.Promoted community and industry confidence in the regulation of Victoria’s earth resources sector through clear communication, responsiveness and respectful engagement with stakeholders.Strengthened regulatory… Show more Worked with a dedicated team to regulate the development of Victoria's earth resources. Key strategic objectives included:Protected the safety of the Victorian community, environment and infrastructure through robust regulation of earth resources activities.Promoted community and industry confidence in the regulation of Victoria’s earth resources sector through clear communication, responsiveness and respectful engagement with stakeholders.Strengthened regulatory capabilities across ERR that help drive a culture of high performance and continuous improvement as a risk based regulator. Show less

Go To... is a business consultancy owned and operated by Chris Buckingham and Mikaela Power for more than a decade.Go To... provides strategy, insight and support for organisations that want to set new directions and achieve sustainable growth.Projects have involved: strategic reviews, business planning, marketing strategies, facilitation, general management contracting and public speaking engagements in Australia and overseas.Key clients included: State Government… Show more Go To... is a business consultancy owned and operated by Chris Buckingham and Mikaela Power for more than a decade.Go To... provides strategy, insight and support for organisations that want to set new directions and achieve sustainable growth.Projects have involved: strategic reviews, business planning, marketing strategies, facilitation, general management contracting and public speaking engagements in Australia and overseas.Key clients included: State Government, Local Government, Major Event organisations, Private investors, Local and overseas tourism organisations. Show less

Providing leadership and support for a team of committed professionals working to protect the environment across Victoria:Key outcomes and responsibilities:Completion of a strategic review of the UnitPositive and constructive leadership of a talented team going through transitionSupported media and key stakeholder relations

Strategic leadership and operational support for EPA’s regional teams across VictoriaKey outcomes and responsibilities: Development of Workforce Development Plan for the Regional Services DirectorateDissolution of the Regulatory Capability Unit with a planned transition processActively involved in improving organisational capacity in Risk Management, Compliance and Enforcement and Emergency ManagementEstablishment of a new model plan for regional engagement across the State

Strategic leadership and operational support for EPA across VictoriaKey outcomes and responsibilities:Positive leadership for the Regional Services DirectorateEstablishment of MOU between DELWP and EPA covering Interoperability of Emergency Management ProvisionsRepresenting EPA at the State Emergency Management TeamState Agency Commander for the EPA during the Moyston fireLed the development of key emergency management policies and protocols in partnership with EMV and… Show more Strategic leadership and operational support for EPA across VictoriaKey outcomes and responsibilities:Positive leadership for the Regional Services DirectorateEstablishment of MOU between DELWP and EPA covering Interoperability of Emergency Management ProvisionsRepresenting EPA at the State Emergency Management TeamState Agency Commander for the EPA during the Moyston fireLed the development of key emergency management policies and protocols in partnership with EMV and DHHSActive stakeholder engagement and issues management in Melbourne and regional Victoria Show less

Provided leadership and support for a team of committed professionals working across Gippsland to protect the environment.Key outcomes and responsibilities:Supported the team’s recovery post the Hazelwood Mine Fire Engaged with disaffected people in the regionLed the development of the Unit’s Annual Action PlanCreated a new Regional Engagement PlanEstablished performance management processes within the team

Early Childhood Intervention Service that provides support for children with developmental delays and their families in Northern metropolitan Melbourne.Highlights:Effective leadership and support for a team of 20+ allied health professionals working through a significant change processWorked closely with and advised the Chair and the Board of Kalparrin in the review and redefinition of its strategic directionEstablishment of a shared code of conduct and re-articulation of… Show more Early Childhood Intervention Service that provides support for children with developmental delays and their families in Northern metropolitan Melbourne.Highlights:Effective leadership and support for a team of 20+ allied health professionals working through a significant change processWorked closely with and advised the Chair and the Board of Kalparrin in the review and redefinition of its strategic directionEstablishment of a shared code of conduct and re-articulation of organisational valuesProvided operational insight to the business review and 2014 – 16 strategic planProactively led an organisational restructure to reposition resources to align with the strategic plan and contractual obligations of the Department of Education.Created and implemented an effective communication plan to improve relationships with key stakeholders including the leadership in the Department of Education and community sponsors. Show less

Destination Melbourne provided industry leadership; advocacy on behalf of the visitor experience; and cost effective marketing programs that encouraged visitation, dispersal and yield. Major AchievementsBusiness and Innovation:Transformed Destination Melbourne from a publishing house into one of Australia's leading regional tourism organisationsLed the development and delivery of 2 x 3 year strategic plansIncreased company turnover from $2.8 million to $4… Show more Destination Melbourne provided industry leadership; advocacy on behalf of the visitor experience; and cost effective marketing programs that encouraged visitation, dispersal and yield. Major AchievementsBusiness and Innovation:Transformed Destination Melbourne from a publishing house into one of Australia's leading regional tourism organisationsLed the development and delivery of 2 x 3 year strategic plansIncreased company turnover from $2.8 million to $4 million during the GFCConsistently delivered surpluses in line with board expectations, while ensuring business sustainability and growthBuilt a set of company values lived and breathed by Destination Melbourne's high performing teamDeveloped a framework of company policies and procedures that delivered greater productivity and increased complianceAchieved Earth Check Silver accreditation in 2011 Industry Leadership and InnovationRecognised industry leader and advocate on behalf of the visitor experienceEstablished the Melbourne Tourism Industry Leadership ProgramCreation of Victoria Tourism Week in partnership with Victorian Tourism Industry Council Delivered the Official Visitor Guide to Melbourne as an appEstablished the first Chinese version of the Melbourne Official Visitor Guide Engagement of 29 Local Governments across Melbourne through the Visiting Friends and Relatives Project and Discover Your Own BackyardParticipated in the 2012 State Government China Super MissionDragon’s Tail Chinese New Year Marketing Campaign for MelbourneRecognitionThe Hon Louise Asher MP Minister for Tourism and Major Events spoke at Chris's Industry Farewell on her birthdayFinalist in the Melbourne Awards – Individual Contribution to Melbourne’s Profile2012 RACV Victorian Tourism Award for Destination Marketing2012 RACV Victorian Tourism Award for Training and EducationNational Economic Development Award – Marketing StrategyDestination Melbourne had a Net Promoter Score of 32. Show less

Business and InnovationDesigned and built foundations for Destination Gippsland Ltd the first Regional Tourism Board in Victoria Development of strong working relationships between State Government, Local Government and the regionLeadership and InnovationLed the Gippsland Tourism Sector from threat of dissolution to a nationally recognized tourism success storyEstablished the Gippsland Tourism Industry Leadership Program, the first of its kind in Australia… Show more Business and InnovationDesigned and built foundations for Destination Gippsland Ltd the first Regional Tourism Board in Victoria Development of strong working relationships between State Government, Local Government and the regionLeadership and InnovationLed the Gippsland Tourism Sector from threat of dissolution to a nationally recognized tourism success storyEstablished the Gippsland Tourism Industry Leadership Program, the first of its kind in Australia and a model that has been deployed widely throughout VictoriaLed successful Gippsland Tourism Response and Recovery Program for Fire and FloodAchieved double digit growth in visitation the year after Great Divide Fire (2006-7)Secured Gippsland's participation in the National Landscapes Program with Parks Australia and Tourism Australia (Australian Alps and Australia's Coastal Wilderness)Presented Gippsland's inspirational story at conferences including the 2007 APEC Tourism Working Group and SE Queensland Country Tourism Conference in 2006 and 2007Established a succession plan for leadership of the Gippsland Tourism SectorRecognitionA surfboard signed by the Hon Jacinta Allen Minister for Regional Development and 100+ representatives of the tourism industryChairman, Destination Gippsland (Voluntary)Independent Chairman of the committee responsible for marketing GippslandBusiness and InnovationLed delivery of the Federally funded Gippsland Sustainable Tourism ProjectAchieved significant growth in visitation and visitor expenditure despite a series of natural disasters.Leadership and InnovationDeveloped the National Award winning ‘Inspired By Gippsland’ marketing campaign with Tourism Victoria and the industry Established the Gippsland International Tourism Marketing ProgramRecognition2008 RACV Victorian Tourism Award for Destination Marketing (Inspired By Gippsland) Show less

Marketing and Communications ConsultancyCreated the Gippsland Innovation Festival, Australia’s largest regional innovation festival for 4 yearsEstablishment of the Gippsland Public Affairs and Marketing Network Design and implementation of the ‘Getting Gippsland Working’ Campaign for a local employment company Delivery of the ‘Experience Gippsland – the Right Side of Victoria’ Numberplate.Project management for the Latrobe Valley Ministerial Taskforce Marketing Advisory… Show more Marketing and Communications ConsultancyCreated the Gippsland Innovation Festival, Australia’s largest regional innovation festival for 4 yearsEstablishment of the Gippsland Public Affairs and Marketing Network Design and implementation of the ‘Getting Gippsland Working’ Campaign for a local employment company Delivery of the ‘Experience Gippsland – the Right Side of Victoria’ Numberplate.Project management for the Latrobe Valley Ministerial Taskforce Marketing Advisory Panel and the LatrobeFirst CampaignMarketing and Communications consultancies for Latrobe City and the City of Ballarat Show less