Emily Blake Email and Phone Number

Brisbane is the largest city council in Australia. The International Relations and Multicultural Affairs (IRMA) unit within Brisbane City Council develops and leverages mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships internationally and locally. These activities facilitate economic development opportunities for the city and local businesses.IRMA is responsible for managing the biennial Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) & Mayors'​ Forum. The APCS has become one of the region's premier business and civic forums, providing a platform for governments and businesses to identify a common agenda, improve city governance and promote trade and investment opportunities in the Asia Pacific region. The 2023APCS will be held in Brisbane from 11-13 October 2023. Visit www.apcsummit.org for more information. Find out more at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/international

Responsible for providing high level professional support, business services and strategic policy advice and delivery of the strategic projects, including drafting policies, Cabinet submissions, briefing notes, reports and correspondence, while utilising thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, organisational structure, responsibilities, delegations, decision-making processes and precedents to interpret information and make informed recommendations and decisions.Responsible for the project management for the implementation of the Belcarra Local Government Reform legislation, the 2020 local government election (including the Post-Election meeting in the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic in March-April 2020), the 2019 (Special) Councillor Remuneration Tribunal, the update and management of the Requests for Information from Councillors process, the implementation and governance of the live-streaming of Council meetings, the management of COVID protocols and procedures for Councillors and Council meetings during the pandemic, and the implementation of an amended Meetings Local Law for the Council meetings.

Ensured the Council and Committee Liaison Offices's successful functioning and goal of providing administrative and strategic governance services to Council and external customers while also managing and coordinating the implementation of key strategic projects for City Administration and Governance.

Responsible for the oversight, budget management and supervision of the 26 Councillor Ward Offices and Civic Cabinet Chair Offices and staff, working with the Councillors and their Ward Office staff to resolve any budget, human resources or ad hoc issues. This included reporting on Ward Office budget figures for Councillors to ensure that ratepayer funds are expended appropriately and within Council guidelines, and the annual review and update of the Councillor expenses reimbursement policy.

Worked as a Clerk for the Chair of Council in the Council Chamber for Council meetings and prepared Council and Committee reports, submissions and minutes, in Standing Committee and full Council meetings.Working to tight deadlines to ensure that Committee reports, meeting documents and Council minutes were quality controlled and of a very high standard and in line with legislative standards (the City of Brisbane Act, the Meetings Local Law and other subordinate legislation).

Worked with Senior Managers to provide executive and project management support in the IT branch of Brisbane City Council. Coordinated the project management and administration of the inaugural Brisbane Innovate event at City Hall and the ongoing Open Innovation Process, including reviewing and editing copy for press and the website, tracking budgets, and acting as point of contact for any questions from vendors, speakers, facilitators and the public for the event. Managed the creation, submission and approvals of more than 40 recruitment Business Cases, as well as numerous memos, briefing notes and travel proposals for Senior Managers, while ensuring compliance with the Council style and writing guide and Council initiatives.Awarded the 2016 Organisational Services award for ‘Outstanding Commitment to Our Partnerships’ for ‘dedication, hard work and commitment in effectively planning the Brisbane Innovate event’.

Worked with General and Project Managers to support in financial tracking, project reporting and administrative functions, including vendor and debtor management, invoicing, assisting HS&E and QMS activities, and coordinating travel arrangements and events. Set-up project reporting facilities, maintaining proposal and other registers and assisting in compiling development applications, the preparation of tenders, reports and contract documentation.

Executive Assistant for an Energy company in downtown Toronto. Acting as the administrative support for the senior management team. Worked directly with the senior VPs, CEO and Board of Directors on daily tasks ranging from market research, sales and marketing promotional assistance, tracking and analysing budgets, expense reconciliations, travel planning.

Worked in Chinese, French and English monitoring data for the respective Amazon book websites; sorting information and quality checking to assure correct placement using web-based tools and spreadsheets.

Research and compiling artist biographies to edit and complete the Summer house programme. Prepared artist contracts, invoices, budget sheets and databases.

Worked closely with other monitors and professors to plan activities for over 80 East Asian exchange students to ease entry and help in language learning and cultural activities.

Served Alumni and guests at Varsity sports games. Supervised and delegated roles for the overall management of the Concessions activity at Varsity Athletics games. Responsible for cash flow, inventory and budgeting and sales reports.

Researched and compiled documents of current events for Parliamentary Librarians. Answered questions from the public on Canadian parliamentary activity and history, the role of Government, the legislative process, and the explanation of current Bills in Parliament in English and French.

Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) Tourism is committed to the development, encouragement, promotion and enhancement of a positive and diverse economic environment consistent with the special cultural, historical, agricultural, ecological and community qualities of NOTL and its environs.