An LGMS podcast exploring how councils can assess, reduce and respond to the various challenges they encounter, as well as sharing ideas and initiatives other councils are pursuing and the benefits they find along the way.
Risk in Practice: A Conversation with Isaac Regional Council's Peta Eyschen
In this episode of Risk Aware, Steph Teo and David Royston-Jennings catch up with Peta Eyschen from Isaac Regional Council for a practical conversation about risk management in local government.
Peta shares insights from Isaac’s risk management journey,including the value of collaboration, learning from experience and taking a practical approach to managing risk. We also explore Isaac’s involvement in a range of LGMS initiatives and how these opportunities have helped support continuous improvement across the organisation.
It’s a conversation about what risk management looks like inpractice, the value of sharing experiences across the local government sector, and how councils can turn risk conversations into meaningful outcomes.
30 Sept 2026
How Councils Can Strengthen Cyber Preparedness
In this episode of Risk Aware, David Royston-Jennings speaks with Liberty Mudzamba, Principal Cyber Risk Consulting at Marsh, about what practical cyber preparedness looks like for local government.
Drawing on Liberty’s work supporting LGMS and member councils through ransomware exercises, the conversation explores the common themes that emerge when councils test their readiness for a cyber incident, why leadership and decision-making matter during a cyber event, and where councils can focus to strengthen their preparedness in realistic and achievable ways.
The episode also touches on the changing cyber risk landscape, including the growing influence of AI and broader geopolitical developments, and what these emerging issues may mean for councils as they look to build stronger cyber resilience.
14 Jul 2026
Rethinking Drugs and Alcohol Management in Remote Work Camps: Carpentaria Shire Council CEO Shares their Story
Carpentaria Shire Council’s mandatory Training and Camps Policy was introduced in 2025, after it was realized that there was a growing drug and alcohol culture impacting the safety of worksites.
Carpentaria Shire is a construction council, managing multi-million-dollar value road and infrastructure projects on behalf of the State and Federal Governments in Far North Queensland.
Anne Andrews joins us to talk about the cultural change that this program has generated for Carpentaria Shire Council.
25 May 2026
LGW Mutual Risk Program: What Councils Need to Know
In this episode of Risk Aware, David Royston‑Jennings speaks with Lesley Harpeng, Workplace Health & Safety Manager at Local Government Workcare, about the Mutual Risk Program (MRP). They discuss the program’s evolution, its core obligations, practical resources, and how councils can build a culture of openness and stronger safety systems. Tune in for real‑world tips on engaging leadership, sharing lessons across councils, and where to go for MRP support.
16 Apr 2026
Strengthening Council Assets Through Risk Engineering: Lessons from Lockyer Valley Regional Council
The LGM Assets Risk Engineering program is designed to assist Members to reduce the frequency and severity of loss to Council facilities and interruption to Council operations. The program involves a physical inspection of aselection of Council facilities and incorporates consideration of many important matters. Following the site attendance, Members will provided with a report that details any issues identified and makes recommendations forimprovement.
Eloise Hayes joins us from Lockyer Valley Regional Council to discuss Councils experience in participating in the program and Damian Sharry from Zurich Resilience Solutions discusses how the program is delivered.
Join us to learn more about the benefits of the Risk Engineering Program.
11 Mar 2026
Building Risk Appetite: Lessons from Lockyer Valley Regional Council
In this episode of Risk Aware, Steph Te'o and David Royston-Jennings speak with Madonna Brennan from Lockyer Valley Regional Council about developing risk appetite statements.
Madonna shares practical insights on engaging stakeholders, working with councillors and leadership teams, and embedding risk thinking across the organisation.
11 Feb 2026
From Chief Accountant to CEO: Chatur Zala on Leadership and Risk
In the first Risk Aware episode of 2026, hosts Emma O’Connell and Paul Bright sit down with Chatur “Zala” Zala, CEO of Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, to explore the powerful connection between leadership and risk management.
Drawing on more than 15 years in local government, Zala shares his journey from Chief Accountant to CEO and reflects on how empathy, relationship-building and strong governance have helped shape Cherbourg’s progress.
10 Nov 2025
Adapting to Change: Climate Risk and Resilience in Local Government
Dr. Alexander Pui discusses climate risk realities with Nick Rossmann and Stephanie Te'o, exploring global trends and Queensland councils' resilience programs in this interview.
2 Sept 2025
Understanding the 2025 Risk Landscape for Local Government
David Royston-Jennings interviews Gary Okely and Nick Rossmann to reveal how local governments navigate financial, cyber, workforce, and climate risks using new data.
1 Jul 2025
Leadership and Risk Culture: LGMA and Western Downs Regional Council in Focus
Peta Irvine and Stephanie Stewart discuss how leadership shapes risk culture within local government, focusing on community expectations, psychosocial risk, and workplace wellbeing in an interview with Paul and David.
1 May 2025
AI in Action: Mackay Regional Council’s Risk-Smart Approach to Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming how councils work—but how do you harness its potential while managing the risks?
In this episode of Risk Aware, Mackay Regional Council shares how they're rolling out generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot with a strong focus on governance, risk, and staff engagement.
Hosts Paul Bright and David Royston-Jennings are joined by Mackay’s Karen Peeris, Stuart Hildred, and Joshua Gibson, along with Nick Rossmann, who outlines the risk resources available to support councils on their AI journey.
25 Feb 2025
Signage and Safety: Managing Risks in Natural Areas around Waterways
This episode explores the risks of community use in natural areas around waterways, featuring a case study on Sunshine Coast Regional Council's efforts to improve safety at Gardiner Falls after past incidents, including fatalities.
Our hosts interview Kurt Martin and Shari Fisher, who discuss the challenges of balancing enjoyment with safety. They highlight the importance of effective signage in promoting safer behaviors and highlight approaches to risk communication.
The episode also covers the collaboration between stakeholders like emergency services and the community to enhance safety while maintaining access.
Who has been a guest on Risk Aware
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Gary Okely
Nick Rossmann
Peta Irvine
Stephanie Stewart
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