Suzie Haslehurst MLGP
Director Community and Lifestyle
Shire of Harvey

Please outline your experience and involvement with LG Professionals WA and the WA Local Government Sector.
After a successful career leading not-for-profit organisations and advocating at all levels of government, I made the move into WA's local government sector in 2012. Since then, I've taken on roles as Manager, Executive Manager, and CEO across the Shires of Broome, York, and Toodyay. Currently, I'm enjoying my role as Director of Community and Lifestyle at the Shire of Harvey. I'm passionate about teaming up with local communities to make sure everyone has access to opportunities that can improve life and create more meaningful activities for people living in regional areas.
Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of serving on the Board of LG Professionals WA. It's been a great experience, especially in my role as Chair of the Gender Balance Committee. I've been proud to help shape and roll out the Gender Balance Framework, and more recently, to lead the shift in our committee's focus to include broader principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I've also chaired the Annual State Conference Committee and been a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Please outline your reasons in nominating to be a Board Member of LG Professionals WA.
I'm nominating to be re-elected to the Board of LG Professionals WA because I genuinely care about the future of our sector and the communities we serve. During my time in the not-for-profit space, I had the opportunity to chair both state and national peak member organisations, which sparked a strong passion for advocacy - especially on behalf of communities that often go unheard. I've carried that passion into my work in the local government sector, and I'm keen to continue championing initiatives that make a real difference, while also helping shape the direction of our profession.

Please outline your skills and qualities that would help to enhance the Association as a Board Member.
I bring a strong background in community development and have represented the Board across a range of LG Professionals WA networks - including Age-Friendly, Community Development, People and Culture, and Communications. I've also had the chance to connect with members through the Avon Midland, Pilbara Kimberley, and South West branches, which has helped me stay in touch with the diverse needs of our sector.
As mentioned earlier, I've led and advocated for peak member organisations at both state and national levels. Through my years working in local government in a variety of roles, I've built string relationships and developed a solid understanding of the challenges we face.
I also bring strengths in people and financial management, governance, strategy and policy development, and a proven ability to engage meaningfully with a wide range of divers stakeholders.

Please outline your priorities if successfully elected as a Board Member of LG Professionals WA.
If re-elected, my priority would be to build on the Association's past successes while actively seeking new opportunities to strengthen and grow our sector. I believe staying agile and responsive to emerging challenges is central to our purpose. with a new CEO on board, we're in a great position to revisit and reinforce priorities that matter most to our members.
I'm also committed to working closely with fellow Board members to ensure the ongoing viability of the Association and to expand its influence. Supporting our members and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the sector will remain at the heart of everything I do.