Peeling the advocacy avocado: from core strategy to fruitful outcome

Advocacy is an important skillset for officers and elected members to develop in order to secure support and resources to deliver on your local government's strategic priorities and to achieve positive outcomes for the community. This workshop will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of advocacy-based principles and guidance around the production and implementation of formal advocacy strategies.

The interactive workshop will include the following topics:

  • What is advocacy?
  • How to influence outcomes
  • What needs to be in an advocacy strategy?
  • Establishing advocacy objectives.
  • Short-term versus long-term strategies.
  • What is the role of the administration?
  • What is the role of elected members?
  • Who are the audiences?
  • Developing and delivering advocacy messages.
  • Understanding the decision-making process.
  • Understanding the importance of political context.
  • The importance of partnerships and alliances in advocacy.
  • The importance of third party and media interest.
  • How to measure effectiveness. 
Presenters
Patrick Fagan
Patrick has worked as a Senior Adviser in the Gillard and Rudd Federal Labor Governments, and he provides significant political and strategic experience to the GRA Partners team.
Patrick has provided advice to government across a number of key portfolios, including energy, resources, ICT, the public sector, electoral policy and Northern Australia; and was an adviser to the Minister for Resources and Energy. Patrick also worked as a government relations adviser to South32 and previously advised the Kimberley Development Commission on the Miriuwung Gajerrong Ord Enhancement Scheme. He was also a founding member of Timor Leste Vision, a NFP promoting rural education projects in Timor Leste.
Patrick holds a Master of Community Development from Curtin University, and a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts (political science and history) from the University of WA.

Natasha Mutch
With over 20 years in corporate affairs, Natasha Mutch has worked with stakeholders across a broad spectrum of portfolios. They include the energy sector, oil and gas, health, tourism, intellectual property, water, primary industries, urban planning, workforce training, tourism, local government and ministerial media relations.
In addition to her experience in business and private industry, Natasha has held leadership roles in Federal, State and local government entities, including as senior media advisor to WA's Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, and Manager Communications and Brand for the City of Wanneroo.
Natasha specialises in communications strategy and research, media relations and crisis communications, understanding that effective issues management has a direct impact on brand and corporate reputation. She also has a background in identifying positive news stories and raising the profile of individuals and organisations through strategic media opportunities, brand alignment and the development of tactical partnerships.

Date

Thursday 1 December 2022

Time

9.00am - 3.00pm


Venue

The University Club of Western Australian
Hackett Entrance #1
Hackett Drive
Crawley

OR

Participate via Live-Stream

Cost

$360 Member 
$405 Affiliate
$430 Young Professional
$430 LGWA
$450 Non-Member 

*Local Government Subscribers
Bronze: $405 | Silver: $380| Gold: $360

*Click here to see if your local government is a local government subscriber.

Please email [email protected] for your local government subscriber discount code.

(2 x discounted registrations per subscriber local government, non-member price applies to additional registrations)

Download event program PDF

Event Program