This course explores the trends, challenges and opportunities of leading in local government. It helps build advanced skills and knowledge to enable current and aspiring local government leaders to make a greater contribution to improving economic, social, and environmental and governance performance of their organisations for the benefit of communities now and into the future. The course is tailored to the local government environment and allows current and aspiring leaders to develop contextual understanding and professional capabilities necessary for leadership in the public sector. There is a particular focus on the need for local government leaders to understand and demonstrate commitment to the production of 'public value' (Moore 1995); outcomes that are truly valued in the community. The course offers the opportunity to undertake an education program that responds to individual needs as well those in the workplace and the broader community. Subjects involve intensive block mode workshops, action learning, self-directed study, scenario-based challenges and a real-life community leadership project. Course aims The course aims to provide students with knowledge, skills, capabilities and practices of local government leadership, with particular reference to their own organisation and community. Students also develop the learning skills that allow them to continue their own professional development through short courses or further academic study. Careers Career options include local government managers in councils and elected members.