What does this event cover
Do you ever hold back on giving your opinion in important moments or underestimate the influence you already have?
Whether it’s leading a team, communicating with Councilors and executive staff or interacting with the community, your credibility and influence can make or break your effectiveness as a local government professional.
In this session, Dr. Neryl East shares practical strategies for increasing your confidence and impact, especially when the pressure is on.
You’ll learn how to:
- Build trust and connection in conversations, meetings and presentations
- Use a practical framework to communicate in a way that gets attention and inspires action
- Move past self-doubt and build the confidence to communicate effectively when it matters most
Our Member Webinar series is a Taituarā member benefit. Unsure if you’re a member? Click here to log-in and find out.
Programme overview
Your facilitators and guest speakers
Dr Neryl East
Dr Neryl East is an authority on local government communication and leadership.
After a media career, Neryl spent two decades in senior local government communication roles managing complex issues and crises – including the fallout from one of Australia’s biggest council corruption scandals.
Today, Neryl advises leaders at the highest level and works with council executive teams and elected bodies to help them communicate high-stakes messages with clarity, credibility and connection.
Neryl has a PhD in Journalism and is the author of five books. In 2026 she was named Educator of the Year by Professional Speakers Australia.
Ann Thomson
Ann oversees Taituarā membership and sponsorship activities, as well as our major events; the Annual Conference and Gala Dinner. Ann is a stakeholder engagement, event management, and communications professional with broad experience across sectors including tertiary education and the public sector.
