Donna Neilson

Donna Neilson (Trainer)

About Donna

Email LinkedIn 07 3000 2148

Donna Neilson brings three decades of working in Local Government to Peak. With a background in law and many years as a councillor, she has an in depth knowledge of the legislation and workings of councils. As a former executive of numerous Boards, Donna has a wealth of experience in governance and uses a down to earth approach to help students understand their responsibilities.

Core Capabilities

  • 30 years’ experience in Local Government
  • Experienced trainer/facilitator and assessor
  • Excellent working knowledge of relevant legislation
  • A thorough understanding of the needs of Queensland councils
  • Sound knowledge of governance and procedures within councils and organisations.

Qualifications

  • Diploma of Local Government, Governance and Administration
  • Certificate IV TAE40116
  • Solicitor

Key Experience

  • 30 years’ experience in the Local Government sector
  • Council Representative - Represented Cooloola Shire council on Regional Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC)
  • Experienced Local Government Trainer-Advisor and facilitator
  • 19 years as a councillor - for a regional council, including 10 years as chair of Planning and Development Committee and 4 years as chair of Governance and Finance Committee
  • Extensive strategic planning experience
  • Gained through involvement in numerous Corporate Plans, Community Plans, Operational Plans and Planning Schemes and active member of Regional Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC)
  • Extensive community engagement and governance experience as: Former Deputy Chair Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett (RDAWBB) and Deputy Chair Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee (WBBACC) 1994-2014
  • Understanding of issues for councils, Councillors and staff having worked with many councils throughout Queensland and interstate

Former member LGAQ Policy Executive

  • Queensland Heritage Council
  • Coastal Protection Advisory Council
  • Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils (WBBROC)
  • Chair of Learning and Development Strategies Group
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