Director Community Wellbeing

EMMA LITTLE 

Emma joined Council in July 2020 as Manager Tourism, Events & Culture and was appointed Director Community Wellbeing in June 2022, overseeing a diverse portfolio encompassing tourism and economic development, children and family services, and community partnerships.

Since joining Council, Emma has led a number of significant initiatives, including the redevelopment of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery, the Visitor Information Centre at Maryborough Railway Station and the development of the Shire's first Indigenous Interpretive Garden. She also led the reinstatement and continued growth of the nationally recognised Energy Breakthrough program in a post COVID environment.

More recently, Emma has negotiated the successful transition to a new Visitor Economy Partnership model, strengthened regional collaboration through Destination Central Victoria, and supported destination marketing initiatives that have increased awareness of the region and strengthened industry partnerships.

A strong focus of Emma's leadership has been balancing service excellence with the long-term financial sustainability of Community Wellbeing services. Through evidence-based service reviews and strategic organisational planning, Emma has championed initiatives that enhance service delivery, improve organisational effectiveness and support Council's 10-Year Financial Plan. This has included significant financial improvements at the Goldfields Children's Centre, Council's transition out of Home and Community Care services, and the ongoing development of tourism and economic development functions to support long-term sustainability while maintaining service quality and community outcomes.

Prior to joining Council, Emma spent 10 years working across regional and remote communities in Western Australia and Tasmania, providing strategic leadership in tourism, education and events, and leveraging these sectors as catalysts for community development and economic growth.

Emma holds a double degree in Commerce and Arts and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.