G’day, I’m Ernie Prandl – though officially it’s Ernst, no one really calls me that. I’ve been with the Town since November 2021, and I’m the Manager of Technology and Digital Strategy.

I lead three awesome teams: Records (or Information Management), IT Services, and IT Applications. Together, we keep the Town’s tech ticking – from cyber security and infrastructure to all the software we use across the organisation. We also handle things like CCTV, access control, and Freedom of Information. Basically, if it’s digital and helps the Town run smoothly, my teams are on it.

I joined because the role looked like a good challenge and matched my skill set. It didn’t take long to realise I’d landed somewhere special. Once the dust settled in Finance, I felt the backing of the Executive Team and could start making some real changes – that’s when I knew I was in the right place.

Sure, there are challenges – like having more work than people or budget to do it all. But we tackle that by setting clear priorities with the Management and Executive Teams and working through them as best we can.

What I love most is the culture. There’s a real sense of family here, and everyone pitches in to serve our community. The Town’s flexible too – I get to deliver outcomes in a way that suits my lifestyle, which means a great work/life balance.

Since starting, I’ve learnt heaps about local government and even stepped into other roles beyond IT. It’s helped me grow professionally and understand the bigger picture.

My role’s pretty central to the Town’s operations – most services rely on tech and data. By keeping our systems reliable, secure, and fit for purpose, I help make sure everything runs smoothly.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the Town’s digital journey. There’s plenty of room to grow, improve services, and push the boundaries of what tech can do for our community.