Susan Riley

‘Portico Porch Thoughts’

Susan Riley is the current and twice elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne. Married, mother of three and grandmother of nine, Susan is a successful business woman. With a career in publishing and the media spanning some twenty five years, Susan is highly regarded for her strategic thinking as part of the leadership team at Council that continually makes the City of Melbourne even more vibrant, liveable, safe and world-renowned.

Our Deputy Lord Mayor is without doubt one of the busiest people in Melbourne, and in true Susan Riley fashion, has made time for an exclusive Porch Thought interview for the Melbourne Observer on the grand ‘Portico’ at Town Hall.

You are the Deputy Lord Mayor and magazine publisher, how do you juggle your time?

I publish sixteen magazines a year in total which includes 3004 News, 3008 Docklands and the City Living Guide. I've always had the ability to manage my time well, and some days yes, I do throw all the balls in the air and catch one or two! I believe one of my strengths is never to take life too seriously and always see the fun side.

This famous portico overlooking Swanston Street is truly part of Melbourne’s brilliant history. What is your most memorable occasion as Deputy Lord Mayor enjoyed on the Town Hall portico?

There are so many wonderful memories; I especially love the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week events on the Portico as the atmosphere is at its most vibrant. Another special memory is when the Lady Mayoress' Corporate Committee had their first Cocktail Party on the Portico late last year. To see the girls all frocked up and enjoying the ambience of the evening was just pure magic. Looking out over the Portico at the Christmas decorations and hearing the trams dinging away, all add to the magic of our city.

Who would you most like to officially spend time with on the Town Hall Portico and why?

Princess Mary of Denmark, as when she visited Melbourne last year she showed so much enthusiasm for our city, I would enjoy showing her the view and pointing out the buildings that you can see from the Portico.

What are you best known for in your role as Deputy Lord Mayor?

My ability to engage with all people; I have an affinity and passion for Melbourne and I believe I am an open-minded person with many years of experience yet a youthful business approach.

What is one key issue that is challenging you at the moment?

As with any new urban renewal project, we are facing challenges in Docklands, but I definitely see a bright future ahead. Although it is not a City of Melbourne project, delays with the observation wheel are proving difficult and retailers and tourism operators are reporting an impact on their businesses.

The City of Melbourne inherited the precinct in the second decade of its development, sometimes causing frustration with the pace of change. We are working on community infrastructure such as a new library, and community development projects to build a stronger sense of belonging, but we must remember that it is only half finished. Because of its waterfront location – unarguably one of the finest in the world – I am confident it will turn around and flourish into a vibrant, thriving part of Melbourne in the future.

I understand you are a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Director of Procurement Australia and a Director of Tee Up for Kids. At the City of Melbourne, on what council committees do you regularly sit?

Off the top of my head, there are a few: Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Advisory Board, Melbourne Awards Advisory Board, Melbourne Retail Advisory Board, Melbourne Arts Trust Board, Police Community Consultative Committee, Inner South Metropolitan Mayors Forum, City of Melbourne Audit Committee, Moomba Advisory Board, and co-chair of the Lady Mayoress’ Committee. Being part of these Boards gives me a great insight into how our constituents feel about our events. I do have a couple of favourites - I enjoy the Melbourne Awards and Melbourne Spring Fashion Advisory Boards.

Speeches and presentations are one of your core strengths; as Deputy Lord Mayor I understand on some days you are invited to make breakfast, lunch and dinner speeches. How do you prepare for such a day?

I am fortunate to have the assistance of a speechwriter and a PA who provides the background for the speeches and the research that goes into my preparation for these events.

Do people often stop you in the street and suggest ideas to present to Council?

Yes, they do! They see me as a Council representative who can cut through the red tape to get a quicker decision or to assist them in the issue they have. I receive several letters requesting assistance and I always get a great deal of pleasure being able to help them.

What is your ‘Porch’ Thought of The Day?

“Being a Publisher and the Deputy Lord Mayor, the word ‘deadline’ takes on a new meaning. I love deadlines and especially like the sound they make as they go whooshing by...”