Overview

The LG Professionals SA Community Managers Network is open to those leading in the field of community development or community services. The network aims to lead local government in responding to the changing nature of communities, community services and community development.

The Network hold a conference bi-annually, and the 2023 theme was ‘Community Development: Getting it Right'. We explored whether we as a community, and a local government sector, are getting it right with the people we serve and collaborate with. Speakers from both within and outside the sector inspired us with fantastic case studies of their work, examples of successful collaborations with and for the community, and best practice frameworks, we also asked some provocative questions to encourage outside the box thinking by local government community professionals about how best to innovate and collaborate to achieve ongoing positive community outcomes.

All local government professionals with an interest in, or responsibility for, community development or community services are encouraged to attend.


Benefits of attending this conference

  • Expand your local government networks
  • Keep your professional development current
  • Get out of the office and make time to think, reflect, plan and be inspired
  • Take away tools and tips to inspire you and inform future initiatives

    Previous attendees have said:

    • "A very valuable day. Often it can be difficult to justify the day away from 'normal business' but today has been extremely beneficial."
    • "The best community development conference I have been to. The speakers were outstanding."
    • "The content was incredibly useful for smaller councils like ours which don't have access to social planners."


    Key Dates

    The 2023 Community Managers Network Conference was held on Friday 25 August 2023 at U City Function Centre.


    Resources






    Contact

      Megan Down
      Manager - Events & Partnerships
      e: megan@lgprofessionalssa.org.au
      p: 08 8224 2088 
     


      Megan Hay
      Events Coordinator
      e: mhay@lgprofessionalssa.org.au
      p: 08 8224 2087

     


    2023 - Community Managers Network Conference 'Community Development: Getting it Right'

    The 2023 LG Professionals SA Community Managers Network Conference was held on Friday 25 August at UCity Function Centre. More than 100 attendees representing 35 councils and subsidiaries from across South Australia came together for a carefully curated day of learning and networking.

    This year’s theme was ‘Community Development: Getting it Right'. Speakers from both within and outside the sector inspired us with fantastic case studies of their work, examples of successful collaborations with and for the community, and demonstrations of how to work effectively with those that you serve. A huge thank you to Joshua Stokes, Shannon Swart and Cathy O’Loughlin for filling in at such short notice!

    Becky Hirst was a standout with her exploration of the concept of community, reflecting on the journey that society has been on in recent years, while Stephanie Harvey outlined the approach that is needed in community development and aligning more closely with First Nations’ people’s ways of knowing, being and doing. Carolyn Curtis shared how SA initiative ‘Our Town’ looks to support people by building on strengths to create inclusive cultures of awareness, connection and the promotion of wellbeing. Suhit Anatula touched on what community intelligence and assets we are connecting with. And keynote speaker Ally Nitschke rounded out the day, sharing her three pillars to leading courageously in the modern world – clarity, communication, and change.

    Kylie Fergusen from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield did a fantastic job of weaving the day together as conference emcee, providing insights and humour for delegates throughout the day. 

    Thank you to the LG Professionals SA Community Managers Network Committee for putting together such a fantastic day for their sector colleagues, and thank you to all who attended, taking important time out of the office to invest in your development.

    Download the 2023 Conference Program

    Mailing Address: 148 Frome Street ADELAIDE SA 5000   Phone: 08 8224 2080   Email: admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au


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