Upcoming Programs & Events

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• 2025 Strategic Management Program

  • Start
    06 Feb 2025
  •  
  • End
    15 Aug 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    University of South Australia City West Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide and Virtual
  • Spaces left
    7

  

  Developed in partnership with UniSA and local government experts, the Strategic Management Program (SMP) has been designed to increase the skills and capabilities of leaders and managers in local government.

  Participants will build high-level leadership and management skills within a local government context, and learn technical skills to manage business functions and enhance innovation, strategic thinking, business acumen and operational excellence. 

  Download the prospectus here

  

  Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

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• 2025 Ignite Program

  • Start
    06 Feb 2025
  •  
  • End
    04 Feb 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    15 sessions
  • Location
    Various
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  The LG Professionals SA Ignite Program is a leadership learning path for supervisors, team leaders and coordinators in local government across South Australia.

  The focus of the program is to enable those who have limited experience in managing and leading people to develop the competencies required to be successful in their role. 

  Download the full prospectus here.

  
  

  Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

  By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email eve@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

  
  

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• 2025 Emerging Leaders Program

  • Start
    29 May 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    28 Nov 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Various Locations
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  

  The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a program aimed to provide participants with a greater level of comprehension and understanding of local government; increased understanding of leadership concepts and practices and how to integrate these learnings into the workplace, increased confidence; enhanced self-awareness; an appreciation of and an ability to work with different personality types; the opportunity to challenge their assumptions. 

  The 2025 Emerging Leaders Program has currently sold out. Please join our waitlist in case a place becomes available.

  Download the prospectus here.

  
  

  Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

  By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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• AI Transformation: Introduction to AI

  • When
    02 Jul 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  
  

  Join us for an eye-opening and educational session on the potential of AI!

  Discover how AI is enhancing productivity, transforming industries and unlocking new opportunities to be efficient. We’ll delve into the benefits of AI and its offerings; from automating routine tasks to driving innovation. Learn how AI has been used for years up until this point, and how AI has developed over time to be more accessible and user-friendly as ever.

  To support you in your journey, this session will explore the challenges and risks associated with AI, including ethical concerns, job displacement, and data privacy issues. Learn practical strategies to mitigate these problems and harness AIs full potential responsibly. Whether you’re an industry professional or just curious about AI, this session is your gateway to understanding and mastering the future.

  Suitable For: All staff within local government, especially decision makers.

  Key Learnings:
  

  This session provides an overview and basis for understanding the very essence of artificial intelligence. It’s designed to:

  • Allow decision makers the ability to make informed decision on AI use
  • Allow decision makers to future proof decision making due to their understanding of how AI actually works
  • Allow workers an overview of its ability to boost productivity
  • Allow people to comprehend its benefits for work and home
  • Allow everyone to understand its challenges, dangers and possible bias
  • Understand the requirement for appropriate and safe AI use, stay within your governance and data privacy guidelines
  • Understanding the limitations and issues of this technology
  • Best Practice application of external generative AI.
    
    

  This course will be delivered online via Zoom. 
  

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/ai-training

  
  
  

  Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

  By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email pd@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

  
  

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• AI Bootcamp

  • When
    04 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Learn how to use AI to enhance your local government workday.

  AI is revolutionising the way we work - join us in this hands-on session designed to equip you with practical skills for leveraging ai tools effectively within your workplace.

  Suitable For: All staff within local government who hold a general understanding of AI including principles, ethics and AI tools; especially suited for those who complete their work frequently on their computers. 

  Looking to gain a basis of understanding with AI? Check out our AI Transformation: Introduction to AI short course.

  Key Learnings:

  This session has been designed to:

  • Overview of free AIs available to improve your efficiency/effectiveness with Microsoft Office apps like Word, Outlook and Excel
  • Discover amazing AI tools like Feedly, Yabble and Perplexity
  • Discover the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot’s AI from a business point of view
  • Super-charge your work using AIs for first drafts or summarising
  • Speed up your content creation process
  • Learn to collate and proof documents and content
  • Identify file types that can be imported/exported
  • Understand the interface and limits of AIs like ChatGPT and Midjourney
  • Learn the how to prompt the AI for best results
  • Understand the requirement for appropriate and safe AI use to stay within your governance and data privacy guidelines
  • Overview of paid Ais, like Microsoft Copilot Pro
  • Understanding the limitations and issues of this technology
  • Best Practice application of external generative AI.

  This course will be delivered online via Zoom. 
  

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/ai-bootcamp

  
  
  

  Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

  By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email pd@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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• Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: The Power of Data

  • When
    23 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    City of Victor Harbor Civic Centre – 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor and virtually via Zoom

  Register

  

  Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: The Power of Data.

  We’ll be joined by guest speakers from across local government and industry, who are using data to drive smarter decisions, deliver better outcomes, and build more responsive, efficient organisations. From AI-powered compliance tools to urban forest asset planning, infrastructure insights and a panel discussion from local Directors and CEOs, this Forum will showcase practical examples of how data is being harnessed to create real impact. The Forum will wrap up with a field visit to the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority, showcasing data in tourism asset management - plus a chance to enjoy lunch with the Clydesdales.

  This Forum will be held in person and via Zoom. Please be aware that the last session of the Forum will be for in-person attendees only.
  

  Unlocking Data with AI

  Dustin Georgeson - Manager Development and Public Safety, City of Victor Harbor

  The City of Victor Harbor is revolutionising local government operations by deploying Aero Ranger's AI-powered platform, enabling real-time vehicle tracking, automated compliance reporting, and advanced analytics - all managed through a centralised dashboard. This cutting-edge technology streamlines enforcement, enhances public safety, protects employees and provides actionable insights for smarter city strategic planning.

  Data Drama: Successes, Slip-Ups, and Saves

  Victoria MacKirdy - Chief Executive Officer, City of Victor Harbor
  Jodie Summer - Director of Corporate Services, District Council of Yankalilla
  Andrew MacDonald - Chief Executive Officer, Alexandrina Council

  Join a panel of CEOs and Directors from the neighbouring councils of Victor Harbor, Alexandrina, and Yankalilla, as they reflect on their journeys to becoming more data-informed organisations.

  Through a candid Q&A format, panellists will share real-world insights on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how data is helping drive better decisions, collaboration, and community outcomes.

  Data does grow on trees

  Ian Seccafien - Coordinator Arboriculture, City of Marion

  Ian Seccafien, Coordinator Arboriculture at the City of Marion, brings 30 years of dedicated local government experience to enhancing urban landscapes. His career journey, starting as a Horticulture (Arboriculture) apprentice and progressing through hands-on field roles, tree assessment, leadership and contract supervision, has cultivated a strategic approach to urban forest management, with a particular emphasis on asset planning for trees. Leveraging this extensive experience, he leads a team of 14 staff, managing a significant multi-million-dollar budget to implement best-practice arboricultural strategies, including a comprehensive asset management plan, and foster a thriving urban forest for the Marion community.

  Infrastructure - The data we need (and don't need) to transition from instinct to evidence-based decisions

  Craig Headon - Former Director and Founder of Inside Infrastructure

  In a world where data is everywhere, how do we distinguish what drives value from what creates noise? Join Craig Headon, former Director and Founder of Inside Infrastructure (a Ricardo Company) as he unpacks the critical role of data in decision-making. Drawing on his extensive experience in infrastructure management and delivery, Craig will explore the value and management of data, the people behind it, and the cultural and governance shifts needed to become a truly data-driven organisation. With regulatory pressures pushing for greater integration, he will also examine how misleading data can obscure the real costs of service delivery and asset management.

  Our final session of the day is a field visit to the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority Stables (a five-minute drive from the Victor Harbor Civic Centre) Please note: this session is only available to those attending in-person.  

  Community Data and the Clydesdales

  Meg Whibley - General Manager, Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority

  Meg Whibley is the General Manager of the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority, a Section 42 subsidiary of the City of Victor Harbor. The mission of the Victor Harbor Horse Tram is to offer historic experiences and create lasting memories for both visitors and the local community.

  In this session, Meg will discuss the 2023 research commissioned to assess the economic and historical value of the iconic Horse Tram. Based on the findings, the team has developed new revenue streams, which will further enhance its significance. She will also highlight the new stables, designed to provide top-notch facilities for the Clydesdales and staff - an exciting development that we are fortunate to experience.

  At the end of this session, you are invited to stay on for a pay-your-own-way light lunch and networking with other attendees. If you would like to stay for lunch, please indicate this in your registration.

  

  Thinking about making the trip? We encourage our Members to join us in-person for this Forum. Reach out to your colleagues for carpooling opportunities to maximise connection and reduce your environmental footprint. 

  Registrations for this forum are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

  By registering for this forum, you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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• 2025 Community Development Network Conference - Community Development: Taking it to the Streets

  • When
    25 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    UCity Function Centre - 43 Franklin Street Adelaide SA 5000

  Register

  
  

  Proudly presented by the LG Professionals SA Community Development Network

  This year's Community Development Network Conference theme is Community Development: Taking it to the Streets.

  Join community development practitioners from across South Australia for a day of bold ideas, practical insights, and real-world stories that reflect the evolving role of local government in shaping stronger, more connected communities. With keynote speaker Dr Peter Westoby, a thought-provoking panel, and case studies from councils leading the way, this is your chance to be inspired, challenged, and re-energised for the future of community development.
  

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

  The full program is coming soon.

  Registration at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests. 

  
  

  By registering for this event, you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au

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• Introduction to Project Management

  • When
    28 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Project management is a fundamental skill in our modern workforce, as it ensures that what is being delivered is not only right, but that it also delivers against the business opportunity - so it's important that we get it right.

  This course is designed to cover the basic principles of managing projects to help you plan, control and organise activities to ensure that you are delivering successful projects every time. It is best suited for staff who may be new to managing projects or have not previously undertaken any formal project management training.

  This course will be delivered in person at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide. 
  

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/introduction-to-project-management.

  
  
  

  Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

  By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email eve@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

  
  

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• 2025 Rural Management Challenge

  • When
    18 Sep 2025
  •  
    7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Lakes Hotel - 141 Brebner Drive, West Lakes SA 5021

  Registration is closed

  
  

  The Rural Management Challenge is a simulation-based team building, learning and networking program using real local government themes - the types of issues that a senior management team in a council would most likely face.

  The teams are challenged to respond to a series of tasks in a unique one-day, fast paced, ‘pressure cooker’ environment. Some tasks will require written responses (such as a council report or recommendation document), and some will take the form of role plays or presentations and the teams are also scored on observations of how well they display energy, synergy, effectiveness and creative thinking.

  View the flyer here.

  Don't forget to also register for the Rural Challenge Dinner here.

  

  Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

  By registering for this event you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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• 2025 Rural Management Challenge Dinner

  • When
    18 Sep 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Lakes Hotel - 141 Brebner Drive, West Lakes SA 5021

  Register

  
  

  Join us for the exciting Rural Management Challenge Dinner where the winner of the 2025 Rural Management Challenge will be announced. We strongly encourage all participants to attend.

  Don't forget to also register a team for the Rural Management Challenge here.

  Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests. By registering for this event you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au

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• Advanced Project Management

  • When
    29 Sep 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    18

  Register

  
  

  Every day in local government, we're managing projects.

  Whether you’re leading infrastructure upgrades, delivering community programs or improving internal processes, strong project management skills are essential. And as local government professionals, we should be leading the way.

  This course will explore project leadership and you will learn how to manage some of the challenges faced when managing big projects in a local government context.

  Our Advanced Project Management course is designed for those ready to move beyond the basics. Perfect for anyone with experience managing projects, or who has completed our Introduction to Project Management. This course digs deeper into project management theory and looks at both operational and strategic elements of project management.

  Best suited to those who have some project management experience behind them, and those that have completed the Introduction to Project Management course.

  This course will be delivered in person at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide. 
  

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/advanced-project-management.

  
  

  Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

  By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email eve@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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