At the forefront of professional development in local government

for more than 30 years

What is the Management Challenge?

The Australasian Management Challenge has been at the forefront of professional development in local government in Australia and New Zealand for more than 30 years. The 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.

Teams are challenged to respond to a series of tasks in a unique, fast paced, "pressure cooker" environment. Some tasks may require written responses (such as a council report or recommendation document), whilst others may be more interactive and take the form of role plays or presentations – but the mix will be a surprise for the day!

The Management Challenge provides an excellent professional development opportunity to become more effective in leading, thinking, communicating, negotiating, decision-making, analysing and engaging.

2025 Rural Management Challenge

The Rural Management Challenge will be returning again in 2025 and is tentatively scheduled for Thursday 18 September. We require a minimum number of teams for the Rural Management Challenge to go ahead. If you would like to express your interest in forming a team of 4 plus a mentor to participate, please contact Megan Hay, Events Coordinator via mhay@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

Learn more here

2025 Management Challenge

Key Dates

Challenge Day was held on Wednesday 9 April 2025.

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

2025 LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge

REFLECTIONS FROM THE 2025 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE

The LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge was once again full of energy, excitement, fun... and a few nerves, as challengers joined us from across the state to take on some of the day-to-day and left-field challenges that local government faces every day.

From Executive meetings, radio interviews, rogue all-staff emails and noise complaints, each team came together to tackle the tasks as they came in one by one, leading to an exhilarating and exhausting day.

The Challenge has been at the forefront of professional development in local government in Australia and New Zealand for more than 30 years and provides the professional development opportunity to become more effective in leading, thinking, communicating, negotiating, decision-making, analysing and engaging. Our team at LG Professionals SA always looks forward to seeing participants delve out of their comfort zones and thrive.

A huge thank you to all involved in the day, from our Teams to the Mentors, Facilitators and Observers, your engagement and support make this event possible.

We reached out to some participants to hear about their experience.

"The highlight of the day was walking our DeLorean onto the stage (yes, really!) and laughing at our own jokes in the intro video. It was also great seeing the creativity and effort in everyone else’s videos. The day pushed me in all sorts of ways — especially managing time pressure while brainstorming multiple project ideas. During the training phase, I gained insight into different areas of council and learnt a lot about how I operate both individually and in a team. I also grew as a leader by contributing, supporting others, and learning from those around me."

Shraddha Dhungel, Infrastructure Engineer, Mount Barker District Council
LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge Participant 2025

The winner of the 2025 LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 9 May. Register to join us on the night here.

We look forward to seeing you all next year for the 2026 LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge, where we’ll once again put you up to the challenge!

See also: Rural Management Challenge

The Rural Management Challenge is a sophisticated developmental program that produces outcomes that have relevant, tangible and enduring benefits for your people, your teams and your council.

FIND OUT MORE

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