We caught up with Tom Hogan, Leading Hand Horticulture, City of West Torrens, 

about why he signed up for the Emerging Leaders Program, his experience at a recent program module, and what he's looking forward to the most as the program progresses.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

My manager recommended the Emerging Leaders Program to me, so I signed up as I saw it as a great opportunity to develop my leadership skills and become a better leader within local government. I was also interested in gaining a better understanding of myself as a leader and learning what areas I can improve in.

So far, the program has helped me step out of my comfort zone, which has helped build confidence and personal growth.

A recent module focused on ‘A Rural Perspective’ – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

“A Rural Perspective” module was a great day, and one thing I took away was gaining a better understanding of the challenges that rural and regional councils face. 

It was good to see the City of Onkaparinga Civil Team undertaking maintenance to their unsealed roads. I always wondered why they don’t just bituminise these roads, but the team had a few explanations, with one being that some wineries prefer the rustic look of an unsealed road. 

I also learnt that rural councils have more local knowledge and stronger relationships with their communities than metro councils do, which helps understand what the locals wants and needs are.

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

Besides further developing my leadership skills and knowledge, I’m looking forward to building stronger connections and friendships with my peers and networking with other councils. 

We caught up with Lisa Warren, HR Business Partner, City of Onkaparinga, 

You were part of the organising group for this module. What did you want the cohort to get out of the module?

As part of the group that organised the Local Government Module: Rural Perspective, we wanted participants to gain a better understanding of both the advantages and challenges of working in a rural council environment. We aimed to provide experiences and insights that participants may not have been exposed to in their own councils, helping broaden their perspective on local government across South Australia. Most importantly, we wanted everyone to have a fun and enjoyable day while taking away practical ideas, learnings and connections that they could apply back in their own councils.

How did you find organising the module with your group?

I enjoyed meeting people from other councils and working together to deliver the module. Everyone brought different strengths, ideas and experiences, which helped create a well-rounded and engaging program. Like any group project, there were challenges in coordinating schedules and pulling everything together, but it was a great opportunity to collaborate, share responsibilities and learn from one another. It also reinforced the importance of communication, flexibility and teamwork when delivering an event with many moving parts.

What was your biggest takeaway from the module?

My biggest takeaway was the value of collaboration and seeing how different councils approach similar challenges. It reinforced that while our contexts may differ, many of the issues we face are shared, and there is a lot to gain from learning from others' experiences. I also came away with a greater appreciation of the unique opportunities and challenges faced by rural councils and the innovative ways they adapt to meet community needs. It highlighted the importance of remaining open to new perspectives and considering how different approaches could be applied within our own organisations.

We caught up with Daryl Tian, Senior Strategic Planner, City of Salisbury, 

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) appealed to me as an opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and networks I needed to become a more effective local government officer and leader. It is a great opportunity for me to learn how to influence positive outcomes, drive innovation and contribute to meaningful change. I believe leadership is about creating the future you want to see, and this program provides an excellent foundation for that journey. Thank you to the City of Salisbury and LG Professionals SA for my participation in this program.

What was your biggest takeaway from the opening retreat?

It was reassuring to see that everyone was on the same journey, despite all coming from different work backgrounds and experiences, and all gathered for a common purpose. I learned a lot about myself, particularly how comfortable I became with stepping outside my comfort zone, bonding with new people and trying new things. The challenges were definitely a highlight! They were fun, dynamic and offered valuable insights into how we operate individually and as a team. I think the 2026 ELP group smashed it!

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

Alongside the program outcomes and leadership skills, I am looking forward to getting to know my peers better and building lasting friendships throughout and after the program. The group projects have been a great way to apply what we have learned and demonstrate the value of leadership and collaboration in achieving positive outcomes. I look forward to continuing to grow with my peers – and a special shoutout to my project and module groups for being absolute legends! 

We caught up with Danielle Crisci, Riverland Preventive Health Project Officer, 

about what led her to join the Emerging Leaders Program, her biggest takeaway from the Opening Retreat, and what she's most looking forward to as part of the Program.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

As someone early in my career, I saw the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) as a valuable opportunity to build my local government knowledge and leadership capabilities. The passion I have for my role drives me to continuously seek opportunities for growth and development, so I can deliver better outcomes for the community and council. With aspirations to create meaningful impact throughout my career, the program felt like the perfect opportunity to invest in myself and my future as a leader.

What was your biggest takeaway from the opening retreat?

Leadership has a different meaning for different people. The retreat reinforced the importance of perspective and highlighted that there is no single definition of a leader. It encouraged me to reflect on the type of leader I want to be, and I discovered my passion lies in being a leader of change. Someone who can inspire new ways of thinking and create positive outcomes for communities.

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections with the ELP 2026 cohort as the program progresses, and into the future. Meeting the ELP cohort during the opening retreat was both enjoyable and energising. The networking opportunities and conversations with people from across the sector have been so fascinating and one of many highlights so far. I am grateful to share and experience this opportunity with such a diverse and supportive group of emerging leaders.

We caught up with Taskin Muktasid, Project Manager Civil Services, City of Marion, about what led him to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, his key takeaways from the program, and his advice for those undertaking the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026.

Congrats on graduating from the Emerging Leadership Program! What made you sign up initially?

I’ve worked in project management throughout my entire career and have served as a Project Manager for the past few years. While I enjoy delivering projects, I realised I wanted to grow beyond just managing projects and better understand what effective leadership looks like. I was also curious about the difference between being a manager and being a leader. On top of that, I saw the program as a great opportunity to expand my professional network within South Australian local councils.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

My biggest takeaway was that leadership is less about authority and more about influence, communication and understanding people. The program encouraged a lot of self-reflection and helped me better understand my own leadership style. It also showed me how important it is for leaders to build trust, listen actively and bring people along with them.

What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program in the future?

Go in with an open mind and be willing to get involved. The more you participate in the discussions, activities and group work, the more value you’ll get from it. It’s also a great chance to learn from people across different councils and build strong professional connections.

We caught up with Amy Kennedy, Governance and Risk Officer, Northern Areas Council, about what led her to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, her key takeaways from the program, and her advice for those undertaking the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026.

Congrats on graduating from the Emerging Leadership Program! What made you sign up initially?

The program was recommended to me by our then CEO, Kelly Westall. To me, it was an honour to be recommended, a true acknowledgement of my leadership potential.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

My biggest takeaway from the Emerging Leaders Program was realising how much influence I can have, regardless of my role or title. The program helped me understand my leadership style, build confidence in my strengths, and see that effective leadership is really about self‑awareness, connection, and the courage to step forward. It also gave me an amazing network of like-minded people - the invaluable networks I formed made the program worth it!

What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program in the future?

My advice is to absolutely go for it but be prepared to commit the time needed.  

The program gives you more than just professional development - it gives you clarity about who you are as a leader, a supportive network of peers, and the space to stretch yourself and your ideas. Go in with an open mind, be willing to participate fully, and don’t underestimate how much you’ll grow simply by showing up and engaging.

We caught up with Hannah Combe, Governance Officer, Port Augusta City Council, about what led her to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, her key takeaways from the final module, and her advice for those undertaking the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026.

Congrats on graduating from the Emerging Leadership Program! What initially drew you to participate?

The Emerging Leaders Program was recommended to me by my manager as a valuable professional development opportunity. I was motivated to enhance my leadership capabilities and proactively invest in my career development.

Our final module for the program focused on integrating your learnings – what were some of your key takeaways from this module?

The final module provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the key learnings from the program and consider how the tools we have gained can be practically applied in our careers. The session tied the program together and reinforced that leadership development is an ongoing process, encouraging continued reflection and application post-program.

And, what advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026?

I would strongly encourage anyone considering participating in the Emerging Leaders Program to seize the opportunity. If you are willing to invest the time and actively engage in the program, it is a rewarding opportunity for both personal and professional development. The program also serves as a valuable platform for networking, enabling participants to connect with and learn from other professionals across the local government sector.

We caught up with Alex Kuhndt, Auto Electrician, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, about what led him to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, his biggest takeaway from the program, and his advice for those considering undertaking the program in the future.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program? 

I saw the Emerging Leaders Program as an opportunity to challenge myself, grow professionally and step outside my comfort zone. I wanted to build my leadership skills and develop the tools to lead confidently and effectively within the local government environment.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program? 

My biggest takeaway was understanding my own leadership style more clearly. The course helped me recognise my natural strengths, the areas I need to develop, and how my approach impacts others. That self-awareness has already changed the way I communicate and collaborate.

What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program? 

My advice would be to go into the Emerging Leaders Program with an open mind, even if you don’t have a lot of leadership experience yet. I started the program being fairly new to leadership, but I gained so much from the content, the discussions and the support of the group. If you’re willing to participate, ask questions, and learn from others, you’ll be surprised by how much confidence and practical knowledge you walk away with.

We caught up with Kellie Wilhelm, Horticultural Tradesperson, City of Adelaide, about what led her to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, her perspectives from a recent module, and what she's most looking forward to as part of the development opportunity. 

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and develop my leadership skills. I wanted to understand what leadership truly means, learn how to be a great leader, and gain valuable skills that would help me think differently.

The speakers were outstanding, including Grady Hudd – Media and Communications Adviser, LGA South Australia, Ed Garner – Senior Media & Communications Advisor, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, Ben Lennon – Editor, The Bunyip, and Sputnik – Creative Director, The Awesomest.

My biggest takeaway was recognising just how powerful media engagement is in shaping public perception. It highlighted the way brands can influence narratives and how important it is to be intentional about the stories we consume. I always try to focus on positive stories to help create a more positive world around me.

What are you most looking forward to as the program comes to close?

I’m really looking forward to the end-of-year presentation and celebrating the wonderful friendships we’ve formed throughout the program. I’m incredibly grateful for the skills I’ve learnt along the way, and I’m excited to put them into practice in future leadership opportunities.

We caught up with Jared Wilson, Senior Coordinator Community Safety, Alexandrina Council, about what led him to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, his experience organising a recent module with his group, and what he's most looking forward to as part of the development opportunity. 

You were part of the organising group for the media and engagement module. What did you want the cohort to get out of the module?

At the outset, we aimed to showcase the transformation of media through the ages. However, as the module developed, our focus evolved. By the time the module day arrived, we wanted the cohort to gain a deeper understanding of the modern media landscape and to recognise that, regardless of their roles within their respective councils and organisations, everyone has an important part to play in how they engage with the media. In addition, we aimed to help participants develop greater awareness of the different types of media that exist today, as well as explore the growing influence of AI in shaping media content and how this, in turn, impacts what communities see and experience.

How did you find organising the module with your group?

I really enjoyed organising the module; it was fun, engaging, and at times, a welcome challenge. The group brought together a wonderful mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, both professionally and geographically. While it wasn’t always easy to coordinate across busy schedules, the teamwork and flexibility everyone showed made the process rewarding. Seeing everything come together on the day, even with a few last-minute changes and technical hiccups, gave me a real sense of accomplishment. Overall, being part of organising the module was an enriching experience that opened my eyes to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and valuable learning along the way.

What was your biggest takeaway from the module?

My biggest takeaway from the Media and Engagement module was developing a clearer understanding of how media functions and the important role it plays in shaping communication. I also learned how to manage media requests with greater confidence and professionalism, which helped me appreciate the balance between responsiveness and maintaining control of key messages. I also discovered how artificial intelligence can serve as a valuable tool in supporting media engagement and content creation.