We caught up with Dave Gregory, Team Leader Projects (Acting), City of Onkaparinga, 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?

Returning to local government in 2025, I saw the Emerging Leaders Program as an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of the sector, expand my professional network, and further develop my leadership capability.

The program does a great job of reflecting the diverse and complex nature of local government, while exploring the challenges and opportunities facing our sector. LG Professionals SA's partnership with Adelaide University was also a major drawcard, bringing valuable external perspectives and contemporary thought leadership into the program.

A recent module focused on the Political Context. What were some of your takeaways from this module?

Understanding the political context in which we operate is essential in local government. This is particularly relevant in my role as Team Leader Projects (Acting) with the City of Onkaparinga, where our team works closely with communities, Elected Members and Members of Parliament through engagement processes, projects, strategic initiatives and advocacy.

The guest speakers were a real highlight of the module. Their presentations and case studies provided valuable insights into political leadership and decision-making, particularly in relation to some of the most pressing challenges facing our State and communities, including housing affordability and cost of living pressures.

A special thank you to Paul Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, City of Charles Sturt, Mayor Ella Winnall, Berri Barmera Council, Paul Wright, Manager Community Capacity, City of Onkaparinga, Ellen Liebelt, Project Manager Adaptive Reuse (ARCHII), City of Adelaide, and Joanne Owen, Development Manager, City of Salisbury, for generously sharing their experience and perspectives.

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

We've got a fantastic cohort in 2026. I've really enjoyed working with my teams and the broader group over the past four months, and there's a strong sense of shared learning, curiosity and ambition across the program.

One of the ELP's greatest strengths is the diversity of experience and perspectives represented across the cohort. I'm looking forward to seeing how these insights come together in the final presentations and discussions at the conclusion of the program in November.