Upcoming Programs & Events

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• 2026 Ignite Program

  • Start
    12 Feb 2026
  • End
    08 Dec 2026
  • Schedule
    13 sessions
  • Location
    Various
  • Spaces left
    0

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  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 admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

  
  

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• 2026 Strategic Management Program

  • Start
    26 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    11 Sep 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Adelaide University
  • Spaces left
    8

  

  Developed in partnership with Adelaide University 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. 

  Please note: As at 19 December 2025 the Prospectus has been updated with new dates for Module 3.

  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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• 2026 Emerging Leaders Program

  • Start
    28 May 2026
  •  
  • End
    27 Nov 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • 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. 

  Registrations open Wednesday 14 January 2026.

  Download the prospectus here.

  Check your Council Classification 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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• 2026 Economic Development Conference

  • When
    19 Jun 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    UCity Function Centre - Level 1, 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide SA 5000

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Join us for the 2026 LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference, Future Prosperity: Adapting for Growth. This year’s program brings together leaders from local government, industry, and community to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping South Australia’s economic future.

  Across keynote presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions, we’ll unpack how local government can adapt to shifting economic conditions, harness innovation, and foster resilient, thriving communities. From navigating workforce and demographic change, emerging governance and risk issues, to driving investment, sustainability, and place-based development, this conference offers practical insights and inspiring stories from across the state and beyond.

  Designed for local government professionals, Adapting for Growth is your chance to connect, learn, and collaborate. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, build networks, and contribute to shaping a prosperous future for South Australia.

  Conference program can be viewed here
  

  All local government professionals with an interest in, and responsibility for, the economic direction of their councils are encouraged to attend.
  

  
  

  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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• LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Partnering for Progress

  • When
    23 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Don Pyatt Hall. 175 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067 and via Zoom

  Register

  

  Join us for the LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Partnering for Progress. This Forum brings together local government professionals, community leaders and regional changemakers to explore the power of partnership in creating vibrant, connected and resilient communities. Through real-world case studies, collaborative discussions and networking opportunities, attendees will hear how councils are working alongside community, volunteers and local business to deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes.

  The Forum will showcase innovative approaches to community-led development, place activation and stakeholder engagement, highlighting the importance of trust, collaboration and shared ownership in driving successful outcomes.

  Read more about the sessions below:

  Success grounded in community collaboration
  Nick Perry, Manager Economic Development and Business Sustainability, and 
  Molly Flanagan, Arts and Cultural Facilitator, Yorke Peninsula Council

  Discover how the Yorke Peninsula Council partnered with community to bring the GROUNDED YP Art Festival to life across Guuranda (Yorke Peninsula). Through a highly collaborative, place-based approach, Council worked alongside local artists, schools, Progress Associations, Traditional Owners, community groups and businesses to co-design more than 40 events across 12 townships.

  This session will explore how genuine community partnership created strong local ownership, strengthened regional identity and delivered lasting cultural, social and economic outcomes. Learn how collaboration and creativity transformed local spaces into vibrant community experiences and created a sustainable model for regional engagement and growth.

  This project won the 2026 Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.

  
  

  Volunteers and Partnerships – How can council effectively partner with community groups 

  Councils can’t meet every community need on their own. This session will explore how councils work with volunteers and community groups to strengthen local services, build community connection, and deliver better outcomes for their regions. When these partnerships work well, they create trust, clarity, and shared value for both councils and communities.

  In this panel discussion, you'll hear from: 

  Ross Whitfield – Manager Field Services, Alexandrina Council
  
  Daniel Western, Youth Development Officer, City of Victor Harbor

  Monika Rhodes – Team Leader Environmental Strategy, Alexandrina Council

  
  

  Structured Networking Session

  An opportunity for attendees to connect with peers, share experiences and build relationships across councils and communities. 

  
  

  Streets ahead – Made by Design, Sustained by Partnership

  Just five minutes east of Adelaide's CBD, the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters punches well above its weight. Home to a vibrant multicultural community of over 40,000 people, NPSP — and The Parade Norwood in particular — has transformed over 25 years into one of South Australia's most vibrant destinations: a cosmopolitan hub of lifestyle, dining, retail, professional services, innovation and creativity. A place for businesses to not only survive but to thrive, backed by having the lowest business failure rate in Australia.

  In this session, we pull back the curtain on how Council actively nurtures local businesses at every stage — from first-time operators finding their feet to long-standing institutions that have shaped the street's identity for decades. Discover how strategic planning and investment, genuine partnership and building trust with local business have made The Parade one of Australia's most resilient commercial strips.

  In this panel discussion, you'll hear from: 

  • Eve Green, Coordinator Marketing & Place Activation — As a former small business owner, Eve understands the pressures businesses face at every corner and lead’s Council’s place activation. She shares how NPSP connect, engage and nurture start-ups and long-standing businesses, from planning approvals through to local business advisory and joint ventures.
  • Stuart Pope, Project Manager, Civil Projects — Building trust and business engagement in project planning and delivery is key to building long standing relationships on trust and transparency. In this panel discussion, Stuart will share the community engagement and project management strategies used to successfully manage impacted business in the delivery the George Street Upgrade.
  • Gabby Cavuoto, Owner of European Café — over 40 years on The Parade and still going strong, Gabby shares the role Council has played in their success, longevity and opportunities for their business.

  
  

  

  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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• 2026 People and Culture Network Conference: Culture by Design

  • When
    24 Jul 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Pullman Adelaide - 16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide SA 5000

  Register

  
  
  

  Join us at the 2026 LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Conference - Culture by Design. This conference brings together local government people and culture professionals for a practical, future-focused day dedicated to shaping workplaces with intention, courage and care, and explores how communication, capability, mental safety and values-driven leadership intersect to create strong, sustainable council cultures.

  Through engaging keynotes, real-world council case examples and an interactive panel, attendees will gain fresh insights into psychosocial risk, workforce capability uplift and cultural transformation in the local government sector. From building confidence and connection, to creating mentally safe workplaces and embracing constructive “good trouble,” the program is designed to be relevant, practical and energising. Join peers from across the sector to learn, reflect and connect, and leave equipped with ideas and tools you can apply immediately to design culture that delivers for people, councils and communities.

  This conference is open to all local government people and culture, work health safety and human resource professionals - we also strongly encourage anyone who works closely with people and culture or with a passion or role in leading the future of the local government workforce to attend.

  Download the conference brochure 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.

  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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