Join us for the LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum: The Stories We Lead From.
Step into a thoughtfully curated space where leadership is explored as both a practice and a lived experience. This Forum invites women to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the stories, values, and moments that shape who they are and how they lead. Through Sharon Mason’s insights on values-based leadership and Joanna Giannes’ exploration of storytelling as a leadership practice, you’ll be encouraged to lead with greater intention, clarity, and authenticity. Personal stories shared by speakers from across the sector - some newly forging their path, others who have built long careers in and adjacent to local government - offer honest reflections on resilience, purpose, and navigating change, reminding us that leadership rarely follows a straight path. Together, this session creates an opportunity to connect meaningfully and leave with renewed confidence in your own voice and impact.
Read more about the sessions below: 
Values-Based Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Integrity and Impact
Sharon Mason - Chief Executive Officer, City of Onkaparinga
Leadership is not defined by position or title - it is defined by the values we demonstrate every day.
Drawing on an accomplished career spanning military service, health governance, the not-for-profit sector, and local government leadership across Australia and New Zealand, Sharon will share insights into leading with purpose, integrity, and accountability. Throughout her career, she has learned that while circumstances change, the fundamentals of leadership remain the same: kindness, integrity, clarity, and accountability.
This session invites women to reflect on the values that shape how they lead, influence, and create positive impact within their organisations and communities. Through practical examples and personal reflections, Sharon will explore how values-based leadership builds trust, strengthens decision-making, fosters inclusive workplaces, and helps leaders balance performance with compassion.
Participants will leave with renewed confidence in their ability to lead authentically, remain grounded in their values, and create meaningful impact in the teams, organisations, and communities they serve.
Storytelling as a Leadership Practice: Reimagining the Narratives We Carry
Joanna Giannes - Founder and Principal Facilitator, Heal Education
Leadership is often shaped by the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we value, and what is possible. In this inspiring and reflective session, leadership development specialist, story coach and retreat facilitator Joanna Giannes explores the power of storytelling as a leadership practice.
Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in leadership and community development, Joanna will introduce participants to the principles of Public Narrative, a leadership framework developed by Harvard Professor Marshall Ganz.
Through guided reflection, practical insights and experiential activities, participants will explore how personal stories influence leadership identity, purpose and confidence. This session offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with the experiences that have shaped your leadership journey.
Discover how authentic storytelling can strengthen connections, inspire others and support meaningful change within teams, organisations and communities.
My Story
Jade Bird - Director Corporate, City of Onkaparinga
Finding meaning in the work that Jade undertakes has always been at the core of what drives her forward. From completing a degree in psychology to later returning to university to study accounting at a time when life felt uncertain and numbers simply made sense, Jade has woven the themes of building financial acumen, delivering strong community outcomes and leading with empathy into a fulfilling career.
Jade has worked in the private and not-for-profit sectors and state government, and has spent the past seven years working in local government. Whilst always striving to grow her career, she has also juggled parenting responsibilities – first as a stepmother to two children, and now as a mother to her own children.
Her experiences over the past 25 years have taught her that purpose is not something you find once, but something you continually reconnect with throughout different stages of life and career. Whether navigating professional challenges, raising a family or finding direction in an ever-changing world, she has learned that meaningful leadership comes from understanding the impact of your work, staying true to your values and helping others see the difference they can make.
My Story
Chloe Downes - Technical Officer - Wastewater, Alexandrina Council
Chloe’s story highlights the value of following her strengths and staying true to what drives you. With a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Chloe pursued a hands-on pathway as a Chemical Engineer that allowed her to apply her skills in meaningful ways; from improving efficiency and reducing waste in manufacturing, to transitioning into wastewater operations where she now contributes to essential services on a larger scale. Her journey reflects the power of embracing your strengths, seeking purpose in your work, and setting high standards for the environments you choose to be part of.
My Story
Natasha Jones - Manager Governance, Risk and Strategy, City of Unley
Natasha has spent over 20 years advising local government through complex legal, governance and strategic challenges, with key moments shaping her approach to leadership, resilience and success.
She co-founded and co-led Kelledy Jones Lawyers, building a successful specialist practice before stepping away to begin a new chapter. At the same time, becoming a mother while navigating profound personal loss became her most transformative experience, challenging her to hold grief and joy side by side.
These experiences reshaped her views on ambition and leadership, highlighting the importance of resilience, vulnerability and authenticity. Her journey reflects the realities of leading teams, building organisations and balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Natasha will share how owning her story has enabled her to lead with purpose, confidence and authenticity, both professionally and personally.
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.
Distance shouldn’t be a barrier to participation - registrations are open for you to join us at one of our regional hubs. Simply select this option when registering so we can accommodate your needs. If you require assistance or are interested in hosting a regional hub, please reach out to networks@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.
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.
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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