Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Are we data rich but insights poor?
Data is increasingly central to how local government and economic development organisations understand performance, identify opportunities and make better decisions.
This Forum explores how practical, affordable and purposeful use of data, from organisational performance measures and asset and financial data to economic trends, community insights and research, can turn information into actionable insights.
Drawing on experience across local and state government, business, higher education and the arts, our speakers will share how organisations can make smarter use of the data and tools available to support evidence-based decisions, target limited resources and deliver better outcomes for communities.
This Forum will be held in person at Minor Works Building Community Centre: 22 Stamford Court, Adelaide 5000 and via Zoom on Wednesday 21 October from 10:00AM - 12:30PM.
Read more about the sessions below:
Why data still matters in an AI world
Amritha Perera, Coordinator, Corporate Performance & AI Governance, City of Adelaide
AI is rapidly changing how organisations work, analyse information and make decisions. With increasingly powerful tools able to process and generate information in seconds, it can be tempting to think that technology will solve many of our data challenges.
But as our reliance on AI grows, what does this mean for the data behind it?
Amritha will explore why data still matters in an AI world, and how the relationship between data and AI is changing the way we think about governance.
Panel Discussion: Ideas that add up
How to give ideas weight by using data to support decision making and doing this affordably.
Great ideas are everywhere, but how do you turn an idea or observation into a compelling case for action without needing in-house skills or a large budget?
This practical panel explores how accessible data, evidence and insights can give ideas greater weight, helping organisations move from “we think this is a problem” to “here’s what the evidence tells us, and here’s where we should focus.”
They’ll share practical examples of how data can uncover opportunities, influence decisions, and help turn good ideas into action. Come away with simple approaches that you can apply in your own organisation to give your ideas the evidence and weight they need to get traction.
You will hear insights from:
Cathlyn Anderson, Business Intelligence Lead, City of Marion
Cathlyn is the Business Intelligence Lead at the City of Marion, where she develops data and reporting solutions that help turn organisational information into practical insights for decision making.
Cathlyn leads the Performance Organisational Review, bringing together strategic, operational, financial and workforce measures to provide a clear view of performance and priorities. Working within a lean BI function, Cathlyn is passionate about helping local government make smarter use of existing data and tools to drive meaningful improvement.
Jess Bridgeman, Team Leader Open Space and Buildings, Alexandrina Council
Jessica is a passionate advocate for using practical, affordable data to support better decision-making in local government. With more than 24 years’ experience across local and state Government, she has worked across asset management, strategic planning, project management, city shaping, community engagement and leadership, including major strategic initiatives and multimillion-dollar capital programs.
Jessica combines community insights, asset data, financial analysis and local knowledge to turn information into evidence-based decisions. Her experience across metropolitan and regional councils highlights how practical, cost-effective use of data can help direct limited resources where they have the greatest impact.
Dr. Anita Fairuz, Advisor, Economic Research, Adelaide, Economic Development Agency (AEDA)
Anita brings expertise in data analysis and interpretation to her work at AEDA to uncover the trends and insights that help not only the City of Adelaide and AEDA to make future decisions but also inform City businesses and stakeholders.
Anita completed her PhD in Applied Economics with a research focus on the Australian housing market and urban development. Most recently she lectured in Economics, Real Estate and Property courses at Adelaide University and involved with their research projects.
Making Data Matter: Turning Metrics into Meaningful Change
Kirsty McCulloch, Unit Nurse Manager/Improvement Lead,
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
As an Improvement Lead within the Emergency Department, Kirsty played a key role in implementing Leader Standard Work, developing leadership capability, and driving sustainable improvement initiatives that support patient access, flow, and quality of care. She focuses on translating data into meaningful action, aligning teams through standardised leadership practices, and building a culture of accountability, improvement, and patient-centred care. Kirsty is committed to developing high-performing teams and improving health system outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.
The relocation of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Department into Kangkanthi provides a powerful example of how organisations can turn data into meaningful change. Kirsty’s will explore how operational insights, leadership alignment, and continuous improvement improved patient flow, strengthened Ambulance Transfer of Care performance, and enhanced emergency access. The lessons extend beyond healthcare to any organisation seeking to move from being data rich to insight led.
Is Adelaide really a City of Music?
Jade O’Donohue, Manager Creative City, City of Adelaide
In 2025, Adelaide marked the 10th anniversary of its UNESCO City of Music designation. But when CityMag asked, “Is Adelaide really a City of Music?” in February 2024, the question sparked a year of deep listening, data collection and analysis.
With leadership experience across local government, higher education and the arts and cultural sectors, Jade O’Donohue has dedicated her career to supporting cultural, social and economic outcomes that strengthen communities.
As the City’s inaugural Cultural Policy takes shape, alongside managing initiatives spanning arts and cultural grants, live music, public art, libraries and community centres, Jade brings a wealth of experience -including nearly 20 years as a presenter and producer at 93.7fm Three D Radio.
Discover how this provocation led to new ways of understanding, connecting with, celebrating and protecting Adelaide’s music community - and how evidence and insight can help turn a challenging question into meaningful action.
Is Adelaide really a ‘city of music’? - CityMag | InDaily, Inside South Australia
Networking
The Committee invites you to stay for informal networking after the Forum and would love to see you participate. Join us in the foyer of the Minor Works Building to open up conversations with Forum attendees, allowing for the opportunity to connect and build on existing and new relationships
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.
Parking
Auto Park on Mill Street and Upark Central Market or Upark Grote are located less than 5min walk away. There is also limited street parking around the venue.
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.
If you require assistance, please contact Administration & Events Officer, Joanna Persson on 08 8224 2080 or via networks@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.
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