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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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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• Women's Career Catalyst Program

  • Start
    24 Feb 2026
  •  
  • End
    31 Mar 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide & Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    5

  

  The LG Professionals SA Career Catalyst Program is designed for female leaders who want to build a strong leadership legacy and identity, without compromising their values, wellbeing or relationships.

  The program equips participants with:

  • a deeper understanding of their current professional terrain, and the skills and tools required to navigate it with resilience and authenticity
  • skills to build an authentic 'leadership presence', communicate with clarity and increase workplace impact and influence
  • an understanding of how gender dynamics can influence workplace, particularly leadership experience, and tried-and-tested tools to respond effectively to bias and double standards
    

  Designed to be highly interactive with an emphasis on peer learning, the Career Catalyst Program is made up of a virtual orientation session, two-day in person workshop and three virtual implementation sessions, which provide ongoing accountability, the opportunity to troubleshoot, experiment, celebrate successes and share insights and support with co-participants.

  Download the full flyer here
  
  

  

  Registrations for this event are open to female Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests. 

  By registering for this 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
    9

  

  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 Annual State Conference

  • When
    20 Mar 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Adelaide Entertainment Centre - 98 Port Road, Hindmarsh SA 5007

  Registration is closed

  
  

  You are the people who POWER local government in South Australia. Join us for the LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference: Powering Local Government - an inspiring day designed to strengthen the people who make our communities thrive. This conference brings together leaders, storytellers, and innovators to explore the skills, insights, and connections that empower local government staff. From impactful leadership and effective communication to workforce wellbeing, resilience, and collaboration, each session is crafted to build your capability, connection, and confidence. Hear from dynamic keynote speakers, gain practical insights, and engage with a panel of field workforce staff sharing their experiences and perspectives. Come ready to be inspired, learn, and connect with your peers across the sector.

  Developed by the sector for the sector, this conference program is highly relevant and engaging for local government professionals in all job roles and levels, from metropolitan and regional councils and subsidiaries. Join us at the flagship local government conference for 2026 to learn, develop and network with your sector colleagues.

  
  

  View the full program here.

  
  

  Looking to Book Multiple Guests?

  Let us do the work for you! Please complete this form and email to Megan Hay, Events Coordinator at mhay@lgprofessionalssa.org.au 

  

  Registrations for this event 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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• LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Partnerships – Challenge to Opportunity

  • When
    24 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Brighton Sports and Social Club - Highet Ave, Hove SA 5048 and via Zoom

  Register

  

  Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Partnerships – Challenge to Opportunity.

  
  

  Partnerships sit at the heart of modern local government, yet building and sustaining them is rarely straightforward. The Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum invites participants to explore how partnerships can transform challenges into opportunities, especially in environments characterised by complexity, cross collaboration, and community expectations.

  
  

  Through case studies, facilitated discussions, and panel insights, this Forum will examine what effective partnership looks like in practice: how they emerge, how they evolve, and how we can strengthen our individual and organisational capability to lead them well.

  
  

  This Forum will be held in person at Brighton Sports and Social Club, Highet Ave Hove and via Zoom on Tuesday 24 March from 9:30AM - 12:30PM. 

  
  Read more about each session below: 

  
  

  
  Turning Lessons into Opportunity

  
  

  Leanne Schmidt

  Manager Emergency Support

  LGA South Australia

  
  

  Leanne Schmidt plays a key leadership role in strengthening the Local Government Functional Support Group (LGFSG), bringing councils, emergency services, and community partners together to build capability, consistency, and preparedness across the sector. Known for her collaborative, relationship‑driven approach, she focuses on transforming long‑standing coordination challenges into opportunities for shared improvement and greater sector‑wide resilience.

  
  

  In this session, Leanne will share how the Local Government Functional Support Group (LGFSG) model is evolving to better connect 68 councils and 6 Regional LGAs in delivering coordinated support during major emergencies from bushfires to storms to state‑wide responses. Leanne will explore how clear purpose, shared processes, and cross‑sector partnerships are transforming complexity into innovation, strengthening the sector’s ability to respond, recover, and continuously improve. Participants will gain insight into how partnership‑based emergency management is driving performance uplift and building a more capable, cohesive local government sector.

  
  Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail

  Lisa O’Donoghue

  Manager Economic Development

  Alexandrina Council

  
  

  Discover the power of strategic partnerships in action with Lisa O’Donoghue, known for transforming ideas into major regional investment wins. Lisa specialises in investment attraction and collaborative economic development, working across industry, government, and community sectors to unlock regional opportunities.

  In this session, Lisa will share the story behind one of South Australia’s most exciting regional successes - the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail, recently awarded a $7.06 million Regional Precincts and Partnerships grant. Through her leadership, Lisa brought together diverse partners to champion a shared vision for the region, demonstrating how aligned purpose and strong relationships can secure truly game‑changing outcomes.

  Lisa will also reflect on her broader partnership work both locally and internationally, including her contributions to South Australia’s China engagement efforts and the Northern Territory’s China Minerals Investment Attraction Strategy, initiatives that together have generated millions of dollars in new investment.

  
  Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

  Aaron Schroeder

  Strategic Projects and Planning Manager

  City of Burnside

  
  

  In the first part of this session, Aaron Schroeder will set the scene by unpacking the broader environment in which councils plan for growth. An environment shaped by multiple decision‑makers, strategic frameworks, and long‑term plans that influence how housing and development evolve across the region. Aaron will explore how these sometimes-complex requirements can also spark alignment, innovation, and shared purpose when approached through a partnership lens.

  
  

  Building on this foundation, Aaron will then lead a panel discussion on Partnerships in Planning for Housing Growth, shifting the focus to how collaboration can reshape the future of housing in Greater Adelaide. The panel will explore how state government, local government, developers, and community stakeholders can work together to meet ambitious housing targets while strengthening neighbourhoods and delivering meaningful community benefits. Together, they’ll highlight how shared challenges become shared solutions through social licence, streamlined pathways, and long‑term partnerships that support innovation, affordability, and resilient communities.

  Meet the panel:

  

  
  

  Julia Grant

  Chief Executive Officer

  City of Burnside

  
  Julia Grant is the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Burnside and brings extensive experience from senior roles across local and state government. She is recognised for her strengths in driving high‑performing teams, community engagement, policy development, and sustainability‑focused city planning. Her expertise in building resilient, future‑focused cities is considered a major asset to the organisation.

  

  
  

  Don Donaldson

  Manager Planning & Development

  City of Unley

  
  

  Don Donaldson is a planning professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, heritage and planning policy, and development assessment. Currently the Manager Planning & Development at the City of Unley, Don is also a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia. He has served on multiple assessment panels and currently is a member of the State Commission Assessment Panel. Beyond his local government career, Don spent several years with Praxis Labs, helping commercialise innovative solar‑integrated composite technology developed by his son.

  

  
  

  Anthony Marroncelli

  Manager Development Services

  City of Holdfast Bay

  
  

  Anthony Marroncelli is the Manager of Development Services at the City of Holdfast Bay, a role he has held since 2008. With more than 20 years of senior experience in urban design, planning policy, development assessment, and place‑based strategy, he brings deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of coastal, heritage, and residential planning contexts.

  
  

  Networking

  In the spirit of this forum’s theme, Partnerships: Challenge to Opportunity, the final part of the Forum is designed to help participants transform brief encounters into meaningful professional connections. Networking opportunities across councils can be rare, and this dedicated session encourages everyone both in‑person and online to stay, mingle, and build relationships that extend well beyond the event.

  
  

  

  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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• Introduction to Project Management

  • When
    25 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Project management is a fundamental skill in our modern workforce, as it ensures that what is being delivered is not only right, but that it also delivers against the business opportunity - so it's important that we get it right.

  This course is designed to cover the basic principles of managing projects to help you plan, control and organise activities to ensure that you are delivering successful projects every time. It is best suited for staff who may be new to managing projects or have not previously undertaken any formal project management training.

  Suitable for: those seeking to enhance their self-developed project management skills, including: Officers, Coordinators and Team Leaders.

  This course will be delivered in person at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide. 
  

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/introduction-to-project-management.

  
  
  

  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 People and Culture Network Forum: Recognition in Action

  • When
    31 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Library and Community Centre) 2/4 Young Street, Blackwood SA 5051 and via Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  Join us for the first LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Forum of 2026: Recognition in Action. A practical, thought-provoking forum exploring how councils can move beyond rewards to create meaningful, everyday recognition that drives engagement, belonging and performance. From research insights and sector led case studies to low cost, high‑impact ideas you can implement immediately, this Forum brings together academics, practitioners and peers to share what’s working and what’s next.

  This Forum will be held in person at Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Library and Community Centre) 2/4 Young Street, Blackwood SA 5051 and via Zoom on Tuesday 31 March 2026 9:30AM – 12:30PM.

  
  

  Read more about each session below: 

  
  

  Recognising and Rewarding Staff in Local Government

  Dr Sarah Chua

  Program Director and Senior Lecturer

  Adelaide University

  
  

  In 2025, UniSA released the Recognising and Rewarding Staff in Local Government report, research co‑funded by the Local Government Research and Development Scheme. The report uncovers how councils across Australia are approaching staff recognition amid rising public scrutiny and shifting employee expectations.

  Join Dr Sarah Chua as she unpacks the story behind the research, explores the historical context, highlights key insights, and shares practical, actionable ways you can strengthen recognition in your organisation.

  Empower your teams. Boost morale. Celebrate what’s working and discover what’s next.

  
  

  Case studies

  
  

  Recognition Reframed

  Jo McCarthy

  Unit Manager Organisational Development

  City of Marion

  
  

  Recognition matters, yet the rules have changed. It’s no longer about what we do, but about how. Discover how the City of Marion is embedding a practical, principle driven approach to recognition, championed by the Executive, Senior Leadership and People and Culture teams. While we all understand its impact on wellbeing, belonging, retention, attraction and culture, recognition does not need to be risk averse to be responsible. Marion is embracing a thoughtful, transparent and policy anchored approach that is both fair and purposeful.

  
  

  Recognition, Rebuilt

  Gus Rankine

  Manager People and Safety

  Alexandrina Council

  
  

  Gus will take us through the journey he and his team embarked on to reconfigure recognition within their workplace. Through a clear values realignment and peer-based gratitude program, he will run through the overarching systems Alexandrina Council created to strategically map its recognition framework into their overall Employee Lifecycle.
  
  

  Social Connection as Recognition

  Michael Mallamo
  Coordinator, Strategic Planning

  City of Adelaide

  
  

  As the current Co-Executive Officer of the City of Adelaide Social Club Committee, Michael and the team have been working closely with the City of Adelaide People Program to navigate what Reward and Recognition can look like for Adelaide, including all staff events and partnering to promote and work together for the benefit of the whole organisation. The City of Adelaide has also leveraged their more formal structure and financial power in recent years to support several other Council's to participate and join in social activities. 

  Michael will present some of the work they have done with a focus on governance, People and Culture collaboration, staff social connections and working across the sector.

  
  

  Turning Insight into Action

  
  

  In this final session Gus Rankine will lead an interactive workshop designed to turn today’s insights into real‑world action. Drawing on the case studies shared throughout the forum, participants will explore practical steps you can take immediately, experiment with shifting from “reward” to “recognition” language and uncover low‑cost initiatives that make a meaningful impact.
  
  

  Come ready to collaborate, challenge thinking, and walk away with clear, actionable next steps to strengthen recognition in your workplace.

  
  

  

  
  

  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 Management Challenge

  • When
    23 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Adelaide Showground - Goodwood Road, Wayville SA 5034

  Registration is closed

  
  

  The Management Challenge is a simulation-based team building, learning and networking program using real local government themes—the types of issues that a senior management team in a council would most likely face.

  The teams are challenged to respond to a series of tasks in a unique one-day, fast paced, ‘pressure cooker’ environment. Some tasks will require written responses (such as a council report or recommendation document), and some will take the form of role plays or presentations and the teams are also scored on observations of how well they display energy, synergy, effectiveness and creative thinking.

  View the prospectus here.

  Registrations for this event 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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• Change Drivers Program

  • Start
    28 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    26 May 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide & Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    18

  Register

  

  The LG Professionals SA Change Drivers Program will equip you with the tools needed to guide your organisation through change with confidence, clarity and momentum. It’s about leading change from within; aligning purpose, people, and performance to create meaningful progress.

  Benefits of Change Drivers:

  • Builds leadership congruence and alignment
  • Strengthens ability to manage energy and setbacks
  • Encourages clarity, consistency, and authentic leadership
  • Teaches leaders how to sustain momentum and inspire commitment
  • Applies neuroscience and behavioural theory to real-world leadership

  Delivered as three immersive 4‑hour modules the program is designed to strengthen how leaders navigate change in themselves, their teams, and their organisations. Grounded in practical tools and real‑world application, participants will expand their thinking, build confidence in leading change, and develop the clarity needed to move from insight to action.

  Download the full brochure here
  
  

  

  Registrations for this event are open to female Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests. 

  By registering for this 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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• AI as Strategic Lever for Financial Sustainability

  • When
    29 Apr 2026
  •  
    10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Virtual via Teams

  Register

  
  

  Proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW.

  AI tools are increasingly embedded across businesses and organisations—and local governments are no exception. Beyond automating routine tasks, AI has the potential to enhance financial sustainability, boost productivity, and ease workforce pressures. This raises key questions for council leaders: How have other councils navigated the risks, balanced financial investment, and managed resources when adopting AI? What tangible benefits have they realised, and how might similar approaches strengthen service delivery and financial sustainability in your council?

  In this Global Insight Online Forum, we will explore how two councils have advanced their use of AI—examining implementation processes, risk management strategies, outcomes, and future plans to support ongoing service improvements and long-term financial performance. The session is designed for council leaders, managers, and policy makers seeking practical, real-world insights into AI adoption.

  Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to align AI initiatives with broader council goals, integrate new technologies into everyday operations, and achieve measurable outcomes that enhance both financial and community sustainability. The forum will be delivered in an interactive Q&A format, allowing participants to ask questions and discuss challenges specific to their councils.
  
  City of Pacifica, California (USA)
  As a smaller coastal city operating among larger, better-resourced jurisdictions, the City of Pacifica faces structural fiscal constraints, workforce capacity pressures, and significant long-term infrastructure needs. Recognising these challenges as structural the City adopted an Integrated Fiscal Sustainability Framework focused on five elements: revenue stabilisation, organisational investment, economic development, housing growth, and partnerships and operational innovation.
   
  As part of this strategy, Pacifica explored how technology could strengthen capacity without increasing staffing. The goal was to improve public access to accurate local information, reduce staff workload, and support consistent, data-informed decision-making. Through a defined governance framework, the City implemented Rose AI, the first in California municipal virtual assistant trained specifically on Pacifica’s municipal code, policies, and procedures. Deployment occurred in phases, beginning with internal staff support and expanding to resident-facing services, while maintaining monitoring and verification protocols. Today, Rose guides residents to permits and forms, explains local regulations, connects community members to City services, and reduces routine workload on staff.
   
  The City of Pacifica will share their implementation journey, including the governance safeguards and steps involved in integrating Rose, the resources required, measurable outcomes and benefits to date, and lessons learned and future plans to further support staff and the community in strengthening fiscal sustainability and organisational resilience. 
  
  Whitehorse Council, VIC
  Every council is grappling with the same question: how do you respond to growing and changing community expectations without expanding your workforce?

  For Whitehorse Council, the answer hasn’t been about doing more with less. It has been about working differently. With a commitment to maintaining employee numbers over the next five years, the Council has focused on redesigning roles, building capability and introducing AI tools in practical ways that support both staff and service delivery.

  This forum will share Whitehorse’s experience so far—what has worked, what has been challenging, and what they are still learning. With strong leadership support and a clear strategic direction, the AI adoption team is guiding a whole-of-organisation approach that balances financial sustainability with service improvement and workforce stability.

  Participants will hear how the Council is planning for redeployment and new skill development, how staff are being supported through change, and how early wins are helping to build confidence across the organisation. Rather than presenting a finished model, Whitehorse will offer honest reflections and practical insights that other councils can adapt to their own context.

  This session is designed for leaders and managers looking for realistic, achievable ways to strengthen financial sustainability while modernising processes and supporting their workforce. If your council is exploring how AI and organisational change can work hand in hand, this conversation will provide grounded insights and practical starting points.
  
  

  
  
  

  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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• AI Transformation: Introduction to AI

  • When
    11 May 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    28

  Register

  
  

  Join us for an eye-opening and educational session on the potential of AI!

  Discover how AI is enhancing productivity, transforming industries and unlocking new opportunities to be efficient. We’ll delve into the benefits of AI and its offerings; from automating routine tasks to driving innovation. Learn how AI has been used for years up until this point, and how AI has developed over time to be more accessible and user-friendly as ever.

  To support you in your journey, this session will explore the challenges and risks associated with AI, including ethical concerns, job displacement, and data privacy issues. Learn practical strategies to mitigate these problems and harness AIs full potential responsibly. Whether you’re an industry professional or just curious about AI, this session is your gateway to understanding and mastering the future.

  Suitable for: All staff within local government, as your first step into AI.

  Key learnings:

  This session will provide you with an introductory overview into AI, focusing on the different platforms, how you can integrate AI into your daily work, and the current best practice governance on use. 

  This course will be delivered online via Zoom. 

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/ai-training
  
  

  
  
  

  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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• AI Bootcamp

  • When
    11 May 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  
  

  Learn how to use AI to enhance your local government workday.

  AI is revolutionising the way we work - join us in this hands-on session designed to equip you with practical skills for leveraging ai tools effectively within your workplace.

  Suitable for: All staff within local government who hold a general understanding of AI including principles, ethics and AI tools; especially suited for those who complete their work frequently on their computers. 

  Looking to gain a basis of understanding with AI? Check out our AI Transformation: Introduction to AI short course.

  Key learnings:

  This session has been designed to:

  • Overview of free AIs available to improve your efficiency/effectiveness with Microsoft Office apps like Word, Outlook and Excel
  • Discover amazing AI tools like Feedly, Yabble and Perplexity
  • Discover the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot’s AI from a business point of view
  • Super-charge your work using AIs for first drafts or summarising
  • Speed up your content creation process
  • Learn to collate and proof documents and content
  • Identify file types that can be imported/exported
  • Understand the interface and limits of AIs like ChatGPT and Midjourney
  • Learn the how to prompt the AI for best results
  • Understand the requirement for appropriate and safe AI use to stay within your governance and data privacy guidelines
  • Overview of paid Ais, like Microsoft Copilot Pro
  • Understanding the limitations and issues of this technology
  • Best Practice application of external generative AI.

  This course will be delivered online via Zoom. 
  

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/ai-bootcamp

  
  
  

  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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• Advanced Project Management

  • When
    13 May 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  
  

  Every day in local government, we're managing projects.

  Whether you’re leading infrastructure upgrades, delivering community programs or improving internal processes, strong project management skills are essential. And as local government professionals, we should be leading the way.

  This course will explore project leadership and you will learn how to manage some of the challenges faced when managing big projects in a local government context.

  Our Advanced Project Management course is designed for those ready to move beyond the basics. Perfect for anyone with experience managing projects, or who has completed our Introduction to Project Management. This course digs deeper into project management theory and looks at both operational and strategic elements of project management.

  Best suited to those who have some project management experience behind them, and those that have completed the Introduction to Project Management course.

  This course will be delivered in person at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide. 
  

  For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/advanced-project-management.

  
  

  Registrations for this event 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/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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• Rethinking Our Approach to Workforce Challenges

  • When
    21 May 2026
  •  
    10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Virtual via Teams

  Register

  
  

  Proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW.

  Councils are navigating increasingly complex workforce pressures, driven by shifting community expectations, ageing demographics, limited talent pipelines, and long-standing systems that no longer support effective ways of working. These challenges highlight the need for fresh approaches that strengthen capability, enhance everyday work experiences, and create environments where people can contribute, grow, and feel connected to meaningful work. This forum invites senior leaders to explore practical, evidence-informed methods for addressing these critical workforce issues.
  
  In this Global Insight Forum, we will examine how two councils have responded to workforce pressures through modern workforce design, internal development initiatives, and cultural improvements. Participants will gain insights into approaches that foster professional growth, support internal mobility, and create opportunities for people to shape and influence their organisation. The session will provide real-world examples of how capability can be strengthened across diverse local government contexts.
  
  City of Arcadia, California
  
  The City of Arcadia has faced challenges common across local government, including competition for specialised skills, outdated internal systems, and workflows that were no longer enabling efficient service delivery. Recognising these barriers, the city initiated a series of efforts aimed at modernising people practices and building stronger internal capability.
  
  These initiatives included clearer development pathways, opportunities for staff to take part in internal projects, and new channels for employees to share their ideas and experiences. Arcadia’s use of “stay interviews” helped uncover improvement opportunities and led to the creation of an innovation team that has since delivered several well-received culture-building activities — including the widely known “puppy day” project, which contributed to greater connection across the organisation.
  
  This forum will explore Arcadia’s journey, including how it lifted capability, streamlined processes, and strengthened workplace culture to support an environment where people can do their best work over time. 

  
  

  
  
  

  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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• 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner

  • When
    22 May 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 11:30 PM
  • Location
    Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace Adelaide

  Register

  
  

  The Local Government Professionals Australia, SA Leadership Excellence Awards Program recognises outstanding achievement and innovation in local government. The association is pleased to present a program that not only recognises excellence, but contributes to the advancement and improvement of local government as a sector.
  

  Join us to celebrate the achievements of local government professionals!

  Event Details:

  • Pre-Dinner Arrivals: 6:30PM

  • Dinner: 7:00PM

  • Dress: Cocktail

  • 
    

  Looking to Book Multiple Guests?

  Let us do the work for you! Please complete this form and email to Megan Hay, Events Coordinator at mhay@lgprofessionalssa.org.au 

  This event is only open to people employed by a council or other local government entity unless they are event sponsors or corporate partners. 

  Note: A cancellation policy applies to this event. Please view the policy here before registering. 
  

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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

  Join waitlist

  

  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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• Speak with Influence, Negotiate with Ease

  • When
    05 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  
  

  In the local government environment, being able to influence those inside and outside of our organisations is a critical skill. Our ability to communicate clearly and influence ethically is essential to being able to productively manage projects, workloads and timelines.

  In addition, we build ongoing collaborative relationships as a by-product of establishing effective negotiation behaviours. This short course encourages you to gain an insight into your current negotiation preferences and to develop the micro-skills necessary to navigate through the range of negotiations you face in the workplace. 

  This course will provide you with tips and tricks to enhance your current communication, negotiation and influencing styles. Course facilitator, Gary Edwards, will share a range of tools and frameworks that will enable you to communicate more effectively in any situation.

  For more information, visit https://lgprofessionalssa.org.au/speak-with-influence-negotiate-with-ease/

  
  

  Registrations for this event 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/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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