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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• 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
    11

  

  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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• 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

  Registration is closed

  
  

  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

  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 Emerging Leaders Program Dinner

  • When
    28 May 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    The Monastery Function Centre, 15 Cross Rd, Glen Osmond

  Register

  Please note, this is an invitation only event.

  Please ensure dietary requirements are specified with your registration.

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• LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network: Learning and Development Workshop

  • When
    04 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Charles Sturt Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville SA

  Register

  
  

  Every Council’s Learning Journey: Growing Capability Together

  A dedicated space for individuals to connect, share insights, and access support related to learning and development.

  We’re excited to invite you to a collaborative Learning & Development workshop designed for local government Learning and Development practitioners – of all levels and experience. This interactive session will explore how local governments are strengthening capability, building learning cultures, and supporting their people in meaningful, practical ways.

  This session recognises that there is no single ‘right’ model for learning and development – every organisation is at a different stage, with different resources. Whether you’re formalising your approach, refreshing existing programs, or embedding a more strategic learning culture, your experience will add value.

  This workshop will bring councils together to:

  • Share experiences
  • Explore practical approaches that suit different environments and resource levels
  • Learn from peers at a range of maturity stages
  • Identify common challenges and opportunities for collaboration
  • Grow capability across the sector

  What you’ll take away:

  • Practical ideas to adapt and implement immediately
  • Real examples of how others are approaching Learning & Development
  • Insights into tools, processes and systems being used across the sector
  • A clearer understanding of where your council sits on its learning journey
  • New connections

  To ensure the workshop reflects what you most want to discuss, we’re inviting participants to help shape the program. Upon registering, you will receive an email seeking your responses to a few short questions that will guide the content for the session.

  
  

  This Workshop will be held in person at Charles Sturt Civic Centre 72 Woodville Road, Woodville SA 5011 and via Zoom on Thursday 4 June 2026 9:30AM – 12:30PM.

  
  

  

  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 Workshop 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
    18

  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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• LG Professionals SA 2025 Ignite Program Graduation - Celebrating our Participants

  • When
    12 Jun 2026
  •  
    3:30 PM - 5:15 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000

  Register

  
  

  LG Professionals SA invite you to join us in congratulating the 2025 Ignite Program cohort on their successful completion of the Program.

  Arrivals from 3:30PM with formalities commencing at 3:45PM sharp. We are pleased to invite attendees to stay on for networking drinks and nibbles.

  Registrations are open to 2025 Ignite participants, their Manager and CEO, and invited guests of LG Professionals SA.

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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

  Register

  
  

  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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