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A WORD FROM THE CEO

September is drawing to a close, daylight savings is almost here, and at LG Professionals SA we’re gearing up for an exciting few months packed with development opportunities, short courses, conferences, and flagship events that will carry us into the new year and beyond.

This is always a busy time for our team as we prepare and launch the programs that will define 2026. As your professional Association, we’re here to support you - so if there’s a development opportunity you’d love to see offered, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

September 2025
Edition 168

DRIVE THE FUTURE OF LG PROFESSIONALS SA - NOMINATE NOW TO JOIN OUR BOARD!

Are you an LG Professionals SA Voting Member with a drive to help shape the future of the association for the benefit of your peers and the sector? We encourage you to nominate for our Board!

We're seeking board nominations as we look to appoint five positions (one as President, for a two-year term, and four as Board Member for a two-year term, concluding at the 2027 AGM). 

Such nominations can be made to the undersigned in writing on the accompanying nomination form via email to executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 7 October 2025.

To discuss what’s involved in being a Board Member, or to gain access to the recording of our LG Professionals SA Prospective Board Member Information Session, please contact Rhiannon Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, on 0448 490 027 or executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

JOIN OUR TEAM AS MANAGER - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKS!

LG Professionals SA is looking for a strategic leader to grow our professional development offerings and lead our Networks - energising the local government sector and strengthening the capability, confidence, and connection of those who serve our communities.

This is your chance to:

• Drive innovation in professional development
• Lead and connect sector-wide networks
• Build partnerships and create impact across SA local government.

If you’re proactive, detail-focused, and ready to make a difference - we’d love to hear from you!

THE WINNERS OF THE RURAL MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE!

We’re delighted to share the results of this year’s Rural Management Challenge. Congratulations to our 2025 champions:

First Place: Port Lincoln Tuna Tossers - City of Port Lincoln
Second Place: Robe Rage - District Council of Robe
Third Place: PACC a Punch - Port Augusta City Council

We also extend our congratulations to all the teams who participated in this year’s challenge. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to step outside your comfort zones were inspiring to see.

Our 2025 competing teams were:

• Boots and Backroads – Adelaide Plains Council
• Shore Victory – City of Victor Harbor
• Mines to Coastlines – Copper Coast Council
• The Wave Makers – District Council of Loxton Waikerie
• Light on Ideas – Light Regional Council
• Pesky Pelicans – Mid Murray Council

Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to making the challenge such a success.

A special thank you to our event partners for their support. Diamond Partner, Local Government Finance Authority of South Australia (LGFA), Emerald Partners, Local Government Risk Services, Norman Waterhouse, and Hostplus, and, Platinum Partners, BRM Advisory, and Bee Squared Consultants.

Meet the Councils Teaming Up to
Power a Cleaner Future

City of Charles Sturt, City of Mitcham and Rural City of Murray Bridge recognised for their collaborative renewable energy project.

When three councils - one metropolitan, one suburban, and one regional, joined forces to tackle skyrocketing energy costs and carbon emissions, the result was bigger than anyone expected.

The Collaborative Council Power Purchase Agreement, delivered by the City of Charles Sturt, City of Mitcham, and the Rural City of Murray Bridge, is more than just a cost-saving measure. It’s a blueprint for how local government can lead on sustainability through collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition.

Celebrated as one of two winners of the Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration Award at the 2025 LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, this project is proving that when councils work together, the benefits extend far beyond their boundaries.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN!

We're thrilled to be sharing our new Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 with you.

This Strategic Plan sets a clear direction to energise the sector by investing in the capability, connection and confidence of those who serve our communities.

It blends the wisdom of experience with fresh thinking to unlock new pathways for leadership and innovation.

This month we spoke with Jake Fletcher, Customer Service Officer, District Council of Robe, about his experience in the Rural Management Challenge, his role at Robe, and his advice for future rural challengers.

What is your role and how long have you been in local government?

My name is Jake Fletcher, and I have worked at the District Council of Robe since October 2022 as our Customer Service Officer. In a small Council like Robe, my role is varied and always interesting. I assist with matters as diverse as marina reservations, tourist information, and the compilation of the monthly Robe Community Newsletter, as well as handling the occasional stray flock of sheep. Read more...

Jake Fletcher
Customer Service Officer
District Council of Robe

2026 SA LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE
Register your team now!

Teams are challenged to respond to a series of tasks in a unique, fast-paced, "pressure cooker" environment. Some tasks may require written responses (such as a council report or recommendation document), whilst others may be more interactive and take the form of role plays or presentations – but the mix will be a surprise for the day! 

Key Dates

Early Bird Registrations Close 
Friday 23 January 2026
Registrations Close
Friday 20 February 2026
Challenge Day
Thursday 23 April 2026

Venue

The 2026 SA Local Government Management Challenge will take place at the Adelaide Showground on Goodwood Road, Wayville SA 5034.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE
EMBRACE IT
Friday 7 November 2025

Our LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference is back and better than ever, with this year's event scheduled to take place on Friday 7 November 2025 at the Morphettville Event Centre. Registrations are now open!

Join us for a day of inspiration, practical learning, and genuine connection. Together, we’ll explore what it means to embrace resilience, confidence, opportunities, and the power of human connection, providing you with strategies you can apply straight away in your work and life. Each session is designed to spark reflection, encourage growth, and provide tools to help you embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and excel with clarity and purpose.

The full program will be released soon, but until then, save the date, express your interest to your People and Culture team, or register today!

FROM OUR COPORATE PARTNER, MAXIMA
MAXIMA TRAINEE, CITY OF BURNSIDE'S AMARA SCHEIDE, CELEBRATES BEING NAMED FINALIST IN SA TRAINING AWARDS

Congratulations to City of Burnside’s Amara Scheide, who was a finalist in the ‘Trainee of the Year’ category at the recent South Australian Training Awards.

While she didn’t take home the top prize, being named a finalist is an incredible achievement that reflects her dedication, talent, and passion for people. Along with a number of local government team members, Amara has also been recognised as a finalist in Maxima's internal awards program, with winners announced next week.

Amara’s career in local government began through the City of Marion's Gap Year Program, where she explored different areas of council and discovered her interest in human resources. Supported by Maxima through her Certificate IV in Human Resource Management traineeship, Amara has combined on-the-job experience with online study, gaining invaluable skills along the way.

Her story shows the power of traineeships in developing skilled and motivated professionals.

If you are looking to grow your workforce and support emerging talent, consider partnering with Maxima to host a trainee like Amara and make a meaningful impact.

AI BOOTCAMP
Monday 13 October 2025 - DELIVERED ONLINE

This is a detailed and immersive workshop designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge to harness the full potential of free AI software and programs easily available to you, and to understand more of Microsoft Copilot Pro. You’ll explore how to use free AIs safely, while understanding the difference between free and paid options currently within the market.

AI TRANSFORMATION
Monday 13 October 2025 - DELIVERED ONLINE

This short course explores the transformative nature of Artificial Intelligence (AI) - from its ability to revolutionise productivity in projects and your every day, to its potential for driving innovation and creating new opportunities across local government.

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

PERFORMANCE COACHING
Monday 20 October 2025

Our Performance Coaching course enables participants to develop skills and confidence in holding these conversations in an easy and comfortable environment. Participants are provided opportunities to engage with a new and contemporary approach.

POWERFUL BUSINESS WRITING
Wednesday 5 November 2025

Our Powerful Business Writing course uses your own writing examples to demonstrate the use of Plain English principles and persuasive writing techniques.

NAVIGATING YOUR LIFE JOURNEY AND THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT
Thursday 6 November 2025

Whether your retirement is approaching or is in the distant future, there are a few important things to consider to help enjoy a quality lifestyle now and to plan for the retirement you are working towards.

SPEAK WITH INFLUENCE, NEGOTIATE WITH EASE
Monday 17 November 2025

This course will provide you with tips and tricks to enhance your current communication, negotiation and influencing styles.

INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Thursday 27 November 2025

This one-day 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.

Looking for a specific short course or want to secure your place for a courses next scheduled session? Express your interest for the variety of our short courses on offer through LG Professionals SA here.

We caught up with Kieran Fairbrother, Senior Urban Planner, City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, about what led him to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, his experience in a recent module, and what he's most looking forward to as part of the development opportunity. 

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)?

Since my days playing football (yes, football!) as a kid in England, I have always had a passion for leading others, both on and off the field. I always strive to bring out the best in people, and I genuinely enjoy doing my best to help others reach their full potential. The ELP offers me an opportunity to refine some of my existing leadership skills while learning a heap of new ones! I’ve tended to struggle with the humanistic side of leading – being too technical-focused – and this program offers me the chance to understand myself and others better so I can become a better leader.

A recent module focused on the Political Context – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

What I learned from this module is just how much politics plays a part in everyday decision-making in local government. Whether we are aware of it or not, politics plays a role in almost all council functions, so it was good to gain a deeper understanding of where that crossover lies in different areas of the organisation. It was great to hear from people of different backgrounds and in different positions about how they view politics in councils and how they see this play out in certain situations.

I really enjoyed some of the real-life stories we heard of where politics has played a key role in making a decision.

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

Naturally, I am looking forward to learning more about myself and about leadership as we move through this program. As daunting as it may be, I have always had an appreciation for being chucked in the deep end with new experiences and being forced into uncomfortable positions to learn and grow, which is something that continues to excite me with this program – embracing the unknown. I have made some great connections through this program too, and I look forward to continuing with them even after the program finishes!

Kieran Fairbrother
Senior Urban Planner
City of Norwood Payneham
& St Peters

LG PROFESSIONALS SA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK FORUM: THRIVING THROUGH CHANGE - THE COST OF LIVING
Thursday 2 October 2025 - LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

Thriving Through Change - The Cost of Living will bring together sector leaders and practitioners to share strategies that are making a tangible difference. From examining the broader systemic impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, to highlighting grassroots initiatives in local councils and community centres, the session will provide both insight and inspiration for building stronger, more resilient communities.

This Forum will be held in-person at The Brocas, 111 Woodville Road, St Clair and via Zoom on Thursday 2 October 2025 from 9:30AM – 12:30AM.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA PEOPLE AND CULTURE NETWORK FORUM: AI POWERED WORKFORCE PLANNING, THE FUTURE OF HR STRATEGY
Wednesday 15 October 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way local government attracts, develops, and manages its workforce. The LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Forum will unpack how AI is reshaping strategic workforce planning, with insights from sector leaders, practical case studies, and interactive sessions designed to equip you with the tools and confidence to plan for the future.

This Forum will be held on Wednesday 15 October 2025 from 9:15AM – 1:15PM at Tiwu Kumangka, Blackwood Library & Community Centre and via Zoom.

FROM OUR COPORATE PARTNER, HOSTPLUS 
PAYDAY SUPER REFORMS

Payday Super reforms, announced in the 2023 Federal Budget, are proposed to commence on 1 July 2026. These reforms will align Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions with your regular pay cycle - meaning your salary/wages and super contributions will be processed together. From 1 July 2026, employers must ensure SG contributions reach employees’ super accounts within seven calendar days of payday. This change offers clearer visibility of contributions, supports better financial decision-making, and provides peace of mind 

Managing the change in your council?
Legislative reforms can be significant and sometimes tricky. That’s why Hostplus is here to help, offering practical guidance, regular updates, and dedicated support for payroll and finance teams 

Want to know what it means for you and your workplace?
Visit hostplus.com.au/payday-super for the latest on the legislation, key tips, and steps to streamline implementation ahead of 1 July 2026.

Prefer to talk it through? Reach out to the friendly Hostplus team - they’re happy to help.

AI ADOPTION TOOLKIT LAUNCHED!

Local Government Information Technology South Australia (LGITSA) is proud to announce the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Adoption Toolkit, a comprehensive guide designed specifically for South Australian councils. 

The AI Adoption Toolkit (“the Toolkit”) provides councils with a framework for developing their AI strategy, supported by a suite of documents, tools and templates to guide implementation. It incorporates a maturity model to help councils set an initial target level and plan the adoption and management of AI technologies accordingly.

The Toolkit aims to support a holistic, consistent approach to AI governance across Local Government, providing a common language and building trust by helping the sector to adopt and manage AI technologies responsibly and effectively. It offers councils a practical starting point and is expected to evolve as councils implement AI and share their insights, experiences, and best practices across the sector.

YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP

3. BE INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED

From small discussion groups to international keynote presentations, our programs are developed reflecting current and future priorities, needs and issues, with members offered a discount for each event

Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. 

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our 81 new Members! Click here to see the list.

We look forward to providing support and professional development and networking
opportunities through every stage of your local government career.

Please save the date for the following LG Professionals SA events for 2025/2026. If you are planning a local government event, we invite you to contact us to avoid date clashes. 

Thursday 13 November 2025 - LG Professionals SA Annual General Meeting

Friday 14 November 2025 - LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference

Friday 20 March 2026 - LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference

Thursday 23 April 2026 - LG Professionals South Australian Management Challenge

Friday 22 May 2026 - LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner

Registrations and further details on our events released soon!

LG PROFESSIONALS SA SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Do you work for or know an organisation who would be interested in gaining exposure to local government professionals through sponsorship with LG Professionals SA? 

As a not-for-profit association, LG Professionals SA rely on the support of sponsors to be able to continue to deliver the range of high quality events and professional development programs that we are known for.

Partnering with sponsors also creates opportunities for our members to learn, build
relationships and receive best value.

Please contact Megan Down, Manager - Events and Partnerships, for further details on corporate partnership opportunities.

ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIA, SA

LG Professionals SA is a not-for-profit member based association representing professionals working in local government in South Australia. 

We have the ability to link and connect people from different councils who may not otherwise form relationships or share. 

Our high quality professional development programs and networking events are uniquely local government – reflective of the culture of the sector and sensitive to the needs of its
professionals. 

The content of our events and programs are informed by our members and people who
genuinely care about the sector. 

We provide a safe and supportive environment in which to grow and learn while creating
opportunities to make time away from the office to work on the business or on self. 

We award and acknowledge achievements of excellence.

LG Professionals SA | 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000 | Phone: 08 8224 2080
www.lgprofessionalssa.org.au

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