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A WORD FROM THE CEO

I can’t believe it's the end of February already – the month when we all start to feel more in the swing of things, we enjoy the ups and downs of this summer weather, and communities around our state brighten up with festival fun – it's a wonderful time to be in South Australia.

February kicked off our development calendar for the year with the commencement of most of our 2025 Leadership Programs, including Ignite, Strategic Management Program, Executive Leaders Program, and the Women’s Career Catalyst Program. We’re so grateful and excited to foster connections with Members whom we’ll be spending time with as they learn and grow in their respective programs.

February 2025
Edition 161

WELCOME TO OUR 2025 IGNITE PROGRAM COHORT

We are excited to welcome our 2025 Ignite Program participants, who came together earlier this month to commence their development and education journey.

Our cohort this year consists of (in alphabetical order of last name): Ruby Balmer, Kellie Burrough, Chris Carrey, Mauricio Chiappe, Simon Clow, Daniel Flowers, Mia Hamilton, Cameron Hill, Ian Jamieson, Adam Kromkamp, Beth MacGillivray, Henry Mathews, Alyce Mckay, Matthew McRae, Caitlin Munn, Simon Neumann, Ivan Nolte, Charlotte Oldfield, Fiona Opitz, Justine Perry, Scott Pittaway, Aaron Reddy, Natali Rojas Palacio, Caleb Snodgrass, John Straccia, Kimberley Wandel, Neil Tankard, and Stevie Robinson.

This 12-month program, spanning 14 program days plus an orientation session, is designed to enable those who have limited experience in managing and leading people to develop the competencies to set them up for success in their role. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive the nationally recognised qualification Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.

We hope they enjoy the program, and we look forward to seeing their progress throughout the year!

JOIN US AT THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA SHAPE OUR FUTURE WORKSHOPS

We need your help! We invite you to play a part in shaping our future!

LG Professionals SA is currently drafting a new Strategic Plan that will guide our organisation over the next 3 to 5 years.

So, we’re putting the call out for you to have your say via our Workshops and as a special thanks you’ll get some tasty treats in return. 

If you work in local government in a Council, Subsidiary or Regional Subsidiary we would love for you to join us – we want to hear your thoughts!

For those of you able to make it in person, we would love to connect with you to hear your thoughts face to face. We’re pleased to also offer an online option for our regional members. 

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Please join us in-person to share your ideas for the future of
LG Professionals SA.

Date: Thursday 6 March 2025

Time: From 6:00PM – 8:00PM

Location: The Parkside Hotel, 142 Glen Osmond Road, Parkside (parking available on-site)

ONLINE WORKSHOP

Please join us online via Zoom to share your ideas for the future of

LG Professionals SA at our Shape Our Future Online Workshop.

Date: Thursday 6 March 2025

Time: 1:00PM – 2:15PM

Location: Online via Zoom

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO JOIN US AT THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2025 ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE: GROWTH UNLEASHED
Friday 21 March 2025

Join us at the LG Professionals SA 2025 Annual State Conference!

The conference will begin with insights on enhancing work-life balance and performance through effective transitions between tasks and interactions. You will learn how to create supportive work environments that minimise stress and foster resilience, ensuring that individuals can thrive during periods of change.

With interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference promises to be an enriching experience. Join us as we harness actionable strategies to unleash our potential, and collaborate to create a brighter future for our communities! An event for local government professionals of all levels, indoor or outdoor, we hope to see you there.

ARE YOU READY FOR WHAT'S AHEAD?
Thursday 22 May 2025 - SAVE THE DATE

Join us at the Leading Edge: AI for Local Government Innovators event, a one-day conference to help councils navigate AI’s potential while addressing the risks and responsibilities of its use.

We've combined real South Australian case studies with national and global expertise to deliver practical, implementation-ready solutions for your council.

At this conference, you can expect leading AI experts, risks, governance and ethics, case studies and live demos, hands-on AI adoption strategies, and more!

This event is curated by local government for local government. 

Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: Adelaide Convention Centre

Tickets: $330 per person

We're expecting this event will sell-out quickly. Tickets are strictly limited, so gather your teams and get ready. Registrations will open in March.

This event is proudly brought to you by LG Professionals SA, LGA South Australia, and Local Government Information Technology South Australia.

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR SECTOR
Registrations now open!

It's that time of year again, where we come together to recognise, support and celebrate the fantastic work being done by our colleagues across the sector. We're so excited to celebrate 24 years of the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards!

Our Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner is a great way to celebrate our sector's achievements, be inspired and network with peers! 

Date: Friday 9 May 2025

Time: 6:30PM till late

Location: Adelaide Convention Centre

Registrations for our 24^th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner must close Wednesday 23 April 2025 at 5:00PM unless sold out prior. Don't miss out!

This month we spoke with Shovana Perera, Communications Officer, The Rural City of Murray Bridge, about her career journey so far, her involvement in our
LG Professionals SA Women's Network committee, and in celebration of International Women's Day next month, how she holds her own space.

How long have you been in local government and what is your role?
I have worked in local government for more than three years as a Communications Officer for the Rural City of Murray Bridge. In my role, I contribute to providing communications advice and services across the council and its stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective engagement. Read more...

Shovana Perera
Communications Officer
The Rural City of Murray Bridge

LEVEL UP YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LG Professionals SA offer a range of short courses that have been curated to equip the sector’s staff with the skills that are essential to deliver on efficiency, performance and continuous improvement.

We currently have a variety of short courses scheduled for the first half of 2025, to be hosted at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide - take a look below. 

Have questions? Please contact Eve Jackson, Training Support Officer at eve@lgprofessionalssa.org.au for more information on any of our short courses or how we can bring them in-house to your council or subsidiary. 

POWERFUL BUSINESS WRITING
Friday 28 February 2025 - 4 PLACES REMAINING! 

Even if your role doesn’t require a lot of writing, how you come across is crucial to your credibility. The ability to write clearly, precisely, powerfully and persuasively is a key skill that enables you to summarise and present ideas, build relationships and gain commitment to action. It can also demonstrate your knowledge, confidence and professionalism.

INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Tuesday 18 March 2025 - ONE PLACE REMAINING!

This short 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.

MANAGING YOUR TIME,
ENERGY & PRIORITIES 
Tuesday 29 April 2025

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to improve your time management approach to your daily and weekly workload - work smarter, not harder! You’ll dive into issues that are preventing you from reaching optimum effectiveness and develop a range of techniques and strategies to better manage your time and get more out of your day.

ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Tuesday 6 May 2025

Beyond providing you with essential knowledge and skills to plan, manage and execute projects on time and on budget, this course takes a deeper dive into project management theory and looks at both operational and strategic elements of project management.

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

Friday 25 July 2025 - LG Professionals SA Community Development Network Conference

Thursday 18 September 2025 - LG Professionals SA Rural Management Challenge

Friday 7 November 2025 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference 

Thursday 13 November 2025 - LG Professionals SA Annual General Meeting

Friday 14 November 2025 - LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference

We caught up with one of last year's Emerging Leaders Program participants, Alisha Peeters, Marketing Executive, Adelaide Central Market Authority, to find out how she enjoyed the program.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?
I was motivated to sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program after my wonderful mentor at the time highly recommended the program, herself being a past graduate. I wanted to develop my leadership skills in a practical way, and I felt that this program would challenge me, push me to think differently but also provide me with the tools to use in my everyday work.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?
One of my biggest takeaways was gaining a deeper understanding of personal leadership and how to apply leadership skills. The program also broadened my understanding of local government, and I learned how to work more effectively with a range of different work styles and preferences.

What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program?
I’d say go for it! It’s a fantastic opportunity for your personal and professional growth; to learn from experienced leaders, take on challenges that will help you grow, and step out of your comfort zone. It’s also a great opportunity to meet some wonderful people from other councils.

Alisha Peeters
Marketing Executive
Adelaide Central Market Authority

WOMEN'S CAREER NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
Program commences Wednesday 19 March 2025
Registrations close Wednesday 5 March 2025 - REGISTRATIONS CLOSING SOON!

The LG Professionals SA Career Navigator Program supports women to develop a strong, authentic professional identity and approach their career and work with positivity and proactivity.

The program equips participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to:

• Build their professional presence and profile
• Maintain their cool in stressful and challenging situations
• Understand and navigate organisational politics and team dynamics with integrity
• Apply a Growth Mindset to personal and professional challenges to build resilience and wellbeing
• Set and pursue personal and professional goals.

Designed to be highly interactive, with an emphasis on peer learning, the Career Navigator Program will equip you with skills and tools to dial down your inner critic, build your career courage and take charge of your life and career.

This program is suitable for aspiring leaders, women with high potential, women who may not wish to move into more senior roles, but who want to build their professional profile and cultivate greater influence and impact in the workplace.

CAREERS IN COUNCIL

Looking to attract top talent and inspire the next generation of council professionals? We've got you covered.

We're excited to have partnered with LGA South Australia to launch a new Local Government Careers Kit to help councils tackle skills shortages and promote career opportunities in local government.

WHAT'S IN THE KIT?

Access a suite of ready-to-use promotional tools, including:

• Flyers and posters
• Social media tiles
• Key messages.

These resources are designed to make talent attraction and retention efforts seamless, whether you're at a career expo, visiting schools, or enhancing your council’s communications.

UPDATES TO THE LOCAL COUNCILS CAREERS WEBSITE

To support your recruitment efforts, the Local Councils Careers website has been revamped. This provides job seekers with everything they need to explore a rewarding career in local government.

The new website features:

• Council career areas 
• Spotlights on a wide range of roles
• Featured roles to guide job seekers
• Career pathways, qualification information and more.

To bring these roles to life, the website features council staff career videos and stories which showcase real experiences of working in local government.  

Thank you to all those who have contributed to these resources, including the content reference group and project working group, and to the council staff featured.

YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP

4. EXPAND YOUR INFLUENCE

Our range of Leadership Programs and Short Courses provide professional development opportunities, for every stage of your career journey with content contextualised for the local government sector.

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

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our 45 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.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM: OWNING YOUR SPACE

Join us for the first LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum of 2025 ‘Owning Your Space’, as we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day and the incredible women across the local government sector. This year, the Network are focusing on the theme Embrace - a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, belonging and self-acceptance in our workplaces and lives.

This Forum is an opportunity to reflect on your goals and values, fostering both personal and professional growth. We are excited to welcome our inspiring guest speakers - Dr. Tiff, Julia Grant and Carly Thompson-Barry, who will guide participants in owning their space with confidence and purpose.

This Forum will be held in person at the Unley Oval Community Hub and via Zoom on Thursday 13 March from 9:30AM - 12:30PM.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT NETWORK FORUM: CX CONNECT – INSIGHTS FOR IMPACT 

You're invited to attend the upcoming LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: CX Connect – Insights for Impact.

This Forum will explore how local governments can enhance customer experience (CX) through innovative programs, cultural transformation and strategic communication. Hear firsthand from councils leading the way in customer-centric initiatives and engage in interactive discussions on key challenges facing the sector.

This Forum will be held in person at the City of Charles Sturt Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Rd, Woodville and via Zoom on Tuesday 25 March from 9:30AM – 12:30PM.

Our Network Forums provide our Members the opportunity to learn and develop whilst sharing and networking with peers from their own and other councils and subsidiaries across the state. Our upcoming Forums include:

Thursday 20 March 2025 - LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum

Tuesday 25 March 2025 - LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum

Thursday 3 April 2025 - LG Professionals SA Community Development Network Forum

Registrations and further details on our Forums coming soon!

LG PROFESSIONALS SA SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

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.

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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