A WORD FROM THE CEO
There is so much to celebrate across our sector, and it was fantastic to recognise the dedication, collaboration and innovation of the people and projects in local government at the 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 9 May. With more than 450 of you in attendance, the night was a powerful reminder of the incredible impact our professionals have on our communities across the state. |
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Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, your work is deeply valued and truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to our Award Sponsors and Corporate Partners for your ongoing commitment and support. Your contribution plays an essential role in recognising excellence and empowering our sector.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to travel to Perth in August with the City of Salisbury’s CoSmic Council team, who will represent South Australia in the Australasian Management Challenge Final. We wish them every success as they compete with teams from across Australia and New Zealand for the 2025 title. As for the Rural Management Challenge, we are currently accepting Expressions of Interest for the event that is proposed for September. If you are a regional council with engaged employees who are looking to tackle a new
challenge, please reach out and let us know.
As we approach the end of the financial year, now is the perfect time to consider your professional development goals. Our leadership programs and short courses are available year-round, and planning ahead can help you make the most of your time and opportunities in the year to come.
We continue to feature insight and stories from our Members, your peers, working within local government in this Newsletter. It’s always a highlight to read how their experiences are shaping their careers and strengthening the sector. I look forward to connecting with you and hearing your story at one of our upcoming events.
Best wishes,
Rhiannon
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RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATIONS AT THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA 24TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARDS
On Friday 9 May 2025 more than 450 local government professionals gathered at the Adelaide Convention Centre to celebrate the achievements of their peers, and of the sector, at the 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. Congratulations to all the finalists for their exemplary efforts, and to the winners who took home their awards on the night. We cannot wait to bring you the Awards for the sector again next year in 2026. Stay tuned on our channels later this year for further information on how to nominate in the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. |
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CONGRATULATIONS FROM OUR COPORATE PARTNERS AND AWARD SPONSORS |
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The LGFA
congratulates all nominees, finalists, and winners of the LG Professionals SA 24th
Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. This years’ Awards really showcased the
breadth of high achievement we’re seeing across the sector, and all those
involved should be proud of their work. We’d also like to thank LG
Professionals SA for showcasing the innovation and dedication within South
Australian local government. We look forward to continuing our support for the
sector's growth and excellence. |
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LGRS
congratulates all winners and finalists of the LG Professionals SA 24th Annual
Leadership Excellence Awards. As long-standing partners in risk and insurance
services for South Australian Councils and Local Government entities across
South Australia, we have thoroughly enjoyed recognising and celebrating the
sector's commitment to excellence and innovation – all of which strengthens our
communities. |
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Norman Waterhouse
would like to collectively send our warm congratulations to all finalists and
winners of the LG Professionals SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. As
proud sponsors of the Excellence in Emergency Management / Disaster Recovery
and Excellence in Local Economic Development categories, we are honoured to
support initiatives that drive resilience and prosperity in our communities. |
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Hostplus extends
our heartfelt congratulations to all finalists and winners of the LG
Professionals SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. Much like the
incredible community projects nominated, Hostplus is working to support the
people in our community every day. Our mission is to maximise our members’
superannuation outcomes so that they can enjoy a dignified retirement. We are
proud to support the local government sector, and it was fantastic to support
and celebrate the outstanding contributions that enhance our communities across
South Australia at the recent Awards. Congratulations all! |
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Congratulations
to all of this year’s winners from BRM Advisory! Many great projects, initiatives and
people were put forward – and the Awards Gala Dinner itself is a great reminder
of how much is happening within the sector. Local government is the level of
government that gets things done – and we enjoy working with our council
clients across just about every area of council operations to find practical
solutions, and drive innovation. |
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Meet this Emerging Leader who's building culture and community, one kind
conversation at a time
At first glance, you might think Tillie was destined for leadership. But she’ll tell you otherwise.
“I didn’t start out aiming for a management title,” she says. “I’ve just always found myself wanting to help teams work better together.”
And yet, just 12 months after stepping into her first local government role as Manager Communications, Strategy and Engagement at City of Prospect, Tillie French found herself accepting the Emerging Leader of the Year Award at the LG Professionals SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
It’s a title that speaks to far more than her job description. In that time, she’s helped shape a brand-new team from the ground up, transformed a team into a thriving, high-performing unit, and delivered communications on some of council’s most complex and community-impacting projects - all while becoming a leader her colleagues and community trust.
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This month we spoke with Daniel Griffin, Manager Financial Services, Yorke Peninsula Council, about how completing the Executive Leaders Program has influenced his leadership two years on, why learning about the inner workings of units across council is important to him, and we learn about some work Daniel’s been a part of recently that he’s especially proud of.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
I am the Manager of Financial Services for Yorke Peninsula Council. I have worked in local government since May 2015, except for an 18-month sojourn working in the education sector.
Read more... |
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Daniel Griffin
Manager Financial Services
Yorke Peninsula Council
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GENERAL MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS NETWORK PRESENTS CROSS-COUNCIL COLLABORATION IN ACTION
TODAY! LAST CHANCE - Wednesday 28 May 2025
Join
Executive Sponsors Ben
Keen, General Manager City Development at the City of Marion and
Dan Baker, General Manager
Engineering & Horticulture at the City of Mitcham, as they share
insights from the Local
Government Engineering Talent Pipeline initiative at the next LG Professionals SA Lunch & Learn Session. Date:
Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 12:00PM -
1:00PM
Location: Virtually
via Zoom
Register to receive your link, which will be sent
directly to you closer to the Webinar.
Cost: FREE! For LG
Professionals SA Network Members only. Not sure if you're a Network Member? Complete this form here to join a Network relevant to you.
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NORMAN WATERHOUSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE 2025
SAVE THE DATE - Friday 10 October 2025
Prepare to shape your path in local government as our expert
speakers unpack the unique challenges facing councils today. The program
features sessions with current, relevant content tailored to your specific area
of work; equipping you with the knowledge and tools to build your future in the
sector.
- Planning, Development and Environment
- Employment, Governance and Regulatory
- Major Projects, Strategic Procurement, and
Contract Management.
This conference will be held at the National Wine Centre, corner of Hackney Road and Botanic
Road. Mark for calendars as this is a conference you won’t want to
miss! Stay tuned for early bird registrations opening soon. |
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INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Monday 28 July 2025
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. |
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MEET THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY
At the Local Government Finance Authority of South Australia (LGFA), we value the opportunity to get to know the people and places that make up our vibrant local government sector. Building strong relationships with councils across the state is at the heart of what we do.
Recently, members of the LGFA team were out on the road, connecting with councils in the mid-upper north regions and visiting the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority. We also had the pleasure of attending the 88th Annual Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association Conference and the LG Professionals SA 24th Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. These events offered invaluable insights into the incredible work happening across our local communities.
With a dedicated team of ten, we’re always keen to connect. If you see any of us out and about, don’t hesitate to come and say hello - we’d love to meet you and hear more about your work in local government. |
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We caught up with John Straccia, Coordinator, Project Delivery at the City of Tea Tree Gully, about what led him to participate in the program, how he's enjoyed it so far, and how he is already seeing positive results within his work environment because of the development opportunity.
What have you enjoyed most so far about the program?
What I’ve enjoyed most so far is being exposed to new concepts, ideas, and conversations that challenge the way I think. Hearing different perspectives from other participants has been valuable and has helped shift how I approach certain situations. I’ve also taken away practical tools and techniques that I can apply straight away, which has made the experience engaging and useful, both in theory and practice. Read more... |
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John Straccia
Coordinator, Project Delivery
City of Tea Tree Gully
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MEMEBERSHIP RENEWALS
It's nearly membership renewal time! We look forward to continuing to support all staff in local government on their leadership journey in 2025-26 and beyond. We will be in touch soon to provide information to those due for renewal on the process. If you are the contact person for your organisation please keep an eye on your emails for more information coming soon. As your Membership Association, we are so grateful for your ongoing support, and investment in your teams. |
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YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP
7. SHAPE THE FUTURE
Play a role by voting in elections for our Board,
general meetings and network committees.
Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. |
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NEW
MEMBERS
Welcome
to our 47 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.
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM - NAVIGATING BOLDLY
Wednesday 11 June 2025
Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum: Navigating Boldly. We’ll be joined by four speakers who will share their personal and professional journeys, offering practical insights and reflections relevant to a wide range of roles and career stages.
- Jacque Opie, Community Leasing Co-ordinator, City of Adelaide will explore how clarity, courage and confidence can support women navigating change.
- Bailee Major, Site Supervisor, Sarah Constructions will offer a perspective from the trades, highlighting the importance of representation and support for women in non-traditional industries.
- Paula Duldig, Senior Consultant, EMA Consulting will share her experiences in leadership and the role neuroscience can play in how we think, feel and work.
- Hayley Edwards, Open Space Lead, Town of Gawler will reflect on leadership and creating inclusive spaces through design and collaboration.
This Forum will be held on Wednesday 11 June from 9:30AM - 12:30PM at the Gawler Civic Centre, 89-91 Murray Street, Gawler and virtually via Zoom. This event is free for
LG Professionals SA Members. |
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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:
Wednesday 23 July 2025 - LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum Registrations and further details on our Forums coming soon! |
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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.
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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. |
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