A WORD FROM THE CEO
As we wave goodbye to the financial year, the past few weeks across local government have been full of finalising budgets, planning for the year ahead, and checking off those last-minute expenditures. No doubt many of us have been leaning on our incredible finance and procurement teams with all manner of left-field queries - so here’s a big shoutout to these essential business units in every council and subsidiary across South Australia. Your hard work and support do not go unnoticed! |
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It’s also been a busy and exciting time here at LG Professionals SA. We recently launched a brand-new series of short courses focused on Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used to enhance your workday. These online sessions are running this week, and it’s not too late to register if you’re keen to join. We also celebrated the graduation of our 2024 Ignite Program cohort - congratulations to participants who have now completed their Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
We’ve wrapped up a number of successful Network Forums (with more to come), and our new Lunch and Learn series is thriving, with hundreds of local government professionals having attended so far. These sessions can be tuned into each month to learn something new over your lunch break and at no cost for staff who are Council or Subsidiary Members. We currently have two unique and exciting opportunities available through
LG Professionals SA: our Executive Leaders Scholarship, and open nominations to join us as a Board Member. I encourage you to review the details of both in this newsletter below, and put yourself forward if you believe the opportunity is right for you - you never know where it might take you!
In the months ahead, we’ll be sharing more details about our major events to be held in the second half of the year, including the Women’s Network Conference, the Economic Development Conference, and our Annual General Meeting - keep an eye out and try to join us then.
This edition is full of updates, insights, and stories from your peers - scroll on to learn more and connect with what's currently happening across the sector! Best wishes,
Rhiannon
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CONGRATS TO OUR 2024 IGNITE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
This month we recognised and celebrated last year's Ignite Program cohort at our program graduation.
Our 2024 cohort consisted of (in alphabetical order of last name): Sam Alexopoulos, Trevor Ashenden, Nicole Budd, Elijah Clavell, Kate Gilmore, Bernadette Golder, Ashley Gullickson, Adrian Hall, Kate Horstmann, Nell Keeping, Wendy King, Michael Mallamo, Talitha McDougall, Mark Parsons, Carah Perkins, Karla Pickett, Andrew Raine, Shasta Sutherland, Cynthia Vello, Kyre Wallace, and Sara Zuromski.
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 roles. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive the nationally recognised qualification Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
Congratulations to you all - we can’t wait to see what awaits you next!
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2025 ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHT REEL
Throwback to our Annual State Conference! Watch now to reflect and remember the conference day that was and to hear from our insightful and impactful speakers.
A huge thank you to all our speakers, panellists, corporate partners, and event sponsors - your support makes this event possible. Thank you to Stray Creative for joining us and pulling together these highlights of the day! |
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Meet the team changing the conversation around safety in local government
The City of West Torrens wins Excellence in People and Culture Award for their bold and empathetic campaign.
When the Work Health and Safety Team at the City of West Torrens noticed a troubling rise in aggression toward council staff, ranging from verbal abuse and online stalking to physical threats, it sparked something powerful: a collective decision to not just protect their team, but to transform the culture around community interactions altogether.
The result was the It Reflects on YOU campaign - an unmissable message to the public that harmful behaviour won’t be tolerated, and that kindness, respect and safety are everyone’s responsibility.
Launched in August 2024, the campaign made waves almost immediately - within the council and beyond. In May, it earned the City of West Torrens the 2025 Excellence in People and Culture Award at the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, and has captured the attention of councils across the state. |
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ARE YOU OUR NEXT LG PROFESSIONALS SA BOARD MEMBER?
Are you an expert in learning and development pathways with a passion for strengthening local government leadership? LG Professionals SA is seeking a dedicated Board Member to help drive strategic initiatives that empower local government professionals through education and skill-building opportunities.
Your expertise will guide us in creating forward thinking development pathways that foster career growth and excellence in public service. |
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This month we spoke with Rebecca Martin, Climate Change Officer, Alexandrina Council, about participating in the 2025 LG Professionals SA Management Challenge, how her background in teaching has assisted her role, and how she unwinds (as a green thumb!).
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
I’m Alexandrina Council’s Climate Change Officer, and I am now in my second year, following two years in waste education and projects. I transitioned into local government after my tertiary lecturing role ended like so many others during COVID. Prior to teaching, I ran my own women’s health practice for 15 years and completed a master’s in public health, a path that led me into sustainability. Read more...
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Rebecca Martin
Climate Change Officer
Alexandrina Council
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK CONFERENCE: TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
Friday 25 July 2025
Register now to join us for the 2025 Community Development
Network Conference, Community
Development: Taking it to the Streets.
Join community development practitioners from across South
Australia for a day of bold ideas, practical insights, and real-world stories
that reflect the evolving role of local government in shaping stronger, more
connected communities.
With keynote speakers including Dr Peter Westoby and Dr Gemma Munro, a
thought-provoking panel, and case studies from councils leading the way, this
is your chance to be challenged and inspired for the future of
community development. |
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REPRESENT SOUTH AUSTRALIA ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
LG Professionals SA is proud to offer, for the first time in 2025, a scholarship for an Executive Leader to attend the 2025 SOLACE Summit - the UK’s premier event for local government executives - taking place in Leeds, United Kingdom from 16 - 17 October 2025. This unique opportunity is open to General Managers, Directors, and CEOs working in South Australian local government. It provides a platform to explore international perspectives on leadership, innovation, and sector transformation, while proudly representing our local government sector abroad. |
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REFLECTIONS FROM THE
LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM: NAVIGATING BOLDLY
The LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum, Navigating Boldly, brought together a community of over 170 women, both in person at the Town of Gawler and online, to reflect, reconnect and reframe what it means to boldly carve out the career and life we strive for.
We were fortunate enough to hear from four empowering speakers who each brought their own perspectives on courage, leadership, growth, and resilience. We left feeling more connected, more courageous, and inspired to navigate boldly - wherever we may be on our own professional and personal journeys. Personally, the sum and substance of attending these Forums are to prioritise your personal growth and development and surround yourself with likeminded women. |
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Emma Grivell
Women's Network Committee Member
Business Engagement Advisor
City of Charles Sturt |
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AI TRANSFORMATION: INTRODUCTION TO AI - VIRTUAL
Wednesday 2 July 2025 - FOUR PLACES REMAINING!
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. |
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ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Monday 29 September 2025
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. |
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AI BOOTCAMP
Friday 4 July 2025
JOIN THE WAITLIST! ANOTHER COURSE TO BE SCHEDULED SOON
Learn how to utilise AI to enhance your local government workday.
If you’re seeking to learn more about how AI can assist in your day-to-day work, this course will outline the practical knowledge you need to best use easy to access AI programs. |
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INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Monday 28 July 2025
JOIN THE WAITLIST!
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. |
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We caught up with Josh Forshaw, Maintenance Worker, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, about what led him to participate in the program, how he found the Opening Retreat, and what he's most looking forward to as part of the development opportunity.
What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?
Signing up for the Emerging Leaders Program presented a chance to build on my leadership skills and to understand what it takes to be a successful leader in local government.
What was your biggest takeaway from the opening retreat?
The biggest takeaway from the Retreat was acknowledging that it's okay to be vulnerable in a leadership position. As long as you can identify your weaknesses, it gives you an understanding of what you can improve on in the future to make you a stronger leader. Being taken out of your comfort zone really sets you up for challenges you may face in your leadership journey. |
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What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses? Certainly, the progression of my leadership capabilities within my workplace. I think this program will build the framework for me to transition into my day-to-day work environment. I also believe this will give me a greater understanding of how different leaders lead and what it takes to be a successful leader. |
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Josh Forshaw
Maintenance Worker
City of Port Adelaide Enfield |
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INTERVIEW - CITY OF ADELAIDE'S EVIDENCE-BASED CULTURE
By Lauren Gedye, Project Support Coordinator, City of Adelaide
In 2024, City of Adelaide’s Strategy, Planning and Engagement team established their internal Research and Insights Network to support the City of Adelaide Research Services approach: driving a culture of evidence-based decision making, and program and service delivery. The Network aims to improve internal processes, governance structures, and share resources to help build organisational research capability. The Business Performance and Improvement Network (BPIN) caught up with Esme Barratt, Coordinator, Services Planning at the City of Adelaide, to learn more about the Research and Insights Network.
What are the goals of the Research and Insights Network? What has been achieved?
The goal of the Network is to champion the development and use of insights to inform decision-making across the City of Adelaide (CoA). The intent is to help the organisation make decisions, particularly complex decisions, through research and insights by: |
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MEMEBERSHIP RENEWALS
It's membership renewal time! We look forward to continuing to support all staff in local government on their leadership journey in 2025-26 and beyond. Our friendly team has been in touch with your organisations contact person. If you are still wishing to renew, please get in contact with our team and send through your renewal form promptly. 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
8. BE PART OF A COMMUNITY
We are here for you. Join a community of likeminded,
connected and passionate people, committed
to delivering valuable outcomes for their
organisations and communities
Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. |
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NEW
MEMBERS
Welcome
to our 85 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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MAXIMA'S RISING TALENT PAINTS FOR GLOBAL SUCCESS When apprentice painter and decorator Jemma Glatz, City of
Adelaide, was selected to represent South Australia at the recent WorldSkills
Australia National Championships, she never imagined it would lead her to the
international stage.
However, her preparation and precision has paid off and with
a silver medal around her neck, Jemma will now head to Shanghai in 2026 to
compete in the International WorldSkills competition – also known as the
‘Olympics of Trades’.
Jemma’s journey began with an apprenticeship arranged by
Maxima, combining TAFE SA study with hands-on work with her host employer, the
City of Adelaide. She says the support she’s received from Maxima and her
teammates at the City of Adelaide has made all the difference.
Jemma’s story reflects Maxima’s aim to ‘Reframe What’s
Possible’ by helping people build skills and confidence through real-world opportunities,
plus partnering with employers to find team members who are the right fit.
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT NETWORK FORUM
Wednesday 23 July 2025
Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: The Power of Data. We’ll be joined by guest speakers from across local government and industry, who are using data to drive smarter decisions, deliver better outcomes, and build more responsive, efficient organisations. From AI-powered compliance tools to urban forest asset planning, infrastructure insights and a panel discussion from local Directors and CEOs, this Forum will showcase practical examples of how data is being harnessed to create real impact. The Forum will wrap up with a field visit to the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority, showcasing data in tourism asset management - plus a chance to enjoy lunch with the Clydesdales. This Forum will be held in person and via Zoom. Please be aware that the last session of the Forum will be for in-person attendees only. |
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SURVEY RESULTS - GENERATIVE AI IN SA LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A
comprehensive AI Adoption Toolkit to support South Australian councils in
implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is being developed by Local
Government Information Technology South Australia (LGITSA), in collaboration
with LGA South Australia, LG Professionals SA and Local Government Risk
Services.
After conducting
a survey last month to gather local government employees’ views on the
opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with generative AI, LGITSA has
released their survey summary findings.
LGITSA and its
collaborators would like to thank the 200+ respondents for taking the time to
complete the survey. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping the AI
Adoption Toolkit to ensure it meets the needs of councils.
Looking
forward, over 70 participants have been added to five Working Groups representing
a diverse mix of councils. These Working Groups are helping to co-design the AI
Adoption Toolkit, contributing to a significant project that promises to have a
lasting impact on the sector.
Outcomes of
the project will be shared in September 2025. For any questions or further
information, please contact Naomi Molloy, President, LGITSA on naomi.molloy@lgitsa.com.au or 0408 838 792. |
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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:
Thursday 4 September 2025 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum
Thursday 11 September 2025 - LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network, and CEO Network Forum Wednesday 15 October 2025 - LG Professionals SA People and Culture 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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