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A WORD FROM THE CEO

November has been another stellar month as we delivered our Women’s Network Conference, opened the call for nominations for the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards, hosted multiple information sessions for our upcoming leadership programs, smashed through a handful of short courses, and hosted our Annual General Meeting (AGM) - all while planning for an exciting 2026.

November 2025
Edition 170

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LG PROFESSIONALS SA BOARD

We were pleased to host the Local Government Professionals Australia, SA Annual General Meeting earlier this month, thank you to those who attended. At this meeting, we were thrilled to announce the new LG Professionals SA Board.

Congratulations to Kate O'Neill, City of Mitcham, who was reappointed to the role of President for a two-year term.

Congratulations to our newly elected Board Members, Caroline Batty, Tim Pudney and Damian Garcia. We also congratulate Melissa Kretschmer and Rudi Deco on their re-election, and Marni Cook who was appointed to the Board as an Independent Skills-based Board Member in September 2025.

Thank you to outgoing Board Members, Stacey Bateson for her dedication and commitment over four years as Board Member and Randy Graetz for his contributions in representing the Association as a Board Member for the past year. We also acknowledge Whendee Young who left the Board in October.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2026 ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE: POWERING LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Friday 20 March 2026 *PROGRAM JUST LAUNCHED!*

You are the people who POWER local government in South Australia.

Join us for the LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference: Powering Local Government - an inspiring day designed to strengthen the people who support our communities to thrive.

This conference brings together leaders, storytellers, and innovators to explore the skills, insights, and connections that empower local government staff. From impactful leadership and effective communication to workforce wellbeing, resilience, and collaboration, each session is crafted to build your capability, connection, and confidence.

We have recently just launched our full conference program, including change makers, mentors, public figures, an Olympic gold medallist and your peers in local government, for a day of connection, learning, collaboration, and meaningful inspiration to power your work and your council's future.

FINISH THE YEAR STRONG! NOMINATE FOR A 25TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD

As we approach the end of another big year in local government, there’s no better time to pause, reflect and celebrate the impact you’ve made.

Whether you’ve delivered a project that strengthened your community, built stronger capabilities, or introduced innovation into your place of work - this is your moment to share it.

The LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and innovation across councils and subsidiaries. Your story could be the one that inspires others and shines a light on the incredible work happening across the sector every day.

So, before you start counting down the days until the end of the year, take a moment to recognise your achievements and submit your nomination. It’s the perfect way to wrap up 2025 with purpose and pride.

How six councils joined forces to bring higher education closer to home.

For decades, young people across the Murraylands, Riverland and Fleurieu regions have faced the same impossible choice: stay close to the community they love or move away to study and build a future. It was a decision that shaped lives - and too often, left businesses struggling to find skilled workers.

But a bold collaboration between six councils has flipped that narrative on its head.

Celebrated as one of two winners of the Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration Award at the 2025 LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, the Murray River & Fleurieu Study Hub Program - a partnership between Alexandrina Council, Berri Barmera Council, City of Victor Harbor, Coorong District Council, District Council of Yankalilla and the Rural City of Murray Bridge - is creating life-changing opportunities for students of all ages.

This month we spoke with Cody Stringer, Works & Infrastructure Assistant, Wudinna District Council, about her role, what it's like working at a regional council, her experience at the recent
LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference, and how her favourite way to relax is taking out the caravan with her kids.

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

I have worked at Wudinna District Council for almost three years as the Works & Infrastructure Assistant. During this time, I’ve also had the opportunity to further develop professionally by stepping into the Acting General Manager Works & Infrastructure role when required. Read more...

Cody Stringer
Works & Infrastructure Assistant
Wudinna District Council

*NEW* XLP – CONNECT
Register now to join us in 2026!

LG Professionals SA is excited to introduce completely new offering, XLP – Connect. Designed for leaders ready to pause, reflect, and step into the next horizon of their leadership.

Bringing together XLP Alumni and new participants, this two-day experience creates space for clarity, curiosity, and meaningful connection in a rapidly changing world.

If you’re ready to reconnect with your leadership purpose, we invite you to register and be part of this powerful new program.

Suitable for

XLP – Connect welcomes leaders who have undertaken significant development journeys and those ready to explore the next horizon of their leadership. A space where XLP Alumni and new faces come together to learn, reflect, and shape what’s next in leadership.

Download the prospectus or visit our website.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Registrations close Friday 2 January 2026

Developed in partnership with Adelaide University and local government experts, participants of the Strategic Management Program 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.

Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S CAREER CATALYST PROGRAM

The LG Professionals SA Women's Career Catalyst Program is designed for female leaders who want to build a strong leadership legacy and identity, without compromising their values, wellbeing or relationships.

Suited for: Women working in leadership roles, team leaders, seniors leaders, managers and executive.

The program commences 24 February 2026 and will conclude 31 March 2026.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S CAREER NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

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

Suited for: Aspiring leaders, High potential women, 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, a variety of employment levels.

The program commences 6 February 2026 and concludes 27 February 2026.

2026 IGNITE PROGRAM
Join the waitlist for 2026

The Ignite Program spans 12 program days, plus an orientation session and graduation, and is delivered over 10 months. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive the nationally recognised qualification BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.

The Ignite Program is designed 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 prospectus or visit the website to learn more.

EXCLUSIVE MASTERCLASS - FOUNDATIONS IN SYSTEMS THINKING
Monday 23 February 2026

Organisations are systems, and when we learn to see the relationship between structure and behaviour in our system, we can understand how we might shift structures to enable different/better behaviour patterns. That is systems thinking.

LG Professionals SA is pleased to present this one-day masterclass with guest international facilitator Dr Barry Bales. The program will introduce systems thinking skills that will enable you to effectively define and address organisational challenges. To make this program as practical as possible, participants will practise using their new systems thinking concepts in addressing a real organisational challenge they currently face.

Who should attend? Those in mid or higher-level leadership roles who already have substantial leadership skills and experience.

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 some of our Emerging Leaders Program participants, Jared and Kellie, to hear about their experience so far, including why they chose to participate in the program, reflections from a recent module, and what they're looking forward to as part of the development opportunity. 

You were part of the organising group for the media and engagement module. What did you want the cohort to get out of the module?

At the outset, we aimed to showcase the transformation of media through the ages. However, as the module developed, our focus evolved. By the time the module day arrived, we wanted the cohort to gain a deeper understanding of the modern media landscape and to recognise that, regardless of their roles within their respective councils and organisations, everyone has an important part to play in how they engage with the media. In addition, we aimed to help participants develop greater awareness of the different types of media that exist today, as well as explore the growing influence of AI in shaping media content and how this, in turn, impacts what communities see and experience.

How did you find organising the module with your group?

I really enjoyed organising the module; it was fun, engaging, and at times, a welcome challenge. The group brought together a wonderful mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, both professionally and geographically. While it wasn’t always easy to coordinate across busy schedules, the teamwork and flexibility everyone showed made the process rewarding. Seeing everything come together on the day, even with a few last-minute changes and technical hiccups, gave me a real sense of accomplishment. 

Overall, being part of organising the module was an enriching experience that opened my eyes to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and valuable learning along the way.

What was your biggest takeaway from the module?

My biggest takeaway from the Media and Engagement module was developing a clearer understanding of how media functions and the important role it plays in shaping communication. I also learned how to manage media requests with greater confidence and professionalism, which helped me appreciate the balance between responsiveness and maintaining control of key messages. I also discovered how artificial intelligence can serve as a valuable tool in supporting media engagement and content creation.

Jared Wilson
Senior Coordinator Community Safety
Alexandrina Council

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and develop my leadership skills. I wanted to understand what leadership truly means, learn how to be a great leader, and gain valuable skills that would help me think differently.

A recent module focused on Media and Engagement – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

The speakers were outstanding, including Grady Hudd – Media and Communications Adviser, LGA South Australia, Ed Garner – Senior Media & Communications Advisor, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, Ben Lennon – Editor, The Bunyip, and Sputnik – Creative Director, The Awesomest.

My biggest takeaway was recognising just how powerful media engagement is in shaping public perception. It highlighted the way brands can influence narratives and how important it is to be intentional about the stories we consume. I always try to focus on positive stories to help create a more positive world around me.

What are you most looking forward to as the program comes to close?

I’m really looking forward to the end-of-year presentation and celebrating the wonderful friendships we’ve formed throughout the program. I’m incredibly grateful for the skills I’ve learnt along the way, and I’m excited to put them into practice in future leadership opportunities.

Kellie Wilhelm
Horticultural Tradesperson
City of Adelaide

REFLECTIONS FROM THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE: EMBRACE IT
By Renee Stevens, Return to Work and Work Health Safety Administration Officer, City of Marion

Earlier this month, 258 women gathered at the Morphettville Event Centre for the
LG Professionals SA Annual Women’s Network Conference. More than ten inspirational speakers delivered a jam-packed program filled with real-life stories and practical insights. The theme “Embrace It” resonated throughout the day, with vulnerability and authenticity emerging as powerful drivers of connection, leadership, and even financial growth.

Attendees were encouraged to “flex our confidence muscle” and “embrace the uncomfortable” moments that often lead to magic. The atmosphere was electric, with a constant hum of conversation as LG Professional Women shared ideas and built new connections. 

As Erin Phillips shared, the only words that scare her are the “what ifs” and “if onlys.” We hope everyone left feeling enriched, inspired, and ready to step into their power; remembering that “you always have permission to fail, provided that you learn from it.”

FEMALE FIELD STAFF SCHOLARSHIPS EMPOWERS WOMEN TO CONNECT AND EMBRACE AT LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE

At LG Professionals SA, we know that leadership and inspiration can come from every corner of local government - including those out in the field. This year, we were proud to offer a special Women’s Network Conference Scholarship to support women working in field-based roles across councils, from parks and gardens to signage, waste management, and infrastructure.

Through this initiative, ten women working in the Field Workforce joined us at the 2025 Women’s Network Conference: Embrace It.

For many recipients, the conference was a rare opportunity to step away from the tools and into a space of connection, learning and inspiration. Surrounded by more than 250 women from across the sector, they heard from powerful speakers, shared stories, and felt part of something bigger - a network of women shaping the future of local government.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many spoke about how energising it was to be recognised and included, particularly as women working in traditionally male-dominated areas. The experience gave them renewed confidence and a sense of belonging within the local government community.

We’re proud to have created this opportunity and look forward to continuing to support women across all roles, in offices, depots and beyond, to connect, grow and lead.

PUTTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AI TOOLKIT INTO PRACTICE

LGITSA is committed to supporting councils in using AI confidently and responsibly. The Local Government AI Adoption Toolkit was designed with councils for councils, providing practical templates, checklists and guidance to help your organisation plan, govern, and use AI in a safe, ethical and effective way. 

Get involved: Planning is underway to establish an AI Community of Practice to share knowledge, learn from peers and support sector-wide implementation.  

For suggestions, feedback, or to get involved, contact us at info@lgitsa.com.au. 

YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP

5. STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

Respected and widely recognised within and outside of the sector, our Leadership Excellence Awards Program began in 2001 and celebrates outstanding achievements and innovation in local government. The Awards showcase the level of expertise and excellence in our sector and is an opportunity exclusive to members.

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

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our 96 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 2026. If you are planning a local government event, we invite you to contact us to avoid date clashes. 

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

Friday 19 June 2026 - LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference

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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