Welcome to the first edition of Leaders Connect for 2026! I hope it finds you refreshed after a well-earned break and ready to embrace the year ahead. The start of a new year always brings a sense of optimism and possibility, and it’s exciting to think about what 2026 has in store for local government across South Australia.
The team and I are looking forward to another big year of connection, learning and leadership. As always, we’ll continue to curate opportunities that bring professionals together to share ideas, learn from one another and build strong, lasting networks - and we welcome your input as we shape our calendar of offerings for the year ahead.
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If you’ve been meaning to nominate for the 25th Leadership Excellence Awards and haven’t quite found the time yet, this is your reminder not to miss out. Nominations close soon 5:00PM Wednesday 4 February 2026, and I encourage you to reflect on the projects, people or initiatives that have made a real impact in your organisation or community. We look forward to celebrating and recognising the outstanding work happening right across the sector.
Professional development remains a key focus for many as the year begins. Alongside our leadership programs and short courses, we’re pleased to introduce the newly launched Change Drivers Program - designed for those wanting to lead and embed meaningful change within their organisation. If driving change, navigating complexity and building momentum are part of your goals for 2026, this program is well worth exploring.
Our Annual State Conference is also on the horizon for Friday 20 March 2026 and planning is well underway. If you know of a Field Workforce colleague who could benefit from attending the conference, please make them aware of the Field Workforce Scholarship we currently have on offer and encourage them to apply.
Wishing you all the very best as you settle into the year ahead. I look forward to connecting with you at one of our upcoming programs or events in 2026. Best wishes, Rhiannon |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM 2025 COHORT
At the end of last year, our 2025 Emerging Leaders Program participants officially graduated at an event held at the University of South Australia.
Through the program’s activities, exercising leadership, pushing personal boundaries, and experimenting in a low-risk environment, participants graduated having grown both personally and professionally. We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing them flourish in the next stage of their leadership journey.
Pictured (in alphabetical order by surname): Sarah Barrett, Hannah Combe, Trent Elder, Megan Elson, Kieran Fairbrother, Joshua Forshaw, Katrina French, Raitchel Graves, Amy Kennedy, Alex Kuhndt, Claire MacBeth, Talitha McDougall, Karen Mitrovic, Taskin Muktasid, Tess Murton, Sidonie Oliver, Joanne Owen, Lissy Oxford, Andrea Post, Nicole Rowe, Sarah Shepherd, William Thurling, Rebecca Van Diemen, Kellie Wilhelm, Jared Wilson, Evan Woolford, Ashleigh Woolston.
READ THE EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM 2025 PROJECTS HERE
Each year, our Emerging Leaders Program participants are split into four groups and tasked with delivering a presentation to answer one of the two questions: “What is the biggest opportunity facing local government in the next five years?” or “If you could make one major improvement in local government in the next 18 months, what would it be?”.
Paired with the presentation, the groups write a 3000-word report to display their critical thinking, reasoning, and business case. We are excited to announce the publication of our Emerging Leaders Program 2025 Cohort’s final reports on our website. We invite you to read these reports and see the fascinating work of your sectors' Emerging Leaders!
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GENERAL MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS NETWORK PRESENTS A LUNCH & LEARN FOR NETWORK MEMBERS
Tuesday 17 February 2026
Our first Lunch & Learn session for 2026 will be hosted by the LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network and will be focusing on Service Reviews that Matter: Moving Beyond the Theory. Councils across South Australia face similar challenges when delivering Service Reviews. Too often, the focus is on systems, processes, and frameworks – important, but not enough to create real impact. |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2026 ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE: POWERING LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Friday 20 March 2026
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.
Our full program includes 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. |
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TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO NOMINATE FOR A 25TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD
Nominations closing NEXT WEEK! 5:00PM Wednesday 4
February 2026
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. Don't leave your nomination too late - complete your submission now to recognise the excellence and leadership of your work! |
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How Leadership Onkaparinga is building leadership from the ground up.
When local government invests in people - not as recipients of solutions, but as leaders of them - something remarkable happens. Confidence grows. Connections deepen. Communities begin to shape their own future.
That belief sits at the heart of Leadership Onkaparinga, the City of Onkaparinga Community Development Team’s long-running leadership development program, now recognised with the 2025 Excellence in Community Services and Development Award at the LG Professionals SA 24th Leadership Excellence Awards.
For more than 15 years, the program has quietly but powerfully reshaped what community leadership looks like - supporting everyday residents to step into civic life, tackle complex challenges, and lead meaningful change where they live.
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*NEW PROGRAM* CHANGE DRIVERS PROGRAM
Register now to drive change in your organisation!
We’re excited to now offer the Change Drivers Program, delivered in partnership with Reframe Change.
In an increasingly complex and uncertain environment, leaders need more than traditional change management tools. The Change Drivers Program equips leaders to guide their organisations through change with confidence, clarity and momentum - aligning purpose, people and performance to create meaningful progress.
Delivered across three immersive four-hour modules, the program strengthens how leaders navigate change within themselves, their teams and their organisations. Grounded in practical tools and real-world application, participants will expand their thinking, build confidence and move from insight to action.
Who should attend?
This program is designed for leaders responsible for guiding, coordinating or supporting transformation and change initiatives within local government and beyond.
Download the brochure or visit our website. |
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*NEW LEADERSHIP PROGRAM* XLP – CONNECT
Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 February 2026
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. |
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STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Register now - LIMITED PLACES REMAINING!
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. |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S CAREER CATALYST PROGRAM
Register now - LIMITED PLACES REMAINING!
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, senior leaders, managers and executive.
The program commences 24 February 2026 and will conclude 31 March 2026. |
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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.
Registrations are currently sold out, but if you are interested in opportunities for Ignite in 2026 that might become available, please join our waitlist. Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more. |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S CAREER NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
ONE PLACE REMAINING! 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. |
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This month we spoke with Luigi Mesisca, Director Corporate & Community, Port Pirie Regional Council, about his role, how his background in the public sector drew him to local government, what he's most excited about for Port Pirie Regional Council for the year ahead, and his routine for the perfect weekend.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
I am the Director Corporate & Community at Port Pirie Regional Council, a role I commenced in May 2025. While I am relatively new to local government, I bring experience from senior roles in state government with the State Treasurer as well as consulting, with a strong background in corporate governance, strategic planning, policy and finance, which I now apply in a local government context. Read more... |
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Luigi Mesisca
Director Corporate & Community
Port Pirie Regional Council |
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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. |
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POWERFUL BUSINESS WRITING
Monday 2 March 2026
This course uses your own writing examples to demonstrate the use of Plain English principles and persuasive writing techniques.
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AI TRANSFORMATION: INTRODUCTION TO AI
Tuesday 10 March 2026
Discover not only why integrating AI into your work is essential for the future but also how to implement it ethically and responsibly. Learn practical strategies to leverage AI effectively while mitigating risks and ensuring that your adoption of this inevitable technology is both impactful and safe.
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AI BOOTCAMP
Tuesday 10 March 2026
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.
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INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Wednesday 25 March 2026
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. It is best suited for staff who may be new to managing projects or have not previously undertaken any formal project management training before.
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ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Wednesday 13 May 2026
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.
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SPEAK WITH INFLUENCE, NEGOTIATE WITH EASE
Friday 5 June 2026
This course will provide you with an insight into your current communication, negotiation and influencing styles. Course facilitator, Gary Edwards, will share a range of tools and frameworks that will enable you to communicate more effectively in any situation.
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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.
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We caught up with Hannah Combe, Governance Officer, Port Augusta City Council, about what led her to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, her key takeaways from the final module, and her advice for those undertaking the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026.
Congrats on graduating from the Emerging Leadership Program! What initially drew you to participate?
The Emerging Leaders Program was recommended to me by my manager as a valuable professional development opportunity. I was motivated to enhance my leadership capabilities and proactively invest in my career development.
The final module for the program focused on integrating your learnings – what were some of your key takeaways from this module?
The final module provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the key learnings from the program and consider how the tools we have gained can be practically applied in our careers.
The session tied the program together and reinforced that leadership development is an ongoing process, encouraging continued reflection and application post-program.
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And, what advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026?
I would strongly encourage anyone considering participating in the Emerging Leaders Program to seize the opportunity. If you are willing to invest the time and actively engage in the program, it is a rewarding opportunity for both personal and professional development. The program also serves as a valuable platform for networking, enabling participants to connect with and learn from other professionals across the local government sector. |
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Hannah Combe
Governance Officer
Port Augusta City Council
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We're pleased to announce that registrations for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program sold out in record time! If you were looking forward to joining us in the program this year, we encourage you to sign up to our waitlist to be the first to be notified of any places that might open up prior to the program commencing |
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NOMINATE NOW TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK COMMITTEE!
Nominations close 5:00PM Wednesday 4 February 2026
Would you like to be part of a passionate and dedicated committee providing meaningful opportunities and support to those working in the community space in the local government sector?
The LG Professionals SA Community Development Network Committee is calling for nominations for Committee Members. |
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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 75 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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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.
Thursday 12 March 2026 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum
Thursday 19 March 2026 - LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum
Tuesday 24 March 2026 - LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum
Tuesday 31 March 2026 - LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Forum
Thursday 23 April 2026 - LG Professionals SA Management Challenge
Friday 22 May 2026 - LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner
Friday 19 June 2026 - LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference
Friday 24 July 2026 - LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Conference
Friday 30 October 2026 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference
Registrations and further details on our events will be released 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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