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A WORD FROM THE CEO

Mad March may have come to a close, but the momentum certainly hasn’t slowed. It’s been fantastic to see so many of you connecting with us across a range of programs, courses and events, including our Network Forums and flagship Annual State Conference.

This year’s Conference brought together inspiring speakers and practical insights, exploring key themes shaping the future of local government. The feedback has been incredibly positive, and we’re proud to deliver an event that continues to evolve and add value each year. We were thrilled to welcome 55 members from the Field Workforce to this year’s event, representing 19 councils from across the state – this was personally a highlight for me from the day.

March 2026
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It's been fantastic seeing the momentum behind our Network Forums which have kicked off again for 2026. This month, we've seen four Network Forums bring together Members from across the sector to share knowledge and learn within shared areas of interest. Keep your eye out for future Network activities throughout 2026 - it would be lovely for you to join us.

Looking ahead, excitement is building for the upcoming Management Challenge. Best of luck to all teams preparing to take part. I look forward to seeing your energy, collaboration and creativity on the day.

We’ll also be announcing finalists for the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards in the coming weeks; an exciting time to celebrate the outstanding work happening across our sector. In addition, the Call for Nominations is now open for the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government. This Award recognises a professional who has gone above and beyond, making a lasting impact on the sector in South Australia.

Finally, we’re pleased to be collaborating with a Federation of LG Professionals organisations across Australia, allowing us to bring even more value to our Members. As part of this, we’ve launched a new webinar series, the Global Insight Online Forum, connecting you with international thought leaders to explore shared challenges such as financial sustainability, workforce pressures and housing. Find out more and register for our Global Insight Online Forums below, proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW.

Looking forward to connecting with you at one of our many upcoming events or programs.

Best wishes, 

Rhiannon

LG PROFESSIONALS SA ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE: POWERING LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
Thank you for joining us for a fantastic day! 

What an energising day at the 2026 LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference – Powering Local Government! More than 300 delegates attended, and from the moment we opened, the room was buzzing with ideas, conversations and connections.

Our keynote speakers delivered powerful, practical takeaways that truly resonated. Jason Clarke challenged us to rethink how we approach problem-solving. Kaley Chu reminded us of the life‑changing power of connection. Ali Ahmadi inspired courage, clarity and confidence through his Inner GPS, while Lesley Magill prompted deep reflection on purpose and identity. Commissioner Grant Stevens outlined the current wins and challenges facing the SAPOL workforce, many of which were similar to those facing local government - a session expertly facilitated by Julia Grant. We closed on a high with Steven Bradbury, whose humour and resilience left us motivated to stay the course and be ready for opportunity.

A standout moment was the Field Workforce panel, shining a spotlight on the lived experiences, pride and impact of our frontline staff. It was a powerful reminder of who powers our communities every day, and we are so grateful that more than 50 Field Workforce staff were in the audience to hear from their sector peers.

Thank you to our incredible corporate partners and sponsors for your support, and to every delegate who made the conversations, networking and energy unforgettable. We’re already looking ahead to what’s next!

SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT: INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS FROM LEEDS

We’re delighted to share that our International Executive Leader Scholarship recipient, Jane Fetherstonhaugh, General Manager Corporate & Regulatory Services, City of Mount Gambier, has produced a report reflecting on her experience in October 2025 at the SOLACE Summit in the UK.

Over two days of panels, site visits and peer conversations, she examined how another mature local government system is tackling issues that mirror our own: housing affordability, fiscal resilience, infrastructure renewal, devolution and community wellbeing.

Highlights she brought home include:

• the value of place-based regeneration that links culture and long-term planning,
• practical approaches to scenario planning and governance that strengthen local decision-making,
• the power of peer networks and frank cross-jurisdictional conversation to spark new ideas.

Her full report translates these themes into actionable ideas for South Australia and for the City of Mount Gambier. Please reach out if you’d like a briefing for your council, and read the full report now through the link below.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S CAREER CATALYST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

The LG Professionals SA 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.

Our cohort this year consists of (in alphabetical order of last name): Hazel Anderson, Rani Clark, Melissa Hamilton, Vanessa Miller, Tegan Museveni, Katherine Russell, Leanne Schmidt, Abby Sim, Karen Wehrmann, Elise Weidenhofer, and Sarah Wozniak.

Congrats to the cohort. We are excited to see how the participants use these newly formed skills and tools to build a strong leadership legacy and identity, while staying true to their values, wellbeing and relationships.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Nominations close 9:00AM Monday 13 April 2026

The Call for Nominations is now open for the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government.

This Award recognises and acknowledges a local government professional who has gone above and beyond and made an outstanding contribution to the local government sector in South Australia.

Nominations are to be submitted by their peers, and the award recipient will be determined by an independent panel of judges appointed by LG Professionals SA.

Impact may arise from a single transformative initiative, rapid reform, or sustained contribution. 

For more information and nomination criteria please download the Call for Nominations overview.

Nominations must be received by 9:00AM Monday 13 April 2026 and be submitted to Rhiannon Clarke at executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! 2026 LG PROFESSIONALS SA LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE
Thursday 23 April 2026

The teams are ready, the energy is rising, the matching game day outfits are sorted, and the countdown is officially on for the LG Professionals SA 2026 Local Government Management Challenge.

The Management Challenge is a simulation-based program focused on team building, learning and networking, built around real local government themes and the kinds of issues a senior management team in council may face.

We are looking forward to welcoming teams from councils across South Australia for a day of unique, fast-paced tasks in a dynamic pressure-cooker environment.

We would like to wish all participants the very best for the day. Most importantly, we hope you embrace the experience, enjoy the challenge with your team, and make the most of every moment - it will be over before you know it.

AI AS A STRATEGIC LEVER FOR FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY 
Wednesday 29 April 2025

In this Global Insight Online Forum, we will explore how two councils have advanced their use of AI—examining implementation processes, risk management strategies, outcomes, and future plans to support ongoing service improvements and long-term financial performance. The session is designed for council leaders, managers, and policy makers seeking practical, real-world insights into AI adoption.

Available to LG Professionals SA Members only.

RETHINKING OUR APPROACH TO WORKFORCE CHALLENGES Thursday 21 May 2026

In this Global Insight Forum, we will examine how two councils have responded to workforce pressures through modern workforce design, internal development initiatives, and cultural improvements. Participants will gain insights into approaches that foster professional growth, support internal mobility, and create opportunities for people to shape and influence their organisation. The session will provide real-world examples of how capability can be strengthened across diverse local government contexts.

Available to LG Professionals SA Members only.

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR SECTOR
Friday 22 May 2026

Join us as we celebrate a milestone year, 25 years of the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, and come together to recognise the leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping our sector.

Our Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner is more than an event. It is an evening of recognition, connection and celebration - a chance to honour outstanding achievements, be inspired by excellence and gather with colleagues from across South Australia for a truly memorable night.

With a milestone anniversary and strong demand anticipated, this event is expected to sell quickly.

The Awards Gala Dinner will take place on Friday 22 May 2026, from 6:30PM at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Secure your place at the sector’s most prestigious evening and celebrate 25 years of leadership excellence in style.

How the Salisbury Aquatic Centre redevelopment turned a tired facility into a thriving community hub.

For many Australians, the local pool is more than a place to swim. It’s where summers are spent, confidence is built, and communities come together.

In Salisbury, that legacy was at risk.

The original aquatic centre, built in the 1960s, had reached the end of its life. It no longer met modern expectations for accessibility, sustainability, or the diverse needs of a growing community. But instead of simply replacing it, the City of Salisbury saw an opportunity to do something more ambitious.

The result is the Salisbury Aquatic Centre Redevelopment - a $30 million transformation that has reimagined the site as a vibrant, inclusive and future-focused community precinct, now recognised with the 2025 Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery Award.

This month we spoke with Bryar Ostendorf, Team Leader Water Operations, Copper Coast Council, about his role, how his traineeship in local government helped him find his passion, why he put his hand up for the 2026 Ignite Program, and his family's guilty pleasure (binge-watching Grey's Anatomy).

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

My role is Team Leader – Water Operations. I have been in local government since January 2017. Read more...

Bryar Ostendorf
Team Leader Water Operations
Copper Coast Council

CHANGE DRIVERS PROGRAM - NEW PROGRAM
Register now to drive change in your organisation!

We’re excited to 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.

Interested in offering this program 'in-house' to your staff?

Let us come to you. Please reach out to Kylee Noble, Manager — Professional Development and Networks via kylee@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

Download the brochure or visit our website.

We caught up with Taskin Muktasid, Project Manager Civil Services, City of Marion, about what led him to participate in the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program, his key takeaways from the program, and his advice for those undertaking the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026.

Congrats on graduating from the Emerging Leadership Program! What made you sign up initially?

I’ve worked in project management throughout my entire career and have served as a Project Manager for the past few years. While I enjoy delivering projects, I realised I wanted to grow beyond just managing projects and better understand what effective leadership looks like. I was also curious about the difference between being a manager and being a leader. On top of that, I saw the program as a great opportunity to expand my professional network within South Australian local councils.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

My biggest takeaway was that leadership is less about authority and more about influence, communication and understanding people. The program encouraged a lot of self-reflection and helped me better understand my own leadership style.

It also showed me how important it is for leaders to build trust, listen actively and bring people along with them.

What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program in the future?

Go in with an open mind and be willing to get involved. The more you participate in the discussions, activities and group work, the more value you’ll get from it. It’s also a great chance to learn from people across different councils and build strong professional connections.

Taskin Muktasid
Project Manager Civil Services
City of Marion

LG PROFESSIONALS SA PEOPLE AND CULTURE NETWORK: LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP 
Thursday 4 June 2026

Our People and Culture Network Members are invited to a collaborative Learning & Development workshop designed for local government Learning and Development practitioners – of all levels and experience. This interactive session will explore how local governments are strengthening capability, building learning cultures, and supporting their people in meaningful, practical ways.

This session recognises that there is no single ‘right’ model for learning and development – every organisation is at a different stage, with different resources. Whether you’re formalising your approach, refreshing existing programs, or embedding a more strategic learning culture, your experience will add value.

Workshop runs on Thursday 4 June 2026 from 9:30AM - 12.30PM at the Charles Sturt Civic Centre 72 Woodville Road, Woodville SA 5011 and via Zoom. This workshop is available to LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Members only.

AI TRANSFORMATION: INTRODUCTION TO AI
Monday 11 May 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.

AI BOOTCAMP

Monday 11 May 2026

You’ll explore how to use free AIs safely, while understanding the difference between free and paid options currently within the market. This will include learning how to integrate AI-driven productivity tools into your daily tasks, discovering best practices for maximising efficiency, and diving into cutting-edge features of Microsoft Copilot.

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.

See a course that you would like to deliver in-house directly to your employees at your Council or Subsidiary? Please reach out to Jade Falco, Training and Development Officer at jade@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

FROM OUR COPORATE PARTNER, NORMAN WATERHOUSE
WALK THE TALK CONFERENCE 2026

For nearly 20 years, South Australia’s pre-eminent employment law conference has set the standard. This year is no different. Join us as we show you HOW TO… Walk the Talk.

Across a practical, insight-packed day, our experts will guide you through implementing the latest developments in employment and industrial law, drafting robust and commercially sound employment agreements, negotiating strong and compliant enterprise agreements, and managing the growing risks associated with artificial intelligence in the workplace.

Whether you’re a Human Resource professional, CEO, manager or team leader, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

The conference will be taking place on Friday 1 May 2026, The Sanctuary in the Adelaide Zoo. View the full program here.

YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP

1. CONNECT WITH THE BEST

Our Members are the leaders of today and tomorrow. You will make crucial connections to people and ideas to take your career to the next level.

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

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our 102 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. 

Thursday 23 April 2026 - LG Professionals SA Management Challenge

Tuesday 5 May 2026 - LG Professionals SA Community Development Network Forum

Wednesday 17 June 2026 - LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum 

Friday 19 June 2026 - LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference

Tuesday 23 June 2026 - LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum

Friday 24 July 2026 - LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Conference

Thursday 30 July 2026 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum 

Friday 30 October 2026 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference 

Registrations and further details on our events will be 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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