A WORD FROM THE CEO
April may have been a shorter month with a few well-earned public holidays, but it’s certainly been a busy one at LG Professionals SA. From delivering the Management Challenge to announcing Award finalists and launching a range of Forums, workshops and short courses, there’s been plenty of activity across the sector.
A big congratulations to the 14 teams who recently took part in the 2026 LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge. Participating is no small feat, and each team should be incredibly proud of their effort, collaboration and commitment - we certainly are. Be sure to read on for a wrap-up of the day’s highlights.
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For Members whose organisation subscriptions are due to expire soon, our team will be in touch with renewal information shortly. We’re proud to continue supporting the development and connection of local government professionals across South Australia, and we thank you for your ongoing investment in your teams and the sector.
As we approach the announcement of winners for the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards at the Awards Gala Dinner, it’s been a pleasure to celebrate our finalists across each category in our inboxes. If you’ve missed any announcements, I encourage you to catch up via our LinkedIn videos and take the opportunity to congratulate those recognised as they are released.
We look forward to celebrating with you at the Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 22 May 2026 and celebrating 25 years of recognising the amazing people, initiatives and innovations that shape our sector.
Best wishes,
Rhiannon |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL TEAMS ON COMPLETING THE 2026
LG PROFESSIONALS SA MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE!
Thank you for joining us for a fantastic day!
The LG Professionals SA 2026 Local Government Management Challenge was once again full of energy, excitement, teamwork and a few nerves, as teams from across the state took on the fast-paced realities of local government.
From executive briefings and leadership meetings to curveball scenarios and challenges under pressure, teams were called on to think quickly, work collaboratively and respond as tasks came in throughout the day. The result was an exhilarating and rewarding experience that tested both capability and composure.
For more than 30 years, the Management Challenge has been at the forefront of professional development in local government across Australia and New Zealand. It offers participants a valuable opportunity to build and strengthen their skills in leadership, communication, negotiation, decision-making, analysis and engagement. Our team at
LG Professionals SA always enjoys seeing participants step beyond their comfort zones and thrive in the process.
A huge thank you to all involved in the day - our teams, mentors, facilitators and observers. Your engagement and support are what bring this event to life.
We look forward to doing it all again next year.
Congratulations to all of the Management Challenge teams! - City of Adelaide – Adelaide Things
- City of Burnside – Bring It On Burnside
- City of Charles Sturt – Tour de Sturt
- City of Marion – CoM Watch
- City of Mitcham – MitchBusters
- City of Onkaparinga – Midcoast Krakens
- City of Playford – North of Ordinary
- City of Prospect and City of Unley – UPC United
- City of Port Adelaide Enfield – It's a Me, PAE
- City of Salisbury – Skull & CoS-Bones
- City of Tea Tree Gully – MIB Gully Defender
- City of West Torrens – The Westside Soarers
- Mount Barker District Council – Summit Like It's Hot
- Rural City of Murray Bridge – No:ri Nation
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR EMERALD PARTNER
Local Government Risk Services (LGRS) have proudly partnered with
LG Professionals SA for 25 years and continue to celebrate the achievements of the local government sector through the Leadership Excellence Awards. Join us in hearing from Kirsty Gold, LGA Mutual Liability Scheme Manager with LGRS who has a special message to all LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Award finalists for 2026. |
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JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR SECTOR
Friday 22 May 2026
We're counting down the days until it's the one night a year where we come together to recognise, support and celebrate the fantastic work being done by our colleagues across the sector. We're so excited to celebrate 25 years of the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards!
Our Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner is a great way to celebrate our sector's achievements, be inspired and network with peers.
Date: Friday 22 May 2026
Time: 6:30PM till late
Location: Adelaide Convention Centre
Registrations for our 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner must close Monday 11 May 2026. Don't miss out! Register now to secure your place. |
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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.
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JOIN US IN JUNE FOR OUR 2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE, FUTURE PROSPERITY: ADAPTING FOR GROWTH
Friday 19 June 2026
This year’s program brings together leaders from local government, industry, and community to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping South Australia’s economic future.
Across keynote presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions, we’ll unpack how local government can adapt to shifting economic conditions, harness innovation, and foster resilient, thriving communities. From navigating workforce and demographic change, emerging governance and risk issues, to driving investment, sustainability, and place-based development, this conference offers practical insights and inspiring stories from across the state and beyond.
Designed for local government professionals, Adapting for Growth is your chance to connect, learn, and collaborate.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, build networks, and contribute to shaping a prosperous future for South Australia. |
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How Adelaide Plains Council helped a community navigate crisis with care, connection and leadership
When crisis hits, it rarely comes quietly.
For the Adelaide Plains, the arrival of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was exactly that - a sudden and unprecedented biosecurity event that rippled through one of South Australia’s most important horticultural regions.
More than 20 hectares of crops were destroyed. Over 1,000 jobs were impacted. Families, workers and businesses were left facing immediate uncertainty.
But in the middle of it all, something equally powerful emerged: a coordinated, compassionate response that showed the true role of local government in times of crisis.
Recognised with the 2025 Excellence in Emergency Management / Disaster Recovery Award, Adelaide Plains Council’s response is being celebrated as a model of what it means to lead - not just operationally, but humanly. |
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This month we spoke with Melanie Amezdroz, Team Leader Governance, City of Prospect, about her role, why she decided to undertake the Management Challenge and her experience in a composite team, and her love for musical theatre.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
I have been with the City of Prospect for 3 years and I am currently their Team Leader Governance. I started in local government 15 years ago with Kingston District Council, performing a range of different roles, including WHS, risk, events, volunteer management, project planning, grants writing, and a wide breadth of governance functions. Read more... |
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Melanie Amezdroz
Team Leader Governance
City of Prospect |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK FORUM: BUILDING BELONGING
Tuesday 5 May 2026
Join the LG Professionals SA Community Development Network for their first Forum of 2026: Building Belonging. Local government is at the heart of building socially connected communities where everyone feels they belong. While strategies, frameworks and plans guide this work, it’s the real stories happening across our councils that show social cohesion in action. We will explore how councils are strengthening connection, belonging and resilience through creative projects, intercultural initiatives, volunteer partnerships, and inclusive programs. This Forum is for anyone working with communities who wants practical, grounded examples of how local government can build stronger, more cohesive places.
Forum will take place on Tuesday 5 May 2026 from 9:30AM - 12:30PM at Campbelltown City Council Chambers, 172 Montacute Road, Rostrevor SA 5073 and via Zoom.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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. |
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FROM OUR COPORATE PARTNER, NORMAN WATERHOUSE
LAST CHANCE: 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 Norman Waterhouse as they show you HOW TO… Walk the Talk.
Across a practical, insight-packed day, 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 tomorrow, Friday 1 May 2026 at The Sanctuary in the Adelaide Zoo. View the full program here.
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YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP
2. GROW YOUR NETWORKS Our Networks help you create lasting connections
with peers who share a common idea or experience.
Sharing information, gaining support, raising
awareness, and shaping the future of local
government starts with our Networks.
Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. |
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NEW
MEMBERS
Welcome
to our 23 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 18 June 2026 - LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Online Session
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! |
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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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