A WORD FROM THE CEO
There is so much to celebrate across our sector, and it was wonderful to recognise the dedication, collaboration and innovation of local government professionals at the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 22 May.
With more than 580 people in attendance, our 25th anniversary celebration was a truly special evening. It was a powerful reminder of the incredible impact local government professionals have on communities across South Australia, and a fitting way to mark 25 years of celebrating excellence in our sector. |
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Congratulations to all winners and finalists. Your work is deeply valued and truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you also to our Award Sponsors and Corporate Partners for your ongoing commitment and support, which plays an important role in recognising and empowering the sector.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to travel to Hobart in August with the City of Marion’s CoM Watch team, who will represent South Australia in the Australasian Management Challenge Final. We wish them every success as they compete against teams from across Australia and New Zealand for the 2026 title.
We are also looking forward to welcoming many of you to our upcoming conferences, including the Economic Development Conference in June and the People and Culture Conference in July. These events are vital opportunities to bring professionals together, strengthen connections, share knowledge and continue enhancing our industry.
As we approach the end of the financial year, now is a great time to consider your professional development goals. Our leadership programs and short courses are available year-round, and planning ahead can help you make the most of the opportunities ahead.
I look forward to connecting with you at one of our upcoming events.
Best wishes,
Rhiannon |
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25 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AT THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA AWARDS GALA DINNER
On Friday 22 May 2026, more than 580 local government professionals came together at the Adelaide Convention Centre for the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner - our largest Awards Gala Dinner ever!
The evening was a fitting celebration of the people, projects and achievements shaping local government across South Australia. Congratulations to all finalists for their outstanding contributions, and to the winners recognised on the night for their excellence, innovation and impact.
We look forward to bringing the sector together again in 2027 for the 26th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. Stay tuned to our channels later this year for details on how to nominate. In the meantime, read more about this year’s winning projects and people through the link below. |
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CONGRATULATIONS FROM OUR COPORATE PARTNERS AND AWARD SPONSORS |
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The LGFA congratulates all nominees, finalists, and winners of the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. This years’ Awards really showcased the breadth of high achievement we’re seeing across the sector, and all those involved should be proud of their work. We’d also like to thank LG Professionals SA for showcasing the innovation and dedication within South Australian local government. We look forward to continuing our support for the sector's growth and excellence. |
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LGRS congratulates all winners and finalists of the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. As long-standing partners in mitigating risk and claims services for South Australian Councils and Local Government entities across South Australia, we have thoroughly enjoyed recognising and celebrating the sector's commitment to excellence and innovation – all of which strengthens our communities. |
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Norman Waterhouse extends its warmest congratulations to all finalists and winners of the
LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
As proud sponsors of the Excellence in Emergency Management / Disaster Recovery and Excellence in Local Economic Development categories, we are honoured to support and celebrate the outstanding initiatives strengthening resilience, and growth across local communities. |
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Hostplus extends our heartfelt congratulations to all finalists and winners of the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. Much like the incredible community projects nominated, Hostplus is working to support the people in our community every day. Our mission is to maximise our members’ superannuation outcomes so that they can enjoy a dignified retirement. We are proud to support the local government sector, and it was fantastic to support and celebrate the outstanding contributions that enhance our communities across South Australia at the recent Awards. Congratulations, all!
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Congratulations to all of the winners of the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards from BRM Advisory! Many great projects, initiatives and people were put forward – and the Awards Gala Dinner itself is a great reminder of how much is happening within the sector. Local government is the level of government that gets things done – and we enjoy working with our council clients across just about every area of council operations to find practical solutions, and drive innovation. |
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Maxima is proud to see the breadth of impactful work being undertaken across the local government sector, making our communities and workplaces better places to live, work and play. Founded in 1985 to support local government recruitment, we’re proud to continue standing alongside the sector to help build capable, inclusive workforces.
We send our very best to all winners of the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. Thank you for your commitment to leading excellence and innovation in local government. |
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After an exciting countdown and lead‑up to the Annual Awards Gala Dinner, Bee Squared Consultants is delighted to celebrate alongside all of the winners of the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. Congratulations to everyone involved.
It has been inspiring to see so many passionate and significant projects recognised as finalists this year. The winning initiatives speak for themselves, reflecting the high standards of excellence, innovation and leadership being demonstrated across the local government sector.
Congratulations from the team at Bee Squared. |
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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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LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2026
PEOPLE AND CULTURE NETWORK CONFERENCE: CULTURE BY DESIGN
Friday 24 July 2026 Join us at the 2026 LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Conference - Culture by Design. This conference brings together local government people and culture professionals for a practical, future-focused day dedicated to shaping workplaces with intention, courage and care, and explores how communication, capability, mental safety and values-driven leadership intersect to create strong, sustainable council cultures.
Through engaging keynotes, real-world council case examples and an interactive panel, attendees will gain fresh insights into psychosocial risk, workforce capability uplift and cultural transformation in the local government sector. From building confidence and connection, to creating mentally safe workplaces and embracing constructive “good trouble,” the program is designed to be relevant, practical and energising. Join peers from across the sector to learn, reflect and connect, and leave equipped with ideas and tools you can apply immediately to design culture that delivers for people, councils and communities.
This conference is open to all local government people and culture, work health safety and human resource professionals - we also strongly encourage anyone who works closely with people and culture or with a passion or role in leading the future of the local government workforce to attend. |
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How Jared Wilson’s values-led approach to community safety is helping Alexandrina Council deliver care, trust and practical support where it matters most.
Community safety is often thought of in terms of regulation, compliance and enforcement.
For Jared Wilson, Senior Coordinator - Community Safety at Alexandrina Council, it is also about something much more human: creating trust, supporting people through complex situations and helping communities feel safe, respected and cared for.
Now recognised as the Emerging Leader of the Year at the 2026 LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards, Jared has been celebrated for the way he brings clarity, kindness and capability to a role that sits at the centre of many high-impact community services.
His work spans animal management, public safety, customer experience, regulatory responsibilities, staff leadership and service improvement. It is a broad portfolio, but one Jared approaches with a clear sense of purpose.
“My journey into leadership began through a strong desire to contribute and assist the community,” Jared says.
“I have always enjoyed collaborating with people and contributing to projects that make a positive difference for others.”
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This month we spoke with Sophie Kavoukis, Community Development Officer (Neighbourhoods), Campbelltown City Council, about her role, her takeaways from our recent
LG Professionals SA Community Development Network Forum, and how she spends her free time volunteering as an English tutor.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
Campbelltown City Council is my first experience working in local government, and I have been here going on 8 years – time flies when you are having fun! Read more... |
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Sophie Kavoukis
Community Development Officer (Neighbourhoods)
Campbelltown City Council |
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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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LG PROFESSIONALS SA BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT NETWORK FORUM: PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS
Tuesday 23 June 2026
Join us for the LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Partnering for Progress. This Forum brings together local government professionals, community leaders and regional changemakers to explore the power of partnership in creating vibrant, connected and resilient communities. Through real-world case studies, collaborative discussions and networking opportunities, attendees will hear how councils are working alongside community, volunteers and local business to deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes. The Forum will showcase innovative approaches to community-led development, place activation and stakeholder engagement, highlighting the importance of trust, collaboration and shared ownership in driving successful outcomes.
This Forum runs on Tuesday 23 June 2026 from 9:30AM - 12:30PM at Don Pyatt Hall. 175 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067 and via Zoom.
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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 in the 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, HOSTPLUS
FIVE WAYS TO MAKE THE PAYDAY SUPER TRANSITION EASIER
With 1 July 2026 just around the corner, the move to Payday Super is nearly here. The legislation requires employers to pay superannuation at the same time as salary and wages, rather than monthly or quarterly. Under Payday Super, employers will have seven business days from each payday for employees’ superannuation contributions to be received by their nominated super fund.
This represents one of the most significant reforms to employer super obligations in decades. So, to help employers navigate it, Hostplus has put together five simple ways businesses can get ahead of the transition now: - Start by resolving data issues, including fixing errors flagged by super funds and checking that onboarding details are correct.
- Review your cash flow to assess how Payday Super could affect your budgeting processes and understand how more frequent outflows may affect your business.
- Next, map your payroll workflow so you know who does what and can quickly correct issues within the seven-day time frame.
- Check your payroll system supports Payday Super and whether you’ll need to install any updates to stay compliant. If you use the ATO Small Business Clearing House, you’ll need to transition to a new one, as this won’t exist after 30 June 2026.
- Finally, encourage employees to keep their details up to date. Outdated information is one of the most common reasons contributions bounce back.
This information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if this information is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances before acting on it. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available at hostplus.com.au/pds and hostplus.com.au/ddo before making a decision about Hostplus.
Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund ABN 68 657 495 890.
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YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP
3. BE INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED From small discussion groups to international keynote
presentations, our programs are developed reflecting
current and future priorities, needs and issues,
with members offered a discount for each event.
Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. |
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NEW
MEMBERS
Welcome
to our 39 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 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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