WELCOME FROM YOUR
COMMITTEE MEMBERS |
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Welcome to the August 2026 Women’s Network Newsletter!
Behind every leader is a collection of experiences that shape how we approach challenges, support others, and contribute to our communities. Our recent Forum ‘The Stories We Lead From’ invited us to pause and reflect on the moments that have influenced us, not just as professionals, but as people.
Some stories are built through unexpected opportunities, others by setbacks, bold decisions, mentors, community, family, or quiet perseverance. Yet each one offers valuable lessons about leadership, growth, and the impact we can have when we lead with authenticity.
This edition celebrates the diverse experiences that women bring to local government. So, grab a cuppa and reflect on your own leadership journey and the story you continue to write every day.
When we acknowledge how far we've come, the challenges we've overcome, and the strengths we've developed along the way, we empower ourselves to step forward with confidence and purpose.
With warm regards,
Your Women’s Network Committee Members
Megan Elson, Merlindie Fardone, Gill Birch and Donna Johnston. |
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If you know of a woman who is new to your organisation or someone who hasn’t yet participated in our events before, please share this newsletter with them and encourage them to activate their membership via this link. We would love to ensure that all women in the sector have access to what we do.
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REFLECTIONS FROM THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM: THE STORIES WE LEAD FROM |
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The LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum ‘The Stories We Lead From’ was held on Thursday 30 July at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre, where we welcomed over 200 women from across South Australia for an uplifting morning of connection and personal growth.
Participants joined in person, via metro and regional hubs, and online, creating a warm and energetic atmosphere. We were delighted to achieve a Forum record of more than 110 people in attendance at the Arts Centre.
The program featured a thoughtful lineup of speakers, beginning with Sharon Mason, CEO of our host Council, the City of Onkaparinga, who shared her story of teenage rebel, to nurse to CEO. Joanna Giannes spoke about Reimagining the Narratives We Carry and invited attendees to participate in short workshops to strengthen our personal narratives.
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Our late morning session saw Jade Bird, Chloe Downes and Natasha Jones share their personal my stories. Three inspiring women, three incredibly different stories with different take aways for participants to implement in both their professional and personal lives. |
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Megan Elson
Senior Development Officer - Planning
City of Onkaparinga
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SNEAK PEEK! 2026 LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE!
The launch of the 2026 LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference is right around the corner... so it's time for you to save the date (Friday 30 October 2026) and get ready to secure your registration! As a sneak peek... learn more about the conference below.
You will be invited to join us at the 2026 LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Conference – EMPOWER. This conference is a day dedicated to building the confidence, capability and connections that help women in local government to thrive. Through inspiring keynotes, practical leadership insights, real-world stories, and thought-provoking discussions, you will explore how to navigate challenges, embrace opportunity, support others through mentoring, and create lasting impact in your organisation and community.
Whether you are an emerging leader, an experienced professional looking to take the next step in your career, or simply want a day to focus on you, EMPOWER will equip you with fresh perspectives, actionable strategies and the inspiration to lead with courage, authenticity and purpose. Join your colleagues from across local government for a dynamic day of learning, networking and empowerment, and leave energised to turn ideas into action and unlock your full potential! Stay tuned to our launch email to learn more details, with registrations open once launched. |
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WHEN WOMEN’S LABOUR IS SO INVISIBLE, IT’S NOT EVEN IN THE PHOTOS
I recently read a Women's Agenda piece by Emma May Lang about flicking through old family photo albums and realising her partner's mother was barely in any of them, not because she wasn't there, but because she was always the one behind the camera. It's a sharp illustration of the "mental load": the coordinating, remembering and meaning-making that mostly falls to women and just as often goes unseen. |
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Merlindie Fardone
Reinstatement Coordinator
City of Port Adelaide Enfield |
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It made me think about how that load doesn't clock off at 5:00PM. Most days I'm running two lists at once - one for work, one for home and neither ever really switches off. The work list is visible enough: what's outstanding, what needs following up. The home list lives quietly in the background, resurfacing at odd moments during the day, and it's rarely acknowledged as work at all.
The article makes the point that this kind of invisible labour has an impact well beyond the individual women carrying it, it shapes families and communities more broadly. That resonated with me. Carrying the mental load isn't a personal quirk; it's real, ongoing work, and it deserves to be recognised as such. |
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We recently spoke with Stacey Mills, Senior Strategic Planner, Town of Gawler, to hear about her role, how she's worked at four different councils, and the upcoming growth she's leading in her area.
Hi Stacey, what does your role at the Town of Gawler entail?
As the Town of Gawler's new Manager Growth, my role is really about helping prepare for what's ahead. Gawler is growing rapidly and could ultimately see its population almost triple, so a big part of my job is making sure we're planning for that growth in a way that benefits current and future residents.
The role brings together strategic planning, economic development, tourism, water planning, open space and community infrastructure planning, with a focus on shaping Gawler's future and delivering outcomes for the community. I have also been working closely with State Government agencies on projects such as the Northern Park Lands and Kudla Growth Area.
Having just stepped into the Manager Growth role this week, I'm excited to get to work with the team and help guide Gawler through its next phase of growth.
You've worked at four councils across Queensland and South Australia. What drives you to contribute so impactfully to communities?
One of the things I enjoy most about local government is that the work is tangible. The scale can vary enormously, from small town centre activations like pop-up parks, yarn bombing and food truck events, through to major planning projects that shape how a community grows. Whether it's a revitalised main street, more housing options or stronger local businesses, there's a clear connection between the work you do and the outcomes people experience every day.
Across the four councils I've worked with, every community has been different, but people generally want the same things: a great place to live, opportunities for their families, confidence about the future and, if all else fails, fairy lights!
You have also sat as an Independent Member on Committees for two councils in recent years. What moment, conversation or impact has been most rewarding for you in those positions?
Being an independent member has given me the opportunity to work closely with business owners and community leaders who are deeply invested in their local area. |
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One of the most rewarding things has been helping people understand the value of investing in place. A good marketing campaign or strong social media presence can attract visitors, but what people experience when they arrive is what makes them stay longer, spend more, return again and recommend a place to others.
It's easy to talk about economic development through reports and statistics, but hearing the stories behind the data brings it all to life. When committee advice helps strengthen a main street, support local businesses or create a more vibrant destination, it's rewarding to know you've played a small part in that outcome.
You are currently overseeing growth which is about to embark in your area. What are you most proud of in this piece of work?
What I'm most proud of is that we've focused on what we want Gawler's town centre to become, not just how it grows.
We've recently completed Phase 2 consultation on the Gawler Town Centre Structure Plan and are now finalising the Plan for Council's consideration. The level of community interest has been fantastic and shows just how important the town centre is to people.
I'm also proud of the collaborative approach. Projects like this don't happen because of one person - they rely on council staff, elected members, government agencies, businesses, the community and a great consultant team all working towards a shared vision. I'm excited to see that vision come to life. |
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Stacey Mills
Manager Growth
Town of Gawler
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Know of a woman working in local government who has an interesting story? We want to hear from you! Let our Network know via networks@lgprofessionalssa.org.au with their name, role and council, and we will note them down for a future feature opportunity. |
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SEEKING YOUR INPUT - SHAPE OUR LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK
LG Professionals SA is seeking feedback from the Women’s Network to shape our year ahead. Your input will assist us in guiding future content strategy and knowing your preference for Forum times. We’d love to hear from you!
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TOOLS, RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES
Below are some resources that our Committee has pulled together to support you in your work.
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INVITATION TO CONNECT
As the LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Committee represents you, we would love to hear your suggestions of content for future editions. Please feel encouraged to send relevant articles, links, profiles or information through to networks@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.
This edition of the newsletter was written by the following LG Professionals SA Women's Network Committee Members, we thank them for their insights, time and commitment; Megan Elson, Merlindie Fardone, Gill Birch and Donna Johnston. |
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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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