If you were forwarded this email (Hi! Welcome!), you can sign up to the newsletter here.

A WORD FROM THE CEO

August has been an exciting and busy month for
LG Professionals SA, with a full calendar of opportunities bringing local government professionals together to learn, connect and share insights across the sector.

There is a lot on offer right now, from Network Forums and Lunch and Learns, to our XLP Alumni session, AMPLIFY: Awards Spotlight Series and the launch of registrations for our Women’s Network Conference in October. Each of these opportunities has been designed to support professional growth, strengthen connections and create space for meaningful sector-wide learning.

August 2026
Edition 179

We are also pleased to have launched registrations for our 2027 Ignite Program and 2027 Executive Leaders Program, with registrations for both closing on Monday 30 November 2026. If you are considering your next development opportunity, or supporting someone in your team to take that next step, I encourage you to review the prospectus, join us online for an upcoming information session and begin those conversations early. Keep an eye on your inbox in the coming weeks for the launch of registrations for our 2027 Strategic Management Program.

This month, we are also proud to continue building momentum around our Field Workforce, with the launch of the Field Workforce Hub. This resource has been developed to highlight the valuable work of field workforce teams across local government, share practical ideas and showcase stories from the people delivering essential services in our communities every day. We look forward to continuing to grow this space and celebrate the contribution of field staff across South Australia.

As you prepare your 2025/26 Annual Reports, we encourage all councils and subsidiaries to include gender data reporting. Last year, 40 councils did so, and we'd love to see that number grow even further. To support you, the Champions for Gender Equity have developed a simple template to make reporting easier. Gender data is a vital workforce planning tool, helping councils identify opportunities, inform gender equality initiatives, and drive better outcomes for employees and communities. To request a copy of the template, please get in touch.

As we look ahead, the coming months promise to be just as full and energising. I encourage you to make the most of the opportunities available, get involved where you can, and continue investing in your professional development.

Wishing you all the best for the month ahead as we prepare to officially welcome spring from tomorrow!

Best wishes, 

Rhiannon

ONE TO WATCH - LOOKING BACK ON 25 YEARS OF THE
LG PROFESSIONALS SA LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARDS 

To mark the 25th anniversary of the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, we are proud to share this commemorative video celebrating the lasting impact of award-winning projects across South Australia.

Featuring stories from the City of Mitcham, Yorke Peninsula Council, City of Tea Tree Gully and Coorong District Council, this video revisits standout initiatives recognised through the Awards and explores how they have continued to grow, evolve and deliver meaningful outcomes for their communities.

For 25 years, the Leadership Excellence Awards have celebrated the people, projects and partnerships shaping the future of local government.

This video honours that legacy and the long-term value created when excellence, innovation and community impact are recognised and shared across the sector.

LAUNCHING THE FIELD WORKFORCE HUB!

We’re excited to officially launch the new LG Professionals SA Field Workforce Hub!

Developed following feedback from our 2025 Your Voice Matters survey and discussions with the Field Workforce Working Group, the Hub is a one-stop shop for South Australia’s local government field workforce.

It brings together resources, member profiles, field workforce news, cross-council collaboration and practical stories from people working across the sector - all in one place.

The Hub is designed to help field workforce employees learn from their peers, discover new opportunities and see what others are doing across councils throughout South Australia.

We’d love you to explore the Hub and share it with field workforce colleagues in your organisation.

There is a poster that has been created for your organisation to display in communal areas in the button below.

Know someone who would make a great member profile, or have a field workforce story worth sharing? You can also submit nominations and story ideas through the Hub.

This month we spoke with Ben Gauld, Team Member Reserve Maintenance, City of Marion, about his role, what a typical day looks like for him, his experience participating in the Australasian Management Challenge and how he spends his weekend (lots of kids' parties and forts!).

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

I have been working in local government for 11 years as a Horticulturalist. I spent 8 years with The City of Charles Sturt and have been with The City of Marion for 3 years. Read more...

Ben Gauld
Team Member Reserve Maintenance
City of Marion

2027 IGNITE PROGRAM - REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN! 🔥

Registrations for the 2027 Ignite Program are open! 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 program has been designed to engage participants, all from the South Australian local government sector, by regularly reflecting and debriefing on the local government challenges they face, and sharing strategies which have been successful or otherwise, all in the spirit of learning.

Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more.

INFORMATION SESSION

Interested in the program but would like to learn more and hear from Ignite Alumni?

The Ignite Program Information Session is being held Thursday 1 October 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM online via Zoom.

REGISTER FOR 2027 IGNITE

Registrations are open for the 2027 Ignite Program, closing Monday 30 November 2026.

2027 EXECUTIVE LEADERS PROGRAM - REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!

Registrations for the 2027 Executive Leaders Program (XLP) are open! 

Spanning three months, the Executive Leaders Program includes a range of innovative learning opportunities including two face-to-face intensives, six virtual sessions, personalised 1:1 coaching and access to cutting edge readings and materials all delivered by local and international leadership experts. A key element of this program’s effectiveness is the contribution made by participants in a peer learning environment.

Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more.

INFORMATION SESSION

Interested in the program but would like to learn more, and hear from XLP Alumni? 

The Executive Leaders Program Information Session is being held Thursday 3 September 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:00 AM online via Zoom.

REGISTER FOR XLP 2027

Registrations are open for the 2027 Executive Leaders Program, closing Monday 30 November 2026.

AMPLIFY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT SERIES - EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT / DISASTOR RECOVERY

Hear in-depth about the projects of our finalists in the Excellence in Emergency Management / Disaster Recovery at the 25^th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.

Register now to hear about initiatives from City of Charles Sturt, City of Mitcham and Yorke Peninsula Council.

This webinar is being held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 8 September 2026, 2:00PM – 3:00PM.

AMPLIFY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT SERIES - EXCELLENCE IN INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY (PROJECTS OVER $2 MILLION)

Hear in-depth about the projects of our finalists in the Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery (Projects over $2 million) at the 25^th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.

Register now to hear about initiatives from Alexandrina Council, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of West Torrens and The Barossa Council. 

This webinar is being held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 22 September 2026, 2:00PM – 3:00PM.

REGISTER NOW FOR FUTURE AMPLIFY SESSIONS:

• AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Community Services and Development, Tuesday 29 September 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
• AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, Tuesday 20 October 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
• AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Environmental Leadership and Sustainability, Tuesday 3 November 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
  

THE PEOPLE & CULTURE AGENDA FOR 2026–2027: CRITICAL MATTERS DEMANDING ATTENTION
Wednesday 16 September 2026

People and Culture professionals play a critical role in helping councils navigate changing workplace obligations, emerging risks and evolving employee expectations - making it essential to stay informed and prepared.

Join Principal Sathish Dasan from Norman Waterhouse Lawyers, who will provide practical updates and insights to support your work happening across local government.

This session is for LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Members only.

NETWORK LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES: ARE WE BUILDING THE ORGANISATION OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS? 
Wednesday 23 September 2026

Join us for our next Network Lunch and Learn Session, hosted by the
LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network.

Local government is more than a service provider. We are stewards of places, guardians of community wellbeing, and custodians of the systems and processes that help our communities thrive.

Join Pamela Jackson, CEO of the City of Holdfast Bay for a conversation about what it means to build an organisation that is fit for the future. Drawing on the work underway at the City of Holdfast Bay, Pamela will explore how initiatives such as the Excellence Framework, Integrated Management Framework, Leadership Practice Framework, organisational values, and the Target Operating Model (TOM) are helping shape an organisation that can deliver value, build trust, and respond to the evolving needs of the community.

This session will challenge participants to think beyond organisational structures and consider a deeper question: are we building the organisation our community needs, or simply improving the organisation we already have?

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A at the end of the session.

This webinar will be delivered via Zoom. Please be aware that our Network Lunch and Learn Series is open to LG Professionals SA Members only.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA 16TH ANNUAL WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE
Friday 30 October 2026

We're excited to have officially launched the 16th Annual 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!

Visit the website for more information. Read the full program here.

2026 WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP
*MEMBER BENEFIT*

Nominations are now open for either female field staff, or females employed at regional South Australian councils, to apply for a scholarship to attend the 2026 Women's Network Conference: EMPOWER. To self-nominate for one of ten conference scholarships, please complete the form through the link below.

This fantastic opportunity will allow successful applicants to step away from their day-to-day work and connect with other women across local government.

Successful applicants will join us at the conference to experience inspiring keynote speakers, engaging conference sessions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to support your professional growth and career development.

Nominations close 5:00PM on Friday 18 September 2026. If successful, scholarship recipients must be able to attend the 2026 Women's Network Conference on Friday 30 October 2026 at Morphettville Event Centre, and fund any travel or other expenses associated with their attendance to the conference.

How GROUNDED YP Art Festival turned winter into a celebration of culture, connection and community collaboration.

Across Guuranda, Yorke Peninsula, winter is usually the quieter season. Visitor numbers slow, townships settle into a gentler rhythm, and local activity naturally eases after the summer rush.

But for 10 days in August 2025, something different happened.

Town halls, cafes, schools, coastlines and community spaces came alive with creativity as the GROUNDED YP Art Festival brought artists, residents, businesses, Traditional Owners and visitors together across 12 townships.

Led by Yorke Peninsula Council’s Economic Development and Business Sustainability Team, in partnership with a passionate volunteer Arts and Cultural Working Group, the festival has now been recognised with the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.

What began as a plan to bring back local art exhibitions has become something much bigger: a place-based festival that celebrates regional identity, strengthens community connection and shows what is possible when a small council backs local creativity.

Learn more about this project and all finalists in the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards, in our upcoming AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series webinar for this category, scheduled for Tuesday 17 November 2026 from 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here now.

We caught up with some of our Emerging Leaders Program participants, Tom and Lisa, to hear about their experience so far, including why they chose to participate in the program, reflections from a recent module, and what they're looking forward to as part of the development opportunity.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

My manager recommended the Emerging Leaders Program to me, so I signed up as I saw it as a great opportunity to develop my leadership skills and become a better leader within local government. I was also interested in gaining a better understanding of myself as a leader and learning what areas I can improve in.

So far, the program has helped me step out of my comfort zone, which has helped build confidence and personal growth.

A recent module focused on ‘A Rural Perspective’ – what were some of your takeaways from this module?

“A Rural Perspective” module was a great day, and one thing I took away was gaining a better understanding of the challenges that rural and regional councils face.

It was good to see the City of Onkaparinga Civil Team undertaking maintenance to their unsealed roads. I always wondered why they don’t just bituminise these roads, but the team had a few explanations, with one being that some wineries prefer the rustic look of an unsealed road.

I also learnt that rural councils have more local knowledge and stronger relationships with their communities than metro councils do, which helps understand what the locals wants and needs are.

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

Besides further developing my leadership skills and knowledge, I’m looking forward to building stronger connections and friendships with my peers and networking with other councils.

Tom Hogan
Leading Hand Horticulture
City of West Torrens

You were part of the organising group for this module. What did you want the cohort to get out of the module?

As part of the group that organised the Local Government Module: Rural Perspective, we wanted participants to gain a better understanding of both the advantages and challenges of working in a rural council environment. We aimed to provide experiences and insights that participants may not have been exposed to in their own councils, helping broaden their perspective on local government across South Australia. Most importantly, we wanted everyone to have a fun and enjoyable day while taking away practical ideas, learnings and connections that they could apply back in their own councils.

How did you find organising the module with your group?

I enjoyed meeting people from other councils and working together to deliver the module. Everyone brought different strengths, ideas and experiences, which helped create a well-rounded and engaging program. Like any group project, there were challenges in coordinating schedules and pulling everything together, but it was a great opportunity to collaborate, share responsibilities and learn from one another. It also reinforced the importance of communication, flexibility and teamwork when delivering an event with many moving parts.

What was your biggest takeaway from the module?

My biggest takeaway was the value of collaboration and seeing how different councils approach similar challenges. It reinforced that while our contexts may differ, many of the issues we face are shared, and there is a lot to gain from learning from others' experiences. I also came away with a greater appreciation of the unique opportunities and challenges faced by rural councils and the innovative ways they adapt to meet community needs. It highlighted the importance of remaining open to new perspectives and considering how different approaches could be applied within our own organisations.

Lisa Warren
HR Business Partner
City of Onkaparinga

YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP

As your Membership Association, we are so grateful for your ongoing support, and investment in your teams.

We'd like to thank and welcome our new and renewing organisation members. We are grateful to have this opportunity to support all local government staff on their career journey into the future. As your membership Association, we are so grateful for your ongoing support, and investment in your teams. 

Not sure if your organisation holds a membership subscription? Click here to find out!

6. TAKE ON A LEADERSHIP ROLE

Represent the Association as a Board Member, Network Committee Member or Chair.

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

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our 71 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.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA CEO NETWORK & GENERAL MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS NETWORK FORUM: BACKING IT UP: LEADERSHIP, RESILIENCE AND MAINTAINING MOMENTUM
Thursday 10 September 2026

Join us for the LG Professionals SA CEO Network and General Managers and Directors Network Forum – Backing It Up: Leadership, Resilience and Maintaining Momentum. We're thrilled to be joined by Kevin Sheedy AO.

This Forum will be held on Thursday 10 September 2026 from 1:30PM – 5:00PM, including networking drinks. Whilst in person attendance at LG House (Adelaide) is strongly encouraged, this Forum will also be available via Zoom to make it accessible for regional executive teams.

CONGRATULATIONS TO COM WATCH FOR YOUR FANTASTIC PARTICIPATION IN THE AUSTRALASIAN MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE

After winning the SA State Management Challenge, City of Marion's ‘CoM Watch’ took up the Challenge for the second time in Hobart for the Australasian Management Challenge Final earlier this month.

What a great few days of learning, networking, camaraderie, challenges and fun! Well done to all teams.

A huge congratulations to Oceanside Alliance from Randwick City Council NSW, who were crowned the national champion at the Australasian Management Challenge Final.

Congratulations also to also to Dar-Winners, City of Darwin, NT who took out second place, and to our equal third place getters, Tactically Tasman, Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere, NZ, and The "Unknown" Macaques, City of Launceston, TAS.

Thank you to Challenge Partner JLT Australia for their support and passion for developing local government people.

FROM OUR COPORATE PARTNER, BEESQUARED CONSULTANTS 
FROM INSIGHT TO SUSTAINED RESULTS

A review may identify the right changes, but its recommendations can stall without clear ownership and an achievable implementation plan. Similarly, a project can deliver new software or processes without improving outcomes if roles, workflows and operational capacity have not been properly considered.

Sustained improvement requires three connected disciplines: independent evidence to understand the current state, structured project delivery to translate insight into change, and ongoing performance management to embed new ways of working.

This means thinking beyond the final report or project go-live date. Leaders should consider from the outset how change will be implemented, absorbed, measured and maintained.

Bee Squared brings Reviews, Projects and Performance together to help councils move from evidence and insight to practical, lasting improvement.

ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Friday 18 September 2026

Whether you’re leading infrastructure upgrades, delivering community programs or improving internal processes, strong project management skills are essential. And as local government professionals, we should be leading the way.

This course will explore project leadership and you will learn how to manage some of the challenges faced when managing big projects in a local government context.

POWERFUL BUSINESS WRITING

Tuesday 27 October 2026

The ability to write clearly, precisely, powerfully and persuasively is a key skill that enables you to summarise and present ideas, build relationships and gain commitment to action. It can also demonstrate your knowledge, confidence and professionalism.

This course uses your own writing examples to demonstrate the use of Plain English principles and persuasive writing techniques.

INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Wednesday 4 November 2026

This 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.

PERFORMANCE COACHING

Monday 9 November 2026

This course enables participants to develop skills and confidence in holding performance conversations in an easy and comfortable environment. Participants are provided opportunities to engage with a new and contemporary approach. They will prepare for effective performance conversations in their workplace.

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.

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 21 October 2026 - LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum

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

Thursday 12 November 2026 - LG Professionals SA Annual General Meeting

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 | lgprofessionalssa.org.au

Local Government Professionals South Australia Incorporated
Australian Registered Body Number 699 452 849 | ABN 901 765 327 68
148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au | 08 8224 2080 

Connect with us: