A WORD FROM THE CEO
We can all feel that spring is well underway and at
LG Professionals SA we’re heading into another busy few months filled with opportunities to connect, learn and invest in your development. A highlight this month was welcoming AFL great Kevin Sheedy AO to our CEO Network and General Managers and Directors Network Forum. It was fantastic to bring our senior leaders together to hear his practical leadership insights and recognise the incredible power of innovation. |
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September 2026
Edition 180
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Our AMPLIFY: Awards Spotlight Series has also received fantastic feedback, giving Members the opportunity to hear directly from finalists of our 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards and learn more about the people and projects behind their success. There are still sessions to come, and you can register below to join us online for free. October brings another Network Lunch and Learn, along with our Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum, which will focus on all things data. These are great opportunities to keep learning and connecting as we move towards the end of the year. If recent performance conversations have you thinking about what 2027 could look like for your career, registrations are now open for our Executive Leaders Program, Strategic Management Program and Ignite Program. These programs are renowned across the local government sector and offer an opportunity to build your capability, connections and confidence as you take your next step. Learn more about the programs and register below. We’ve also opened a Call for Nominations to join the LG Professionals SA Board. If you’re a Voting Member passionate about strengthening our sector and supporting the development of local government people, I encourage you to consider nominating. Members have been sent the details, but if you’d like to discuss what’s involved, please reach out to me directly. If a full program isn’t on your radar just yet, why not finish 2026 with some extra learning under your belt? We have a handful of short courses still to come, giving you plenty of opportunity to sharpen your skills and charge through to the end of the year. Enjoy the sunshine, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Best wishes,
Rhiannon |
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DRIVE THE FUTURE OF LG PROFESSIONALS SA - NOMINATE NOW TO JOIN OUR BOARD!
Are you an LG Professionals SA Voting Member with a drive to help shape the future of the Association for the benefit of your peers and the sector? We encourage you to nominate for our Board!
We're seeking board nominations as we look to appoint five positions for a two-year term,
ending at the conclusion of the 2028 Annual General Meeting.
Such nominations can be made to Rhiannon Clarke in writing on the accompanying nomination form via email to executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au to be received no later than 12:00PM on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
To discuss what’s involved in being a Board Member, or to gain access to the recording of our LG Professionals SA Prospective Board Member Information Session, please contact Rhiannon Clarke, Chief Executive Officer via executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS! 🎓
Earlier this month, we recognised and
celebrated our Strategic Management Program 2026 cohort at their program
graduation.
Pictured (in alphabetical order of last name): Adam May,
David Bills, Jaidyn Edwards, Kelly Tagalan, Luke Skeer, Maren Butz, Maria
Howlin Oakley, Matthew Crowden, Michelle Dikih, Mohammed (Zaman) Bhuiyan,
Monika Monika Matej, Munivenkata Krishna Sunkappa Reddappa, Sahara Smith, and
Sonja Lawrance.
Developed in partnership with Adelaide
University and local government experts, the Strategic
Management Program guides participants to build high-level leadership
and management skills within a local government context, and learn technical
skills to manage business functions and enhance innovation, strategic thinking,
business acumen and operational excellence. Want to join the program for 2027? You can register now.
Congratulations to you all - we can’t
wait to see what awaits you next! 🎉
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How a shared irrigation team is helping three councils deliver better value, stronger open spaces and lasting community benefit.
Great community spaces do not happen by accident. Behind every green oval, playable fairway and welcoming park is the essential infrastructure that keeps those places thriving.
For the Cities of Charles Sturt, Marion and Port Adelaide Enfield, maintaining that infrastructure had become increasingly challenging. Ageing irrigation systems, rising construction costs, contractor market pressures and growing community expectations were all placing pressure on how councils delivered high-quality public open spaces.
Rather than working through the challenge separately, the three councils chose collaboration.
The result was the Cross-Council Irrigation Construction team, an innovative shared service model that has been recognised with the Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration Award at the 2026 LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
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Learn more about this project and all finalists in the Excellence in Cross Council 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 1 December 2026 from 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here now. |
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2027 IGNITE PROGRAM - LIMITED PLACES REMAINING!
The LG Professionals SA Ignite Program is a leadership learning path for new supervisors, team leaders and coordinators in local government across South Australia.
As a new leader with limited experience in managing and leading people, this program focuses on enabling you to develop the competencies required to be successful in your role. The Ignite Program spans 12 program days, plus an orientation session and graduation, and is delivered over 10 months.
Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more. Registrations are open for the 2027 Ignite Program, closing Monday 30 November 2026.
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The Ignite Program Information Session is being held Thursday 1 October 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM online via Zoom.
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2027 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Strategic Management Program (SMP) is designed for local government professionals ready to broaden their perspective, strengthen their business capability and step more confidently into strategic leadership.
Developed in partnership with Adelaide University and local government experts, this program goes beyond theory to build the practical skills needed to manage complex business functions, think strategically and lead improvement in a local government context.
Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more.
Registrations are open for the 2027 Strategic Management Program, closing Monday 30 November 2026.
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The Strategic Management Program Information Session is being held Thursday 8 October 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM online via Zoom.
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2027 EXECUTIVE LEADERS PROGRAM
Spanning three months, the Executive Leaders Program (XLP) 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.
Interested in the 2027 Executive Leaders Program but missed our online information session? Please contact Rhiannon Clarke via rhiannon@lgprofessionalssa.org.au to gain a recording of the session. Registrations are open for the 2027 Executive Leaders Program, closing Monday 30 November 2026.
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This month we spoke with Tahlia Tirimacco, Arboricultural Maintenance Worker, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, about her role, what a typical day looks like, her favourite part of working in Arboriculture, and her impressive accolades in the Korean martial art, Tang Soo Do.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
My role is an Arboricultural Maintenance Worker at the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. I have been in local government for a total of 5 years, with 2 and a half of those years as an apprentice and 3 years full-time.
What does your typical day look like for you?
We start our morning with a toolbox meeting where we discuss our day plans and prioritise our jobs for the day. Our jobs can range anywhere from our street tree maintenance program to customer requests and emergency works. Our day is never the same; the variety we get is what makes our job interesting and exciting, as no two trees are the same.
What’s your favourite part of working in Arboriculture?
I love being outside in the sunshine and the instant satisfaction of a completed job. |
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What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the work you do?
There is a skill and science to tree pruning. We are not tree butchers; the way we prune is for the benefit of the tree and the community. We aren’t unskilled and prune for no reason. We aim to educate the public about what we do when possible.
Tell us something about you that we don’t know?
I’m a 2nd-degree black belt in the martial art of Tang Soo Do and have been training for 22 years. I competed in the 2025 Tang Soo Do World Championships, where I placed 1st place in Team Form, 2nd place in Individual Forms, and 4th place in sparring. |
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Tahlia Tirimacco
Arboricultural Maintenance Worker
City of Port Adelaide Enfield |
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Know someone who would make a great member profile, or have a field workforce story worth sharing?
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT NETWORK FORUM: ARE WE DATA RICH BUT INSIGHT POOR?
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Are we data rich but insight poor?
This Forum explores how practical, affordable and purposeful use of data, from organisational performance measures and asset and financial data to economic trends, community insights and research, can turn information into actionable insights.
This Forum will be held in person at Minor Works Building Community Centre: 22 Stamford Court, Adelaide 5000 and via Zoom on Wednesday 21 October from 10:00AM - 12:30PM.
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This month we spoke with Emily Pemberton, Team Leader Communications at the City of Salisbury, about her role, her participation as Vice Chair of the
LG Professionals SA Women's Network Committee, why she thinks you should consider joining a Network Committee, and what's next in her professional development journey.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
I’m the Team Leader of Communications at City of Salisbury in the Brand, Communications and Experience Division. I’m coming up on my 2-year anniversary in local government in October, and it has flown! Read more... |
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Emily Pemberton
Team Leader Communications
City of Salisbury
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AMPLIFY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT SERIES - EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Hear in-depth about the projects of our finalists in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
Register now to hear about initiatives from City of Playford, City of Port Adelaide Enfield and City of Salisbury.
This webinar is being held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 20 October 2026 from 2:00PM – 3:00PM.
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AMPLIFY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT SERIES - EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY
Hear in-depth about the projects of our finalists in the Excellence in Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Award at the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
Register now to hear about initiatives from City of Charles Sturt, City of Mitcham, City of Port Lincoln and City of Salisbury.
This webinar is being held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 3 November 2026 from 2:00PM – 3:00PM.
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REGISTER NOW FOR FUTURE AMPLIFY SESSIONS:
- AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration, Tuesday 17 November 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
- AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration, Tuesday 1 December 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
- AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in People and Culture, Tuesday 15 December 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
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NETWORK LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES: AGEING WELL FOR THE YEARS AHEAD
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Join us for our next Network Lunch and Learn Session hosted by the
LG Professionals SA Community Development Network.
This session will explore practical approaches to supporting people to age well through stronger planning, engagement and community services. Attendees will hear from COTA SA and two councils on how lived experience, strategy and local delivery can shape more inclusive, connected and age-friendly communities.
This webinar will be delivered online via Zoom. Please be aware that our Network Lunch and Learn Series is open to LG Professionals SA Members only.
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GLOBAL INSIGHT ONLINE FORUM: CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Join us for our next Global Insight Online Forum: Circular Economy, proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW. Managing bulky household waste remains a significant challenge for councils seeking to reduce landfill, prevent illegal dumping and minimise the impact on local communities. All councils would benefit from an increased resource recovery, enabling better environmental and community outcomes without placing further pressure on waste budgets. This Global Insight Online Forum will explore how two councils, Alachua Country Florida and Inner West Council, NSW, are addressing bulky waste, showcasing community- driven solutions tailored to the needs of their residents. This Global Insight Online Forum is available to LG Professionals SA Members only, and will take place on Tuesday 27 October 2026 from 9:30AM - 10:30AM online via Teams.
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA 16TH ANNUAL WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE - EMPOWER
Friday 30 October 2026
Calling all local government women! Register now and join us for 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.
Visit the website for more information. Read the full program here.
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We caught up with Dave Gregory, Team Leader Projects (Acting), City of Onkaparinga, about why he signed up for the Emerging Leaders Program, his experience at a recent program module, and what he's looking forward to the most as the program progresses.
What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?
Returning to local government in 2025, I saw the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) as an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of the sector, expand my professional network, and further develop my leadership capability.
The program does a great job of reflecting the diverse and complex nature of local government, while exploring the challenges and opportunities facing our sector. LG Professionals SA's partnership with Adelaide University was also a major drawcard, bringing valuable external perspectives and contemporary thought leadership into the program.
A recent module focused on the Political Context. What were some of your takeaways from this module?
Understanding the political context in which we operate is essential in local government. This is particularly relevant in my role as Team Leader Projects (Acting) with the City of Onkaparinga, where our team works closely with communities, Elected Members and Members of Parliament through engagement processes, projects, strategic initiatives and advocacy.
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The guest speakers were a real highlight of the module. Their presentations and case studies provided valuable insights into political leadership and decision-making, particularly in relation to some of the most pressing challenges facing our state and communities, including housing affordability and cost of living pressures.
A special thank you to Paul Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, City of Charles Sturt, Mayor Ella Winnall, Berri Barmera Council, Paul Wright, Manager Community Capacity, City of Onkaparinga, Ellen Liebelt, Project Manager Adaptive Reuse (ARCHII), City of Adelaide, and Joanne Owen, Development Manager, City of Salisbury, for generously sharing their experience and perspectives. |
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Dave Gregory
Team Leader Projects (Acting)
City of Onkaparinga |
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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! |
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8. BE A PART OF A COMMUNITY
We are here for you. Join a community of likeminded,
connected and passionate people, committed
to delivering valuable outcomes for their
organisations and communities.
Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. |
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NEW
MEMBERS
Welcome
to our 48 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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ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Friday 23 October 2026
7 PLACES REMAINING!
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.
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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.
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INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Wednesday 4 November 2026
3 PLACES REMAINING!
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.
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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.
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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, NORMAN WATERHOUSE
NORMAN WATERHOUSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE 2026
Join the practitioners from Norman Waterhouse on Friday 23 October 2026 as they explore the evolving landscape of local government, featuring a day of practical insights, emerging trends and sector-focused discussions.
Streams include:
- Planning, Development and Environment
- Employment, Governance and Regulatory Services
- Commercial, Property, Infrastructure and Disputes.
Across the streams, attendees will gain valuable updates on recent case law developments, regulatory and governance obligations, major project structuring, infrastructure planning, commercial disputes, employment matters and emerging challenges facing the sector.
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Please save the date for the following LG Professionals SA events for the remainder of 2026. If you are planning a local government event, we invite you to contact us to avoid date clashes.
Mid-October 2026 - Registrations open for the 2027 LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference Late-October 2026 - Call for Nominations for the LG Professionals SA 26th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Thursday 12 November 2026 - LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum Thursday 12 November 2026 - LG Professionals SA Annual General Meeting
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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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: |
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