A WORD FROM THE CEO

I hope this edition of Leaders Connect finds you happy and well. October has been an exciting month at
LG Professionals SA.

As a membership organisation, we work hard to create a range of meaningful opportunities for our members. One of the many benefits of LG Professionals SA membership is the opportunity to raise your profile amongst your local government peers - I encourage you to put yourself forward for one (or more) of the below opportunities:

October 2024
Edition 157

 

  • Vote for your new LG Professionals SA Board. Ballot information has been emailed to all Members - if you haven’t received, please let me know via executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au – voting closes today at 5pm Wednesday 30 October
  • Register to attend our AGM – to be held on Thursday 7 November 2024 - and stay on for a valuable networking opportunity afterwards
  • Register for our Economic Development Conference – to be held on Friday 8 November 2024 – an important event not to be missed – see below for a link to the carefully curated program
  • Nominate to represent LG Professionals SA on a Network Committee – a call for nominations is currently open for our Women's Network, Business Performance and Improvement Network, and People and Culture Network Committees
  • Register for one of our Leadership Programs – enhance your development through the Ignite Program, Strategic Management Program or Executive Leaders Program (opening soon)
  • Nominate your achievements for a Leadership Excellence Award – don’t miss the How to Nominate session which will cover how to best address the criteria to help your project shine
  • Register for our Leading with Emotional Intelligence Masterclass - hosted by international facilitator, Dr Barry Bales on Wednesday 13 November. 

Of course, if you have any questions at all about any of the above, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best wishes in the rush to the end of the year. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Rhiannon

LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2025 ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE:
GROWTH UNLEASHED

Friday 21 March 2025

You're invited to the LG Professionals SA 2025 Annual State Conference!

The conference will begin with insights on enhancing work-life balance and performance through effective transitions between tasks and interactions. You will learn how to create supportive work environments that minimise stress and foster resilience, ensuring that individuals can thrive during periods of change.

With interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference promises to be a rich and enriching experience. Join us as we harness actionable strategies to unleash our potential, and collaborate to create a brighter future for our communities!

Find out more

WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE - THE POWER OF BELONGING
Friday 1 November 2024 - LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER 

Join us this Friday for a day of inspiration, learning, and empowerment as we explore ‘The Power of Belonging’ and work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in local government.

If you'd like to register your spot at the conference, please contact Megan Hay, Events Coordinator on 08 8224 2080 or email mhay@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

Find out more

LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2024 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE: FUTURE PROSPERITY: BUILDING TOMORROW
Friday 8 November 2024 - NEXT WEEK!

The 2024 LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference ‘Future Prosperity: Building Tomorrow’, is a premier forum designed to equip Local Government Professionals with the insights and strategies needed to drive South Australia’s future economic prosperity.

With Deputy Premier Dr. Susan Close MP, internationally sought after AI futurist Simon Kriss and UniSA Chair of Economics Dr Susan Stone headlining the event, attendees will gain critical insights into how global shifts in workforce dynamics, sustainable industries, and technology are reshaping the local economies. In an era where councils are key enablers of economic growth and community prosperity, this year’s conference will provide practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges.

Learn more about this year's conference and to join us in collaborating, innovating, and driving long-term prosperity for local communities, register now through the button below.

Find out more

Please save the date for the following LG Professionals SA events for 2025. If you are planning a local government event, we invite you to contact us to avoid date clashes. 

Wednesday 9 April 2025 - LG Professionals SA Australasian Management Challenge

Friday 9 May 2025 - LG Professionals SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner

Friday 25 July 2025 - Community Development Network Conference

CAST YOUR VOTE - BOARD ELECTION CLOSES TODAY

A friendly reminder that voting closes TODAY at 5pm Wednesday 30 October 2024 for the LG Professionals SA 2024 Board election. All LG Professionals SA Members with voting rights are encouraged to vote.

All eligible members will have received an email from ElectionBuddy Elections (invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com) containing an online ballot.

Should you not receive this, please:

Also, a reminder to register for our AGM - you can find the notice here: Notice of AGM

LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday 7 November 2024

LG Professionals SA Members are invited to the 2024 Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 7 November 2024 at the Gallery on Waymouth.

Please RSVP to attend below as a show of support for your Association. 

Find out more

WOMEN'S CAREER CATALYST PROGRAM
Thursday 20 February 2025 - Thursday 27 March 2025

Unlock your potential and transform your leadership journey with the
LG Professionals SA Career Catalyst Program - where female leaders build lasting legacies without sacrificing their values or wellbeing.

Designed to be highly interactive with an emphasis on peer learning, the Women's Career Catalyst Program is made up of a virtual orientation session, two-day in person workshop and three virtual implementation sessions, which provide ongoing accountability, the opportunity to troubleshoot, experiment, celebrate successes and share insights and support with co-participants.

Find out more

2025 IGNITE PROGRAM
Registrations close Friday 6 December 2024
Program commences Thursday 6 February 2025

Ignite your career as a new leader and learn to develop the competencies required to be successful in your role.

While leaders are often technically competent, many have had limited opportunity to develop new, or extend the existing, critical skills needed for leading and managing people. The importance of developing these qualities for people in these roles is critical and cannot be underestimated.

Find out more

Are you interested in our IGNITE Program, or seeking to find out if the program is right for you?

Join LG Professionals SA and Tony Stone and Mark Lourens from ASC Training for a virtual information session where we will provide a program overview and hear from past participants on their experiences. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the program.

Want to find out more? Join us at our virtual information session, Thursday 31 October 2024, 2:00PM - 3:00PM hosted via zoom.

Register now

EXECUTIVE LEADERS PROGRAM

Program commencing Wednesday 29 January 2025

This Executive Leadership Program, for those in leadership roles looking to expand their leadership impact, spans 3 months and is spread over 2 intensive 3-day blocks, plus several short live virtual classroom sessions, equating to just 6 days out of the office.

The program has been developed to:

  • enhance complex and adaptive thinking capabilities of senior leaders and executives in the local government sector to best navigate the future
  • increase capabilities to generate solutions to complex problems in an agile way
  • challenge assumptions and perspectives
  • equip executive leaders to navigate rapidly changing and evolving environments.

Find out more

Are you interested in our Executive Leaders Program, or seeking to find out if the program is right for you?

Join LG Professionals SA and Andrew Stevens, Program Facilitator for a virtual information session where we will provide a program overview and hear from past participants on their experiences. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the program.

Want to find out more? Join us at our virtual information session, Friday 15 November 2024, 9:00AM - 10:00AM hosted via zoom.

Find out more

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Registrations close Friday 29 November 2024
Program commences Thursday 6 February 2025

A leadership program designed to help more experienced managers build high-level leadership, management and technical skills.

Developed in partnership with UniSA and local government experts, the Strategic Management Program will help you build high-level leadership and management skills within a local government context, and learn the technical skills required to manage business functions and enhance innovation, strategic thinking, business acumen and operational excellence.

If you'd like a copy of the recording of the Strategic Management Program Information Session held on Wednesday 23 October 2024, please email Eve Jackson, Training Support Officer eve@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

Find out more

WORKFORCE AND GENDER EQUALITY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT

Project Update

The Workforce and Gender Equality in Local Government project is looking at what can drive gender inequality and the system and policy changes that can make a difference. The project is reaching its final stages and the final report is on target to be available in early 2025.

Many South Australian Councils are already doing great work in diversity, inclusion and belonging and some are specifically targeting gender inequality. For those who may be looking for more inspiration, below is a link to an Australian Government: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Toolkit which looks at evidence-based interventions that can address systemic drivers of inequality.

Fixing the system not the women: A beginners guide to creating an inclusive culture for women (2022) - access the resource here.

This project has been supported by the Local Government Research and Development Scheme administered by the Local Government Association of SA.

We are excited to announce the launch of the LG Professionals SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Program, designed to recognise outstanding achievement and innovation within local government.

Have you or your colleagues demonstrated excellence within local government?

Our awards program includes 11 categories and is designed to recognise outstanding achievement and innovation within local government. Read our nominations brochure with category information, eligibility and guidelines here.

We would love to see all Council and Subsidiary Members represented in the nomination process, so that we can celebrate the outcomes of your initiatives. No matter how small you might think your project is - we want to hear about it!

Nominate now

Information session - how to nominate 

Nominating for a Leadership Excellence Award is a rewarding process, providing you the valuable opportunity to reflect on your achievements. We understand that pulling together a nomination can seem daunting – but ultimately it's about telling the story of your project or initiative.

LG Professionals SA is here to support you. Please join our information session to find out more about the awards nomination and judging process, and guidance to support you in meeting the relevant category criteria to showcase your project or initiative. If you are considering nominating for the awards or would like to learn more, we invite you to attend this free information webinar.

Want to find out more? Join us at our virtual information session, Tuesday 5 November 2024, 11:00AM - 12:00PM hosted via zoom.

Register now

City of Onkaparinga won the 2024 Excellence in Community Services and Development Award for their initiative, Living Well Matters. We spoke with Judith Lowe, Sustaining Independance and Wellbeing Project Officer, to find out more.

Congratulations! You and your team won the Excellence in Community Services and Development Award at the LG Professionals SA 23rd Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. Can you tell us about your project?

By 2056, over a quarter of Australians will be aged 65 or older, with an average life expectancy exceeding 95 years. But flourishing in the second half of life is not guaranteed. City of Onkaparinga has developed the Living Well Matters suite of programs to support the journey from age 50 onward. These standalone but complementary community initiatives aim to smooth the challenges and transitions people face as they age.

Developed with retirement, resilience, and realities of ageing in mind, programs cover retirement transition, active ageing, building confidence and self-efficacy, boosting mental resilience for those 65+, and practical planning for housing, care and more. Programs were tailored through community partnerships, translated from research evidence, and co-designed with input from the community. Over 400 people have already participated, and evaluation with UniSA has demonstrated the positive impact.

What does winning this award mean to you, your council, and your community?

Winning this award is deeply meaningful to me personally, to our council, and to our entire community. It recognises the passion and dedication of our staff, volunteers, research partners UniSA, and not-for-profit partners Think Human and Zest Creative. This honour validates our efforts to make a difference in the lives of older adults. For our council, it affirms our collective vision and commitment to inclusivity, support for the ageing population, and combating ageism.

It highlights our strategic focus and encourages us to continue. For the community, this award emphasises the importance of recognising the contributions of people aged 50 and beyond, celebrating ageing as a journey, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

What advice would you give someone considering nominating for an award in the future?

If you're considering applying, go for it! Although crafting your application and facing the interview can be challenging, it's a great opportunity to showcase the real impact of your work. Nominating will highlight the valuable work occurring in your section of local government. With full internal approval required—from your team leader to the CEO—it raises the profile of your team's expertise and dedication. Whether you become a finalist, win, or just complete the application, the process is rewarding. It allows you to reflect on the significance of your work and the difference you make in local government and our communities.

 
 

Judith Lowe

Sustaining Independance and
Wellbeing Project Officer

City of Onkaparinga

 

Are you interested in nominating for an Award? Nominations for the 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards are now open. Nominate today!

City of Onkaparinga - the Living Well Matters team with the LG Professionals SA President.
(Pictured L-R) Judith Lowe, Lui Di Vento,
and Kate O'Neill.

YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP

7. SHAPE THE FUTURE

Play a role by voting in elections for our board, general meetings and network committees.

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

Find out more

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to our 102 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.

This month we spoke with Renee Jericho, Manager Finance and Procurement, Town of Gawler, about her role, her recent participation in the Ignite Program, and her insights into how procurement provides for the community.

How long have you been in local government and what is your role?

I have dedicated 10 years to local government, beginning in the Infrastructure and Environment Department at Light Regional Council before moving to the Finance and Procurement Department at Town of Gawler in 2022. Read more...

 
 

Renee Jericho

Manager Finance and Procurement
Town of Gawler

AGEING WELL TOGETHER: INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Last week, our LG Professionals SA Community Development Network Committee brought together experts in positive ageing to share academic insights and reflections on lived experiences, to open conversations on the role that local government plays in creating age-friendly communities.

With just over 50 attendees joining us online or in person at Ngutungka West Lakes, we had the opportunity to hear from inspiring professionals making impacts in positive ageing for our communities across South Australia.

Thank you to Adj. Associate Professor Kirsty Delguste,Vesna HaracicMyfanwy Mogford, Annie Campbell, Dr Bev O'Brien, Laura Baohm, Dr Louise Townsin, Salma Khan, and the Community Development Network Committee for supporting this valuable forum.

Thank you to City of Charles Sturt for hosting us and to everyone who joined us – we can’t wait to see you again in 2025.

We caught up with one of this year's Emerging Leaders Program participants, Victoria Olupeka, Senior Advisor, WHS, City of Tea Tree Gully, to find out how she is enjoying the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I signed up for the Emerging Leaders Program to gain contemporary, evidence-based leadership skills. I wanted to explore my leadership style and leverage it to lead myself and influence others more effectively.

As a newbie to local government, I wanted to deepen my understanding of its structures and operations. Additionally, the opportunity to connect and build relationships with colleagues from other Councils allows me to tap into valuable knowledge and support throughout my journey in local government.

What was your biggest takeaway from the latest module, Leading Change? 

My key takeaway from the 'Leading Change' module is a deeper understanding of resistance to change,

along with practical strategies for effectively leading teams at various stages of the change process.

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

I am eager to collaborate with my project team to create a modern solution for retaining intellectual property when different generations retire. Our approach will be easily adaptable for both local government and beyond.

 
 

Victoria Olupeka
Senior Advisor, WHS
City of Tea Tree Gully

DO YOU WANT TO JOIN A NETWORK COMMITTEE?
Nominations close 5pm Monday 11 November 2024

Are you keen to develop your leadership skills, and build professional relationships as you help to shape the delivery of meaningful and timely activities and initiatives for your Network peers? We are pleased to advise that Nominations are NOW OPEN for a range of LG Professionals SA Network Committees.

Networks are groups of professionals who share a common interest or experience.

LG Professionals SA run a range of Network meetings and forums throughout the year, offering staff the opportunity to learn and develop whilst sharing and networking with peers from their own and other councils and subsidiaries across the state.

Members of LG Professionals SA have exclusive access to these Networks and, once a year, have the opportunity to nominate to join one of their Committees. The following Networks are calling for nominations for their respective Committees:

LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - NOT ONE TO MISS!
Wednesday 13 November 2024

Join us with internationally renowned Dr Barry Bales, who is flying in from the USA to facilitate an exclusive masterclass delving into the power of leading with emotional intelligence. In this course, you will learn to identify and manage your own emotions, clearing a path for you to inspire, connect and drive positive outcomes.

Find out more

POWERFUL BUSINESS WRITING
Friday 22 November 2024

Learn how to improve your writing skills to communicate clearly, efficiently and with impact using plain English principles.

Find out more

GENERAL MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS NETWORK FORUM
Thursday 7 November 2024

Join your peers for an engaging, workshop-style afternoon dedicated to unravelling the root causes, challenges, and innovative solutions surrounding the Network’s Top 5 Hot Topics, as identified by you, at the final Network event for the year - the 
LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum: Hot Topic Hub.

Find out more

SAVE THE DATE - BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT NETWORK FORUM
Thursday 28 November 2024

Mark your calendars for Thursday 28 November 2024 where we will host our final Business Performance and Improvement Network forum for the year at the City of Adelaide at 25 Pirie Street. More information coming soon.

LG PROFESSIONALS SA SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

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 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 | 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000 | Phone: 08 8224 2080
www.lgprofessionalssa.org.au

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