Overview of our 2025 Annual State Conference: GROWTH UNLEASHED

Thank you to the 250+ local government professionals who joined us on Friday 21 March at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for the LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference. It was a day filled with insightful discussions, inspiring speakers, and valuable networking opportunities, all centred around this year’s theme: Growth Unleashed.

From the moment Dr Adam Fraser took the stage (and floor), we were challenged to rethink how we transition between tasks and interactions in our daily lives. His keynote provided practical strategies for improving work-life balance and fostering resilience - critical skills in today’s ever-changing local government landscape.

Bel Ryan followed with an engaging and interactive session that encouraged attendees to reflect on their mental load, recognise burnout, and develop strategies for personal and professional growth. Her storytelling and practical insights left a lasting impression on how we navigate change and build resilience.

We then turned our attention to global and national trends with Hari Hara Priya Kannan, Chief Data Scientist at The Demographics Group. Through her expert analysis of recent census data and demographic shifts, she highlighted the opportunities and challenges these changes present for local governments, particularly here in South Australia, and touched on some of the areas of growth that councils will need to refine and provide for our communities in the future to ensure sustainability.

The conference also featured first-hand insights from Jake Dean, winner of the inaugural LG Professionals SA Emerging Leader Scholarship. Jake shared key takeaways from his trip to New Zealand, where he explored how our counterparts across the Tasman are fostering connection and innovation in local government.

In one of the most provocative sessions of the day, Daniel Fletcher from Western Downs Regional Council posed eight big questions for local government. His candid take on the challenges and absurdities of the sector pushed us to think critically about how we can minimise failure and drive meaningful change in our organisations and communities.

Our panel discussion, Unlocking Collective Potential, included local government professionals who have successfully empowered their communities, featuring Rebecca Hayes, Associate Director, Governance and Strategy, City of Adelaide, Adrian Hill, Manager – Community Safety, City of Holdfast Bay, Amy Pokoney, Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate, City of Mitcham and Stacey Mills, Strategic Project Manager, City of Prospect. The discussion provided practical takeaways on how to turn passion into purpose and create environments where collaboration thrives.

The afternoon was filled with powerful storytelling (and dad jokes), with Henry Olonga captivating the audience with his journey from international cricket to political exile and reinvention as a musician. His story of resilience, courage, and growth was a conference highlight, leaving many inspired to embrace their own personal and professional challenges, while not being afraid to sing to your own tune in the process.

A huge thank you to all our speakers, panellists, corporate partners, and event sponsors - your support makes this event possible.

We look forward to seeing you all next year for the 2026 LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference, where we’ll continue to learn, grow, and shape the future of local government together.

To view the 2025 Annual State Conference Program, please click here.