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OverviewThe LG Professionals SA Community Development Network is open to those working in the field of community development or community services. Join community development practitioners from across South Australia for a day of bold ideas, practical insights, and real-world stories that reflect the evolving role of local government in shaping stronger, more connected communities. With keynote speaker Dr Peter Westoby, a thought-provoking panel, and case studies from councils leading the way, this is your chance to be inspired, challenged, and re-energised for the future of community development. All local government professionals with an interest in, or responsibility for, community development or community services are encouraged to attend. Benefits of attending this conference
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| Key Details Date: Friday 25 July 2025 Time 9:00AM - 5:00PM Location: U City Function Centre, 43 Franklin St, Adelaide Resources At this conference, you will be hearing from many speakers including: Meet Dr Peter Westoby - Imagining Futures for Local Government Community Development
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Dr Peter Westoby offers a future-focused perspective on how local government can evolve its community development practice. Drawing on over three decades of experience shaped by grassroots, 
Megan Down
Megan Hay
2023 - Community Managers Network Conference 'Community Development: Getting it Right'
The 2023 LG Professionals SA Community Managers Network Conference was held on Friday 25 August at UCity Function Centre. More than 100 attendees representing 35 councils and subsidiaries from across South Australia came together for a carefully curated day of learning and networking.
This year’s theme was ‘Community Development: Getting it Right'. Speakers from both within and outside the sector inspired us with fantastic case studies of their work, examples of successful collaborations with and for the community, and demonstrations of how to work effectively with those that you serve. A huge thank you to Joshua Stokes, Shannon Swart and Cathy O’Loughlin for filling in at such short notice!
Becky Hirst was a standout with her exploration of the concept of community, reflecting on the journey that society has been on in recent years, while Stephanie Harvey outlined the approach that is needed in community development and aligning more closely with First Nations’ people’s ways of knowing, being and doing. Carolyn Curtis shared how SA initiative ‘Our Town’ looks to support people by building on strengths to create inclusive cultures of awareness, connection and the promotion of wellbeing. Suhit Anatula touched on what community intelligence and assets we are connecting with. And keynote speaker Ally Nitschke rounded out the day, sharing her three pillars to leading courageously in the modern world – clarity, communication, and change.
Kylie Fergusen from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield did a fantastic job of weaving the day together as conference emcee, providing insights and humour for delegates throughout the day.
Thank you to the LG Professionals SA Community Managers Network Committee for putting together such a fantastic day for their sector colleagues, and thank you to all who attended, taking important time out of the office to invest in your development.
Download the 2023 Conference Program