City of Charles Sturt, City of Mitcham and Rural City of Murray Bridge recognised for their collaborative renewable energy project.

When three councils - one metropolitan, one suburban, and one regional, joined forces to tackle skyrocketing energy costs and carbon emissions, the result was bigger than anyone expected.

The Collaborative Council Power Purchase Agreement, delivered by the City of Charles Sturt, City of Mitcham, and the Rural City of Murray Bridge, is more than just a cost-saving measure. It’s a blueprint for how local government can lead on sustainability through collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition.

Celebrated as one of two winners of the Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration Award at the 2025 LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, this project is proving that when councils work together, the benefits extend far beyond their boundaries.

A bold partnership with ripple effects

Electricity is one of the largest carbon emitters for councils - and one of the most volatile costs. Recognising they could achieve more together than alone, the three councils partnered to pioneer a hybrid Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The model has delivered significant financial savings and dramatic carbon reductions. Just as importantly, it has inspired other councils, developers, schools, and community associations to explore similar approaches.

“What’s most rewarding is seeing the project scale beyond us,” explains Brandon Alvaro, Project Officer at the City of Mitcham. “We didn’t just solve a problem for our councils - we created a repeatable toolkit for others to follow.”

Endorsed by LGAProcurement South Australia, the initiative is now regarded as a sector pilot, setting a new standard for how councils can approach large-scale challenges.

Real results for communities

The outcomes speak volumes.

• City of Mitcham: $100,000–200,000 annual savings, with further upside from battery storage and virtual power plant participation.
• City of Charles Sturt: $600,000 annual savings, with additional future savings expected through battery solutions.
• Rural City of Murray Bridge: $175,000 annual savings, reinvested directly into an LED streetlight program.

Collectively, the councils are cutting greenhouse gas emissions significantly every year - reductions that directly contribute to South Australia’s climate goals.

Beyond the numbers, the initiative has sparked an organisational shift. Staff across all three councils gained experience in innovative procurement, risk sharing, and governance. “The skills and confidence we’ve built through this collaboration will stay with our teams long after this project,” Brandon says.

The people behind the power

Behind the scenes, the success of the Collaborative PPA comes down to people - teams who were willing to take a bold idea and turn it into reality.

At Mitcham, the project team included procurement, sustainability, and innovation specialists. At Charles Sturt, leaders from City Futures, City Operations, and Sustainability worked side by side. Murray Bridge brought financial and corporate expertise to the table.

Externally, CQ Energy provided expert energy analysis, BRM Advisory added strategic insights, and the LGA Procurement South Australia offered endorsement and tender support. Together, these contributors created a strong foundation that other councils can now build upon.

“It was a true collaboration,” Brandon reflects. “Each partner brought something unique - and by pooling that expertise, we achieved more than any one council could have done alone.”

Recognition that fuels the future

For the three councils, winning the Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration Award is both recognition and motivation.

“It validates that local government can innovate at the highest level,” Brandon says. “It shows our communities that we’re using public funds wisely, while investing in a cleaner, more resilient future.”

The award has energised teams across the councils, creating momentum for future initiatives and reinforcing the power of collaboration.

What’s next?

The councils aren’t stopping here. Plans are already underway to expand the PPA model with new renewable assets and storage, reinvest savings into LED upgrades and community projects, and continue refining the Community Renewables Toolkit so others can replicate the model more easily.

Perhaps most excitingly, the ripple effect is already extending outside of local government. Developers, builders, State Government agencies, schools, and community groups are now exploring how they too can adapt this model for community benefit.

Brandon’s advice for others thinking about nominating a project next year? “Be bold and collaborate. Don’t assume it’s too big or too complex. With the right partners, local government can set the benchmark for innovation.”

And if this project is anything to go by, collaboration really does have the power to change the future - for councils, communities, and beyond.

Thank you to our partner AM Consulting for sponsoring the Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration Award.

GIF: Features a variety of images from the Collaborative Council Power Purchase Agreement project, and those representing the project at the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. 

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.

The appointments of the following members will expire at the conclusion of the 2025 AGM:

• Kate O'Neill (to conclude 2-year term as President in 2025)
• Rudi Deco (to conclude 2-year term as Board Member in 2025)
• Melissa Kretschmer (to conclude 2-year term as Board Member in 2025)
• Stacey Bateson (to conclude 2-year term as Board Member in 2025)
• Randy Graetz (to conclude 1-year term as Board Member in 2025)

Therefore, I (Rhiannon Clarke) call for nominations for the following:

• One position as President (for a two-year term, ending at the conclusion of the 2027 AGM)
• Four positions as Board Member (for a two-year term, ending at the conclusion of the 2027 AGM).

Such nominations can be made to the undersigned in writing on the accompanying nomination form via email to executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 7 October 2025.

This year the election will be conducted electronically.

Provisional results will be conveyed to all candidates prior to the AGM, on the understanding that these results are to remain confidential until the declaration at the AGM.

If you would like to discuss what’s involved in being a Board Member, please feel encouraged to ring me on 0448 490 027.

Sincerely,

Rhiannon Clarke
Chief Executive Officer 
Public Officer
Returning Officer

City of Port Adelaide Enfield wins Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award.

On Adelaide’s Lefevre Peninsula, a once-simple vision has transformed into something extraordinary: a vibrant community hub where locals come together to connect, learn, and thrive.

The Lefevre Community Precinct, delivered by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield in partnership with Preventive Health SA, is more than just a space - it’s become a second home for many, a place where confidence grows, friendships form, and wellbeing flourishes.

Now recognised with the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the 2025 LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, the precinct is proving what’s possible when councils, partners, and communities come together with a shared purpose.

Built by the community, for the community

The Lefevre Community Precinct began with a simple but powerful question: what does the community need most?

The answer, uncovered through a major engagement process, was clear. Residents wanted an affordable, family-friendly hub where people of all ages could feel welcome, safe, and supported. They wanted a place that reflected the character of the peninsula itself - diverse, resilient, and connected.

What followed was a co-designed concept plan, guided by four key themes: Connect, Eat Well, Be Active, and Learn and Share. Within 12 months, 25 programs had been delivered in partnership with over 55 organisations, reaching more than 3,000 people. From community lunches and food education workshops, to bike riding lessons, youth nights to wellbeing workshops, the precinct has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of local life.

“It’s about making sure opportunities are accessible for everyone,” explains project lead Paul Zimny, Active Living Leader. “The precinct has grown into a welcoming, family-friendly environment where people don’t just attend programs - they feel like they belong.”

Confidence, joy, and lasting memories

Behind the numbers are stories that capture the heart of the project.

Like the young boy who learned to ride a bike for the very first time at a “come and try” activity, while his grateful parent looked on. Or the teenager who walked into a youth night not knowing anyone, and left with two new friends from different schools.

“These are the moments that make all the planning worthwhile,” Paul says. “They show the real impact - confidence built, friendships formed, joy shared.”

The precinct is also strengthening partnerships across the peninsula, connecting local sporting clubs, community groups, volunteers, and council staff in new and meaningful ways. Together, they’re creating opportunities that would not have been possible in isolation.

A community effort, led with heart

Every great project has champions, and for the Lefevre Community Precinct, Peter “Toddy” Todd has been one of the brightest. Known for his drive, passion, and ability to connect with people of all ages - whether forging partnerships or leading a singalong at Play Group - Toddy’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing the vision to life.

But as Paul is quick to point out, the precinct’s success is also thanks to the collective energy of many. “It’s been a true team effort,” he says. “Council staff, volunteers, local groups, residents - everyone has played a role in shaping this space.”

A win for the whole community

For the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, winning the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award is more than just recognition of a successful project - it’s a celebration of the community itself.

“This award validates the passion and teamwork that’s gone into creating the precinct,” Paul reflects. “But more than that, it highlights the power of working together. It shows what’s possible when we collaborate with our community and really listen to their needs.”

And while the plaque may sit in council offices, the true winners are the people of Lefevre Peninsula. With each new program, connection, and experience, the precinct is making everyday life richer, healthier, and more inclusive.

What’s next?

The Lefevre Community Precinct is only just getting started. With new programs and events on the horizon, its future is as dynamic as the community it serves.

“Our focus is on continuing to grow and evolve,” Paul says. “We want to keep creating opportunities where everyone on the peninsula feels welcome, inspired, and part of something bigger.”

For other councils considering an awards nomination, Paul has simple advice: “Share your story. Celebrate the impact you’re making. You might just inspire others to take their own step toward meaningful change.”

And for Lefevre Peninsula residents? The precinct doors are always open - ready to welcome the next chapter of connection, learning, and community life.

Thank you to our partner Department of Human Services for sponsoring the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award.

GIF: Features a variety of images from the Lefevre Community Precinct and its visitors and events, and the team behind the project.

How City of Victor Harbor’s award-winning inclusion project is opening doors across the sector.

When Angela Schiller was elected to the City of Victor Harbor Council in 2022, she made history as South Australia’s first Council Member who is blind. But what followed has proven just as significant - an ambitious, whole-of-organisation project to ensure she could participate fully in civic life, and in the process, a new benchmark for accessibility in local government.

Now, that project - Accessibility in Action: Supporting a Council Member who is Blind - has been recognised with the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2025 LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards.

For the team behind the initiative, the award is a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to ensuring all voices can be heard - no matter the circumstance.

From lived experience to lasting impact

“The election of Councillor Schiller wasn’t just a milestone for Victor Harbor,” says Vicki Francis, the projects dedicated Access and Inclusion Support Officer. “It was a milestone for the whole state. And we knew we had a responsibility; not only to support Angela, but to use her experience to create something that could benefit the entire sector.”

That “something” became a robust and practical toolkit - funded by the Local Government Research and Development Scheme and developed through deep stakeholder consultation. Designed to help councils support elected members who are blind or have low vision, the toolkit offers strategies for communication, technology integration, governance processes, and more. Importantly, it’s been designed to be transferrable, and has already been shared with the broader sector through LGA South Australia.

At its heart, the toolkit is a symbol of Victor Harbor’s belief that accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought - it should be embedded.

Systemic change, person-centred design

While the project focused on support for one councillor, the approach was holistic. From the appointment of a dedicated Access and Inclusion Support Officer to hands-on collaboration with IT, communications, governance and admin teams, the initiative reimagined how council operations could become more inclusive overall.

“Accessibility doesn’t sit in one department,” Vicki explains. “It requires the whole organisation to come together.”

And come together they did - with expert guidance, knowledge and expertise from Vision Australia, Blind Tech and Purple Orange, collaboration with other councils like Alexandrina Council and City of Salisbury, and practical insights from Councillor Schiller herself. From accessible agendas to inclusive digital formats and improved internal cohesion, the project touched every corner of the organisation and laid the foundation for long-term culture change.

“Angela’s feedback was critical throughout,” Vicki says. “Her insights made the framework real - not theoretical. It had to work in practice, not just on paper.”

From councillor to community champion

The results speak for themselves. Thanks to the systems put in place, Councillor Schiller has stepped into increasingly prominent roles - Chair of the Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and, most recently, Deputy Mayor.

Her expanded participation is more than symbolic - it’s proof that when inclusion is prioritised, leadership can thrive.

Even beyond her contributions, the project has boosted awareness, improved council-wide accessibility, and delivered time efficiencies and productivity gains thanks to more accessible systems.

“Supporting Angela has helped our staff grow too,” Vicki reflects. “They’ve built new skills, embraced new technologies, and become more confident in inclusive practices.”

A toolkit for the sector - and the future

While the toolkit may have started in Victor Harbor, its future is state wide - and potentially national. Dozens of councils have already accessed the resource, and interest continues to grow.

“There’s no need for every council to start from scratch,” Vicki says. “We’ve done the work so others can hit the ground running.”

That’s what makes this project truly award-winning - not just what it achieved within one council, but what it makes possible for many.

Advice for others? Don’t be afraid to celebrate your work.

For teams considering nominating next year, Vicki’s advice is simple: “Go for it. It’s a chance to reflect, to share what you’ve achieved, and to inspire others. If you’re proud of what you’ve done, let others learn from it.”

And if Victor Harbor’s experience is anything to go by, the ripple effects can be profound.

As Vicki puts it: “Local government thrives when it reflects the full diversity of its community. This project proved that when we invest in accessibility, everyone benefits.”

Thank you to our partner Maxima for sponsoring the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Image 1: (Background image L-R) Cory Wolverton, Jodi Roberts, Daniel Western, Leann Symonds, Karen Rokicinski, Bronson Symmonds, Vicki Francis, Michelle James, Graham Pathuis, Anna Kantilaftas.

(Featured right insert) Councillor Angela Schiller and Vicki Francis.

The City of West Torrens wins Excellence in People and Culture Award for their bold and empathetic campaign.

When the Work Health and Safety Team at the City of West Torrens noticed a troubling rise in aggression toward council staff, ranging from verbal abuse and online stalking to physical threats, it sparked something powerful: a collective decision to not just protect their team, but to transform the culture around community interactions altogether.

The result was the It Reflects on YOU campaign - an unmissable message to the public that harmful behaviour won’t be tolerated, and that kindness, respect and safety are everyone’s responsibility.

Launched in August 2024, the campaign made waves almost immediately - within the council and beyond. In May, it earned the City of West Torrens the 2025 Excellence in People and Culture Award at the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards, and has captured the attention of councils across the state.

A call for community reflection

At the heart of the campaign is a simple, powerful ask: pause and reflect on how you interact with council workers.

“It’s about reminding the community that we’re people too,” says Tracey Ryan, Manager People, Procurement and Safety. “We’re here to serve, to support, and to make life better for our residents - but we can’t do that if we’re feeling unsafe or unprotected.”

What makes this project especially unique is that it didn’t shy away from difficult conversations. While some questioned whether the message might be too “direct,” the team knew they were on the right track. “We weren’t just changing procedures - we were challenging mindsets. That’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.”

Leading with courage and care

The campaign wasn’t developed in isolation. It was built on a foundation of collaboration - with the Creative Services Team helping shape visuals, workers acting as campaign champions, and support flowing in from elected members, leadership, and even the Minister for Local Government.

It also wasn’t about just raising awareness. The City of West Torrens backed its messaging with action - commissioning expert-led training for high-risk teams, introducing safety alerts in operational systems, and embedding practical tools into everyday workflows. “We knew that to protect our people, we needed more than posters - we needed a culture shift,” Tracey explains.

And it’s working. In the three years since the initial planning phase, worker confidence in reporting incidents has significantly improved. Teams are better equipped to respond to conflict, and perhaps most importantly, they feel genuinely supported.

Changing culture, one interaction at a time

The campaign’s most powerful outcome might be its ripple effect. Workers have reported feeling safer and more empowered, and customers - many of whom had never considered the impact of their words or actions - are now being prompted to engage with more empathy.

“This campaign is about building understanding, about showing the link between respect and service quality, making it clear that we’re all responsible for creating a safe, healthy community.”

That community-first mindset is paying off. The campaign has already drawn interest from over 20 councils across South Australia, with plans in motion to present the project at upcoming sector forums.

More than words on a page

There’s more to come. With the momentum of their award win, the team is now planning to roll out the It Reflects on YOU campaign even further - this time onto the streets. Think bus shelters, council vehicles, and visible community messaging that keeps the conversation going in everyday public spaces.

“We want the message to become part of the fabric of how our community sees and interacts with council. This is about long-term change, and we’re committed to seeing it through.”

A model for others

For those considering a future nomination, the team offers this advice: “If your project is making a real difference - for your people and for your community - don’t keep it quiet. Share it. Celebrate it. You never know who else might be inspired to act.”

In an era where workplace safety means more than hard hats and hi-vis, the It Reflects on YOU campaign is a timely reminder that respect is a core part of wellbeing - and that local government can lead the way in creating more compassionate, connected communities.

Thank you to our partner McArthur for sponsoring the Excellence in People and Culture  Award.

Image 1: The City of West Torrens Work Health and Safety Team receiving their Award at the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner: (L-R) Angelo Catinari – Chief Executive Officer, City of West Torrens, Robyn Butterfield – Manager Compliance, Jasmine Kappler – Team Leader Community Safety, Samara Farrell – Senior Community Safety Officer, Nishant Parihar – Project Engineer, Jenny Reyes – Work Health and Safety Project Officer, Grant Brooks –Business Partner Work Health and Safety, Michelle Kennedy – General Manager Natural and Build Environments, Peter Bulmer – Community Safety Investigator, and Paul Della – General Manager Corporate Services. Apologies: Tracey Ryan – Manager People, Procurement and Safety and Nerissa Nicholson – Team Leader Creative Services.

Video 1: Link to the It Reflects on YOU webpage and video.

At first glance, you might think Tillie was destined for leadership. But she’ll tell you otherwise.

“I didn’t start out aiming for a management title,” she says. “I’ve just always found myself wanting to help teams work better together.”

And yet, just 12 months after stepping into her first local government role as Manager Communications, Strategy and Engagement at City of Prospect, Tillie French found herself accepting the Emerging Leader of the Year Award at the LG Professionals SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.

It’s a title that speaks to far more than her job description. In that time, she’s helped shape a brand-new team from the ground up, transformed a team into a thriving, high-performing unit, and delivered communications on some of council’s most complex and community-impacting projects - all while becoming a leader her colleagues and community trust.

A team-first approach to leadership

When Tillie joined City of Prospect in 2022, the Communications, Strategy and Engagement team was a blank slate - just herself and one other team member (Maddy, Web and Digital Media Officer, City of Prospect), where the team had come about and started fresh after an organisational restructure. With big projects landing quickly, she knew her first priority wasn’t processes or plans… it was people.

“I focused on hiring for cultural fit and shared values,” she explains. “You can teach skills, but attitude is much harder to shift.”

That focus paid off. What started as a two-person team is now a tight-knit, empowered unit of five who not only thrive on collaboration, but have delivered record-breaking community engagement results, including over 1,000 responses during Phase 1 of the Prospect Lifestyle Precinct Masterplan consultation.

And while the outputs are impressive, it’s the intangible wins that matter just as much.

“We’ve created a team culture where everyone feels valued, supported and genuinely enjoys coming to work,” Tillie says. “That’s what I’m most proud of.”

Kindness is her leadership superpower

Tillie is quick to acknowledge the challenges of the past year. From building a new team while delivering on high-stakes projects, to learning the ropes of people leadership in a high-pressure environment; there’s been no shortage of hard lessons. But it’s her leadership style that has helped her navigate those waters: one built on kindness, clarity and authenticity.

“I try to bring my whole self to work,” she says. “That means being honest, showing vulnerability, and listening. I set clear expectations, but I also explain the ‘why’, so everyone understands how their work connects to the bigger picture.”

Whether it’s constructive feedback or day-to-day direction, Tillie leads with empathy and makes space for diverse ways of working. “If the outcome works, I’m flexible with how we get there,” she says. “And I never miss a chance to celebrate wins - big or small.”

From ‘newbie’ to changemaker

In just a year, Tillie has gone from being the ‘newbie’ on the manager team to a key contributor who’s reshaping how internal and external communication supports service delivery. Her work on the Prospect Lifestyle Precinct Masterplan earned applause not only from elected members and the community, but from the Minister for Planning’s office, for its clarity and community-first approach.

Behind the scenes, she’s led process improvements, business reviews and bold recruitment that have positioned City of Prospect as a small council doing big things - and a place people want to work.

“She’s usually the one packing up the chairs at the end of an event,” one colleague noted. “Tillie doesn’t just lead from the front - she leads from beside you.”

Leadership is a team effort

Tillie is the first to admit she hasn’t done it alone. From Farlie Taylor, Director City Strategy, Community and Culture at City of Prospect,  who nominated her for the award, to her CEO, management peers and parents; Tillie’s leadership journey has been shaped by a village.

“My parents taught me that success is a team sport,” she says. “And my team - Maddy, Monique, Steph and Carol - challenge and inspire me every day. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.”

For future nominees: ‘Just go for it’

To others considering an award nomination, Tillie offers honest advice: “You don’t need to have a title, or feel like you’ve got it all figured out. Take the time to reflect. You might surprise yourself.”

As for the future? Tillie’s just getting started.

Last year, Tillie completed the LG Professionals SA Strategic Management Program, enhancing her skills in thinking strategically and understanding operational excellence with the Lean Six Sigma framework. Building on this, she has elected to return to UniSA to undertake a further courses in leadership and management in 2025.

“I’m so proud to be part of an organisation that invests in its people,” she says. “There’s so much talent in local government - and I hope this award reminds others that their leadership matters too.”

Thank you to our partner LGA South Australia for sponsoring the Emerging Leader of the Year Award.

Image 1: City of Prospect’s on-ground team for the 2025 SANTOS Tour Down Under ZipTrack Men's Race Start on Prospect Road

Image 2: Tillie French with Fairlie Taylor, Director City Strategy, Community and Culture at City of Prospect, at the LG Professionals SA 24th Annual Leadership Awards Gala Dinner.