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We are here for our members and are highly committed to the sector. All of our programs and events are developed by the sector, for the sector.


Leadership Programs

Our Leadership Programs are designed to help you continue to learn, develop and evolve as a leader in a local government context, no matter what stage of your career you're in.

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CONFERENCES

Like all of our professional development opportunities, our conferences are uniquely local government and designed to help you connect, learn and grow in your career.

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MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE

Get a team together and challenge yourselves with this simulation-based team-building, learning and networking program using real local government themes.

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EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Our Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievement and innovation in local government, contributing to the advancement and improvement of the sector.

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IN-HOUSE TRAINING

We offer off the shelf and bespoke In-house Training solutions to meet the diverse needs of your council. We can arrange for any of our programs to be delivered on-site for your convenience.

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SHORT COURSES

Ranging from a half-day upskill or a more in-depth two-day session, our Short Courses are an effective, efficient and affordable way to develop new skills and enhance your career.

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Upcoming Programs & Events

  • 2025 Ignite Program

    • 06 Feb 2025
    • 04 Feb 2026
    • 15 sessions
    • Various
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    The LG Professionals SA Ignite Program is a leadership learning path for supervisors, team leaders and coordinators in local government across South Australia.

    The focus of the program is to enable those who have limited experience in managing and leading people to develop the competencies required to be successful in their role. 

    Download the full prospectus here.


    Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

    By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email eve@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.


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  • 2026 Emerging Leaders Program - Information Session

    • 17 Dec 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Virtual (via Zoom)
    Register

    Are you interested in our Emerging Leaders Program, or are unsure if the program is right for you?

    Join LG Professionals SA and Ross Morriss, Director Strategic Partnerships, University of South Australia 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.

    For more information on the Emerging Leaders Program visit: https://www.lgprofessionalssa.org.au/Emerging-Leaders-Program


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  • Women's Career Navigator Program

    • 06 Feb 2026
    • 27 Feb 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • LG House - 148 Frome Street, Adelaide & Via Zoom
    • 9
    Register

    The LG Professionals SA Career Navigator Program supports women to develop a strong, authentic professional identity and approach their career and work with positivity and proactivity.

    The Program equips participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to:

    • build their professional presence and profile
    • maintain their cool in stressful and challenging situations
    • understand and navigate organisational politics and team dynamics with integrity
    • apply a Growth Mindset to personal and professional challenges to build resilience and wellbeing
    • set and pursue personal and professional goals.

    Designed to be highly interactive, with an emphasis on peer learning, the Career Navigator Program is made up of a two 1.5-hour online sessions and a two-day in person workshop at LG House, which will equip you with skills and tools to dial down your inner critic, build your career courage and take charge of your life and career.

    • Aspiring leaders
    • High potential women
    • Women who may not wish to move into more senior roles, but who want to build their professional profile and cultivate greater influence and impact in the workplace.

    Download the full flyer here

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    Registrations for this event are open to female Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests. 

    By registering for this program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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  • 2026 Ignite Program

    • 12 Feb 2026
    • 08 Dec 2026
    • 13 sessions
    • Various
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    The LG Professionals SA Ignite Program is a leadership learning path for supervisors, team leaders and coordinators in local government across South Australia.

    The focus of the program is to enable those who have limited experience in managing and leading people to develop the competencies required to be successful in their role. 

    Download the full prospectus here.


    Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

    By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.


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  • Speak with Influence, Negotiate with Ease

    • 20 Feb 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
    • 25
    Register


    In the local government environment, being able to influence those inside and outside of our organisations is a critical skill. Our ability to communicate clearly and influence ethically is essential to being able to productively manage projects, workloads and timelines.

    In addition, we build ongoing collaborative relationships as a by-product of establishing effective negotiation behaviours. This short course encourages you to gain an insight into your current negotiation preferences and to develop the micro-skills necessary to navigate through the range of negotiations you face in the workplace. 

    This course will provide you with tips and tricks to enhance your current communication, negotiation and influencing styles. Course facilitator, Gary Edwards, will share a range of tools and frameworks that will enable you to communicate more effectively in any situation.

    For more information, visit https://lgprofessionalssa.org.au/speak-with-influence-negotiate-with-ease/

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    Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

    By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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  • Foundations in Systems Thinking

    • 23 Feb 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
    • LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
    • 23
    Register

    In an increasingly complex environment, problems that persistently defy solutions despite your best efforts are likely becoming more frequent.

    We find ourselves bumping up against the limits of the effectiveness of our usual problem-defining and problem-solving approaches. It's not that we need to abandon our usual approaches; rather, we need to expand them. 

    Organisations are systems, and when we learn to see the relationship between structure and behaviour in our system, we can understand how we might shift structures to enable different/better behaviour patterns. That is systems thinking.

    LG Professionals SA is pleased to present this one-day masterclass with guest international facilitator Dr Barry Bales. The program will introduce systems thinking skills that will enable you to effectively define and address organisational challenges. To make this program as practical as possible, participants will practise using their new systems thinking concepts in addressing a real organisational challenge they currently face.

    Who should attend? Those in mid or higher-level leadership roles who already have substantial leadership skills and experience

    Download the flyer here


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    Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests. 

    By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.


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  • XLP – Connect 2026

    • 24 Feb 2026
    • 25 Feb 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • Adelaide Hills Convention Centre Hahndorf
    • 11
    Register

    Where we begin

    This isn’t just another training program. It’s a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters for your leadership.

    Amid constant demands, we rarely stop to consider who we’ve become and where we’re heading. XLP – Connect invites you into a space of trust, curiosity, and growth. You will be surrounded by others who care deeply about how leadership evolves in complex times.

    You might be returning after a previous deep leadership learning experience or arriving curious about what leadership could look like next. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by people who are thoughtful, open, and ready to lean into the future with you.

    Whether you’re navigating change, seeking clarity, or simply craving meaningful connection, this is where it begins again.

    What you'll take away

    • New and renewed relationships with thoughtful peers
    • A clearer sense of where you stand and what is shifting
    • Fresh ideas and tools to strengthen your leadership practice
    • Confidence and clarity to navigate complexity
    • A deeper understanding of agency: the ability to influence and shape the systems you serve
    • Renewed appreciation for why humanness and connection matter most in an AI-driven world.

    This program is for experienced local government leaders in regional and metropolitan councils and subsidiaries who are seeking to expand their thinking and leadership impact.

    Download the 2026 Prospectus

    Registration at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

    By registering for this program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.


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  • Women's Career Catalyst Program

    • 24 Feb 2026
    • 31 Mar 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide & Via Zoom
    • 11
    Register

    The LG Professionals SA Career Catalyst Program is designed for female leaders who want to build a strong leadership legacy and identity, without compromising their values, wellbeing or relationships.

    The program equips participants with:

    • a deeper understanding of their current professional terrain, and the skills and tools required to navigate it with resilience and authenticity
    • skills to build an authentic 'leadership presence', communicate with clarity and increase workplace impact and influence
    • an understanding of how gender dynamics can influence workplace, particularly leadership experience, and tried-and-tested tools to respond effectively to bias and double standards

    Designed to be highly interactive with an emphasis on peer learning, the 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.

        Download the full flyer here

        Registrations for this event are open to female Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests. 

        By registering for this program, you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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      • 2026 Strategic Management Program

        • 26 Feb 2026
        • 9:00 AM
        • 11 Sep 2026
        • 5:00 PM
        • Adelaide University
        • 18
        Register

        Developed in partnership with Adelaide University and local government experts, the Strategic Management Program (SMP) has been designed to increase the skills and capabilities of leaders and managers in local government.

        Participants will 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. 

        Download the prospectus here

        Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

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      • Powerful Business Writing

        • 02 Mar 2026
        • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
        • 22
        Register


        The Plain English movement was designed to cut through the confusing legalese of important documents in an effort to create clear and coherent communication using common, everyday language that is easily understood by the reader. Incorporating Plain English principles into your work will result in less writing time, shorter documents and enhanced readability.

        Even if your role doesn’t require a lot of writing, how you come across is crucial to your credibility. 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.

        This course will be delivered in person at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide. 

        For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/powerful-business-writing.

        Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

        By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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      • AI Transformation: Introduction to AI

        • 10 Mar 2026
        • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
        • Virtual
        • 28
        Register


        Join us for an eye-opening and educational session on the potential of AI!

        Discover how AI is enhancing productivity, transforming industries and unlocking new opportunities to be efficient. We’ll delve into the benefits of AI and its offerings; from automating routine tasks to driving innovation. Learn how AI has been used for years up until this point, and how AI has developed over time to be more accessible and user-friendly as ever.

        To support you in your journey, this session will explore the challenges and risks associated with AI, including ethical concerns, job displacement, and data privacy issues. Learn practical strategies to mitigate these problems and harness AIs full potential responsibly. Whether you’re an industry professional or just curious about AI, this session is your gateway to understanding and mastering the future.

        Suitable for: All staff within local government, as your first step into AI.

        Key learnings:

        This session will provide you with an introductory overview into AI, focusing on the different platforms, how you can integrate AI into your daily work, and the current best practice governance on use. 

        This course will be delivered online via Zoom. 

        For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/ai-training



        Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

        By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.


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      • AI Bootcamp

        • 10 Mar 2026
        • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Virtual
        • 27
        Register


        Learn how to use AI to enhance your local government workday.

        AI is revolutionising the way we work - join us in this hands-on session designed to equip you with practical skills for leveraging ai tools effectively within your workplace.

        Suitable for: All staff within local government who hold a general understanding of AI including principles, ethics and AI tools; especially suited for those who complete their work frequently on their computers. 

        Looking to gain a basis of understanding with AI? Check out our AI Transformation: Introduction to AI short course.

        Key learnings:

        This session has been designed to:

        • Overview of free AIs available to improve your efficiency/effectiveness with Microsoft Office apps like Word, Outlook and Excel
        • Discover amazing AI tools like Feedly, Yabble and Perplexity
        • Discover the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot’s AI from a business point of view
        • Super-charge your work using AIs for first drafts or summarising
        • Speed up your content creation process
        • Learn to collate and proof documents and content
        • Identify file types that can be imported/exported
        • Understand the interface and limits of AIs like ChatGPT and Midjourney
        • Learn the how to prompt the AI for best results
        • Understand the requirement for appropriate and safe AI use to stay within your governance and data privacy guidelines
        • Overview of paid Ais, like Microsoft Copilot Pro
        • Understanding the limitations and issues of this technology
        • Best Practice application of external generative AI.

        This course will be delivered online via Zoom. 

        For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/ai-bootcamp



        Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

        By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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      • 2026 Annual State Conference

        • 20 Mar 2026
        • 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
        • Adelaide Entertainment Centre - 98 Port Road, Hindmarsh SA 5007
        Register


        You are the people who POWER local government in South Australia. Join us for the LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference: Powering Local Government - an inspiring day designed to strengthen the people who make our communities thrive. This conference brings together leaders, storytellers, and innovators to explore the skills, insights, and connections that empower local government staff. From impactful leadership and effective communication to workforce wellbeing, resilience, and collaboration, each session is crafted to build your capability, connection, and confidence. Hear from dynamic keynote speakers, gain practical insights, and engage with a panel of field workforce staff sharing their experiences and perspectives. Come ready to be inspired, learn, and connect with your peers across the sector.

        Developed by the sector for the sector, this conference program is highly relevant and engaging for local government professionals in all job roles and levels, from metropolitan and regional councils and subsidiaries. Join us at the flagship local government conference for 2026 to learn, develop and network with your sector colleagues.


        View the full program here.


        Looking to Book Multiple Guests?

        Let us do the work for you! Please complete this form and email to Megan Hay, Events Coordinator at mhay@lgprofessionalssa.org.au 

        Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

        By registering for this event, you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au

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      • Introduction to Project Management

        • 25 Mar 2026
        • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
        • LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
        • 19
        Register


        Project management is a fundamental skill in our modern workforce, as it ensures that what is being delivered is not only right, but that it also delivers against the business opportunity - so it's important that we get it right.

        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.

        Suitable for: those seeking to enhance their self-developed project management skills, including: Officers, Coordinators and Team Leaders.

        This course will be delivered in person at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide. 

        For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/introduction-to-project-management.

        Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

        By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.


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      • 2026 Management Challenge

        • 23 Apr 2026
        • 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
        • Adelaide Showground - Goodwood Road, Wayville SA 5034
        Register


        The Management Challenge is a simulation-based team building, learning and networking program using real local government themes—the types of issues that a senior management team in a council would most likely face.

        The teams are challenged to respond to a series of tasks in a unique one-day, fast paced, ‘pressure cooker’ environment. Some tasks will require written responses (such as a council report or recommendation document), and some will take the form of role plays or presentations and the teams are also scored on observations of how well they display energy, synergy, effectiveness and creative thinking.

        View the prospectus here.

        Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

        By registering for this event you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au 

        Show details

      • Advanced Project Management

        • 13 May 2026
        • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
        • LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
        • 20
        Register


        Every day in local government, we're managing projects.

        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.

        Our Advanced Project Management course is designed for those ready to move beyond the basics. Perfect for anyone with experience managing projects, or who has completed our Introduction to Project Management. This course digs deeper into project management theory and looks at both operational and strategic elements of project management.

        Best suited to those who have some project management experience behind them, and those that have completed the Introduction to Project Management course.

        This course will be delivered in person at LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide. 

        For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/advanced-project-management.


        Registrations for this event are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.

        By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

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      • 2026 Emerging Leaders Program

        • 28 May 2026
        • 27 Nov 2026
        • 10 sessions
        • Various Locations
        • 28
        Registration is closed

        The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a program aimed to provide participants with a greater level of comprehension and understanding of local government; increased understanding of leadership concepts and practices and how to integrate these learnings into the workplace, increased confidence; enhanced self-awareness; an appreciation of and an ability to work with different personality types; the opportunity to challenge their assumptions. 

        Registrations open Wednesday 14 January 2026.

        Download the prospectus here.


        Registrations at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests unless specified otherwise on the event or program brochure.

        By registering for this event/forum/program you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.

        Show details

      Mailing Address: 148 Frome Street ADELAIDE SA 5000   Phone: 08 8224 2080   Email: admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au


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