Upcoming Programs & Events

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• 2026 Ignite Program

  • Start
    12 Feb 2026
  • End
    08 Dec 2026
  • Schedule
    13 sessions
  • Location
    Various
  • Spaces left
    0

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  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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• 2026 Strategic Management Program

  • Start
    26 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    11 Sep 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Adelaide University
  • Spaces left
    8

  

  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. 

  Please note: As at 19 December 2025 the Prospectus has been updated with new dates for Module 3.

  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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• 2026 Emerging Leaders Program

  • Start
    28 May 2026
  •  
  • End
    27 Nov 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    Various Locations
  • Spaces left
    0

  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.

  Check your Council Classification 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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• 2026 Economic Development Conference

  • When
    19 Jun 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    UCity Function Centre - Level 1, 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide SA 5000

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Join us for the 2026 LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference, Future Prosperity: Adapting for Growth. This year’s program brings together leaders from local government, industry, and community to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping South Australia’s economic future.

  Across keynote presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions, we’ll unpack how local government can adapt to shifting economic conditions, harness innovation, and foster resilient, thriving communities. From navigating workforce and demographic change, emerging governance and risk issues, to driving investment, sustainability, and place-based development, this conference offers practical insights and inspiring stories from across the state and beyond.

  Designed for local government professionals, Adapting for Growth is your chance to connect, learn, and collaborate. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, build networks, and contribute to shaping a prosperous future for South Australia.

  Conference program can be viewed here
  

  All local government professionals with an interest in, and responsibility for, the economic direction of their councils are encouraged to attend.
  

  
  

  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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• LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Partnering for Progress

  • When
    23 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Event via Zoom

  Register

  

  Join us for the LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Partnering for Progress. This Forum brings together local government professionals, community leaders and regional changemakers to explore the power of partnership in creating vibrant, connected and resilient communities. Through real-world case studies and  collaborative discussions, attendees will hear how councils are working alongside community, volunteers and local business to deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes.

  The Forum will showcase innovative approaches to community-led development, place activation and stakeholder engagement, highlighting the importance of trust, collaboration and shared ownership in driving successful outcomes.

  Please note this forum is an online only event.

  Read more about the sessions below:

  Success grounded in community collaboration
  Nick Perry, Manager Economic Development and Business Sustainability, and 
  Molly Flanagan, Arts and Cultural Facilitator, Yorke Peninsula Council

  Discover how the Yorke Peninsula Council partnered with community to bring the GROUNDED YP Art Festival to life across Guuranda (Yorke Peninsula). Through a highly collaborative, place-based approach, Council worked alongside local artists, schools, Progress Associations, Traditional Owners, community groups and businesses to co-design more than 40 events across 12 townships.

  This session will explore how genuine community partnership created strong local ownership, strengthened regional identity and delivered lasting cultural, social and economic outcomes. Learn how collaboration and creativity transformed local spaces into vibrant community experiences and created a sustainable model for regional engagement and growth.

  This project won the 2026 Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.

  
  

  Volunteers and Partnerships – How can council effectively partner with community groups 

  Councils can’t meet every community need on their own. This session will explore how councils work with volunteers and community groups to strengthen local services, build community connection, and deliver better outcomes for their regions. When these partnerships work well, they create trust, clarity, and shared value for both councils and communities.

  In this panel discussion, you'll hear from: 

  Ross Whitfield – Manager Field Services, Alexandrina Council
  
  Daniel Western, Youth Development Officer, City of Victor Harbor

  Monika Rhodes – Team Leader Environmental Strategy, Alexandrina Council

  
  

  Streets ahead – Made by Design, Sustained by Partnership

  Just five minutes east of Adelaide's CBD, the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters punches well above its weight. Home to a vibrant multicultural community of over 40,000 people, NPSP — and The Parade Norwood in particular — has transformed over 25 years into one of South Australia's most vibrant destinations: a cosmopolitan hub of lifestyle, dining, retail, professional services, innovation and creativity. A place for businesses to not only survive but to thrive, backed by having the lowest business failure rate in Australia.

  In this session, we pull back the curtain on how Council actively nurtures local businesses at every stage — from first-time operators finding their feet to long-standing institutions that have shaped the street's identity for decades. Discover how strategic planning and investment, genuine partnership and building trust with local business have made The Parade one of Australia's most resilient commercial strips.

  In this panel discussion, you'll hear from: 

  • Eve Green, Coordinator Marketing & Place Activation — As a former small business owner, Eve understands the pressures businesses face at every corner and lead’s Council’s place activation. She shares how NPSP connect, engage and nurture start-ups and long-standing businesses, from planning approvals through to local business advisory and joint ventures.
  • Stuart Pope, Project Manager, Civil Projects — Building trust and business engagement in project planning and delivery is key to building long standing relationships on trust and transparency. In this panel discussion, Stuart will share the community engagement and project management strategies used to successfully manage impacted business in the delivery the George Street Upgrade.
  • Gabby Cavuoto, Owner of European Café — over 40 years on The Parade and still going strong, Gabby shares the role Council has played in their success, longevity and opportunities for their business.

  
  

  

  Thinking about making the trip? We encourage our members to join us in-person for this forum. Reach out to your colleagues for carpooling opportunities to maximise connection and reduce your environmental footprint. 

  Registrations for this forum 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 forum, 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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• Councils Tackling Homelessness

  • When
    02 Jul 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Virtual via Teams

  Register

  
  

  Proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW.

  Homelessness is a complex and growing challenge for local government. Councils are uniquely placed to bring stakeholders together, align efforts across services, and work alongside other councils, community organisations, housing providers, health and justice partners, and central government to support better outcomes for communities.
  
  This Forum brings together two experienced local government professionals in the field of homelessness to share their experience and insight. You will hear methods for strengthening relationships across the sector and practical ways councils can collaborate, particularly with councils of similar demographics, to coordinate responses, reduce duplication, and scale approaches that deliver results. We will also discuss how councils can clarify their role, use their influence and levers, and take shared responsibility for supporting their communities.
  
  You will hear from two practitioners working at the centre of council led collaboration: Peniel Elliott from New Zealand, drawing on her work with Rotorua Lakes Council to build partnerships, improve coordination, and translate collective intent into practical action; and Leanne Mitchell from Australia, drawing on her work at the City of Melbourne Council and her experience with the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness. They will both share practical tips for engaging stakeholders and working council to council to progress shared priorities and support more consistent outcomes.
  
  Discussion will focus on moving beyond crisis response and using a whole of council approach. We will explore prevention and early intervention, shared measures of success, and the internal governance and ways of working that help councils partner effectively and sustain momentum.
  
  By the end of the forum, you will leave with practical engagement tips and real world examples from New Zealand and Australia to help build stronger partnerships, create more connected communities, and better support people experiencing homelessness.
  

  

  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 People and Culture Network Conference: Culture by Design

  • When
    24 Jul 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Pullman Adelaide - 16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide SA 5000

  Register

  
  
  

  Join us at the 2026 LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network Conference - Culture by Design. This conference brings together local government people and culture professionals for a practical, future-focused day dedicated to shaping workplaces with intention, courage and care, and explores how communication, capability, mental safety and values-driven leadership intersect to create strong, sustainable council cultures.

  Through engaging keynotes, real-world council case examples and an interactive panel, attendees will gain fresh insights into psychosocial risk, workforce capability uplift and cultural transformation in the local government sector. From building confidence and connection, to creating mentally safe workplaces and embracing constructive “good trouble,” the program is designed to be relevant, practical and energising. Join peers from across the sector to learn, reflect and connect, and leave equipped with ideas and tools you can apply immediately to design culture that delivers for people, councils and communities.

  This conference is open to all local government people and culture, work health safety and human resource professionals - we also strongly encourage anyone who works closely with people and culture or with a passion or role in leading the future of the local government workforce to attend.

  Download the conference brochure 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.

  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

  • When
    29 Jul 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    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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• Incremental Innovation

  • When
    13 Aug 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Virtual via Teams

  Register

  
  

  Proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW.

  In a world defined by rapid change and emerging technologies, innovation is often associated with large-scale transformation, redesigning departments, redefining roles, and redeploying talent. These initiatives tend to capture the headlines. However, within local government, where established processes guide performance and work often spans multiple teams, innovation can feel complex, disruptive, and even detrimental to productivity.
  
  But what if innovation didn’t have to be large or disruptive? What if it could be incremental? By applying the principles of innovation in small, practical ways, organisations can foster a culture of curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement. Even large, complex organisations with legacy systems can embrace change in manageable and meaningful ways.
  
  This session explores how two councils have successfully embedded incremental innovation and continuous improvement into their operations. They will share their experiences, demonstrating how creating space for staff to contribute ideas, test them safely, and refine workflows can transform organisational performance. Participants will gain practical insights and real examples that can be applied within their own roles in local government.
  
  Maricopa County, Arizona
  At Maricopa County, staff process thousands of property documents each day. While experienced teams bring deep operational knowledge, established routines can sometimes limit openness to change. Rather than pursuing a large-scale overhaul, the organisation focused on incremental innovation.
  
  Staff were encouraged to identify challenges, suggest improvements, and experiment with new approaches in a safe and supported environment. Leaders were equipped with the skills to foster curiosity, encourage idea generation, and support continuous improvement.
  
  As ideas emerged from across the organisation, small efficiencies in individual tasks began to accumulate. These incremental gains reduced repetitive effort, improved accuracy, and freed up capacity for more complex work, without increasing resourcing. Regular check-ins, cross-team collaboration, and clear accountability ensured momentum was maintained. Long-serving employees contributed valuable insights, while newer staff introduced fresh perspectives. Over time, this approach embedded a culture where everyone felt empowered to contribute, and incremental innovation became part of the organisational norm.
  
  Sutherland Shire Council
  At Sutherland Shire Council, continuous improvement has been a strategic priority, strongly championed by the CEO and embedded through the leadership team’s approach to organisational development.
  
  Recognising that innovation is often overlooked in environments with long-tenured staff, leaders have taken a respectful and inclusive approach. They actively acknowledge the deep organisational knowledge of experienced employees and leverage their expertise to improve workflows, strengthen ways of working, and support transitions into more contemporary roles.
  
  This approach balances respect for the organisation’s history with a clear focus on the future, ensuring staff feel valued while adapting to evolving expectations and opportunities. At the same time, the leadership team has remained committed to strengthening the fundamentals, clarifying processes, building capability, and creating the conditions necessary for sustainable, long-term improvement across the organisation.

  

  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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• Advanced Project Management

  • When
    18 Sep 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    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/or those who have completed our 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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• Powerful Business Writing

  • When
    27 Oct 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    25

  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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• Introduction to Project Management

  • When
    04 Nov 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    20

  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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• Performance Coaching

  • When
    09 Nov 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    20

  Register

  
  

  Many leaders find conversations about performance to be difficult and too often avoid them altogether. Providing feedback, particularly when a team member’s performance falls short of expectations is one of the most critical functions a leader performs. Yet for many this is one of the most dreaded and avoided.

  This program enables participants to develop skills and confidence in holding these conversations in an easy and comfortable environment. Participants are provided opportunities to engage with a new and contemporary approach. They will prepare for effective performance conversations in their workplace.

  Visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/performance-coaching for more information.

  
  

  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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