What is the Rural Management Challenge?

The LG Professionals SA Rural Management Challenge is a sophisticated development program that produces relevant, tangible and enduring benefits for your people, your teams and your council. Councils enter teams of four staff from any level or area of the organisation. These teams compete to complete a variety of tasks that simulate different activities that council manage on a day-to-day basis. As some of these tasks or issues may be outside the team members’ usual role, it provides the perfect opportunity to broaden their understanding of different areas of the organisation. Areas covered may include risk, finance, community consultation, human resources, marketing and communications and more. Previous tasks have included role plays, reports, presentations, mock media interviews and team swaps.

The winning team will receive 6 complimentary tickets (for each team member, their mentor & CEO) to attend the 2026 Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner where they will be officially presented with the winner's trophy.

Why should you enter?

The Rural Management Challenge provides rural councils with a unique opportunity for staff development, with an emphasis of learning, both individually and as a team. It is an immersive experience designed to develop your skills to become more effective in the way you lead, think, communicate, negotiate, decide, analyse and engage.