Upcoming Programs & Events

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• 2025 Ignite Program

  • Start
    06 Feb 2025
  •  
  • End
    04 Feb 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    15 sessions
  • Location
    Various
  • Spaces left
    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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• 2025 Emerging Leaders Program

  • Start
    29 May 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    28 Nov 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • 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. 

  The 2025 Emerging Leaders Program has currently sold out. Please join our waitlist in case a place becomes available.

  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.

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• 2026 Ignite Program - Information Session

  • When
    23 Oct 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom)

  Register

  

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

  Join LG Professionals SA, along with Tony Stone and Sara Hondrou from ASC Training and Development 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 Ignite Program visit: LG Professionals SA - Ignite Program

  
  

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• Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Innovation vs. Continuous Improvement - Competing Forces or Perfect Partners?

  • When
    30 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Stretton Centre - 307 Peachey Rd, Munno Para SA 5115 (and virtually via Zoom)

  Register

  

  You’re invited to the LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network for their final Forum of the year - Innovation vs. Continuous Improvement: Competing Forces or Perfect Partners?

  Join us for a thought-provoking morning designed to challenge assumptions, inspire creativity, and strengthen your approach to improvement and innovation. You’ll hear real-world insights and practical tools to drive change!

  Start your morning with Dr Lisa Bailey, Director of MOD (Museum of Discovery) where she will help us explore the “preposterous” ideas that could shape tomorrow’s essential services and hear from the City of Marion who are embarking on a journey to embed a culture of continuous improvement.

  We’ll end the forum with a staff led panel discussion to challenge the notion that innovation is more valuable than continuous improvement - guaranteed to spark discussion and new perspectives and invite participants to discover how Design Thinking can help you ideate and visualise new solutions, then put your learning into practice back in your workplace as a true change maker.

  Don’t miss the opportunity to explore whether innovation and continuous improvement are truly competing forces - or the perfect partners for progress.

  
  

  Welcome to City of Playford

  Jo Edwards

  Manager - Community Insights, City of Playford

  
  

  From Probable to Preposterous: Imagining Possibilities to Shape Better Futures

  Dr Lisa Bailey

  Director, Museum of Discovery (MOD)

  What if the most 'preposterous’ ideas today become tomorrow's essential services? In this session Lisa will discuss how futures thinking can help identify when you need innovation rather than business-as-usual improvements.

  Dr Lisa Bailey is Director of MOD, Australia's award-winning future-focused museum at the University of South Australia. With a PhD in biochemistry, she transitioned from bench research to science communication, working at cultural institutions including the Royal Institution of Great Britain and The Royal Institution of Australia. She served as president of Australian Science Communicators from 2018-2021 and has lectured in Science Communication at Flinders University. At MOD, Lisa leads innovative approaches to science communication and futures thinking, creating accessible experiences that help diverse audiences engage with complex ideas and contemplate possibilities for shaping better futures.

  
  

  Continuous Improvement Framework at the City of Marion         
  Claire Bircumshaw

  Change Manager, City of Marion

  The City of Marion is on a journey to embed continuous improvement into its everyday way of working across the organisation. Hear about their progress so far, the lessons they’ve learned, and what lies ahead as they continue to grow and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement.

  Driving organisational excellence by supporting change initiatives and embedding a culture of continuous improvement focussed on the customer and improved community outcomes. Claire’s role guides employees through change, promotes innovation, and empowers staff with problem-solving skills to strengthen capability across the organisation.

  
  

  Ignite Your Thinking

  In the pursuit of progress, innovation is more valuable than continuous improvement.
  Our panel of speakers will 'debate' the topic to ignite your thinking!

  Continuous Improvement will be presented by:

  • Gemma Capoccia - Manager Business Improvement and Transformation, City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters
  • Damian Garcia - Manager Operations, City of Marion

  
  

  Innovation will be presented by:

  • Adrian Hill - Manager Community Safety, City of Holdfast Bay
  • Dan Stevens - Manager City Safety, City of Adelaide

  
  

  Design Thinking
  Aaron Schroeder - Strategic Projects and Planning Manager, City of Burnside
  Stuart Boyd - Manager - Strategy and Governance, City of Holdfast Bay

  An introduction to ideate and visualisation to support business performance and improvement.

  Participate in this interactive session to learn the basis of Design Thinking so you can head back to your workplace and become a change maker!

  
  

  

  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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• Local Government Skills and Training Focus Group - Online

  • When
    30 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Teams

  Register

  LG Professionals SA and LGA South Australia are pleased to support Public Skills Australia to deliver a series of local government skills audit sessions across South Australia.

  Public Skills Australia (PSA) is the Jobs and Skills Council for the local government sector. PSA have federal funding to deliver a detailed national study on skills and training gaps in the sector.

  Join us for this final session, to be held online, where your input will provide valuable insights on workforce capability, current and emerging skills needs, and challenges in attraction, retention, and development from your council perspective. 

  Thank you in advance for your support in helping shape the future workforce of local government.

  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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• Powerful Business Writing

  • When
    05 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    20

  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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• Navigating your Life Journey and the Road to Retirement

  • When
    06 Nov 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  
  

  Whether your retirement is coming up or is in the distant future, there are a few important things to consider to help you plan for and enjoy the retirement lifestyle you really want.

  The Navigating your Life Journey and the Road to Retirement short course will support you in gaining clarity around the aspects of life which are most important to you, creating a vision for your future - both inside and outside of work. The session will aid you in identifying potential roadblocks to achieving goals and managing them effectively, working on your life purpose and developing a clear action plan to help achieve fulfilment both now and in the re-definement phase of your life. 

  For more information, visit https://lgprofessionalssa.org.au/navigating-the-road-to-retirement/

  You will also have the opportunity to explore superannuation with Hostplus. Find out more about the retirement journey and strategies to maximise super leading up to and during retirement. You will explore building up your retirement nest egg, transition to retirement, options to meet your income needs in retirement, including the Age Pension, and protecting your wealth.
  

  
  

  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 short course, 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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• 2025 Women's Network Conference: Embrace It

  • When
    07 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Morphettville Event Centre - 79 Morphett Road, Morphettville SA 5043

  Register

  
  

  Join us at this year’s LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Conference - Embrace It - for a day of inspiration, practical learning, and genuine connection. Together, we’ll explore what it means to embrace resilience, confidence, opportunities, and the power of human connection, providing you with strategies you can apply straight away in your work and life. Each session is designed to spark reflection, encourage growth, and provide tools to help you embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and excel with clarity and purpose.

  Beyond the program itself, the conference is also a chance to embrace community. By connecting with other professional women in local government, you’ll share experiences, build supportive networks, and discover fresh perspectives that last well beyond the event. Whether through formal sessions, informal conversations, or networking opportunities, participants will leave with fresh perspectives, stronger connections, and renewed confidence.

  More than professional development, this is your opportunity to step away from the everyday, invest in yourself, and be inspired by the collective wisdom of a local government community committed to growth, equity, and leadership. Together, let’s Embrace It.

  View the full program here.

  
  

  WOMEN'S NETWORK DINNER

  The Women’s Network Committee are organising a ‘pay your own way’ dinner at a nearby location the evening prior to the conference to give delegates an opportunity to network informally and enjoy a meal ahead of the event. To register your interest, please indicate this within your online registration and further information will be shared.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  Registration at our events and programs are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of 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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• LG Professionals SA 2025 Annual General Meeting

  • When
    13 Nov 2025
  •  
    4:15 PM
  • Location
    The Waymouth Room, The Gallery 30 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000

  Register

  

  Register to attend as a show of support for your association. 

  The 2025 AGM will take the following format:

  • 4:15 pm              Arrivals

  • 4:30 pm              AGM 
  • 4:45 pm              Network Updates
  • 5:15 pm              Networking

  
  

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• Speak with Influence, Negotiate with Ease

  • When
    17 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    18

  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/

  
  

  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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• Unlocking the Power of AI with Microsoft Copilot

  • When
    18 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  
  

  Whether you are Copilot curious or ready to ramp up your AI game, this hands-on workshop will turn uncertainty into capability.

  This engaging and immersive workshop is designed to empower participants with the practical skills and knowledge to confidently understand the full potential of all versions of Microsoft Copilot. The session includes Copilot Free, Copilot for Windows 11, Copilot Chat, CoPilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with brief insights of additional offerings such as Copilot for Sales, Service, Studio, GitHub Copilot, and integrated tools like Loop, Pages, and BizChat.

  Participants will explore the latest amazing AI-powered features, learn how to embed Copilot tools into everyday workflows, and gain insights into how different versions align with their organisational needs and budgets. The session moves from entry-level use cases to advanced applications - demystifying capabilities, pricing, and strategic value.

  By the end of the workshop, you will have a solid understanding of how Copilot fits into the broader AI landscape and how to evaluate which version is right for your team. Most importantly, you will gain the knowledge to determine the best option to effectively transform your productivity.

  
  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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• Mastering Copilot for Microsoft 365 Business

  • When
    18 Nov 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    26

  Register

  
  

  Whether you’re already licensed or planning your pilot, this training will equip you with the confidence and skills to put Copilot for Microsoft 365 Business to work immediately.

  Already exploring Copilot for Microsoft 365, or ready to pilot it in your organisation? Unlike our wide-ranging Unlocking the Power of AI with Microsoft Copilot session, this workshop focuses exclusively on the version with the deepest capabilities, strongest enterprise-grade security, and tightest integration across Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint. Copilot for Microsoft 365 Business is the premium price option per month, but for organisations serious about productivity, compliance, and AI-powered transformation, this Copilot delivers the most impact.

  Why Copilot for Microsoft 365 Business?

  • Most powerful version with extensive features.
  • Deep integration with Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance you can trust.

  

  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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• Introduction to Project Management

  • When
    27 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    14

  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 Ignite Program

  • Start
    12 Feb 2026
  • End
    08 Dec 2026
  • Schedule
    13 sessions
  • Location
    Various
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  
  

  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 Annual State Conference

  • When
    20 Mar 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    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.

  
  

  Full Program Coming Soon!

  
  

  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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• 2026 Management Challenge

  • When
    23 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    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 

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