Please see below for scheduled programs and events. We also have Expressions of Interest open for our Short Courses.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
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
Join us for this informative webinar hosted in conjunction with Public Skills Australia and LGA South Australia.
Public Skills Australia will share early insights from the Local Government Skills Audit, bringing together data from last year’s workshops, and the National Workforce Skills and Capability Survey.
This webinar will provide an overview of current and emerging workforce capability challenges across the sector, with opportunities for participants to ask questions and explore both South Australian and national trends.
Agenda Highlights:
This webinar will be delivered via Microsoft Teams
By registering for this webinar 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
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.
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
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.
This session has been designed to:
For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/ai-bootcamp
Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum – Rebalance. A powerful and reflective three-hour forum designed to support women to pause, reassess, and realign what they give their time, energy, and “yes” to.
In a world that often rewards doing more, this forum invites us to explore when it’s right to say no, how to say yes to what really matters, and how to rebalance work, life, ambition, care, and self, without guilt.
Through expert facilitation and deeply human stories, our speakers will challenge long-held expectations, share practical strategies, and offer permission to prioritise what’s right for you.
This Forum will be held in person at Lockleys Community Room and via Zoom on Thursday 12 March from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
Read more about each session below:
Rebalance through change – Practical Insights for Modern LeadershipMichelle KennedyGeneral Manager, Natural and Built EnvironmentsCity of West Torrens
Michelle Kennedy is the General Manager, Natural and Built Environments at the City of West Torrens. An engineer, senior leader, and mum of two, Michelle brings a grounded and refreshingly candid perspective on what it takes to rebalance through change.
Drawing on her experience leading in male-dominated environments, and navigating the evolving demands of family life, Michelle will share practical approaches that have helped her rebalance well (and a few that have not).
Participants will leave with actionable strategies to build self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and let go of perfectionism, so they can apply the principles of rebalance in their own leadership and day-to-day life.
Anita Schneyder Founder, Teams on Purpose
Anita Schneyder will facilitate an engaging and practical session focused on Rebalance: The courage to say no. Designed to support participants to pause, reassess and realign how they invest their time, energy and emotional capacity. The session challenges workplace, cultural and social norms that reward constant availability and over‑giving, while offering the language, permission and practical tools to rebalance work, life and self - without guilt.
With warmth, clarity, and humour, Anita will explore:
This session empowers participants to rebalance their energy, values, and commitments with confidence.
My Story Alyce McKay Horticulturalist, City of Adelaide
Alyce McKay’s story is a powerful example of rebalancing life and career to realign with values and purpose. After 15 years in retail, Alyce recognised her need to return to the outdoors and re-centre what mattered most. Through study, volunteering, and brave career shifts, she found her way to horticulture and now supports the wellbeing of Adelaide’s green spaces and future horticulturalists.
Her journey reminds us that rebalance isn’t about starting over, it’s about finding your way back to yourself.
My Story Rebecca Burton Business Support Officer, City of Mitcham
Bec Burton brings a deeply human perspective to Rebalance. With more than 20 years’ experience in local government, Bec is also a single mum and full-time carer to her son, while navigating recovery from domestic violence and complex life pressures.
Through the LG Professionals SA Women’s Career Navigator Program, Bec found clarity, confidence, and permission to prioritise wellbeing without letting go of ambition. Her story challenges the idea that women must choose between meaningful work and meaningful lives, showing that rebalance is about alignment, not reduction.
This forum offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers, hear diverse perspectives, and gain valuable ideas that can enhance both your work and wellbeing.
Distance shouldn’t be a barrier to participation - registrations are open for you to join us at one of our regional hubs. Simply select this option when registering so we can accommodate your needs. If you require assistance or are interested in hosting a regional hub, please reach out to Kylee Noble at kylee@lgprofessionalssa.org.au
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
You're invited to join us for the first LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum of 2026: From Uncertainty to Alignment: Practical Leadership for Complex Transitions.
This interactive session is designed for General Managers and Directors who are navigating complex change and want practical ways to build clarity, alignment, and momentum across their organisation.
Participants will explore how people actually respond to change, why uncertainty often triggers hesitation, frustration or disengagement, and what leaders can do to create the conditions for progress. The session will also unpack the impact of leadership congruence, highlighting how trust and culture are shaped by the consistency between what leaders say, do, prioritise and emphasise.
Grounded in real challenges raised by participants, this session will provide a practical framework for diagnosing what is really happening beneath the surface of difficult change issues, and identifying leadership strategies that shift energy, strengthen commitment, and support sustainable outcomes.
Participants will leave with tools and insights they can apply immediately to communicate change more effectively, create shared understanding, and lead with greater consistency.
The Forum will be facilitated by Steven Renfrey and Kylie Butler from Reframe Change, who are also partnering with us for the Change Drivers Program.
Steven Renfrey Lead Consultant Reframe Change
Key Times:1:00PM - Arrivals 1:15PM - Session begins 4:15PM - Networking Drinks 5:00PM - Forum ends
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
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
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.
For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/introduction-to-project-management.
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.
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
The LG Professionals SA Change Drivers Program will equip you with the tools needed to guide your organisation through change with confidence, clarity and momentum. It’s about leading change from within; aligning purpose, people, and performance to create meaningful progress.
Benefits of Change Drivers:
Delivered as three immersive 4‑hour modules the program is designed to strengthen how leaders navigate change in themselves, their teams, and their organisations. Grounded in practical tools and real‑world application, participants will expand their thinking, build confidence in leading change, and develop the clarity needed to move from insight to action.
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.
For more information, visit lgprofessionalssa.org.au/advanced-project-management.
The Local Government Professionals Australia, SA Leadership Excellence Awards Program recognises outstanding achievement and innovation in local government. The association is pleased to present a program that not only recognises excellence, but contributes to the advancement and improvement of local government as a sector.
Join us to celebrate the achievements of local government professionals!
Event Details:
Pre-Dinner Arrivals: 6:30PM
Dinner: 7:00PM
Dress: Cocktail
This event is only open to people employed by a council or other local government entity unless they are event sponsors or corporate partners.
Note: A cancellation policy applies to this event. Please view the policy here before registering.
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.
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/
Mailing Address: 148 Frome Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Phone: 08 8224 2080 Email: admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au