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

  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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• 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 Management Challenge

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

  Registration is closed

  
  

  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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• Change Drivers Program

  • Start
    28 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    26 May 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide & Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  

  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:

  • Builds leadership congruence and alignment
  • Strengthens ability to manage energy and setbacks
  • Encourages clarity, consistency, and authentic leadership
  • Teaches leaders how to sustain momentum and inspire commitment
  • Applies neuroscience and behavioural theory to real-world leadership

  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.

  Download the full brochure 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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• AI as a Strategic Lever for Financial Sustainability

  • When
    29 Apr 2026
  •  
    10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Virtual via Teams

  Register

  
  

  Proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW.

  AI tools are increasingly embedded across businesses and organisations—and local governments are no exception. Beyond automating routine tasks, AI has the potential to enhance financial sustainability, boost productivity, and ease workforce pressures. This raises key questions for council leaders: How have other councils navigated the risks, balanced financial investment, and managed resources when adopting AI? What tangible benefits have they realised, and how might similar approaches strengthen service delivery and financial sustainability in your council?

  In this Global Insight Online Forum, we will explore how two councils have advanced their use of AI—examining implementation processes, risk management strategies, outcomes, and future plans to support ongoing service improvements and long-term financial performance. The session is designed for council leaders, managers, and policy makers seeking practical, real-world insights into AI adoption.

  Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to align AI initiatives with broader council goals, integrate new technologies into everyday operations, and achieve measurable outcomes that enhance both financial and community sustainability. The forum will be delivered in an interactive Q&A format, allowing participants to ask questions and discuss challenges specific to their councils.
  
  City of Pacifica, California (USA)
  As a smaller coastal city operating among larger, better-resourced jurisdictions, the City of Pacifica faces structural fiscal constraints, workforce capacity pressures, and significant long-term infrastructure needs. Recognising these challenges as structural the City adopted an Integrated Fiscal Sustainability Framework focused on five elements: revenue stabilisation, organisational investment, economic development, housing growth, and partnerships and operational innovation.
   
  As part of this strategy, Pacifica explored how technology could strengthen capacity without increasing staffing. The goal was to improve public access to accurate local information, reduce staff workload, and support consistent, data-informed decision-making. Through a defined governance framework, the City implemented Rose AI, the first in California municipal virtual assistant trained specifically on Pacifica’s municipal code, policies, and procedures. Deployment occurred in phases, beginning with internal staff support and expanding to resident-facing services, while maintaining monitoring and verification protocols. Today, Rose guides residents to permits and forms, explains local regulations, connects community members to City services, and reduces routine workload on staff.
   
  The City of Pacifica will share their implementation journey, including the governance safeguards and steps involved in integrating Rose, the resources required, measurable outcomes and benefits to date, and lessons learned and future plans to further support staff and the community in strengthening fiscal sustainability and organisational resilience. 
  
  Whitehorse Council, VIC
  Every council is grappling with the same question: how do you respond to growing and changing community expectations without expanding your workforce?

  For Whitehorse Council, the answer hasn’t been about doing more with less. It has been about working differently. With a commitment to maintaining employee numbers over the next five years, the Council has focused on redesigning roles, building capability and introducing AI tools in practical ways that support both staff and service delivery.

  This forum will share Whitehorse’s experience so far—what has worked, what has been challenging, and what they are still learning. With strong leadership support and a clear strategic direction, the AI adoption team is guiding a whole-of-organisation approach that balances financial sustainability with service improvement and workforce stability.

  Participants will hear how the Council is planning for redeployment and new skill development, how staff are being supported through change, and how early wins are helping to build confidence across the organisation. Rather than presenting a finished model, Whitehorse will offer honest reflections and practical insights that other councils can adapt to their own context.

  This session is designed for leaders and managers looking for realistic, achievable ways to strengthen financial sustainability while modernising processes and supporting their workforce. If your council is exploring how AI and organisational change can work hand in hand, this conversation will provide grounded insights and practical starting points.
  
  

  
  
  

  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 Transformation: Introduction to AI

  • When
    11 May 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    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

  • When
    11 May 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    24

  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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• Advanced Project Management

  • When
    13 May 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    13

  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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• Rethinking Our Approach to Workforce Challenges

  • When
    21 May 2026
  •  
    10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Virtual via Teams

  Register

  
  

  Proudly delivered in partnership with LG Professionals NSW.

  Councils are navigating increasingly complex workforce pressures, driven by shifting community expectations, ageing demographics, limited talent pipelines, and long-standing systems that no longer support effective ways of working. These challenges highlight the need for fresh approaches that strengthen capability, enhance everyday work experiences, and create environments where people can contribute, grow, and feel connected to meaningful work. This forum invites senior leaders to explore practical, evidence-informed methods for addressing these critical workforce issues.
  
  In this Global Insight Forum, we will examine how two councils have responded to workforce pressures through modern workforce design, internal development initiatives, and cultural improvements. Participants will gain insights into approaches that foster professional growth, support internal mobility, and create opportunities for people to shape and influence their organisation. The session will provide real-world examples of how capability can be strengthened across diverse local government contexts.
  
  City of Arcadia, California
  
  The City of Arcadia has faced challenges common across local government, including competition for specialised skills, outdated internal systems, and workflows that were no longer enabling efficient service delivery. Recognising these barriers, the city initiated a series of efforts aimed at modernising people practices and building stronger internal capability.
  
  These initiatives included clearer development pathways, opportunities for staff to take part in internal projects, and new channels for employees to share their ideas and experiences. Arcadia’s use of “stay interviews” helped uncover improvement opportunities and led to the creation of an innovation team that has since delivered several well-received culture-building activities — including the widely known “puppy day” project, which contributed to greater connection across the organisation.
  
  This forum will explore Arcadia’s journey, including how it lifted capability, streamlined processes, and strengthened workplace culture to support an environment where people can do their best work over time. 

  
  

  
  
  

  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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• 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner

  • When
    22 May 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 11:30 PM
  • Location
    Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace Adelaide

  Register

  
  

  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

  • 
    

  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 

  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. 
  

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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

  Join waitlist

  

  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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• LG Professionals SA People and Culture Network: Learning and Development Workshop

  • When
    04 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Charles Sturt Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville SA

  Register

  
  

  Every Council’s Learning Journey: Growing Capability Together

  A dedicated space for individuals to connect, share insights, and access support related to learning and development.

  We’re excited to invite you to a collaborative Learning & Development workshop designed for local government Learning and Development practitioners – of all levels and experience. This interactive session will explore how local governments are strengthening capability, building learning cultures, and supporting their people in meaningful, practical ways.

  This session recognises that there is no single ‘right’ model for learning and development – every organisation is at a different stage, with different resources. Whether you’re formalising your approach, refreshing existing programs, or embedding a more strategic learning culture, your experience will add value.

  This workshop will bring councils together to:

  • Share experiences
  • Explore practical approaches that suit different environments and resource levels
  • Learn from peers at a range of maturity stages
  • Identify common challenges and opportunities for collaboration
  • Grow capability across the sector

  What you’ll take away:

  • Practical ideas to adapt and implement immediately
  • Real examples of how others are approaching Learning & Development
  • Insights into tools, processes and systems being used across the sector
  • A clearer understanding of where your council sits on its learning journey
  • New connections

  To ensure the workshop reflects what you most want to discuss, we’re inviting participants to help shape the program. Upon registering, you will receive an email seeking your responses to a few short questions that will guide the content for the session.

  
  

  This Workshop will be held in person at Charles Sturt Civic Centre 72 Woodville Road, Woodville SA 5011 and via Zoom on Thursday 4 June 2026 9:30AM – 12:30PM.

  
  

  

  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 Workshop 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

  • When
    05 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    LG House, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000
  • Spaces left
    24

  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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