A WORD FROM THE CEO
As a short work month with a sprinkling of Public Holiday's, April has just flown by! But that hasn't stopped us from taking on the Management Challenge, announcing Award finalists, progressing with our Strategic Planning and creating a new educational short course all about AI which will help you to maximise your workday. |
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A big congratulations to the 12 teams who recently took part in the 2025
LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge! Taking on the Challenge is a huge commitment, and all participants should be so proud of their journey. Keep on reading below for a wrap-up of the day’s highlights.
Thank you to everyone who recently completed our Annual Survey - your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps shape the future direction of our programs and services. While the survey has now closed, my 'door' (email) is always open. If there’s something we can do to better support you on your professional development journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
For all who are members through council or subsidiary organisation subscriptions with terms expiring soon, we will be reaching out shortly with renewal information. We’re proud to continue supporting the development and connection of local government professionals across South Australia. Your ongoing support as members of our Association is what makes it all possible - thank you for investing in your teams and the future of the sector.
A key offering to our Membership is our range of Networks, and we were thrilled to have Jacqui Arthur join our team on 22 April as Manager – Professional Networks Engagement. I look forward to seeing the Networks continue to grow under her support and leadership as we offer even greater value to members. And finally, this will be our last newsletter before the winners of the 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards are revealed. Celebrating the incredible finalists as each category is announced has been a real highlight - if you’ve missed any, you can catch up by watching our videos on LinkedIn. Finalists for all remaining categories will be shared in the lead-up to the dinner and I encourage you to reach out and congratulate those shortlisted. Local government professionals do extraordinary work, and these moments of recognition are well worth celebrating.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the Awards Gala Dinner next Friday!
Best wishes,
Rhiannon
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WORKFORCE AND GENDER EQUALITY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT
We are pleased to launch the Workforce and Gender Equality in South
Australian Local Government Project, and we are sure it will
provide valuable information and resources for the sector. The project has been
undertaken over the past 14 months by
LG Professionals SA and supported by the
LGA Research & Development Scheme. |
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DONE AND DUSTED! LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2025 LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANGEMENT CHALLENGE
The LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge was once again full of energy, excitement, fun... and a few nerves, as challengers joined us from across the state to take on some of the day-to-day and left-field challenges that local government faces every day.
From Executive meetings, radio interviews, rogue all-staff emails and noise complaints, each team came together to tackle the tasks as they came in one by one, leading to an exhilarating and exhausting day.
The Challenge has been at the forefront of professional development in local government in Australia and New Zealand for more than 30 years and provides the professional development opportunity to become more effective in leading, thinking, communicating, negotiating, decision-making, analysing and engaging. Our team at LG Professionals SA always looks forward to seeing participants delve out of their comfort zones and thrive.
A huge thank you to all involved in the day, from our Teams to the Mentors, Facilitators and Observers, your engagement and support make this event possible.
We look forward to seeing you all next year for the 2026 LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge, where we’ll once again put you up to the challenge! |
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WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Nominations close Friday 2 May 2025 - THIS WEEK!
Nominations are open for LG Professionals SA Members to apply for a scholarship to join one of our Women’s Leadership Programs - Career Catalyst or Career Navigator. This scholarship aims to support and empower women to grow in leadership roles within our community, and is generously supported by Daniel Fletcher, General Manager - Community & Liveability, Western Downs Regional Council QLD.
To apply to complete one of these programs through the scholarship, please enter your details through the button below, ensuring that you meet the eligibility of the selected program.
The scholarship will be awarded through a random draw from all eligible applicants, with one scholarship to be awarded.
Nominations close 5:00PM Friday 2 May 2025. Scholarship recipients must be able to complete the selected program in 2025 or 2026 (dates to be confirmed), and at that time be employed in local government in South Australia. The scholarship is not transferrable. Should the selected program not be on offer in 2025 or 2026, an alternate professional development opportunity of the same investment value will be provided. |
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR EMERALD PARTNER
Local Government Risk Services (LGRS) have proudly partnered with
LG
Professionals SA for 24 years and continue to celebrate the
achievements of the local government sector through the Leadership Excellence Awards. Join
us in hearing from Kirsty Gold, LGA Mutual Liability Scheme Manager with LGRS who has a special
message to all LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Award finalists for
2025.
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JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR SECTOR
Friday 9 May 2025
We are just over a week away from the one night a year where we come together to recognise, support and celebrate
the fantastic work being done by our colleagues across the sector. We're so
excited to celebrate 24 years of the LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence
Awards!
Our Annual Leadership Excellence Awards
Gala Dinner is a great way to celebrate our sector's
achievements, be inspired and network with peers!
Date: Friday
9 May 2025
Time: 6:30PM
till late
Location: Adelaide
Convention Centre
Registrations
for our 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner must
close Friday 2 May 2025. Don't miss out! To register, please email mhay@lgprofessionalssa.org.au to secure your place.
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ARE YOU READY FOR WHAT'S AHEAD?
Thursday 22 May 2025 - SOLD OUT, JOIN THE WAITLIST
Next month's highly anticipated, sold-out event, Leading Edge: AI for Local Government Innovators, will bring together top experts in technology, ethics and risk to explore the practical use of AI in local government.
The event will feature South Australian case studies alongside national and global expertise, providing practical, implementation-ready solutions for your council.
To view the program and to learn more about the day, please visit our website.
This event is proudly brought to you by LG Professionals SA, LGA South Australia, and Local Government Information Technology South Australia. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 LG PROFESSIONALS SA EXECUTIVE LEADERS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
We’d like to take a moment to recognise those who joined us for our 2025
LG Professionals SA Executive Leaders Program, for making a commitment to ongoing learning within the executive level in the local government space.
Facilitated by Andrew Stevens, Director and Co-Founder of Uncharted Leadership Institute, the program is an immersive learning experience, combining learning in change, navigating the political environment and innovation.
Our cohort this year consisted of (in alphabetical order of last name): Jessica Bridgman, Shane Broadbent, Dionne Collins, Rachel Emmott, Andrew Fletcher, Vesna Haracic, Adam Kelly, Rebecca Kitschke, Melissa Kretschmer, Leandro Lopez Digon, Gus Rankine, Mike Ravno, Gabby Swearse, Chelsea van Riet and Nathan Williams.
The Executive Leaders Program is for experienced senior local government leaders seeking to expand their thinking and leadership impact. We thank these leaders for joining us in the program and look forward to
following their journeys as they utilise program learnings to expand their
leadership impact.
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This month we spoke with Amy Pokoney Cramey, Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate, City of Mitcham, about her involvement on our Unlocking Collective Potential panel discussion, her career journey in local government so far, and what she loves most about the sector.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
My role is Executive Manager Strategic Projects and Climate at the City of Mitcham. I have been in local government since 2012, starting as Volunteer Coordinator at City of Charles Sturt and most recently as General Manager, Community Development at City of Salisbury. Read more... |
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Amy Pokoney Cramey
Executive Manager
Strategic Projects and Climate
City of Mitcham |
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NEW PARTNERSHIP: AI ADOPTION TOOLKIT
LG Professionals SA is excited to be collaborating with Local Government Information Technology South Australia (LGITSA), LGA South Australia and Local Government Risk Services (LGRS) on the development of a comprehensive AI Adoption Toolkit for the South Australian local government sector.
This important initiative will provide councils with practical frameworks, assessment tools, templates, and guidelines to support responsible AI implementation at all levels of council operations.
Using the successful collaborative approach that previously delivered the LGITSA Cybersecurity and Data Governance frameworks, this toolkit will empower council professionals to confidently navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption.
The project commenced in March 2025 with an expected completion in August 2025.
We encourage all councils to participate in upcoming events to learn more and contribute to this important sector-wide initiative. |
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LEVEL UP YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LG Professionals SA offer a range of short courses that have been curated to equip the sector’s staff with the skills that are essential to deliver on efficiency, performance and continuous improvement.
Have questions? Please contact us at admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au for more information on any of our short courses or how we can bring them in-house to your council or subsidiary. |
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AI TRANSFORMATION: INTRODUCTION TO AI (ONLINE COURSE)
Friday 2 May 2025
SOLD OUT - JOIN THE WAITLIST - ANOTHER SESSION COMING SOON
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. |
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ADVANCED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Tuesday 6 May 2025 - ONLY TWO PLACES REMAINING
Beyond providing you with essential knowledge and skills to plan, manage and execute projects on time and on budget, this course takes a deeper dive into project management theory and looks at both operational and strategic elements of project management. |
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INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Monday 28 July 2025
This short 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. |
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT CAREERS MADE POSSIBLE WITH MAXIMA
At just 15 years old, Monika commenced a governance traineeship with the City of Salisbury – a decision that would change the trajectory of her life. Within 16 months she transitioned into a permanent Governance Support Officer role, earning her the title of Maxima SA Apprentice/Trainee of the Year 2024.
Guided by Maxima’s training program, the journey transformed Monika into a rising star within the organisation, an inspiration to her peers and a testament to her commitment and curiosity.
Maxima is proud to partner and collaborate with LG Professionals SA to enhance workforce capabilities within South Australia's local government sector. |
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Through its recruitment, traineeship, and apprenticeship services, Maxima enables councils to access a pipeline of job-ready talent across a wide range of roles.
Importantly, for jobseekers, Maxima opens doors to meaningful, stable employment in a supportive environment, whether someone is just starting out, changing careers, or re-entering the workforce.
For assistance in your recruitment process or to explore new career opportunities within local government, please get in touch with Stacy Thomas at Maxima - email sthomas@maxima.com.au. |
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We caught up with one of last year's Emerging Leaders Program participants, Halyna Bai, Payroll Officer, District Council of Grant, to find out how she enjoyed the program.
What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?
I signed up for the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) to improve key leadership skills such as decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses and how to best support my team. The program also offered insights into emotional regulation and effective interactions, which contribute to higher team productivity and satisfaction. Additionally, I was eager to learn how organisational culture impacts outcomes and how I can influence it to achieve the best results for my council and community.
What was your biggest takeaway from the program?
My biggest takeaway from ELP was the importance of empathy in leadership. The program emphasised the need for understanding and connecting with team members on a deeper level, recognising their perspectives, and being mindful of emotions during change processes. By fostering empathy, I’ve become more attuned to the needs of others, which has helped me build stronger relationships and create more supportive, collaborative environments within my team. This emotional intelligence is crucial for driving effective leadership and long-term success.
What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program?
If you're considering ELP, my advice would be to embrace the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone.
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This program pushes you to challenge your assumptions and engage in experiences that will expand both your leadership skills and your perspective. You'll develop lasting skills that will serve you well in your career, from self-awareness to effective leadership strategies.
Beyond just learning, ELP offers the chance to build a strong, supportive network of emerging leaders across South Australian local government. You'll engage with individuals from various councils, broadening your understanding of the sector's diverse cultures and challenges.
And don’t forget the fun! The program includes moments where you can bond with your peers, relax, and enjoy the process of learning in a dynamic, supportive environment. It's a great mix of professional growth, personal development, and meaningful connections - all while pushing you to step beyond your usual limits. |
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Halyna Bai
Payroll Officer
District Council of Grant |
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If you were looking forward to joining us in the program this year, we encourage you to sign up to our waitlist to be the first to be notified of any
places that might open up for the program. |
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YOUR NEEDS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP
6. TAKE ON A LEADERSHIP ROLE
Represent the Association as a Board Member,
Network Committee Member or Chair.
Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. |
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NEW
MEMBERS
Welcome
to our 59 new members! Click here to see the list.
We look forward to
providing support and professional development and networking
opportunities
through every stage of your local government career.
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Our Network Forums provide our Members the opportunity to learn and develop whilst sharing and networking with peers from their own and other councils and subsidiaries across the state. Our upcoming Forums include:
Wednesday 11 June 2025 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum
Wednesday 18 June 2025 - LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum
Wednesday 23 July 2025 - LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum Registrations and further details on our Forums coming soon! |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP
Do you work for or know an organisation who would be interested in gaining exposure to local government professionals through sponsorship with LG Professionals SA?
As a not-for-profit association, LG Professionals SA rely on the support of sponsors to be able to continue to deliver the range of high quality events and professional development programs that we are known for.
Partnering with sponsors also creates opportunities for our members to learn, build
relationships and receive best value. Please contact Megan Down, Manager - Events and Partnerships, for further details on corporate partnership opportunities.
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ABOUT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIA, SA
LG
Professionals SA is a not-for-profit member based association representing
professionals working in local government in South Australia.
We have
the ability to link and connect people from different councils who may not
otherwise form relationships or share.
Our high
quality professional development programs and networking events are uniquely
local government – reflective of the culture of the sector and sensitive to the
needs of its
professionals.
The
content of our events and programs are informed by our members and people who
genuinely care about the sector.
We
provide a safe and supportive environment in which to grow and learn while
creating
opportunities to make time away from the office to work on the
business or on self.
We award and acknowledge
achievements of excellence. |
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