WELCOME FROM THE COMMITTEE |
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Leading with Connection isn’t just a theme; it’s a practice. As women in public service, we understand that real leadership occurs not in isolation, but in relationship with our communities, our colleagues, and one another. One that centres listening, inclusion, promoting, and trust-building. This space is dedicated to you, the women showing up every day to make decisions that matter, to lead with both strength and compassion, and to build the kind of local government we all deserve. Whether you’re new to public service or have spent decades in leadership, we are united by one truth: Connection is the foundation of meaningful change. Let’s continue to lead together! Enjoy this edition of our Network newsletter and be sure to register now for our biggest event of the year - the Annual LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Conference on Friday 7 November 2025, which will be held at the Morphettville Event Centre. We can’t wait to see you there! With warm regards,
Your Women’s Network Committee Members
Ritu Datta, Shovana Perera and Deb Walsh
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If you know of a woman who is new to your organisation or someone who hasn’t yet participated in our events before, please share this newsletter with them and encourage them to activate their membership via this link. We would love to ensure that all women in the sector have access to what we do.
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REFLECTIONS FROM THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK FORUM: LEADING WITH CONNECTION |
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Well, that’s a wrap for the
LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forums for 2025 calendar year!
Our most recent Women’s Network Forum, Leading With Connection, was hosted at the beautiful, Tiwu Kumangka (Blackwood Library and Community Centre), and began with a welcome from the CEO of City of Mitcham, Matthew Pears.
Nat Franklin, Grants and Events Officer at the City of Mitcham, whose session By Community, For Community explored how internal collaboration and community events can foster connection and amplify impact... and she got everyone moving and grooving with a record-breaking Nutbush!
Michyla Lewis from the District Council of Yankalilla and Ania Karzek from the City of Holdfast Bay shared their experiences from the Women’s Network Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot as facilitated by Ritu Datta - highlighting the importance of mutual support, growth, and career development through mentorship.
The final session featured Dani Scuteri, Coordinator of Community Safety at the City of Charles Sturt, who shared her very inspirational My Story of a powerful personal journey from refugee to recognised local government leader, shaped by resilience, purpose, and people-focused leadership. |
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Thank you to Renee Stevens for emceeing the Forum, and to Liz O’Flynn for facilitating a grounding meditation exercise on the day.
What a great turnout we had of attendees in person as well as online, including Regional Hubs with more than 180 attendees. A shoutout to our LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum Regional Hubs, who came together across South Australia to join in on the Forum virtually (pictured in the above GIF). Our live stream brought together 29 women across the Hubs to engage and participate in the event together.
Thank you to all who joined us, in whichever format, for an inspirational and informative day!
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Ritu Datta
Manager People and Culture
Campbelltown City Council |
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We recently spoke with Fiona Worden, from The Rural City of Murray Bridge to hear about her career journey from being at her council for more than 25 years, her favourite work memory, and her advice for other women working in depots across South Australia.
What does your role at the Rural City of Murray Bridge entail?
As a project manager within Council Capital Delivery team, I oversee projects from the concept design phases, construction and delivery, monitoring of the budgets, through to the hand over phase for council’s: Kerbing Renewal and Expansion Programs, Footpath Renewal and Expansion Programs, Playspace Renewal and Expansion Programs, Public Toilet Renewal and Expansion Programs, and Renewal of Christmas Decorations within main street. This year, I am also overseeing the Boat Ramp renewal program.
You’ve been in local government for more than 25 years! What an achievement. What’s your favourite work memory?
Too many memories to pick from! Working in local government has given me the opportunity to act in various roles – from Group Leader for the Open Space and Operations teams to Customer Request Liaison Officer and Planning and Development Administration.
I enjoyed my role as Depot Administration Officer, which I held for 19 years before transitioning into my current role as Project Manager for the past five years. In this role, I’ve been proud to contribute to the growth and revitalisation of the Rural City of Murray Bridge through projects such as playspaces, public toilets, footpaths, kerbing and holiday decorations.
I still smile when I think back to when I was pregnant with my first daughter. From the moment the depot crew found out, they wouldn’t let me lift even a tissue box – they just wanted to protect me and the baby.
One of the biggest highlights for me has been forming lifelong friendships. Even as people have moved on or retired, being able to keep those connections beyond their time with council is something I will always treasure.
I feel lucky to have created a career in local government at the Rural City of Murray Bridge – a progressive council that welcomed new ideas and encouraged me to push boundaries in my career. |
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You have been instrumental in creating world-class play spaces in Murray Bridge. What’s the key to making these spaces fit for community?
Asking the community for their opinion on what they would like to see in a playground.
Having lived in Murray Bridge my whole life, I have a connection to the community. Having also raised my two children here, I also use that knowledge when considering the potential for each play space. In collaboration with that, engaging and building working relationships with Playspace consultants.
You were one of the first female depot workers in your council. What advice do you have for other women who might be in a similar situation?
Working in a male-dominated environment is not for everyone. When I first started, the culture was very different from what it is today.
I was fortunate enough to be supported by the workers, but I do remember it took a few years for some workers to adjust to having a full-time female in the workplace. They weren’t always sure how to talk or act, but over time, simply being open, down-to-earth, and willing to help – whether with the smallest task or a larger, more complicated job.
For me, the key has always been to have fun in the workplace, interact with people and be willing to help with no hidden agenda. Be open, ask about their life outside of council and share a little of your own too – that’s how real connections are built. |
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Fiona Worden
Project Manager, Capital Delivery
The Rural City of Murray Bridge |
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Know of a woman working in local government who has an interesting story? We want to hear from you! Let our Network know via networks@lgprofessionalssa.org.au with their name, role and council, and we will note them down for a future feature opportunity. |
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LEADING WITH HEART: THE POWER OF MINDFUL LEADERSHIP
By Deb Walsh, Lead, Contracts & Projects, City of Adelaide
I’ve been reflecting lately on how much connection shapes the way we lead. A recent Women Rising article, Leading with Heart: The Power of Mindful Leadership, really struck a chord with me. It reminded me that connection isn’t a “soft” skill - it’s the foundation of meaningful change.
For me, the takeaway was simple: we don’t lead by having all the answers, but by showing up with self-awareness, empathy, and presence. That means creating space where people feel valued and heard, but also remembering to look after ourselves so we can lead with strength and clarity.
As women in leadership, I think we often carry so much - yet connection gives us the anchor point for growth, resilience, and impact. Leading with heart isn’t just about kindness; it’s a powerful strategy for building trust, collaboration, and real cultural change.
Connection is the anchor that keeps us steady, and the spark that helps others thrive.
Curious to see how leading with heart can make a difference? Read the full article below. |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE
EMBRACE IT
Friday 7 November 2025
Our LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference is back and better than ever, with this year's event scheduled to take place on Friday 7 November 2025 at the Morphettville Event Centre. Registrations are now open!
Join us 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. The full program will be released soon, but until then, save the date, express your interest to your People and Culture team, or register today! |
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LG Professionals SA is excited to invite our female outdoor and
field staff to apply for one of eight Scholarships to join us for FREE
at our Women’s Network Conference in November.
This fantastic opportunity will allow you to step away from your
day-to-day work and connect with other women across local government.
Successful applicants will join us at the conference to hear
from inspiring keynote speakers, engaging conference sessions, and valuable
networking opportunities designed to support your professional growth and
career development. If you’re looking to build new skills, share your
experiences, and be part of a supportive network of local government peers, we
encourage you to apply. |
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Scholarship details: Applicants must be available to attend the LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Conference at the Morphettville Events Centre and should seek their manager’s permission before applying for the scholarship.
Should more applications be received than scholarships available, a random ballot will be conducted from eligible applications to finalise the recipients. Should your application be successful, you may be asked to provide a written or video testimonial of your experience which may be used by LG Professionals SA for promotional purposes.
Applications close 5:00PM on Wednesday 15 October. Successful applicants will be notified via email by Monday 20 October and will be required to register themselves to attend the conference by Friday 25 October, using a complimentary registration code provided. Should registration not be received by this time, the scholarship position may be offered to another applicant. |
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TOOLS, RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES In reflection of our most recent Forum's theme of Leading with Connection, below are some resources that our Committee have pulled together to support you in your work.
Wellbeing and Inclusive Leadership – Resource Hub
Podcasts
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PLAY A KEY ROLE - JOIN THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA BOARD
Board Nominations are currently open!
Are you an LG Professionals SA Member with a drive to help shape the future of the association for the benefit of your peers and the sector? We encourage you to nominate. If you've been considering nominating for the LG Professionals SA Board, now is the time to gather all of the information and prepare to put your name forward.
Call for Nominations for the Board close at 12 noon, Tuesday 7 October 2025! |
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INVITATION TO CONNECT
As the LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Committee represents you, we would love to hear your suggestions of content for future editions. Please feel encouraged to send relevant articles, links, profiles or information through to networks@lgprofessionalssa.org.au. This edition of the Newsletter was written by the following LG Professionals SA Women's Network Committee Members, we thank them for their insights, time and commitment; Ritu Datta, Shovana Perera and Deb Walsh. |
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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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