WELCOME FROM YOUR
COMMITTEE MEMBERS |
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Welcome to the first Women’s Network Newsletter for 2026!
This first edition for 2026 marks the beginning of another year dedicated to strengthening women’s leadership across local government. We’ve already seen remarkable engagement in our Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot, with participants embracing the opportunity to grow through shared experience and meaningful guidance. Our 'Rebalance' Women's Network Forum set a powerful tone for the year, bringing together close to 200 women for a morning that blended practical tools, honest storytelling, and space to reflect on what keeps us steady. With such a strong start, we look forward to a year of continued learning, connection, and collective growth.
With warm regards,
Your Women’s Network Committee Members
Emily Pemberton, Bianca Veenstra, Renee Stevens, Dani Scuteri and Hannah Sarsons. |
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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: REBALANCE |
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The LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum 'Rebalance' was held on Thursday 12 March at the Lockleys Community Room, where we welcomed nearly 200 women from across South Australia for an uplifting morning of connection and personal growth. Participants joined in person, via regional hubs, and online, creating a warm and energetic atmosphere.
The program featured a thoughtful lineup of speakers, beginning with Michelle Kennedy from the City of West Torrens, who shared grounded insights on leading through change. Gill Birch invited attendees to reflect on what tips their personal scales, followed by two engaging sessions from Anita Schneyder on 'The Courage to Say No,' encouraging women to set boundaries with confidence and intention. |
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A standout moment came through the powerful My Story presentations. Alyce McKay shared her inspiring journey of rediscovering purpose through horticulture, while Rebecca Burton spoke with honesty and strength about resilience, caregiving, and rebuilding balance. The Forum closed with a reflective activity that encouraged participants to take meaningful, manageable steps toward keeping their own scales steady. |
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Bianca Veenstra
Water Business Systems Officer
Alexandrina Council |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA WOMEN'S NETWORK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY BREAKFAST |
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Dani Scuteri
Network Chair
Strategic Performance Lead
City of Unley |
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On 6 March 2026, I had the privilege of attending the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre, where keynote speaker Katherine Bennell-Pegg shared her remarkable journey.
Hearing Australia’s first astronaut under the national flag reflect on her path was both inspiring and thought-provoking. What struck me most was that her dream of becoming an astronaut began long before there was even a pathway for Australians to achieve it. Yet she pursued it with curiosity, determination and a willingness to embrace opportunities along the way.
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CITY OF SALISBURY TAKES ACTION TO END PERIOD POVERTY
Period poverty is defined as limited access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and education.
The City of Salisbury is helping to tackle period poverty by supplying free organic pads and tampons across eight community centres and hubs in the Council area.
In the City of Salisbury, 69% of people report difficulty accessing affordable period products — an issue that affects attendance at school, work, sport, and social activities.
City of Salisbury launched the initiative in October 2025 in partnership with TABOO to improve health equity and restore dignity for people who may otherwise struggle to access these essential products.
More than 1,600 people across the City of Salisbury are expected to benefit from the initiative. |
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We recently spoke with a Mentor, Felicity Birch, General Manager City Operations, City of Tea Tree Gully, and a Mentee, Bridgette Ferguson, Community Engagement Coordinator, City of Marion to hear about their role, why they decided to be a part of the Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot, and their advice for women seeking development through connection. |
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Hi Felicity, what does your role entail?
As General Manager City Operations, I am a member of the Executive Leadership Team at the City of Tea Tree Gully. Supported by 4 Managers, I lead a portfolio workforce of approximately 180 people responsible for the planning, delivery and maintenance of the City’s natural and built assets. A key focus of the role is the sustainable management of assets, landscapes, biodiversity and public infrastructure, along with areas of service delivery that ensure public spaces are safe and functional. I model council’s leadership capabilities by fostering a people-focused, coaching and learning culture that is aligned with council’s strategic vision, and place a strong focus on building the capability and capacity of our people.
Why did you put your hand up to be a part of the LG Professionals SA Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot?
I saw this Pilot as a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals from across the local government sector, to both share and grow knowledge. Having worked in local government for over 21 years, I have gained a broad range of leadership, operational and strategic experience that I am keen to give back to the sector. Equally, I value the opportunity to learn from others, particularly those seeking a mentor and navigating their own leadership and growth journey. I view mentoring as a mutually beneficial relationship where we can encourage reflection, share learnings and gain fresh perspectives.
What's something you've already taken away from being a part of the initiative?
One key takeaway for me has been the value of connection through open, |
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genuine conversations with other mentors and with my mentee. Being able to show up as ourselves, without pressure, and to openly share experiences has created a meaningful two-way learning opportunity.This has been possible regardless of our respective roles in council and has provided fresh insights, strengthened relationships, and fostered curiosity and continued learning.
What advice do you have for other women seeking professional development through connection?
I recommend not underestimating the value of connecting with others and actively seeking out opportunities to engage through a mentor/mentee relationship or other professional networking avenues. The first step is to step outside your comfort zone and create the space to be curious and reflect with others. Then through connection, new perspectives will be gained, confidence will be built, and professional and personal growth obtained. |
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Felicity Birch
General Manager City Operations
City of Tea Tree Gully |
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Hi Bridgette, what does your role entail?
I lead a broad portfolio within the Positive Ageing and Inclusion Team, overseeing staff focused on client care and ensuring high-quality service delivery. My role combines operational leadership with strong contractor and stakeholder relationship management. I contribute to driving continuous improvement, maintaining high compliance requirements, and advocating for the needs of our older residents. Alongside this, I contribute to strategic communications, including our quarterly newsletter.
It’s a dynamic role that blends people leadership, operations, and creativity to support positive outcomes for our community.
Why did you put your hand up to be a part of the LG Professionals SA Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot?
As I’m relatively new to local government, I wanted to build a better understanding beyond my day-to-day role. I was also keen to learn from others and expand my perspective beyond the leadership styles and thinking within my own team. The opportunity to connect, reflect and grow through different insights really appealed to me.
What's something you've already taken away from being a part of the initiative?
I have been blown away by my mentor’s openness and generosity – with her time, as well as advice and through sharing her experiences. |
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One of my biggest takeaways so far has been the skill of learning to be intentional. This has reshaped how I approach my daily routine, plan my week, and encouraged me to set longer-term goals. It’s given me greater confidence to be proactive and purposeful in my work and ongoing development.
What advice do you have for other women seeking professional development through connection?
Just go for it! Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The
LG Professionals SA Women’s Network is a very safe and supportive space to grow yourself and connect with others.
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Bridgette Ferguson
Community Engagement Coordinator
City of Marion |
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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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TOOLS, RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES
Below are some resources that our Committee has pulled together to support you in your work.
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Please save the date for the following LG Professionals SA Women's Network events for 2026! Thursday 30 July 2026 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Forum (hosted by the City of Onkaparinga) Friday 30 October 2026 - LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference |
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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; Bianca Veenstra, Dani Scuteri, Hannah Sarsons, Renee Stevens and Emily Pemberton. |
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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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