A WORD FROM THE CEO 🧟👻🐈⬛🎃🧛🦇
October is one of our busiest times of the year at
LG Professionals SA, and with November lurking just around the corner, there is certainly no shortage of opportunities to sink your teeth into.
From professional development and sector celebrations to opportunities to connect, contribute and learn, there is so much on offer for you to engage with as we head towards the end of 2026. So don’t ghost your development - I encourage you to make the most of the opportunities ahead:
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- Cast your ballot for the LG Professionals SA Board. If you’re a Voting Member, please cast your ballot before 5:00PM Wednesday 4 November 2026.
- Register to attend our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12 November 2026 to hear about the year that's been and stay on to connect with colleagues from across the sector.
- Join us at the 2026 Women’s Network Conference THIS FRIDAY! It’s always a highlight of our calendar and a fantastic day of learning, inspiration and connection.
- Register for one of our final short courses for 2026 and finish the year with some extra learning under your belt.
- Nominate to represent LG Professionals SA on a Network Committee. Call for nominations are open for our Women’s Network, Business Performance and Improvement Network, and People and Culture Network Committees.
- Nominate for the 2027 Leadership Excellence Awards. Celebrate and recognise the projects, people and initiatives making an impact across local government - nominations are now open!
- Register to join our free online AMPLIFY: Awards Spotlight Series. AMPLIFY continues until the end of the year, sharing the stories and learnings behind finalists from our 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
- Register for the 2027 Annual State Conference COLLECTIVE MOMENTUM, to be held in March 2027.
As always, if you’d like to conjure up a conversation about how we can support your development, our team is only a call (or cackle) away.
Wishing you a fang-tastic Halloween and a wickedly good start to November. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events!
Best witches,
Rhiannon |
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AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! 26TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARDS
LG Professionals SA is ecstatic to officially announce the opening of nominations for the 26th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
Have you or your colleagues demonstrated excellence within local government?
Our awards program is designed to recognise outstanding achievement and innovation within local government.
Mark your calendars! The awards will be presented at the 2027 Awards Gala Dinner to be held on Friday 28 May 2027 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
We would love to see all Council and Subsidiary Members represented in the nomination process, so that we can celebrate the outcomes of your initiatives. No matter how small you might think your project is - we want to hear about it!
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AWARDS HOW TO NOMINATE INFORMATION SESSION
Nominating for a Leadership Excellence Award is a rewarding process, providing you the valuable opportunity to reflect on your achievements. We understand that pulling together a nomination can seem daunting – but ultimately it's about telling the story of your project or initiative.
LG Professionals SA is here to support you. Please join our information session to find out more about the awards nomination and judging process. If you are considering nominating for the awards or would like to learn more, we invite you to attend this free information webinar.
Date: Friday 27 November 2026
Time: 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Format: Online via Zoom Webinar
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STEP UP, CONNECT, AND HELP SHAPE YOUR NETWORK!
Network Committee Nominations close Monday 16 November 2026
Are you ready to expand your leadership skills, grow your professional network, and play a lead role in shaping meaningful and timely opportunities for your peers?
Nominations are now open for several LG Professionals SA Network Committees - a chance to get involved, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and proactively guide the direction of your Network.
Each Network Committee is supported by a Chair, Vice Chair, and committed Committee Members who drive the design and delivery of events, Forums, information sharing and initiatives that matter most to local government professionals. It’s an opportunity to contribute your ideas, influence your Network’s activities, and build strong professional relationships that extend far beyond your council or subsidiary.
LG Professionals SA Council or Subsidiary Members have exclusive access to these opportunities, with nominations open once a year. The following Committees are calling for nominations:
Nominations close at 5:00PM Monday 16 November 2026.
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2027 ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE: COLLECTIVE MOMENTUM
Friday 19 March 2027 - REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!
When local government comes together, everyone moves forward. One sector. A shared purpose. COLLECTIVE MOMENTUM. Join us for the 2027 LG Professionals SA Annual State Conference - Collective Momentum. This theme reflects the power of local government professionals coming together to tackle shared challenges and create better outcomes for South Australia. Councils are navigating increasing complexity, changing community expectations, workforce pressures and a rapidly evolving environment. Success depends on strong relationships, shared knowledge and a willingness to learn from one another.
This event is an opportunity to step away from day-to-day demands, gain fresh perspectives and invest in your professional growth. Connect with peers facing similar challenges, learn from sector leaders and innovative thinkers, and discover practical ideas you can take back to your workplace and community.
Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences and inspiring presentations, you'll build valuable relationships, strengthen your capability and explore new approaches to delivering better outcomes. Join local government professionals from across South Australia and be part of the collective momentum driving a stronger, more connected and future-ready sector.
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CAST YOUR VOTE! LG PROFESSIONALS SA BOARD VOTING CLOSING SOON
All LG Professionals SA Members eligible to vote have received information via email for the 2026 LG Professionals SA Board election from Election Buddy. If you have not received this email, please call us on 8224 2080 or email executive@lgprofessionalssa.org.au and we can ensure we get the details through to you ASAP.
Voting closes 5:00PM Wednesday 4 November 2026. Vote now to drive the future of
LG Professionals SA!
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA 2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday 12 November 2026
LG Professionals SA Members are invited to the 2026 Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 12 November 2026 at the Gallery on Waymouth.
Please RSVP to attend below as a show of support for your Association.
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How the City of Playford is connecting local talent with local jobs through a community-powered careers expo.
Sometimes, the next big career opportunity is closer than you think.
Across northern Adelaide, industries including defence, advanced manufacturing, health, construction and logistics are growing. But for many residents, knowing where those opportunities are, or how to take the first step towards them, can be a challenge.
The City of Playford’s Business and Industry Growth Team decided to help bridge that gap, bringing employers, educators and employment services together under one roof.
The result is the Northern Adelaide Jobs and Careers Expo, recognised with the 2026 Excellence in Local Economic Development Award at the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards. More than a careers fair, it’s helping local people see a future in the region they call home.
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Learn more about this project and all finalists in the Excellence in Local Economic Development Award at the LG Professionals SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards, in our upcoming AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series webinar for this category, scheduled for Tuesday 24 November 2026 from 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here now. |
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2027 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Strategic Management Program (SMP) is designed for local government professionals ready to broaden their perspective, strengthen their business capability and step more confidently into strategic leadership.
Developed in partnership with Adelaide University and local government experts, this program goes beyond theory to build the practical skills needed to manage complex business functions, think strategically and lead improvement in a local government context.
Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more.
Interested in the 2027 Strategic Management Program but missed our online information session? Please contact Rhiannon Clarke via rhiannon@lgprofessionalssa.org.au to gain a recording of the session.
Registrations are open for the 2027 Strategic Management Program, closing Monday 30 November 2026.
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2027 EXECUTIVE LEADERS PROGRAM
Spanning three months, the Executive Leaders Program (XLP) includes a range of innovative learning opportunities including two face-to-face intensives, six virtual sessions, personalised 1:1 coaching and access to cutting edge readings and materials all delivered by local and international leadership experts. A key element of this program’s effectiveness is the contribution made by participants in a peer learning environment.
Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more.
Interested in the 2027 Executive Leaders Program but missed our online information session? Please contact Rhiannon Clarke via rhiannon@lgprofessionalssa.org.au to gain a recording of the session. Registrations are open for the 2027 Executive Leaders Program, closing Monday 30 November 2026.
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2027 IGNITE PROGRAM - JOIN THE WAITLIST!
The LG Professionals SA Ignite Program is a leadership learning path for new supervisors, team leaders and coordinators in local government across South Australia.
As a new leader with limited experience in managing and leading people, this program focuses on enabling you to develop the competencies required to be successful in your role. The Ignite Program spans 12 program days, plus an orientation session and graduation, and is delivered over 10 months.
Download the prospectus or visit the website to learn more. Available places for the 2027 Ignite Program have been filled. To have the chance to join the Ignite Program next year, join our waitlist.
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Know someone who would make a great member profile, or have a field workforce story worth sharing?
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More than 50 field staff and biodiversity officers from councils across South Australia came together a few months ago at Pakapakanthi (Victoria Park) to swap ideas, learn from each other and see local conservation work in action.
The day included a tour of remnant and restored grasslands led by City of Adelaide Biodiversity Leading Hand Stephanie Legg. Staff heard about native plant protection, recent discoveries from Park Lands biodiversity surveys and practical ways to improve natural areas.
The group also learned about the Miyawaki planting method, which uses dense planting to create small native forests, and the important role volunteers play in looking after local environments.
Guest speaker Monina Gilbey showed that even golf courses can become valuable homes for native plants and animals. Her work at Glenelg Golf Club has helped bring back threatened plant species and reintroduce the Olive Perchlet fish.
For field staff, days like this are a chance to pick up new ideas, meet people doing similar work and take practical knowledge back to their own council.
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA GENERAL MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS NETWORK FORUM: A MOMENT TO PAUSE, REFLECT AND RECONNECT
Thursday 12 November 2026
Join us for the LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Forum: A Moment to Pause, Reflect and Reconnect.
Before we step into a new year, take the opportunity to come together with fellow General Managers and Directors Network Members to connect and reflect on the insights, ideas and leadership lessons that have shaped your journey this year.
This session, facilitated by Pique Global, is all about investing in yourself and strengthening connections with others. Through guided reflection, meaningful conversations and shared learning, we'll explore what we've gained from this year's events and experiences, what we want to carry forward, and what we may choose to leave behind.
This Forum is complimentary and exclusively offered to our LG Professionals SA General Managers and Directors Network Members.
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This month we spoke with Kat McAteer, Operational Excellence Business Partner at the City of Onkaparinga, about her role, her participation in the LG Professionals SA Women's Network 2026 Mentor Mentee Connections Pilot, what's next in her professional development journey, and how meeting fellow Aussies in Europe brought her from western Germany to Adelaide.
What is your role and how long have you been in local government?
At the moment, I’m working across two councils. My main role is Operational Excellence Business Partner at the City of Onkaparinga. Alongside this, I work two days per week as Senior Customer Experience Lead at Campbelltown City Council as part of a six-month hybrid secondment. Read more... |
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Kat McAteer
Operational Excellence Business Partner
City of Onkaparinga
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AMPLIFY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT SERIES - EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY
Hear in-depth about the projects of our finalists in the Excellence in Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Award at the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
Register now to hear about initiatives from City of Charles Sturt, City of Mitcham, City of Port Lincoln and City of Salisbury.
This webinar is being held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 3 November 2026 from 2:00PM – 3:00PM.
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AMPLIFY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT SERIES - EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION
Hear in-depth about the projects of our finalists in the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards.
Register now to hear about initiatives from City of Charles Sturt, City of Onkaparinga, City of Salisbury and Yorke Peninsula Council.
This webinar is being held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 17 November 2026 from 2:00PM – 3:00PM.
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REGISTER NOW FOR FUTURE AMPLIFY SESSIONS:
- AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Local Economic Development, Tuesday 24 November 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
- AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Cross Council Collaboration, Tuesday 1 December 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
- AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in Customer Service or Experience, Tuesday 8 December 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
- AMPLIFY Awards Spotlight Series - Excellence in People and Culture, Tuesday 15 December 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM. Register here.
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA HAS RAISED OVER $900 FOR MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
This morning, LG Professionals SA hosted a Witching Hour Morning Tea! 🎃👻
With homemade treats, our friends from the LGA South Australia joined us in the Halloween spirit for a screaming good fang-tastic tea with donations going to critically ill kids through Hallowish, an initiative by Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Their mission is to grant the wish of every eligible child - a quest sparked by the belief that a wish is integral to a child’s treatment. Learn more about Hallowish and donate yourself today.
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FINAL CALL! REGISTER NOW TO JOIN US THIS FRIDAY FOR THE
LG PROFESSIONALS SA 16TH ANNUAL WOMEN'S NETWORK CONFERENCE - EMPOWER
Friday 30 October 2026
A FINAL CALL to all local government women! Register now and join us for the 16th Annual LG Professionals SA Women's Network Conference: EMPOWER.
This conference is a day dedicated to building the confidence, capability and connections that help women in local government to thrive.
Through inspiring keynotes, practical leadership insights, real-world stories, and thought-provoking discussions, you will explore how to navigate challenges, embrace opportunity, support others through mentoring, and create lasting impact in your organisation and community.
Visit the website for more information. Read the full program here.
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We caught up with Jaimie Martin, Marketing Advisor, City of Tea Tree Gully, about why she signed up for the Emerging Leaders Program, her experience at a recent program module, and what she's looking forward to the most as the program progresses.
What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?
Having previously completed the
LG Professionals SA Management Challenge in 2024, I experienced firsthand how valuable these programs can be for personal and professional growth. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and sparked an interest in further developing my leadership capability.
With aspirations to move into a formal leadership role, I was motivated to sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program to better understand myself as a leader - how I lead, how others experience my leadership, and what might be holding me back from becoming a more effective leader.
For me, Emerging Leaders was an opportunity to challenge my existing thinking, develop greater self-awareness and understand the human side of leadership - particularly how to influence others, navigate different personalities and lead through change.
A recent module focused on leading through change – what were some of your takeaways from this module?
One of my biggest takeaways was a better understanding of how to put the human side of change into practice as a leader. It's one thing to recognise how change impacts people, but another to know how to effectively guide them through the transition. |
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It made me think more deliberately about what effective change leadership looks like – communicating clearly about the change and its impacts, creating space for people to ask questions and be heard, and identifying and understanding the ‘invisible’ factors influencing resistance. Importantly, it gave me a better framework for supporting people to navigate the emotions of change, even when the outcome itself can’t change.
The J Curve reinforced that progress isn't always linear and that leaders need to anticipate and navigate temporary dips in performance, while the discussion around social influence highlighted the value of empowering advocates to build momentum rather than focusing solely on overcoming resistance.
What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?
The program is nearing its end, and I'm looking forward to seeing everything we've been working toward come together! |
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Jaimie Martin
Marketing Advisor
City of Tea Tree Gully |
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As your Membership Association, we are so grateful for your ongoing support, and investment in your teams.
We'd like to thank and welcome our new and renewing Organisation Members. We are grateful to have this opportunity to support all local government staff on their career journey into the future. As your Membership Association, we are so grateful for your ongoing support, and investment in your teams.
Not sure if your organisation holds a membership subscription? Click here to find out! |
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1. CONNECT WITH THE BEST
Our Members are the leaders of today and tomorrow. You will make crucial connections to people and ideas to take your career to the next level. Learn more about what your LG Professionals SA Membership offers you. |
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NEW
MEMBERS
Welcome
to our 108 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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PERFORMANCE COACHING
Monday 9 November 2026
This
course enables participants to develop skills and confidence in holding performance conversations in an easy and comfortable environment. Participants are provided
opportunities to engage with a new and contemporary approach. They will prepare
for effective performance conversations in their workplace. Only four places remaining.
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MANAGING YOUR TIME, ENERGY & PRIORITIES
Friday 27 November 2026
For the first time, our Managing Your Time, Energy & Priorities short course will be held online via Zoom. Get in quick to secure your spot in this engaging and accessible learning format.
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to improve your time management approach to your daily and weekly workload - work smarter, not harder! |
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Looking for a specific short course or want to secure your place in the next scheduled session? Express your interest for the variety of our short courses on offer through
LG Professionals SA here.
See a course that you would like to deliver in-house directly to your employees at your Council or Subsidiary? Please reach out to Jade Falco, Training and Development Officer at jade@lgprofessionalssa.org.au. |
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Please save the date for the following LG Professionals SA events for 2027. If you are planning a local government event, we invite you to contact us to avoid date clashes.
Thursday 15 April 2027 – LG Professionals SA Local Government Management Challenge
Friday 28 May 2027 - LG Professionals SA Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner
Friday 18 June 2027 – LG Professionals SA Economic Development Conference
Friday 23 July 2027 – LG Professionals SA Community Development Network Conference
Thursday 14 October 2027 – LG Professionals SA Rural Management Challenge
Friday 5 November 2027 – LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Conference
Thursday 11 November 2027 – LG Professionals SA Annual General Meeting
Registrations and further details on our events will be released soon! |
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LG PROFESSIONALS SA SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
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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LG Professionals SA | lgprofessionalssa.org.au
Local Government Professionals South Australia Incorporated
Australian Registered Body Number 699 452 849 | ABN 901 765 327 68
148 Frome Street Adelaide SA 5000
admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au | 08 8224 2080
Connect with us: |
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