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New South Wales local governments are at the frontline of community impact, delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting local wellbeing. As the most connected tier of government, councils are uniquely placed to respond to community needs with agility and purpose.
However, 2025 polling results made it clear: councils are under mounting pressure. Budget constraints are the most pressing challenge, with many struggling to meet growing service expectations while maintaining long-term financial sustainability. Most councils are still in the early stages of AI adoption, despite strong interest in leveraging technology to improve service delivery and workforce operations. Concerns around workforce productivity, legacy IT systems, and cybersecurity readiness remain widespread, alongside the urgent need to build internal capability for ongoing service transformation.
In this context, the 2026 Local Government Focus Day, a part of Public Sector Network’s Government Innovation Week New South Wales, provides a timely opportunity for council leaders to come together and address these shared challenges.
Through insightful sessions, practical discussions, and peer-led learning, this event is designed to support local governments as they work towards a more connected Government 3.0 delivery model. We will explore how to strengthen operational resilience, navigate digital change, improve service outcomes, and build sustainable communities.
Join your peers in tackling the issues that matter most and shaping a stronger future for local government across New South Wales.
Sign up or Log in to Public Sector Network to register for this event
Lead the transformation of financial and operational efficiency through technology and innovation:
Shape a future-ready workforce and cultivate a culture of innovation within local councils:
Lead the charge in transforming local government operations through technology:
2026 speakers coming soon
Dr. Tom Gao
Chief Technology and Digital Services Officer, City of Sydney
Steven Head
General Manager, Hornsby Shire Council
Ingrid McAlpin
Chief Digital & Information Officer, Wollongong City Council
Therese Cole
Chief Executive Officer, North Sydney Council
Melissa Attia
Deputy General Manager, Cumberland City Council
Meredith Wallace
General Manager, Bayside Council
Richard Sheridan
Director, City Performance, Bayside Council
With budget pressures ranked as the top concern in 2025, this event is designed to help you identify smarter, more sustainable ways to manage resources, stretch funding, and future-proof your council’s finances.
Acquire insights and strategies to address pressing challenges facing local government, including workforce management, customer experience, technology, and service design.
Doing more with less is the new normal. Learn how other councils are using digital tools, data, and streamlined processes to drive meaningful change with limited budgets.
Financial stress isn’t unique to your council. This is a rare chance to connect with peers facing the same pressures and walk away with practical, proven ideas you can apply immediately.
Becoming a partner at the Local Government Focus Day New South Wales offers unique opportunities to connect with decision-makers, showcase innovative solutions, and align with transformative public sector goals. As a partner, you’ll have access to influential government leaders, providing a valuable platform to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to critical conversations on public sector modernisation.
With a focus on New South Wales’ specific needs, partnership enables you to collaborate directly with key players, co-develop solutions for the state’s challenges, and reinforce your commitment to advancing government services in impactful ways.
To better understand the priorities, challenges, and emerging trends facing local governments across New South Wales, we surveyed attendees at the 2025 Local Government Focus Day. The polling results offer valuable insights into the current state of play, from digital readiness and financial pressures to workforce capability and service delivery. These findings highlight the shared issues councils are grappling with and provide a clear direction for where support, innovation, and collaboration are most needed.
Registration is free for government
