Agenda |

South Australia 2025

Local Government Focus Day South Australia

 Tuesday, 04 Mar 2025
9:30AM

Registration & coffee

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM (30 mins)

10:00AM

Opening from Public Sector Network

10:00 AM - 10:10 AM (10 mins)

10:10AM

Welcome from the Chair and Scene Setter

10:10 AM - 10:30 AM (20 mins)

10:30AM
Keynote

Achieving Financial Sustainability in Local Government: Technology, Transparency, and Teamwork

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM (20 mins)

Jodie Summer Director Corporate Services, District Council of Yankalilla
  • Financial Sustainability as a Foundation: Building resilience through clear policies, realistic service levels, and strategic planning.  
  • Transparency and Accountability: Engaging communities and Elected Members in financial decision-making using accessible data and tools.  
  • Workforce Development: Empowering teams with the skills and confidence to drive efficiency and adapt to change.  
  • Leveraging Technology: Using digital platforms and automation as enablers for financial clarity and operational effectiveness.  
10:50AM
Industry Insights

Industry Perspective

10:50 AM - 11:10 AM (20 mins)

11:10AM
Case Study

Future-Ready Growth: Agile Transformation in Local Government for Economic Development and Industry Support

11:10 AM - 11:30 AM (20 mins)

Heather Barclay Chief Executive Officer, Rural City of Murray Bridge
  • Exploring sustainable growth management through innovative industry and tourism support initiatives
  • The Future City Program's strategies for fostering strategic partnerships, large-scale land division, and economic agility.
  • Adapting government employment models to build a more transformation-ready workforce.
11:30AM

Brunch & Networking

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM (30 mins)

12:00PM
Roundtables

Roundtables

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (60 mins)

1:00PM
Keynote

Navigating Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities – Building Financial Resilience for Rural and Remote Councils

1:00 PM - 1:20 PM (20 mins)

Sean Holden Chief Executive Officer, The Flinders Ranges Council
  • The pressures faced by rural and remote councils
  • Financial sustainability strategies
  • Opportunities in South Australia if financial positions are improved
1:20PM
Industry Insights

Industry Perspective

1:20 PM - 1:40 PM (20 mins)

1:40PM
Panel discussion

Creativity and Innovation in Local Council – How to Unleash Innovation in Your Organisation

1:40 PM - 2:15 PM (35 mins)

Tony Harrison Chief Executive Officer, City of Marion
Farlie Taylor Director, City Strategy, Community and Culture, City of Prospect
  • Tech efficiencies: How can local councils harness AI and innovation to foster creativity and enhance efficiency.
  • Culture: How does technological innovation influence the workforce, workplace culture and employee engagement?
  • Managing risks: What risks and threats accompany innovation, and what strategies can be employed to manage them effectively?
2:15PM

Closing Remarks from the Chair

2:15 PM - 2:20 PM (5 mins)

2:20PM

Event Close

2:20 PM - 2:20 PM (0 mins)

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