Local Government Focus Day South Australia

Settle in, grab a coffee, and meet a few friendly faces before we begin.

A short welcome, plus a few quick tips to help you connect, share, and get real value from the day. We’ll also run a couple of quick polls to see what everyone’s interested in and what people are working on right now.

A practical case study on how the Rural City of Murray Bridge has moved beyond transactional funding arrangements to build genuine Local–State partnerships that deliver faster infrastructure, better services, and stronger community outcomes. The session explores governance models, trust-building at executive level, and how strategic, data-led planning has positioned Council as a partner of choice for State government in a high-growth regional context.

Practical use cases for improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and enhancing customer experiences

Panel of experts discussing real-world applications of AI, data analytics, and digital tools in council operations.

• How AI and digital tools can enhance operational efficiency, creativity, and service delivery in councils.
• The impact of technological innovation on workforce culture, engagement, and upskilling.
• Key risks and strategies for managing cybersecurity, compliance, and change during digital transformation.

Dionne Collins

Director Community Development, City of Port Adelaide Enfield

Matthew Pears

Chief Executive Officer, City of Mitcham

Julia Grant

Chief Executive Officer, City of Burnside

Grab lunch, have a wander, and chat with industry partners and peers about practical ideas you can take back to work. Arguably the most important part of the day!

Our interactive roundtables give you space to swap notes with peers. Hosted by industry leaders, they blend lived experience with practical insights. Bring your biggest challenges, wins, and lessons, and leave with ideas you can apply straight away.

Building scalable, secure systems to support long-term growth and resilience.

• Implementing AI tools and modern digital platforms, alongside cloud migration and cybersecurity upgrades.
• Upskilling staff, embedding agile practices, and fostering a digital-first culture to support innovation.
• Driving transformation initiatives that are reshaping council operations for more efficient, responsive, and forward-thinking service delivery.

This panel explores the complex challenges facing local councils today. Drawing on insights from CEOs the discussion will highlight how to collaborate under pressure, and practical strategies for maintaining performance, trust, and community impact.

• Managing budget constraints, cost shifting, and resource pressures
• Balancing rising community expectations with operational realities
• Navigating reform and exploring, strategies for collaboration
• Maintaining performance, trust, and community impact in challenging environments

Rebecca Hayes

Associate Director, Governance & Strategy, City of Adelaide

Tony Harrison

Chief Executive Officer, City of Marion

Darren Starr

Chief Executive Officer, Wakefield Regional Council

Paul Della

General Manager Corporate and Compliance, City of West Torrens

We’ll pull out a few highlights from the day, share what’s coming next, and point you to ways to stay connected.