Local Government Focus Day Victoria 2027
Capable, Resilient, Connected and Future-Ready Councils
17 Mar 2027
Overview
The Next Council: Doing More, Differently
Victorian Councils are under pressure to change how they operate. Rate capping, cost shifting, and rising costs are limiting what councils can do, while community expectations and service demand continue to grow. Assets need renewal, technology costs are increasing, and workforces are stretched. Councils are also being asked to respond to issues such as housing, safety, resilience, and cost-of-living pressures.
What needs to change in 2027?
Local Government Focus Day Victoria 2027 will focus on the decisions councils are making across financial sustainability, service delivery, AI and digital transformation, cyber security, workforce, data, collaboration and community trust.
The agenda looks at what councils are doing now, what is working, what is not, and what they have learned along the way.
Hear from councils implementing new approaches. Explore how they are using AI and data, managing technology investment, improving productivity, planning workforce change, strengthening cyber resilience, and working with other councils to share resources and capability.
Through case studies, panels and peer discussions, you can compare approaches, challenge your thinking, and identify ideas you can take back to your council.
Join the conversation on what councils need to change, what they need to prioritise and what they can do differently in 2027.
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Earn CPD credit at this event
Who will be there?
Lead the transformation of financial and operational efficiency through technology and innovation:
- Utilise AI and automation to streamline financial processes, optimising resource allocation and reducing administrative burdens
- Implement digital platforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery across all departments
- Equip teams with the tools and training to drive financial sustainability while meeting the growing demands of citizens and stakeholders
Shape a future-ready workforce and cultivate a culture of innovation within local councils:
- Foster an environment where employees are empowered to adopt new technologies and embrace creativity, driving both engagement and productivity
- Lead with vision by encouraging innovation in service delivery and developing strategies to manage the risks and opportunities of digital transformation
- Elevate workplace culture by ensuring that technological advancements support employee well-being and align with the strategic goals of the organisation
Lead the charge in transforming local government operations through technology:
- Drive the adoption of AI and automation to streamline financial operations, reducing costs and increasing efficiency
- Implement cutting-edge digital platforms to enhance service delivery and ensure seamless citizen interactions
- Strengthen transparency and accountability through advanced tech tools, improving public trust and government performance
2027 Featured speakers
Leading voices driving the next council
Chief Executive Officer, Moorabool Shire Council
Helen Havercroft
Chief Executive Officer, Glenelg Shire Council
Mary Agostino
Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Shire Council
Chief Information Officer, City of Greater Geelong
Tony Ljaskevic
Chief Information Officer, City of Boroondara
Paul Barrett
Chief Information Officer, Glen Eira City Council
Chief Information Officer, Bayside City Council
Rebecca Skelton
Chief Customer Experience & Communications Officer, City of Melbourne
Why attend?
Building Financial and Service Resilience
Explore practical approaches to managing financial constraints, cost shifting, rising costs and competing priorities while improving productivity, service planning, asset renewal and long-term sustainability.
Responsible AI, Data and Digital Transformation
Translate AI, data and digital ambition into practical, responsible outcomes, supported by the governance, security, privacy and digital foundations needed to deliver measurable value.
Developing Future-Ready Leadership, Workforce and Change Capability
Prepare leaders and teams to navigate workforce reform, plan for future skills, strengthen succession, improve productivity and build change-ready, high-performing organisations.
Governing for Trust, Collaboration and Community Impact
Strengthen public trust and accountability while managing rising community expectations, incivility and misinformation, and exploring shared services and cross-council collaboration to sustain critical local services.
Vendors, boost your presence
Have your say in shaping a stronger, more supportive local government sector. The Victorian Councillor Census returns this October, inviting all councillors to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for positive change. Your insights will guide new initiatives that empower leaders and strengthen communities across Victoria.
Ready to register?
Registration is free for government