Capable, Resilient, Connected and Future-Ready Councils
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 2027ย 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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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:
Leading voices driving the next council
Chief Executive Officer, Moorabool Shire Council
Sheena Frost
Chief Executive Officer, Hume City Council
Mary Agostino
Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Shire Council
Matthew Morgan
Chief Executive Officer, Moira Shire Council
Rachelle Quattrocchi
Chief Executive Officer, Strathbogie Shire Council
Helen Havercroft
Chief Executive Officer, Glenelg 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
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.
Translate AI, data and digital ambition into practical, responsible outcomes, supported by the governance, security, privacy and digital foundations needed to deliver measurable value.
Prepare leaders and teams to navigate workforce reform, plan for future skills, strengthen succession, improve productivity and build change-ready, high-performing organisations.
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.
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.
