Local Government Focus Day South Australia
Smart and Creative Thinking: Innovating to Enable Financial Resilience in Local Government
Event overview
South Australia’s local governments are pivotal in shaping the daily lives of citizens, directly influencing their quality of life through essential services, infrastructure, and community programs. As the most connected tier of government, they are uniquely positioned to respond swiftly to local needs and drive meaningful change.
Now, more than ever, delivering exceptional services is vital for ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success. Faced with financial pressures, rapid technological change, and the need to empower their workforce, local governments must take bold steps to meet these evolving demands. By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, councils are not only reimagining service delivery but also creating more resilient and future-ready workforces. Through leveraging cutting-edge technologies and enhancing operational efficiency, they are focused on providing improved services that uplift both employees and the community at large.
Join us at the 2025 Local Government Focus Day, part of the Public Sector Network’s Government Innovation Week South Australia, supported by the Government of South Australia. This event will bring together local government leaders to solve key challenges and share practical strategies. With thought-provoking sessions, masterclasses, and invaluable networking, it offers a unique opportunity to explore how councils are building resilient, vibrant, and sustainable communities—ready to thrive in the years ahead.
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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
Featured speakers
Tony Harrison
Chief Executive Officer, City of Marion
Heather Barclay
Chief Executive Officer, Rural City of Murray Bridge
Jayne Emerson
Director, Business Transformation, City of Salisbury
Jodie Summer
Director Corporate Services, District Council of Yankalilla
Farlie Taylor
Director, City Strategy, Community and Culture, City of Prospect
Sean Holden
Chief Executive Officer, The Flinders Ranges Council
Why attend?
Exploring Essential Tools and Technologies
Participate in masterclasses that provide critical tools, technologies, and mindsets necessary for developing a scalable local government of the future.
Gaining Insights on Key Challenges
Acquire insights and strategies to address pressing challenges facing South Australia’s local government, including workforce management, customer experience, technology, and service design.
Connecting with Executive Leaders
Engage directly with executive leaders within South Australia's local government sector to gain valuable perspectives and knowledge.
Networking Opportunities
Build connections and network with local government leaders, industry experts, and peers from across South Australia to foster collaboration and share best practices.
Vendors boost your presence
Becoming a partner at the Local Government Focus Day South Australia 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 South Australia’s 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.
Top highlights from last year
The PSN Local Government Roadshow 2024, spanning six cities, brought together leaders from local councils and industry experts to tackle pressing challenges in the public sector. Key discussions centered around the urgent need for innovation in the face of financial constraints, with a focus on harnessing technology, fostering workforce agility, and leveraging data to enhance service delivery. Despite limited budgets and ageing infrastructure, the event highlighted the importance of strong leadership, collaborative partnerships, and a culture of creativity to meet rising community expectations for personalised, seamless services.
South Australia