Local Government Focus Day South Australia 2026
2025 was proudly supported by
Overview
As part of Government Innovation Week South Australia, the 2025 Local Government Focus Day brought together over 50 senior local government executives to explore the critical role of councils in delivering smarter, more responsive services to their communities.
With support from the Government of South Australia and KPMG, the event served as a platform for bold conversations around local government transformation. Leaders tackled shared challenges including financial constraints, workforce capability, and the acceleration of digital change. Sessions focused on innovation in service delivery, workforce resilience, and the technologies enabling councils to better serve citizens in a rapidly shifting landscape.
From thought-provoking keynotes to collaborative masterclasses, the day fostered meaningful connections, practical insights, and a strong sense of momentum for future change.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue to build on this year’s success. Expect even deeper engagement, more actionable strategies, and a renewed focus on empowering local government to lead the way in shaping resilient, sustainable communities.
Stay tuned. South Australia’s local government transformation journey continues.
Sign up or Log in to Public Sector Network to register for 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
2025 Featured Speakers
2026 speakers coming soon
Tony Harrison
Chief Executive Officer, City of Marion
Heather Barclay
Chief Executive Officer, Rural City of Murray Bridge
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
Darren Starr
Chief Executive Officer, Wakefield Regional Council
Why attend?
Tackle Financial Sustainability Head-On
With budget pressures ranked as the top concern in 2025, this event is designed to help you identify smarter, more sustainable ways to manage resources, stretch funding, and future-proof your council’s finances.
Innovate Within Tight Constraints
Doing more with less is the new normal. Learn how other councils are using digital tools, data, and streamlined processes to drive meaningful change with limited budgets.
Unlock Collective Solutions to Shared Challenges
Financial stress isn’t unique to your council. This is a rare chance to connect with peers facing the same pressures and walk away with practical, proven ideas you can apply immediately.
Network
Engage directly with executive leaders within South Australia's local government sector to gain valuable perspectives and knowledge. 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.
2025 Local Government Insights: AI, Capability, and Future Readiness
Polling conducted during the 2025 Local Government Focus Day revealed the evolving priorities, challenges, and ambitions of councils across Australia. With over 50 senior local government leaders participating, the findings offer a timely snapshot into the sector's readiness for digital transformation, financial sustainability, and workforce capability.
Artificial Intelligence: Awareness Rising, Action Emerging
- 88% of attendees are actively considering AI to enhance workforce operations and service delivery.
- While 56% are only in the early stages of exploring AI, 28% have begun implementation, and 8% are already applying AI across multiple services.
Financial Sustainability: A Core Concern
- The top financial worry is the ongoing management and maintenance of assets (37%), followed by modernising IT systems (19%) and workforce productivity (16%).
- 64% of leaders identified budget constraints and long-term financial sustainability as the most pressing challenge for local government today.
Service Optimisation: Planning Underway
- 42% of councils are currently building transformation programs to improve services.
- Only 19% say they have robust, continuous improvement systems in place, suggesting a significant opportunity for capability uplift.
Cyber Resilience: Confidence Needs Strengthening
- While 68% feel somewhat confident in their ability to respond to a cyber-attack, only 13% reported having a well-tested incident response plan, and 16% admitted to having no clear strategy.
Strategic Priorities for 2026
- The top council priorities over the next 12 months include:
- Collaboration across government (25%)
- Workforce upskilling and culture (22%)
- Investment in digital technology (22%)
- Collaboration across government (25%)
Ready to register?
Registration is free for government