Local Government Focus Day Victoria 2026
Reimagining how councils deliver: citizen-centric, AI-enabled, productive
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For government, by government
Event steering committee
Anthony Brittain
Chief Information Officer, City of Greater Geelong
Marianne Di Giallonardo
Director People and Places, Maroondah City Council
Anthony Brittain
Chief Information Officer, City of Greater Geelong
Marianne Di Giallonardo
Director People and Places, Maroondah City Council
Overview
Cost shifting, financial sustainability, and rising customer expectations are reshaping the role of Victorian councils. Once defined by the “three Rs” – rates, roads and rubbish – local governments are now expected to deliver services in healthcare, housing, aged care, recycling and climate adaptation. These expanded responsibilities, combined with shrinking grant funding, rate capping and increasing obligations from higher levels of government, are placing councils under significant strain. With mounting pressure to do more with less, councils face challenges that are largely beyond their control yet critical to their communities’ future.
This event will explore how technology can help councils bridge the gap between limited resources and rising customer expectations. From automation and AI to data-driven decision-making and smarter enterprise applications, sessions will showcase practical strategies to improve efficiency, streamline service delivery and strengthen financial sustainability.
Join peers, sector experts and decision-makers to share experiences and gain actionable insights. Through collaboration and innovation, this event will provide the tools to strengthen financial sustainability, adapt to change and deliver positive outcomes for councils and communities across Victoria.
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Register nowWho 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
2026 Featured speakers
Insightful voices driving innovation and change
Anthony Brittain
Chief Information Officer, City of Greater Geelong
Kathryn Arndt
Chief Executive Officer, The Victorian Local Governance Association
Dale Dickson
Chief Executive Officer, City of Stonnington
Lucy Roffey
Chief Executive Officer, Glen Eira City Council
Derek Madden
Chief Executive Officer, Moorabool Shire Council
Patrick Dillon
General Manager Innovation and Engagement, Bass Coast Shire Council
Sasha Lord
Program Director, Hume City Council
Karen Abey
Director Strategic and Regulatory Services, City of Hobart
Why attend?
Strengthening Financial and Organisational Resilience
Gain practical strategies to strengthen financial resilience and navigate cost pressures, reforms, and rising community expectations.
Leading Change Through Innovation
Explore innovative approaches and emerging technologies, including AI and data-driven tools, to transform council operations and decision-making.
Building Leadership, Culture, and Capability
Learn from expert leaders, councillors, and sector specialists about leadership, organisational culture, workforce capability, and successful change management.
Unlock Collective Solutions to Shared Challenges
Financial stress isn’t unique to your council. Connect and collaborate with peers, industry experts, and decision-makers across Victoria to share insights, experiences, and best practices.
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.
Insights from 2025 Polling at Local Government Focus Day
Polling from last year’s Focus Day revealed the mounting pressures facing Victoria’s local governments. While there is strong enthusiasm for innovation, particularly around AI and data, most councils are still in the early stages of adoption. Financial sustainability emerged as the sector’s greatest challenge, with councils focused on transforming processes, upskilling staff, and delivering better services under tightening budgets. These insights continue to shape the priorities for 2026.
Strong Interest in AI, but Early in Adoption
- 95% of respondents are actively thinking about using AI to improve service delivery and workforce operations.
- However, 92% of councils are still in the early stages, either just starting implementation (41%) or only beginning to explore its potential (51%).
Financial Sustainability Is the Dominant Concern
- 91% identified budget constraints and financial sustainability as the most pressing issue facing local government today.
- Specific concerns include asset maintenance (28%) and meeting growing service demands (26%), highlighting the challenge of doing more with less.
Top Priorities for the Year Ahead
- Councils are focused on:
- Becoming more data-driven (24%)
- Upskilling staff and transforming processes (each 21%)
- Investing in digital services (18%)
- Becoming more data-driven (24%)
Digital Maturity and Service Reform
- Half of councils (50%) are in the planning phase for service and process transformation, with only 9% reporting a mature, continuous improvement framework.
- This indicates significant room for capability growth and operational modernisation.
Cybersecurity Preparedness Varies
While 72% feel somewhat or very confident in their ability to recover from a cyber-attack, 27% acknowledge that they are still developing their approach to cyber resilience and would face challenges in an incident scenario.