Local Government Managers Australia upcoming events

LGMA Managing Interruptions: regain focus and boost productivity Webinar (18 Aug 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Managing Interruptions: regain focus and boost productivity Webinar

In 2026, time management is generally not about planning, prioritising or scheduling our time, it is largely about managing interruptions and distractions. In this webinar, you will identify the time-suckers that are holding you back from achieving your best. You will assess the real impact these interruptions have on your output.

The facilitator will them provide you with practical techniques to deal with your most disruptive and time-consuming interruptions; understanding their causes and the patterns which support them. Then, you can reclaim your time by implementing key strategies to reduce distractions and interruptions and maintain productivity.

Audience: Local government officers seeking to utilise their time more effectively

Day/Date: Tuesday 18 August 2026

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues.

JLT Risk Report Webinar - Risk Intelligence for LG (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

JLT Risk Report Webinar

Using risk intelligence to strengthen strategic and operational decisions with a focus on People and Culture and Cyber Risk.

This session provides a focused deep dive into the JLT Public Sector Risk Report — the leading, longitudinal source of risk intelligence for Australian local government. Using 2026 report findings, we’ll translate national insights into practical, Council-level implications for Queensland and outline how risk intelligence can be used to strengthen strategic and operational decisions.

It will cover topics including:

The top risks for councils, based on the 2026 survey of CEOs and General Managers nationally, with context on how ranking differs by region;
How risks are interconnected — in particular how financial sustainability constrains mitigation of other risks;
Risk trends and movement over time — key shifts in 2026 (which risks rose, which eased) and what these signal for planning and investment
Practical impact for Queensland councils — how national findings map to Queensland’s exposure (natural hazards, climate impacts, asset renewal and workforce recruitment/retention challenges) and examples of operational consequences; and
Using the JLT Risk Report and other risk intelligence to strategic and operational decision making.

Hosted by Paul Bright, Nick Rossmann and Gary Okely (JLT Public Sector), with two specialist guests to focus on two high-priority risks identified in 2026:

· People & Culture (Lily Kan, Mercer): focus on workforce attraction, retention and capability; addressing skills shortages; modern employment models and targeted retention/engagement strategies; and the financial implications (how workforce cost pressures interact with councils’ financial sustainability). Lily will provide practical mitigation approaches councils can implement within constrained budgets.

· Cyber Risk (Liberty Mudzamba, Marsh Risk): focus on the persistent cyber threat environment, common weaknesses seen across councils, practical hygiene and resilience steps (including governance, incident response playbooks, backups and basic segmentation) and how simple, cost-effective changes reduce impact and insurance exposure.

Day/Date: Thursday 27 August

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Who should attend:

Council Executives, Managers and Officers working in: Risk Management, Asset Management, Finance, Governance, ICT, People and Culture, Climate Resilience and Disaster Management.

Host and Speaker Bios: Here

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues.

Executive Partner of LGMA:

Senior Exec Connect (28 Aug 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Senior Exec Connect is held on the last Friday of every month

This Village aims to support local government practitioners and professionals who are part of councils' ELT or heads of departments (i.e. second line leadership).

It is a place for Senior Officers to get together, share information with colleagues, whether that be about successes or learnings, get updates on the latest legislation and policies and, ultimately help each other improve our ways of working and serving our communities.

We trust that you derive value from the interactions and information shared via this forum.

Time: 10.00am - 10.45am

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

NOTE: Zoom details will be made available in your registration confirmation / notification. This event will not be recorded.

LGMA Annual Local Government Conference 2026 (8 Sep 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:30:00 GMT

Registrations close on 21 August - Don't miss out!

LGMA Annual LG Conference 2026

Tuesday 8 - Thursday 10 September 2026! Destination: Gold Coast - Save the dates!

Venue: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217

Proposed Schedule

Tuesday

3.45pm – 4.00pm Registration

4.00pm – 6.00pm President’s Welcome Reception

Evening at Leisure

Wednesday

08.45am Welcome

09.00am – 3.00pm Conference Sessions

3.00pm LGMA AGM

4.00pm – 6.00pm Beach versus Bush Scavenger Hunt Challenge

Evening at Leisure

Thursday

07.45am Exclusive Shark Bay Tour

09.00am – 3.30pm Conference Sessions

7.00pm – 11.00pm Dinner

Meet Our Speakers - This year's lineup features an outstanding mix of visionaries, practitioners and leaders:

Professor Sohail Inayatullah — one of the world's foremost futurists
Lucy Poole — Deputy CEO, Strategy, Planning and Performance, Australian Government's Digital Transformation Agency
CEO Panel - Justin Hancock, Dr Nikola Stepanov, Scott Waters, Janelle Menzies
Brett de Chastel — Principal Consultant, de Chastel and Associates, presenting The Future of Local Government Report developed in partnership with LGMA
Tess Bishop - CEO LGMA
Tracy Mackey — Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Association of Queensland
Danielle McAllister - Deputy Director-General, Department of Housing and Public Works
Eugenie Buckley - Deputy Director-General, Olympic and Paralympic Games Office
Kirsten Herring - Deputy Director- General, Arts Queensland
Adam Pennicott — Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, Department of Trade, Employment and Training
Brett Hall - General Manager, Australian Industry Group
The Great Debate
Jordana Borensztajn — creativity and innovation expert
MC is Cat Matson

Why Attend?

✔ Thought-provoking keynotes on the future of local government

✔ Practical sessions you can apply from day one back at work

✔ Unmatched networking with peers from across Queensland

✔ A world-class venue designed to inspire

Registration

Full registration includes the President's Welcome Reception on Tuesday, the Beach Versus Bush Activity on Wednesday and the Conference Sessions on Wednesday and Thursday (morning tea and lunch are provided) and the Conference Dinner on Thursday evening.

Standard Rates (on or after 11 July) Council Officer $1930

Please see the Registration Terms and Conditions (includes discounts and complimentary registrations).

Exclusions: Travel and accommodation are not included in the conference registration fees.

Accommodation: Here

LGMA Leading Meetings Webinar (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Leading Meetings Webinar

How many meetings do you attend which are a waste of time? In many cases, meetings contribute to general busyness without adding clear value. Avoid this time waster by learning how to lead meetings which deliver.

This webinar will outline the key rules of meetings: when a meeting is actually required, who should attend, how to set an agenda, how to chair a meeting for maximum input and impact and how to ensure outcomes are delivered. With this newfound knowledge, you will know how to plan with purpose, guide conversations with confidence and implement techniques for building trust and accountability.

Audience: Local government officers attending and leading internal meetings (this is not focused on Council meetings or community engagement forums)

Day/Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues.

Senior Exec Connect (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Senior Exec Connect is held on the last Friday of every month

This Village aims to support local government practitioners and professionals who are part of councils' ELT or heads of departments (i.e. second line leadership).

We trust that you derive value from the interactions and information shared via this forum.

Time: 10.00am - 10.45am

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

NOTE: Zoom details will be made available in your registration confirmation / notification. This event will not be recorded.

LGMA Women in Local Government Village Exchange (7 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Women in Local Government

This Village aims to connect women across the local government sector in Queensland, provide them with access to valuable insights, effective real-world strategies, and plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and share ideas.

Agenda: Join us in hearing from LGMA's Cassie Van Beek on 'Resilience and Adaptability When Life Happens'. This session is going to talk through strategies of how to bounce back when life's punches keep on rolling.

Scheduled exchange sessions for 2026:

Exchange: Wednesday 7 October 11:30am

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

NOTE: Zoom details will be made available in your registration confirmation / notification. This event will not be recorded.

Join our Network on LinkedIn!

Rural Management Challenge - Southern Queensland (13 Oct 2026)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Southern Queensland Challenge

The Rural Management Challenges (RMC) are based on the successful concept of the Australasian Management Challenge. They are a development programme that provides real-life problem solving experiences and produces outcomes that translate into relevant, tangible and enduring benefits for individuals, teams and the organisation.

Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026

Host Council: Lockyer Valley Regional Council

Location: Gatton

Venue: Gatton Shire Hall – 52 North Street Gatton

Times: 07.30-17.00

There will be a Meet and Greet event the night before Challenge Day and we will all have dinner together the evening of Challenge Day to celebrate your success.

Key Dates:

Registrations close Wednesday 26 August 2026

Pre-Challenge Task Distributed Wednesday 2 September 2026

Pre-Challenge Task Due Tuesday 6 October at 3:00pm

Accommodation:

LGMA Tackling Difficult Feedback Conversations Webinar (27 Oct 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Tackling Difficult Feedback Conversations Webinar

Giving critical feedback which lands can be a challenge at the best of times. When that feedback is ‘difficult’ in that it is unexpected or there is disagreement about either the performance under discussion or the impact of it, the delivery is more critical, as is the potential impact of getting it wrong.

This session provides practical guidance on how to approach challenging performance conversations with clarity, empathy, and confidence. Learn how to give constructive feedback that encourages accountability and growth while maintaining respectful and professional relationships. Explore techniques for managing defensiveness, structuring your message, and navigating emotional reactions.

Audience: All local government officers who provide feedback to direct reports or, potentially, colleagues

Day/Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person - available to all Council Officers

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues.

Rural Management Challenge - North Queensland (29 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

North Queensland Challenge

Date: Thursday 29 October 2026

Host Council: Townsville City Council

Location: Townsville

Venue: Townsville Stadium, 40–48 Murray Lyons Crescent, Annandale QLD 4814

Times: 07.30-17.00

There will be a Meet and Greet event the night before Challenge Day and we will all have dinner together the evening of Challenge Day to celebrate your success.

Key Dates:

Registrations close Wednesday 9 September 2026

Pre-Challenge Task Distributed Wednesday 16 September 2026

Pre-Challenge Task Due Tuesday 20 October at 3:00pm

Accommodation:

This Challenge is proudly supported by:

LGMA Men's Wellbeing Village Webinar (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Men's Wellbeing Village Webinar

The Men’s Wellbeing Village was established to support men working in local government. It provides opportunities to connect with colleagues, strengthen professional relationships, and build resilience.

Strong networks create safety, belonging, and personal growth. They help us face challenges with confidence and purpose.

This is your reminder: reach out, have the conversation, and stand alongside your peers. Together, we create healthier men and healthier communities.

Hear from guest speaker: Darius Boyd

Darius, a Gold Coast native, faced early challenges as an only child, coping with the loss of family members and his mother's depression. Seeking stability, he moved in with his grandmother and pursued a rugby league career with the Brisbane Broncos at 18. Despite success, mental health pressures led him to seek treatment at 27, sparking his advocacy journey.

Named Captain of the Broncos at 29, Darius became a leader in mental health awareness. After retiring at 33, he pursued higher education in mental health. Today, he uses his experiences to empower others, promote wellbeing, and break mental health stigmas.

Audience: Male local government officers, all levels and roles

Day/Date: Thursday 29 October 2026

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Cost: Entry from $110.00 (GST inclusive) per person for an individual registration (available to all council officers)

$297 for a LGMA Council Subscriber 3 pack of registrations

$495 for a LGMA Council Subscriber 5 pack of registrations

$594 for a LGMA Council Subscriber 6 pack of registrations

$880 for a LGMA Council Subscriber 10 pack of registrations.

Please Note: This webinar will not be recorded.

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

LGMA Members: This webinar is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member.

To book, please select 'Complimentary - Member Benefit'. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you have any issues.

Senior Exec Connect (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Senior Exec Connect is held on the last Friday of every month

This Village aims to support local government practitioners and professionals who are part of councils' ELT or heads of departments (i.e. second line leadership).

We trust that you derive value from the interactions and information shared via this forum.

Time: 10.00am - 10.45am

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

NOTE: Zoom details will be made available in your registration confirmation / notification. This event will not be recorded.

Rural Management Challenge - Central Queensland (4 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Central Queensland Challenge

Date: Wednesday 4 November

Host Council: Central Highlands Regional Council

Location: Emerald

Venue: Emerald Town Hall, 33 Egerton Street, Emerald

Times: 07.30-17.00

There will be a Meet and Greet event the night before Challenge Day and we will all have dinner together the evening of Challenge Day to celebrate your success.

Key Dates:

Registrations close Wednesday 16 September 2026

Pre-Challenge Task Distributed Wednesday 23 September 2026

Pre-Challenge Task Due Tuesday 27 October at 3:00pm

Accommodation:

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Emerald - visit the Central Highlands tourism website for more information.

Working Effectively with Government (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 02:30:00 GMT

LGMA QUEENSLAND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Working Effectively with Government

A half day masterclass in making your council’s case

Date/Time: Thursday 5 November from 12.30 to 4.30pm.

Venue: Brighter Super, Level 20, 333 Ann Street, Brisbane

Registration: $770 LGMA members (individual members) and $880 for non members

Inclusions: Light lunch on arrival

Every council has a list of things it needs from government. Funding for the road. A planning decision. A policy that reflects what regional communities experience. Most of those cases are well argued and evidence based, and many still go nowhere.

The reason is rarely the merit. Government runs to its own rhythms and structures, and knowing which agency owns the problem, when the budget and policy windows open, and how to present a case so it can be acted on quickly makes the difference between a proposal that progresses and one that sits.

Your presenters

This half day workshop demystifies that process. Between them, Tess and Di have worked every side of the table: the department that assesses the proposal, the ministerial office that decides its fate, and the peak body making the case.

Tess Bishop, Chief Executive Officer, LGMA Queensland

Tess has spent more than 20 years inside government, including as a Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer in the Australian Public Service and in senior roles in both Prime Minister and Cabinet and Queensland’s Premier and Cabinet. She has written the briefs, run the budget bids, appeared before Senate Estimates and parliamentary committees, and assessed countless proposals from outside government.

Diana Hallam, Chief Executive Officer, Wooloowardalla Pastoral

Di has led advocacy at the national level and seen how it lands at the top. She was Chief of Staff to a former Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association, and a First Assistant Secretary in the Australian Public Service, with corporate experience at Singapore Airlines and Toll Group. She understands what cuts through in a minister’s office and what rural and regional communities need to do to be heard in Canberra.

They will be joined by high profile guest speakers offering candid insight into how decisions are made at the most senior levels of government.

Tess and Diana will be joined by key experts including journalists and former senior public servants such as Ms Rachel Hunter AO PSM.

You’ll leave knowing how to:

Navigate the machinery of government and identify the right agency and the right officer
Align your approach with budget, Cabinet and election cycles rather than working against them
Understand how strategic communication is important and how the media world works
Structure a submission or briefing so a busy decision maker can act on it
Build durable, professional relationships with departments that hold up between crises
Present a council priority in terms that connect with government objectives

This workshop is grounded in proper process and public sector integrity expectations. Councils operate under scrutiny, and everything taught here can be applied with complete confidence in front of a Board, a council meeting or an integrity body.

Who it’s for: Chief executive officers, executives and senior managers who need results from state and Commonwealth government.

Book now: With only 15 places, this workshop is expected to sell out. Be quick.

Transport: Here

Parking:

King George Square / Secure Parking / Wilson Parking

ILG Chiefs' Forum 11 November 2026 CAIRNS (11 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

LGMA Indigenous Leaders Forum in Cairns

Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026

Times: 08.30-15.00

Venue: Preston Law, 15 Spence Street, Cairns

Registration: Please respond to the calendar invitation and we will process your registrations.

LGMA CEO Members are complimentary

Non-Member Rate is $185.00

Thank you to our valued Corporate Partners:

Retired Members' Lunch Wednesday 25 November 2026 (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 02:30:00 GMT

LGMA Retired Members' Christmas Luncheon

Each year, LGMA hosts a lunch for our retired members. This event continues to be a great opportunity for our retired members to get together, share stories and reminisce about the ‘good old days’.

Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026

Venue: The Ship Inn - Southbank

Times: 12:30pm-2:30pm

Retired Members Rate: $70.00

Non-Retired Members Rate: $100.00

Your ticket includes includes lunch, dessert and two drinks (beer, wine or soft drink).

See Invitation Here

Please RSVP by Wednesday 28 October 2026 to Ange at eventassist@lgmaqld.org.au.

Getting There and Parking

Public Transport: The Ship Inn is a 5-minute walk from both the South Bank bus and train station (https://translink.com.au/).

Driving: There is a range of carparks around South Bank including Little Stanley Street, this is a 8 minute walk to The Ship Inn.

Drop Off: There is a drop off zone next to the venue on Sidon Street.

Senior Exec Connect (27 Nov 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Senior Exec Connect is held on the last Friday of every month

This Village aims to support local government practitioners and professionals who are part of councils' ELT or heads of departments (i.e. second line leadership).

We trust that you derive value from the interactions and information shared via this forum.

Time: 10.00am - 10.45am

Cost: Complimentary to Council Subscribers

Use of AI notetakers: The use of AI notetakers (e.g. Tactiq, Otter.ai, Fireflies etc.) is not permitted in any LGMA-hosted webinars or online events. Please refer to our policy here.

NOTE: Zoom details will be made available in your registration confirmation / notification. This event will not be recorded.