Women in Local Government Conference 2027

The Women in Local Government Conference was developed to support women in the local government sector. The conference aims to empower women through exploration of leadership and discussion of techniques to address common barriers and challenges. In identifying and discussing workplace cultures that value the contribution of women in all aspects and levels of the organisation, this event seeks to improve workplaces across Queensland councils.

By connecting women across the local government sector, we aim to provide officers with valuable insights, effective real-world strategies from experienced officers and plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and share ideas. 

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global event celebrated annually on 8 March to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. 

Dates: Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 March 2026

Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane - 23 Leichardt Street, Spring Hill Q 4000

Conference Times: 08.30am - 4.00pm (coffee and registration from 08.00-08.30am)

Networking Event: Wednesday 4 March from 4.00-6.00pm - drinks and finger food will be served

View the 2027 Women in Local Government Brochure

Keynote Presenters:

Ann Sherry AO

Ann is one of Australia's leading business executives with a career that spans Government, Banking and Tourism. She is an active philanthropist with a focus on improving opportunities and removing barriers for women in STEM and sport, and supporting opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

Ann is the Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology and a Non-executive Director of National Australia Bank. She is the Chair of Queensland Airports Limited, Super Members Council of Australia, Circa Contemporary Circus and Co-Chair of the Climate Leaders Coalition. Ann is a Member of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

Beginning her working life as a Radiographer, Ann became First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women in Canberra before moving to the banking sector initially in HR roles, then in CEO roles with Westpac NZ and the Bank of Melbourne. She then became CEO and later Chair of Carnival Australia.

The Australian Government awarded Ann the Centenary Medal in 2001 and in 2004 she was awarded an Order of Australia.

Kerrie Freeman

Overseeing the largest local government in Australia, Dr Kerrie Freeman is Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane City Council, serving a population of almost 1.3 million residents.

Passionate about serving the community, Kerrie is committed to delivering Council’s priorities, including building better roads, improving public transport, keeping costs down for residents, and enhancing Brisbane’s lifestyle.

As Chief Executive Officer, Kerrie is dedicated to ensuring Brisbane is and always will be a great place to live, work and relax. Kerrie is an accomplished senior executive with experience in leading large complex organisations, implementing large-scale digital transformation, major infrastructure delivery and leading organisational cultural improvement.

Before joining Council, Kerrie was Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network with a workforce of more than 9,500 people. She was also the Chief Executive of West Moreton Health and has led health services in New Zealand, remote Queensland and quaternary health services at Children’s Health Queensland.

Kerrie has a Doctor of Philosophy (Community Health), a Bachelor of Business and a Graduate Diploma in Public Health. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Professorship at Flinders University.

The 2027 Women in Local Government Programme will feature:

Leading and influencing
Panel sessions and facilitated workshops
Empowerment
Personal brand and having a voice
Financial security and confidence
Self-development and role models
Stretch assignments
Courageous conversations

Registrations:

Council Officer (Early Bird) $1,155 per person - closes 4 February

Council Officer (Standard) $1,365 per person - from 5 February - if not sold out prior
Registrations include: Tea breaks and Lunch on Wed and Thurs + the Networking Event on Wed. Accommodation, travel/transport are not included in the registration fees.

Register for the 2027 Women in Local Government Conference

Council Subscribers: Buy one, get one free:

When purchasing one (1) Early Bird Registration, subscribing Councils can access one (1) complimentary registration to the Women in Local Government Conference – subject to availability. Terms: Excludes CEO’s, limit of one complimentary registration per Council.

Call us now on 3174 5006 to check eligibility! Form here.

Member Benefits: LGMA Members who attend this event receive a discount off their membership fees for the next financial year.

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane - Book directly to receive 15% off the best available rate by using the code LGMAQ in the drop down section from the special code.

Phone: 07 3831 4055 or Email: reservations@hgcbrisbane.com.au
Check in is from 14.00 and check out if at 11.00. Full buffet breakfast is available in Fresco's Restaurant.

Car Parking: $20.00 per day for all delegates (up to 10 hours)

Transport: Translink