Cost: Council Officers Early Bird Rate- $770 per person until 13 February 2026

Council Officers Standard Rate - $900 per person from 13 February 2026

Inclusions: Tea breaks and lunch on Wed and Thurs + Networking function on Wed from 4.30-6.00pm

Registration at the event: Wed from 10.30am - Collect name tags

Agenda: Here

Guest Presenters include: Jonathan Mamaril, Elle Ackland, Allan Watkinson, Zeta Jacobs, Mel Forsythe and Tiana Walker, Suzanne Naughton and Paige Gourley, Jane McLoughlin, Peter Ryan and Sean Halloran.

Dress Code:  Business casual – as the room temperature may vary, we suggest you wear layered clothing.

Accommodation: Book and pay own accounts by utilising the link below:

https://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/hotel-grand-chancellor-brisbane/book/accommodations

There is a box at the top of the screen Special Code - click and then select Rate Access/Corporate Code in the drop down.  Type in lgmaq as the code type.

Car Parking: Hotel Grand Chancellor $20.00 per day - subject to availability

Alternative Car Parking / Transport:

Secure Parking / Wilson Parking / Translink

Corporate Partners Supporting this Forum: Thank you...

                                     

Propeller 2026 

Last chance registrations close Friday 20 February - limited spaces remaining. 

Propeller commences in Brisbane with a two-day introductory forum.  Delegates are placed into teams to co-ordinate, travel and experience six workshops that are hosted by different Queensland councils.  The final forum will be held the day after Workshop 6 - in the same location.

This practical programme helps to develop LG skills and knowledge; assists with networking opportunities and information sharing plus group participation for the workshops, group project and memoir.  

Participation at the nine (9) forums/workshops is compulsory.  Propeller delegates will need to factor in time for workshop preparation, travel and participation in a group project and memoir. 

This programme is suitable for council officers of any age, experience, role and interests.  It offers both personal and professional development.

The workshop dates are:

Tues 24 March and Wed 25 March - Introductory Forum - Brisbane

Workshops 1 and 2: 20-21 May - Councils TBC

Workshops 3 and 4: 29-30 July - Councils TBC

Workshops 5 and 6: 15-16 September - Councils TBC

Thurs 17 September: Final Forum - same location as the final workshops

Propeller Brochure

Programme Information

Nomination Form

$3800 per person (excludes travel, accommodation and meals – see the brochure and information sheets above for full details).  Invoices will be issued upon placement confirmation.  Nominations close Friday 20 February.  Participation will be confirmed on 23 February once the nomination process has been completed.  

Self-Performance Assessment

The ability to critically assess your own performance is not something that is innate for most people. We all have a lens through which we see the world, our place in it and our contribution. However, the ability to self-assess can help us lift our performance and avoid potentially difficult conversations.

This webinar will provide processes useful in reflecting on your own performance to gain insight, set goals and support your professional growth. Learn how to assess your strengths, identify areas for improvement and align your contributions with team and organisational goals. The webinar offers practical tools and frameworks to help you evaluate your performance objectively and constructively.

Audience:  All local government officers, all levels and roles

Day/Date: Tuesday 24 March

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. 

High-Impact Conversations: The Secret Weapon of Great Leaders Online Workshop

Join Dr. Tim Baker for an engaging programme on how impactful conversations can be your secret weapon in leadership.

Leadership is not defined by strategy decks, KPIs, or personality style.

It is defined by conversations.

In high-performing organisations, leaders do not avoid these conversations. They master them.

Five Takeaways

By the end of this programme, participants will:

Dates: 

Unit 1: The Feedback Fix: Conversations That Spark Improvement - Thursday 26 March

Unit 2: Lead the Tough Talks: Making Conflict Constructive - Thursday 2 April

Unit 3: Conversations That Drive Accountability and Action - Thursday 9 April 

Unit 4: From Resistance to Readiness: Conversations for Change - Thursday 16 April

Unit 5: Facilitate Like a Pro: Conversations that Drive Decisions - Thursday 23 April

Unit 6: Speak to Shift: Conversational Tools for Influence - Thursday 30 April

Time: All units run from 9:30am-10:30am

Cost: 
Individual LGMA Members: $200.00.
Council Officers: $247.50.

Registrations will close Tuesday 24 March at 3:00pm.

Maximising Your Influence as a Leader

Online Workshop

Join Dr. Tim Baker for an engaging programmme on how to enhance your influence with everyone you come in contact with.

Leadership is not defined by authority, position, or title.

It is defined by influence.

In complex organisations, influence is the difference between progress and paralysis.

Five Takeaways

By the end of this programme, participants will:

Dates: 

Unit 1: Understanding Power and Influence and its Role - Thursday 26 March

Unit 2: Strategies for Building Personal Influence - Thursday 2 April

Unit 3: Completing the Influencing Capabilities Profile - Thursday 9 April 

Unit 4: The Four Stages of Influence - Thursday 16 April

Unit 5: Applying the Influencing Capabilities Framework - Thursday 23 April

Unit 6: Tools for Building Influence - Thursday 30 April

Time: All units run from 11:00am - 12:00pm

Cost: 
Individual LGMA Members: $200.00.
Council Officers: $247.50.

Registrations will close Tuesday 24 March at 3:00pm.

Building a High-Performing Team

Online Workshop

Join Dr. Tim Baker for an engaging programmme on building a high-performing team.

Leadership is not defined by talent density, activity levels, or ambitious targets.

It is defined by standards.

In complex organisations, team performance is the difference between momentum and mediocrity.

Five Takeaways

By the end of this programme, participants will:

Dates: 

Unit 1: The 8 Characteristics of High-Performing Teams - Thursday 26 March

Unit 2: The Four Stages of team Development - Thursday 2 April

Unit 3: Tools for Leading Teams - Thursday 9 April 

Unit 4: The Roles People Play in Teams - Thursday 16 April

Unit 5: Managing Team Conflict and Negotiation - Thursday 23 April

Unit 6: Developing Team Culture - Thursday 30 April

Time: All units run from 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Cost: 
Individual LGMA Members: $200.00.
Council Officers: $247.50.

Registrations will close Tuesday 24 March at 3:00pm.

Unleash Performance: Empowerment That Gets Real Results

Online Workshop

Join Dr. Tim Baker for a practical, high-impact programme designed for leaders who want to lift performance by building ownership, accountability, and confidence across their teams.

Too many leaders are told to “empower their people” without being shown how. This program cuts through the theory and focuses on what empowerment actually looks like in day-to-day leadership — especially when expectations are high, pressure is constant, and results matter.

Whether you’re leading a team, managing experienced professionals, or working across functions, this interactive program will equip you with the tools, language, and leadership behaviours needed to empower others without losing control, clarity, or standards.

You’ll explore how real empowerment drives performance — not through motivation or delegation alone, but through clear expectations, trust-building conversations, and disciplined follow-through. Expect practical insights, real-world examples, and immediately usable strategies you can apply from day one.

If you’re ready to move beyond micromanagement, lift accountability, and unlock stronger, more consistent performance, this program is for you.

Dates: 

Unit 1: How to Empower Without Losing Control - Thursday 26 March

Unit 2: The 8 Characteristics of a High Performing Team - Thursday 2 April

Unit 3: Four Ways to Overcome to Proactive Paradox - Thursday 9 April 

Unit 4: Using the GROW Coaching Model to Empower - Thursday 16 April

Unit 5: The Five Conversations Framework - Thursday 23 April

Unit 6: How to Build Ownership and Accountability - Thursday 30 April

Time: All units run from 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Cost: 
Individual LGMA Members: $200.00.
Council Officers: $247.50.

Registrations will close Tuesday 24 March at 3:00pm.

Australasian Management Challenge 2026

The Australasian Management Challenge (AMC) is an innovative development opportunity that is a convergence of ideas, energy, academic rigour and practical application – the elements which develop great leadership.

Everyone who participates in the Challenge - from experienced managers to emerging leaders, comes away with new and practical insights into excellence in leadership and management.

Registration is available online (one registration per team): The team mentor (or a team member) can register initially and then add in your team members (as guests) as they confirm.

Location: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills 

Venue: Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) - Gregory Terrace

Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026

Time: 7:45am - 5:00pm

Recommended Accommodation: Rydges Fortitude Valley

Australasian Management Challenge Brochure 

Key Dates:

Early Bird Registrations ($5,885) close on 6 February 26 (extended until 20.2)

Standard Registrations ($6,325) close on 2 March 26

The Pre-Challenge Task (PCT) is distributed on 16 March 26

The Pre-Challenge Task (PCT) due date is 15 April 26

Cancellation Policy

Awards for Excellence Gala:

Your registration for the 2026 Australasian Management Challenge includes seven (7) tickets (non-refundable) to the Awards for Excellence Event.

The winners and runners up of the Queensland Australasian Management Challenge are announced at the LGMA Awards for Excellence Announcements and Networking Event on Thursday 28 May at the State Library of Queensland from 15.30-19.00 (includes drinks, canapes and finger food).

Queensland Winner: The Winner of the Queensland Management Challenge will head to Hobart from 9-11 August 2026 to take on the National Challenge Final. 

The 2026 Challenge is proudly supported by:

Local Government Managers Australia is delighted to present a programme which acknowledges and celebrates the outstanding work undertaken by local governments across Queensland. 

The LGMA Awards for Excellence recognise the best of local government initiatives in the state, noting the differing environments and communities that local government serves.

Award Categories include: Above and Beyond, Collaboration, Community Shaping, Resourcefulness, Innovation, Sustainability, Teamwork and Workplace Wellbeing.

Timeline:

Awards nominations Close - 3.00pm, Wednesday 22 April 2026

Judging period - 23 April – 1 May 2026

Winners announced - At the Award Announcements and Networking Event event on Thursday 28 May 

Nomination Process

For the 2026 Awards for Excellence, the nomination process is now accessible online here. 

For your convenience, we have created a template document to enable you to populate your responses.  We recommend you plan your nomination using this document before submitting information online.  This will enable you to check inclusions and word counts prior to officially submitting your nomination.  You can then copy and paste directly from this document into the online submission form. 

Please refer to the Nomination Guidelines for further information.

Please note that the nomination process for 2026 is complimentary for Council Subscribers of LGMA.  This represents a saving of $350 per nomination. 

Councils may submit numerous projects.  Multiple nominations are permitted in all categories.  A project or initiative may be nominated in up to two categories and each will be treated as a separate nomination.  If nominating a project in more than one category, nominators should ensure that each nomination is tailored to address each of the category requirements. 

Nominations must be received by Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 3.00pm.

Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au or 07 3174 5006 to confirm your council’s subscription or if you require any further information or assistance regarding the LGMA Awards for Excellence.

Effective Delegation – a productivity booster

“It’s quicker to do it myself”, is a common refrain across managers the world over. But that is a trap, yes it is quicker this time but next time, and the next, and the next…

Delegation is easy but effective delegation takes some skill. In this webinar you will unlock the secrets of effective delegation to transform your workload. Gain insight into delegation strategies, potential pitfalls and risks, the art of matching tasks with the right people and setting clear expectations. Whether you are leading a team, or a team member looking to streamline tasks and focus on priorities, this webinar will provide key delegation strategies and practical tips to increase productivity.

Audience:  All local government officers who manage other officers

Day/Date: Tuesday 28 April

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. 

Agenda: TBC

Dress Code: Business casual – as the room temperature may vary, we suggest you wear layered clothing.

Transport: Here

Parking: 

King George Square / Secure Parking / Wilson Parking

Accommodation: Book and pay own accounts. 

Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central (IHG)

Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square

Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Hilton Brisbane

Thank you to our corporate partners:

           

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.  

6 May Agenda: Join us in hearing from Talia Parsons, Parks & Recreation Manager at Western Downs Regional Council where she will talk us through the importance of culture in her session 'Culture Isn't a Side Project'.

Scheduled exchange sessions for 2026:

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!

How to say ‘no’ without offending

Local government officers are here to help the community and this community service focus can lead to a propensity to want to help everyone, whenever possible. Like all great traits, if taken to extremes it can negatively impact performance and wellbeing. Knowing when and how to say ‘no’ is important for long-term success.

Through this webinar you will develop the confidence and communication skills to say no clearly and respectfully when appropriate. All without damaging relationships. The session will discuss how to set boundaries, manage expectations and handle pushback with professionalism and empathy. It offers practical language and techniques to help you stay assertive while remaining considerate.

Audience:  All local government officers who struggle to say 'no'

Day/Date: Tuesday 26 May

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. 

Participatory Decision Making

Across Queensland, councils are under increasing pressure to balance financial constraints, infrastructure demand, and rising community expectations.

At the same time, reforms in state planning and new requirements for community benefit frameworks in renewable energy projects are reshaping how local governments engage their communities and partners in decision-making.

Participatory decision-making, or deliberative engagement, offers a way to bring together a diverse cross-section of the community to carefully consider complex issues, weigh trade-offs, and reach collective recommendations. When designed well, these processes build understanding, legitimacy, and long-term buy-in for council priorities.

Capire Associates, Mel Hagedorn and Mollie Rashleigh, will share practical insights from their experience delivering deliberative engagement programs with councils across Australia. They will discuss what “best practice” looks like in the Queensland context, how to tailor engagement to reflect local values and constraints, and why creating the right environment can transform how communities and councils work together.

Day/Date: Wednesday 27 May

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. 

Guest Presenters: Details

Who should attend: Council officers working in community engagement, corporate strategy, governance, service planning, and communications, along with economic development managers and planning officers responding to new state requirements for renewable energy projects and community benefit frameworks.  This session will also be valuable for executives seeking to strengthen trust, transparency, and community connection through evidence-based engagement practices.

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. 

2026 LGMA Awards for Excellence Announcements and Celebratory Networking Event

Date: Thursday 28 May 2026

Venue: State Library of Queensland, Stanley Place, Southbank

Registration and Presentation: Auditorium 1 on Level 2

Networking Event: Queensland Terrace on Level 2

Times: Registration/Seated between 3.30-4.00pm;

Awards Ceremony from 4.00pm;

Celebratory Networking Event from 5.15-7.00pm (Cocktail style event with drinks and finger food)

Registration Options:

• Council Officer Individual Rate $150.00 pp
• Council Officers' Package for 5 Attendees $600.00 per pack
• Council Officer Virtual Attendance (Zoom) $85.00 per logon
• Australasian Management Challenge Teams - please contact LGMA directly to access your tickets.

Venue Parking:

https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/plan-my-visit/hours-transport-access/parking

Alternative Parking:

https://www.bcec.com.au/visit/car-parking/

https://eatsouthbank.com.au/places/south-bank-car-park/

Public Transport:  Translink

Accommodation close by:

The Capitol Apartments

Arise Ivy & Eve | Arise Hotels

Arise on Hope Street | Arise Hotels

Dress Code: Cocktail

Thank you to the Corporate Partners supporting the Awards for Excellence:

             

                  

 

2026 Mentoring Programme

LGMA is pleased to offer an online Local Government Mentoring Programme.

Created to provide professional development and career advancement, this programme is specifically designed for officers within local government who are aspiring to further their careers within the sector.

Participants (Protégés) are matched with a mentor who will meet with them monthly to discuss ways to develop their career. They will also undertake professional development through the online delivery of a variety of learning approaches such as webinars, self paced learning, discussions, articles and reflection. These are designed to enhance participants’ professional development and assist in identifying career aspirations.

2026 Programme Dates:

Module 1: Introduction to Mentoring 16 July

Module 2: Vision, Goal-Setting and Career Planning 13 August

Module 3: Managing Performance 10 September

Module 4: Personal Branding 8 October

Module 5: Networking 5 November 

View the Mentoring Programme Brochure

Programme Investment: The protégé participant cost for the LGMA Mentoring Programme is $595.00 (inclusive of GST) for existing LGMA Members. 

Applications close Thursday 4 June 2026.

Please Note: This programme is only available to financial members of LGMA, join today to take advantage of this programme! 

LGMA Inspire Conference 2026 

Day 1 – Wednesday 10 June 2026

10.00 am -10.30 am Registration and Morning Tea on Arrival

10.30 am – 4.15 pm Conference

4.30 pm – 6.00 pm Networking Function

Day 2 – Thursday 11 June 2026

08.45 am – 4.00 pm Conference

Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane - 23 Leichardt Street (Cnr Wickham Terrace), Spring Hill 4000 

Registration Fees:

Early bird rate (closes 8 May) - Full programme including networking $990.00  (incl. GST)

Standard registration (on or after 9 May) - Full programme including networking $1200.00 (incl. GST) 

Registrations close 26 May.

The full programme includes Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea on Wednesday and Thursday plus the Networking Function on Wednesday evening.

Who should attend: Council officers who

• Would like to feel more confident in the workplace
• Are looking for a rewarding career in LG
• Aspire to change roles within their council to develop their skills
• Would like to access professional development specifically for local government
• May be new to council
• Aspire to lead in a coordinating or supervising role
• Aspire to be a leader

Learning outcomes - At the completion of the conference, officers will have 

• Learnt about council financial matters (finance for non-financial officers)
• Reviewed the major Governance requirements for local government
• Discussed the purpose of local government in their communities
• Reflected on the challenges and joys of working in local government 
• An understanding of Legislation – Public Sector Ethics Act, the LG Act 2009
• The ability to improve leadership capability across council
• Developed skills and confidence to manage conflict, build relationships and address issues promptly and consistently
• Improved communication techniques
• Networked with council officers from other Queensland areas

Accommodation and Travel 

The registration fees do not include accommodation, travel or transport.  

Book accommodation directly through Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Transport: Translink

Car Parking: Hotel Grand Chancellor $20.00 per day - subject to availability

Thank you Corporate Partners:

             

Empathy and Resilience on the Frontline of Customer Service - Sold Out, contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au to be added to the waitlist.

Date: This is a three-part series designed for Frontline Customer Service Officers.

Part one: Tuesday 16 June

Part two: Wednesday 17 June

Part three: Thursday 18 June

Time: 10:00am - 11:20am

Cost: Entry from $330.00 (GST inclusive) per person for the three-part series - available to all Council Officers 

Entry from $550.00 (GST inclusive) for two people to attend the three- part series - available to all Council Officers

Learning Outcomes:  Participants will - 

Please Note: Zoom details will be made available in your registration confirmation.  Attendance is expected for all 3 sessions. This event 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. 

Thank you to our Partner:

LGMA Members: This webinar series is eligible to be redeemed under the complimentary webinars you receive as an LGMA Member. Please contact admin@lgmaqld.org.au if you'd like to redeem this series.

Enhancing Your Emotional Intelligence for Growth Webinar 

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical building block for a successful local government career.  All local government roles can be enhanced through high EQ.   This webinar details the four quadrants of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness and social regulation.  Understand these quadrants and their impacts on your teamwork, communication, empathy and adaptability.  Also, hear tips on how to build better skills in each of the areas. 

Nurturing your self-awareness empowers you to manage stress, stay focused and build meaningful relationships.  So, invest in your career and personal growth by building your EQ. 

Audience:  All local government officers, all levels and roles

Day/Date: Tuesday 23 June 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. 

2026 Executive Management Programme

Dates: Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 July 2026

Venue: Queensland Law Society, 179 Ann Street, Brisbane 

Times: Arrive at 08.00am ready for 08.30-5.00pm

Registration: (includes - 3 day workshop, day catering and networking dinner on Tuesday, rates inclusive of GST). 

$3,535 Member Rate (individual membership) 

$3,895 Non-member Rate

Brochure: Click here

Programme: 

Leading Local Government – Executive Management in Queensland Local Government provides local government professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the role of the Chief Executive Officer in Queensland local government. The programme has been written by experienced CEOs and senior managers from Queensland local government and goes beyond the legislation to explore the real challenges and experiences you might expect to face in a CEO role.

As a participant on this programme, you will gain full awareness of the role and responsibilities of Chief Executive Officers in local government; the challenges, the benefits, the satisfactions and the frustrations. You will have the opportunity to troubleshoot questions arising from your own experience and to seek feedback on specific issues you may have faced.  The programme is professionally facilitated and each module features a relevant case study presented by a CEO or senior officer. 

Parking: 

Secure Parking

Wilson Parking

King George Square

Public Transport: Translink

Accommodation: Accommodation is not included in the registration fee.

Accommodation options close to the venue include:

Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central (IHG) 

Adina Apartment Hotel Anzac Square

Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Hilton Brisbane

Proudly supported by: