Expression of Interest: 2026 Annual State Conference

Help shape our biggest event of 2026.

Who should inspire the sector? What conversations do we need to have? If you have a speaker, project, case study or panel idea, submit an expression of interest today.

All Hands on Deck: Working together to navigate change and strengthen our communities

Local government is facing a lot of change right now, from rising community expectations and workforce pressures through to financial constraints, rapid technology changes, and evolving governance. At the same time, there’s a growing focus on civility, social cohesion and community trust. 

The “All Hands on Deck” theme reflects the reality that these challenges cannot be solved in isolation. It is about coming together, sharing knowledge and experience, and learning from work happening across the sector.

We particularly encourage submissions that:

  • Share practical experiences, case studies and lessons learned
  • Offer new perspectives and challenge traditional thinking
  • Highlight collaboration, creativity and problem-solving
  • Share insights other local government professionals can apply within their own organisations

Suggested areas of interest include:

Managing psychosocial health

  • Focusing on systems and practices to improve workplace wellbeing and culture

Leading together in times of change

  • Leading through uncertainty, disruption and complexity
  • Building resilient organisations and communities
  • Future thinking, strategic foresight and preparing for what is ahead
  • Leadership approaches that bring people together and create shared purpose

Building trust, connection and community

  • Strengthening trust between elected members, staff and communities
  • Creating belonging, social cohesion and community resilience
  • Working with communities through complex and challenging issues
  • Demonstrating impact and telling the story of local government

Bringing out the best in people

  • Future workforce challenges and opportunities
  • Building capability for the future
  • Intergenerational workforce engagement
  • Leadership pathways, mentoring and developing emerging leaders
  • Creating healthy, safe and sustainable workplaces

Strong governance and ethical leadership

  • Strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability
  • Building confidence in decision-making
  • Lessons learned from reviews, audits and improvement initiatives

Innovation, transformation and new ways of working

  • Responsible use of AI, data and technology, including governance and policy considerations
  • Transforming services in a resource-constrained environment
  • Balancing efficiency, technology and human experience

Collaboration and shared services 

  • Partnerships across government, industry and community
  • Shared services and collaborative models
  • Regional collaboration and opportunities for collective impact

Submission Requirements
Please provide:

  • Short abstract (200–300 words)
  • Key messages and outcomes for delegates
  • Presenter information

We welcome submissions from across the sector and beyond because meeting the challenges ahead requires all hands on deck.

Submission should be emailed to [email protected] by: 13 July 2026

You will be informed by: 22 July