The peak body for NSW councils and associated organisations will hold its flagship event later this month, with hundreds of elected representatives, general managers and senior staff gathering in Tamworth for the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference.
The gathering to set the advocacy priorities for the local government sector will be held at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre from Sunday 17 to Tuesday 19 November.
The much-anticipated annual conference is the supreme policy-making body of LGNSW, with councillors and mayors from the state's 128 councils and other related entities, such as county councils and joint organisations, set to consider more than 100 motions this year.
Addressing more than 900 delegates will be distinguished guests including the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; the Hon Ron Hoenig MP, NSW Minister for Local Government; the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads; and Member for Tamworth, the Hon Kevin Anderson MP, representing both the Hon Mark Speakman MP, Leader of the Opposition, and Wendy Tuckerman MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government.
Other speakers include LGNSW President Darriea Turley AM and Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO, the most capped international player for Australian netball.
The comprehensive Conference program features professional development opportunities for first-time councillors, and plenary sessions with the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and the NSW Auditor-General, as well as the Office of Local Government (OLG) and the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure.
There are also sessions on cyber security and financial challenges and opportunities, as well as a tradeshow and educational workshops to help support delegates in effectively representing their communities.
LGNSW Rural/Regional Vice-President Phyllis Miller OAM said this year's annual conference would once again highlight the landscape facing the state's local councils.
"The conference is a wonderful way for councillors and mayors to learn from and support each other and consider new ways to deliver positive outcomes for their communities," Cr Miller said.
"We have a significant number of first-time councillors following the recent local government elections, so I know they'll find the conference an extremely valuable professional development opportunity."
LGNSW updates its Policy Platform annually to reflect resolutions from the annual conference. The conference also informs the organisation's Advocacy Priorities.
Cr Miller expressed her sincere appreciation to councils for submitting motions on their key priorities.
"We received close to 200 motions this year from councils right across the state. This valuable contribution reflects the diverse range of issues facing our sector," she said.
"Whether councils are in metropolitan, regional or rural parts of the state, we all share the same goal - delivering the services and infrastructure our communities need and deserve as effectively and efficiently as we can.
"I look forward to continuing to work with councils in the coming year on our advocacy priorities."
Cr Miller congratulated Tamworth Regional Council on its high-quality bid to host the 2024 Conference.
"For a hosting city, the LGNSW Annual Conference is a magnificent chance to highlight everything the area has to offer," Cr Miller said.
"I know that the mayor, and the council itself, will be wonderful hosts."
The destination for the 2025 Annual Conference will be announced at the closing of this year's event.
