Celebrating outstanding achievement and innovation in local government
On Friday 9 May 2025, LG Professionals SA rolled out the red carpet for local government at the Adelaide Convention Centre at the Local Government Professionals Australia, SA 24th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. More than 450 local government professionals attended this year’s event, solidifying it as the sector’s premier night of the year.
“The event is a showcase of the amazing services and programs that local government delivers each year to our communities. It’s an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate those achievements—at one of the most exciting and prestigious nights in local government for the year”, said Rhiannon Clarke, CEO, LG Professionals SA.
Adelaide Plains Council was recognised in three award categories and received two awards.
The Council’s Blue Carbon project won the Excellence in Environmental Leadership and Sustainability award. The award recognises a dedication to environmental leadership and sustainability as evidenced by the implementation of projects, initiatives or management practices that demonstrate significant real or potential benefit to the environment.
The Blue Carbon project is aimed at restoring vital coastal ecosystems and enhancing blue carbon capture. Council’s partnership with The Nature Conservancy and other esteemed organisations is set to transform the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary – Winaityinaityi Pangkara into a thriving habitat for mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrasses. By restoring natural tidal flows to a stranded wetland, they created new area for these ecosystems, significantly increasing carbon storage and helping to combat climate change.
The Council’s response to the tomato brown rugose fruit virus won the Excellence in Emergency Management/Disaster Recovery award. The award recognises excellence in emergency management or disaster recovery as evidenced by demonstration of leadership in any or all of these distinct phases: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery.
Council’s immediate response identified both the economic and emotional impact, and offered support to local businesses, joined the state response taskforce to ensure local voices were represented, and worked with organisations to connect affected workers to nearby opportunities.
The Council’s business groups, events and support program was also a finalist in the Excellence in Local Government Economic Development award. The award recognises excellence in promoting or stimulating economic development within a local community by way of a particular project initiative, system or process improvements, innovation in management and leadership practices or demonstrated practicality.
Council is committed to best serving our community, and it is wonderful to be recognised for the hard work that our great team of staff have put in to these incredible award winning projects!
James Miller
Chief Executive Officer
15 May 2025
Published 15 May 2025