Join us for the Annual Conference!

President's Welcome

I am pleased to present the program for the premier event for local government officers working throughout Western Australia, the 2021 Local Government Professionals WA State Conference.

As we reflect on the pandemic situation in which we find ourselves I am sure you will appreciate that it has created a constant state of change with no certainty as to what our world will look like when we come back to some level of normalcy.

It has been quite clear the pandemic has accelerated trends that have been unfolding the past decade. The past two years have not only been intense, but it has pushed leaders to make decisions for which they had no previous experience - and to make these leadership decisions quickly.

If we want to take advantage of the opportunities presented by our current situation and succeed in this new era we need o lead in more expedient and ingenious ways that have a positive impact on our organisations and communities.

What has been patently obvious is that we have more clarity about what local government's place is - stepping back and seeing where the world is headed, understanding how value can be created, and implementing what our sector does best - serving our communities.

Perhaps the most notable feature of how we in local government are being different is that we are showing more of our humanity. We have been living in a sustained period of uncertainty and fear, but also demonstrated the ability to forge stronger, more cohesive and motivated relationships with our communities.

Our local government sector has an important leadership role and by listening to the voices of those around us, we are well placed to gather the services and resources recovery needs. The challenge is to partner well with others, including with other levels of government, particularly on the important social issues that create significant pressure on our community's wellbeing. Our program for 2021 is about embracing a refreshed future and moving on from  these tumultuous times; and as such we've gathered a range of dynamic and well-respected forward thinkers from local government and beyond to share the lessons we have learned and discuss opportunities for advancing the sector.

On behalf of the Board I thank the Conference Committee chaired by Matt MacPherson, and look forward to you joining us at this Conference and to hear how we as your representative Association can support you during these changing times.

Jamie Parry, FLGP State President