More than 500 delegates from across Western Australia have taken part in this year’s WALGA’s 2025 Local Government Convention (LGC25) at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 22-24 September.
The theme for this year was Lean into Legacy – delving into how the decisions made today form the building blocks for tomorrow.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said the Local Government Convention brought together all Local Governments across the State and hoped each returned to their communities inspired, re-energised and ready to enact positive change.
“With a focus on reflective, current and future legacy, this year’s Convention explored how leaving a lasting, positive legacy as a Local Government means making choices that endure far beyond election cycles,” President Chappel said.
“WALGA’s Local Government Convention provides the opportunity for Elected Members, Suppliers, Council Officers, and key stakeholders to come together for a unique program of professional development, networking, and business opportunities.
“Thank you to LGIS, Civic Legal, the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS), Western Australia Return, Recycle Renew (WARRRL), RSM Australia, Hi Drive, CCNA, Synergy and McArthur for making the Local Government Convention possible.”
During the event Local Governments had the chance to engage directly with State Government Department and Agency Directors General and Chief Executive Officers on topics impacting their Local Government as part of the Heads of Agency session.
Other key sessions included a Mayors and Presidents forum, and keynote presentations from renowned futurist Dr Richard Hames and former Australian of the year and AFL great Adam Goodes.
The Icons Breakfast hosted Australian cricketing great Glenn McGrath AO, while breakout sessions focused on Electrification and Economic Development, along with an expert panel session on cooperation and Shared Services between Local Governments.
WALGA’s Annual General Meeting was also held, with each Member Local Government represented by two Voting Delegates. In addition to endorsing WALGA’s 2024-25 Annual Report, a number of key motions were debated and passed, including:
• Provision of medical services in remote and very remote Local Governments,
• Short-term accommodation solutions,
• Rating exemptions, and
• The rateability of miscellaneous licenses.
WALGA will now prepare items on these motions to be considered by the Zones and State Council.
Delegates also heard from State and Federal representatives with addresses from Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson MP and State Leader of the Opposition Basil Zempilas.
WALGA’s State of Play was facilitated by State Political Editor of The West Australian Jessica Page, where former Local Government representatives Rhys Williams MLA, the
Honourable Lauren Cayoun MLC, David Bolt MLA and Kirrilee Warr MLA spoke about their journeys and about current issues that matter most to the sector.
More than 80 exhibitors took part in the Convention Exhibition, which provides a unique opportunity for WALGA’s Preferred Suppliers and Convention delegates to meet, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies across the sector.
