WALGA

🌟 LGC26 Keynote announcement 🌟

This year's Local Government Convention keynote speaker is Former Federal Foreign Affairs Minister and Defence Minister, Hon Stephen Smith.

In partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon Stephen Smith will deliver the keynote on:
▶️ Understanding Today’s Geopolitical Landscape & Protecting Democracy: Recognising and Building Resilience to Foreign Interference

With Local Government’s continuing to embrace digital engagement, build community resilience and navigate complex cyber activity, understanding these evolving threats and opportunities is more important now than ever.

It's a session you won't want to miss! Registration closes soon, get your ticket now👇

🔗 https://ow.ly/ZSCF50ZAc01

Meet LGC26 closing keynote presenter, Dr Jorian Kippax

Tasmanian of the Year Dr Kippax has spent his career making life and death decisions in some of the most demanding environments imaginable.

Making headlines in 2024, Jorian and his team performed an underwater amputation on a trapped whitewater rafter in Tasmania's Franklin River. Awarded a Life Saving Cross from the President of Lithuania for his service, don't miss your chance and the rare opportunity to hear this story of courage and team leadership in the aid of others at WALGA's Local Government Convention 2026.

Secure your ticket today for the must-attend-event in the Local Government calendar: https://walga-lgc26.eventsairsite.com/

WALGA’s Local Government Convention 2026 will be held from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 September at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

WALGA has long advocated for funding for critical coastal adaptation projects so commends the State Government's announcement that $1.1 million will be allocated towards the construction of a temporary coastal protection structure in the Shire of Gingin.

The protection and management of valuable coastal infrastructure is essential to safeguard homes and sustain recreation, tourism, and other economic activities.

WALGA will continue to call for a long-term funding commitment to ensure Local Governments can take action and protect the 55 coastal erosion hotspots identified across WA.

📷: Shire of Gingin

WALGA President Mark Irwin AM has recently represented Members at two forums:

🔹 UDIA WA's Red Tape Summit, and
🔹 REIWA's Rural Seminar in the City of Bunbury

Both events provided an opportunity to highlight the important role Local Government plays in planning, placemaking and economic development across the State.

Thank you to both UDIA and REIWA for inviting a Local Government perspective.

"Working in Local Government today comes with increasing expectations around being open, accountable, following good governance practices, and delivering better services for the community."

– Ibrahim Macrae, Manager Governance, Risk & Planning, Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands -

After more than 15 years in Local Government, Ibrahim undertook the Diploma of Local Government to build on his experience and strengthen his understanding of governance, accountability and decision-making.

Ibrahim's story demonstrates how the Diploma helps Officers develop the knowledge and confidence needed to meet the evolving demands of the sector.

📅 Course commences - Thursday, 3 September
⏳ Registrations close - Tuesday, 25 August
🔗 Register here - https://ow.ly/Zw9Q50ZwQYa

Join Local Government leaders, distinguished guests, colleagues and sector partners for one of the 2026 Local Government Convention’s premier social events ‘The Kingsman Soirée’.

Taking place on Thursday, 17 September, at Perth’s exclusive riverside venue - The Kingsman on Riverside Drive - this is the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect and celebrate with peers from across the sector.

Secure your ticket today and be part of the conversations beyond the Convention floor: https://ow.ly/1bP150ZxlfJ

‼️Nominations for the 2026 Jacqui Dodd Diploma Scholarship close in one week ‼️

WALGA Training is offering four scholarships — two metropolitan and two regional — for Elected Members undertaking the LGA50220 Diploma of Local Government – Elected Member.

The scholarship covers 50% of training and assessment fees (up to $5,085), with additional travel expense compensation available for regional recipients upon successful completion of the program.

Eligible applicants must:
➡️ Be an Elected Member
➡️ Have completed all Council Member Essentials training
➡️ Not been a previous recipient

👉 Nominations close - next Friday, 14 August
🔗 Apply now https://ow.ly/6Sh350ZwReG

The Western Australian Local Government Association is saddened by the recent passing of Tresslyn Smith.

Tresslyn served the City of Bunbury as an Elected Member for nine years, including five years as Deputy Mayor, and was a Deputy Zone Delegate to WALGA’s South West Country Zone.

Throughout her service, she made a valued contribution to Local Government and the Bunbury community through her commitment, leadership, and dedication to public service.

WALGA extends sympathies to Tresslyn’s family and her many friends and colleagues across the City of Bunbury and Local Government sector.

🕊️ Vale Tresslyn Smith 🕊
Deputy Mayor, City of Bunbury

It is with heavy hearts that the City of Bunbury shares the passing of our Deputy Mayor, and dear friend to many, Tresslyn Smith.

A proud Bunbury local, Tresslyn dedicated her life to the community she loved. As an Elected Member for nine years and Deputy Mayor for five, she brought warmth, integrity and unwavering dedication to everything she did. She championed compassion, inclusion and community spirit, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Tresslyn gave so much of herself to Bunbury. She was a true friend to this community, and her warmth and dedication will never be forgotten. Bunbury – and indeed the world – is a better place for having had Tresslyn, and a poorer one without her.

Her passing comes just three months after the loss of her husband, former Mayor David Smith OAM. Our hearts go out to her children, grandchildren, and all who loved her, during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest peacefully, Tresslyn 🤍