ELEVATE! Local Government Communication Summit 2025

Conference theme:

Elevating the skills and impact of local government communication professionals and leaders to build trust and connection in times of change and crisis.

Building trust and connection between local councils and their myriad stakeholders has never been more important amid a perfect storm of a trust crisis in government, a communication revolution, unprecedented economic, social and environmental challenges, and rising community expectations.

As the key conduits between councils and their stakeholders, local government communication professionals and leaders are pivotal to their organisation successfully navigating these challenges, including bringing all internal and external stakeholders along on the journey.

The ELEVATE Local Government Communication Summit will bring together some of Australia’s top experts in strategic communication, crisis management, artificial intelligence, leadership communication and other relevant fields. The speakers will share new perspectives, deep insights and practical skills needed to communicate with impact and build trust with stakeholders in this dynamic, disruptive and evolving landscape.

For more information, visit the GOVCOMM website.

Schedule (*Full schedule coming soon. Speakers may be subject to change)

Thursday 3 April

Opening address: 

Glenn Patterson - Chief Executive Officer, City of Casey

Presenters:

• Dr Louise Mahler - Australian keynote speaker of the year, gravitas and body language expert
• Ros Weadman - Director, Marcomms Australia
  Local government strategic communication expert
• David Hawkins - Managing Director, Socom
  Crisis communications expert
• Jo Breen – Manager, Advocacy Communications & Engagement, Campaspe Shire Council
• Jim Stewart – Founder, StewArt Media
  Digital communication and AI expert
• Chloe Casey – Manager Communications and Corporate Governance, City of Casey

Friday 4 April

Opening address: 

Kelly Grigsby - Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Association of Victoria

Presenters:

• Dr Louise Mahler - Australian keynote speaker of the year, gravitas and body language expert
• Rebecca McKenzie – Chief Executive Officer, Glen Eira City Council
• Glenn Patterson - Chief Executive Officer, City of Casey
• Julie Reid - Chief Executive Officer, LGeX
  Local government leadership and governance expert
• Max Hardy – Director, Max Hardy Consulting
  Community engagement expert
• Ros Weadman - Director, Marcomms Australia
  Local government strategic communication expert
• David Hawkins - Managing Director, Socom
  Crisis communications expert