2025 Online Development Program

The Local Government Communication Professionals Online Development Program consists of four 60-minute, high-impact sessions to be delivered in May-June 2025.

If you register for the 2025 in-person Summit in either Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll automatically be registered in the Program.

If you register for the Program as a stand-alone (without attending an in-person Summit), you’ll receive limited-time access to key recordings from both the Sydney and Melbourne Summits.

REGISTER NOW!

Module 1 - AI and Content Creation: Using AI the Write Way

Thursday 22 May 2025, 2pm to 3pm AEST, via Teams

Fast, efficient and available 24/7, AI is a game-changer for communicators looking to streamline their content creation process. Using AI for content creation means staying ahead to work smarter, not harder.

This session will show you how to integrate AI into your workflow seamlessly, whether you're looking to brainstorm fresh ideas or produce polished content in record time.

You will discover some of the benefits of AI for your communication strategies, including how to:

Create, regenerate and multi-channel content,
Enhance creativity, and
Apply copywriting frameworks.

We'll also talk about the ethical use of AI, some of the pitfalls, and what the future might hold. Grief tech, anyone?!

AI is no longer the stuff of sci-fi movies. It's already part of our everyday lives - transforming how we work, communicate and connect. Join us and discover how to use AI smartly.

Louise McFarlane - Eunoia Communications

Louise McFarlane is a fresh voice; someone who loves learning and sharing how to resolve complex problems with creative solutions. Backed by more than 20 years of experience in public relations and events, she passionately talks about purpose-driven, values-based communications.

Starting her career as a journalist, Louise then worked as a local government manager for several years. During this time, she led customer service, community / corporate events, communications, media and advocacy teams. Along the way, Louise undertook two stints as a sessional teacher at RMIT University, School of Media and Communication.

Before opening Eunoia Communications, Louise was the Manager Strategic Communications at the MAV - Victoria’s peak body for local government. Her qualifications include a Master of Communication from RMIT University and Bachelor of Arts (Media Relations and Politics) from Swinburne University.

Module 2 - Quickie case studies to help you do more with less

Thursday 12 June 2025, 2pm to 3pm AEST, via Teams

Most of us in council communications grapple with similar logistical issues. What’s the best way to organise our photo library? How can we get better at managing our workflow? Is there a cost-effective way to produce and pump out videos that cut through?

This session will serve you with three 20-minute case studies, each presented by a council communicator and focusing on a practical tool or approach that’s truly useful. You’ll get honest advice and a rapid-fire taster so you can decide which ideas to explore further.

Quickie case study 1: Managing workflow with Monday.com - Ed Garner, City of Port Adelaide-Enfield SA

Quickie case study 2: Canto for image storage - Meredith Wilsch, Cairns Regional Council QLD

Quickie case study 3: Viva Engage - Sarah Johnson, Corangamite Shire Council VIC

Module 3 - Sharpen your media pitches

Thursday 19 June 2025, 2pm to 3pm AEST, via Teams

With so many other competing communication channels, it’s getting harder to give traditional media the focus it still deserves. In some regions, media outlets have shrivelled to nothing. For other councils, journalists continue to play a significant role in keeping the organisation on its toes.

Whatever the media landscape in your local government area, speaking the media’s language is an essential skill for council communication professionals.

In this session we’ll explore what journalists look for in your Council, the keys to crafting compelling content that gets the media’s attention and how to prepare your spokespeople for interviews with maximum impact, especially when things turn negative.

Dr Neryl East - Summit Convenor and local government communication specialist

Neryl moved into local government after an extensive media career that spanned radio, television and newspapers. She has a PhD in Journalism and has taught journalism subjects at three universities.

Neryl delivers advanced media training and individual coaching to Mayors and Council leaders around Australia. Her approach goes well beyond traditional “avoid-the-question” training, with a strong focus on credibility and authenticity.

Outside local government, Neryl has provided advanced media coaching to senior leaders including the Chief of Defence, Queensland Police Commissioner and numerous other agency heads.

Module 4 - Mid-decade crisis communication

Thursday 26 June 2025, 2pm to 3pm AEST, via Teams

In 2025, communities have soaring expectations and plummeting patience levels. Council budgets have never been tighter. Media outlets, fighting for audiences, are ravenous for the next scandal. Polarised views and misinformation spread more easily with every new technology platform.

Councils can no longer simply respond to crises. They must be crisis communication leaders; trustworthy voices that provide clarity and certainty in situations that can rapidly spiral out of control.

In this session we’ll look at recent examples of leaders who’ve levelled up as outstanding communicators in a crisis - and those who’ve come off second best after trying to defend or deflect.

You’ll take away new awareness and practical frameworks to influence how your Council gets ahead of the crisis curve.