As 2025 draws to a close, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all NSW councils, suppliers and sector partners who have engaged with LGP throughout this transformative year. Together, we have delivered one of the most innovative periods in LGP’s history, introducing new funding programs, launching groundbreaking procurement solutions and strengthening our support for local government capability across every region of NSW.
One of the most significant achievements of 2025 has been the rapid expansion and adoption of the First Nations Procurement Scheme. Since its launch, the Scheme has grown to more than 70 First Nations businesses available on VendorPanel, giving councils unprecedented visibility of Supply Nation ‘Certified’ and NSWICC ‘Assured’ suppliers. In 2026 our focus will shift from recruitment to active council engagement, supporting low to medium value market opportunities that build meaningful and enduring partnerships.
Another defining initiative this year has been the rollout of LGP’s Disaster Response Solution (DRS), a first for local government procurement. The DRS introduces a three-tier supplier model that councils can activate with a single phone call during a natural disaster, securing pre agreed pricing and regional supplier mobilisation. Councils across disaster affected regions have already begun integrating this solution into their preparedness and recovery planning.
This year also marked the launch of the Innovation Development Fund (IDF) in partnership with Telstra, our newest and most ambitious digital investment program. Designed as a dollar-for-dollar co funding initiative, the IDF supports councils, ROCs and JOs to progress technology enabled improvements that lift capability and deliver better services for their communities.
The first digital transformation projects to be awarded funding under the IDF have now been selected. Last week we were pleased to advise Liverpool Plains, Bland, Cabonne and Inverell of their successful applications. These projects open the door to AI deployments for online community service, new customer contact technologies and a digital maintenance strategy.
Our commitment to capability uplift continued through Release 4 of the Procurement Capability Grant Program, complemented by a highly active statewide events program and another successful Annual Conference themed “Future Focused: 2026 and Beyond”. Topics such as AI in procurement, cybersecurity, ESG expectations and global supply chain pressures shaped vital conversations about the future of our profession.
As we turn our attention to 2026, LGP remains focused on supporting sector readiness for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Digital transformation, resilience, First Nations engagement, supplier development and capability uplift will continue to guide our agenda.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout 2025. We are proud to stand alongside councils and suppliers across NSW, and look forward to what we will achieve together in 2026.