This month, I would like to acknowledge International Women’s Day 2026, which we all celebrated on 8 March. The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the power of generosity, collaboration and mutual support in advancing gender equality. The theme asks us to reflect on how, when individuals, communities and organisations invest in women, society collectively benefits and progresses. It encourages us to look for ongoing opportunities to empower women and build stronger, more resilient local communities, a particularly relevant message for all of us working in and supporting local government.
Speaking of events and celebrations, we kick off our 2026 events program in March.
First up is some exciting research LGP is proudly conducting in partnership with World Commerce & Contracting (WCC). Led by Bronwyn Challis, our Head of Business Development and a member of the WCC APAC Council, this research aims to gain deeper insight into the challenges and opportunities facing council procurement and contracting functions across Australia.
The key question the research will explore is: “What do suppliers need from councils to enable them to contribute to the delivery of councils’ strategic goals?” The research will consider the perspectives of both councils and their suppliers. The survey forming the basis of the research will be released in mid-March, and we will be seeking participation from as many Australian councils and suppliers as possible to ensure the results are both relevant and valuable to the sector. We look forward to sharing the findings and insights in the second half of this year.
If you would like to learn more, we will be holding an open webinar for councils and suppliers on Wednesday 18 March to introduce the research and explain how you can get involved. Make sure to register today to book your place.
Later this month, we will hold two important events at the Powerhouse Hotel in Tamworth.
On Wednesday 25 March, LGP will host its first-ever First Nations Procurement Forum. This event is exclusively for representatives from local and surrounding First Nations businesses.
Led by Justin Pheeney, our new First Nations Procurement Project Lead, the forum will introduce LGP’s First Nations Procurement Strategy and the new procurement scheme. Through panel discussions, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the event will focus on breaking down barriers, increasing First Nations business participation in local government supply chains, and supporting stronger long-term partnerships.
If you know of any First Nations businesses in or around Tamworth, please encourage them to register and join us.
The very next day, also at the Powerhouse Hotel in Tamworth, we welcome council employees to join us for the first LGP Network Meeting for 2026. We thank Origin Energy, our returning exclusive Network Meeting Sponsor for 2026. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Stephanie Papadopoulos, our new Business Development Manager for the Northern Region.
The Network Meeting agenda includes a range of council case studies, explores how LGP is applying AI in our work, looks at extracting value from sustainable procurement, and concludes with valuable legal insights from our own Victoria Yang and Lou Stojanovski from Keystone Lawyers.
Personally, I am also looking forward to introducing councils to Justin Pheeney, LGP’s First Nations Procurement Project Lead. Justin will join me for a panel session where we will explore how councils can participate in First Nations procurement and showcase some local First Nations businesses.
It’s great to have our events program kicking off very shortly, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Thank you.
