The Lismore Networking Event was a fantastic day filled with engaging, practical sessions and great company.
We began with a warm Welcome to Country from Aunty Thelma James, who shared stories of Lismore’s rich history. Lismore City Council’s General Manager, Jon Gibbons, officially opened the event, reminding us why the region is worth a visit – whether for kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking.
The day featured a series of informative sessions, including:
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Bronwyn Challis (LGP) – An overview on strategic direction.
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Sharon Morris (World Commerce & Contracting) – A hands-on workshop on contract and relationship management.
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Dr. James Cockayne (NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner) – Insights into modern slavery risks and how to navigate current recommendations.
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Margret Szanto – A dynamic, interactive roundtable on contract management.
We were also proud to showcase real-world case studies, including:
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Alex Manners (Armidale Regional Council) – Sustainable procurement in the K2A project.
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Charlotte Foy (Lismore City Council) – The Flood Restoration Procurement Resource Kit.
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Inez Young (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council) – How soft controls increased purchase order compliance to over 90%.
To close the day, Lou Stojanovski (Keystone Lawyers) outlined ten essential contract clauses, reinforcing key takeaways for procurement professionals.
One theme stood out throughout the event — relationships matter. Whether managing contracts, mitigating supply chain risks, or driving organisational change, strong relationships are key to success.
As Lou put it, “A great event put on by Local Government Procurement. As always, full of great industry speakers and relevant case studies. All attendees were fully engaged, and the upcoming events are a must for Local Government professionals.”
We’re excited for the next LGP networking events in Dubbo on May 1st and Forbes on May 22nd.
Click here for more details on agendas and registration.