Why you can't miss the 2026 LGW People & Safety Conference

Published on 14 May 2026

Why You Can't Miss the 2026 LGW People & Safety Conference

If you work in People & Culture or Workplace Health, Safety & Wellbeing in local government, the 2026 LGW People & Safety Conference has been designed specifically for you.

Earlier this year, we asked councils what mattered most — the challenges they’re navigating and where they need greater support from the LGW mutual scheme.

The 2026 program has been shaped directly by that feedback, bringing together specialist speakers, industry experts and professional development focused on the emerging risks and challenges facing local government right now.

That’s the value of a mutual scheme. LGW Workcare is owned by member councils, so the program reflects the priorities, challenges and opportunities they’ve told us matter most.

Join us 16–18 June 2026 at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane. This conference is open to all councils — you don't need to be an LGW member to attend.

Meet Your Keynote Speaker: Dr Edwin Trevor-Roberts

Dr Edwin Trevor-Roberts has spent two decades exploring how people find meaning through their work — and right now, that question has never mattered more in local government.

As CEO of national career and leadership development firm Trevor-Roberts and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University's Centre for Work, Organisation, and Wellbeing, Edwin sits at the intersection of research and real-world practice.

His opening keynote, Positive Uncertainty: How to Lead Through the Unknown, will give you a practical framework for leading your people confidently through change — even when the road ahead isn't clear.

Meet Your Keynote Speaker: Venita Hudson

As Mercer Marsh Benefits’ Mental Health Lead for the Pacific region and a registered psychologist, Venita has designed programs for some of Australia's most demanding environments, from Royal Commissions and the Coroner's Court to elite units of an Australian Police Force. She's also helped organisations navigate the Respect@Work Act and led board-level psychosocial risk workshops.

Her workshop will bring that experience directly to councils, with bespoke and practical insights into identifying risk, building healthier cultures and turning compliance obligations into programs that actually work for people with tips and takeaways for local government.

What You'll Learn

The 2026 program covers the issues your peers are wrestling with across Queensland including occupational violence, workplace change and wellbeing, OHS audit best practice, common law claim management, hazardous chemicals and how AI is beginning to reshape local government operations.

Much of it is delivered by councils, for councils with case studies and panel discussions from Western Downs, South Burnett, Tablelands, Lockyer Valley, Gold Coast and more. These aren't polished corporate presentations. They're honest conversations from people who understand your environment, your constraints and your communities.

Open to All Councils

This conference is open to all councils — you don't need to be an LGW member to attend. If you work in local government and care about people and safety, you're welcome here.

Questions? Contact the LGMS team at admin@lgms.net.au