21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000
$360 non-ER subscribers
Accessible toilets with emergency systems
Wide, unobstructed corridors throughout
Registration is open for WALGA’s 2026 People and Culture Seminar
Calling all People and Culture, HR, Organisational Development and Industrial Relations Professionals, Leaders and CEOs - this is your must-attend event for 2026!
Following a sold-out event last year, WALGA's People and Culture Seminar is back, taking place on Friday, 3 July at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).
Back to the Future: The more things change, the more they stay the same
In a climate where Local Governments face scrutiny, judgement and are up against increasing pressures and challenges, the importance of good people management has never been greater.
This year’s seminar brings together the best minds across people management, technology, data and regulation. Presenters will delve into what's changing, what's not, and provide delegates with tools, data and resources to adapt and succeed.
Your event at a glance
The seminar will include a full day of presentations, providing delegates with insights, tools and resources to adapt and succeed, alongside opportunities to connect, share knowledge and strengthen professional networks.
The Human Edge: Leadership in an AI-Focused WorldThis session will take us through the paradox of modern leadership — the more AI advances, the more human leadership matters. Drawing on Gallup research into the needs of followers, it brings to life how leaders can best meet these needs in their own organisations. | Mental Health at Work: Proactive Wellbeing in Local GovernmentMental health claims are rising, with Safe Work Australia reporting a 161% increase in serious mental health claims over the past decade. This session explores how proactive wellbeing programs, EAP data insights and early support can help Local Governments identify psychosocial risks sooner and build healthier, more resilient workplaces. | Managing an Ageing Workforce
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Program
| 8.30am | Registration opens Complimentary coffee available at GALLUP Coffee Cart |
| 9.00am | Welcome and housekeeping from MC |
| 9.05am | Welcome to Country: Cr Barry Winmar, WALGA State Councillor, Deputy Mayor, City of Kwinana |
| 9.10am | WALGA CEO's Opening Address: Nick Sloan |
| 9.15am | Functions of the Local Government Inspector with Tony Brown, Local Government Inspector, State Government |
| 9.45am | The Human Edge: Leadership in an AI-focused world with Anne Lingafelter, Principal – Workplace Advisory, ANZ, GALLUP |
| 10.30am | Morning tea |
| 11.00am | Mediating Disputes: Why it’s right for your workplace with Commissioner Toni Emmanuel, Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission |
| 11.45am | Local Government Skills Audit: Insights from Local Government in WA with Adam Halliwell, Director Workforce Strategy and Insights, Public Skills Australia |
| 12.30pm | Lunch and networking |
| 1.30pm | Mental Health at Work: Proactive wellbeing in Local Government, Darrin Brandis, Executive General Manager People and Employee Services, PeopleSense Psychology & Wellbeing |
| 2.30pm | Building Capability, Confidence and Long-Term Careers in Local Government with WALGA Training |
| 3.00pm | Afternoon tea |
| 3.15pm | Managing an Ageing Workforce with Samantha Maddern, Partner, Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety, Mills Oakley |
| 3.55pm | Closing Remarks |
| 4.00pm | Mills Oakley Networking Sundowner starts |
*Program subject to change
Event partners
Acknowledgement of Country
WALGA acknowledges the continuing connection of Aboriginal people to Country, culture and community. We embrace the vast Aboriginal cultural diversity throughout Western Australia, including Boorloo (Perth), on the land of the Whadjuk Nyoongar People, where WALGA is located and we acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past and present.