2026 National Local Government Customer Service Conference and Awards

Conference Registrations now open - take advantage of the Early Bird fees!

The Network’s annual conference is the highlight of our member’s calendar, attracting delegates from across Australia.

This year's conference is an immersive experience that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to take your CX to the next level.

Delegates will learn from top experts, connect with your peers, and explore the latest CX solutions.

Location: Rydges Port Macquarie, NSW
Annual Conference:
Wednesday 18 November 2026 | 12PM – 5PM
Thursday 19 November 2026 | 8:30 AM – 4PM
Awards Ceremony: Thursday 19 November 2026 | 6PM – 11PM

Small Changes – BIG IMPACT - Better Everyday Experiences

The 2026 NLGCSN Annual Conference brings Local Government Councils together to share common challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Local Government continues to face significant pressures driven by changing community expectations, advancing technology, and ongoing funding constraints. This conference invites councils to pause, reflect, and rethink how they engage with their communities, redesign services, and deliver experiences that genuinely matter.

Everyday moments are where Local Government truly shines — permits, bins, bookings, and daily interactions that build trust with our communities.

The 2026 Conference celebrates the people behind these moments and explores how small, practical changes can create a big impact on customer and employee experience.

What to Expect

The 2026 Conference will feature:

Inspiring keynote presentations
Practical and interactive workshops
Insightful sponsor presentations
Real-world council case studies
Highly engaging interactive sessions
A prestigious Annual Awards Ceremony celebrating excellence across Local Government

This conference is more than an event, it is an opportunity to reconnect with purpose, challenge how we think about everyday customer experience (CX), and learn from those shaping the future of Local Government.

Each delegate will return to their organisation:

Energised and inspired
Equipped with fresh ideas and practical tools
Ready to make meaningful, achievable changes
Proud to celebrate excellence across the sector

Join us in Port Macquarie

This conference is more than an event- it is an opportunity to reconnect with reconnect with purpose, challenge the way we think about everyday CX, and learn from those shaping the future of local government.

We look forward to welcoming you in November 2026.

Download the 2026 Conference Agenda

Keynote Speaker

Andy Nunn

Andy Nunn is a professional mentalist, TEDx speaker, and executive coach who helps leaders and teams make better decisions under pressure.

Combining behavioural science, storytelling, and live psychological demonstrations, Andy delivers highly engaging experiences that reveal how bias, thinking errors, and mental shortcuts influence performance, communication, and leadership.

Rather than a traditional presentation, Andy creates interactive sessions that challenge assumptions, sharpen self-awareness, and provide practical tools participants can apply immediately in fast-paced environments.

Andy’s keynote topics include:

Keynote: “Mind the Gap”

An interactive keynote exploring engagement, adaptability, decision-making, and reframing stress. Delegates will learn how to step out of autopilot, make better decisions under pressure, and lead with greater intention, energy, and clarity.

Interactive Coaching Workshop: “From Manager to Coach”

Building on the Mind the Gap keynote, this highly interactive workshop supports leaders to shift from reactive management to intentional coaching. Participants will gain practical tools to navigate difficult conversations and lead with curiosity, trust, and accountability.

You will come away with:

Better decision-making
Less reactive leadership
Stronger communication
Building confidence through change and discomfort

National Local Government Customer Service Awards

We also invite you to reflect on all the great work your team has undertaken to date and consider putting in a nomination for one of our awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your achievements and gain recognition for your hard work and dedication. By submitting a nomination, you not only celebrate your team’s successes but also inspire others in the industry. We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments with you!

Award held Thursday, 19 November 2026 6pm-11pm.

Submissions closed on 11 September 2026.

Let’s come together to honour – our history, embrace the present, and imagine the future of customer service.ards ceremony presenter.

The awards to be presented in 2026 include: