An interactive lunch & learn style workshop for Victorian governance professionals
Smart Bites is an online workshop series designed to support local government's governance professionals. Facilitated by subject matter experts, these sessions feature priority topics and topical challenges within the governance space to better support people working in governance roles.
Delivered in a "lunch-and-learn" format, Smart Bites sessions are scheduled around lunchtime hours and begin with a short presentation, followed by an open, interactive Q&A. Each workshop is a safe and inclusive space for governance professionals to raise any questions or concerns. The aim is to strengthen governance capability for all levels of experience and highlight practical tools, templates, resources, corporate partners, and LGPro’s available training programs that can assist.
This practical, interactive session is recommended for those in governance roles working with governing bodies and directors of governing bodies. Participants will hear about the purpose of minutes and their key legal principles, gaining insight into:
How much detail should be included
How to minute decisions
Whether AI can be used to help prepare minutes
What risks to consider if thinking about using AI
Participants receive a copy of the Governance Institute/AICD Guide on effective board minutes and the use of AI.
As Victoria nears the 2026 State election period, councils operate in a more complex and sensitive governance environment. Community expectations heighten and political activity increases — creating a heightened risk environment for good governance. This session will explore what good governance looks like during this period — and what you can be doing now to ensure that your council is set up for success.
We’ll focus on the practical realities councils face, including:
Legislative and policy context: Key provisions of the Local Government Act 2020, the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Regulations, councillor conduct obligations, and relevant State guidance.
Councillors as candidates: How to manage role boundaries, conflicts of interest, use of council resources, and expectations of impartiality when elected representatives are also campaigning.
Council advocacy during an election period: What councils can do, what they should avoid, and how to maintain a clear distinction between organisational advocacy and political campaigning.
Preparing the organisation: Ensuring staff understand their obligations, tightening internal processes, reviewing communications protocols, and planning for predictable risks.
Understanding State caretaker conventions: What caretaker mode means for State Government decision‑making, how it affects council projects, funding announcements, partnerships, and expectations of intergovernmental engagement.
Find the next upcoming program dates below and register.
View the full LGPro Calendarfor all upcoming professional development opportunities.
