WALGA

In recognition of this year’s theme, WALGA is ‘All In’ supporting National Reconciliation Week 2026, with President Mark Irwin and Deputy President Chris Antonio joining WALGA staff at Optus Stadium for the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast.

The program is now available for WALGA’s 2026 People and Culture Seminar, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers, leaders and change makers across all facets of People Management 🙌 Numbers are limited, secure your ticket today 👇 🔗 ow.ly/SGuP50Z2wSm

Thank you to everyone who attended the launch of WALGA's economic development publication and online collection 'From Idea to Implementation: Local Government economic development case studies' 🔗 Learn more: ow.ly/oYJl50Z0W1B Images: Portia Gebauer Photographer

This week WALGA President Mark Irwin, Deputy President Chris Antonio and CEO Nick Sloan travelled to Canberra to meet with the Australian Local Government Association. Discussions included fuel security, the National State of the Assets Report and sector workforce challenges.

2026–27 Federal Budget: Five Takeaways for Local Government Here are the top five key takeaways for Local Government from the 2026-27 Federal Budget. Read WALGA’s full Analysis: walga.asn.au/federal-budget…

WALGA's Economic Development Case Studies publication and online collection is now available. Developed in response to sector feedback, it includes stories and successes of economic development from Local Governments throughout WA. 🔗 Learn more: walga.asn.au/policy-and-adv…

Read WALGA’s full State Budget Analysis: ow.ly/s4ce50YW7R1

Yesterday, WALGA President Mark Irwin met with Hon Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government. WALGA thanks Minister Beazley for her ongoing engagement and looks forward to continuing to work together.

Join WALGA on Monday, 11 May for an Economic Development Case Studies Launch event, highlighting projects being delivered by Local Governments that contribute to the success of their local economy. Learn more: ow.ly/chMi50YIwJw

🎤 Keynote Speaker announcement Renae's keynote presentation will explore how relationships shape resilience across Western Australia, moving beyond plans and systems to what truly matters. This is a session not to be missed - secure your place today 🔗 ow.ly/y7lE50YGi6S

On Monday, 23 March, WALGA held its third annual CEO Bushfire Management Roundtable. The insights from these discussions are invaluable and will continue to guide WALGA’s work in this space.

Nominations for WALGA’s Local Government Honours Awards close this week! Nominations for WALGA’s prestigious Honours Awards close on Thursday, 2 April. 🔗 Nominate here: ow.ly/IQsv50YysVB

Last week, more than 250 people gathered at Kaarta Gar‑up (Kings Park) WALGA’s 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum.  Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success!   🔗Read the recap and access the image gallery: ow.ly/x4gQ50YzuLp

President Mark Irwin and CEO Nick Sloan joined Deputy President Chris Antonio in the Shire of Northam for the Safe System for Local Government Workshop. They also connected with the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Federal Member for Perth, Hon Patrick Gorman MP.

WALGA was proud to host our second Aboriginal Elected Member Roundtable this week, bringing together Councillors from 15 diverse Local Governments across metropolitan, regional and remote WA.

Be a Local Government standout contributor – like Sam! “Life moves fast, thanking and recognising someone for their efforts goes along way, and sometimes means more than words can say,” Sam said. 👇Nominate for the Honours Awards today 🔗 ow.ly/b3wx50Yv4zx

WALGA is proud to receive support for our 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum from our event partners. Their contribution is helping to strengthen Aboriginal empowerment and engagement across Local Governments.

‼️Save the date for WALGA’s 2026 Emergency Management Forum ‼️ 📅 Tuesday, 26 May 📍 Murdoch University, Perth This year’s theme, 'One State, Many Realities' - join us for a full day of insights, case studies and sector collaboration.

WALGA President Mark Irwin attended Premier Hon @RogerCookMLA announcement of the State of Energy. WALGA will continue to work with the State Government to ensure that communities hosting large scale renewable energy projects directly benefit from the transition.

From The West Australian – Mark Irwin: New WALGA president vows to be ‘stronger’ voice for Local Government. “I didn’t run on a campaign of change. I ran on working on the incredible work WALGA has been doing,” President Irwin said. thewest.com.au/politics/local…