AI in Local Government - LGPro AI Workshops, facilitated by Symphony3

Carpe Diem: AI Workshops for the Executive Management Team

The AI revolution is transforming our world on a scale similar to the printing press and the internet. AI is improving so quickly that the pace of change will be unparalleled. Local government leaders must harness AI to boost efficiency, reallocate resources, and enhance services. The immediate benefits are clear: automation of routine tasks, optimised resource management, improved decision-making, and better citizen interaction. While ethical considerations and public trust challenges exist, the potential for AI to revolutionise local government is immense. Seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead and innovate.

Our exclusive workshops, facilitated by Fergal Coleman of Symphony3, and held with small, confidential groups, offer sector CEOs and Directors the chance to examine the strategic implications of AI for their organisations. Discuss concerns with peers, engage with AI and technology experts in a safe environment, and witness practical demonstrations of AI delivering real tangible results. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the AI revolution in Local Government. Sign up now!

Where and When:

• Workshop One: Melbourne
  • Time & Date*: 9.30am – 1.00pm, Tuesday, July 30th
  • Location: LGPro Training Room, Level 3/58 Lorimer St, Docklands VIC 3008
• Workshop Two: Central/Eastern Victoria
  • Time & Date*: 9.30am – 1.00pm, Thursday August 1st
  • Location: Trawool Estate, 8150 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Trawool VIC 3660
• Workshop Three: Western Victoria
  • Time & Date*: 9.30am – 1.00pm, Friday, August 9th
  • Location: Mercure Ballarat,  613 Main Rd, Golden Point VIC 3350

*Arrive 9.00am for registration and coffee

Workshops are limited to 16 attendees

A light lunch will be provided at the conclusion of sessions

Workshop Agenda: AI in Local Government

The AI Challenges and Opportunities facing CEOs and How to Get Started

Duration: 3.5 hours

Part One: Overview and Considerations – 9.30 – 10.45

1. Welcome and Scene Setting – Jill Brown, CEO LGPro
   1. Introductions and Objectives:
      Introduction to the workshop and its key objectives by Jill Brown CEO of LGPro.
   2. Key Challenges and Opportunities for Local Government (20 minutes):
      Identification of current challenges in local government (rate-capping, increased expectations) and current trends in Local Government
2. Overview of AI and GenAI (20 minutes):
   1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development of, and explanation of different types of AI. Why GenAI is such a game changer. Key players and technology providers. 
   2. Risks and considerations: Including a discussion on ethical use of AI and the importance of developing internal Guardrails and policies. 
   3. ‘Think Big, Start Small, Scale Fast’. Getting Started with AI.  An AI strategy model, creating a roadmap and building internal capacity. Identifying initial AI projects and quick wins. Think Big, Start Small, Scale Fast.  MS Teams Q&A with Michael Fagan, ‘What role should your CIO play in developing your AI strategy?’ 

Coffee Break – 15 minutes

Part Two: Hands-on with AI – Practical examples and considerations – 11.00am – 12.00pm

3. Examples of AI. Examples and case studies focused on basic automation of routine tasks, advanced data analysis to uncover patterns, predictive analytics, AI-driven innovation
   1. Examples of GenAI in Action – Practical and hands-on
      Demonstration of use cases of Amazon Q: Use cases demonstrated by AI solution architects Nithi Mehta and Eoin Cotter. 
   2. Case Studies
      Examples  of successful AI implementations in local government from Australia and around the world (UK, USA). Interview with Ashay Prabu on how AI will redefine asset management in local government. 

Part Three: Using AI in your Council – Group Activity – How to get started on your AI Journey – 12.00pm – 1.00pm

4. Workshop: Getting Started with AI: A facilitated 1-hour group workshop to help you plan some next steps. Attendees will work in groups to develop actions for their council.
5. Concluding remarks and discussion of key takeaways: All attendees will get an AI starter pack with tools and templates they can take back to their council. 

Our Technology and AI experts

Jill Brown, CEO at LGPro. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-brown-8593a787/ Jill is passionate about ensuring LGPro provides digital thought leadership to the Local Government Sector. Jill will introduce the workshop series and had worked closely with Symphony3 to build a workshop the specifically addresses the needs of Local Government leaders

Fergal Coleman. Facilitator. https://www.linkedin.com/in/fergalcoleman/  Fergal is a director and Co-founder of Symphony3. With over 25 years of experience in digital transformation Fergal has worked with dozens of Local Governments over many years. Fergal is an experienced facilitator and has run hundreds of workshop with senior leaders helping them to consider the implications of technological change on their organisations. He heads up Symphony3’s advisory business and its research into AI and its implications on Local Government.

Anthony Dow. Head of Local Government - ANZ at Amazon Web Services (AWS). https://www.linkedin.com/in/antdows/
Anthony has extensive local government experience both working for and consulting to the sector. He has been instrumental in developing Local Government use cases and in helping early adopters in the sector get started with AI. Anthony has recommended many of the case studies and examples that will be demonstrated on the day.

Michael Fagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfaganau/  Michael is an ex-CIO of Village Roadshow and Kmart Australia and current CEO of Quitch, an eLearning start-up. He has vast experience implementing technologies that improve the customer experience for millions of Australians. 

Nidhi Mehta, Solutions Architect, Public Sector at Amazon Web Services (AWS). https://www.linkedin.com/in/nidhi-mehta-59b5276b/.  In her day-to-day role, Nidhi is actively building GenAI applications for public sector organisations.  

Eoin Cotter, Digital Consultant at Symphony3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoinwcotter/  Eoin is a digital consultant at Symphony3. He helps implement digital solutions in local governments and has been involved in developing AI components for Symphony3’s Local Government platform offering. Eoin has a background in data analytics and in a previous role developed an AI Chatbot for a global finance company. 

Ashay Prabu, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashay-prabhu-3335a692/  Ashay is a global expert in Asset Management in Local Government. He founded the Asset Management Software company Assetic which was sold to Brightly (no Siemens). He continues to consult to the sector. He is a sought-after presenter globally and has researched the impact of AI on Asset Management. 

LGPro, https://www.lgpro.com/  LGPro is the member association and leading voice for people working in Local Government in Victoria providing leadership, professional development, advocacy, and representation in the pursuit of excellence.