Bringing AI Innovation to Victorian Local Government: Highlights from the LGPro Conference

Discover how Symphony3 and AWS brought cutting-edge AI tools, real-world innovations, and hands-on experiences to life at the LGPro Conference, empowering Victorian councils to explore the future of local government.

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne buzzed with energy on June 4th and 5th as the LGPro Victoria Conference brought together the state's local government leaders. At the heart of this gathering, Symphony3 and AWS collaborated to create something special – the AI Innovation Lounge – a dynamic space where the future of public sector innovation came to life. 

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Collection of images of the Symphony3 team in our AI Innovation lounge at the LGPro Conference.
LGPro AI Innovation lounge collage

Four Stations, Endless Possibilities

The lounge featured four carefully designed stations, each offering delegates unique opportunities to explore AI's potential in local government. At our consultation stations, both Symphony3 and AWS AI experts engaged in one-on-one conversations with delegates, answering questions and discussing how artificial intelligence could transform their council operations. 

The hands-on experience station proved particularly popular, with delegates diving into powerful tools including Amazon Q, Numa, Beetrix.AI, and Symphony3's innovative PDF to digital form converter. We also demonstrated SmartGlue, showing how councils can seamlessly integrate their existing data with AI agents and tools – a game-changer for organisations looking to leverage their information assets. 

Innovation Meets Fun 

Who says AI can't be entertaining? Our photo booth became an unexpected highlight, generating laughter and amazement as delegates transformed themselves into AI-generated warriors, firefighters, superheroes, astronauts, kings, and queens. These playful moments perfectly illustrated AI's creative potential while breaking down barriers and sparking conversations about the technology's broader applications. 

 

"The AWS and Symphony 3 AI Hub was a standout feature—captivating those previously hesitant about AI and inspiring deeper thinking among those eager to explore its potential."

Jill Brown, CEO, Local Government Professionals Inc

 

Real-World Impact in Action 

The lounge showcased eight AI Proof of Concepts currently running across Victorian councils, demonstrating tangible innovation happening right now. From Bendigo to Warrnambool, Corangamite to Moira, Macedon Ranges to Broken Hill and Narrogin, these partnerships prove that AI isn't just theoretical – it can deliver real value to communities today. 

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City of Bendigo AI PoC Poster
City of Bendigo AI PoC Poster
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Broken Hill AI PoC Poster
Broken Hill AI PoC Poster
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Warrnambool PoC AI Poster
Warrnambool PoC AI Poster
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LGPro PoC AI Poster
LGPro PoC AI Poster
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Narrogin PoC AI Poster
Narrogin PoC AI Poster
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Macedon PoC AI Poster
Macedon PoC AI Poster
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Moira Shire PoC AI Poster
Moira Shire PoC AI Poster
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Corangamite Shire PoC AI Poster
Corangamite Shire PoC AI Poster

Your Roadmap to AI Success 

We didn't just show what's possible; we provided a clear pathway forward. Delegates learned our proven approach to AI adoption: starting with workshops that engage senior management and staff organisation-wide, gathering and documenting use case requirements, and testing solutions through structured PoCs. This methodical approach ensures AI implementation aligns with each council's unique needs and challenges. 

The AI Playground: Innovation Continues 

Perhaps most exciting was the AI Playground signup opportunity. This secure environment allows delegates to continue their AI journey beyond the conference, testing tools and exploring possibilities within their own organisations at their own pace – all at no cost. Click here to sign up.

Connecting with Victorian Local Government 

With approximately 600 delegates attending the conference, our lounge maintained a constant stream of visitors throughout both days. We estimate we connected with representatives from around 39 of Victoria's 79 councils, from the largest metropolitan authorities to the smallest rural shires. This incredible engagement demonstrates the sector's enthusiasm for innovation and commitment to better serving their communities. 

The Future is Now 

The AI Innovation Lounge wasn't just about showcasing technology – it was about discussing what is possible and showing what can be done today. Every conversation and  demonstration aimed to inspire local government staff to adopt AI to solve public sector challenges more effectively. 

As delegates return to their councils armed with new insights and access to the AI Playground, we're excited to see how these seeds of innovation will grow into transformative solutions for Victorian communities. The future of local government is here, and it's powered by artificial intelligence, human creativity, and a shared commitment to public service excellence. 

Ready to explore AI for your council?  

Join our Roundtables, inquire about a workshop for your council, or visit our AI Playground and discover what's possible when innovation meets local government.