Arjun leads elevenM’s strategic communications practice and specialises in providing strategic advice and communications expertise for cyber security, privacy and AI governance programs. Arjun has worked as a journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald and in senior media relations roles across government and the private sector before running the cyber strategy and outreach program at Commonwealth Bank.

Jonathan is a cyber security risk management expert. He has over 20 years of frontline cyber experience across the UK intelligence services, international law enforcement agencies, and as a corporate CISO. Jonathan is the vCISO for the Western Parklands City councils in Sydney, providing advice, support and training on cyber security policy and risk management.

David Reynolds has worked in local government for almost 18 years, after starting his career in the private sector as a lawyer specialising in employment and industrial law. He is also a qualified company director. Before taking up the role as Chief Executive of LGNSW, David was the Group Manager of Shire Strategy at The Hills Shire Council.

Cr Darriea Turley AM was first elected as President of the Board of LGNSW in December 2021 and re-elected in November 2023. Cr Turley has worked and volunteered in health and welfare for over 30 years. She has been involved with and initiated various groups including the Broken Hill Youth Advisory Committee, Broken Hill Outback Jazz Committee and the former Barrier Environmental Committee. In 2012 Cr Turley was appointed by the Commonwealth Government to the Australian delegation to the United Nations for the CSW 56.

Liz Ellis is one of Australia’s most successful netballers, having captained the Australian team and Sydney Swifts. With three World Championship and two Commonwealth Games gold medals, she’s been named Australia’s Most Valuable Player four times. Liz is a regular on The Project, and in 2024 was elected the new Chair of the Netball Australia Board.

Andy Johnston is a Non-Executive Director at LGIU International Ltd, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer, where he led international expansion and the launch of the “Global Local” service. Andy will highlight the work of LGIU’s Local Democracy Research Centre (LDRC), particularly its research on financial sustainability and recommendations for fostering a resilient local government sector informed by global financial insights.

Ron Hoenig is the Minister for Local Government and Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly.
In August 2012, Ron was elected to New South Wales Parliament at a by-election as the Member for Heffron – an electorate where he grew up and has lived for most of his life.
Before entering State Parliament, Ron served as mayor of the City of Botany Bay for over more than three decades, finishing just shy of 31 years.
Ron is also a barrister and worked for New South Wales as a public defender and acting crown prosecutor for several years.

Jenny Aitchison was appointed Minister for Regional Transport and Roads in April 2023 in the Minns Labor Government. She served in shadow cabinet for seven years and was Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads from 2021. As well as the Regional Transport and Roads portfolio, Jenny held a variety of diverse portfolios, including Primary Industries, Investment and Tourism, Medical Research, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Small Business, and Women.

Kevin Anderson’s commitment to the public service began in the Royal Australian Air Force, before moving to Tamworth and embarking on a 17-year career in journalism and communications. Now in his fourth term representing the people of the Tamworth region as the Member for Tamworth, Mr Anderson brings with him a wealth of experience as a former Minister in the Berejiklian and Perrottet governments, and as the Shadow Minister for Tourism, Gaming and Racing, Arts and Heritage in the NSW Shadow cabinet.

Since being elected Member for Eden-Monaro in 2020, the Hon Kristy McBain MP has built an admirable reputation as a plain speaking, hard-working local member across all levels of government. She was a strong community advocate as a Bega Valley Shire councillor for eight years, and mayor for four. In 2022, Kristy was appointed Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories in the Albanese Labor Government.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor revolutionising recycling science. She is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of “green materials” at the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, where she is Founding Director. Prof Veena is the inventor of polymer injection technology, known as green steel, an eco-friendly process for using recycled tyres in steel production.

Peter Evans is a Senior Management Consultant with LGNSW’s Management Solutions Team. Pete has amassed over 35 years’ experience in HR, organisational development and recruitment and has held management positions in local government HR and people and culture roles at four medium-to-large Sydney councils (Kogarah, Rockdale, Woollahra and Sutherland). He is also a very capable MC, having taken on this role at many of LGNSW’s regular events, such as the annual HR Conference and Local Government Week Awards dinner.

Kiersten Fishburn is the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. In her role, Kiersten is responsible for the creation of vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; the effective management of lands, assets and property; and the delivery of affordable and diverse housing. Kiersten has worked in the public service for two decades, across multiple portfolios and two tiers of government. She was also the CEO of Liverpool City Council, and held leadership roles with Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Accessible Arts and City of Sydney.