Picture this: more than 1,300 local government leaders from across Australia descending on the national capital, all with one mission – making sure the voices of their communities are heard where the big decisions get made.

That's exactly what happened at the recent National General Assembly of Local Government, where our own Mayor Cr Zaffina and General Manager Peter Bascomb joined councils from every corner of the country to tackle the challenges facing regional Australia.

Bringing local solutions to national priorities

The three-day gathering at the National Convention Centre wasn't just about networking and speeches.

It was about connecting the dots between what's happening in our community and the policy decisions being made in Parliament House just down the road.

The conference theme, "National Priorities - Need Local Solutions," couldn't have been more relevant.

As Mayor Zaffina explained, the focus was on practical outcomes that could make a real difference to how councils operate and serve their communities.

Technology that could change everything

One of the standout discoveries was a software company called MY LOT, whose technology caught the Mayor's attention for good reason.

The system allows residents to go online, type in their lot number and development application proposal, and get immediate feedback on whether their plans meet the criteria for their specific location.

"This saves time for the council in the initial stages," Mayor Zaffina noted. For anyone who's ever dealt with the sometimes lengthy process of development applications, this kind of streamlined approach could be a game-changer – getting answers faster and reducing the back-and-forth that can frustrate both applicants and council staff.

Face-to-face advocacy

Beyond the technology displays and policy sessions, the conference provided something equally valuable: direct access to federal decision-makers.

Mayor Zaffina and Peter Bascomb met with The Hon. Sussan Ley at Parliament House, alongside other mayors and general managers from the Farrer electorate.

The meeting covered multiple issues affecting our region, with frank discussions about policy directions and accountability.

"I think the coalition needs to get its house in order with its policies before we can see the government held accountable," Mayor Zaffina reflected, highlighting the importance of these direct conversations between local and federal representatives.

Building connections that matter

The conference also featured presentations from key federal ministers and leading experts on issues ranging from climate resilience to economic development.

Delegates heard from industry leaders about everything from housing affordability to emergency management capacity – topics that directly impact communities like ours.

The listening sessions provided councils with opportunities to share real-world examples of what's working in their communities and what challenges they're facing. It's this kind of practical input that helps shape better policies and funding decisions.

The human touch

Amidst all the policy discussions and technology demonstrations, there was also time for simple human kindness.

The Hon. Sussan Ley expressed her gratitude to council for the flowers sent following the passing of her mother – a reminder that behind all the formal meetings and policy debates, there are real people dealing with real challenges.

What it means for our community

The National General Assembly represents more than just a few days away from the office. It's about ensuring our community's voice is heard in the corridors of power, learning about innovations that could improve local services, and building the relationships that help get things done.

When local leaders come back from events like this, they bring with them new ideas, better connections, and a clearer understanding of how to navigate the complex world of government funding and policy.

That translates into better outcomes for all of us.

The conference highlighted something important: local government isn't just about collecting bins and fixing roads.

It's about being the vital link between communities and the bigger picture of how Australia works.

As our representatives head back to the day-to-day work of local government, they're armed with fresh insights and stronger connections that will help them serve our community more effectively. And that's exactly what events like the National General Assembly are designed to achieve.