Rural Management Challenge

Be Part of the 2026 Rural Management Challenge

Challenge your thinking | Develop your network | Expand your knowledge on local government, management skills and teamwork ability.

The Rural Management Challenge is an opportunity to develop, both professionally and personally in a simulated, scenario-based learning environment. 

Specially designed to provide councils in rural and regional areas of NSW the opportunity to take part in this truly unique professional development experience. Everyone from expert team members to emerging and experienced leaders come away with developed skills and knowledge that come be immediately applied back at council. 

How the Challenge works

Over two days, teams of four representing their council come together to compete against other councils in their region as they are challenged with tasks which stretch their knowledge of local government policies and procedures. All tasks are tailored specifically for rural and regional councils, addressing realistic scenarios faced in the day-to-day management of council operations. Each council also provides one mentor per team to support team preparation prior to the challenge and observe the team's collaboration and performance on the day. The mentor is required to be an LG Professionals, NSW member.

View registration instructions

Download the 2026 Rural Management Challenge Brochure

Key Dates

Early bird close: 10 July
Heat 1: 14 - 15 Oct
Heat 2: 21 - 22 Oct
Heat 3: 4 - 5 Nov
Heat 4: 11 - 12 Nov
Heat 5:  19 - 20 Nov
Finals:  24 - 25 Feb

 Enquiries:  Maria Tsavaris
 Phone:  02 8297 1210
 Email:  [email protected]
   

Challenge Information

Registrations are open!

Early Bird $4000 per team (Inclusive GST) till 10 July 2026

$4400 from 11 July onwards

Registration cost includes the following for 1x team mentor + 4x team members:
• Day 1 - lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Day 2 - morning tea and lunch

Please note, accommodation and other travel costs are not included and will need to be arranged by councils and teams independently

Minimum Numbers:

To ensure the best learning outcomes for the teams, and to ensure all associated costs to facilitate the challenge are met, we require a minimum of four teams per location. There is no limit to the number of teams participating from each council; though they must participate in the same challenge and not at different locations.

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