LCSA Conference 2026

Local Community Services Association (LCSA) is the peak body and membership organisation for Neighbourhood & Community Centres and other place-based, locally-governed community organisations in New South Wales (NSW).

All ticket sales close: Tuesday, 1 September 2026 (9am). 

About the Conference

The LCSA Conference 2026 - also referred to as the "Connecting Communities Conference" - provides a unique opportunity for our members and the community sector to come together over a couple of days to engage in training, support, networking, professional development and social interaction.

This year's program is built around three interconnected streams which will focus on what it takes to move from insight to action, embrace innovation with purpose, and demonstrate the real impact of our work.

The conference will contains a diverse range of keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussion, interviews, breakout sessions and entertainment, which will leave delegates inspired and with relevant and practical takeaways to implement into their work.

For the latest program and speaker information, visit the website ConnectingCommunities.org.au

Who should attend

The LCSA Conference 2026 is aimed at Neighbourhood & Community Centre managers, staff, volunteers and board members, along with funding body representatives and those working in the social and community services sector.

Program Format Outline

Monday (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

• Concurrent Workshops:

  • Influencing and Advocating for Change

  • Future Ready: Leading Community Organisations Through AI Risk and Opportunity

  • Measuring What Matters: Practical Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Community Organisations

Monday (6:45 PM - 10:00 PM)

• Conference Dinner + Entertainment

Tuesday (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

• Official Welcome and Conference Opening

• Keynote Presentations

• Panel Discussion

• Tabletop Talks

• Breakout Sessions (4 concurrent sessions x 2)

• Trade Table Exhibition

• Closing Plenary Session

For the latest program and speaker information, visit the website ConnectingCommunities.org.au

Ticket Options

Conference registration ticket options available for LCSA Members and Non-Members include:

• Full Conference: 7 & 8 September (Half Day Workshop + Dinner + Full Day Program)

• Workshop Only: Monday, 7 September (Half Day Workshop)

• Conference Dinner Only: Monday, 7 September (3 Course Meal + Entertainment)

• Single Day Pass: Tuesday, 8 September (Full Day Program)

If you are registering more than one person from your organisation, a discount applies for the 2nd and every subsequent delegate thereafter. Please make sure you have the details of all delegates ready to enter their personal information such as contact detail, dietary and accessibility requirements.

Payment and Charges: 

• Early Bird rates end on Friday, 24 July 2026 (5pm)

• All prices shown DO NOT include GST (Goods & Services Tax) 10% will be added to each ticket item.

• A Humanitix fee of 2.5% + $0.50 will be applied to each ticket purchased (except for Accommodation bookings)

• Tickets can be purchased using a credit card, or if you select "pay later" you will receive an invoice order which requires payment via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) within 14 days.

Accommodation 

Note: Our allocation of rooms set aside for conference delegates at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is sold out, Delegates will need to find their own accommodation arrangements by contacting the hotel directly or enquiring with the hotels nearby. 

More information 

Full details about speakers and the program will be available on the Connecting Communites Conference website (coming soon).

For more information about the venue, including accommodation and facilities, visit the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach website.