Working for Local Government

The WA Local Government Association (WALGA) is an independent, member based, not for profit organisation representing and supporting the WA Local Government sector.

WALGA advocates on behalf of WA's 139 Local Governments and negotiates service agreements for the sector. WALGA is not a government department or agency.
 

Our Sector Vision

Our vision is for agile and inclusive Local Governments enhancing community wellbeing and enabling economic prosperity.


Our purpose

To leverage the collective strength and influence of the Local Government sector for the benefit of WA Local Governments and their communities.

Find out more about our focus and strategic intent here

 

WALGA’s History

The WA Local Government Association was formed on 6 December 2001 to provide a truly representative and united voice for Local Government in WA. Prior to this, a number of membership-based representative structures existed to represent Local Government in WA.
 

Key People

President, Cr Karen Chappel JP
Elected Deputy President of WALGA in March 2020 and President on 2 March 2022, after acting in the role since 1 December 2021. Karen Chappel has been a Councillor at the Shire of Morawa since 2005 and a President since 2009. A WALGA Life Member and a graduate of the Local Government Diploma, Cr Chappel is also a member of the Local Government Advisory Board and was appointed twice by the Minister for Local Government to a mentoring team for Elected Members. 
 
Deputy President, Cr Paul Kelly
Cr Paul Kelly was elected WALGA Deputy President in March 2022. He has been a Councillor at the Town of Claremont since 1994, serving more than 10 years as Deputy Mayor, and was previously WALGA Deputy President between 2004 and 2005. A WALGA Life Member, Cr Kelly has been a strong supporter of the Association since its inception serving on numerous committees such as Finance and Services, Governance and Audit. He has been a member of the Local Government Standards Panel, is also a Board Member of the Local Government Insurance Scheme and the Local Government House Trust. He has very extensive experience on a variety of Boards and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

CEO, Nick Sloan
Prior to joining WALGA Nick was the Executive Director, Planning and Service Delivery at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.  

Nick has worked in Ministerial offices at State Government levels as Chief of Staff to the Minister for Local Government; and Principal Policy Advisor to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Racing, Gaming and Liquor.
Nick has extensive experience at Executive level in State Government including roles in regional WA. During this time, Nick managed complex policy agendas at both State and Local Government level.

Nick is a Director on a number of Boards including LGIS, an industry based self-insurance Scheme for Local Government in WA; and Nature Play WA, an NFP established to increase the time Western Australian children spend in unstructured play outdoors and in nature.
 

Partnered Service

 

LGIS is the WA Local Government Mutual Indemnity Scheme. It’s WA local governments working together to protect their organisations, people and communities. LGIS is managed by JLT Risk Solutions as appointed by WALGA through a trust arrangement.
 
As the protection partner of choice for WA local governments, LGIS understands the complexity of the sector like no other – they know that protection is only the beginning. They care about local government and work together to provide protection, claims and risk management services to ensure peace of mind, so that members know that everything they need covered is considered.
 
Since inception LGIS services have grown to provide members with a range of risk services which meet the needs of modern local governments. They work together with members to manage risks and drive down claims – protecting the Scheme, containing contribution costs, and ensuring the sustainable protection of the WA local government sector.
 
For more information about LGIS please visit their website at www.lgiswa.com.au
WALGA's Corporate Strategy 2020-25  sets out a strategic plan for the organisation and our Annual Reports include our activity and key achievements for the year and the audited financial statements for the organisation.
WALGA holds an AGM for members each year, usually held alongside the Annual Convention.
At WALGA, we believe that engagement in Reconciliation provides an opportunity to generate a greater understanding and mutual respect across cultures.