Local Legends Stack

Strategic local government leaders

Expert guidance and tailored solutions for Councils in Australia and New Zealand.

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TRUSTED SECTOR EXPERT

Meet Alicia McKay

Hi, I'm Alicia McKay. I've worked with over 120 government and corporate clients - including more than 50 Councils - to improve their strategy, leadership and decision-making. If you need to make real progress in your Council, you're in the right place.

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220620 NGA Alicia 5500
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ABOUT

Why I love local government

My first job out of university was at a small Council in New Zealand. Despite a four-year politics degree, I walked into my policy job with no idea what local government was about. That's how much attention the sector gets!

For the first few months, I walked around in a daze. People could speak directly to their elected members… and we had to answer them? Direct democracy in action? I was blown away. I still am.

I left that job four years later, but I never left local government. Anyone in the sector knows what I’m talking about. It burrows into your heart—the community connection, the tangible impact—and none of the frustrations (of which there are many!) are enough to keep you away for long.

Local government is one of the most challenging sectors to lead in. You're under intense media scrutiny, closely connected to your communities, and have to make long-term choices in short-term conditions. You're underfunded and disrespected, and expectations increase every year while real-term revenue declines. But every day, people show up, full of passion and care.

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FEATURED SERVICES

Development options for Councils

I run in-house training and workshops, speak at local government events, and partner with professional associations and peak bodies such as ALGA, LGPro VIC, LG Professional NSW and LGSA. 

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Strategic Public Leaders

Strategic Public Leaders is shared strategic leadership development for elected members and executive managers. We work on role clarity, strategic perspective, governance-management dynamics, and decision-making. It is perfect for induction—or any time. Investment starts at $28K.

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Alicia Mckay - NGA22 Masterclass 08
MANAGER TRAINING

Strategy Skills

Strategy Skills for Local Government is an intensive short course for senior and mid-tier managers. It teaches strategy and strategic planning fundamentals to help managers be more effective. It is a great in-house training option with strong ROI. Check out this LGPro NSW partnership offer.

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TESTIMONIALS

What Councils say about Alicia

Browse testimonials and comments from Council clients across New Zealand and Australia.

Local Legends Stack
NEW RELEASE

Local Legends: How to make a difference in local government

The essential guide to local government leadership. Written exclusively for Councillors and Council managers who want to be more strategic, work better together, make better decisions and leave a legacy they can be proud of.

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CASE STUDIES

Client transformations

Transforming Councils across New Zealand and Australia into local legends.

 

Videos

 
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Creating strategic local government leaders with Greater Wellington Regional Council
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Facilitating long-term planning with Southland District Council
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Shared development for Councillors and senior leaders at Glen Eira City Council
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Book a call with Alicia

Note: We are booking into Q2 2025 but do have occasional gaps.

Enquire below and click through to book a no-obligation discovery meeting with Alicia. Provide as much information as you can.

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