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ASCA Newsletter Archive

The ASCA Newsletter Archive brings together past editions of our regular member newsletter, covering the latest sector news, upcoming events, policy updates and highlights from across the smart communities movement.

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June Newsletter 2026

In our June edition, President James Sankar reflects on Australia's growing investment in AI and digital infrastructure, highlighting the important role ASCA's new Taskforce program will play in developing practical frameworks for local government. We also look ahead to ASCS 2026 in the City of Casey, where governance, innovation and community value will be at the centre of the conversation. This edition features the launch of Taskforce 1: U4SSC Alignment for Smart Communities, helping translate the United Nations' smart city framework into practical guidance for Australian practitioners. We also share new thought leadership on smart governance, sector insights from the NSW Local Government Technology Summit, and invite Victorian members to help shape ASCA's advocacy priorities ahead of the 2026 State...

May Newsletter 2026

In our May edition, ASCA continues to build momentum across the smart communities sector, with a focus on practical collaboration, emerging capability and delivering value in a changing environment. President James Sankar reflects on the strength of the ASCA community and the activity across the network, alongside the launch of registrations for ASCS 2026 in the City of Casey, centred on the theme Adding Value in the Age of Disruption. We also bring members together through insights from our Sydney Meetup, highlighting growing collaboration across local government. This edition shares practical perspectives on AI in smart communities, with key takeaways from our AI In Action webinar exploring governance, trust and organisational capability. We also highlight ASCA’s participation at Sydney Build...

April Newsletter 2026

In our April edition, ASCA builds on a strong start to the year with a focus on resilience, AI as infrastructure, and the importance of system-level thinking across smart communities. President James Sankar shares a timely message on navigating uncertainty and strengthening connected systems, as we announce ASCS 2026 in the City of Casey. We continue to bring members together through recent Melbourne Meet Up highlights and national engagement at the Australian Government Data Summit. This edition also showcases practical innovation in action, with City of Casey’s AI journey offering real-world insights for local government. Members can also access complimentary tickets to Sydney Build Expo and take part in the returning InsightWise AI trial, available exclusively to Local Government members....

March Newsletter 2026

March's edition opens with a message from President James Sankar on resilience, collaboration and why "cities that endure" rely on connected systems, alongside a look back at key international trends from the Smart City Expo World Congress as ASCA's 2026 webinar series kicks off. Save the date for the Australian Smart Communities Summit 2026, returning 14–16 October in the City of Casey, and don't miss upcoming Melbourne and Sydney meetups to connect with the community in person. Local Government members can access the returning InsightWise AI trial, and ASCA members can claim complimentary tickets to Sydney Build Expo 2026. Plus, 2026–27 membership renewals are now open, with fees frozen at 2025 levels....

February Newsletter 2026

In our first major update of 2026, we carry forward the momentum of a landmark year with a message from President James Sankar, reflecting on his new role at the City of Parramatta and our evolving vision for the year ahead. We are proud to strengthen our leadership team by welcoming Ashlee Gardner (Secretary) and Mandy O'Toole (Treasurer) to their new Board positions, while introducing the new delivery partners who will be driving our digital and member engagement strategies. Our commitment to global best practices continues with the kick-off of our 2026 Webinar Series, featuring key international trends from the Smart City Expo World Congress. This month also marks significant progress in governance and resources, with the release of the...

December Newsletter 2025

In the last edition of 2025, we reflect on a year of growth and momentum for ASCA. President James Sankar shares highlights including welcoming 13 new members, leading our largest-ever delegation to Barcelona's Smart City Expo World Congress, and launching the ASCA 2030 Strategy. We introduce two new Board members and acknowledge our outgoing members' contributions. Looking ahead to 2026, ASCA shares exciting plans for enhanced member engagement and our National Summit in November. We also announce a joint statement with IPWEA and Smart Cities Council calling for stronger ANZ presence on the global smart cities stage, and reveal exclusive member advertising opportunities through our new Forge magazine partnership....