September Newsletter 2026
In our September edition, President James Sankar counts down to ASCS 2026 in the City of Casey, we also share the full Summit program, ASCA’s election priorities for a smarter Victoria, and the final call for our delegation to Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona.
Webinar: Learn More About ANZPAN’s Contingent to Smart City Expo World Congress 2026
Represent Australia, NZ & the Pacific at Smart City Expo World Congress 2026. View our free info session to learn more. Applications close 30 September 2026.
ASCA’s 2026 Victorian Election Priorities
The Australian Smart Communities Association (ASCA) is calling on the next Victorian Government to establish a statewide vision for smart communities, create a cross-sector partnership to accelerate collaboration, and invest […]
August Newsletter 2026
In our August edition, President James Sankar marks a major milestone for ASCA with the launch of our brand-new website, featuring a dedicated Member Portal and an upgraded member system on the way ahead of the 2027–28 renewal year. We also look ahead to two flagship events: the Australian Smart Communities Summit 2026 in the City of Casey (14–16 October), with Early Bird pricing ending 31 August, and the 2026 ASCA Delegation to Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, where Expressions of Interest are now open. This edition features new thought leadership on e-bike safety and local government policy, a profile of President James Sankar in Forge Magazine on AI as infrastructure, our continued partnership with Melbourne Build Expo 2026, and a warm welcome to IntelliTrac as ASCA’s newest Gold Member.
Information Webinar – ASCA Taskforce 1: U4SSC Alignment for Smart Communities
ASCA recently hosted an information webinar introducing Taskforce 1, a flagship 2026–27 program translating the UN’s U4SSC smart city framework into practical, Australian-localised guidance for local government. Designed for practitioners […]
AI in Action – Governance, Trust and Capability for Smart Communities
Artificial intelligence is rapidly shifting from a supporting technology to a core strategic priority for governments, organisations and communities. In this ASCA webinar, Harman Singh and Antoine Acklin share key […]
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 Election.
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 Expo and continue to support sector capability through initiatives like the InsightWise AI trial for Local Government members. Alongside this, we introduce new thought leadership on First Nations digital inclusion and data sovereignty, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, community-led approaches. We also welcome VivaCity as a new Gold Member and open an expression of interest for an Event Coordinator to support delivery of ASCS 2026.
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.
We also share updates on 2026–27 membership renewals, with fees held at 2024 levels, as we continue to support a growing and connected smart communities network.
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.