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.