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News, ideas & thought leadership from across the smart communities sector

Stay up to date with ASCA’s latest news, explore thought pieces from our members and partners, and access our monthly newsletter archive.

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Newsletters

June Newsletter 2026

In our June edition, President James Sankar reflects on Australia’s growing investment in AI and digital infrastructure, highlighting the important

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Thought Leadership Pieces

Smart City Governance

Putting in place the right smart city governance structure Across many parts of Australia, Local Government is leading the smart

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Newsletters

May Newsletter 2026

In our May edition, ASCA continues to build momentum across the smart communities sector, with a focus on practical collaboration,

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News Articles

SCEWC 2025 ANZ Joint Statement

Australia and New Zealand: It’s time to step up on the global smart cities stage. In November, over 30 delegates from Australia and New Zealand joined 27,000 global leaders at the Smart City Expo….

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  THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PIECES

Featured Pieces - Free to Read

Thought Leadership Pieces

Smart City Governance

Putting in place the right smart city governance structure Across many parts of Australia, Local Government is leading the smart city agenda for the local community. With some of this

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Our full library of thought leadership pieces is available to ASCA members only. Not a member? Join ASCA today.

Building Data Literacy for Inclusion: Why It Matters More Than Ever

In an increasingly data-driven world, data literacy has quietly emerged as a critical yet overlooked skill—one that determines who can meaningfully participate in decisions that shape our communities. But as...

Making smart sensing smarter: A new guide for local governments

Are you one of the many councils across Australia feeling frustrated by the underwhelming performance of smart sensing technologies? Maybe you’ve had some initially exciting pilot projects that ultimately ended...

Funding Smart Communities

Imagine a world where the best projects consistently receive government funding.  This aspiration was fundamental in the recent shakeup of the regional federal grants process and the need to assess...

  NEWSLETTERS

Featured Newsletters - Free to Read

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....
Our full newsletter archive is available to ASCA members only. Not a member? Join ASCA today.

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...

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...

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...