I am writing to you from the red dirt plains and white shores of Broome, where there could not be a more stark reminder of the diversity of Australian communities. I hope those of you also experiencing school holidays are finding local or far-flung adventures and opportunities for a break.
Board Vacancies Filled
As a result of the recent resignation for personal and business reasons of our former Ordinary Board Member Cr Janet Cropley, and our former Vice-President Damien Kingsbury, countbacks were conducted in May and June.
I would like to warmly welcome Cr Grace La Vella from Manningham and Kate Lempriere from our community membership to the Board. I would also like to congratulate that long-time VLGA identity Bill Penrose has been elected as our new community Vice-President.
For results of the May and June countbacks, click on the VLGA News menu option on the left hand side of our main webpage. For original results of the 5th February Board Election, go to http://www.vlga.org.au/news/detail.chtml?filename_num=255887
Our hard working Board continues to pursue benefits for all our members. We have been focused on delivering a positive financial result for the financial year just passed, as well as our 2009-2013 Strategic Plan and 2009-2010 Budget.
More news on these, as well as project and campaign updates will be sent to you in the coming weeks.
National General Assembly of Local Governments
The VLGA would like to acknowledge the hard work of ALGA, and of course it’s Victorian President, Cr Geoff Lake.
The main themes include Climate Change, Local Government Finances and Infrastructure.
I will be writing to you about some of the implications of many of the NGA resolutions next week, but if you would like to see some of the speeches go to http://nga.alga.asn.au/event/2009/
If you would like to see the final resolutions, go to http://nga.alga.asn.au/business/resolutions/2009/
Ministerial Call-Ins: Guidelines and Co-operation Needed
In case you’ve not seen it, on Tuesday we called for specific action to be taken by the State Government to promote a true land use planning partnership with local communities and councils.
All Victorians share a vision of liveability, sustainability and affordability, but as we debate planning processes and reform, these key areas of agreement are at risk. We called on the Planning Minister to focus on areas of agreement and consultative processes to deliver planning outcomes we all can be proud of. It is easy to speak in rhetorical terms about an improved partnership, but in this Media Release we continue to push for some practical steps that can be taken.
A full copy of this and other recent Media Releases can be found on the left hand side of our website http://www.vlga.org.au
Membership Renewals
Renewals are coming in from our individual and group members. We still need your ongoing support to stand up for local communities and democracy. If you have not received a reminder notice, please call the office on 03 9349 7999 for further information.
Events Calendar
Below is a reminder for the Harmony Walk, as well as a VLGA supported forum on business-community partnerships.
Harmony walk - Sunday, 12 July 2009 starting at 12.30 pm
Starting from Carlton Gardens, Melbourne through Melbourne CBD Finishing at Federation Square, Melbourne
Piecing It Together: local government’s role in business-community partnerships August 12, 2009
The VLGA together with Maribyrnong City Council is presenting a forum investigating Community-Business partnerships on Wed 12 August. The forum will have a particular focus of examining the role local government can play in supporting and assisting partnerships. The Keynote Speaker is Christine Nixon. Registrations are very healthy, and there are only a few dozen seats left, so book soon.
As part of the agenda there will be facilitated panel discussion with representatives from IBM, NAB, Volunteer West, Maribyrnong City Council, Strathmore Primary School, and Frank McGuire. Details, including the flier can be found on the right hand side of our main webpage at www.vlga.org.au, or on our Events Calendar.
Other community and council events can be accessed from our Events Calendar on our main webpage at http://www.vlga.org.au
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