This is my first eNews as president of the VLGA and I feel honoured to be in such a privileged position. As members, you will share my appreciation for the distinct role the VLGA fulfils in the community and for local government. As someone who is actively involved both in several community groups as well as local government, I can attest to the importance of the VLGA in both domains. I am a strong believer in local democracy and rigorous advocacy and know few organisations that fit this brief as well and competently as the VLGA. We are supported by a very capable and committed VLGA board and reassured by staff whose competence and commitment is second to none. VLGA officers, with our CEO Maree McPherson at the helm, have my full confidence.
I would like to thank Councillor Rose Iser who has done a magnificent job as immediate past President. While her resignation is also a loss of talent, we will continue to work with Rose and her council. Her expertise and values have benefited the VLGA greatly.
I will also endeavour to make every effort to liaise and collaborate with other representative bodies and peak organisations. Last week, for example, when I attended the MAV National Environment Conference, I was pleased to see that our respective organisations share the common goal of assisting our communities with their transition to a more resilient future. Of course, we at the VLGA understand the leadership, learning, and the social justice and equity challenges of the transition. The recently launched Liveable and Just Toolkit is a perfect case in point.
In addition to social and environmental sustainability, my passions include multiculturalism and community education, an area where I am able to combine my professional work at Monash University with my community interests. Some of you are aware of my role and responsibilities as the chair of the Melbourne Metropolitan Waste Management Board. In a sense, the waste portfolio is also about education, behaviour change and advocacy. The recent State Government announcement about increasing the landfill levy has been an interesting event. While most members agree with the increase and accept the need for a fresh approach to waste management and diversion of waste to landfill, there remains concern about lack of consultation and engagement by the State Government. A unanimous message has been that the additional revenue generated by the higher levy needs to be redirected to responsible agencies such as local government. The VLGA will take this message to the Minister and advocate on members’ behalf.
I will attempt to be as approachable as possible and look forward to meeting our many individual members, community groups and councillors in due course. You can reach me by email at heinz@vlga.org.au or mobile on 0438 006 656.
Feedback from Warrnambool Leading Edge Forum
Thank you to the dozens of councillors, CEOs and community members who attended our LEF in Warrnambool last Thursday night. Our thanks also go to our generous hosts, Warrnambool City Council as well as our guest speakers, Mayors Judy Verlin (Ballarat) and Michael Neoh (Warrnambool) and CEOs Bruce Anson (Warrnambool) and Anthony Schink (Ballarat). As you might already know, the topic we canvassed was Forethought or afterthought: what needs to happen to improve liveability, funding and strategic planning in regional and rural Victoria?
Thank you to the dozens of councillors, CEOs and community members who attended our LEF in Warrnambool last Thursday night. Our thanks also go to our generous hosts, Warrnambool City Council as well as our guest speakers, Mayors Judy Verlin (Ballarat) and Michael Neoh (Warrnambool) and CEOs Bruce Anson (Warrnambool) and Anthony Schink (Ballarat). As you might already know, the topic we canvassed was Forethought or afterthought: what needs to happen to improve liveability, funding and strategic planning in regional and rural Victoria?
We were also joined by many from around the state who watched our live webcast of the LEF which can be viewed here. Some great food for thought which we recommend you view if interested.
No Leading Edge Forum on 6 May, but…
We will not be holding a Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 6 May. Instead we are using this date to bring together our VLGA Delegates and Mayoral Chain members for a night of networking, fingerfood and drinks as well as learning. Those present will hear from Tanya Makin of The Presentation Group on Not Another ****** Presentation.
Event: Mayoral Chain and VLGA Delegates Function
Date: Thursday 6 May 2010
Time: 6.00pm-9.00pm
Venue: VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
No Leading Edge Forum on 6 May, but…
We will not be holding a Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 6 May. Instead we are using this date to bring together our VLGA Delegates and Mayoral Chain members for a night of networking, fingerfood and drinks as well as learning. Those present will hear from Tanya Makin of The Presentation Group on Not Another ****** Presentation.
Event: Mayoral Chain and VLGA Delegates Function
Date: Thursday 6 May 2010
Time: 6.00pm-9.00pm
Venue: VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
There is no cost for Mayoral Chain members and council Delegates however numbers are strictly limited, so if you are a VLGA Delegate and/or Mayoral Chain member and have not yet RSVP’d, please do so as soon as possible. Register here or contact Sarah Colgan by Thursday 29 April at sarah@vlga.org.au or on 03 9349 7983.
Councillor Bias?
The VLGA has been getting a lot of emails from councillors and officers concerned about how the Winky Pop case is playing out, particularly now that many false claims of bias are being confused with conflicts of interest. The VLGA is currently working on one of our Good Governance Grabs for distribution to the sector. If you have concerns or suggestions about Councillor Bias, please contact Ron Exiner at ron@vlga.org.au or phone 03 9349 7903.
The VLGA has been getting a lot of emails from councillors and officers concerned about how the Winky Pop case is playing out, particularly now that many false claims of bias are being confused with conflicts of interest. The VLGA is currently working on one of our Good Governance Grabs for distribution to the sector. If you have concerns or suggestions about Councillor Bias, please contact Ron Exiner at ron@vlga.org.au or phone 03 9349 7903.
2010 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival
If, like me, you enjoy using what spare time you have (strange to hear a councillor say that, I know) catching up with arts and cultural pursuits, the 2010 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) in Melbourne may be of interest. This third Festival from 23 April-9 May includes film, art, music, poetry, dance, speakers and literature with a human rights touch, and this will no doubt challenge some minds. See here for more information.
If, like me, you enjoy using what spare time you have (strange to hear a councillor say that, I know) catching up with arts and cultural pursuits, the 2010 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) in Melbourne may be of interest. This third Festival from 23 April-9 May includes film, art, music, poetry, dance, speakers and literature with a human rights touch, and this will no doubt challenge some minds. See here for more information.
Moving to a sustainable balance between public and non-government social housing?
Wednesday 28 April, 9.30am-1pm
Monash Conference Centre, Level 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne
The VLGA continues to lobby for more sustainable and equitable communities. This includes a better balance of social housing that is integrated and well supported. One upcoming event you may be interested in is the Australasian Housing Institute’s Policy and Practice Forum on 28 April called a truly diverse social housing system by 2015? This is the first in a series of Policy and Practice Forums, where leading policy and practice thinkers tackle the big issues in social housing.
Wednesday 28 April, 9.30am-1pm
Monash Conference Centre, Level 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne
The VLGA continues to lobby for more sustainable and equitable communities. This includes a better balance of social housing that is integrated and well supported. One upcoming event you may be interested in is the Australasian Housing Institute’s Policy and Practice Forum on 28 April called a truly diverse social housing system by 2015? This is the first in a series of Policy and Practice Forums, where leading policy and practice thinkers tackle the big issues in social housing.
Andrew Larkin (a housing and regeneration consultant, working for State and Territory Governments and housing associations) will examine such key questions as:
* will the current flurry of activity be sustained after the funding boost?
* will Australia finally move to a sustainable balance between public and non-government social housing?
* is there potential to establish new non-government players through large scale transfers?
* what role might smaller and more devolved public landlords play?
* will the current flurry of activity be sustained after the funding boost?
* will Australia finally move to a sustainable balance between public and non-government social housing?
* is there potential to establish new non-government players through large scale transfers?
* what role might smaller and more devolved public landlords play?
Cost $90 for AHI members and $120 for non AHI members. More information and registration here.
Regards
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au
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