My Bit
As the year draws to an end, it’s time to reflect. For me, and after nearly nine years in local government, 2010 has one of the busiest and most rewarding years so far. My experience has been greatly enhanced by the VLGA presidentship. It has been an absolute privilege to represent the organisation across such a broad spectrum of organisations, communities and initiatives. In recent weeks, during my many interactions with ministers, advisors, local government management and CEOs and, of course, our members, I have been overwhelmed with praise for how the VLGA has performed in 2010. There exists a strong recognition and acceptance now of the fact that we are effective, relevant, agile and flexible. In particular, people seem to appreciate our ability to deal with difficult and complex challenges constructively without unnecessarily politicising issues. We all know, especially in a year with two elections, that this has not always been easy. Our members are outspoken and diverse, their needs and expectations manifold.
Our achievements of 2010 have enabled me to learn and understand local governments more deeply than ever before, and appreciate the sector even more as a result. So it is with some regret that after exploring every possible angle, and with a full-time job and a new set of challenges at work next year, I simply do not have the privilege to nominate for president. I would not be able to do justice to the portfolio, and this would be unfair to the VLGA staff and irresponsible towards our members. I am still considering my options for one of the other board positions and will make a decision soon. While this fills me personally with a sense of achievement and satisfaction, my inability to nominate for the president’s role for the 2011-2013 term is to me personally very disappointing. In the meantime, I would ask you to exercise the opportunity to either nominate for, and/or elect the new board with care and circumspection. The VLGA has never been stronger, and the new leadership team will play a crucial role in maintaining direction and momentum.
A heartfelt thanks to you all, good luck and a very happy Christmas.
Mayors … and more mayors
As expected, there is a higher than usual number of new mayors in the third year of the electoral cycle. More local governments have made two-year appointments, and the debate about directly elected mayors is heating up. So I doubt this will be the last time the VLGA will be talking with members about mayoral issues. We’ve had unprecedented interest in next year’s Essential Mayors Weekend from 27-29 January 2011, and we’ve posted the Draft Program and Registration Form here. It’s a fantastic program with plenty of time for mayors to make important networks that will last a long time. Recognising that smaller shires have limited budgets, we are offering four reduced-price registrations ($500 off), and mayors can contact our CEO Maree McPherson to discuss this further on (03) 9349 7901. For further administration and registration information, contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer by email or (03) 9349 7983.
Democracy on the internet
I’ve said before, one of my pet topics is that webcast technology should be used more often to let residents in our local communities know what governments are up to. Local governments and community organisations are ahead of the game. I was personally disappointed by the lack of policy discussions webcast during the recent State Election. The VCOSS webcast 3 days before the election is a wonderful exception. Mental Health, Women's Affairs and Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge, Education Minister Martin Dixon, and Housing, Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Wendy Lovell talked about A Fairer Victoria; children and families; community sector sustainability; housing affordability, education, services and disability support, law and order; and the cost of living.
VLGA Board Elections
If you have any queries about your membership status, please contact Member Resources Officer Sarah Colgan by email or telephone (03) 9349 7983. See the Election Guide here, more information about the role of President here, as well as more information about the role of Board Members here. Nominations open at 9am on Friday 21 January, and close at 5pm on Friday 28 January. You can download the Nomination Form here. If you would like to talk to me about the elections and the Board, give me a call on 0438 006 656.
Can Premier Ted Baillieu reduce your energy bills?
Another one of my pet topics is the impact of climate change on our energy bills, especially for low income Victorians who are less able to take the hits. In a tenuous link with my previous pet topic, see the Moreland Energy Foundation’s blog which answers some complex questions in a simple way, including what's driving prices up; what can Ted Baillieu do; and what can you do to reduce your energy costs?
Events
Victorian Young Planners (PIA Victoria) Christmas Croquet Tournament
This coming Wednesday 15 December 2010, 6-9pm
Brunswick Mallet Sports Club
For more information go here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
Email or 0438 006 656
No comments:
Post a Comment