Our thoughts go out to our local government colleagues in Christchurch, New Zealand, as they start their recovery process in the many weeks and months ahead. Here in Victoria we know only too well the impact of natural disasters on a large scale, the stress of constant media attention, and how to cope with the mixture of emotions that follow such an event. Once again, the role of local government is highlighted, as we see the Mayor of Christchurch interviewed on our television screens. The importance of Australia’s three tiers of government in supporting our neighbours in New Zealand is emphasised by the contributions being made by each in sending assistance.
This week, our CEO and I had a very productive meeting with The Hon Jeanette Powell MP, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; and David Morris MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government. We discussed several issues including conflict of interest; the infrastructure funding gap – especially for smaller rural councils and those affected by the Victorian floods; the Minister’s proposed Mayoral Advisory Forum; and the development of the IBAC (independent broad-based anti-corruption commission). We look forward to our next discussions with Minister Powell and we thank her and Mr Morris for their welcome and interest in enhancing the capacity of local governments.
I enjoyed presenting to councillors and senior officers from Corangamite Shire this week at their strategic planning session. We looked at the contemporary issues challenging local government and communities, and those emerging for the next few years. I appreciated the invitation and the exchange of ideas.
I encourage you to check out upcoming VLGA Training and councillor development events as we list them in our weekly bulletins. You will see this week the registration form for our New Councillor Induction Session, and stay tuned for sessions pending in April – one for former Mayors and one for new Deputy Mayors.
Have a great week.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022
The VLGA strongly supports the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 which was launched on 15 February by the Federal Minister for Women's Affairs, The Hon Kate Ellis, and Attorney-General, The Hon Robert McClelland. The Plan represents the first national strategic approach to violence against women across governments, and has a strong emphasis on prevention. Elizabeth Broderick, Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Commissioner, said that a fundamental belief in gender equality is known to be one of the key prevention factors for violence against women. The work of the VLGA and partners to promote gender equality in local governments is making a contribution to this important goal. Last year, the VLGA Board issued a communiqué which stated: "Preventing violence against women is one of the key building blocks in strengthening communities and creating sustainable futures. Communities free of this insidious violence are more likely to be inclusive, diverse and dynamic..." See the joint media release from the Commonwealth Attorney-General and the Minister for Status of Women. For further information contact Linda Bennett, Women’s Policy Officer at the VLGA via email.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events & Training
March Leading Edge Forum: Affordable Housing and Local Government
Thursday 3 March, 6-9pm
VLGA, Carlton
With cost of living pressures featuring largely in both State and Federal elections, the community’s focus on affordable housing (including ownership, rental and affordable community housing) is stronger than ever.
Come along to our LEF to hear a range of speakers talking about inclusionary zoning, what local governments are doing in this policy space, and our respective roles and relationships with other levels of government. For more information and to register online visit the VLGA website.
New Councillor Induction Session
Saturday 26 March, 9.30am-2pm
VLGA, Carlton
The VLGA is offering an induction session for new councillors. The primary focus is on councillors who have been or will be elected to the vacancies created by former councillors being elected to State parliament last November, however all councillors elected since the last local government election are welcome.
Session topics to be covered include:
* The many roles of a councillor
* Principles of good governance
* Councillor-staff and other relationships and team building
* Being the new person in an established group
* Decision-making in local government
* Relevant legislation, e.g. conflict of interest and 'Winky Pop', etc.
Registration fees are $100 per attendee for councillors of member councils and $200 for councillors of non-member councils. Registrations can be made by completing a registration form. For further information you can contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance, via email.
Other Events
Women Achieving and Flourishing with Christine Nixon
Thursday 24 March 2011 & Wednesday 27 April 2011; 9.30am-1pm
William Angliss Conference Centre, Building A, Level 5, 555 Latrobe Street Melbourne
Our Community, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and Christine Nixon APM have joined forces to offer a half-day workshop designed for women in supervisory, management or leadership positions, and those who aspire to those roles. The workshop will be held on 24 March and 27 April at the William Angliss Conference Centre in Melbourne.Thursday 24 March 2011 & Wednesday 27 April 2011; 9.30am-1pm
William Angliss Conference Centre, Building A, Level 5, 555 Latrobe Street Melbourne
Christine Nixon will be the workshop facilitator. The workshop will allow you an opportunity to:
* Share your experiences in leadership
* Learn how to implement change
* Learn ways to achieve goals, develop resilience, and flourish
Cost: $145 per person
For further information and registration form, please see the flyer, or go to the Our Community website.
National Sustainable Food Summit 2011
Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 April
Etihad Stadium, Docklands, Melbourne
Globally, food and agriculture industries face increasing challenges to remain productive, sustainable and resilient. What is Australia's role?
The Sustainable Food Summit 2011 brings together some of food and agriculture's biggest players and leading experts in a two-day exchange of knowledge and ideas. This event focuses on recent policy developments, with emphasis on food security and resilience and how these relate to the National Food Plan, and will seek to unpack what food security really means for Australia, and identify knowledge gaps.
Register online, or download the event program for information or to complete the registration form manually.
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