VLGA President’s Message
Late last week I read with interest in local media that the State Government will review whether to keep the direct election of the Melbourne lord mayor, and has confirmed a review of how the mayor is chosen in both Melbourne and Geelong. The announcement seems to mark a change in position for the government. Minister Powell’s office has confirmed that the review would be held during the 2012-2016 four-year local government term. The VLGA, in our submission to the consultation on the directly elected mayor for Geelong called for a review of the process within the 2012-2016 term before direct election is considered for mayors of any other municipalities in Victoria. I expect we will hear more over time about this matter.
Also last week, we received an influx of registrations for the VLGA’s Essential Councillor Retreat. As places are limited I encourage you to register quickly. You can download the program and registration form here, or from our website. I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Annual General Meeting
We are very excited to confirm that Bernie Geary, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner will be speaking at our AGM, which takes place on Thursday November 3 at 6pm. Bernie is a passionate advocate for protecting children and promoting human rights, and “calls it as he sees it”. We look forward to welcoming members and friends there to hear Bernie. Of course, being an AGM we have some formal business to conduct, and member councils are reminded that their delegate has a vote or right to appoint a proxy, as the council representative to the VLGA. Councillors of member councils who have signed up individually also have a vote or right to appoint a proxy. If you have any queries, please contact Barbara Bennett, Office Manager or Ron Exiner, Director Governance on 9349 7999.
VLGA request for casual staff
From time to time we have opportunities to employ casual staff to perform a variety of administration related duties including data entry, front of house reception and function support. Our needs are generally such that we can be quite flexible as to the hours and days of work. This can include after-hours assistance at our monthly Leading Edge Forums and events, and administration support when our permanent staff are on leave, and those busy times when we just need some assistance. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in being part of our very friendly team, so please give Barbara Bennett a call on 9349 7901, or email.
Congratulations to Kingston from the Mayors on their Bikes!
The ‘Mayors on Bikes’ event hosted by the City of Kingston last Wednesday was an outstanding success. Mayor Ron Brownlees and Cr Trevor Shewan welcomed everyone to the City of Kingston and council officers Michael Haley and Hannah Croughan ensured the range of activities they had arranged went to plan. At stops along the route between Carrum and Mordialloc council officers informed the group of initiatives and proposals supporting sustainable transport options. At the end of the tour riders appreciated the generous lunch and refreshments provided by Council at the Tour de Cafe in the Peter Scullin Reserve at Mordialloc. There were many positive comments from participants who enjoyed this special Mayors on Bikes event. Kingston can be very satisfied with their well organised day. Thanks to VLGA Life Member Tom Moloney and Member Jim Connor for their support on the day and to the Metropolitan Transport Forum and Chair Cr Jackie Fristacky from the City of Yarra for partnering in this event.
…and congratulations to Melbourne on their world first ‘1200 Building Program’ start up
The first Environmental Upgrade Agreement has been signed under the City of Melbourne’s 1200 Building Program. The signing between the City of Melbourne, Sustainable Melbourne Fund and building owner will fund a $400,000 retrofit of 460 Collins Street that will result in a reduction of approximately 170 tonnes of CO2-e per year. The funds will allow for the installation of an energy efficient chiller unit and building management system upgrade. Chair of the Future Melbourne (Eco-City) Committee, Cr Cathy Oke said the landmark signing meant Melbourne was leading the pack of cities in the UK, USA and Australia developing programs to finance large scale energy efficiency retrofitting in commercial buildings by linking local government charging powers to the lending capacities of financial institutions. To read the full details in the City of Melbourne’s press release go here.
Mt Alexander signs on to Women’s Charter
With the latest endorsement of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter by Mt Alexander Shire, the numbers now stand at 60 endorsements across Victoria’s 79 local governments. This says volumes about the sector’s readiness to extend the hand of invitation to a diversity of women in the community to participate in their local governments as citizens, employees and elected councillors. We look forward to celebrating this achievement at the Melbourne Town Hall cocktail party on November 9. It’s an important calendar event when the final Charter Project Report will be officially launched and the new challenge to the sector will be issued: “Think women for local government 2012 – count down to October 2012 starts now.”
Human rights and older Victorians
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission wants to learn more about the human rights issues affecting older Victorians. One way it aims to do this is through a community consultation forum on the rights of older people to be held on 28 October at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Susan Ryan, the Federal Age Discrimination Commissioner, will speak at the forum along with Karen Toohey, Acting Commissioner of VEOHRC. To download the flyer for the event go here. VEOHRC is further seeking the views of the community through an online survey on the rights of older people and an online discussion forum. Both the survey and the discussion forum can be found here. For more information contact Adrian Bates on 9032 3471.
CEDA releases ‘Women in Leadership’ report
The CEDA “Women in Leadership” report discusses many issues of deep interest which intersect with the experiences of women councillors and senior officers in local government. Food for thought and energy for change. Reports such as this, and other subsequent publications that will emerge from CEDA’s ongoing Women in Leadership series across Australia, aim to drive the debate around gender equity, and in turn substantiate the business case for improvements for women in leadership roles. To see more go here.
Youthlaw survey
Youthlaw is conducting a survey to better understand the relationship between young people and Victoria Police. If you know someone aged between 14 and 25 who has something to say about experiences with Victoria Police they can go to the link below for a short survey, asking a range of questions about their interactions. The findings will be used by Youthlaw to inform future policy proposals, which will be presented to members of the Victorian government. Contact Youthlaw for further information on 9611 2412 or email. The survey can be found here.
‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, Full day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA / Green Building meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St Carlton, and Richmond Library
A new professional development program for elected representatives is now available in Victoria. The program is modified to suit participants whether experienced councillors, women councillors and/or potential candidates. Topics include Personal Productivity; Personality Style; and Being Heard. Dr Louise Mahler and Performance Unlimited’s Roma O’Callaghan are facilitating a series of sessions for councillors wanting to enhance their skills and effectiveness. To download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or via email.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Making human rights real – Wangaratta workshop
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Wangaratta on Tuesday 18 October, 10am-1pm at the Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta
To register for the Wangaratta workshop, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer Gary Jungwirth via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.
Other events
Environment obligations seminar
Friday 28 October, 8.30am to 5pm
Norton Rose conference rooms, Lvl 15, 485 Bourke St, Melbourne
Presented by the Australian Environment Business Network (AEBN) with Norton Rose law firm
Environmental legislation and policies are undergoing a series of significant changes and reviews that will impact industry, business and councils. The AEBN Environment Obligations Seminar is designed to provide industry, business and councils with an update of the latest changes to national, Victorian and New South Wales environmental laws, policies and reviews to assist you in complying with your environmental obligations. Go here for more details.
North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or via email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or via email.
Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.
5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.
Late last week I read with interest in local media that the State Government will review whether to keep the direct election of the Melbourne lord mayor, and has confirmed a review of how the mayor is chosen in both Melbourne and Geelong. The announcement seems to mark a change in position for the government. Minister Powell’s office has confirmed that the review would be held during the 2012-2016 four-year local government term. The VLGA, in our submission to the consultation on the directly elected mayor for Geelong called for a review of the process within the 2012-2016 term before direct election is considered for mayors of any other municipalities in Victoria. I expect we will hear more over time about this matter.
Also last week, we received an influx of registrations for the VLGA’s Essential Councillor Retreat. As places are limited I encourage you to register quickly. You can download the program and registration form here, or from our website. I look forward to seeing you around and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Annual General Meeting
We are very excited to confirm that Bernie Geary, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner will be speaking at our AGM, which takes place on Thursday November 3 at 6pm. Bernie is a passionate advocate for protecting children and promoting human rights, and “calls it as he sees it”. We look forward to welcoming members and friends there to hear Bernie. Of course, being an AGM we have some formal business to conduct, and member councils are reminded that their delegate has a vote or right to appoint a proxy, as the council representative to the VLGA. Councillors of member councils who have signed up individually also have a vote or right to appoint a proxy. If you have any queries, please contact Barbara Bennett, Office Manager or Ron Exiner, Director Governance on 9349 7999.
VLGA request for casual staff
From time to time we have opportunities to employ casual staff to perform a variety of administration related duties including data entry, front of house reception and function support. Our needs are generally such that we can be quite flexible as to the hours and days of work. This can include after-hours assistance at our monthly Leading Edge Forums and events, and administration support when our permanent staff are on leave, and those busy times when we just need some assistance. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in being part of our very friendly team, so please give Barbara Bennett a call on 9349 7901, or email.
Congratulations to Kingston from the Mayors on their Bikes!
The ‘Mayors on Bikes’ event hosted by the City of Kingston last Wednesday was an outstanding success. Mayor Ron Brownlees and Cr Trevor Shewan welcomed everyone to the City of Kingston and council officers Michael Haley and Hannah Croughan ensured the range of activities they had arranged went to plan. At stops along the route between Carrum and Mordialloc council officers informed the group of initiatives and proposals supporting sustainable transport options. At the end of the tour riders appreciated the generous lunch and refreshments provided by Council at the Tour de Cafe in the Peter Scullin Reserve at Mordialloc. There were many positive comments from participants who enjoyed this special Mayors on Bikes event. Kingston can be very satisfied with their well organised day. Thanks to VLGA Life Member Tom Moloney and Member Jim Connor for their support on the day and to the Metropolitan Transport Forum and Chair Cr Jackie Fristacky from the City of Yarra for partnering in this event.
…and congratulations to Melbourne on their world first ‘1200 Building Program’ start up
The first Environmental Upgrade Agreement has been signed under the City of Melbourne’s 1200 Building Program. The signing between the City of Melbourne, Sustainable Melbourne Fund and building owner will fund a $400,000 retrofit of 460 Collins Street that will result in a reduction of approximately 170 tonnes of CO2-e per year. The funds will allow for the installation of an energy efficient chiller unit and building management system upgrade. Chair of the Future Melbourne (Eco-City) Committee, Cr Cathy Oke said the landmark signing meant Melbourne was leading the pack of cities in the UK, USA and Australia developing programs to finance large scale energy efficiency retrofitting in commercial buildings by linking local government charging powers to the lending capacities of financial institutions. To read the full details in the City of Melbourne’s press release go here.
Mt Alexander signs on to Women’s Charter
With the latest endorsement of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter by Mt Alexander Shire, the numbers now stand at 60 endorsements across Victoria’s 79 local governments. This says volumes about the sector’s readiness to extend the hand of invitation to a diversity of women in the community to participate in their local governments as citizens, employees and elected councillors. We look forward to celebrating this achievement at the Melbourne Town Hall cocktail party on November 9. It’s an important calendar event when the final Charter Project Report will be officially launched and the new challenge to the sector will be issued: “Think women for local government 2012 – count down to October 2012 starts now.”
Human rights and older Victorians
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission wants to learn more about the human rights issues affecting older Victorians. One way it aims to do this is through a community consultation forum on the rights of older people to be held on 28 October at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Susan Ryan, the Federal Age Discrimination Commissioner, will speak at the forum along with Karen Toohey, Acting Commissioner of VEOHRC. To download the flyer for the event go here. VEOHRC is further seeking the views of the community through an online survey on the rights of older people and an online discussion forum. Both the survey and the discussion forum can be found here. For more information contact Adrian Bates on 9032 3471.
CEDA releases ‘Women in Leadership’ report
The CEDA “Women in Leadership” report discusses many issues of deep interest which intersect with the experiences of women councillors and senior officers in local government. Food for thought and energy for change. Reports such as this, and other subsequent publications that will emerge from CEDA’s ongoing Women in Leadership series across Australia, aim to drive the debate around gender equity, and in turn substantiate the business case for improvements for women in leadership roles. To see more go here.
Youthlaw survey
Youthlaw is conducting a survey to better understand the relationship between young people and Victoria Police. If you know someone aged between 14 and 25 who has something to say about experiences with Victoria Police they can go to the link below for a short survey, asking a range of questions about their interactions. The findings will be used by Youthlaw to inform future policy proposals, which will be presented to members of the Victorian government. Contact Youthlaw for further information on 9611 2412 or email. The survey can be found here.
‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, Full day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA / Green Building meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St Carlton, and Richmond Library
A new professional development program for elected representatives is now available in Victoria. The program is modified to suit participants whether experienced councillors, women councillors and/or potential candidates. Topics include Personal Productivity; Personality Style; and Being Heard. Dr Louise Mahler and Performance Unlimited’s Roma O’Callaghan are facilitating a series of sessions for councillors wanting to enhance their skills and effectiveness. To download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or via email.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Making human rights real – Wangaratta workshop
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation.
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Wangaratta on Tuesday 18 October, 10am-1pm at the Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta
To register for the Wangaratta workshop, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer Gary Jungwirth via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.
Other events
Environment obligations seminar
Friday 28 October, 8.30am to 5pm
Norton Rose conference rooms, Lvl 15, 485 Bourke St, Melbourne
Presented by the Australian Environment Business Network (AEBN) with Norton Rose law firm
Environmental legislation and policies are undergoing a series of significant changes and reviews that will impact industry, business and councils. The AEBN Environment Obligations Seminar is designed to provide industry, business and councils with an update of the latest changes to national, Victorian and New South Wales environmental laws, policies and reviews to assist you in complying with your environmental obligations. Go here for more details.
North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or via email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or via email.
Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.
5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.
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