It’s amazing to reflect on how fast this year has gone! As we all turn our minds to celebrating our achievements, I want to encourage members to attend our AGM on Thursday 3 November from 6pm. Our guest speaker, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM, is widely known and respected for his 30-plus years of working with vulnerable children, young people and their families. This includes being Victoria’s first outreach youth worker and serving on the Victorian Youth Parole Board for 17 years. Since his appointment, Bernie has been busy consulting with the community, promoting child safety, developing key policy initiatives and initiating projects that focus on the best interests of children. As well as a great guest speaker, I am pleased to announce that the AGM will include the awarding of a Life Membership to Liana Thompson. Please come and celebrate this special occasion. Liana has a long history in public office, and has made an outstanding contribution to local government. As well as being a founding member and the Inaugural President of the VLGA, Liana was the last Mayor of the City of Port Melbourne, and the first Mayor of the City of Port Phillip. Liana has held several senior positions as a local government officer, across a diverse range of areas including governance, strategic planning and procurement. Liana’s passion for local government is underpinned by her conviction that it is where true participative democracy happens. Her contribution is recognised in the Who's Who of Australian Women. You can RSVP for the AGM online or by calling (03) 9349 7999. 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 via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
John Jago Good Governance Award 2011 – applications close Friday 28 October
The John Jago Good Governance Award is awarded annually to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings), whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making. Applications for the 2011 Award are now invited. There is a two stage process and 1st stage applications should be submitted to the VLGA by Friday 28 October 2011. Applications can be emailed or sent as hard copy. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 9349 7999 or email.
Critical role of community sector acknowledged
While most of us in local governments and the community know of the contribution of the not-for-profit (NFP) community sector, the governance of this sector is too often unfairly characterised when compared to governance in the commercial sector. However a new report examining the governance of NFP organisations has found that the performance of the sector's directors compare well to their commercial counterparts. The Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Directors Social Impact Study 2011 examines the governance of the NFP sector and the contribution made by its directors. The study found that on average non-executive directors of NFP organisations spend the equivalent of seven working weeks a year on their role as a director, with 89 per cent of these directors fulfilling this role on a voluntary basis. With the NFP sector contributing $43 billion to Australia’s GDP, the economic activity of the sector highlights the critical role of directors and governance to ensure it maintains vibrancy and effectiveness. It is also worth noting that many local government councillors and officers also serve on NFP boards, contributing above and beyond their local government commitments.
Baseline survey of Australia’s Community Recycling Enterprises
Community Recycling Network Association in partnership with the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies are undertaking a national study to identify the community recycling sector. Their online survey of enterprises aims to identify community recycling enterprises in Australia and indicate their size, structure and impacts. If you are a community recycling enterprise and would like to be included in the study, please access the survey here.
Recent State Government Gambling and Liquor Licensing Legislation
The VLGA is currently analysing legislation to set up the new Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR). The VCGLR will be formed in early 2012 as a combination of the current Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation and the Liquor Licensing Commission. We are also analysing legislation to establish the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, a pre-election promise from the Coalition Government. Both bills can be viewed at the Victorian Parliamentary documents website. The Foundation aims to replicate the VicHealth model of health promotion. The objectives of the Foundation are to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling and to foster responsible gambling. Both organisations will have implications for local governments and we will be publishing some guidance in the near future. For more information contact the VLGA’s Director Policy & Public Affairs, Darren Ray on (03) 9349 7902 or via email.
Social Procurement Implementation Toolkit now available on Local Government Victoria website
With a lot of focus at the VLGA and in the sector on procuring local business (see our recent Leading Edge Forum webcast), it is timely to announce that the Social Procurement Implementation Toolkit, a direct outcome of the Social Procurement: Expert Support Program can now be downloaded. The program was funded through the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), through Local Government Victoria and the Community Development Group, the Department of Human Services and Social Traders. The development of the program has been informed through an extensive consultation process and through resources and materials made available by a 'panel of experts'. Local government officers from eight local governments participated in the program, including Brimbank, Darebin, Glenelg, Hume, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Whittlesea.Walking Maps: new website designed to excite and inspire people to explore Victoria on foot
The Walking Maps website is at the cutting edge of health promotion, creatively exploiting technology and social media to enable Victorians to create, discover and share their walks, wherever we live, play or work. Whether you want to explore what is at your own doorstep, take a scenic stroll around Victoria's premier destinations or schedule a 30-minute walking meeting around your workplace, this site will excite and inspire you to explore Victoria on foot. The website has been created by Victoria Walks – Victoria's walking health promotion charity. Victoria Walks wants to see vibrant, supportive and strong neighbourhoods and communities where people can and do choose to walk wherever possible. Visit Victoria Walks to find out more. If you’d like your own ‘guided tour’ of the new website and its capacity to promote your organisation's services to build stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities, you can attend an exclusive tour of the website at VicHealth (15-31 Pelham Street, Carlton) at 4pm, on Thursday 10 November 2011. Please RSVP by Monday 7 November via email.
Feedback from Long Walk Women’s Lunch
Speaking of walking, former AFL footballer and Aboriginal leader Michael Long started the first literal Long Walk to Canberra in 2004. At this annual women’s lunch to raise money for Long Walk projects, VLGA staff recently shared a table with Reconciliation Victoria. Talking of Michael Long himself, Elder Carolyn Briggs called on us to recognise the role that families and communities play in leadership: “it takes a community to support a leader”. Some may remember the article in The Age in August titled, “Film star turned politician blasts intervention”. The keynote address was offered by Mayor of Barkly Shire (260 kilometres north east of Alice Springs) and Jedda star, Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, herself. Her message? “Australia – walk with us – mind to mind and heart to heart.” Rosalie also told us that being Mayor was one of the most exciting things she has done in her life and spoke of the Shire’s role with communities about food, education, income, diversity and land. Finishing her talk with us, she reminded us that leadership is about “having the knowledge from who you are”, a reminder of particular importance for leaders from under-represented groups seeking to have a say in mainstream politics.
2012 Government Communication Awards close 28 October
Local government’s best communicators are being urged to showcase their achievements in the 2012 Government Communication Awards, with applications closing 28 October. Last year’s inaugural awards attracted entries from more than 50 local governments around Australia. The awards are organised by Government Communications Australia (GCA), an umbrella body representing media, communications, marketing, events and public relations professionals working in local government. GCA President, Peter Fitz, says the aim of the awards is to celebrate the best in the land. “Examples of winners’ work will go on show and hopefully inspire other council colleagues to try and improve their communications,” he says. “They can be new and old ideas re-worked – so long as they work and evidence is supplied to prove it.” Entrants should ensure they provide demonstrable evaluation outcomes as this element is heavily weighted in judging. The nine categories range from the best communication project over $5,000 to internal communications, publications, new or digital media and community engagement. Last year’s winners included Wodonga for a campaign to market the revitalised Bonegilla migrant camp, Nedlands for rebranding the city on a shoestring budget, Albury for its ‘red tape – seek and destroy’ campaign, and the Sunshine Coast for its adept handling of the region’s economic development plan. Judging will take place before Christmas with checks and ‘mystery shopping’. Winners will be announced at a GCA Awards gala event at Melbourne’s Hotel Windsor on 1 March 2012. For enquiries, email Kelli Browne or phone 0418 356 189, or email Lorraine Francis or phone (08) 9477 7232.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Making human rights real – Warrnambool, Melbourne and Ballarat workshops
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:* Warrnambool: Tuesday 8 November, 10am-1pm; South West TAFE, Timor St, Warrnambool (OEA Conference and Events Centre Building B, Level 3, WB3.28)
* Melbourne CBD: Wednesday 16 November, 10am-2pm; RMI T University, Melbourne (corner Russell & Victoria Streets, Building 13, Level 3, Room 07)
* Ballarat: Tuesday 22 November, 10am-1pm; Ballarat Town Hall – Trench Room, Sturt St, Ballarat
To register for the workshops, 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
Join us to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership to Liana Thompson at the AGM. Please come and celebrate this special occasion. Our guest speaker is Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or phone (03) 9349 7983.
Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
The Essential Councillor Retreat will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities pertinent to how councillors approach the 4th year of the council term. There will be a focus on:
* identifying and addressing public emotion and outrage;
* engaging effectively with local communities;
* taking stock and leaving a legacy;
* governing in the final year of council’s term; and
* ‘beyond Facebook and Twitter: communicating in ways that suit community needs’.
You can download the program and registration form from our website.
Other events
The Future of Transport in Australia
Tuesday 25 October 2011, 6.15-8.00pm
Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne
The Future of Transport in Australia will look at how Australians might get around in the low carbon cities of the future. Will we drive electric, hydrogen or biofuel powered cars? Or will the public transport system be revolutionized and private vehicles become a thing of the past? Will domestic air-travel be replaced with high-speed rail? This seminar brings together experts in research, policy and industry to explore these questions, discuss what technologies could be used to decarbonise Australia’s transport system and the realities of the challenges associated with bringing these online. Chaired by Mr Roy Neel, Chief of Staff for former Vice-President Al Gore and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University. Speakers include Fiona Calvert, Director Strategy and Resource Efficiency Policy, Department of Transport; Professor Nicholas Low, Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Melbourne; Patrick Hearps, Research Fellow, Melbourne Energy Institute; and William McDougall, Principal, Public Transport Practice Leader, Sinclair Knight Merz. Click here for further details and registration. For further information please telephone 03 8344 3637 or visit their website at www.grattan.edu.au.
Environment obligations seminar
Friday 28 October, 8.30am-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 local governments. 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, 1-4pm
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 email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (Interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or email.
Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 NovemberCapital 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.
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.
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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