I am delighted that this Wednesday, the VLGA and Victoria University are hosting an event at Victoria University City Campus with the Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. The Prime Minister will speak about the issues facing Timor-Leste today. The book of speeches by Prime Minister Gusmao, Strategies for the Future, will also be launched. It is a real honour for us to be involved in this event. I know members will share my delight that on Friday night just gone, twenty outstanding Indigenous Victorians were inducted to the nation’s first-ever Indigenous Honour Roll. This is the very first of its kind in our nation’s history and may in fact be a world first. The achievements of Friday night’s inductees span health, education, politics, sport and the arts and we are privileged to have had these wonderful people in our society. You can see the biographies of the inaugural inductees here, and on behalf of the VLGA I send my congratulations to each of them and their families.
We have plenty of news for you in this edition and I look forward to seeing you around the traps soon. 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
Staffing news at the VLGA
Members may be aware that last week our Director Policy and Public Affairs Darren Ray announced his resignation, following almost five years at the VLGA. Darren has decided to pursue a new career that he has been exploring over some months, and will be with us ‘on deck’ until mid-March. We know you will all join us in wishing Darren the very best for the future and thanking him for the very significant and special contribution he has made to the organisation over the period of his employment – in the Director role and as Acting CEO for an extended period in 2008-09. We know that Darren will not be a stranger to the VLGA after he leaves, and he will be involved in a number of future activities.
We are delighted to announce that Micaela Drieberg is joining the VLGA to manage our Resilient Neighbourhoods project, funded through the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord. Micaela brings to the role her experience in working as a ministerial adviser in the health portfolio, a facilitator/trainer in land use planning at the Planning Institute of Australia, a senior policy adviser with VicHealth, and a diverse range of other relevant projects, as well as her experience as a local government councillor. Micaela starts on the project this week.
Who’s good at social media? Do you know?
From time to time at the VLGA we are approached by members who are looking for social media training, from the very basics (what is it?) through to higher levels including incorporating various social media into an organisation. If you know of trainers or businesses that can facilitate workshops and meet these requests, please email us so we can keep a register for our members – thanks!
VLGA working with Melbourne University’s Asia Institute
Last week the VLGA conducted a session on Good Governance, Women’s Issues and Human Rights for members of an Iranian delegation based at the Asia Institute at Melbourne University. The delegation (pictured above with VLGA staff members) comprised young community activists with a theme on Australian politics, civil society, good governance and human rights. Most members of the delegation had a legal background and a special interest in women’s rights. The VLGA will run a similar session in May for a second delegation.
State Government commits $1 million to clear VCAT backlog
The Victorian Coalition Government has committed $1 million to tackle the backlog of planning cases before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Announcing the initiative late last week, Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the funding would enable approximately 800 cases to be finalised and reduce the waiting list by up to six months. “This funding will significantly reduce delays in the planning process and ease the burden on the development sector, local councils and the community as a whole,” Minister Guy added. The VLGA has been calling for more resources to deal with the VCAT backlog, and we welcome this announcement.
Feedback sought on Green Light Plan Draft Program Guidelines and $20 million fund
The Victorian Coalition Government has released consultation papers for the proposed design of the Green Light Plan $20 million funding program. A circular has been sent to local government CEOs, outlining the purpose of the process, which is to: * Outline the priority policy issues being considered in the development and delivery of the plan
* Provide details of the grants program to assist potential applicants plan their involvement, and
* Seek feedback on the proposed design of the grants program to inform the final funding approach.
The closing date for responses and submissions is 5pm, Friday 24 February and you can find more information here. If you have views you would like to let us know about, feel free to let us know via email.
Food security and Australia’s highly duopolised retail food markets: the hidden price of discounting fresh fruit and vegetables
The VLGA has been leading debates about food security and the implications for local governments and local communities, as you can see here. In a recent very poignant article by Bethaney Turner and Joanna Henryks from the University of Canberra on The Conversation website, some of these implications are discussed by the authors and by many others. Here is a small sample of this great article – “How should we consider the potential broader ramifications of Coles’ recent promise to reduce by 50% the price of fresh fruit and vegetables? In the face of cheap fruit and vegetables, it is hard to take seriously concerns about our future food security and health. After all, why worry about tomorrow when fresh, seasonal, healthy food is so cheap today? However, food security requires reliable supply, access and distribution of nutritionally sound food. While Coles promotes the price-cuts as a win-win for producers and consumers, claiming they have helped farmers offload stock that would otherwise go to waste, the current state of overproduction demonstrates the very volatility of our food supply.” The VLGA is very concerned about the impact on farmers and the rest of the community and we will continue to advocate for food security (including food waste) to be treated more seriously by all levels of government. If you have views on this, let us know via email. Support for better financial management in local government
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) is promoting a new resource for local governments, Practice Note No.6 – Long-term Financial Planning. The Practice Note was prepared by the Institute for Public Works Engineering Australia, with funding from the Commonwealth Government's Local Government Reform Fund. It is designed to improve the financial performance of local government by assisting local councils to prepare better long-term plans. For further information about this project you can email Melissa Gibbs, Assistant Director ACELG or email Chris Champion, CEO IPWEA.
Victorian Government stepping in to support refugees and new arrivals
The VLGA would like to congratulate the Victorian Government for implementing a new program to assist and inform refugees and new arrivals on their rights and responsibilities and help people settle into the community. The Rights and Responsibilities program, featuring local police, doctors, and councillors will be held across the State annually. Victoria is a diverse and multicultural state and more recently new and emerging communities have settled from Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. New arrivals tend to have complex settlement needs when compared with more established communities in Victoria. The program will host public seminars with topics such as finding a job, how to volunteer, Victorian politics and law. The topics will be tailored to each town and location, based on surveys conducted by the Victorian Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship. The Office is partnering with the Cities of Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong and Latrobe to host similar programs. The VLGA encourages councils to obtain more information about the program via Frank Maas on (03) 9651 0640 or via email.
Ricci Marks Award for young Indigenous people
The Ricci Marks Award 2012 recognises individual achievements and aspirations of young Indigenous people in training, education, arts, sport, culture and community leadership. The Victorian Coalition Government provides this award to encourage and support young Indigenous people to pursue their goals. Each year, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs awards a $5,000 bursary to two young Indigenous people who are contributing to the Victorian community and have demonstrated leadership and initiative. The Minister may also award a $500 Encouragement Award. For more information and copies of the guidelines and nomination forms visit http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/indigenous/leadership/ricci-marks-award or contact Petr Svoboda at Aboriginal Affairs Victoria on (03) 9208 3255.
Whitehorse reaching out to local Indigenous artists
Whitehorse City Council in partnership with Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation and Reconciliation Victoria are calling for expressions of interest from Australian Indigenous artists from the Melbourne Eastern Region to participate in an exhibition that will form part of 2012 National Reconciliation Week activities. The theme for Reconciliation Week this year is ‘Recognition’. Artworks included in this exhibition will be exhibited at Box Hill Community Arts Centre from 28 May – 3 June. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms are welcome including fine arts and traditional crafts. A launch of the exhibition will be held at Box Hill Community Arts Centre on Friday 1 June featuring a live performance by Kutcha Edwards. For more information or to register your interest phone Box Hill Community Arts Centre on 9895 888 or send email.
Updates on Preventing Violence Against Women
To mark last week’s Be the Hero! Week of Action, initiated by the Victorian Women's Trust, addressing regarding violence against women and families, the Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust, Mary Crooks has penned an opinion piece that examines the undercurrents of sexism, violence and complacency existing in Australian society, where some fear to speak against the status quo, enforcing a culture of tolerators. Also, the VLGA would like to remind all members about the Victorian Coalition Government’s Consultation on the Action Plan to Address Violence Against Women and their Children, happening in February around the State. This is a three-year Action Plan, and written submissions close on 23 March. Finally, the VLGA would like to congratulate Greater Bendigo City Council on its Violence Prevention Plan resulting from the position statement signed by councillors in 2010 titled ‘Greater Bendigo City Council says NO to Violence against Women’. Bendigo will host a forum and workshop on Wednesday 22 February 2012, looking at respect and gender equality in a State and local context. See VLGA events for further details.
Foodbank Victoria and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Foodbank Victoria has announced their involvement with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival with two special events:
1. On Wednesday 14 March, 7-9pm, learn about the issues facing Victorians who need assistance to get three meals a day and then watch how Adam Liaw cooks up dishes worthy of any table. Cost is $25 per person or $15 concession. Light snack will be provided. To book please go to: http://www.trybooking.com/ZPL
2. On the opening weekend of March 3 and 4, join Foodbank down on the banks of the Yarra to walk the Mapping of Victoria’s Hunger. On the parkland between King St and Clarendon St, over the river from Crown Casino, a massive map of Victoria will be painted on the grass showing the level of hunger in each local government area. So bring the family and some cans of food to donate. Then walk the map, read about the issues and then place your cans where you think the need is greatest. This event is free and for the whole family!
VLGA Events
March Leading Edge Forum: Local governments and alcohol in the community
Thursday 1 March, from 6pm
Hosted by the City of Greater Geelong: City Hall, entry via Little Malop Street
Managing alcohol is a key responsibility for local governments. As community harms and costs resulting from alcohol harm become more widely understood there is increasing pressure for all levels of government to act and develop strategies that reduce alcohol related harm. Hosted by the City of Greater Geelong, this Leading Edge Forum will focus on the policy implications of packaged liquor, venue management and community health impacts. Join us in Geelong to hear a range of speakers presenting academic research and practical insights from councils on this important topic. Download the flyer, and register online or telephone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.
Other Events
‘Seek an answer’ Forum – Your Faith, Your Human Rights
Wednesday 22 February, 5.30-8.30pm
Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Rd, Broadmeadows
The Northern Interfaith Intercultural Network (NIIN) invites you to attend a community Question and Answer Forum to inform members of the Hume community, and Melbourne's northern region, of the role of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and provide them with an opportunity to ask questions regarding their human rights. This event will also provide participants with an opportunity to discuss the role of interfaith in our society. Panellists include: Reverend Mary Dight (Sunbury Christian Church), Jeanette Hourani (Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition), Gary Jungwirth (VLGA), Larry Marshall (Centre for Dialogue, La Trobe University) and Inspector Tony Ryan (Victoria Police). The MC for the evening will be Reverend Cynthia Page from the Hume Interfaith Network. RSVP by COB Monday 20 February to Melinda Allender via email.
‘Are Melbourne’s Growth Areas Sustainable?’
Wednesday 22 February, 4-6pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, City
The Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) invites you to their February forum with MC Terry Laidler, and speakers including Bill Forrest, Meredith Sussex, Griff Davis, Janet Rice, Paul Hamilton, Peter Seamer and Prof Michael Buxton. MTF is hosting this event as part of the Sustainable Living Festival series of events during February 2012. There is no entry charge or booking required. For further details send email or go to http://festival.slf.org.au or www.thatsmelbourne.com.au.
Sustainable Communities Forum for Local Government
Friday 30 March, 9.30am-4.30pm
Zinc @ Federation Square, cnr Flinders & Swanston Sts, Melbourne
This forum, co-hosted with ICLEI, aims to inform and engage a wider audience of the workshop outcomes and to develop a local response for Australian local government. It will offer a unique opportunity to hear leading examples from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, outcomes from the workshop, and provide input into a sectoral agenda for sustainable communities. The forum will feature:
* parallel sessions for elected representatives, and local government administrators and stakeholders to develop the case for sustainable communities
* release of Local Government Position Paper on Local Climate Change Action; and
* workshop to test the draft Local Government Guide for Green Star Communities, which provides local government with guidance on promoting the planning and design of best practice sustainable communities.
RSVP to Kim Lecerf by 5pm Friday 9 March.
2nd National Sustainable Food Summit
2-4 April
Dockside Sydney
This summit is a must-attend event for practitioners with an interest in how Australia's food system will transform to meet the challenge of feeding more people with less over the next century. The inaugural Summit held in April 2011, and attended by over 340 participants from diverse sectors and backgrounds, generated extraordinary consensus for the need to collaborate and continue the conversations necessary to generate change. 2012 may be pivotal for Australian food policy with the National Food Plan due for release. It is also appropriately the Australian Year of the Farmer and United Nations International Year of the Cooperative. The 2nd Annual National Sustainable Food Summit begins in Sydney on 3 April. A series of pre-conference workshops on 2 April 2012 have also been designed to bring people up to speed on the current issues and discussion from the 2011 summit. Anyone who is interested in this area can join the Sustainable Food System Conversation. This conversation is designed to feed into discussions at the Summit so will be particularly useful to attendees. For more information about the program and workshops, please contact Cheryl via email or phone 02 9555 2358.
People and the Planet Conference
26-28 April 2012
Melbourne
Twenty years on from the landmark Earth Summit in Rio, RMIT is collaborating with the UN Global Compact Cities Programme to bring internationally renowned experts in sustainability to discuss the future of the planet. Global superstars such as Sigourney Weaver, David Suzuki and Bob Geldof will be in Melbourne, speaking alongside Australian high-profile speakers including Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision; Robyn Eckersley, leading environmentalist; Ian Lowe, President of the Australian Conservation Foundation; and Dennis Altman, Professor of Politics, to discuss where we go from here.
* How do we move beyond the current set of crises and relative political stalemate?
* How do we get beyond carbon accounting?
The outcomes of the Melbourne forum will become the basis for the ‘Cities and Urbanization’ Track at Rio+20 www.earthsummit2012.org. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official website. Enquires can be directed through the Global Cities Research Institute via email or phone 9925 8322.
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