VLGA President’s Message
Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week, and I can’t think of a more fitting way to open my message than to acknowledge the First Australians and traditional custodians of the land on which the VLGA offices sit – the Wurundjeri people. I trust all our members are able to celebrate the week at the myriad of events happening around the State, and that you can join us next week for our special Leading Edge Forum. Last Tuesday, Gaming Minister the Hon Michael O’Brien announced the final members of the newly formed Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation board. The VLGA congratulates all members of the board and we look forward to interactions with the Foundation. We have written to the Minister to indicate our willingness to work with the Foundation on behalf of local governments, and to express our disappointment that there is no representation from local government on the board, especially given the concerns expressed by the sector with regards gaming issues in our communities. There has recently been discussion in the sector about differential rates, and you might be interested to see our eNews item on this below. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
National Reconciliation Week is here – time to celebrate! …and fill out the survey
This week, Victorian communities are celebrating Reconciliation Week in greater numbers than anywhere else in the country. Congratulations to all local governments organising and supporting many of the over 110 events happening around the State this week, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, recognising history and sharing stories. Don’t forget: your local government was recently asked to complete the Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Survey by the Hon Jeanette Powell, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. The survey was emailed by Local Government Victoria, and needs to be submitted by 22 June, so if your local government hasn’t yet responded, this is a great week to do so! Also, the upcoming June Leading Edge Forum From little things… Stories from the sector, is a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and hear good stories about Reconciliation in local government.
2012 Local Government Elections – updated resources from the VLGA
Last week we added a new document, 2012 Local Government Elections: Information Paper for potential candidates, to our one-stop-shop webpage. This special section of our website has a range of resources including our good governance grabs so you can keep abreast of key topics that inform the local government election process.
Differential rate – what is the difference?
Many Victorian local governments have introduced differential rates to address local social and land use planning objectives. The Local Government Act 1989 requires councils to specify the objectives of the differentials adopted and ensure they are consistent with the equitable carrying out of the council’s functions. A number of local governments have introduced a differential rate on rateable land on which electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are operating. Darebin is currently considering whether differential rating is an effective tool to address community health. The VLGA believes it is important that councils retain the ability to work with their local communities to develop rating strategies that help address important social issues.
Social housing system in Victoria reviewed – have your say
Housing Minister the Hon Wendy Lovell has announced that the Victorian Government will develop a housing framework to secure the future of public housing. Two discussion papers, Pathways to a Fair and Sustainable Social Housing System, and Social Housing – options to improve the supply of quality housing, aim to guide a new approach to public housing in Victoria. The VLGA’s Local Government Housing Survey, November 2010 indicated that the lack of provision of public and community housing is affecting the most vulnerable members of local communities. Survey findings also indicated that a key measure for the Victorian Government is to change planning laws so local governments and developers can enter into voluntary affordable housing agreements. The VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG), is drafting a response to the discussion papers and invites contributions from members and stakeholders. To submit comments and feedback, contact Jieh-Yung Lo on 9349 7980 or via email.
Whitehorse acts on environmental impacts of light bulbs
The VLGA strongly supports City of Whitehorse efforts to keep heavy metal pollution from discarded low energy light globes out of landfill by providing recycling drop-off bins at municipal offices. We endorse the call by Whitehorse for industry and the Federal Government to move quickly on this issue. Currently around 95% of discarded household light bulbs go into rubbish bins, and this is a significant waste management issue for local governments. Read more here.
Successful Timor-Leste forum
The VLGA Timor-Leste Advisory Group together with the Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Network hosted a forum last week on the results of the recent Presidential election, and the likely outcomes for the forthcoming Parliamentary elections. There was a capacity audience to hear VLGA Vice President Richard Brown, Prof Damien Kingsbury from Deakin University, and Rae Kingsbury speak on various aspects of the election and what it means for Australia. There were members of at least 13 Friendship Groups in attendance as well as councillors and officers from local governments, and other members, friends and supporters of the VLGA and the ATFLN. For those unable to attend, you can now see a webcast of the forum.
Federal Budget 2012-13 – Stronger Regions, Stronger Nation
In a recent edition of eNews we covered aspects of the Federal Budget. Members might also like to refer to the package of initiatives announced by Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean, Stronger Regions, Stronger Nation, which details a range of relevant portfolio areas.
Darebin Equity and Inclusion Policy
The City of Darebin has recently published its Equity and Inclusion Policy (2012-2015) which was endorsed by Council in December. The VLGA congratulates Darebin councillors and staff on this initiative and you can read more about Darebin’s leadership and the policy on our special Showcasing local government practices webpage and on Darebin’s website.
Healthy skin in the workplace and at home
For the second year, the The Skin & Cancer Foundation will auspice the annual Healthy Skin Awards 2012, with awards presented to organisations and companies that have achieved success from innovative and effective marketing and promotion of skin health to their workforce (including employees, volunteers and contractors). The Awards ultimately acknowledge and recognise employers throughout Australia who have supported and encouraged ‘best practice’ of skin health to their workforce. Last year’s award winners were Mallesons Lawyers, Parks Victoria, Victorian Trades Hall Council, the Country Women’s Association and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The Healthy Skin Awards presentation will take place on 16 June at the ‘White Night Gala Ball’, at the end of Skin Health Week (11-17 June), which includes extensive promotion of the Foundation and healthy skin across the country.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
June Leading Edge Forum – 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring representatives from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities. RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Consultation for Better Remote Aboriginal Housing: Transdisciplinary perspectives
Friday 1 June, 12.30 – 1.30 pm
RMIT City Campus, Room 8.7.6
This seminar, with guest lecturer Professor Michael Christie, will begin with reflections on learning through collaborative research with Aboriginal knowledge authorities, and will go on to give some details of recent research into the effectiveness of Housing Reference Groups in remote Aboriginal communities. How do we do research which takes seriously both Aboriginal perspectives and knowledge practices, and the imperatives of the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program? How do we conceptualise a postcolonial and generative approach to our research? RSVP via email by COB Wednesday 30 May.
Problem Gambling in the EMR: Addressing the social risk factors in our community
Thursday 7 June, 9am-12noon
Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
The Inner East Primary Care Partnership invites you to find out about the emerging trends of gambling within the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR), prevention initiatives at a local level, early intervention, and treatment options and services. This forum is open to HACC services, education services, youth and family services, health promotion and social planners within local government, gamblers help services, community health services and anyone working within the EMR who has an interest in problem gambling prevention. See the Inner East PCP website for flyer and registration details.
Hope in Settlement – a Creative Refugee Week Performance
Wednesday 13 June, 6.30-8.00pm
FortyFive Downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
$15 general admission, $12 concession, ECCV members free
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria and Melbourne Playback Theatre Company will present a unique creative performance as part of the national Refugee Week theme, Restoring Hope. When refugees settle in Australia there is an emphasis on taking care of the essentials - food, housing, education and employment. Yet refugees also need resilience, courage and hope to face the challenges of settlement. Book online.
Bike Futures 2012
18-19 October
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
This two-day conference is presented by the Bicycle Network and hosted by Bicycle Network Victoria. Now in its fourth year, Bike Futures 2012 will discuss how to best provide bike infrastructure, essential for mobility, to changing the ways cities work. Johan Diepens, CEO and founder of Mobycon, the leading edge Dutch transport and mobility consultancy, will give his vision of what the future holds for bike riding; Professor Ross Garnaut will share his view on the environmental role the bicycle can play.
Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week, and I can’t think of a more fitting way to open my message than to acknowledge the First Australians and traditional custodians of the land on which the VLGA offices sit – the Wurundjeri people. I trust all our members are able to celebrate the week at the myriad of events happening around the State, and that you can join us next week for our special Leading Edge Forum. Last Tuesday, Gaming Minister the Hon Michael O’Brien announced the final members of the newly formed Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation board. The VLGA congratulates all members of the board and we look forward to interactions with the Foundation. We have written to the Minister to indicate our willingness to work with the Foundation on behalf of local governments, and to express our disappointment that there is no representation from local government on the board, especially given the concerns expressed by the sector with regards gaming issues in our communities. There has recently been discussion in the sector about differential rates, and you might be interested to see our eNews item on this below. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
National Reconciliation Week is here – time to celebrate! …and fill out the survey
This week, Victorian communities are celebrating Reconciliation Week in greater numbers than anywhere else in the country. Congratulations to all local governments organising and supporting many of the over 110 events happening around the State this week, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, recognising history and sharing stories. Don’t forget: your local government was recently asked to complete the Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Survey by the Hon Jeanette Powell, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. The survey was emailed by Local Government Victoria, and needs to be submitted by 22 June, so if your local government hasn’t yet responded, this is a great week to do so! Also, the upcoming June Leading Edge Forum From little things… Stories from the sector, is a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and hear good stories about Reconciliation in local government.
2012 Local Government Elections – updated resources from the VLGA
Last week we added a new document, 2012 Local Government Elections: Information Paper for potential candidates, to our one-stop-shop webpage. This special section of our website has a range of resources including our good governance grabs so you can keep abreast of key topics that inform the local government election process.
Differential rate – what is the difference?
Many Victorian local governments have introduced differential rates to address local social and land use planning objectives. The Local Government Act 1989 requires councils to specify the objectives of the differentials adopted and ensure they are consistent with the equitable carrying out of the council’s functions. A number of local governments have introduced a differential rate on rateable land on which electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are operating. Darebin is currently considering whether differential rating is an effective tool to address community health. The VLGA believes it is important that councils retain the ability to work with their local communities to develop rating strategies that help address important social issues.
Social housing system in Victoria reviewed – have your say
Housing Minister the Hon Wendy Lovell has announced that the Victorian Government will develop a housing framework to secure the future of public housing. Two discussion papers, Pathways to a Fair and Sustainable Social Housing System, and Social Housing – options to improve the supply of quality housing, aim to guide a new approach to public housing in Victoria. The VLGA’s Local Government Housing Survey, November 2010 indicated that the lack of provision of public and community housing is affecting the most vulnerable members of local communities. Survey findings also indicated that a key measure for the Victorian Government is to change planning laws so local governments and developers can enter into voluntary affordable housing agreements. The VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG), is drafting a response to the discussion papers and invites contributions from members and stakeholders. To submit comments and feedback, contact Jieh-Yung Lo on 9349 7980 or via email.
Whitehorse acts on environmental impacts of light bulbs
The VLGA strongly supports City of Whitehorse efforts to keep heavy metal pollution from discarded low energy light globes out of landfill by providing recycling drop-off bins at municipal offices. We endorse the call by Whitehorse for industry and the Federal Government to move quickly on this issue. Currently around 95% of discarded household light bulbs go into rubbish bins, and this is a significant waste management issue for local governments. Read more here.
Successful Timor-Leste forum
The VLGA Timor-Leste Advisory Group together with the Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Network hosted a forum last week on the results of the recent Presidential election, and the likely outcomes for the forthcoming Parliamentary elections. There was a capacity audience to hear VLGA Vice President Richard Brown, Prof Damien Kingsbury from Deakin University, and Rae Kingsbury speak on various aspects of the election and what it means for Australia. There were members of at least 13 Friendship Groups in attendance as well as councillors and officers from local governments, and other members, friends and supporters of the VLGA and the ATFLN. For those unable to attend, you can now see a webcast of the forum.
Federal Budget 2012-13 – Stronger Regions, Stronger Nation
In a recent edition of eNews we covered aspects of the Federal Budget. Members might also like to refer to the package of initiatives announced by Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean, Stronger Regions, Stronger Nation, which details a range of relevant portfolio areas.
Darebin Equity and Inclusion Policy
The City of Darebin has recently published its Equity and Inclusion Policy (2012-2015) which was endorsed by Council in December. The VLGA congratulates Darebin councillors and staff on this initiative and you can read more about Darebin’s leadership and the policy on our special Showcasing local government practices webpage and on Darebin’s website.
Healthy skin in the workplace and at home
For the second year, the The Skin & Cancer Foundation will auspice the annual Healthy Skin Awards 2012, with awards presented to organisations and companies that have achieved success from innovative and effective marketing and promotion of skin health to their workforce (including employees, volunteers and contractors). The Awards ultimately acknowledge and recognise employers throughout Australia who have supported and encouraged ‘best practice’ of skin health to their workforce. Last year’s award winners were Mallesons Lawyers, Parks Victoria, Victorian Trades Hall Council, the Country Women’s Association and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The Healthy Skin Awards presentation will take place on 16 June at the ‘White Night Gala Ball’, at the end of Skin Health Week (11-17 June), which includes extensive promotion of the Foundation and healthy skin across the country.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
June Leading Edge Forum – 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring representatives from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities. RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Consultation for Better Remote Aboriginal Housing: Transdisciplinary perspectives
Friday 1 June, 12.30 – 1.30 pm
RMIT City Campus, Room 8.7.6
This seminar, with guest lecturer Professor Michael Christie, will begin with reflections on learning through collaborative research with Aboriginal knowledge authorities, and will go on to give some details of recent research into the effectiveness of Housing Reference Groups in remote Aboriginal communities. How do we do research which takes seriously both Aboriginal perspectives and knowledge practices, and the imperatives of the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program? How do we conceptualise a postcolonial and generative approach to our research? RSVP via email by COB Wednesday 30 May.
Problem Gambling in the EMR: Addressing the social risk factors in our community
Thursday 7 June, 9am-12noon
Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
The Inner East Primary Care Partnership invites you to find out about the emerging trends of gambling within the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR), prevention initiatives at a local level, early intervention, and treatment options and services. This forum is open to HACC services, education services, youth and family services, health promotion and social planners within local government, gamblers help services, community health services and anyone working within the EMR who has an interest in problem gambling prevention. See the Inner East PCP website for flyer and registration details.
Hope in Settlement – a Creative Refugee Week Performance
Wednesday 13 June, 6.30-8.00pm
FortyFive Downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
$15 general admission, $12 concession, ECCV members free
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria and Melbourne Playback Theatre Company will present a unique creative performance as part of the national Refugee Week theme, Restoring Hope. When refugees settle in Australia there is an emphasis on taking care of the essentials - food, housing, education and employment. Yet refugees also need resilience, courage and hope to face the challenges of settlement. Book online.
Bike Futures 2012
18-19 October
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
This two-day conference is presented by the Bicycle Network and hosted by Bicycle Network Victoria. Now in its fourth year, Bike Futures 2012 will discuss how to best provide bike infrastructure, essential for mobility, to changing the ways cities work. Johan Diepens, CEO and founder of Mobycon, the leading edge Dutch transport and mobility consultancy, will give his vision of what the future holds for bike riding; Professor Ross Garnaut will share his view on the environmental role the bicycle can play.
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