VLGA President’s Message
Aristotle, Gandhi, and many others have often been quoted that you can judge a nation by the way it enables all its citizens to reach their best potential, or words to that effect. I want to start this eNews by expressing my disappointment that the National Disability Insurance Scheme has not been treated as a higher priority for governments across the nation. In several previous editions of eNews, the VLGA has encouraged our members to support the Scheme. It was very welcome news on Friday that Premier Baillieu had stepped up, after much community pressure, with an extra $42 million to fund a Victorian trial and I look forward to seeing this proceed. It’s been a busy time for events at the VLGA this past week, with our successful ‘Y Council’ forum in Melbourne, our ‘Think Women’ session at Whitehorse, and our Human Rights training at RMIT. There is more to come and we are very excited about our documentary screening on Channel 31 next weekend – stay tuned! Councillors and other candidates, don’t forget to register for the VLGA’s next Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’. This special workshop is designed as a ‘hands on’ session about the tasks you need to complete before election day. You can download the registration form here. Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA and Channel 31 – ‘Think women for local government 2012’ documentary screening
The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities starring Cr Sue McMillan (Knox), Cr Charlotte Baines (Monash) and Cr Beth Ripper (Wellington), in discussion with Walkley Award winning former ABC journalist Agnes Cusack. The two time slots for broadcast are Sunday 5 August at 6.30pm and Sunday 26 August at 9pm. Don’t miss this excellent show. The VLGA will be adding the program to our website so those of you who can’t access Channel 31 can view it.
Updated social statistics on the VLGA website
A range of information about social conditions in Victorian municipalities has recently been updated on the Social Statistics page linked from the VLGA website. Among the new features you will find:
* A regional profile builder, enabling you to create a profile of a region of two or more municipalities
* A do-it-yourself mapping tool, for mapping social conditions among metropolitan municipalities, updated with 2011 census findings
* Recent information about birth rates and numbers for all Victorian municipalities
* A file for displaying relationships, or correlations, between social conditions
This information joins other recently-updated data on the page, including 2011 Census municipal, suburb and Indigenous profiles. Detailed information about cultural diversity within Victorian municipalities, including birthplaces and spoken languages, will be added in the next few weeks. You can access these resources via the VLGA website.
More Gen Ys in Local Councils
Last week, the VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) teamed up to deliver a very successful Y Council? Forum to encourage young people to get involved with local government. Held in the City of Melbourne Council Chambers, young people had first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a councillor presenting issues and voting on motions. The VLGA and YACVic will be hosting a second forum in Bendigo on Thursday 9 August. For more information about last week’s forum, see the joint media release. The VLGA and YACVic acknowledge the City of Melbourne for sponsoring and hosting the event, and the outstanding efforts of YACVic's Nic Kimberley and our own Jieh-Yung Lo.
‘Think Women’ at Whitehorse
The VLGA’s Getting Elected – A Resource Workshop for Women hosted by Whitehorse City Council last Tuesday was well attended by women interested in standing for local government election in October this year, or considering candidacy in 2016. Cr Coral Ross (Boroondara) and Deputy Mayor Jennifer Yang (Manningham) did a great job on the panel, and feedback told us the event was positive and encouraging. Congratulations to Whitehorse for keeping up the good work following on from their Women’s Community Leadership Development Program.
Local governments attend ‘Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing’
The VLGA in partnership with The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education (ACHRE) at RMIT University ran this workshop last Thursday. Representatives from eleven local governments focussed on how to complete the response to the annual survey required by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC). Participants also discussed the internal approval process of their council prior to the survey being submitted. The workshop was conducted by Dr Di Sisely, Director ACHRE and Gary Jungwirth from the VLGA, and was also addressed by Kerin Leonard from VEOHRC. Some participants had several years of experience in completing the survey while others were new to this responsibility. The 2012 survey will be identical to last year’s survey and will need to be submitted to VEOHRC in November.
Dandenong demonstrates leadership with CALD communities
The City of Greater Dandenong is holding two Candidate Information Sessions for their CALD communities – one in August and one in September. A flyer was developed in the 10 top languages in the City and distributed through the community via the Community Services Directorate through professional contacts, community leaders, community centres, Council customer service centres, Council libraries and neighbourhood houses. The sessions were also actively promoted to local organisations that intersect with the CALD community. The City’s monthly newsletter will also promote the sessions (in English) but with a translation service available if required. Congratulations Dandenong!
DSE Waste Policy Review update
The Department of Sustainability and Environment and Environment portfolio partners are conducting a review of waste policy, and the consultation period is complete. Since the March launch of the discussion paper, 71 submissions were received. Additionally, an engagement program of 17 workshops was rolled out across the State and over 400 people attended these sessions. Later this year a draft waste policy paper will be released for public comment. You can get in touch with the team by email to join the conversation online at their Yammer group for information and feedback from the engagement sessions.
VicTrack’s quarterly update
Keeping Track is VicTrack's quarterly e-newsletter specifically designed to be of interest to local governments. It aims to share news about relevant VicTrack projects and initiatives and introduce staff members who regularly interact with councils. You can view the latest edition and subscribe for regular updates here.
VCOSS appoints new CEO
The VLGA extends our congratulations to our colleague Penny Wilson, who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Victorian Council of Social Service. Penny is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre and we worked closely with her in that role. We look forward to working with Penny in her new position.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
‘Y Council?’
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) have teamed up to run a free interactive forum in Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
August Leading Edge Forum: Running and winning issue campaigns
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government elections provide an opportunity for local issues to be considered and debated. This Leading Edge Forum will explore how you can get your issue on the local agenda. We invite you to join us for this special LEF, featuring international community campaigns author and practitioner, Tony Milne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Candidate Workshop – Practicalities between now and E-day
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before Election Day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away; how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement; and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. Download the flyer and registration form here and register quickly as places are limited.
VLGA social media updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to catch up with VLGA news and activities. This week, visitors can follow our President to the VLGA Board meeting, discussing the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord. Our CEO Maree McPherson speaks to ABC Radio Ballarat about the Think women for local government 2012 project and Human Rights Policy Officer Gary Jungwirth co-facilitates the Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing workshop. Readers can find links to upcoming VLGA events as well as the new VLGA webpage containing information about our advocacy work on behalf of improved councillor allowances and support.
Other Events
ECO-Buy Social Procurement Breakfast Forum
Thursday 16 August, 8-10am
60 Leicester St, Carlton
ECO-Buy is running a Breakfast Forum to help you understand the issues and approaches to addressing social considerations in procurement. Social procurement is a key business strategy both to avoid negative press from poor labour conditions and unethical practices and also to show leadership in developing communities and assisting the disadvantaged.
IAP2 Australasia Leadership Forum 2012
Thursday 11 & Friday 12 October
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
The Leadership Forum will enable participants to work alongside leading public participation practitioners and researchers. The program is highly interactive, will engage participants and enable knowledge generation and knowledge transfer. For full details of speakers and sessions, click here. To register, click here and find the register button at the bottom of the page.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are here.
VLGA President’s Message
Over the past few weeks, the VLGA has been advocating on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. We have written to Minister Powell about our concerns and requested a meeting time to discuss these in more depth. We have sought meetings with the Opposition, and have had discussions with two of the upper house Greens members about our apprehensions. We have been particularly concerned about the proposal to change the process for local governments to implement differential rates, and we issued a media release on 21 June. Since that time, we have been seeking the views of councillors and local governments on the content and implications of the Bill, and member council CEOs have received two communiques from the VLGA on this matter – one dealing primarily with the VLGA’s research on differential rates and the other seeking views on the remaining provisions in the Bill, before we provide a response to the Government. Several local governments have already contacted us, especially about the lack of consultation with the wider sector prior to the introduction of the Bill. It’s not too late to get your comments to our Director Policy Toby Archer via email, or you can contact me directly. You might have seen in a previous edition of eNews that the VLGA is seeking your views on what makes a Resilient Neighbourhood. If you haven't had a chance to attend one of our Resilient Neighbourhoods workshops you can complete our online survey. We'd love to hear from as many of you as possible. Further information about the project can be found here. Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
The VLGA and RMIT University’s Australian Centre for Human Rights Education are bringing you this practical workshop. If you haven’t already registered, make sure you RSVP today.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Register quickly for this special workshop for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections. More details below in our Events section and you can download the registration information here.
A variety of views on Victoria’s planning reforms
Local governments around the state are considering how the recently announced changes to the proposed planning zones will be implemented locally and what impact they will have on planning decisions. A mix of views were reported in the media last week. Local governments and community members have until 21 September to provide comment on the proposed changes. A discussion paper, fact sheets and an online feedback form are now available on the Department of Planning and Community Development website. The VLGA is preparing a submission for DPCD and we are keen to hear the views of members. Please contact our Director Policy Toby Archer via email to add your ideas.
VLGA submission to interim report for the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001
The VLGA is concerned about the proliferation of online gambling and the targeting of young people and other vulnerable communities. We believe the Australian Government has a clear role to play in regulating online gaming, sports betting and advertising of gambling and we have made a submission to the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 which incorporates comments from our members including the Local Government Working Group on Gambling.
VCEC Issues Paper released - Inquiry into Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has released an Issues Paper for the Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling in Victoria. The Issues Paper is intended to assist organisations and individuals to prepare submissions to the inquiry. Submissions are invited by 31 August 2012 and the VLGA will be preparing a submission in consultation with members. The VCEC encourages interested people to ‘follow’ on Twitter @gamblinginquiry and ‘like’ on Facebook. Email the VCEC for further information.
Victorian smoking rates hit record low
According to new research released by the Cancer Council of Victoria (CCV), smoking rates in Victoria have dropped below 15%. The 2011 Smoking Prevalence and Consumption in Victoria report showed 14.4% of Victorians were regular smokers in 2011 compared to 21.2% in 1998. CCV has pointed out that this outcome has been achieved due to a period of significant action and tobacco reform over the last five years including increases to the price of cigarettes and anti-smoking messages. A number of local governments in Victoria have also led the way with the introduction of local laws to expand non-smoking areas to promote health and wellbeing.
Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy
Last Tuesday the VLGA was represented at the Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy economic development summit in Melbourne by our CEO Maree McPherson. The Summit was addressed by Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government Minister, Jeanette Powell, and included a wide variety of speakers and panellists from the Commonwealth, State and local governments.
ALGWA Study Award – opportunity for women officers
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Annual Study Award encourages and assists women in the local government sector to further their education. The Study Award is open to permanent members of staff in a Victorian local government. The Award is given in memory of past State and National President of ALGWA, Marie Wallace OAM JP. The applicant must be currently studying at a Diploma level or higher, at a recognised tertiary institution, on a part time or full time basis and must demonstrate the ability to make a positive contribution to their area of employment and to their employer through further tertiary study. The studies undertaken must be directly related to the applicant’s field of employment. Applications close Monday 27 August 2012. Email for further enquiries.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
Thursday 26 July, 9am-1pm
RMIT Building 13 (Emily McPherson Building), Level 3, Multipurpose Room, Cnr Victoria Parade and Russell St, Melbourne
RSVP 23 July
A valuable workshop for local government officers who are charged with the responsibility to complete the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Annual Survey, and for local government managers or councillors with an interest in human rights at the local level. Facilitated by the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education and the VLGA, this practical workshop will focus on how to complete the Survey, considering both its requirements and the council approval process. To register, contact 9349 7999 or send email.
‘Y’ Council?
Thursday 26 July, 5-7pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
RSVP by 19 July
AND
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) are teaming up to run a free interactive forum in Melbourne and Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
August Leading Edge Forum – ‘Running and winning issue campaigns’
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government elections provide an opportunity for local issues to be considered and debated. This Leading Edge Forum will explore how you can get your issue on the local agenda. We invite you to join us for this special Leading Edge Forum, featuring international community campaigns author and practitioner, Tony Milne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before Election Day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away, how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement, and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. Download the flyer and registration form here and register quickly as places are limited.
VLGA social media updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities. This week we follow CEO Maree McPherson to Elgar Contact Inc in Box Hill and the Economic Development Summit: Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy in Melbourne. Visitors can find links to the VLGA Resilient Neighbourhoods project online survey and read about a fantastic opportunity to support diversity in local government, offered by the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition.
This week we have added to our YouTube video posts with a great synopsis of the Think- women- for- local- government- 2012 media launch at Parliament House on 5 June.
Other Events
Melbourne Conversations - Heritage and development innovation: making Melbourne a world leader
Friday 27 July, 6-7.30pm
RMIT Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St (opposite Melbourne Town Hall)
Free entry – no bookings
Inner Melbourne will experience development and growth to meet contemporary needs and maintain prosperity. How should Melbourne lead by example, and balance the tangible heritage values of the material form and the newly emerging heritage paradigm associated with the values of cultural identity, memory and usage of urban spaces and places? Hear from the experts and have your say. You can also get involved in the conversations on Facebook and Twitter. More information can be found online.
Hope talks: the social environment and youth suicide
Despite appearances of prosperity, we are losing our young people at an alarming rate. Continual cyber bullying, long term mental illness, family breakdown, lack of hope and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed are all increasingly common. P4T (Partnering for Transformation), YFC, Sophia Think Tank and the Australian Media Engagement Project are hosting conversations aimed at raising awareness and moving towards solutions. Event details are listed below.
Urban Conversation - FREE
Sunday 29 July, 6pm
Café Hamodava, Westwood Place (near 614 Bourke St) Melbourne
RSVP by 26 July via email specifying this event, OR
World Café Facilitated Conversation - $30 per person
Tuesday 4 September, 9.30am-4pm
Venue TBC
RSVP by 30 July via email specifying this event.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are here.
VLGA President’s Message
Last week, I wrote an Opinion Piece by invitation from the Herald Sun, focusing on the important contribution councillors make to their communities. As the third tier of Australian government, local government delivers a wide variety of services that are essential to our lives and well-being. I love what I do and being a representative for my community. I made a choice to run for council, and am delighted to be serving my second term. I take my role extremely seriously and I therefore think it is worth providing a profile and some context for the community, about the role of councillors. As a follow up to this piece, our CEO Maree McPherson was interviewed by Derryn Hinch on 3AW Drive on Wednesday afternoon. This past week, we have continued to see the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) in the media taking a swing at local governments about rates. At the VLGA, we feel the debate about rate reform is not assisted by taking a swipe at local governments. It would be far more productive to look at the equity of revenue raising mechanisms rather than looking at the ways in which councils expend their revenue. Criticising councils for planning for climate change adaptation, especially in areas where farmers face the impacts on their businesses, or where the community will be faced with sea level rises, seems counterproductive. I reiterate my point from last week about the already limited capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet their policy goals. The rates discussion in eNews generated a lot of member e-mails and phone calls last week and we thank you for your comments, which we will use to support our work on sector development and reform. The school holidays have now come to an end, and I’m back on deck again, so please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
New zones for homes
Planning continues to feature in the news. Planning Minister Mathew Guy made another announcement last week on significant changes to the state’s residential, commercial, industrial and rural planning zones. The changes will delete nine of the current zones for residential, business and priority development and merge these into five new zones. Residential zones will provide three degrees of control over new development ranging from the growth zoning which will permit high-density development, the general residential zone which will permit some growth and the more restrictive neighbourhood residential zone. There will also be significant changes to commercial and rural zones. Local governments will be responsible for implementing these new zones once they commence in October 2012. Local governments and community members will be able to provide feedback on these changes until 21 September. Some details on the changes and the consultative process are available here. Planning decisions at VCAT were also prominent last week, with the tribunal awarding a permit for a mixed use development in Armadale containing 466 dwellings. The ruling overturned the decision made by Stonnington Council to reject the application in January. The decision has been disappointing for local residents and serves as an example of how challenging the process of increasing housing density has become.
Community and Social Planners’ Network
The VLGA is pleased to be partnering with the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Office of the Community Sector, to develop a schedule of professional development activities for the CASPN membership. A series of workshops and seminars will be in place to lead good practice and enhance skills for community and social planners across Victorian local governments throughout 2012-13. Stay tuned for more information!
ALGWA Study Award – opportunity for women officers
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Annual Study Award encourages and assists women in the local government sector to further their education. The Study Award is open to permanent members of staff in a Victorian local government. The Award is given in memory of past State and National President of ALGWA, Marie Wallace OAM JP. The applicant must be currently studying at a Diploma level or higher, at a recognised tertiary institution, on a part time or full time basis and must demonstrate the ability to make a positive contribution to their area of employment and to their employer through further tertiary study. The studies undertaken must be directly related to the applicant’s field of employment. Applications close Monday 27 August 2012. Email for further enquiries.
Review of National Parks Regulations
The National Parks (Park) Regulations 2003 are due to expire or ‘sunset’ on 24 June 2013. The Department of Sustainability and Environment is proposing that these principle regulations be consolidated with the National Parks (Cape Howe Marine National Park) Regulations 2006 and the Department is reviewing these regulations with an aim to replace them before the sunset date. Email through your comments by 3 August.
Food insecurity in our cities
A recent article in The Conversation by Professor Paul Burton from Griffith University provides a very good overview of the issues driving increasing food insecurity in our cities, along with the difficulties associated with addressing them. He examines the move towards the re-localisation of food production and the expansion of urban agriculture. The issues raised by Professor Burton around food security relate directly to the work currently being done by the VLGA in our Resilient Neighbourhoods project funded through the Victorian Government’s Victorian Local Sustainability Accord.
Healthy Foods for Healthy Communities
The HealthWest Food Security Network has released Healthy Foods for Healthy Communities – Issues of food access and availability in the west, a report canvassing key food security issues in the HealthWest catchment. The report will be particularly useful for local government planners, health promotion workers, program developers, quality improvement officers and others who will be able to use the data to inform food security advocacy, policy, planning and program development.
Seeing waste as a resource
With significant focus by VLGA members on waste management issues, we thought members might be interested in the release of this report – A baseline study of Australia’s community recycling enterprises (CRE). Australia’s Community Recycling Enterprises (CREs) divert 152,000 tonnes of waste each year, employ 1500 people and contribute over $56 million to the regional economy. A national study by the Queensland University of Technology has demonstrated that the reuse of disused resources has the potential to create a new industry sector providing jobs for Australia’s most disadvantaged jobseekers.
New Executive Officer for CHFV
VLGA members, the Community Housing Federation of Victoria (CHFV) have appointed their new Executive Officer. Welcome to Lesley Dredge. Lesley developed a passion for housing while working for Aged and Community Services Australia - the national peak body for not for profit aged care providers. As part of her role, Lesley developed policy and worked closely with providers to improve housing options for older Australians.
Pam Keating Award open
The Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) Pam Keating Award recognises the contribution of the late Pam Keating (1954-2009) across a number of sectors in the environment industry in Victoria. The Pam Keating Award will be awarded to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the Victorian environment industry, with a particular focus on the areas reflecting Pam's involvement. The winner will receive an amount of $1,500 to be used for the purposes of professional development. This may include a course of study, attendance at environmental conferences/seminars or other relevant applications. There is no age limit on nominees, but they must demonstrate they have at least 2 years’ experience in the environment industry. Nominations for the Award must be submitted on the nomination form and sent by email. Nominations must be received by 4.00pm on Friday 31 August 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
Thursday 26 July, 9am-1pm
RMIT Building 13 (Emily McPherson Building), Level 3, Multipurpose Room, Cnr Victoria Parade and Russell St, Melbourne
RSVP 23 July
A valuable workshop for local government officers who are charged with the responsibility to complete the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Annual Survey, and for local government managers or councillors with an interest in human rights at the local level. Facilitated by the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education and the VLGA, this practical workshop will focus on how to complete the Survey, considering both its requirements and the council approval process. To register, contact 9349 7999 or send email.
‘Y’ Council?
Thursday 26 July, 5-7pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
RSVP by 19 July
AND
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) are teaming up to run a free interactive forum in Melbourne and Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
August Leading Edge Forum – ‘Running and winning issue campaigns’
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government elections provide an opportunity for local issues to be considered and debated. This Leading Edge Forum will explore how you can get your issue on the local agenda. We invite you to join us for this special Leading Edge Forum, featuring international community campaigns author and practitioner, Tony Milne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before Election Day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away, how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement, and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. Download the flyer and registration form here and register quickly as places are limited.
VLGA Facebook updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities. This week we discuss VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn’s Opinion Piece for the Herald Sun newspaper and follow CEO Maree McPherson to the Latrobe Regional Valley to attend the Peggy Stevenson Annual Tribute. Link through to exciting upcoming events at the VLGA including the interactive Candidate Workshop and our August Leading Edge Forum Running and Winning Issue Campaigns featuring Tony Milne.
Other Events
Hope talks: the social environment and youth suicide
Despite appearances of prosperity, we are losing our young people at an alarming rate. Continual cyber bullying, long term mental illness, family breakdown, increasing lack of hope and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed. P4T (Partnering for Transformation), YFC, Sophia Think Tank and the Australian Media Engagement Project are hosting conversations aimed at raising awareness and moving towards solutions.
Urban Conversation - FREE
Sunday 29 July, 6pm
Café Hamodava, Westwood Place (near 614 Bourke St) Melbourne
RSVP by 26 July via email specifying this event, OR
World Café Facilitated Conversation - $30 per person
Tuesday 4 September, 9.30am-4pm
Venue TBC
RSVP by 30 July via email specifying this event.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are here.
VLGA President’s Message
In the past few days, there has been an interesting and tense interplay between local government and the Victorian Farmers’ Federation. At the VLGA, we feel this highlights and adds weight to our argument that it’s time to review the local government sector in Victoria – there are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be why we keep using a nineteenth century property tax to provide for twenty-first century people and property services. The Local Government Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012 will continue the pattern of episodic amendment to the legislation without a comprehensive review. In fact, we think the proposed changes to differential rating may exacerbate the issue by having the potential to reduce even further the already limited capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet their policy goals - the major reason that rates are levied - to deliver services and infrastructure for their communities. The VLGA sees the need for a Green Paper/White Paper process and we will keep advocating this to the Victorian Government. On a happier note, this week the VLGA welcomes our newest member local government – the Swan Hill Rural City Council. Swan Hill Rural City is principally an agricultural and horticultural region deriving its income from these industries and the businesses that service them. The municipality is bordered by the Murray River, Australia's greatest river, for over 300 kilometres and is highly dependent on it for irrigation, domestic and industrial water supplies as well as active and passive recreational pursuits. Swan Hill and Robinvale are the two largest service centres in the municipality; however a number of smaller towns such as Lake Boga, Manangatang, Nyah, Nyah West, Piangil, Ultima and Woorinen South offer a variety of lifestyles. VLGA members and friends enjoyed a stimulating Leading Edge Forum on Thursday evening – thanks to the large number of people who attended to hear about what makes Resilient Cities. You can watch the web cast here. Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Candidate workshops
The VLGA is offering some great activities for candidates in the upcoming 2012 local government elections, or for those who are interested and in the future – see the VLGA Events section below for more information on the Y Council? events in Melbourne and Bendigo, and the practical Candidate Workshop coming up on 9 August at the VLGA.
VLGA forums with international speaker in August!
The VLGA is bringing renowned international speaker, Tony Milne to Victoria in August. Tony is the National Manager of Public Health for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand where he runs their local and central Government advocacy campaigns. Tony will be the keynote at our August Leading Edge Forum (see the VLGA Events section below). While in Melbourne, Tony will be delivering a workshop for local government officers and he will also do some specific work with VLGA staff. Tony's campaign work in and outside of the Problem Gambling sector led him to produce a booklet called Running and Winning Issue Campaigns - a simple 10 step plan. His booklet is designed as a simple 10 step plan for how groups or organisations might go about putting together a winning local campaign with and on behalf of the voiceless. As well as campaign work for The Problem Gambling Foundation, Tony spent several years working in Central Government for MPs and Ministers. He has worked on several political campaigns including as a volunteer for Barack Obama in Pennsylvania in 2008, Campaign Manager in 2010 for a Mayoral campaign in Christchurch and was the campaign co-ordinator for the successful Civil Union’s campaign in 2003.
VFF attacks local governments
Last week the Victorian Farmers Federation launched an extraordinary attack on local government, releasing a small survey of member’s views on municipal rates. Among allegations of waste and unnecessary spending, the VFF also criticised a group of Gippsland councils for undertaking research forecasting the impacts of climate change on the region and advised members to withhold payment of rates. This project was in fact the subject of a VLGA Leading Edge Forum held in Gippsland in May, and attracted wide interest and acclaim from the agribusiness community for its foresight. The Municipal Association of Victoria has rightly criticised the VFF survey and the attacks on councils. The VLGA believes this has been an unproductive way to address the budgetary challenges faced by rural and regional councils. It also fails to acknowledge how our sector works with communities. Councils engage with their local communities to frame rating strategies and develop budgets. The majority of rural councils have developed rating strategies which are designed to respond to the concerns of primary producers while ensuring council service provision meets community expectations.
Local governments act on TAFE and VET sector reform concerns
As we have noted in previous eNews bulletins, several VLGA member local governments have undertaken activity in their communities with regards to the reforms to funding in the TAFE and vocational education sectors. In addition to community forums, some members are carrying out their own analyses. The South East Councils starting from Kingston and going through to Bass Coast are undertaking research to demonstrate the economic and social impact of the TAFE/VET budget cuts. The research will take about 3 months to complete. Chisholm and Holmesglen TAFEs are still calculating the impact and this information will not be available until the end of the month/early August. Other local governments may be interested in this research model.
Vision Super – Defined Benefits Scheme
Last week’s Local Government Victoria newsletter provides some information on Vision Super and states that LGV and the Victorian Auditor General’s Office will provide guidance material on the appropriate treatment of the defined benefits liability in the Annual Financial Statements of councils.
Resilient Neighbourhoods
The Resilient Neighbourhoods project is continuing to engage with several local governments with a number of recent events including our Leading Edge Forum on 5 July, generating even more interest. If you haven't had a chance to attend one of our workshops but would like to share your experience and thoughts on what ingredients are needed to support resilient neighbourhoods, than another option is to complete our online survey. We'd love to hear from as many of you as possible so we can ensure the project delivers outcomes that will assist you and your community. Further information about the project can be found here or contact Micaela Drieberg on 9349 7999 or by email.
Mayors on Bikes 2012 – save the date!
In partnership with the Metropolitan Transport Forum and the City of Maribyrnong, this year’s VLGA Mayors on Bikes event will be held on 19 September from 10am around the inner city municipality of Maribyrnong. More information is on the way so stay tuned for your Mayor’s invitation to participate.
Census summaries for metropolitan suburbs
Census 2011 summaries of population and social conditions within all metropolitan Melbourne suburbs are now available via a partnership between the VLGA and Greater Dandenong City Council. Councillors, election candidates, local government officers and community members can use census summaries to get a snapshot of all suburbs in Melbourne. This information will be updated in early November, to include more detailed information about employment, occupations, industry and travel to work. It will also be expanded to include regional and rural suburbs and townships.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
Thursday 26 July, 9am-1pm
RMIT Building 13 (Emily McPherson Building), Level 3, Multipurpose Room, Cnr Victoria Parade and Russell St, Melbourne
RSVP 23 July!
A valuable workshop for local government officers who are charged with the responsibility to complete the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Annual Survey, and for local government managers or councillors with an interest in human rights at the local level. Facilitated by the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education and the VLGA, this practical workshop will focus on how to complete the Survey, considering both its requirements and the council approval process. To register, email or call 9349 7999.
‘Y’ Council?
Thursday 26 July, 5-7pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
RSVP by 19 July
AND
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) are teaming up to run a free interactive forum in Melbourne and Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
August Leading Edge Forum – Running and winning issue campaigns
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
We invite you to join us to hear our international guest speaker, Tony Milne. Tony is the National Manager of Public Health for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand where he runs their local and central Government advocacy campaigns. His workshop will discuss some of Tony's campaign work in and outside of the Problem Gambling sector and the lessons he learnt along the way. Those lessons led him to produce a booklet called "Running and Winning Issue Campaigns - a simple 10 step plan". As well as campaign work for The Problem Gambling Foundation, Tony spent several years working in Central Government for MPs and Ministers. He has worked on several political campaigns including as a volunteer for Barack Obama in Pennsylvania in 2008, Campaign Manager in 2010 for a Mayoral campaign in Christchurch and was the campaign co-ordinator for the successful Civil Union’s campaign in 2003. We are delighted to have Tony joining us in Melbourne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before election day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away, how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement, and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. For more information and to register, go here.
VLGA Facebook updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities. This week we post links to our new Understanding Working in Local Government web-page as well as the latest VLGA Good Governance Grab, Election Campaigning and the use of Council Resources. Visitors can also find links to the webcast of the Resilient Cities Leading Edge Forum and see photos from the event.
Other Events
Think women for local government 2012 forums
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (Vic) branch (ALGWA) is working with the VLGA to conduct four new ‘Think women’ forums in regional Victoria. The forums will be held in:
Pyrenees - Beaufort Community Development Centre, 1 Lawrence Street Beaufort, July 14 at 10am; &
Hepburn – Daylesford Town Hall, July 14 at 2pm;
For further information on these forums, please contact Cr Cheryl Bromfield on 0448 024 755 or via email.
Yarriambiack – Warracknabeal Shire Function Room, July 16, from 5.30pm &
Hindmarsh – Nhill Shire Offices, July 30, from 5.30pm
For further information on these forums, please contact Cr Jean Wise OAM via email.
Hope talks: the social environment and youth suicide
Despite appearances of prosperity, we are losing our young people at an alarming rate. Continual cyber bullying, long term mental illness, family breakdown, increasing lack of hope and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed. P4T (Partnering for Transformation), YFC, Sophia Think Tank and the Australian Media Engagement Project are hosting conversations aimed at raising awareness and moving towards solutions.
Urban Conversation - FREE
Sunday 29 July, 6pm
Café Hamodava, Westwood Place (near 614 Bourke St) Melbourne
RSVP 26 July via email specifying this event, OR
World Café Facilitated Conversation - $30 per person
Tuesday 4 September, 9.30am-4pm
Venue TBC
RSVP 30 July via email specifying this event.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are found here.
VLGA President’s Message
Many of you are aware by now of the proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act), through the Local Government Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012, (the Bill) which we reported on last week. The Bill proposes a number of changes, including to meeting procedures, campaign donation disclosure, conflict of interest and councillor conduct hearings. The VLGA Board discussed the proposed legislation at our meeting on Thursday and for us the items that stand out are the removal of the requirement for councillors and special committee members to vote on matters for decision, and the power to make Ministerial guidelines for the imposition of differential rates. There are a number of ‘sleeper’ issues in the Bill and we welcome any thoughts councillors, CEOs and executive teams have on the implications of these changes. This week, as we have most Council budgets passed and possible media focus on rates, I refer you to my comments in the editorial of the latest edition of Local Government Focus magazine. In addition, many members have contacted me about the Defined Benefit Plan shortfall; there has been much media speculation and discussion around the sector as we all work through what this means for local governments in Victoria, and we understand that the MAV has issued a members brief about this which we encourage you to read. And finally, it’s NAIDOC week, and many of you will be attending related functions. NAIDOC week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields. Activities take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week in the first full week of July. All Australians are encouraged to participate. I am out and about on school holidays for the next fortnight but please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Y Council? – Q & A with young councillors for young people
The VLGA will be joining forces with the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) to host forums in Melbourne (26 July) and Bendigo (9 August) to engage young people and local governments. The Y Council? forums aim to promote discussions to encourage young people to get involved in local government. These interactive sessions will inform young people about the role of local governments and what it is like to be a councillor. For more details about the forums, contact Jieh-Yung Lo on (03) 9349 7980 or via email.
Updated election resources: Understanding working with your local government
A new page, Understanding working in local government,
has been added to the 2012 Local Government Elections resources section of
our website, and is a good start for people wanting to understand some
of the mechanics of how local governments work.
Good Governance Grab – Election campaigns and council resources
The
VLGA has produced our latest Good Governance Grab on the use of council
resources during your election campaign. This will be added to our Local Government Elections web-page and you can also access the document here.
Williams vs. Commonwealth update
In our President’s Message last week, we commented on the High Court’s decision on Williams vs. Commonwealth regarding the National School Chaplaincy program and the possible implications for local government funding. On Thursday, the Commonwealth Parliament passed legislation to secure the future of Government programs. The Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2012 provides a legislative basis for the funding of a range of programs. Over 400 programs are identified in the Bill and regulations will be able to be made to provide a legislative basis for new programs. According to Friday’s ALGA newsletter, the legislation does not impact on the Roads to Recovery program, which already has its own legislation.
VCEC Inquiry on problem gambling – Have your say
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has been directed by the Treasurer to undertake an inquiry into the social and economic costs of problem gambling in Victoria. The Inquiry is scheduled to be completed by 14 December and between now and then an issues paper will be written and submissions will be invited. Following this, a draft report will be released and comments will be sought. The VLGA will be providing a detailed submission to the VCEC and will be seeking comments and feedback from members and stakeholders. Please contact Jieh-Yung Lo on (03) 9349 7980 or via email for further details.
City of Greater Geelong calls for safe release of Melinda Taylor
Last Tuesday, the City of Greater Geelong resolved to initiate a petition addressed to the Prime Minister of Libya, respectfully requesting the immediate safe release of detained Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor. To see more and to sign the petition, go here.
Commonwealth response to Victorian floods review
Last Thursday Federal Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon tabled the Australian Government’s response to the Final Report of the Victorian Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response. Of the 93 recommendations contained in the report, 11 are directed either in full or in part to the Commonwealth. The recommendations supported by the Government include:
* reviewing institutional arrangements for flood forecasting and predictions for certain parts of Victoria;
* adjusting flood prediction models to incorporate water storage conditions; and
* including requirements for robust ‘all hazards’ evacuation plans in aged care facilities.
Farewell to RGAC – and thanks
The Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre closed its doors last week, and the VLGA acknowledges the Centre’s work and the team’s involvement in our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG). The RGAC will cease operations from 1 July 2012 as the company will be deregistered. The website will redirect to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation which includes information about the Foundation and its Gambling Resource and Information Office (GIRO). From 2 July 2012, you can email the Foundation and the GIRO or call (03) 8684 7984.
Local governments preventing violence against women
The final report from the Local Government Preventing Violence Against Women project (2009-2011) is a powerful story about the value of networking and capacity building in the local government sector, in the important work of preventing violence against women. The project was hosted by the City of Darebin with VicHealth funding.
National 2012 savewater! awards
The savewater! awards are now in their tenth year, and have emerged as Australia’s leading awards for water sustainability. These prestigious awards recognise and reward excellence in water-efficiency by business, government, schools, local communities and individuals. There is a government category this year which may be of interest to VLGA members.
IWC Master of Integrated Water Management Scholarships
The International WaterCentre’s Masters Scholarships are now open to study the IWC Master of Integrated Water Management in Australia in 2013. Apply online for a scholarship by 1 August 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
July Leading Edge Forum
Resilient Cities: What ingredients are needed to support sustainable urban change?
Thursday 5 July, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
We invite you to join us for this practical and informative Leading Edge Forum which will look at how local governments can facilitate sustainable urban change and help build resilient communities for the future. Featuring presentations from three diverse speakers, the forum will share current best practice approaches in integration, community engagement and sustainable development. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA Facebook updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities, and see what our President and CEO are up to. This week we congratulate Moreland and Golden Plains on their wins in the 2012 National Local Government Awards, and you can link through to provide feedback on the State Disability Plan.
Other Events
15th International Riversymposium
8-11 October
Melbourne
Registrations are now open for the 15th International Riversymposium, to be held for the first time in Melbourne from 8 to 11 October 2012. This year’s event will look at ‘Rivers in a Rapidly Urbanising World’ and will explore the intricately linked pressures on rivers as our urban population grows. Earlybird registrations close on 11 July.
UNAA Business & Human Rights Workshop 5
Addressing adverse human rights impacts: Managing human rights related complaints, disputes and grievances
Wednesday 1 August, 9am-1pm101 Collins St, Melbourne
Hosted by Allens, this workshop, part of a series, invites professionals from diverse backgrounds wanting to learn more about business and human rights and how to apply the UN Guiding Principles in practice. The workshops build capacity to monitor and manage corporate human rights impacts and risks, and provide practical guidance on how to integrate human rights considerations into everyday business practices. Register here by Monday 23 July.
Victoria at the Crossroads?
24-24 August
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon St, South Wharf
Just another downturn, or is Victoria at the crossroads? Despite benefitting from the early stages of the resources boom, has Victoria missed its chance to lay the foundations for future growth? Is the required infrastructure now outside the scope of tightened budget constraints? Prime Minister Julia Gillard will deliver this special luncheon address, where she will share her vision for Victoria’s role in Australia’s future prosperity.
