VLGA President’s Message
One of the goals of the VLGA is to support and enhance Victorian local governments in terms of financial sustainability, political leadership and capacity to engage and involve communities. We are always interested in new ideas and reform proposals which genuinely seek to strengthen local governments, and we think it is important for Victorian local governments to be generating and discussing ideas around strengthening the sector. Last week, mayors and CEOs received correspondence from the VLGA detailing our partnership with the Australian Centre of Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) to undertake the Victorian element of a national research project. This project recognises that there are considerable differences in the approaches different states have taken to local government reform in Australia. It seeks to compare and analyse these different approaches with a view to promoting discussion on the different models of strategic leadership, political leadership and better governance that are being addressed and put into place. The Victorian element will include a series of interviews and focus groups, which will be run in early 2013. These will further explore ideas that will be generated through a desktop research and literature review taking place during the remainder of 2012, and will result in us being able to locate where Victoria sits in the national context compared with different state approaches. The VLGA’s participation comes as a follow-up to our Think Tank, held in March 2012, which identified a number of important governance and representation issues that we felt warranted further investigation. The VLGA Board has endorsed our participation and committed funds to the research partnership. We think that it is very important that local governments and communities are able to start conversations ahead of any ‘top down’ change proposals, so that they can be part of the setting of agendas. If you have any comments or would like further information about the research project, please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance, by email. 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
Local Government legislation amendments
The Victorian Parliament will resume debate on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012 this week. Parliament is likely to pass the Bill by the end of August. There are many questions about how the Bill will affect local government practices and procedures and the VLGA is seeking clarification from Local Government Victoria on the implementation of new legislative requirements.
Candidates geared up for October
The VLGA’s Candidate Workshop ‘Practicalities between now and E-Day’ was a great success! Participants from across Victoria came together to learn from a group of experienced local government election campaigners about the ‘dos and don’ts’ in the lead-up to the October local government elections. Remember to watch our 2012 Local Government Elections page and our Candidate Resources page for new tips, Good Governance Grabs, resources and events from the VLGA.
VLGA to host Thriving Neighbourhoods session
The VLGA will host a special session at the international Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012, to be held in Melbourne in November. As a conference supporter, VLGA members are entitled to significant discounts: up to $260 off the full registration fee, and further discounts on early bird registration. Don’t forget to register!
‘Y Council?’ at Bendigo Town Hall
Last Thursday, the VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) teamed up to deliver our second ‘Y Council?’ Forum to encourage young people to get involved with local government. Held in Bendigo, young people had an opportunity to hear from young councillors about what it’s like to be involved in local government. The VLGA and YACVic acknowledge the support of Crs Sebastian Klein and James Reade, and YACVic’s Nic Kimberley and our own Jieh-Yung Lo in making this event happen.
VLGA congratulates winner of Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award
The VLGA extends our warm congratulations to Catherine Bateman on the awarding of the 2012 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award. Catherine, who works at the YWCA, was named the winner of the award from a strong field of 15 candidates at the LGPro Women’s Network Dinner on 26 July. Sally Isaac worked for the VLGA and the City of Yarra, making a profound impact on both her workplaces before her death in 2009 following a 12-month battle with cancer. That same year, Sally's family and friends established the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Update to VicTrack Rail Maintenance Guide
VicTrack has designed a rail maintenance guide specifically to assist local governments to understand who does what in the rail sector. The guide has recently been updated to reflect changes to telephone queries for Metro and V/Line that are now managed by Public Transport Victoria. The telephone number is 1800 800 007. In addition, VicTrack has set up a new and easy-to-remember central contact telephone number – 1300 VICTRACK (1300 8428 7225). Local governments can also obtain a word version of the guide, which can be tailored to suit their needs, by contacting Mac Henshall by email.
A Gender Agenda on Channel 31
The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities. The program has already screened once and will run again on Sunday 26 August at 9pm. We will be adding the program to our website so those of you who can’t access Channel 31 can view it.
Help with MEFL’s research for a chance to win an ipad!
The Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) is seeking Victorian households to complete a short online energy survey and electricity billing consent form (15 minutes). If you’ve lived in your home for two years or more you can complete the survey and go into the draw to win one of ten iPads. The information you provide will help MEFL, in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, conduct ground-breaking research into residential electricity consumption. For more information visit the Moreland Energy Foundation website.
Keep Australia Beautiful Week is next week!
Keep Australia Beautiful Week runs from Monday 20 – Sunday 26 August 2012. Local governments can support the campaign and a template media release is available to tailor with local information. KAB would also welcome the involvement of local community groups, Tidy Town Committees or Adopt-A-Road/Spot groups in KAB Week activities. Contact Lara Shannon, KAB National Publicist, by email for more information.
Project Procurement Executive Program
Bond University is offering the ‘Project Procurement Executive Program’ on 10 & 11 October 2012, at University of Melbourne’s Graduate House. Completion of the two-day Executive Program will provide credit towards a Bond University Professional Certificate of Project Procurement or other postgraduate programs in Infrastructure and Project Management. Please visit the website for full program details.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
September Leading Edge Forum: Rates and revenue raising – what’s the answer?
Thursday 6 September, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government rates have been the topic of much debate recently. There are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be whether the current rating system is an appropriate and sustainable revenue base for twenty-first century people and property services. Join us at this Leading Edge Forum to hear our speakers discuss the capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet policy goals and deliver services and infrastructure for communities. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Community and Candidate Information Session
Wednesday 22 August, 6pm
Town Hall Administration Building, 120 Swanston Street, MelbourneIn conjunction with Melbourne City Council, the VLGA is conducting a workshop for prospective local government election candidates at the Melbourne Town Hall. For further information visit Melbourne City Council online.
Economic Development Practitioners Bootcamp
30 & 31 August
‘The Capital’ Theatre, Bendigo
Economic development practitioners are invited to a hands-on series of workshops in Bendigo. Known as the Economic Development Practitioners (EDP) Bootcamp, the workshops will have participants fighting fit to tackle the most challenging economic development programs using the latest resources, techniques and information. EDP Bootcamp will sharpen participants’ skills and knowledge by developing their professional capabilities, networks and access to resources.
The Royal Society of Victoria & Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute
Climate Change Science: Impacts and Adaptation for Victoria
21 & 22 September
Basement Theatre, Spot Building, 198 Berkeley St Carlton
Understanding and managing the risks of climate extremes is an important challenge for Australian scientists, planners and politicians. At this two-day symposium, experts will give presentations and participate in panel discussions focused on three aspects of climate change.
Mainstreet Australia – Victorian conference
Tuesday 25 September
Drum Theatre, Dandenong
This one-day Victorian conference will focus on activating main streets, building capacity of businesses, connecting with customers and community and developing co-ordinated approaches. There will be a range of presentations and panel sessions, which will explore topical issues and opportunities including: online media, innovative marketing, best practice approaches for special rates and business associations, integration of main streets in place-making and the economics of main streets.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, ‘Change – Challenge & Choice’, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
Behaviour Change for Sustainability – 3rd National Congress
23 & 24 October
Monash University Law Chambers
Marsh Building, 555 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
The Carbon Tax that came into force on 1 July 2012 will surely drive incentives for increased energy efficiency in Australia. But how far will it really help transform consumer and business behaviours in energy use? Like so many other areas in sustainability, understanding what motivates sustainable behaviour and how to implement effective and sustained change projects is an issue facing organisations across all sectors of government, business and community work. Based on extensive feedback from past attendees, the Congress will combine presentations and structured discussion sessions, supported by web-based information, to support participants in further learning and implementation. Email 3pillarsnetwork for more information.
Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas program
29 October – 2 November
Frankston International Hotel
The Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas is a five-day program to enhance personal and professional skills, including discussions with leading practitioners and a practice workshop. This course is supported and endorsed by the Building Commission and Country Fire Authority and was developed to meet the recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday Bushfires. The course will attract a 50% rebate to Victorian local government employees and employees of companies/private contractors resident in Victoria upon successful completion.
One of the goals of the VLGA is to support and enhance Victorian local governments in terms of financial sustainability, political leadership and capacity to engage and involve communities. We are always interested in new ideas and reform proposals which genuinely seek to strengthen local governments, and we think it is important for Victorian local governments to be generating and discussing ideas around strengthening the sector. Last week, mayors and CEOs received correspondence from the VLGA detailing our partnership with the Australian Centre of Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) to undertake the Victorian element of a national research project. This project recognises that there are considerable differences in the approaches different states have taken to local government reform in Australia. It seeks to compare and analyse these different approaches with a view to promoting discussion on the different models of strategic leadership, political leadership and better governance that are being addressed and put into place. The Victorian element will include a series of interviews and focus groups, which will be run in early 2013. These will further explore ideas that will be generated through a desktop research and literature review taking place during the remainder of 2012, and will result in us being able to locate where Victoria sits in the national context compared with different state approaches. The VLGA’s participation comes as a follow-up to our Think Tank, held in March 2012, which identified a number of important governance and representation issues that we felt warranted further investigation. The VLGA Board has endorsed our participation and committed funds to the research partnership. We think that it is very important that local governments and communities are able to start conversations ahead of any ‘top down’ change proposals, so that they can be part of the setting of agendas. If you have any comments or would like further information about the research project, please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance, by email. 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
Local Government legislation amendments
The Victorian Parliament will resume debate on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012 this week. Parliament is likely to pass the Bill by the end of August. There are many questions about how the Bill will affect local government practices and procedures and the VLGA is seeking clarification from Local Government Victoria on the implementation of new legislative requirements.
Candidates geared up for October
The VLGA’s Candidate Workshop ‘Practicalities between now and E-Day’ was a great success! Participants from across Victoria came together to learn from a group of experienced local government election campaigners about the ‘dos and don’ts’ in the lead-up to the October local government elections. Remember to watch our 2012 Local Government Elections page and our Candidate Resources page for new tips, Good Governance Grabs, resources and events from the VLGA.
VLGA to host Thriving Neighbourhoods session
The VLGA will host a special session at the international Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012, to be held in Melbourne in November. As a conference supporter, VLGA members are entitled to significant discounts: up to $260 off the full registration fee, and further discounts on early bird registration. Don’t forget to register!
‘Y Council?’ at Bendigo Town Hall
Last Thursday, the VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) teamed up to deliver our second ‘Y Council?’ Forum to encourage young people to get involved with local government. Held in Bendigo, young people had an opportunity to hear from young councillors about what it’s like to be involved in local government. The VLGA and YACVic acknowledge the support of Crs Sebastian Klein and James Reade, and YACVic’s Nic Kimberley and our own Jieh-Yung Lo in making this event happen.
VLGA congratulates winner of Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award
The VLGA extends our warm congratulations to Catherine Bateman on the awarding of the 2012 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award. Catherine, who works at the YWCA, was named the winner of the award from a strong field of 15 candidates at the LGPro Women’s Network Dinner on 26 July. Sally Isaac worked for the VLGA and the City of Yarra, making a profound impact on both her workplaces before her death in 2009 following a 12-month battle with cancer. That same year, Sally's family and friends established the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Update to VicTrack Rail Maintenance Guide
VicTrack has designed a rail maintenance guide specifically to assist local governments to understand who does what in the rail sector. The guide has recently been updated to reflect changes to telephone queries for Metro and V/Line that are now managed by Public Transport Victoria. The telephone number is 1800 800 007. In addition, VicTrack has set up a new and easy-to-remember central contact telephone number – 1300 VICTRACK (1300 8428 7225). Local governments can also obtain a word version of the guide, which can be tailored to suit their needs, by contacting Mac Henshall by email.
A Gender Agenda on Channel 31
The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities. The program has already screened once and will run again on Sunday 26 August at 9pm. We will be adding the program to our website so those of you who can’t access Channel 31 can view it.
Help with MEFL’s research for a chance to win an ipad!
The Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) is seeking Victorian households to complete a short online energy survey and electricity billing consent form (15 minutes). If you’ve lived in your home for two years or more you can complete the survey and go into the draw to win one of ten iPads. The information you provide will help MEFL, in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, conduct ground-breaking research into residential electricity consumption. For more information visit the Moreland Energy Foundation website.
Keep Australia Beautiful Week is next week!
Keep Australia Beautiful Week runs from Monday 20 – Sunday 26 August 2012. Local governments can support the campaign and a template media release is available to tailor with local information. KAB would also welcome the involvement of local community groups, Tidy Town Committees or Adopt-A-Road/Spot groups in KAB Week activities. Contact Lara Shannon, KAB National Publicist, by email for more information.
Project Procurement Executive Program
Bond University is offering the ‘Project Procurement Executive Program’ on 10 & 11 October 2012, at University of Melbourne’s Graduate House. Completion of the two-day Executive Program will provide credit towards a Bond University Professional Certificate of Project Procurement or other postgraduate programs in Infrastructure and Project Management. Please visit the website for full program details.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
September Leading Edge Forum: Rates and revenue raising – what’s the answer?
Thursday 6 September, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government rates have been the topic of much debate recently. There are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be whether the current rating system is an appropriate and sustainable revenue base for twenty-first century people and property services. Join us at this Leading Edge Forum to hear our speakers discuss the capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet policy goals and deliver services and infrastructure for communities. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Community and Candidate Information Session
Wednesday 22 August, 6pm
Town Hall Administration Building, 120 Swanston Street, MelbourneIn conjunction with Melbourne City Council, the VLGA is conducting a workshop for prospective local government election candidates at the Melbourne Town Hall. For further information visit Melbourne City Council online.
Economic Development Practitioners Bootcamp
30 & 31 August
‘The Capital’ Theatre, Bendigo
Economic development practitioners are invited to a hands-on series of workshops in Bendigo. Known as the Economic Development Practitioners (EDP) Bootcamp, the workshops will have participants fighting fit to tackle the most challenging economic development programs using the latest resources, techniques and information. EDP Bootcamp will sharpen participants’ skills and knowledge by developing their professional capabilities, networks and access to resources.
The Royal Society of Victoria & Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute
Climate Change Science: Impacts and Adaptation for Victoria
21 & 22 September
Basement Theatre, Spot Building, 198 Berkeley St Carlton
Understanding and managing the risks of climate extremes is an important challenge for Australian scientists, planners and politicians. At this two-day symposium, experts will give presentations and participate in panel discussions focused on three aspects of climate change.
Mainstreet Australia – Victorian conference
Tuesday 25 September
Drum Theatre, Dandenong
This one-day Victorian conference will focus on activating main streets, building capacity of businesses, connecting with customers and community and developing co-ordinated approaches. There will be a range of presentations and panel sessions, which will explore topical issues and opportunities including: online media, innovative marketing, best practice approaches for special rates and business associations, integration of main streets in place-making and the economics of main streets.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, ‘Change – Challenge & Choice’, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
Behaviour Change for Sustainability – 3rd National Congress
23 & 24 October
Monash University Law Chambers
Marsh Building, 555 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
The Carbon Tax that came into force on 1 July 2012 will surely drive incentives for increased energy efficiency in Australia. But how far will it really help transform consumer and business behaviours in energy use? Like so many other areas in sustainability, understanding what motivates sustainable behaviour and how to implement effective and sustained change projects is an issue facing organisations across all sectors of government, business and community work. Based on extensive feedback from past attendees, the Congress will combine presentations and structured discussion sessions, supported by web-based information, to support participants in further learning and implementation. Email 3pillarsnetwork for more information.
Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas program
29 October – 2 November
Frankston International Hotel
The Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas is a five-day program to enhance personal and professional skills, including discussions with leading practitioners and a practice workshop. This course is supported and endorsed by the Building Commission and Country Fire Authority and was developed to meet the recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday Bushfires. The course will attract a 50% rebate to Victorian local government employees and employees of companies/private contractors resident in Victoria upon successful completion.
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