VLGA President’s Message
Congratulations to all who rode last Wednesday in the VLGA-Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) Mayors on Bikes event, kindly hosted by the City of Maribyrnong. There’s more news and pictures later in this edition. Last Monday we reported that the Victorian Parliament had not yet passed the Local Government (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. Since then we have had advice from Minister Powell’s office that the Bill is likely to be held over to the first sitting week in October (9-11). We expect the Minister to shortly announce the membership of the committee to oversee the development of the Ministerial guidelines on differential rates, which we understand will have representation from all parties. This will be my final President’s Message in our eNews bulletin prior to the caretaker period for local governments ahead of the elections in October. As I am a candidate for the Shire of Yarra Ranges, the VLGA’s Chief Executive Officer will be the spokesperson for the organisation from 26 September until after the election. It has been a wonderful four-year term, and I look forward to seeing many of you in the next few weeks. For those of you standing again, or for the first time, I wish everyone the best of luck through the busy and exciting period ahead of us. For those of you who have decided not to nominate this time around, thank you sincerely for your service and commitment to the sector. Member councillors, don’t forget to register to join us for our end of term ‘thank you’ networking dinner on 18 October. There’s more information below in the VLGA Events section. Cheers!
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Tally Room
The VLGA will again this year be running our Local Government Elections Tally Room. During the 2008 elections, we had people prepared to act as our contacts to provide us with information about what was happening ‘out on the ground’. We are now calling for expressions of interest from members who wish to be our Tally Room contacts. If you would like to be involved, please let us know by contacting our Director Policy, Toby Archer via email.
‘Mayors on Bikes’ 2012 a success!
Maribyrnong City Council and Mayor John Cumming hosted a successful ‘Mayors on Bikes’ ride last Wednesday, in conjunction with the VLGA and the MTF. The event was attended by councillors and officers from various municipalities who toured bicycle-related facilities throughout the suburbs of Tottenham, West Footscray, Seddon and Yarraville. There were opportunities to inspect both on and off road infrastructure installations established to respond to the increasing use of bicycles in the municipality. The VLGA greatly appreciates the support and hospitality provided by Maribyrnong.
City of Melbourne & VLGA Community Engagement Symposium
On Friday, the City of Melbourne and the VLGA hosted the inaugural Community Engagement Symposium at the Melbourne Town Hall. More than 80 people attended, representing community development practitioners, councillors and officers in several local government departments. The Symposium was exclusively for local governments. Keynote speaker was Kathy Jones, founder of newDemocracy, who then participated in a facilitated panel session with Nick Foa (General Manager Regional, Places Victoria) and Cr Sarah Carter (Maribyrnong City Council), which was facilitated by VLGA CEO Maree McPherson. The day included sessions for reflection on community engagement values, and how the sector can support one another to continue to enhance practice.
2012 VLGA Essential Councillor Weekend – ‘Year one… here we go!’ – Torquay
Councillors should pencil in 23-24 November for the VLGA’s 2012 Essential Councillor Weekend to be held at The Wyndham Resort in Torquay. The two days will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities relevant to how councillors approach the first year of the new council term. We have a number of local governments that are already reserving spaces for councillors, and the Program and Registration Form can be accessed via the VLGA website for more information. To find out more contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
John Jago Good Governance Award 2012 – First-stage applications close Friday 19 October
The John Jago Good Governance Award is awarded annually to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings) whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making. Applications for the 2012 Award are now invited. There is a two-stage process and first-stage applications should be submitted to the VLGA by Friday 19 October. Applications can be emailed or sent as hard copy. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 9349 7999 or by email.
Maribyrnong City Council taking a stance on pokies
Maribyrnong City Council has introduced a new Local Planning Policy for Electronic Gaming Machines to protect areas of social and economic disadvantage. Maribyrnong has Melbourne’s third-highest rate of losses per adult, with more than $56 million lost last year. The new policy aims to discourage placing pokies venues on sites where there is a concentration of shops, community centres or public transport hubs.
Native Vegetation Review announced
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has announced a review into the management of native vegetation. The aim of the review is to ensure the permitted clearing regulations are contributing to achieving Victoria's biodiversity objectives efficiently and effectively. Submissions are due on 19 October.
VLGA again working with Melbourne University’s Asia Institute
Last Thursday the VLGA conducted a session on Good Governance, Women’s Issues and Human Rights for members of a second Iranian delegation based at the Asia Institute at Melbourne University. The delegation (pictured here with VLGA staff members) included a film director and author, lawyers and a community worker in HIV/AIDS education. All had an interest in women’s issues, democracy and governance, and human rights. This is the second time that the VLGA has been requested to conduct this workshop with an Iranian delegation.
‘No Meanness’ launched in Castlemaine
Last week Cr Janet Cropley, Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire, launched the Castlemaine Secondary College’s ‘No Meanness’ campaign. ‘No Meanness’ is a program created around anti-bullying. From 2011, the College undertook a consultative process with staff and students to review and update its anti-bullying policy. The concept of an anti-bullying campaign was developed through these discussions. This year, VCAL students have developed the program further by designing ‘No Meanness’ signs to be erected in the community. Other VLGA member local governments might be interested in the Castlemaine approach. Congratulations Castlemaine Secondary College! For more information contact Mount Alexander Shire’s Cr Bronwen Machin on 0438 867 183.
Don’t forget – End of term survey for councillors closes tonight
The VLGA end of term survey closes tonight. Thanks to the large number of councillors who have already responded. We would like to know how councillors have managed to balance their councillor role with paid work, family, and other responsibilities. The survey will help us better understand the factors that influence councillors’ decisions about their service. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete. Participation will help the VLGA work for stronger local governments and better connected communities. This will be your last opportunity to complete the survey.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 4 October, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our audited financial statements for 2011-12 and the Annual Report, and our special guest speaker is Alan Attwood, editor of The Big Issue. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
VLGA end of term ‘thank you’ for member councillors
Thursday 18 October, 6-8pm
The Leveson, 46 Leveson St, North Melbourne
VLGA member councillors are invited to join us for a barbeque dinner and an evening of networking, and to enable us to say ‘thanks’ for your commitment to local government and your community. This is a free event for VLGA member councillors. Register by emailing before Monday 8 October.
2012 VLGA Essential Councillor Weekend – ‘Year one… here we go!’
23-24 November
The Wyndham Resort, Torquay
Numbers are limited and there is an early bird discount for those who get in quickly. You can download the program and registration form from our website. These two days will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities relevant to how councillors approach the first year of the new council term. To find out more contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Other Events
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
‘Secure occupancy in rental housing: an international comparison’
Wednesday 10 October, 2-6.30pm
Spring Street Conference Centre, 1 Spring St, Melbourne
This event will present the findings from the AHURI research project Secure occupancy in rental housing: a comparative analysis. The seminar will close with a group discussion and Q&A session facilitated by Dr Andrew Hollows (Deputy Executive Director, AHURI Ltd). Stay and join us after the event for some light refreshments and the opportunity to engage with local and international researchers. As part of AHURI's commitment to international collaborative research, this event is being convened by AHURI with the support of OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, and Swinburne University of Technology.
IAP2 Building an Engaging Organisation and CRED!
7 & 8 November AND 9 November
Training Choice, 50 Queen St Melbourne
Bookings are only available online – to claim a special price, quote ‘Members Special’ in the subject line. Click here to view details of the course in Melbourne 7 & 8 November and here to view details of the course in Melbourne on 9 November.
Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012
12-14 November
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Southwharf
Thriving Neighbourhoods is an international conference on emerging approaches to the planning, design and management of local neighbourhoods that are set to radically improve health, social engagement, environmental quality and productivity in communities. 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, which closes on 17 September!
ECCV 2012 State Conference: Victoria’s Multicultural Identity
Tuesday 20 November
Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre
Registrations for Victoria’s Multicultural Identity State Conference are now open. The Conference will bring together government, policy makers, academics, service providers and community leaders to find intelligent solutions to Victoria’s identity challenges.
*Authorised by M. McPherson, 60 Leicester St Carlton, 3053
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