VLGA President’s Message
The VLGA Board meets for the final time tomorrow in this Board’s term. We enter caretaker period for the Board on 24 January 2013 when nominations open for the February Board Elections. I have enjoyed working with this Board immensely and I wish to thank my Vice Presidents Cr Heinz Kreutz and Richard Brown, former councillor and Treasurer John Doull, and Board members Cr Luba Grigorovitch, Cr Collin Ross, Dr Clare Mouat, Bill Penrose and former councillor Christine Richards for their commitment, enthusiasm and excellent governance throughout this term – it has been a pleasure to serve the sector with you all. The VLGA Voters Roll closes tomorrow, and nominations for the Board elections open on 24 January. All member local governments and members received information packages some weeks ago about the closure of the roll and the elections; and we will be forwarding nomination information in January. I look forward to seeing many of you at the VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend on the Mornington Peninsula – registrations are already coming in fast so please make sure you book for this signature event in the VLGA calendar. There are details below on other training events coming up in February that will be of interest to you – Putting together your first Council Plan and Being Deputy Mayor are designed to add to your capacity and experience and give you access to other people’s perspectives. This is our final eNews bulletin for 2012, and we will be communicating with you again from mid-January. The year seems to have flown past for me, and I am sure for you too. I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy festive season. I trust you will have time with your loved ones, that you will stay safe, and that you have a chance to take some ‘time out’. From everyone at the VLGA, and from me, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
Farewell to Ron Exiner – sort of…
After four years with the VLGA, Ron Exiner is leaving us this week as he retires from the Director Governance role. Ron has worked as a Policy Officer, and then as our Director Governance in this current stint with the VLGA. Many of you will know that Ron wrote the original Good Governance Guide, and largely developed the 2012 revised online version that was launched in October. Ron has been a source of governance and other advice for many councillors and officers within the sector and he will be missed by all of us very much. True to form, whilst Ron has ‘retired’ a few times, we have managed to retain him on contract to provide us with some specific work, including oversight of our research partnership with ACELG – so he isn’t really going far. We will take the opportunity to review our organisational structure and look at our needs on Ron’s departure. Thank you for your intellect, commitment, wit and loyalty, Ron – it’s been a joy to work with you.
Differential rates roundtable
On Thursday the VLGA hosted a roundtable discussion with member local governments to explore the sector’s concerns and help us formulate the recommendations we will put forward in the government’s consultative process on the use of differential rates. The Guidelines will be released in draft form in early 2013 and will provide the focus for the consultation over January and February. For more information contact our Director Policy Toby Archer by email.
VLGA Young Councillors Network up and running
Last week, the VLGA held an informal roundtable session with young councillors from across the State to discuss their experiences, ideas and initiatives to increase young peoples’ participation and interest in local government. The VLGA is keen to expand the network and to seek the participation and involvement of all young councillors during this term. If there are any other councillors under the age of 30 who would like to get involved in the network, contact our Senior Policy Officer Jieh-Yung Lo on 9349 7980 or via email.
Joint Select Committee on the Constitutional recognition of local government
The VLGA has commenced preparing our submission to the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government. Submissions to the inquiry must be received by 15 February 2013.
Super Taskforce Report is out
The Superannuation Taskforce, established by the MAV to examine reforms to the Local Authorities Defined Benefits Superannuation Scheme managed by Vision Super, has released its report. Recommendations include those which the VLGA has advocated for to the Federal and State Governments, such as removing WorkCover liabilities, the 15 per cent contributions tax, and more frequent monitoring of the fund’s performance. The VLGA has also called for the return to an unfunded scheme.
2013 RGAW program funding for local governments – extension of time
Applications to the 2013 Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) funding program have been extended until Monday 14 January 2013. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) will fund up to 12 local community initiatives offering up to $5,500 (incl. GST) to assist local governments. Email the VRGF for more information.
Listen here – 2012 Human Rights Oration
The 2012 Human Rights Oration was delivered on 11 December by Ron Merkel, QC. If you missed the event, you can listen to an audio of the Oration here.
Pokies reform
While we argued for mandatory pre-commitment technology to be introduced in Victoria in our various submissions, the VLGA acknowledges the Victorian Government is ahead of the nation with Minister Michael O'Brien’s statement last week that the Coalition “remains committed to requiring pre-commitment technology on all gaming machines in Victoria in 2015-2016”. You can read more in this article from The Age from 14 December 2012.
Tools for heatwave management
The Victorian Department of Health has published a series of communication resources and tools for display and distribution, and a telephone script template to assist staff when speaking with community members during the heat. Local government HACC workers are an important source of information and support for community members most at risk of heat-related illness and stress.
Skills and resources for home based businesses
Councillors and officers often look for good resources for their local small businesses. The Australian Government’s new HomeBiz Connect can connect businesses and start-ups to a range of low-cost and no-cost business advisory services. Register to attend one of the capital city-based events across Australia from February to May 2013.
Honouring Women in Moreland Awards 2013
This year, the City of Moreland has introduced a new award category for women 30 years of age and under. The closing date for nominations is Monday 25 February 2013. Nomination forms and guidelines can be obtained from the Council’s website or by telephoning 9240 1111.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
2013 VLGA Essential Mayors’ Weekend: Leading from the start of the new council term
17-19 January 2013
Peppers Moonah Links, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula
For the past decade, the VLGA has conducted our Essential Mayors’ Weekend. Each year, mayors come together for an intensive three-day program. The 2013 dinner speakers include The Hon Jeanette Powell, Minister for Local Government, and The Hon Richard Wynne, Shadow Minister. There will also be opportunities for mayoral mentoring with experienced mayors from across the State. This is a not-to-be-missed development event, which builds connections and relationships for the mayoral term. Comments from 2012 participants include:
“I can't imagine getting much more value out of two days.”
“As usual, excellent and relevant speakers. Great interaction between speakers and Mayors.”
“It gets better every year.”
To find out more contact Member Resources Officer Sarah Colgan on 9349 7983 or via email.
‘Putting Together Your First Council Plan’
Thursday 14 February, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
As the key strategic document, the Council Plan guides the direction of the council into the future. Developing the four-year Council Plan is a crucial opportunity for you as a councillor to set strategy and determine the priorities for the organisation. This training will focus on assisting councillors to maximise your input into the new Plan, how to monitor and evaluate progress, and how to work with your councillor colleagues and the administration to deliver an effective Council Plan that reflects your issues and priorities. You will hear from experienced councillors and officers, learn about successful approaches to working with your colleagues and have the opportunity to draw on the experience of others to prepare you for the Council Plan process. To register, contact the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999 or via email.
‘Being Deputy Mayor’
Thursday 21 February, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2013. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this can be particularly challenging. The session will include time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council.
Other Events
3rd National Sustainable Food Summit
20 & 21 March 2013
Melbourne
This event attracts delegates with interests across the food supply chain, including primary producers, manufacturers, retail brands, and members of the business, government, education, public health, community and not-for-profit sectors. It is the largest and most diverse gathering of practitioners interested in the sustainability of our food system. Find out more here.
2013 Local Government Research Forum – call for papers
6 - 7 June 2013
University of Adelaide
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government will host the 2013 Local Government Researchers Forum. This event builds on the very successful national Local Government Researchers Forum held at UTS in December 2011 and state-based forums held in Perth and Brisbane.
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