President’s Message
I am delighted to be back with you introducing this week’s eNews as the returning President of the VLGA Board. The Board shows a strong balance of new energy and ideas, and continuity, with the election of six new members and two returning members. The Board contains strong skills in local governance, community involvement, and policy development, along with media and legal experience. Between us we represent urban and regional Victoria and bring a wide range of perspectives and experience from our many years’ involvement in local government. The VLGA’s members have elected a dedicated and enthusiastic group of people who demonstrate their passion daily for connecting communities, strengthening democracy and ensuring the voice of the community is heard. With four of the eight elected being women, and a good mix of age groups and backgrounds, the Board is diverse which will ensure robust debate and thoughtful consideration is given to VLGA activities. As immediate past President, former Treasurer and a member of the VLGA executive for the past four years, I believe we have strengthened our voice on behalf of community and councils for greater democracy in action, undertaken strong advocacy on social initiatives and delivered a financially sound position. This is testament to the dedication and skills of the retiring Board, all of whom I thank so much for their terrific contributions. We are well positioned to continue the strong leadership demonstrated by the previous Board and there is a great future ahead for the VLGA and its members. The other Board members are:
Member Council Councillor Board members (in alphabetical order)
* Cr Luba Grigorovitch - Hobsons Bay City Council
* Cr Sebastian Klein - Hepburn Shire Council
* Cr Trent McCarthy - Darebin City Council
* Cr Steve Staikos - Kingston City Council
* Cr Lambros Tapinos - Moreland City Council
*
Other Board members (in alphabetical order)
* Mimmie Ng - former Cr at the South Gippsland Shire
* Beth Ripper - former Cr at the Wellington Shire
Profiles of each of the Board members are available. I look forward to seeing many of you around the traps and please don’t hesitate to be in touch on 0407 364 509 if I can be of assistance.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA provides submission on constitutional recognition
On Friday, the VLGA made a written submission to the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government following the publishing of the Committee’s preliminary report. The submission follows the VLGA’s appearance before the Committee on 16 January 2013.
Planning and Environment Bill passes both Houses
The Planning and Environment Amendment (General) Bill 2012 passed both Houses of the Victorian Parliament on 7 February. The Bill provides for a wide range of amendments which are said to simplify the planning process, and speed up decisions. Local governments have a number of questions, and the Parliament of Victoria research paper on the Bill is helpful reading. The Bill is now due to go to the Governor for Royal Assent.
VLGA congratulates Rae Kingsbury
The Board and staff at the VLGA send our congratulations to Rae Kingsbury on her appointment as Timor-Leste’s new Honorary Consul in Victoria. Rae succeeds Kevin Bailey in the role, which was announced by HE Abel Guterres, Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Australia following confirmation by the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Rae is a former CEO of the VLGA and has been a devoted advocate for the people of Timor-Leste and their work towards local democracy.
IBAC is operational
In the January 14 edition of eNews, the VLGA reported that the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has been established to promote integrity and accountability across the Victorian public sector, including local government. Following proclamation of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Amendment (Investigative Functions) Act 2012, IBAC is fully operational from 10 February 2013. Information about IBAC and how to report corruption or police misconduct is online or you can email or phone 1300 735 135.
Epic pokies win!
Two recent media articles in the Bendigo Advertiser on Friday 15 February and in The Age on Thursday 14 February provide coverage on the outcome of the appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) from the Mount Alexander Shire Council and the Enough Pokies In Castlemaine community group, against the installation of 65 new poker machines in Castlemaine. VCAT upheld the appeal against the decision from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation. Many VLGA members will be interested in this outcome and it will be a likely topic of discussion at the Local Government Working Group on Gambling meeting this week.
How have Melbourne’s travel habits changed?
In the last few editions of VLGA eNews, information about the metropolitan planning strategy has been included, covering the VLGA’s roundtable consultation with local government and urban policy experts and our proposed response to the ‘Melbourne, let’s talk about the future’ discussion paper. Transport modes and the provision of transport infrastructure will be key issues addressed by the final strategy and debated during its development. Readers might find this recent article How has city travel changed during the last century? by Alan Davies of interest. The author has given a brief, interesting overview of the way travel in our cities has changed over the last century, and what might be required to produce another sustained change in the future.
Survey: Strategic and business planning tools for Victorian not-for-profits
The Victorian Government’s Office for the Community Sector has engaged Social Traders to undertake a project supporting not-for-profit (NFP) organisations to plan for their future. The Strategic and Business Planning Tools project aims to support NFP community organisations to undertake sound and relevant business planning processes assisted by a suite of online tools and resources. Social Traders wants to know from Victorian NFPs about their needs, awareness of the extent of tools available, how useful the existing tools are, and the barriers to strategic and business planning. Complete the short, confidential online survey here. The survey is open until Friday 15 March. Email or call (03) 8319 8443 for more information.
Funding opportunities
Caring for our Country
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has opened applications for funding under the second round of the Biodiversity Fund and the first round of Target Area Grants, under the Caring for our Country program. To support the recent release of the guidelines, information sessions are being held across Victoria. Specialist staff from the Biodiversity Conservation Division will be on hand to present information about the funding rounds and to answer questions. Information sessions will be held in:
* Melbourne, Tuesday 19 February, 1:30-3:30pm
* Leongatha, Wednesday 20 February
* Bairnsdale and Frankston, Thursday 21 February
* Hamilton, Monday 25 February
* Warrnambool, Geelong and Horsham Tuesday 26 February
* Torquay and Mildura, Wednesday 27 February
A number of venues are yet to be confirmed. Details of the time and venue will be sent should you RSVP to the session. RSVP via email by Friday 15 February 2013 and indicate which session you will be attending.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
‘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 local government. Download your registration form today.
‘Tourism for development in Timor-Leste’ forum
Sunday 3 March, 10am
Melbourne City Mission, 164-180 Kings Way, South Melbourne
The VLGA is hosting a forum for friendship groups to discuss Tourism for development in Timor-Leste. This is an opportunity to share tourism initiatives and ideas at the district level. RSVP via email.
‘Putting Together Your First Council Plan’ – new session due to popular demand!
Wednesday 6 March, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
As the key strategic document, the Council Plan guides the direction of the local government into the future. Developing the four-year Council Plan is a crucial opportunity for councillors to set strategy and determine the priorities for the organisation. This training will focus on assisting all councillors to maximise their input into the new Plan, how to monitor and evaluate progress, and how to work with their colleagues and the administration to deliver an effective Council Plan that reflects issues and priorities. Hear from experienced councillors and officers, learn about successful approaches to working with colleagues and have the opportunity to draw on the experience of others to prepare for the Council Plan process. Download your registration form today.
March ‘Leading Edge’ Forum: Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy - what does it mean for the future of Melbourne and Victoria?
Thursday 7 March, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
The Victorian Coalition Government is developing its Metropolitan Planning Strategy.
The public process and conversation began with the release of the Melbourne, let’s talk about the future discussion paper. This Leading Edge Forum will continue the conversation about the challenges and opportunities posed by our ever- growing metropolis. Panel speakers include Roz Hansen, Trevor Budge AM and Marcus Spiller. Register your attendance today.
*Note - where registration numbers are limited, VLGA members will be given priority
Tackling problem gambling – what can your council do?
Thursday 14 March, 5.30-8.30pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
As part of the VLGA’s ongoing advocacy on gambling reform, the Association is hosting an interactive forum for councillors to discuss the role of local governments in problem gambling policy in Victoria. Register to attend online.
‘The Council – CEO Relationship: Managing Performance’
Wednesday 20 March 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Following this very successful Masterclass at the VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend, we are opening this session up for all councillors. Council’s role includes appointing and managing the CEO. This discussion workshop and panel will explore why performance management is important, why councillors have a role in providing quality feedback and how both parties can benefit from a strong process. Download the flyer and registration form.
Other Events
UN Youth Australia conference
Melbourne – 8-11 March
Bendigo – 22-24 March
(both conferences identical)
The Victorian Conference is the largest residential youth conference in the state of Victoria. It features educational workshops, guest speakers, problem-solving, leadership training and Model United Nations debates. Open to all students in years 10-12, the conference is a must for student leaders
Village Well
‘Local Living Economies and Local Placemaking: Two Sides of Community Prosperity’
Wednesday 20 March, 9.30am-12.30pm, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery Annexe
Thursday 21 March, 9.30am-12.30pm, Melbourne Town Hall
How can banks and super funds help build community? How do we build more resilient and vibrant communities? Village Well is proud to present a thought provoking discussion with Michael Shuman, celebrated author of Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Shift Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity. Gilbert Rochecouste, Founder and Managing Director of Village Well, will facilitate the discussion. Gilbert will talk about how town centres and mainstreets can become more vibrant and resilient through an integrated placemaking approach. Fees – community, small business and NFP: $95 and government and business: $135. Book for Ballarat or Melbourne today!
‘Investment attraction – converting local opportunities into outcomes’
EDA National Autumn conference
21-22 March 2013
Investment attraction and employment creation underpins economic development strategies across the country. This conference brings together a range of speakers from both the public and private sectors who work in the ?eld on a day to day basis. With a diversity of presentations on offer, delegates will gain a greater understanding of the drivers, challenges and opportunities associated with investment attraction. Hosted by the City of Hume, EDA National and the EDA VIC SPN, the Autumn Conference kicks off with a study tour and dinner on day one, followed by a full and high level program of speakers on the conference themes on day two. Learn more and register online.
No comments:
Post a Comment