Congratulations on Queen’s Birthday Honours
The VLGA congratulates all our members and friends who received recognition in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Congratulations to current councillors Cr Roz Blades of Dandenong and Cr Catherine Redwood of Hepburn, and former councillor Mrs Patricia Bulluss of Wangaratta on being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
We also congratulate recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – Cr Rodney Fyffe former Mayor and current councillor at Bendigo; Cr Dr Bob Fairclough at Wyndham, VLGA member and former Mayor of Nillumbik, Warwick St Clair Leeson and former local government councillors William Collett (Glenelg); David Jarman (Mornington Peninsula); Leo Johnson (Melton); Ronald Kitchingman (Manningham); Bryan Roberts (Brighton); Peter Smith (Sherbrooke, now Yarra Ranges); and William Wilkins (Maroondah).
We are pleased that your long-standing dedication and service to your communities has been recognised with this honour. Well done to all of you! If VLGA members know of anyone else who was honoured that we haven't yet heard about, please let us know.
President’s Message
Through recent media reports, and at the Minister’s Budget briefing, local governments are being told we need to cut costs and drive down expenditure on wages. Populist commentary such as that in last week’s newspapers will always touch a cord with ratepayers but the accuracy and context for the figures from the Securing Victoria’s Economy paper regarding employment and wages growth across the sector, needs further analysis. This will be one of the topics for discussion at our joint peaks meeting later this week, with the Presidents of LGPro, the MAV, and the VLGA getting together. Last Thursday night I was delighted to see a number of you at our special Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, co-hosted with Reconciliation Victoria. We were treated to a wonderful evening with our keynote speaker Glenn Shea, and with panellists Daniel Ducrou from Yarra City Council, Todd Condie from the City of Port Phillip and Erin McKinnon from Reconciliation Victoria. The issue of the recent ‘casual racism’ was raised in the Q&A part of the forum. Participants heard a grim and real picture of what it is like to participate in society as an Indigenous Australian. As community leaders we all have an obligation to call racism when we see it if we truly want to make a positive change. I look forward to seeing many of you out and about 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
Supporting community learning in local government
New research from the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) at UTS explores how local governments can foster a culture of learning in their communities for positive long term outcomes. The report Learning as a Driver for Change looks specifically at how learning partnerships between councils, their communities and learning organisations can help improve social outcomes, build community capability and strengthen community governance. Such partnerships make social inclusion a priority and can support both formal and informal local learning opportunities. It includes case studies of Hume City and Gwydir Shire councils, and an accompanying Learning Communities Framework template for other councils interested in developing learning partnerships in their own communities. You can download the report and resources online.
Darebin launches Aboriginal and multicultural women’s education centre
Last Monday the VLGA attended a special launch of women sharing culture organised by Darebin Council’s Intercultural Centre and Aboriginal women advocates. The event included songs by performer Jessie Lloyd and others, a special unveiling of a plaque for the Intercultural Centre commemorating the Eddie Koiki Mabo Statement, and several multicultural performers including Darebin’s Greek Choir – all followed by a delicious lunch and a happy cacophony of voices, not surprising given more than 100 people attended. Congratulations on a successful event which is sure to lead to growing connections and reconciliation.
Premier’s Sustainability Awards open
The Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2013 are now open for nominations. The awards celebrate efficient use of water, resources and energy; better waste management and recycling practices; the enhancement of the environment and effective, practical community action. They also recognise innovative sustainable design developed and delivered by Victorian businesses. Learn more and nominate by 15 July.
2013 Resilient Australia Awards
The Resilient Australia Awards are an Australian Government initiative sponsored by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department, in conjunction with States and Territories. They recognise innovative practices and achievements across the nation that are making our communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to manage any emergency situation. Learn more and nominate by 5 July.
New anti-hate stickers
If you see hate in your community, contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission on 1300 292 153 for their new Anti-hate stickers and cover up the graffiti. You can also visit antihate.vic.gov.au for tips and stories about spraying out hate in your community.
Toolkit of strategies for women
The Australian Human Rights Commission recently launched a new online interactive toolkit, Women in male-dominated industries: A toolkit of strategies. The toolkit was developed with input from roundtables, interviews and global comparative research into the leading strategies for increasing female participation in male-dominated fields. It offers practical suggestions and examples of successful strategies regarding the recruitment, retention and skills development of women. Download the toolkit.
Funding opportunities
Information about Graffiti Prevention and Removal grants
The Graffiti Prevention and Removal Grants (Graffiti Grants) provide funding to develop and deliver local graffiti prevention and/or removal solutions. Eligibility is for Victorian local governments who partner with community stakeholders, which may include community, resident and sporting groups, schools, local police, small business and retailers and their associations. The Department of Justice is holding an information session for local governments and Victoria Police representatives about the principles, practices and issues to consider when developing and delivering the Graffiti Grants projects. The next round of the Graffiti Grants opened on 6 June. The information session is at 9.00am (registration opens 8.45am) to 12.30pm on Friday 14 June 2013, at the Conference & Training Centre (Level 27, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne). Visitors need a security pass to access the building, so registration is mandatory.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Show me the money! New approaches to funding – limited spots remaining!
Wednesday 12 June, 9am to 12.30
Melbourne Multicultural Hub (Purple Room), 506 Elizabeth St, CBD
Finding money to fund community projects has never been easy and this is not likely to change any time soon. Governments at all levels are focused on austerity and belt tightening. In local government, the pressure is on to continue to deliver community projects with tight budgets. Tomorrow’s seminar will provide participants with an overview of opportunities to engage the philanthropic sector, social entrepreneurial approaches and new funding models for local government projects. A few spots are available so get in quickly by calling 03 9349 7999.
Delivering community infrastructure in challenging times
Friday 28 June, 9am to 12.30
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Planning and financing community infrastructure is difficult at the best of times. Governments at all levels are focused on austerity and belt tightening. In local government, the pressure is on to continue to deliver community infrastructure with tight budgets. This VLGA workshop brings together a range of perspectives to share good practice and innovative approaches to planning and delivering community assets in today’s challenging environment. RSVP by Tuesday 25 June to 03 9349 7999 or by email.
Other Events
Racism – time to act: workshops
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
If you’re a community or advocacy organisation working with people who experience discrimination, these tackling race-based discrimination workshops will equip community members and advocates to bring their complaints to the Commission for resolution. Options include Tackling race-based discrimination for CALD communities and Tackling race based discrimination for the Victorian Aboriginal community. Register to attend or contact 03 9032 3415 or by email to learn more.
DisabilityCare Australia Public Conference
23 to 24 June
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
As part of the implementation of the National Disability Insurances Scheme 'DisabilityCare', the Federal Government is hosting a national conference to discuss the scheme. To register or for more information, send an email.
United Nations Association of Australia (Victorian Division)
Sustainable Consumption and Production: Eco-efficiency and eco-certification to behavioural change
Thursday 27 June, 1.30pm for a 2pm start (to 5pm)
469 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Held in support of the United Nations 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, the seminar will bring together experts and practitioners from across business, government and civil society to provide a platform for shared learning on integrating sustainable consumption and production measures throughout business operations, relationships and value chains. The seminar will address the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing more sustainable practices in the production and consumption of goods and services in Australia, such as eco-efficiency and eco-certification. It will also highlight the measures Australian businesses are undertaking, alongside government and NGOs, to influence behavioural change towards more sustainable economies, societies and lifestyles. Registration by 21 June is essential.
VLGA Membership
As a VLGA member you become part of a unique organisation that specialises in democratic governance. As a VLGA member you become part of a unique organisation that specialises in democratic governance. Our membership includes local governments, organisations and individual community members. Membership brings many benefits such as regular updates on important and relevant issues, participation in the organisation's decision-making and discounts to VLGA events and training. To join the VLGA, visit our website or contact Member Relations Officer Chelsea Ayling on 03 9349 7999 or via email.
No comments:
Post a Comment