Update on VLGA CEO Rae Perry I am pleased to provide this update from our CEO Rae Perry's family.
Following her serious road accident two months ago, Rae is making a much stronger recovery than previously thought possible. Rae is now having meaningful conversations and is more physically active. Rae's return home no longer looks like an IF but a WHEN!
I am sure you will join Rae's family and the VLGA team in celebrating this good news. If you would like us to pass on your good wishes please send emails to us via vlga@vlga.org.au or cards to our office (Suite G06, 60 Leicester St Carlton Vic 3053 .
Historic Canberra Meeting of Mayors, Peak Bodies & Federal Government
I was in Canberra earlier this week for this historic meeting. I was struck by several things – firstly how diverse the 570 Local Governments are and therefore how important it is that a range of voices continue to be heard. I was also struck by the enormous goodwill in the room, and an ongoing commitment to improved relationships.
Understandably much of the resulting media focus was on money and local infrastructure gaps. As we have done a lot more planning and better understand our infrastructure challenges in Victoria, I am optimistic that this will lead to more money coming south.
While I welcomed the funding announcements, I was not going to miss the opportunity to talk about how Governments need to work together to promote social inclusion and build community engagement. If you have not seen my Media Release and the 2 Papers I tabled in Canberra, these can be found on our website under VLGA News. Also, a copy of the Prime Minister’s Opening Speech can be found here.
ABC Learning Centres & Childcare Policy
While in Canberra, I noted that a strong majority of Mayors indicated their support for reforms to childcare policies. We hope one such reform will be the capping of childcare places in areas that are over-supplied, while encouraging more places to be provided by a mix of providers in areas of need.
While the VLGA continues to oppose any further cost-shift to Local Governments, we would support these types of reforms to better meet community needs. The ABC Learning Centres disaster makes such reform even more urgent in my opinion. A copy of the VLGA’s Childcare Statement is on our website.
2008 Human Rights Panel: Human Rights And Australia – The Next Chapter
Opened by The Hon Rob Hulls MP, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General and hosted by journalist and broadcaster Julie McCrossin, the 2008 Human Rights Panel will be held on December 11th. Details including an invitation are on our website.
Farewell To Mayor John So
I was pleased to represent the VLGA at a farewell for John on Wednesday evening.
I think public life in Victoria is better for having had such a passionate ambassador from a non-English speaking background. John was always a strong supporter of the VLGA and we thank him for his commitment to democracy.
Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre Offer
If, like me, your Microsoft Office skills can do with improving, this amazing offer is for you!
The VLGA’s Learning and Development Arm – the Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre – is offering ½ price online courses from beginner to advanced levels for Access, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Project, Word and Windows Vista. This half price offer is great value for up to 30 hours of online learning.
Details of the exclusive LGLLC offer (valid until 31 December) can be found on our website.
Finally, we are also putting the finishing touches to our Leading Edge Learning and Development Calendar for Councillors and community leaders as well as council officers. Our program is aimed at improving the ability of councillors, community leaders and council officers to work together for our local communities.
I am very excited by the fact that accreditation for many of these courses will occur for the first time in Victoria.
Warm Regards
Beth
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