It is with mixed emotions that I pen my last report as President of the VLGA. Yesterday we held our last meeting of the current Board and we end our term with a collective feeling of pride and sadness; pride at the place the VLGA has achieved on the local government scene in Victoria, Australia and internationally; and sadness that this part of our personal journey is drawing to a close. We reflected on the evolution of the VLGA from an idea through to a mature, highly regarded organisation that is considered an essential part of our Local Government landscape.
The continuing growth and development of the organisation has seen many changes, yet the constant has been a commitment to the Vision, Mission and Values of the organisation; always the focus on strengthening democracy as a foundation for strong healthy communities.
Strengthening democracy means supporting Councillors. For example, we unashamedly picked up the baton for increased Councillor Remuneration and support when others were wary of the challenge; we won support from the State for Councillors learning and development programs, recognising that no one comes to this role fully prepared. We have established the Local Government
Leadership and Learning Centre, so that real experience and practical knowledge can be shared and that for the first time ever in Australia our learning can be accredited and carried forward into the other parts of our life.
Strengthening democracy means supporting real and ongoing dialogue between Councillors and their citizens, so that local government is a part of the community not apart from the community. VLGA vast experience in this area has resulted in changes in the Local Government Act entrenching this practice, it sees Councillors and community continually supported in finding new and real ways to talk and work together (eg. the “Let’s Talk” booklet), and has also lead to our involvement in governance and community activities in both Timor Leste and the Philippines. As always, global issues play out at the local level, and people look to Local Governments for leadership, security and a sense of connection. The impacts of the world economic situation will be very real for local communities and will call on the skill, capacity and leadership of Local Governments in unprecedented ways.
The VLGA’s unique role and our ‘value-add’ is now well acknowledged, as is our very real commitment to collaboration and cooperation. We have a track record of not being afraid to tackle the hard issues, we have built strong relationships with all political parties so that a fair and balanced approach to issues can be canvassed in frank and respectful ways. It is not only WHAT we do that attracts people, but HOW we do it. This is the hallmark of the VLGA.
We have a small yet strong organisation, financially stable, a passionate and committed staff team who are a joy to work with. I am very proud of the work the VLGA does in ‘Strengthening Democracy, Connecting Communities’ and have felt privileged to be part of its journey; nurturing the foundation that was built by those who went before and strengthening the legacy for those who come after.
The strong field of candidates contending the Board election is an indicator of the strength and attraction of our values driven organisation. I urge all members to vote in the election and to cast your votes wisely so that the VLGA mission can be realised.
Thanks for your friendship, your support and your shared commitment to local democracy.
Warm Regards
Beth
Essential Mayor's Weekend
Essential Mayor’s Weekend
As I write this enews to you, I’m looking out the window in beautiful Kalorama in Yarra Ranges Shire as we join with many Mayors for our annual Essential Mayor’s Weekend. There is palpable energy and passion for the role and independence of Local Government as the new crop of community leaders take up their Mayoral roles with thoughtful enthusiasm.
Conversations have been had, relationships built, issues explored and learnings taken on board which will skill our new Mayors to govern well. Minister Wynne - never one to miss an opportunity to meet and mix with enthusiastic Mayors, again joined us for Dinner and shared some ‘blue-sky thinking’ about the future. Today we will be joined by Shadow Local Government Spokesperson Jeannette Powell. Both visits were important opportunities for new Mayors to start building relationships with their State Government counterparts.
A signature piece now in its 10th year, our Essential Mayor’s Weekend remains a highly valued and relevant part of our suite of learning and development opportunities. I also note that Mayors continue to relate to the VLGA’s unique focus on helping all three governance partners work together effectively – not only elected Councillors and senior Council Officers but also the citizens we are all here for.
Influencing Policy & Leading Debate
Following my last enews, we’ve already received Expressions of Interest from our councillor and community group members who are keen to contribute to our internal Working Groups and External Committees or Advisory Groups. Just a reminder that EOIs need to be sent to us by 5pm Friday 13th February and the full list of vacancies can be found on our website.
State Government’s Proposal On Municipal Valuations
The VLGA recently advised the State Government that we support their proposal to hand the role of land valuations to the Valuer General, on the proviso that appeal rights and processes for ratepayers are protected.
Over the last few years we’ve been focusing our effort on proposals that affect democratic governance. When the answer is yes, we will seek to add value. But when the answer is that issues essentially concern corporate governance, we will increasingly support the MAV perform their lead role.
As I approach the end of my term as President, I am struck by how many of you have told me that the VLGA and MAV need to be supported to do what we each do best, rather than competing. So, I have advised the MAV Board and CEO of our position on land valuations as I consider this to be a healthy example of concentrating on what the VLGA (democratic governance) and MAV (corporate governance) do best.
VLGA Board Elections
Again just a quick reminder that nominations close next Tuesday 27th. Check our website for more information.
Warm Regards
Friday 16 January 2009
Welcome back to you all!
As this is my first enews for 2009, I wanted to remind you that there are lots of updates and events we do not include in this publication (we know it’s so hard to find time to read everything!) but we still carry these on our website for those with particular interests.
… for example … there will a Childcare Forum as well as Place Making Masterclasses you might be interested in if you see VLGA News
Want To Influence Policy & Lead Debate In The Sector?
Walking the talk with regard to broad participation, the
Read on if you have a particular area of interest or expertise and you are keen to influence the issue at Board, State and/or Federal levels.
What also sets us apart is that we invite councillors, community leaders and officers who are members to work closely with the Board on Internal Working Groups to set agendas on a range of policy areas.
Existing Working Groups cover topics such as councillor working conditions, council elections, climate change, childcare, affordable housing, gambling,
We are now calling for EOIs to be sent to us by
We are delighted to have our Life Member
Governance of an influential association like the
Now that the Voters Roll has closed, nominations can be received. If you are eligible to nominate you will have received an email earlier today advising you of the process. Further election information can be found on our website.
Essential Mayors Weekend
Our long-standing and unique residential retreat from 22-24 January is almost full. Participants often say this is the most enduring and important networking event of their Local Government careers, and even more so in the important first ‘scene setting’ year of a new Council. I’m aware there’s lots of competition for your attention over this particular period. However I would urge you to prioritize this event which is long recognized as the Premier Mayoral activity for the year. More details can be found on our website.
This weekend is part of our Leading Edge Learning and Development Program which is an extension of the Councillor, Community Leader and Officer Training we’ve been doing for more than 14 years.
Groundbreaking – Accredited AND Subsidised
One of the issues I have long been concerned about is that, while the investment of our valuable time in learning and development programs helps us to govern better, it has not been leading to transferable or accredited qualifications.
This year we are delighted to be able to offer formal Diploma of Management accreditation for most of the courses, so at the end of the day you have something to show for your commitment to professional development . Watch this space for more information.
The State Government has also confirmed that each Councillor in Councils that have recurrent budgets of $50 million or less, is eligible to receive $400 each to attend one or more of our Courses. We will be sending you an update Registration Form soon!
Warm Regards
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