Last Saturday, 24 October, was marked as the International Day of Climate Action by communities in 181 countries at over 5200 events around the world. There are stunning pictures at www.350.org depicting people from India, Peru, Melbourne and more, gathering to recognise that scientists are calling for 350 parts per million CO2 in our atmosphere as a safe limit for our planet.
One of my favourites is an inscription in the sand at New Brighton, NSW, reading “There is no planet B”.
As we near a legislative regime in Australia and global decision making in Copenhagen, strong leadership, sensible solutions, substantial investment and community action on climate change is needed more than ever.
WorkCover
This week is WorkSafe week – making it a good time for us to continue discussions to extend WorkCover to councillors. We have received overwhelmingly positive responses from councillors to our request for feedback last week.
Councillors from at least 30 councils have contacted us expressing in principle support for the extension of WorkCover to councillors.
The MAV has released a Member’s Brief outlining some issues. We are now seeking a joint discussion involving VLGA, MAV, LGPro and Local Government Victoria so that we can work together to respond to issues raised and provide clear feedback to Minister Wynne as soon as possible to ensure that any logistical issues are satisfactorily resolved.
AGM – Thursday 5th November, 7pm
Please join us for our AGM and Leading Edge Forum featuring Adam Valvasori, Values Manager of Body Shop Australia.
Adam recently attended The Climate Project conference where he received exclusive training from Al Gore. During the past two years at the Body Shop, he has led campaigns against domestic violence, respect for Indigenous Australians, animal welfare, child sex trafficking, HIV and AIDS, human rights and climate change.
At the VLGA Annual General Meeting, two proposed changes to the VLGA Constitution will be considered:
1. Removal of CEO’s ex-officio position on the Board
2. Co-option power for casual vacancy in Office Bearer position
Details
Thursday 5th November 2009
6.30pm Dinner and Drinks
7.00-8.05pm Annual General Meeting
8.05pm Leading Edge Forum
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Please RSVP to 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
Mayors on Bikes: Cold – steep – heroic!
Under dark ominous rain clouds, thirty riders set off from Federation square to Fairfield Boathouse discussing the good, bad and ugly cycling routes along the way.
Highlights included an update on the bike lanes to be introduced in East Melbourne, experiencing the Gipps Street steps, and hearing that these may soon be replaced with something more suitable for a City Trail (like a ramp!) and the 90 steps at Chandler Highway which are a clear obstacle for anything on wheels – prams, wheelchairs and bikes.
Seeing and discussing the issues was an important step in our continued advocacy for improvements for safe and accessible walking and cycling paths.
And the rain held off until we arrived at Fairfield!
Productivity Commission’s Report on Gambling
As many of you would know, last week’s release of the Productivity Commission’s report into gambling followed a decision by the Council of Australian Governments to provide an update on developments since the Commission's 1999 report.
A copy of the overview and recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s report can be found here.
The VLGA and our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) continues to be concerned about the impacts of gambling on problem gamblers and local communities. It is pleasing to see the Productivity Commission agree with us that of particular concern are pokies where most harms arise.
Stay tuned for upcoming campaigns in this space.
Council Code of Conduct
All councils are required to adopt their Codes of Conduct by the end of November. These can, of course, be reviewed over the next three years.
The VLGA has been working with councils to shape Codes that provide clear parameters for good governance. While the time is running out to adopt a new Code, we are recommending that councils adopt a simple draft that meets your legislative obligations, and then enter a more substantive discussion early next year – an approach that appears to be being followed by many.
We have also been developing periodic ‘Good Governance Grabs’ and our latest ‘grab’ on Dispute Resolution can be accessed from the Councillor and Officer Resources section of our website.
Development Assessment Committees
Many community members and councillors are feeling frustrated about the amendments to the Development Assessment Committees (DACs) legislation that will mean it is likely to pass the Upper House. The amendments have only gone a small way in resolving the concerns about the mechanisms for the development assessment committees.
Interestingly, in NSW, eight councils are reported to be refusing to participate in the analogous system of joint regional planning panels to be used to assess works over $10M, by refusing to nominate councillors to sit on the panels.
Victorian councils affected by the current DACs legislation have long argued that council should not have to fund VCAT costs where DAC decisions are appealed. NSW councils have been similarly concerned, and interestingly the NSW Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, “has promised the government would fund any such case where the council members were outvoted by the government appointed members.” (Refuseniks see flaws in planning panels, The Australian Financial Review, 7 October 2009)
Childcare Working Group
As you may know, the VLGA’s Local Government and Community Childcare Alliance includes a range of councillors, officers and community members working together to progress policy directions that support accessible, affordable and quality childcare and promote the role of local governments in the delivery of services for children in our communities.
Should you be interested in joining the Working Group, please contact myself as Chair of the Alliance or Cr Stefanie Perri, Policy & Project Officer on 9349 7980 or stefanie@vlga.org.au
Mayoral Chain and Delegates Dinner
A reminder to VLGA Delegates & Mayoral Chain Members that you are invited to join us at a special dinner this Wednesday 28 October. This dinner will give you the chance to get to know your fellow VLGA Delegates from other councils, the Board, as well as many current and former Mayors.
Details
6.30pm-9.30pm, Wednesday 28 October, 2009
Santino’s Terrace, 166 Lygon St, Carlton (Melways ref: 2B F10)
Please RSVP immediately to Sarah Colgan via email sarahcolgan@vlga.org.au or phone 03 9349 7983
2009 Annual Stegley Lecture
This year’s Stegley Lecture on 11th November on the Hawthorn Campus of Swinburne University will feature a conversation between VLGA Life Member, Mike Hill and the VLGA’s Governance Patron, Hayden Raysmith.
From 1973 to 2001 the Stegley Foundation was one of Australia’s most progressive philanthropic organisations. Before winding up in 2001, it made a final grant to enable this Centre to hold an annual lecture exploring the theme of philanthropy and social change.
Hayden and Mike will discuss supporting partnerships between local governments and their communities and explore how this approach can work in a contemporary context. Areas to be explored will include: environmental sustainability; social justice; and engagement and participation in local affairs by excluded or minority groups.
For further details, please see the invitation loaded on our Upcoming Events Calendar.
RSVP by Monday 9th November to Carolyn Oates coates@swin.edu.au
Congratulations to the local governments who were successful in receiving federal funding via the Jobs Fund for their projects that will see more bike paths, bike lanes and bicycle parking facilities pop up across the State, while also supporting job creation.
For more information, visit the Jobs Fund website.
I trust this eNews finds you well!
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
President
0414 959 427 or rose@vlga.org.au
Many communities around Victoria have very high percentages of newly arrived refugees and immigrants. My own constituents in Moonee Valley include over 5,000 public housing tenants, about 30% of whom have immigrated from the Horn of Africa – escaping desperate poverty and war. When political discussion around the country centres on immigration and refugees, communities can be divided and insecurities can be heightened.
As councils and community groups work towards creating more inclusive and cohesive communities, it helps if language that reflects these goals is used in the media and by our political leaders. Let’s hope this week brings more empathetic and compassionate discussion about immigration and management of refugee issues so that it is not left to councils and communities to create inclusive communities and spread the message of multicultural harmony.
WorkCover
Councillors are generally very reluctant to ask for improved working conditions such as higher remuneration, expenses, superannuation and now WorkCover. Serving our communities is not done with mercenary intent, but with commitment to our communities.
However, it is fair and reasonable to be covered by WorkCover when undertaking duties as a councillor. Many councils do afford insurance cover to councillors. Extending the accident compensation scheme to councillors can provide the following:
* Unambiguous insurance coverage for accidents that occur while undertaking council duties
* Equal coverage for all councillors
* Certainty for council staff in dealing with councillor accidents
* Minimal cost to councils and ratepayers
Minister Wynne has asked for an urgent response from the sector to the State Government’s proposal to extend accident compensation cover to councillors. We have already indicated our in principle support for this measure. We will be writing to him very soon with further information.
I have forwarded further information about this to councillors this morning and welcome any feedback, questions and comments.
2009 VLGA Annual General Meeting & End of Year Drinks
Members and friends should mark the following two dates in your diaries:
AGM – Thursday 5 November Further details including two small constitutional changes approved by the Board to be considered at the AGM will be sent to you later this week.
End of Year Drinks – Thursday 3 December Join Minister Wynne, the Board and Staff and me for end of year celebrations. We should also be in a position to introduce our new CEO to you at this occasion.
Localities Enhancing Arts Participation (LEAP) Councils Announced
VicHealth and three local governments are embarking on a multi-year journey which will utilise the communicative and expressive nature of arts and cultural activities to reduce social isolation and strengthen local communities. This ambitious and innovative program is called ‘Localities Enhancing Arts Participation’, or LEAP for short.
The three project sites – Casey, Ballarat and the Central Highlands, and Mildura – represent a cross-section of outer suburban growth corridor, rural/regional and remote municipalities. LEAP is an evolution of VicHealth’s arts engagement and is designed to build on current knowledge about the value to health of the arts as well as strengthening sustainable local networks, organisations and partnerships.
By extending arts and cultural activities into a range of new settings LEAP will provide opportunities for the whole community to participate both as creators and consumers of the arts.
VicHealth and the participating councils invite you to join them in launching this exciting three-year program.
Ballarat – from 10am Thursday 29 October
artHALL
323 Sunraysia Highway
Learmonth
Casey – from 10am Friday 30 October
Factory Rehearsal Centre for the Arts
65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road
Cranbourne East
For further information about each of the approaching launches email leap@vichealth.vic.gov.au
Please note the respective LEAP Launch RSVP details:
Ballarat 29 Oct event – RSVP by Oct 20 to Sahn Cramer
Ph: 5320 5643 Email: sahncramer@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Casey 30 Oct event – RSVP by Oct 28 to Rebecca Whiting
Ph: 9705 5200 Email: rwhiting@casey.vic.gov.au
Road Safety (General) Regulations 2009 and Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2009
On 29 September, the Governor in Council at the Executive Council confirmed the Road Safety (General) Regulations 2009 and Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2009. These regulations form part of the Road Safety Regulations changes which VicRoads has been updating you on throughout the year.
The new regulations will come into effect on 9 November 2009, and are available for download from the Thinking Transport website
Events
2009 Annual Stegley Lecture – 11 November
This year’s Stegley Lecture on 11 November at the Hawthorn Campus of Swinburne University will feature a conversation between VLGA Life Member, Mike Hill and the VLGA’s Governance Patron, Hayden Raysmith.
From 1973 to 2001 the Stegley Foundation was one of Australia’s most progressive philanthropic organisations. Before winding up in 2001, it made a final grant to enable this Centre to hold an annual lecture exploring the theme of philanthropy and social change.
Hayden and Mike will discuss supporting partnerships between local governments and their communities and explore how this approach can work in a contemporary context. Areas to be explored will include: environmental sustainability; social justice; and engagement and participation in local affairs by excluded or minority groups.
For further details, please see the invitation loaded on our Upcoming Events Calendar.
RSVP by Monday 9 November to Carolyn Oates coates@swin.edu.au
Transport, Social Inclusion and Well-being: Where to from here? Conference - Thurs 19 November
The Transport and Social Inclusion Committee invites you to attend its Transport, Social Inclusion and Well-being - Where to from here? Conference.
The Conference will help raise the level of debate and broaden the understanding of transport and social inclusion. It will aim to identify current and emerging transport issues and options that support and encourage a socially inclusive Victoria.
Some of these issues include climate change, minimum service levels and service innovation. It will also highlight the findings of the Australian Research Council Study Grant, Investigating Transport Disadvantage, Social Exclusion and Well-Being in Metropolitan, Regional and Rural Victoria. The study investigated the level of transport disadvantage and social exclusion and the link to the well-being of Victorians.
The conference is being held in Melbourne on Thurs 19 November 2009 from 9am to 5pm.
For more information, refer to the attached document (or visit www.thinkingtransport.org.au). Places are limited!
I trust this eNews finds you well!
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
President
0414 959 427 or rose@vlga.org.au
So much has been happening, and is about to happen, so I ask you to bear with the length of this eNews.
This week is Fire Awareness Week in Victoria. Councils now have interim guidelines for Neighbourhood Safe Places (NSPs), a new Warning Policy with messages to leave if the fire danger is declared Code Red, a more stream-lined approach to relief centres and further measures that have been circulated to Councils via the MAV.
As communities focus on preparing for this year’s bushfire season, we are aware that there are unanswered questions:
* Can communication strategies regarding fire activity be clarified asap given that not all aspects of the National Early Warning system will be ready this summer, and contractual agreement with commercial stations is still being sought regarding broadcasting fire messages?
* To what extent has the 10/30 vegetation removal policy been married with the Fire Warning Policy to ensure that residents have realistic expectations about their capacity to defend their homes?
* Will messages regarding heat waves be forthcoming from DHS to assist Councils prepare for the heat associated with the fire season?
* Will further funding be forthcoming to Councils required to implement new State bushfire related policies?
Councils, communities, the State Government and the MAV have been working extremely hard to be prepared for the start of the fire season. The VLGA will continue to support our members, and to work and advocate on behalf of communities where gaps are evident.
Rural Victoria
Did you know that for the $1100 spent on average per person in metro councils, small rural councils have to spend on average $1700? This is because of the high costs of delivering services across large geographic areas.
Last Thursday, we held our LEF on Financial Sustainability of Rural Shires in Wodonga. Clear from the presentations by three rural CEOs was the need for State and Federal Governments to take the financial sustainability of small rural councils very seriously.
All the statistics point to the high costs of serving rural communities. Grants formulae and infrastructure initiatives must support small rural councils.
The Local Government Reform Fund announced by the Prime Minister on Friday must support small rural councils to address infrastructure maintenance and asset management. The VLGA will advocate to the State Government to request that such projects be prioritised.
As we complete our submission to the Provincial Victoria Directions for the Next Decade Discussion Paper, we will put some rockets behind our campaign for better support for small rural councils. More on this soon.
WorkCover
At our meeting with Minister Wynne last week, we heard that the Minister is willing to consider including WorkCover for councillors as early as November except that the Minister needs to hear from many voices in the sector that we want WorkCover. At the moment, the VLGA is the only voice advocating for WorkCover for councillors.
There are some residual issues to address including the logistical issues of defining who can administer claims (in the absence of a clear employer) and how to manage return to work programs. However, clear guidelines and understanding how WorkCover is applied to MPs should address concerns.
Improving the working conditions of councillors by making WorkCover available is a fair and reasonable request. It also makes the job more attractive resulting in more community members taking an interest and putting up their hands.
We will be providing further information on this soon as we need to urgently demonstrate to the Minister that the sector supports the move and that it is worth working through the logistics.
Essential Services Commission (ESC) - Performance benchmarking for councils
An inquiry into the use of the ESC to set Performance Benchmarks for councils is being undertaken. We have provided feedback on the Terms of Reference for the inquiry. We have raised questions about the use of ESC to set indicators and benchmarks and the potential role for councillors in responding to performance reviews of councils.
The inquiry appears to be set up as consultative so we will be able to provide opportunities for plenty of member feedback as further information is forthcoming. Importantly, at our meeting with the Minister, he categorically ruled out linking the ESC performance indicators with any form of rate-pegging.
Conflict of Interest Review
Loud criticism of the way the new legislation has been managed has resulted in a review to be conducted before next April. We will let you know as soon as we are aware of the details of the review process and opportunities for submissions.
Local Government Human Rights Survey – responses due in a week
Please check that your council has completed its mandatory response to the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Survey. This survey can be directly accessed via the front page of our website
Human Rights Matters Locally
Last week, Brian Tee the Parliamentary Secretary for Justice visited the VLGA to officially launch the ‘Human Rights Matters Locally’ report together with the Assessment Table and Assessment Tools.
The VLGA in partnership with the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education have worked together to develop tools to support local governments to implement the Human Rights and Responsibilities Charter and to become ‘Human Rights Local Governments’.
The project was funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Justice. All tools and the final report is available on our website and for further information, you can contact our Human Rights Policy & Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth on 9349 7986 or gary@vlga.org.au.
The next stage of the project is to work with 5 local governments in using the self-assessment and milestone tools and then to refine the tools so that all 79 local governments can benefit from the project and meet their responsibilities under the Victorian Human Rights Charter.
Funding to improve women’s participation in Local Government
As part of the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government, the Federal Government will provide $490,000 for a range of projects to help improve the participation of women in the nation’s councils and shires.
Data shows that less than 30 per cent of councillors are women; 20 per cent of senior management roles are filled by women; and only 7 per cent of council Chief Executive Officers are women.
The VLGA continues its work in this area through our Women’s Policy Working Group and our coalition with MAV as well as the Charter for Women’s Participation in Local Government. We welcome the Federal Government’s attention to this issue.
Applications open for $220M in community infrastructure
Round Two of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) has now opened.
Local governments will be able to access the $220 million as follows:
> $100 million to be shared between all councils and shires, based upon a submission of eligible projects. Submissions close on 20 November 2009;
> $120 million for larger Strategic Projects allocated on a competitive basis. Applications for this competitive funding are due by 15 January 2010.
In response to calls from the sector, rural councils and peak bodies including the VLGA, the Government has reduced the threshold for larger Strategic Projects to a minimum of $1 million, in order to provide local governments with greater flexibility.
The new Guidelines and other supporting information for Round Two of the Program are available here
Events
Land Use and Food Security Launch
Did you know that up to 25% of our fresh food is being grown in and around our urban areas?
The VLGA and VicHealth invite you to the launch of the Final Report: Land Use & Community Food Security in Victoria: Implications and Responses for the Future. The purpose of the Project is to build the capacity of local governments and others to integrate community food security into land-use planning objectives.
This coming Wednesday 14 October from 8.15am-11.30am
Rear Meeting Room 1
60 Leicester Street
Carlton
Planning Minister Justin Madden will launch the final report, and the keynote speaker is Ms Jeanette Longfield MBE from Sustain (UK).
RSVP to Valeria on 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
Hume workshops – Surviving on Low Incomes
Hume City Council is holding a series of workshops on Surviving on Low Incomes in Broadmeadows, Sunbury, Roxburgh Park and Tullamarine on 13th and 14th Oct. For more information call 9205 2200 or email dalals@hume.vic.govau or see www.hume.vic.gov.au
For details of other Anti-Poverty Week Events, go to our Upcoming Events Calendar at www.vlga.org.au or the Anti-Poverty Week website
Water, fire & heat: summer is coming – free event from Future Leaders and Melbourne conversations
20 October at 6.00pm-7.30pm
BMW Edge, Federation Square
The speakers will discuss the many challenges in managing the crisis we are facing with our water supplies, potential fires and heat this summer. The first half of 2009 was the driest on record for Melbourne.
Speakers include Dr Michael Cathcart, Prof. Tom Griffiths, Ms Marnie Ireland, Prof Ian Lowe AO, and the moderator will be Mr Peter Mares.
www.futureleaders.com.au
SecondBite Volunteer recruitment drive!
SecondBite is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation committed to making a positive difference by sourcing fresh nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to people who are homeless, living in disadvantaged circumstances or experiencing food security issues within the community.
Volunteers are needed to act as Ambassadors of Flemington’s ‘Green Fields’ program to help the Victorian Racing Club present a cleaner, greener event. Volunteers will help promote smarter waste disposal practices, hand out rubbish bags to patrons across the three different locations and spread the word and mission of SecondBite.
Thirty volunteers are needed from 8am to 1.30pm on Saturday 31st October, Tuesday 3rd November, Thursday 5th November, and Saturday 7th November. General admission entry is offered to the carnival after your volunteer session.
To register your interest, please contact Keryn by email at keryn@secondbite.org or by telephone on (03) 9376 3800 for more information.
I trust this eNews finds you well!
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
President
0414 959 427 or rose@vlga.org.au
Last week saw some sobering events on neighbouring islands. We send our sincere condolences to all community members who know people affected in Indonesia, the Philippines, Samoa, Tonga and outlying areas. The Red Cross, Oxfam, Save the Children, World Vision and other organisations are asking people to donate generously once again.
The events remind us of the speed and unpredictability of natural disasters and the necessity for all communities to have sound Emergency Management Plans – as well as the resources to implement those plans. We know that many councils are still calling for better resourcing to protect communities and as we approach Fire Awareness Week (October 11-18), these calls must be heeded.
Minister Allan has asked for responses to the State Government’s Future directions for Provincial Victoria: www.rdv.vic.gov.au/blueprint. Interestingly, although two of the strategic directions identified in the paper could accommodate actions related to emergency management, there are currently no references to assisting councils and communities to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies.
We hope that all stakeholders will provide feedback to Regional Development Victoria by the end of this week despite the short time-frame (yet again!) for feedback.
Best wishes to MAV President Bill McArthur
Everyone at the VLGA wishes Cr Bill McArthur all the best as he recovers from ill health. We hope that Bill enjoys a swift return to good health.
WorkSafe cover for Councillors
Did you know that councillors are not covered for injuries suffered while undertaking their council duties? That is, we are not able to make claims under WorkSafe for injuries or other work related incidents.
The VLGA has been campaigning for some time to improve the protection afforded to Councillors while performing their duties.
VLGA representatives will be meeting with the Minister for Local Government this week to indicate the Board’s strong support to see WorkSafe cover for councillors, as re-stated at last Thursday’s Board Meeting.
Work Safe Week is being held from 26-30 October and this provides a good opportunity for councils to raise this issue locally.
We are holding wide ranging discussions across the sector. We hope that this unfinished business will be addressed in the near future, and we will keep you informed.
Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill
The Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill previously referred to in the President e-news is now law, having passed both houses of Parliament. The legislation aims to streamline the approval process for major transport projects in Victoria.
The Bill will hand power to the Planning Minister for planning approvals and a host of other approvals including many environmental approvals for large transport projects including roads, rail and ports.
The Bill specifically prevents any person from seeking court review of any decision under the Act apart from the Planning Minister's planning approval.
The Environment Defenders Office of VIC has prepared an issues paper, summarising their view on the bill. Access the paper via the EDO website. The MAV has also prepared a draft brief for members. To obtain a copy, contact Skye Holcombe on (03) 9667 5533 or sholcombe@mav.asn.au.
Call-ins, VC56 and DACs
Legislation providing the mechanisms for Development Assessment Committees will return to the Upper House next week. Although there have been some amendments, councils will still be responsible for costs of appeals against decisions of the DAC.
Importantly, planning applications that are considered by DACs will be within Activity Centre Zones for which the default position is ‘no third party rights of notice and objection’. Councils will need to specify that these rights exist for residents to have any rights to scrutinise decisions of DACS.
In addition, Amendment VC56 was introduced to the VPS in May to allow schools funded under the federal government’s Building the Education Revolution Fund to bypass the planning system for planning applications.
As we see this being used to over-ride Council and VCAT rulings we need to again ask for assurances from the Minister that local planning policies and VCAT rulings will be respected by the Minister when planning applications are called in for a faster decisions.
We have been seeking such assurances from the Minister at all meetings with him this year and will continue to make this request.
Valuation of Land Bill
A revised version of this Bill was passed by the Lower House earlier in September. As it comes to the Upper House, we have made members’ views on the ongoing pitfalls of the Bill known to MPs and will continue to call for fair valuations processes for Councils.
Transport events in October
October is a very busy month for transport. Not only is it Walktober, we have Walk to Work Day (Friday 2 October), Ride to Work Day (Wednesday 14 October), Walk to School Day (Wednesday 21 October) and a host of other events.
We would be delighted to share the outcomes of council or community events by creating a section on the Thinking Transport website…this may help to provide a pool of ideas for next year.
The VLGA has also been busy in the lead up to this month, preparing for the Children & Active Transport Forum on Tuesday 6th October and the return of the Mayors on Bikes event on Wednesday 14th October.
Anti-Poverty Week Events
In response to last week’s e-news, we’ve heard about even more council and community events.
In Our Backyard – Australian Short Films
The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) in conjunction with Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Social Planning and Community Development Unit are proud to screen six of the best of Australia’s short films. The In Our Backyard film program is being held at the Shire offices in Rosebud on Thursday 15th October to coincide with 2009 Anti-Poverty Week
Showcasing some of Australia’s diverse local talent, each film exclusively tackles a human rights subject. The sensitive and challenging topics include global fear and prejudice, post-war trauma and social integration.
In Our Backyard – Australian short film session
Mornington Peninsula Shire Offices, Besgrove St, Rosebud
Thursday 15th October, 6.30pm arrival for 7pm start
Entry by gold coin donation. Seating limited. Bookings essential.
For further details about this and other events please visit www.hraff.org.au or contact the Shire on: 5950 1685
Great Debate: Poverty and Homelessness: It’s all their fault – isn’t it?
St Mary’s House of Welcome will host Lindy Burnes and other ABC Radio broadcasters who will debate alongside the Debaters Association of Victoria to raise awareness of Anti-Poverty Week.
6.30 for 7pm start Tuesday 27th October
Melbourne Rowing Club – Boathouse St, Melbourne
For details of other Anti-Poverty Week Events, go to our Upcoming Events Calendar at www.vlga.org.au or the Anti-Poverty Week website
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
