Hail stones and flash floods – the experience of Melbourne’s storm on Saturday reminds us of how important storm water management is to communities, waterways and the land. Urban communities face both an increase in flood frequency and increase in impervious surfaces making the incidence of flooding more likely. Storm water harvesting, capture and management during downpours are of increasing importance. Many council crews worked late hours over the holiday weekend cleaning up storm debris and assisting families in need and we acknowledge their tireless efforts.
Your Opinions: International Women’s Day
Yesterday was International Women’s Day (you couldn’t have missed it in Canberra!). This week, three of the 16 Victorian female Mayors share their thoughts and activities for IWD in the Year of Women in Local Government.
Mayor Janine Booth at Hepburn Shire Council writes about Increased Participation of Women in Local Government:
“In response to the 2008 Local Government election in Hepburn Shire, in which there was one woman among 14 nominations for 5 wards, the Council Plan includes the following aims: “Operating in a way that further encourages a diverse and representative group of candidates to contest the 2012 Council elections and promoting the importance of civic leadership through sponsoring community involvement in leadership and development programs.” The intended outcome is that “a better cross-section of the Hepburn Shire community will contest the 2012 municipal elections.”
In addition, the Council Plan includes “advocating for the ongoing provision of adequate quality childcare options across the Hepburn Shire.”
By developing strategies and action to support the above initiatives, it is believed that members of the community will be more informed and empowered to be actively involved in Local Government. These actions will underpin the aims outlined in the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter which the Hepburn Shire Council adopted in 2004.”
See Mayor Booth’s full comments on our website.
Mayor Stella Kariofyllidis from Moreland City Council tells us about the events in Moreland this week (which I won’t be missing!):
International women’s event at Coburg Town Hall on Friday, 12 March Moreland Council acknowledges its commitment to women by celebrating International Women’s Day with the presentation of Honouring Women in Moreland Awards.
The event acknowledges the leadership of women, followed by a community celebration together with the Neighbourhood Houses and featuring a conversation with Indian Consul General, Anita Nayar and Cr Rose Iser, President of the VLGA. This free event is scheduled for Friday 12 March at the Coburg Town Hall; all are invited. The award presentation will be at 5.30pm followed by a community celebration at 7pm. RSVP’s to Grace Chiera on 9240 2372.
Mayor Mary Lalios of the City of Whittlesea tells us of the report from Women Matter 2008.
In November 2009 Council received this report and endorsed the Women’s Charter. In December 2009 a small group of organisations met to discuss establishing a women’s network as indicated by the report. Women Matter Two Network: WM2 is in the process of establishing terms of reference. It will be launched on Tuesday 9 March by Cr Kris Pavlidis in the Great Hall as part of the International Women’s Awards. Women will be invited to a consultation to discuss the role of the network in the community. It is an independent community network and will seek to source funds to start working on women’s affairs. For a copy of the report, contact Cr Mary Lalios on 9217 2343.
Women in Local Government survey
…And as a way of collecting information about activities during 2010, please complete our survey. You can complete the survey in just 10 short minutes while helping build local government momentum for progressive change. Make sure you don’t miss out on responding to the survey.
Women in Local Government survey.
The closing date for the survey is Monday 15 March 2010. Results will be reported on the VLGA’s special 2010 webpage. The national website can be found here. If you have any questions about this online survey or VLGA matters generally, contact Linda Bennett on T: 03 9349 7904 or E: linda@vlga.org.au.
Links to Meetings, Minutes and Agendas
As part of the upgrade of our website, the VLGA now has a direct link to all 79 local governments’ dedicated web pages for their meetings, minutes and agendas here. These links will help you see how other local governments are responding to a common issue and access content of interest.
If you are a VLGA member local government, and you need to research a specific topic and would like assistance from the VLGA, please contact our Director Policy & Public Affairs, Darren Ray on 9349 7902 or 0413 334 523 or darren@vlga.org.au.
2010 National Awards for Local Government
Nominations have now opened for the 2010 National Awards for Local Government. These awards now reward local governments for the innovative and important work they do in supporting local communities. This year, the National Awards recognise local governments’ efforts in delivering local infrastructure, collaborating with neighbouring councils, improving their asset and financial management planning, and building their capacity to serve communities.
Award categories include: Excellence in Alcohol Management; Infrastructure Development; Innovation in Natural Resource Management; Leading Community Climate Change Action; Strength in Diversity; Strengthening Indigenous Communities; Youth Engagement; Asset and Financial Management; Regional Collaborations’ Urban Planning Reforms; Women in Local Government. For further information on the National Awards for Local Government contact the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government on free call 1800 065 113, or visit the Department’s Website.
Public Transport Survey: What moves you, what moves your vote?
The VLGA and 18 local governments are members of the MTF which is politically independent and exists solely to work for better public transport. Visit pt4me2 to have your say about Melbourne's public transport. The results will be presented to all the major political parties in May. Results will also be sorted into postcodes and the data will be available for local governments. The surveys close on 30 April 2010.
ESC’s Local Government Monitor, Issue No. 4
The periodic newsletter on the development of the local government performance monitoring framework. This issue covers:
* An overview of the working group process
* An overview of market research outcomes that was presented to the working groups
* Consultative Committee and consultation news
* An overview of the release of the draft report
The newsletter can be downloaded in pdf form by visiting our website.
Events
Women’s Planning Network – International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March, 7.30-9am
Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne
This year’s breakfast will be held at Parliament House with Jenny Mikakos, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning as our special guest speaker and also include the presentation of the 2010 Rising Star Scholarship.
Cost: WPN Members and Students: $25; Non Members: $30
Places are limited so please obtain a registration form by emailing admin@wpn.org.au or calling 9347 4622.
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community. The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. Check our website for more details.
Local Government Planning for a Sustainable Future
Monday 15 March 2010
Quay West Melbourne, 26 Southgate Avenue, Southgate
Presented by Peter Aughton, this workshop will introduce Local Government decision makers to practical and participative planning tools that can be readily applied in their communities.
To register, contact Jill Moor on 9835 8900 or email registrations@pics.com.au or click here for more details.
Ride2School
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Put this date in your diary and be part of the action on National Ride2School Day on Wednesday 17 March, 2010.
ALGWA Conference - WomenCan!
18-19 March 2010
City of Melbourne, Yarra Room, Melbourne Town Hall
This year’s Australian Local Government Women’s Association conference has some wonderful, inspiring speakers attracting a fantastic response from people wishing to attend both the dinner on Thursday 18 March and conference on Friday 19 March, in this, the Year of Women in Local Government. Speakers include Professor Graham Sansom, Mary Barry, CEO of the SES Victoria, Marcia Griffin, a past recipient of the Telstra Women of the Year and founder of Griffin & Row, Melissa Fyfe, state political writer for the Melbourne Age, Melissa Wealands, President of the Women’s Planning Network, and Senator Judith Troeth. For a further list of speakers, to view the program or to register, visit the ALGWA website.
Changing the Dream Symposium
Sunday 21 March 2010, 1.30-5.30pm
The Hub at Docklands, 17 Waterview Walk, Docklands Melbourne (near corner of Bourke St & Harbour Esplanade)
"Creating a bold new future". Attend the Awakening the Dreamer Changing the Dream Symposium. Come together with people who care about what’s happening in the world, our community and with our families. A look at the biggest challenges and opportunities today:
* The state of our industrial world and the thinking that got us where we are today
* A new dream – new ideas about what really matters – leading to deep connection and surprising solutions
* What is your role to play in creating a new future?
Cost: $40 waged, $20 concession (bookings essential)
Access the flyer here or visit their website.
Environment Victoria - WATER & HEALTHY RIVERS
Thursday 25 March, 5.45-7.30pm
Green Building Meeting Room, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Our big challenge here at Environment Victoria will be to show all parties contesting the November state election that delivering environmental flows to our stressed rivers is critical – both for rescuing our river systems and to be seen as a credible government.
The Rivers Supporter Evening will be held on Thursday 25 March at the Green Building in Carlton. Environment Victoria would love the opportunity to share with you some of the key issues and campaign themes they will be focusing on this year, and to hear from you about your passionate ideas to deliver water flows to rivers. For an invitation click here.
Please RSVP to Healthy Rivers Campaigner Amelia Young on (03) 9341 8120 or email her at amelia.young@environmentvictoria.org.au by Monday 23 March.
There’s also a fantastic opportunity to hear Healthy Rivers Campaigner, Juliet Le Feuvre, talk about our rivers at the Kinglake Ranges Water Expo on Sunday 14 March. For program details click here. Juliet will be talking about the state of Victoria’s northern rivers and what we can do about it.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
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