Active Communities, Active Democracy Forum – this Wednesday!! RSVP TODAY!!
Don’t miss out on our forum, jointly hosted with the VEC, this Wednesday from 10am-2pm at the VLGA for councillors, council officers and community organisations working with CALD, Aboriginal, disability, youth and homeless communities to ensure all communities understand the electoral process and that people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. We encourage you to circulate this invitation and invite your local community organisations to register their attendance. This is a free event, but bookings are essential for catering purposes. For more information and to register go here or email vlga@vlga.org.au or call (03) 9349 7999. Bushfires Royal Commission
There has already been significant media coverage of the cost to local governments of the Commission, for example here in The Age. The MAV’s CEO Rob Spence has also conducted some very good radio interviews over the last week or so, and the MAV’s leadership in ensuring that local governments are properly supported to respond to the range of recommendations is applauded. The VLGA remains actively interested in the learning from the Bushfires Royal Commission, and the implications for 'at-risk' communities. The way in which the peak bodies can assist local governments to prepare their local communities to be ready for natural and other disasters is of significant interest to us and we are currently exploring methodologies for resilience-building.
Smart meters, informed energy use
Smart Meters are here! Some households already have them installed and meters will be installed in all 2.2 million homes and 300,000 businesses across Victoria over the next 4 years. Meters will make us all aware of how we use energy, so this information is powerful (excuse my pun). They will be read every 30 minutes. Consumers can work out how best to reduce energy use and potentially reduce bills. Some will be able to do this more easily than other low to middle income Victorians, who will find it a push adjusting to increased energy bills and other impacts of climate change. The VLGA will continue to concentrate our efforts on these needs, and to build the capacity of members to play their part. Councillors and officers could start spreading the news that if Victorians are not satisfied with their new meter, the Energy and Water Ombudsman can help on Freecall 1800 500 509.
Watch this space
Climate change in my backyard: 20 fun projects for children to make a difference
Wilbur Worm, an environmental educator, has taken up residence on the front lawns at Parliament House Canberra to promote 20 fun projects children can undertake in their own backyards around the world. The 20 garden actions for children to do to meet the challenge of Climate Change have now been released as the first of a series of Little Green Books. This first addition is free to download here. Please pass the link onto friends, colleagues and anyone you know who would get some benefit from it.VLGA events for your diary
Stay ahead of the pack and contribute to better local access to food
Friday 13 August, 9am-1pm or 2pm-5pm
Hume City Council, Broadmeadows
This DHS funded consultation provides an opportunity for whole-of-government and long term strategies to achieve the systemic and sustainable changes required to improve food security in an equitable way. The VLGA is conducting consultations with a number of key State Government agencies and local governments in the north and west metropolitan health region of DHS. Three focus groups each are being held in the Western region and the Northern region. For further information contact Dr Beverley Wood at beverley@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7999.Hume City Council, Broadmeadows
Mike Hill and Constitution review consultation at our next LEF
Thursday 2 September 2010
As you may be aware, the VLGA is reviewing its constitution in order to tidy up some existing ambiguities and set a solid platform for the future. We are devoting the September LEF to consulting with interested members. Mike Hill will speak about good governance and the future and we will follow by speaking to our Discussion Paper and provide members with the chance to ask question and make comments. The Discussion Paper will be on our website following the Board meeting on 19 August. Go here for more information.Thursday 2 September 2010
Other events
Local government leaders preventing violence against women conference
Thursday 26 August, 10am-4.30pm
MCG, Melbourne
Local government leaders will come together to discuss how local governments can prevent violence against women and foster safe and inclusive environments for all. Mayors, their delegated councillors and other senior decision makers and officers who are critical contributors to actions on strategic plans are especially welcome. For further information, or to register go here. Thursday 26 August, 10am-4.30pm
MCG, Melbourne
Taste of Melbourne is returning this August
26-29 August 2010
The Royal Exhibition Building will again play host to Melbourne’s Premier Food and Wine event, Taste of Melbourne, held from Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 August 2010. Treat yourself to a delicious day out. Now established as a ‘must attend event’ by food and wine lovers from Australia and beyond, Taste of Melbourne allows attendees to sample up to 40 signature dishes prepared by chefs from Melbourne’s best and hatted restaurants. Meet chefs, learn from demonstrations and discover gourmet produce. For more information or to purchase tickets, go here. Special offer! Buy 2 Premium Tickets to Taste of Melbourne for $90 (save $20!) Premium Tickets include entry into Taste of Melbourne and 30 Crowns per ticket. Crowns are the currency used to purchase food and wine at Taste. Hurry – this offer ends 25 August!
2010 Victorian Planning Conference
2-3 September 2010, Wangaratta
This year’s Victorian Planning Conference’s sessions, seminars and workshops will be complemented by the many networking opportunities and social events showcasing the excellent local produce, including dinners at world renowned Brown Brothers and All Saints Wineries. PIA and VPELA are very pleased to announce the 2010 two day program featuring The Hon. Justin Madden MLC, Minister for Planning, Professor Brian Howe AO, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Expert Advisory Panel of the COAG Reform Council, Hugh Mackay, Australian Psychologist, Social Researcher and Writer, Dr James Bradfield Moody, Executive Director of Development CSIRO and New Inventors judge, Stuart Morris, QC, Peter Andrews, Founder of Natural Sequence Farming, Cr Geoff Lake, President of ALGA, Elida Brereton, Former Principal of Camberwell College, aka Summer Heights High, and Ross Brown, CEO of Brown Brothers Wineries. The program also boasts a range of attention grabbing seminars covering a variety of leading edge, innovative topics, and to spice things up a topical and entertaining debate around a theme close to all of our hearts, ‘Planning is the Solution of the Future’. Download the conference brochure here. For more information please contact Melita Brown on (03) 9347 1900 or mbrown@planning.org.au.
“If you wait for opportunities to occur, you will be one of the crowd”
Creative Innovation 2010
8-10 September 2010
Imagine if you could have a deep conversation with Edward de Bono, the originator of the term ‘Lateral Thinking’ and consultant to some of the world’s most successful organisations including Microsoft, Nokia, Ford, GM and IBM. Creative Innovation 2010 is your opportunity!Creative Innovation 2010
8-10 September 2010
Innovating for the future: Creative Innovation 2010 is the place to learn from world changing innovators, futurists, inspired thinkers and curious souls gathered together in an interactive community. It’s a place to learn techniques and strategies unlock and share ideas, to imagine the future.
Imagine a conference that is out of the ordinary; that pushes the boundaries and brings together the latest thinking on creativity and innovation!
The event will:
1. Provide insights and techniques for developing personal and organizational creativity
2. Demonstrate strategies and processes for creating organizational performance, productivity and wellbeing
3. Showcase the world’s best practice solutions and ideas for the development of innovative futures for community, business and government
4. Bring together a diverse range of leaders and emerging talent to develop cross-disciplinary solutions that will make a difference in your life, organisation and community
Creative Innovation 2010, proudly presented by Creative Universe and ANZ, is inspired by thought platforms such as www.ted.com. The TED conferences in Long Beach and Oxford bring together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). Hear from and think with over 35 world class speakers including Edward De Bono, Edward Luttwak (USA), Michael Rennie, David Rock, Jonathan West, Stephen Heppell (UK), Peter Shergold, Austin Williams (UK), Patrick McGorry, Gemma Sisia, Steve Vamos, Hugh Durrant-Whyte, Peter Farrell, Rufus Black, Hugh Morgan and more. Creative Innovation will be held on 8-10 September at the Melbourne Recital Centre and includes a 2-day conference, master classes, deep conversations and concerts. www.ci2010.com.au.
Behaviour Change for Sustainability National Congress
11 & 12 October 2010
Sydney
We know that people are increasingly aware of the need to change their behaviour, but why do they so often fail to actually do it?
A must-attend event for anyone involved in sustainability or interested in moving their organisation or community into a secure future. Join Barack Obama’s Chief Blogger, Sam Graham-Felsen and learn how the 2008 Presidential campaign tapped into the power of social networks to build an unforseen force for change and how this can be applied to your sustainability work. Hear how the development of empathetic consciousness shapes and develops our society from world renowned economist and thinker, Jeremy Rifkin.
Explore the complex relationships between psychology and global climate change with the Director of the Committee on the Human Dimensions of Climate Change, Paul C Stern.
This is NOT an ordinary sustainability conference. Local and international experts will help you turn your knowledge of sustainability issues into meaningful change. The format is different, the speakers are inspiring and the opportunities are boundless. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this seminal event – places are limited and Early Bird Discount Applies until 10th September 2010. To book your place go here, email registrations@3pillarsnetwork.com.au or call 02 555 4203.
8th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Summit 2010
13-14 October 2010
Rendezvous Hotel, 328 Flinders St, Melbourne
VLGA members are eligible for a 50% discount on the cost of the 8th Annual Victorian Infrastructure Summit 2010. Go here for more information, and to benefit from this special discount.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
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