Monday 25 October, 2010

There is a lot of news to share with members this week, so please excuse the length of this eNews! I wanted to remind you of three important upcoming events at the outset: our AGM on Thursday 4 November, where we will hear from Whitehorse CEO Noelene Duff about progress of the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government.

I wanted to draw your attention to our Special Forum: Local Government Smoke-Free Policies in Outdoor Areas on 18 November as this is fast becoming a very topical issue we may need to get our heads around. We will also hold a Special General Meeting on 18 November to vote on amendments to our Constitution. You can read more about these events at the bottom of this eNews.

And finally, the much anticipated After Sorry, What Next? Local government connecting with Aboriginal communities CASPN Conference on 24 November. For more details, please see listings in VLGA Events below.

VLGA to lead $200,000 project to increase number of women councillors in 2012

I am delighted to be able to advise that after discussions with the State Government, the Minister for Women’s Affairs Maxine Morand last week announced that $200,000 would be provided for the three-year project to be led by the VLGA, to actively encourage and support more women to run as candidates in the local government elections. More information will follow, but our first step will be to talk and listen, then develop a plan for a strong partnership with other stakeholder groups and partners. See the State Government’s Media Release here. Learn more about the VLGA’s work in women’s policy here, and see statistics for women councillors and mayors from 2000-2009 here.

Change of date: Special General Meeting to adopt new Constitution
We need to postpone the SGM that was previously scheduled for 4 November until 7pm Thursday 18 November. Please see further details below in the VLGA Events section.

Mayors on Bikes
Mayors, councillors, local government officers, community group and Victoria Police members braved the elements to experience the benefits and challenges of cycling at Mayors on Bikes 2010 last Wednesday. Twenty-one participants were guided by Chris Hui of the City of Boroondara along the Gardiner’s Creek trail, showcasing ways infrastructure had been upgraded to make cycling easier, safer and more pleasurable.

A presentation demonstrating these improvements is now available on the VLGA’s Thinking Transport website here. For more information contact our Local Government Transport Facilitator Gordon Young at gordon@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7943.

Food for All – setting a good example
This week’s mini movie is about why it’s important to model good food access in local government-run activities, facilities and programs. Viewing the two-and-a-half minute mini movie will inform you about the VicHealth Food for All approach which recommends local governments model ways of supporting healthy choices and raise the profile of healthy food access through your own work. Examples of successful approaches include ensuring all kitchens in buildings you own are registered for community use to encourage cooking programs; healthy catering at community events and internal meetings; and supporting your workforce to make healthy choices for themselves by running shopping tours. There are a multitude of low cost and no cost ideas to consider. For more information about the VLGA Food for All Project, please contact Leah Galvin at leah@vlga.org.au.

Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre website now live
A key area of the VLGA’s past advocacy was to see the formation of the RGAC as the consumer’s voice on gambling issues. It is encouraging that their website is now live and can be found at www.responsiblegambling.org.au. The VLGA and our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) are listed under peak bodies and interest and advocacy groups (plus local government) respectively. The local government section on the left navigation tab is a wonderful resource. This has direct links to local government planning scheme amendments on gaming and gambling policies (scroll down). The research tab includes data and statistics and recent research. The Centre is continuing to develop content and is particularly interested in model surveys, documents and baseline data that may assist a number of geographic areas. Where possible, the website links to original sources like VCAT or High Court decisions.

Don’t forget – Local Government Human Rights Survey
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission would appreciate the participation of local governments in its Local Government Human Rights Survey by no later than 28 October. Take the online survey here.


Watch this space

John Jago Good Governance Award
Members will receive a package this week for the inaugural John Jago Good Governance Award. This will be awarded to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings) whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making during 2010. Relevant projects to be considered will include innovative and collaborative public participation practices that have:
* positively influenced your decision-making, and
* involved genuine community participation in decision-making, and
* led to wider organisational improvements in good governance and leadership. For more information, contact VLGA Director Governance Ron Exiner at ron@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7999.


VLGA events for your diary

VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 4 November, from 7pm VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Guest speaker, Whitehorse CEO Noelene Duff, about progress of the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government. We invite you to join us for finger-food and refreshments from 6pm. Please register your attendance here or RSVP to vlga@vlga.org.au.

Special Forum: Local Government Smoke-Free Policies in Outdoor Areas
Thursday 18 November, 5.30-7pm, followed by nibbles and refreshments from 7pm

VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton

A panel of speakers will share their experiences and knowledge including Heart Foundation CEO Kathy Bell, Quit Victoria Executive Director Fiona Sharkie, Monash City Council Mayor Cr Charlotte Baines, Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Libby Coker and Frankston City Council Mayor Cr Christine Richards. For more information or to register your attendance by no later than 8 November, go here.

NEW DATE: Thursday 18 November 2010
VLGA Special General Meeting
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
At its meeting on 7 October 2010, the Board approved the revised draft Constitution (Rules and Statement of Purpose) and resolved to put it to a members’ vote at a Special General Meeting. The original meeting date was scheduled for 4 November 2010. However that date has now been changed to 18 November 2010 to ensure that the notice of the meeting complies with the requirements under the Act. We look forward to seeing you there.

The revised draft Constitution can be accessed here. If you would like a hard copy sent to you, please call the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999. Members are encouraged to contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance on 0417 392 078 or ron@vlga.org.au if you have any queries.

CASPN Conference: After Sorry, What Next? Local government connecting with Aboriginal communities

Wednesday 24 November, 9.00am-5.00pm
Northcote Town Hall
Join a fabulous mix of participants who will provide indigenous, local government and community perspectives. The day is focussed not only on what’s happening on the ground but what needs to happen to move forward. A practical day where you will also get plenty of opportunity to interact, discuss and test your ideas or others presented on the day. While numbers are limited, the conference is aimed at:
* Local Government Social Planners & Policy Makers; Strategic Planners; Statutory Planners; Health Planners; Economic Development Officers; Community Development Workers; Parks and Conservation Officers; Local Councillors; Arts & Culture Officers
* Community Organisations & Indigenous Organisations, and
* Rural, metro and city practitioners are welcome.

The Conference will be preceded by a special screening of Our Generation on Tuesday 23 November at 7pm, and followed on the Wednesday by the Koorie Night Market from 6pm with lots of stalls and entertainment. Further information including program and registration form here.


Other events

Women on boards: what you need to know
Monday 8 November & Monday 15 November, 9am-12.30pm
Swan Hill
This two day program will give you an introduction to the personal and professional skills you need to know to be a knowledgeable, confident, successful and effective Board / Committee Member. For more information and to register go here.

Moving Australian Cities – Tackling Urban Congestion
Thursday 11 November, 8.30am-2pm
Hilton on the Park, 192 Wellington Parade, Melbourne
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed that all states are to put in place their ‘Cities Plans’ by January 2012. Join Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) members and guests to explore policy actions needed to tackle urban congestion; road pricing; prioritisation of road or public transport investment for policy makers – and more. For more information and to register go here.

Delivering the Victorian Transport Plan – the partnership imperative
Friday 12 November 2010, 10am-3pm
Manningham Function Centre, Doncaster
Councillors, CEOs and Directors of Engineering are encouraged to register for this complimentary Roads Australia-VicRoads Local Government Forum that will provide an opportunity for local governments and VicRoads to exchange perspectives on the delivery of the Victorian Transport Plan and road related programs, and identity opportunities for enhancing stakeholder relationships. Go here for more information.

Housing Bus Tour
Saturday 13 November, 9am-12.30pm From Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth St (pick up / drop off)
Join YWCA Victoria on a Housing Bus Tour of YWCA Victoria managed properties, including a tour of Richmond house, a YWCA Victoria / Social Housing Victoria owned and operated 67 room women only rooming house. For more information, go here.

Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au

Monday 18 October, 2010

As ever, the work and advocacy of the VLGA covers a diverse range of topics, reflecting a wide range of member concerns. Last Friday the VLGA was represented at the Premier’s Climate Change Summit in Bendigo. Our CEO Maree McPherson spoke on a panel about local government adaptation issues, reminding attendees of our Liveable and Just Project. Maree was also able to announce a Liveable and Just project partnership with mecu Limited which will see us taking subsidised training workshops to a number of regional centres.

I also want to mention our ongoing advocacy work, as the next meeting of the Planning and Environment Act Review Working Group is this coming Monday 25 October. Of course, if you have any views you would like to pass on, feel free to contact me.

Food for All – Policy and Planning
This week’s mini movie is about why it’s important to address food security in local government policies. View the two-minute mini movie and learn from the VicHealth Food for All approach. Including food security in your policy and planning is critical to ensuring it is on the agenda, and results in it being dealt with proactively over the long term, rather than reactively over the short term. Inclusion in your policy makes it relevant for all areas including business development, infrastructure, land use planning, environmental sustainability, and human services. For more information about the VLGA Food for All Project, please contact Leah Galvin at leah@vlga.org.au.

Studies in Applied Human Rights
RMIT has developed a postgraduate program (Graduate Diploma – one year full time or two years part-time; and Graduate Certificate – six months full time or one year part time) informed by the strong partnerships the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education has developed with key government and non-government agencies. The courses are designed for professional development, academic interest and entry into the rapidly expanding human rights field. For more information contact Dr Liz Branigan, Academic Programs Coordinator on (03) 9925 3153 or liz.branigan@rmit.edu.au.

Easy English guide to voting in the 2010 Victorian State Election
The Victorian Electoral Commission has produced an information guide to help people better understand the voting process for the Victorian State Election, to be held on Saturday 27 November. Access the guide here.

Local Government Human Rights Survey
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission would appreciate the participation of all 79 local governments in its Local Government Human Rights Survey by no later than 28 October. Take the online survey here.


Watch this space

Commonwealth must urgently fund Victorian kindergarten facilities
The MAV has renewed its call for the Federal Government to urgently commit $600 million for Victorian kindergarten facilities or risk failure of its national commitment to provide all children with ‘universal access’ to preschool in their year before school. The MAV’s media release states that by 2013 Victoria will require around 50 per cent more facilities and 400 extra trained staff to increase the program to the nationally agreed policy of 15 hours per week for 4 year old kinder. The VLGA Board has endorsed the MAV’s universal access policy position, including the emphasis that Victorian local governments will not pay all of the substantial costs of these reforms.


VLGA events for your diary

Timor-Leste Friendship Forum
Tuesday 26 October, 5.30-8pm including light dinner and drinks
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA Timor-Leste Advisory Group invites members of Friendship Groups, representatives of NGOs with programs in Timor-Leste, local government councillors and officers, and community representatives who are interested in Timor-Leste, to our ‘Friendship Forum’. For more information go here. Please RSVP by 18 October to Gary Jungwirth on (03) 9349 7999 or email gary@vlga.org.au.

VLGA Special General Meeting & Annual General Meeting
Thursday 4 November, from 7pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA Board has endorsed the revised draft Constitution so that it can now be put to members for ratification. This will occur at a Special General Meeting which will take place at 7pm on 4 November 2010, to be followed by the AGM. The revised draft Constitution can be accessed here. If you would like a hard copy sent to you, please call the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999. Members are encouraged to contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance on 0417 392 078 if you have any queries. We invite you to join us for finger-food and refreshments before the Special General Meeting from 6pm. Please register your attendance here or RSVP to vlga@vlga.org.au.

Special Forum: Local Government Smoke-Free Policies in Outdoor Areas
Thursday 18 November, 5.30-7pm, followed by nibbles and refreshments from 7pm

VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Learn more about this topical issue, ask questions and discuss ideas about the merits and challenges of smoke-free policies in outdoor settings. Hear about the various ways that you might consider approaching this. A panel of speakers will share their experiences and knowledge including Heart Foundation CEO Kathy Bell, Quit Victoria Executive Director Fiona Sharkie, Monash City Council Mayor Cr Charlotte Baines, Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Libby Coker and Frankston City Council Mayor Cr Christine Richards. For more information or to register your attendance by no later than 8 November, go here.


Other events

Australia-Timor-Leste Education and Training Network workshop
Saturday 23 October, 1-4pm
Northcote Library Meeting Room, 32-38 Separation St, Northcote
At this Supporting Youth and Adult Learning through Community Centres and Libraries forum you’ll hear from speakers Patti Manolis from Library Books for Timor-Leste, Richard Brown from Friends of Aileu, Chris Perkins from Friends of Bacau, and Pat Jessen from Friends of Suai. Please RSVP before 16 October to janhayes@bigpond.net.au or call 0419 114 950.

Barwon Safe Parties Symposium
Thursday 4 & Friday 5 November
Geelong Football Club – Fred Flanagan Room, Skilled Stadium, Geelong
The City of Greater Geelong is hosting a Barwon Safe Parties Symposium on – Young People, Alcohol and Parties. The one and a half day forum is targeted at health workers, community organisations, police, teachers, local governments and parenting support groups and will showcase local government based programs that have focussed on reducing risky drinking among young people and how best to apply current research findings in your program development. For more information and to register, go here.

Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au

Monday 11 October, 2010

In the past two weeks, the VLGA has conducted annual tour visits to Monash, Greater Dandenong, Greater Geelong and Moorabool; and this week we visit Kingston and Mildura. On behalf of the VLGA Board and staff, I thank all mayors, councillors and CEOs for their hospitality on our visits and for providing us with comprehensive overviews of the issues facing their municipalities.

We also held a very successful Leading Edge Forum on Thursday night attended by more than 60 people who heard from officers from Sustainability Victoria about their work. I refer all members to the new Climate Communities website which places all climate change related information for Victorians in one easy-access site.

Members may also like to know that at their meeting last week the VLGA Board endorsed the Boobook Declaration. The VLGA is proud to have taken this action. For more information about the Boobook Declaration go here.

VCGR refuses gaming licence application at Surf Coast Shire
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation has rejected the application by the Beach Hotel located at Jan Juc, Surf Coast Shire, for 20 electronic gaming machines. The hotel was refused a planning permit for a $4 million redevelopment by the Surf Coast Shire Council, which also opposed the machines. The decision quotes the Court of Appeal in Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s successful case against the Romsey Hotel in 2008. This is another landmark decision as it concludes that the introduction of the machines would be of considerable concern to a small community. Read the full report here.

Another reminder: calls for new approaches to ensure the sustainability of country towns

A number of councillors and community members have commented on the speech I delivered recently at the Sustainability of Australia’s Country Towns Conference in Bendigo. In my speech I called for a new approach from Federal and State governments to ensure the sustainability of country towns. Go here to read my full speech if you are interested and missed it last week.

Applications for vacancies at the VLGA close this Friday
As publicised last week, the VLGA is looking for two part-time Local Government Policy & Project Officers. These positions are ideally suited to flexible candidates who thrive in a diverse policy environment and have a sound understanding of the roles and responsibilities of elected councillors, council staff and communities. Applications close this coming Friday, so go here for more information.

Food for All – what is already happening in your community to enhance food security?

This week’s movie, from the series of ten mini movies in the Food for All series, gives you a good starting point for engaging with others. A critical activity for getting off to a good start is mapping what is already happening within both the community and local government environments. We recommend Environments for Health as a useful framework to make sense of the information gathered through mapping to help build the local picture. This framework helps categorise causes and strategies (programs or policies) into the four environments: natural, built, social, and economic. The framework is also used in developing the Municipal Public Health Plans or Health and Wellbeing plans in local governments, so using it to map food security as well makes it easier to get from talk to action! For further information about the VLGA/VicHealth Food for All project contact Leah Galvin at leah@vlga.org.au.


Watch this space

Ground-breaking parliamentary report on public and social housing
I was pleased to see the release late last week of a brave and wide-ranging report from the Victorian Parliament’s Family and Community Development Committee on the Adequacy and Future Directions of Public Housing in Victoria. The VLGA made a verbal submission to the inquiry, and you can see a copy of the transcript here. The VLGA will have a lot more to say about this inquiry after we have digested the 500 or so pages of the report. At first glance we are supportive of most of the 81 recommendations which cover an impressive range of policy areas. We believe that, if followed, the recommendations have the potential to address unfinished business in terms of land use planning, building the capacity of workers to deal with complex needs clients, continued funding for Neighbourhood Renewal projects, and a long-term increase in the supply of social and public housing. For a full copy of this ground-breaking report go here. The Report will be discussed at the next meeting of the VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group this coming Wednesday at 4.30pm. If you would like to attend, or require more information, contact Darren Ray at darren@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7902.


VLGA events for your diary

Timor-Leste Friendship Forum
Tuesday 26 October, 5.30-8pm including light dinner and drinks
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA Timor-Leste Advisory Group invites members of Friendship Groups, representatives of NGOs with programs in Timor-Leste, local government councillors and officers, and community representatives who are interested in Timor-Leste, to our ‘Friendship Forum’. For more information go here. Please RSVP by 18 October to Gary Jungwirth on (03) 9349 7999 or email gary@vlga.org.au.

VLGA Special General Meeting & Annual General Meeting
Thursday 4 November, from 7pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA Board has endorsed the revised draft Constitution so that it can now be put to members for ratification. This will occur at a Special General Meeting which will take place at 7pm on 4 November 2010, to be followed by the AGM. The revised draft Constitution can be accessed here. If you would like a hard copy sent to you, please call the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999. Members are encouraged to contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance on 0417 392 078 if you have any queries.

We invite you to join us for finger-food and refreshments before the Special General Meeting from 6pm. Please register your attendance here or RSVP to vlga@vlga.org.au.

Special Forum: Local Government Smoke-Free Policies in Outdoor Areas

Thursday 18 November, 5.30-7pm, followed by nibbles and refreshments from 7pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
This forum, for councillors and council officers alike, is presented by the VLGA in partnership with Heart Foundation Victoria and Quit Victoria. It’s designed to inform you about the experiences of other local governments and give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas about the merits and challenges of smoke-free policies in outdoor settings in your community, and the various ways that you might consider approaching this. A panel of speakers will share their experiences and knowledge including Heart Foundation CEO Kathy Bell, Quit Victoria Executive Director Fiona Sharkie, Monash City Council Mayor Cr Charlotte Baines, Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Libby Coker and Frankston City Council Mayor Cr Christine Richards. For more information or to register your attendance by no later than 8 November, go here.


Other events

2010 Victorian Planning Week
The Planning Institute of Australia, Victorian Division, invites you to attend the following 2010 Planning Week events: What's happening in Sri Lanka (11 Oct, 6pm), Urban Design Photo Competition and Exhibition (12 Oct, 5.30pm), Women Planners Network Breakfast (13 Oct, 7am), Planning for Community Hubs All Day Forum (14 Oct, 9.30am), AILA Breakfast – The Bridge between Planning and Landscape Architecture (14 Oct, 7.30am), Victorian Young planners Event - Planning, Community & The Media (14 Oct, 5.30pm), Activity Centre Bus Tour (15 Oct, 8.30am), 2010 Awards for Planning Excellence Ceremony (15 Oct, 6pm), Nexus 2010 (16 Oct, 8pm), Regional Growth Seminar (21 Oct, Bendigo), Victorian Young Planners Lawn Bowls Event (21 Oct, Bendigo).

Australia-Timor-Leste Education and Training Network workshop
Saturday 23 October, 1-4pm
Northcote Library Meeting Room, 32-38 Separation St, Northcote
At this Supporting Youth and Adult Learning through Community Centres and Libraries forum you’ll hear from speakers Patti Manolis from Library Books for Timor-Leste, Richard Brown from Friends of Aileu, Chris Perkins from Friends of Baucau, and Pat Jessen from Friends of Suai. Please RSVP to janhayes@bigpond.net.au or call 0419 114 950 before 16 October.

Delivering the Victorian Transport Plan – the partnership imperative
Friday 12 November 2010, 10am-3pm
Manningham Function Centre, Doncaster
Councillors, CEOs and Directors of Engineering are encouraged to register for this complementary Roads Australia-VicRoads Local Government Forum that will provide an opportunity for local governments and VicRoads to exchange perspectives on the delivery of the Victorian Transport Plan and road related programs, and identity opportunities for enhancing stakeholder relationships. Go here for more information.

Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au

Monday 4 October, 2010

The highlight of my week was a presentation to an audience of about 100 local government practitioners, councillors and academics from across Australia at the Third National Country Towns Conference in Bendigo. This year’s theme – The Sustainability of Australia’s Country Town – sits well with the VLGA’s work on sustainability and governance. My presentation has been posted on the VLGA website if you want to have a look. The highlight of the coming week will be the first meeting of the Modernising Victoria’s Planning Act Review Working Group. I like a good challenge and will make every effort to represent our members to the best of my abilities. Our submission (Feb 2010) listed a number of concerns, and we remain sceptical of a number of aspects of the proposed changes. I’ll be able to give you an update in my next bulletin.

Need a part-time and rewarding job?
Like to make a difference in your job? The VLGA is looking for 2 part-time Local Government Policy & Project Officers to play a part in our efforts to connect communities and strengthen democracy. One position is a 12-month contract with the possibility to extend; the other is a 6-12 month maternity leave replacement position. Both positions are ideally suited to flexible candidates who thrive in a diverse policy environment and have a sound understanding of the roles and responsibilities of elected councillors, council staff and communities. For more information go here.

Climate Change Bill explained in plain English
As you may know, the above Bill passed through the Legislative Assembly with the support of all parties. Greeted as nation-leading landmark legislation, its implications for communities across the State (both rural and metropolitan) in the future need to be understood by us all. To assist people from all walks of life to grapple with the detail, the Parliamentary Library have prepared a Research Brief which includes a brief but comprehensive summary of all the key aspects of the Bill, and some responses and Australian and overseas comparisons. Go here to see the Research Brief.

Local communities taking control of shift to low-carbon economies

VLGA's CEO Maree McPherson represented us at the Latrobe Valley - Powering towards a new economy' CEDA event on 30 September at Monash University Gippsland. An audience of around 150 State and local government, industry, academic, and regional development delegates heard presentations from keynote speaker The Hon Peter Batchelor MP, Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources; 'new' energy industry commentators; community care agencies; and local governments. The VLGA notes the commitment of the Gippsland Local Government Network through the Gippsland Regional Plan which has as its highest priority a transition to a low carbon economy. A socially just transition for the communities affected by the changes this will require is of interest to the VLGA.

Facebook for women councillors on YouTube – 21st century, here we come

The VLGA and Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition has created a series of ten short tutorial videos about using Facebook as a communication tool with constituents. The expert panel includes social networking expert Erin Young of the YWCA alongside women councillors experienced with Facebook, Cr Sarah Carter (Maribyrnong) and Cr Ann Potter (Hume). WPILG Coalition Chair Cr Beth Ripper and Karen Gray of YWCA explore with the panel ‘the whys and hows’. Check out the video produced by VLGA and hosted for WPILG Coalition here. For more information email linda@vlga.org.au.

Food for All – allocating responsibility in local government
As promised, here is the next in a series of mini movies produced by the VicHealth Food for All projects. This movie, like the others in the series, is short but rich in information. To get people talking within local government about how their work can impact the community’s access to healthy, safe and affordable food, it is best to have an officer who is allocated responsibility for the issue. This officer can help raise awareness of why food security is core business for council and how local government can act. The Food for All projects have clearly demonstrated that the best officer to integrate improving food security into their role will be relatively senior, have research and strategic skills, understand community development and can confidently form strong partnerships both within the community and other council departments. Support from other key managers in local government will ensure council can provide leadership and support when working to address local causes of food insecurity. For more information about the VLGA Food for All project, the resources kit and the forthcoming workshops for local government, email leah@vlga.org.au.

Heart Foundation Go Red for Women Leadership Award
Recognise a female leader working in local government who champions healthy heart initiatives by nominating her for the Heart Foundation Go Red for Women Leadership Award. Winners will be announced in November 2010 and will receive $1,000 and a plaque recognising their outstanding success. Entries close 15 October. For nomination forms and entry criteria go here.


Watch this space

Reviewing Community Satisfaction Surveys
As many would know, LGV coordinates the Community Satisfaction Survey for participating local governments each year. To ensure improvements and its continued relevance LGV has asked the survey provider to conduct a review of the survey. To allow local governments the opportunity to provide feedback on the survey as part of the review, four forums will be held – in Melbourne, Traralgon, Shepparton and Horsham. For further details of the forums go here. To register your local government’s attendance email bbishop@wallisgroup.com.au before 1 November.


VLGA events for your diary

October LEF – THIS THURSDAY!!!

Acting together for a sustainable future: local government and community environment action and programs

Thursday 7 October, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Join the VLGA and Sustainability Victoria this Thursday for finger-food, refreshments and networking from 6pm, followed by interesting discussion about emerging actions and programs relevant to local government and community action. Topics include: Sustainable Precincts, including Zero Emission Neighbourhoods, Armstrong Creek, and Smart Energy Zones; helpful sustainability information and tools for local government, including the Utility Tracker, Best Practice Tracker, and Sustainability Resource Locator; Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria's programs recognising and celebrating community actions at a grassroots level; greenpower trends and challenges; and the new Victorian Government Climate Communities website and grants program supporting local actions tackling climate change. For more information and to RSVP go here.


Other events

ALGWA’s October Networking Lunch
This Thursday 7 October, 12.15 – 2pm
Room K, Parliament House, Spring St Melbourne
Join the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) members and friends for its October Networking Lunch where the 2010 ALGWA Study Award Winner will be announced. Guest speaker is Jaala Pulford MLC, Member for Western Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development, Industry and Trade. For more information and to register go here.

2010 Victorian Planning Week
Planning Institute Australia (PIA) will run the 2010 Victorian Planning week over two weeks from 11-15 October for Metropolitan Planning Week and 18-22 October for Regional Planning Week. Go here for more information about Metropolitan Planning Week and here for more information about Regional Planning Week.

Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au