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, 6-9pmVLGA, 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
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