State Election Kit sent to members
It is a coincidence that today is World Town Planning Day, which celebrates the enormous contribution that urban and regional planners make to the community through the creation of better places for people to live, work and play. The Planning Institute of Australia has issued a Media Release and Fact Sheet for your information.
Member local governments (through your CEOs, PAs, Mayors and Delegates) and all other members were sent our Planning Local Communities Together Kit on Friday. The Kit is informed not only by our Annual Tour visits, but also some key advocacy campaigns we have been involved in including VCAT Reforms, and the Planning and Environment Act Review.
This Kit forms part of the VLGA’s State Election activity, and is formulated as a member service. The purpose of the Kit is to advise members of key results from research and other VLGA discussions on planning issues and how these inform:
* a Basic 6-Step Approach to State Election Campaigning on planning and community participation, and
* a medium-term campaign to work with members, the community and the next State Government.
The Kit will also be supplemented by other statements and policies released by the VLGA during the State Election, as well as other media articles of relevance to local communities. To stay up-to-date with our State Election information and coverage go here. For more information, contact us via email at vlga@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7999.
Early reminder – VLGA Board Election
The bi-annual election for the VLGA President and Board will be taking place in February 2011. Detailed information about the election will be published early in December. This will include key dates and candidate information statements. Members are reminded that no fees must be owing at the time the Voters Roll closes (5pm, 22 December 2010) if they wish to stand and/or vote. Organisation members (local governments, community groups and organisations) have all been contacted recently to ensure that their delegate and representative details are up to date. Councillors have also been reminded that they must submit the form indicating formal support to the VLGA’s Vision, Mission and Values (if they have not previously done so), if they wish to exercise their individual right to participate. If you have any queries at this stage, please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 0417 392 078 or at ron@vlga.org.au.
Smoking in public areas: do we want to be at the leading edge of important policy debates?
There is little doubt that the issue of smoking in public places is attracting more community interest. More than three-quarters of Victorians believe smoking should not be allowed in outdoor areas where children are present, according to Heart Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kathy Bell. Seven out of ten disapprove of smoking in outdoor areas. Mayors, councillors and senior staff will need to stay aware of the developments in this public health area, and we encourage you to attend our special forum on 18 November at 5.30pm in Carlton (see VLGA Events below for more information). Quit Executive Director Fiona Sharkie said bans were vital in helping continue to drive down smoking rates in the state. A whole-of-state approach to this policy issue would be desirable. But in the meantime, come along and hear the opportunities and pitfalls experienced by Monash, Frankston and Surf Coast who have all taken different approaches. For more information and to register go here.White Ribbon Day
Kicking off with a Melbourne Town Hall Luncheon on White Ribbon Day (Thursday 25 November), White Ribbon supporters will come together to focus on eliminating violence against women. Speaking at this event will be Michael Kaufman, one of the Canadian founders of the White Ribbon Day Campaign, and Michael Flood, a leading academic who works with engaging men to change attitudes and behaviours about violence against women. Tickets for the luncheon are $150. For more information or to buy a ticket, email rsvp@whiteribbon.org.au.
Many of our other members are holding White Ribbon Day events including a Women in Local Government Charity Golf Day at the Growling Frog Golf Club in Yan Yean on 24 November. Put on by Whittlesea City Council, supported by Whitehorse and Boroondara City Councils and other partners, this event includes a luncheon, show-bags, prizes, comedian Rachael Berger, and plenty of opportunities to network. To register your team, please contact Sarah Davies on (03) 9217 2447 or email sarah.davies@whittlesea.vic.gov.au. This fundraising event is limited to 120 participants, so get in early to avoid disappointment! For more information on White Ribbon events taking place in other parts of Victoria go here, or let us know about your event by emailing details to vlga@vlga.org.au.
Mayors and councillors contributing even more to local communities
As if our elected mayors and councillors don’t work hard enough for their communities already, some are also making contributions through local sporting and other organisations – in their spare time. We’ve decided to highlight these efforts when local communities and organisations recognise them. First cab off the rank is Darebin Mayor, Cr Vince Fontana, who was recognised for his leadership in another field when he was recently awarded AFL Victoria’s Youth Coach of the Year Award for the Northern Region. The award covers the Under-13 to Under-19 category.
AFL Victoria's Northern Community Development Manager, Phiv Demetriou, said Cr Fontana had shown great dedication to his team and has spent a lot of time working with them to develop them as players as well as individuals. He has been actively involved in implementing an education program to encourage social responsibility on issues such as drink driving, drugs and alcohol, binge drinking, respect for women and the importance of the role of women in football. If you would like to send us examples of how community and other organisations have formally recognised the efforts of mayors and councillors, email these to our Director Policy & Public Affairs, Darren Ray, at darren@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7902.
Using local government powers to address food security locally
Despite the absence of another Food for All mini movie from last week’s shorter ‘Melbourne Cup’ edition, it is timely that this week’s mini movie addresses a topical issue we are all grappling with during the state election. That is, what powers can we exercise locally to help us cope with problems that often result from policy and market forces driven by other levels of government? So, how can local governments use our regulatory and fiscal controls to increase the amount of healthy food available in our local communities? This mini movie highlights various ways that local government can use our own regulatory powers. The mini movie runs for only three minutes and includes some successful strategies ranging from encouraging the sale of food at local markets or van sales; encouraging and supporting food rescue to minimise waste; and applying rate incentives for healthy food retailers.
Maryborough Food for All project workshop
The Food for All projects have demonstrated there are 10 key ways for local government to act and outlining these is an important part of the workshops rolling out across Victoria. The first workshop will be held in Maryborough, hosted by Central Goldfields Shire Council on 25 November 2010. To learn more about the workshops and other Food for All Project activities contact Leah Galvin via email at leah@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA events for your diary
Special Forum: Local Government Smoke-Free Policies in Outdoor Areas
Thursday 18 November, 5.30pm
VLGA, CarltonThursday 18 November, 5.30pm
More information and register here.
VLGA Special General Meeting (Constitution)
Thursday 18 November, 7.30pm
VLGA, Carlton
Draft Constitution here.
CASPN Conference: After Sorry, What Next? Local government connecting with Aboriginal communities
Wednesday 24 November, 9.00am-5.00pmNorthcote Town Hall
More information and register here.
Other events
Women on boards: what you need to know
Mondays 8 & 15 November
Swan Hill
More information and register here.
Moving Australian Cities – Tackling Urban Congestion
Thursday 11 November
Melbourne
More information and register here.
Delivering the Victorian Transport Plan – the partnership imperative
Friday 12 November 2010
Doncaster
More information here.
Housing Bus Tour
Saturday 13 November, 9am-12.30pm
Melbourne
More information here.
Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Festival
Sunday 14 November, 10am-6pm.
More information, program, and flyer here.
White Ribbon Day Events
Starting on 25 November, for information on other Victorian events go here.
ALGWA National Conference
Thursday 25 – Saturday 27 November
North Ryde, NSW
More information and register here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
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