Offer of help to flood-affected local governments
Last week we wrote to mayors and CEOs in all flood-affected areas in Victoria – you can see the letter here. We have expressed concern and support on behalf of all VLGA members for those among us who are dealing with the crisis of this on-going flood event, or series of events, in many parts of Victoria. The longer term recovery will present further challenges and a significant cost burden. The VLGA will take every opportunity to advocate with State and Federal ministers for specific funding for affected councils, many of which are already among the most resource-constrained when it comes to meeting the infrastructure renewal needs of their communities. A number of flood-affected local governments have set up their own direct volunteer registers, and you can find a list of them here.
What to do when you meet people deeply affected by disasters?
Many members have spoken to me in the past as to what ‘tips’ might be available when speaking with people who have either been directly impacted by, or others deeply moved by their experiences of natural and other disasters. We’ve come across a brief and very helpful tool developed by the National Association of Loss and Grief NSW Branch called Psychological First Aid which can be found here.
VLGA Board Election Nominations Open
Last Friday we wrote to all members on the VLGA Voters’ Roll, which closed on 22 December 2010, advising them that they are eligible to vote and stand for election at the upcoming VLGA Board Elections. Nominations opened last Friday at 9am and will close this coming Friday 28 January at 5pm. You can download the Nomination Form here. To ensure that VLGA staff are not placed in an awkward position our CEO has issued advice that it would be best for staff not to sign nomination forms. Visit our website to see the Election Guide, more information about the role of President and more information about the role of Board Members. If you have any queries, please contact our Member Resources Officer Sarah Colgan by email or phone (03) 9349 7983.
Also, a reminder that at our February Leading Edge Forum (LEF) from 6-9pm on Thursday 3 February, we will provide an opportunity for members who have nominated for election as President and/or Board Member to outline their vision for the VLGA. See our website for more details of the LEF and to register your attendance.
Food for All – supporting new residents to eat healthily
This week's mini-movie addresses the need to provide new arrivals and refugees with training and information on eating healthily, shopping, and food safety in our local communities. Brimbank City Council has led the way with a part of their food security response being a Welcome Kit, which is one strategy local governments can use to improve access to healthy and affordable food. Produced by VicHealth, this week's mini-movie features our VicHealth-funded Food for All Project Officer, Leah Galvin. When you use this link there is an opportunity to give feedback about the Food for All micro-movies and information sheets. If you would like further information about the Food for All Project please contact Leah Galvin by email or phone (03) 9349 7941.
Change our future with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Human Rights
As many members will know, the VLGA has been partnering with the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education (ACHRE) at RMIT to develop our Human Rights resources for local governments. ACHRE have now launched a new Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Applied Human Rights which explores what it means to build a culture and practice of human rights, and how to apply a human rights framework in your professional life. They will assist you to develop and test tools and approaches and understand the steps necessary to bring about changes in practice, behaviours and structures. You will integrate learning directly into the work you are doing, or gain the skills to enter into work in the human rights field. See more ACHRE course and program information.
Western region local governments prevent violence against women
Local governments across the western region, together with Women’s Health West and other community health organisations, have launched a new plan to prevent violence against women in the region. Preventing Violence Together: The Western Region Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women calls on local governments and community health services across the western region to undertake actions that will contribute to changing the underlying conditions that cause violence against women in the first place. Joan Kirner AM launched the action plan on 2 December 2010 at a breakfast attended by high-level guests from across the region, including mayors, councillors and members of parliament. For more information about the plan, go here. For more information contact Erin Richardson at Women’s Health West via email.
VLGA Events
February Leading Edge Forum
Thursday 3 February, 6-9pm
Carlton
VLGA Board Election Candidates Forum & Focus on 2011: What it may hold for local governments & communities. Go here for more details and to register.
Other events
Exhibition: Yarra Sustainability Awards 2010
10 January – 4 February 2011
Richmond
Twenty-seven posters highlight some of the outstanding local environmental initiatives that are helping to reduce Yarra's impact on climate change including business initiatives, household sustainability and the latest in environmentally sustainable design. Be inspired by the fantastic work of the Yarra community that is contributing to their goal of being carbon neutral by 2020. Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm until Friday 4 February 2011. For further information go here or phone Rachel Oliphant, Community Sustainability Officer on (03) 9205 5769.
VCAT Planning and Environment Appeals January Workshop
Tomorrow! Tuesday 25 January, 5.30-7.30pm
Carlton
Individuals and community-based conservation groups can learn how to most effectively participate and represent themselves in planning and environment matters before VCAT. This 2-hour workshop, presented by an Environmental Defender’s Office lawyer, gives members of the community practical and legally-focused information about VCAT proceedings and hearings with plenty of opportunity and encouragement for questions and participation. The cost per participant is $20 (waged), and $10 (unwaged). Bookings are essential as places are limited to 15. To register for the event, please phone EDO Victoria on (03) 8341 3100 or email them.
Reflections on the Australian Climate Change discussion
Thursday 3 February 6.00-7.00pm
Melbourne BMW Edge, Federation Square
Presented by the Monash Sustainability Institute (MSI) Seminar jointly with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Go here to register and for more information.
Planning Institute Australia – Unlocking the Potential
Tuesday 8 February, 5.30-7.30pm
Melbourne
A seminar to study the digital methods and online tools to streamline planning and get activity centre development happening. In recent years there has been a shift in policy development and delivery toward more compact urban living in response to growing environmental, infrastructure and population constraints. We are now in the fortuitous position to realise the potential of these centres and build high-quality places. This seminar will highlight new digital tools that aim to facilitate the planning process during several key phases. It is expected that new tools such as these, coupled with a renewed focus on realising Activity Centre development will lead to stakeholders acting upon the policy and frameworks which have already been established. Cost is free for PIA Members and $15 for non-members. More information and register here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
Email or 0438 006 656
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