I trust you all enjoyed the extended break as much as I did, with family and friends. Since the last eNews, we’ve been busy holding a number of Board and staff discussions about priorities for the immediate future. It’s a delight to lead a Board whose enthusiasm is matched by a strong ability to think strategically. Our CEO Maree McPherson has also facilitated fruitful management and staff discussions over the last few weeks. As we bring both inputs together, supported by our 2011-2012 budget, I am optimistic that we will deliver practical and achievable goals of value to members. One common theme emerging is the need to ensure we have the resources to communicate creatively with members and stakeholders, beyond an over-reliance on emails. Our six-monthly Members Report is one way we’re already communicating differently, and we would like to thank members for the positive responses we have received. Another opportunity for member feedback is this Thursday’s Leading Edge Forum, and you can find out more information and how to register here. I look forward to seeing you around the traps, and if you’d like to contact me, call me on 0407 364 509 or drop me an email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Latest VLGA Good Governance Grab: Goodwill and support among councillors
Have an advance look at this latest Good Governance Grab, which will also go out in a separate email to all CEOs, Governance Officers and Councillors.
VLGA Affordable Housing Survey Report and Recommendations
The VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group is pleased to release this valuable resource, the first in our sector since 1998. The Victorian Local Governance Association’s (VLGA) online housing survey was a response to feedback from members of the Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG) that local governments would benefit from some analysis of opinions, challenges and strategies facing Victorian local governments in the affordable housing debate.
This report distils the survey results and provides insight into local government views on affordable housing, housing partnerships and alliances, community consultation, support from peak bodies and experts, as well as challenges, strategies and success stories. In the last section of the report, the DAHAG offers recommendations for policy, advocacy and capacity-building based on survey results. You can also see the VLGA’s accompanying Media Release on our website.
New State Government responds to Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Housing
The VLGA submitted to the inquiry last year, which led to its ambitious and positive report in October. In recent developments the new State Government has responded formally to the 81 recommendations, and the VLGA would join with others like the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) and urbanalyst who have warmly welcomed the State Government’s response.
Empowering communities to transform democracy: insights into the future of participatory democracy
VLGA members will most probably know of Dr Peter Shergold AC who was a CEO in the Australian public service for two decades and was Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. We’ve just received a short 13-minute presentation which we recommend as a thought-provoking watch. Dr Shergold’s presentation at a VLGA-supported conference, Creative Innovation 2010: Empowering communities to transform democracy, contains some warnings, and an overall sense that things will change if governments at all levels are willing to be creative and innovative. Dr Shergold addresses five ‘Big Ideas’ which he believes can change the face of democracy, as well as opportunities for new-style governments based on interactive engagement, and dependant on ongoing involvement and engagement of citizens. Events for your diary
VLGA Events
‘Liveable and Just’ Workshops: Helping local governments build community resilience to climate-related challenges
Various dates (see below)Bendigo, Ballarat, Wodonga, Mildura, Traralgon
During May and June, the VLGA, supported by mecu Ltd, the VLGA is conducting a series of five rural and regional Liveable and Just Workshops, each hosted by a VLGA member local government. Join us for an entertaining and practical event, and learn how our Liveable and Just Toolkit can help you build community resilience in the face of complex climate-related challenges.
Dates and locations (all sessions run 9.30am-4pm)
Bendigo: Thursday 12 May - Capital Theatre, View St
Ballarat: Thursday 19 May - Town Hall, Sturt St
Wodonga: Thursday 26 May - Wodonga TAFE, 87 McKoy St, West Wodonga
Mildura: Friday 3 June - Alfred Deakin Centre, 180 Deakin Ave (cnr 12th St)
Traralgon: Friday 17 June - Quality Inn Latrobe Convention Centre, Princes Hwy, Traralgon
Download the flyer and registration form. For more information contact Cr Philip Schier, VLGA Policy & Project Officer, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999.
Food Security in Victoria: Research to Practice
Wednesday 18 May, 10am-3.30pm
VicHealth – Ground Floor, 15-31 Pelham St, Carlton South
Places are filling fast, so don’t miss out on this VLGA Forum. Hear from a group of experts, including academics, peak bodies and practitioners, about what works and what evidence should inform our thinking, advocacy and practice. To register, email the VLGA. If you have any questions please contact Leah Galvin, Food for All Project Officer at the VLGA, by email or on (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Walk the Block: step away from your desks
In and around your office!
Tuesday 17 May
Did you know that 73% of Victorian workers report inadequate physical activity, that is, less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day? Victoria Walks is aiming to combat workplace physical inactivity by developing the Walk the Block event. The aim is simple: to get people away from their desks and onto their feet. It will be a fun and lively event that brings together employees from corporate and community organisations, government departments and other workplaces across Victoria to ‘walk your block’ on Tuesday 17 May. The event has been developed by Victoria Walks to promote four simple workplace walking ideas:
* ‘In your stride’ – quick and easy tips to keep staff moving at work
* Walking meetings – step out for active and productive conversations
* Walkabout inductions – for new staff to learn what is close by
* Walking groups – regular walks for fit and friendly workplaces
Resources for each of these initiatives will be sent to workplaces so that walking can easily be incorporated into your own local working culture. To register your workplace or find out more, download the flyer from our website.
Learning about Aboriginal culture: Framlingham Tour
Saturday-Sunday 28-29 May 2011
Interested in doing something adventurous, rewarding and affordable for Reconciliation Week this year? The Framlingham Aboriginal Community has organised an overnight tour to the Community (north-east of Warrnambool) on 28 and 29 May. This special tour is supported by the friendship between Brunswick Neighbourhood House (BHN) and the Framlingham Community. Car-pooling may be available through the Brunswick Neighbourhood House.
See more information on the VLGA website or contact BHN Coordinator Mick Fitzgerald via email or phone (03) 9386 9418.
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