VLGA President’s Message
I hope to see you at our Leading Edge Forum kindly hosted by the City of Ballarat from 6pm this Thursday 1 September, entitled Securing local business and jobs: exploring the barriers and opportunities. This issue may be a bit of a sleeper for local governments. Yet as more governments at other levels and community members talk about securing local jobs as a response to economic and resource challenges facing the globe, it is timely for local governments, businesses and the community to hear how they can step up their efforts to prefer local jobs without breaking any competition or other laws. Download the flyer, and register online or send an email. If you need to stay overnight, you can find local accommodation here. In other Ballarat news, members may have seen the widespread media coverage as a result of Ballarat passing a motion last Thursday night calling on the State Government to reduce Ballarat’s current regional cap of 663 pokies to the Victorian average of 6.4 machines per 1000 adults, or 454 EGMs. The council officer’s report at last Thursday’s meeting said the request to the State Government would “send a strong message that the City of Ballarat is concerned with the prevalence and accessibility of EGMs in Ballarat and the associated harms to the community”. The report also includes a very detailed Ballarat Gaming Machine Community Policy, which, following council’s endorsement, will now be put out for community consultation for a month. This issue certainly raises a lot of controversy in the community and handling curly media questions can therefore be a challenge, so I would also like to congratulate Cr Des Hudson for his very effective media interviews conducted over the past few days. I look forward to seeing you around and about, and in the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Staffing position at VLGA: Local Government Gaming Policy Officer
The VLGA is employing a part-time (0.4EFT) Local Government Gaming Policy Officer, which will be funded until the end of June 2012. This position has been made possible due to the generous contributions to the University of Ballarat Research into the Social and Economic Impacts of Pokies from local governments from around the state. The Local Government Gaming Policy Officer will assist the VLGA to increase the capacity of local governments to address electronic gaming machines (EGMs) related issues in a changing social and regulatory environment, leading to greater certainty for industry, local governments and the community. As this is a temporary position, it could be an excellent opportunity for a secondment from your usual position. Likewise, the part-time nature of the position will also be attractive to people who appreciate more flexibility in their working arrangements. Applications for this position close on Friday 9 September. If you are interested or know of someone else who may be suitable, we have also loaded this information, including a link to the position description, on our website.
Review of Victoria’s Planning System
Another theme the VLGA will be pursuing in our submissions to the Underwood Inquiry is the critical issue of transport. A case can be made that strategic land use planning has generally become more integrated over time, and the hope is that transport planning will become more integrated with the implementation of the Transport Integration Act. However, the planning system is yet to integrate land use planning with transport planning and still seems a considerable way from becoming fully integrated so that significantly-sized greenfield sites and brownfield redevelopment come complete with transport provision, access to employment and community services, high quality urban design, affordable and social housing, and the energy efficiency and environmental protection expected of contemporary development. While this may keep initial housing purchase costs low, it is artificial affordability in that it merely defers future costs or translates them into social costs by creating unsustainable communities. Appropriate mechanisms need to be built into the land use planning system so that such provision is mandatory, in order to prevent false economies leaving a legacy of significant burdens on state and local governments into the future. The VLGA believes that governments and developers must improve the integration of land use and transport planning and infrastructure. If you have views you would like to share with us as we finalise our submission, contact Philip Schier, the VLGA’s Senior Policy Officer, via email or on (03) 9349 7999.
Sustainable and Resilient Communities Advisory Group
Speaking of land use issues, last Wednesday saw the first meeting of SaRCAG – our Sustainable and Resilient Communities Advisory Group. This group has replaced the former Climate Change Working Group, with a remit to inform the VLGA’s policy and advocacy work on the complex, overlapping issues of climate change adaptation, land use planning, food security, population growth and what these challenges represent for ‘liveable’ communities of the future. The first meeting covered the VLGA’s submissions to State Government reviews of Sustainability Victoria and the Sustainability Fund Priority Statement, the state planning system, and Environmental Design and Public Health, as well as future directions of the Liveable and Just toolkit and the One Million Homes Alliance. We are interested to hear from councillors and officers concerned with these issues who would like to join the group. For more information on this Advisory Group, contact Philip Schier, the VLGA’s Senior Policy Officer, via email or on (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA supports Thriving Neighbourhoods
Thriving Neighbourhoods (TN) is a conference series that explores the impact of the built and natural environments on communities’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The 2011 conference at the St Kilda Town Hall, 25-26 October focuses on the role of local governments in creating liveable, sustainable and healthy communities: how they engage stakeholders including the property, planning, parks and recreation, health, and other government sectors. The conference will take these diverse groups out of their silos and work collaboratively to create a living environment where residents are healthy and productive. Paul Hawken, renowned author whose works have transformed businesses’ thinking about their impact on the environment, will be in Melbourne to address the conference. In The Ecology of Commerce, he argues for ‘full-cost accounting’: taking account of social, environmental and economic costs to truly gauge the impact of a business decision. The VLGA is a major conference supporter and as such, VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. An early bird registration also applies and closes this Wednesday 31 August. For the full program and to register go to http://thrivingneighbourhoods2011.org. TN is hosted by ICLEI – Local governments for Sustainability, a non-profit movement of local governments aimed at building capacity of councils to implement long-term local actions to achieve sustainable development. The City of Port Phillip is ICLEI’s principal partner.
Rules of Engagement: a handy resource about community engagement
Keen to learn more about community engagement? Look no further than this handy guide. In dispatches from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) comes the news that the Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS) has put together a 16-page list of free resources for community engagement practitioners and policy makers from across Australia and beyond. All the resources listed in Local Government and Community Engagement: Annotated Bibliography can be downloaded free of charge, and web links are provided. Commissioned by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Governance, the document includes research papers, literature reviews, how-to guides, journal articles, local government policies, case studies, wikis and some of IAP2’s own key publications.
Making human rights real – next workshops in Springvale and Melton
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation. The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The next workshops will be held in Springvale on Tuesday 6 September, 9.30am-12.30pm; at Springvale Meeting Rooms 1 & 2, Greater Dandenong City Council Offices, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale. Another will be held in Melton on Wednesday 7 September, 1-4pm; at Meeting Room 4, Community Hall, Melton Civic Centre, 232 High Street, Melton. You can download the Springvale flyer and registration or the Melton flyer and registration from our website.
50% discount for 9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this well-attended conference on 15-16 November in Melbourne. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. Case studies include the Regional Rail Link Project; Melbourne Airport’s international terminal development; Wimmera Regional Intermodal Freight Hub; the City of Ballarat Road Transport Plan; and Electric vehicle trials. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.
Council of Australian Governments progresses national reforms
In dispatches from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) comes the news that the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) met in Canberra on 19 August 2011, attended by ALGA President, Genia McCaffery. Of particular interest to local government, COAG discussed regulatory reform; environmental reform; sustainability and congestion; and the Productivity Commission's Report on Disability Care and Support. The outcomes of these discussions, including links to the COAG Communique and other papers are included in the regular editions of ALGA News.
Early bird discount and offer for Creative Innovation 2011 Conference
VLGA members are advised that the early bird registration date has been extended until 16 September, and you can save over $500, plus receive a free subscription to BRW magazine. To receive a further 10% discount on tickets for your staff, members and associates the special discount code/password is CONNECT. This is a two-day conference with the theme ‘The challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world’ to be held from 16-18 November. Find out more here.
Street by Street: recovering the practice, and art, of neighbourliness
Street by Street is a national neighbourhood support program that links people who live in the same street or nearby. The focus is on practical helping tasks such as taking the bin in and out, hanging washing, getting a few items from the shops, or getting mail from the letter box. Civil Society would like to hear from individuals and organisations around the country interested in participating in rolling out Street by Street on a national scale. Community centres, service clubs, neighbourhood houses, community health centres, scout and guide groups, and voluntary associations are some of the organisations participating in auspicing a local Street by Street initiative. More information is available, including an ‘Information for Participants Kit’, on the Street by Street website. This is a very simple program that aims to re-kindle links between neighbours that might once have formed spontaneously but which, in our day and age, require a little facilitation.
Multilingual sustainability advice
VLGA member Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd (MEFL) is now delivering sustainability advice in Arabic, Greek, Vietnamese, Turkish, Italian, Mandarin and Urdu via a new range of posters and videos. Visit the Sustainability Advice page of the MEFL website to check out the new materials and share them with your networks. These materials have been produced through the In Common Language projects supported by Sustainability Victoria, through their Climate Communities initiative. This news story comes from MEFL’s Community Action on Climate Change eBulletin and you are welcome to subscribe to the eBulletin.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
September LEF – Securing local business and jobs: exploring the barriers and opportunities
Thursday 1 September, 6-9pm
Ballarat City Council
Local governments in rural and regional areas are significant drivers of local economies. As well as directly employing a significant proportion of the local workforce, they procure goods and services which often support local businesses. However sometimes there is a difficult balance to maintain between getting best value in pure price terms, and giving best value to the local economy by procuring locally whenever possible. Come along to the joint Ballarat City Council and VLGA Leading Edge Forum to hear the myth dispelled that “local governments cannot be active in this space”. Download the flyer, and register online or via email by Monday 29 August.
VLGA Training: New Councillors Workshop
Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm
Carlton
The VLGA is holding its next New Councillors Workshop on Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm at 60 Leicester St in Carlton. This workshop is for councillors who have come into office in the last 12 months or so, and also features a follow-up segment for councillors who attended our previous workshop in March. See our website for the program and to register. Please contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer, for further information, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Other events
Social Traders’ Breakfast Connect Series
Tuesday 30 August, 7.15-9am
RACV Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Social Traders' Breakfast Connect Series will launch on 30 August bringing together socially responsible businesses with renowned speakers. The first session on Business Innovation: Step by Step will be presented by Jason Clarke – one of the most sought-after creative minds in the country. RSVP via email. Cost is $40 per head.
2011 Government Sustainability Conference
31 August – 1 September
The Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne
The 2011 Government Sustainability Conference will provide local and state government professionals and representatives of government agencies with comprehensive analysis and advice about how to ingrain environmentally sustainable policies and practices within their organisations and the communities they serve.
Australian Constitution recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Thursday 1 September, 1.15-3.30pm
Aboriginal Advancement League, 2 Watt Street, Thornbury
VCOSS, Reconciliation Victoria and ANTaR invite you to participate in a workshop to discuss community sector organisations’ engagement in supporting positive change in the Australian Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The workshop will look at the Constitutional reform process and how organisations can have their say before the proposed referendum in 2013. They are fortunate to have Dr Alf Bamblett from VACSAL and Richard Franklin MA from VACCA to address the forum. Participation in the forum is free – please register here. The VLGA and VCOSS encourage community sector organisations to attend this forum, and to make a submission to the process. Also of interest is the fact that a panel has been appointed by the Federal Government to consult with Australians and lead a nationwide discussion on the issue of Constitutional recognition. The panel has set-up the You Me Unity website as the central point of information for this process – it provides all the information to enable everyone to be a part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of Australia.
Bus Access Forum: How accessible are our buses?
Thursday 1 September, 11am-2pm (registration from 10am)
Endeavour Room, Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Docklands (enter Gate 4)
COTA and VCOSS are working with the Department of Transport to seek the community’s views on buses and bus services. In recent years, there have been significant investments in bus services. The Department of Transport is interested in better understanding the impact of these changes, particularly for senior Victorians, people with a disability, and those travelling with small children. The following topics will be explored:
* The design of buses
* Bus stops
* Bus routes
* How buses do or don’t work for you
Strictly limited places: early registration essential! To register online, visit http://busforum.eventbrite.com. If you have difficulties registering online, email Michelle Lane or call (03) 9654 5050.
University of Melbourne Social Justice Initiative – Lunchtime seminar
Tuesday 6 September, 1-2pm
University of Melbourne Carlton Campus
The Social Justice Initiative is pleased to invite you to the upcoming Social Justice seminar. Professor Deborah Cobb-Clark will be presenting a lunchtime seminar entitled ‘That Pesky Problem of Gender Bias’. The seminar will be held in Theatrette 1 of the Economics and Commerce Building (also known as ‘Arts West’ building) at the University of Melbourne. For further information on this event, go to the Social Justice Initiative website.
National Sustainable Procurement Forum
Wednesday-Thursday 7-8 September
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
ECO-Buy, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, is hosting a National Sustainable Procurement Forum. The Forum is for sustainability and procurement professionals in local governments and elsewhere. Sustainable procurement is fast developing as the next big revolution in procurement and provides opportunities for improved efficiency, reduced resource use, cost savings and of course reducing an organisation’s impact. Whether your organisation is well under way with integrating sustainability into your purchasing, or just wondering about how to get started, this forum offers a range of interesting outcome based solutions. Go to the forum website for more information and to register.
Culture: A New Way of Thinking for Local Government
Tuesday 4 October, 9am-5pm
Melbourne Town Hall
How the inclusion of culture with social, environmental and economic policies strengthens local governance. This conference will include diverse perspectives on cultural policy from across the Asia-Pacific region. Conference topics will include:
* Can positive change be expected as a result of the Declaration?
* How can the Declaration assist councils to achieve best outcomes for their communities?
* What are the different ways 'culture' is interpreted and how do these influence local government policies in relation to the arts?
More information at www.culturaldevelopment.net.au.
6th Annual Community Newspapers Association of Victoria Conference
Friday-Saturday, 7-8 October
Geelong Conference Centre, Adams Court, Eastern Park Gardens
The Community Newspapers Association of Victoria (CNAV) is the peak body representing community newspapers in the state, with a current membership of around 60 members. CNAV defines a community newspaper as a newspaper or newsletter that is owned by the community. This could mean a newsletter produced by a community house or a newspaper that is produced by a group of volunteers for a town or community group. CNAV actively works with its members to enhance the capacity and standing of community newspapers, to enable them to fully realise their vital role in communities. To join CNAV at their 6th Annual Conference in Geelong, visit http://cnav.org.au/.
Climate Change Adaptation Congress
Thursday-Friday 13-14 October
Melbourne Town Hall
3 Pillars Network presents the Climate Change Adaptation National Congress in partnership with NCCARF & CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship & Net Balance. Early bird registration rates are available until 22 September for this two-day interactive forum exploring the policy, strategies and business models needed to enable a climate resilient future for Australia. Keynote speakers include Rear Admiral D. Titley, Oceanographer and Navigator of the US Navy, and Dr Graeme Pearman, Monash University. The Congress is intended for organisations at all stages of adaptation planning. Using a participative process, sessions are designed to engage the collective expertise of all attendees – drawing on Australian and International experts across a range of disciplines to help bridge ‘knowledge gaps’ and inform new ideas. Visit www.climateadaptation.com.au for more details.
“Excite, Engage, Evolve” Australasian Conference for Public Participation
Thursday-Friday 20-21 October
Sydney Masonic Centre
Whether you’re new to the field, a seasoned practitioner, a councillor, or a senior executive keen to learn more, these popular events are a valuable chance to gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills. Aimed at communities, governments and the private sector, this year’s dynamic, interactive program is packed with opportunities to:
* hear from inspiring leaders in the field
* learn the latest techniques from the world’s leading thinkers
* join practicing peers to share ideas and creative approaches
* celebrate and recognise some shining examples of best practice
* share the secrets of quality community engagement outcomes
Speakers include some of the world’s recognised trailblazers in public participation, including internationally renowned social researcher Mark McCrindle, ABC broadcaster and facilitator Julie McCrossin, and highly regarded researchers and thinkers, Professors Lyn Carson (University of Western Sydney) and John Gastil (University of Washington). The winners of the IAP2’s Core Values Awards (both Australasian and International) will be presented at a special Gala Dinner on 20 October. Building on IAP2’s leading-edge reputation, this event promises to:
* Excite – learn why and how to motivate, mobilise and inspire communities to reach solid and sustained results
* Engage – discover how current practice can help communities make better decisions
* Evolve – hear how to meet the challenges of a fast-changing landscape:
o how to use technology effectively to reach different audiences
o how to leave a legacy of strong, resilient communities after natural disasters and other hardships
o how to revitalise and nurture ourselves in the face of sustained community outrage.
For more information and to register, go here.
22 August 2011
VLGA President’s Message
I hope to see you at our Leading Edge Forum kindly hosted by the City of Ballarat from 6pm on Thursday 1 September, entitled Securing local business and jobs: exploring the barriers and opportunities. Download the flyer, and register online or email by next Monday 29 August. If you need to stay overnight, you can find local accommodation here.
I was delighted to join other ALGWA Victoria members on Thursday, with our CEO Maree McPherson, at their luncheon at Parliament House with guest speaker Jemima Richards, co-founder of Firefoxes. This was a terrific networking opportunity and we were joined by Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services, Jeanette Powell, Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs, and Danielle Green, Member for Yan Yean. It was wonderful to have such strong support from MPs at the luncheon. While mentioning ALGWA Victoria, I take this opportunity to thank outgoing Victorian President (and former VLGA Board member) Kate Lempriere DSJ for her commitment to ALGWA and women’s participation in local government. Kate has resigned and we wish her all the very best for the future, after what has been a great year for ALGWA. I also congratulate Cr Jean Wise and Cr Coral Ross on their co-Presidency for the Victorian Branch, following their election on 7 August by the Victorian executive. Jean is a councillor at Yarriambiack and Coral at Boroondara. Both Minister Wooldridge and Minister Powell spoke about the Think women for local government 2012 project in partnership with the VLGA, ALGWA and the Victorian Government in their addresses to the luncheon, and we are very pleased about this connection with ALGWA. I also take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow VLGA Board member and our Treasurer, Cr John Doull on his election earlier this month as the President of the Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM). The Association covers the ten local governments that have frontage to Port Phillip Bay, and represents over one million people, as well as the multitude of visitors to the bay year round. The ABM seeks to uphold the community’s values for the bay environment, including safe clean beaches, appropriate water quality, recreation, accessibility, open space and the conservation of native terrestrial and marine life. Well done, John, and we look forward to working with you in your new capacity.
Finally, I’d like to draw members’ attention to another two practical ways you benefit by being members. Take a look at the 50% discount offer for the 9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference in November. Oh, and don’t forget to register early (by 31 August) for the Creative Innovations Conference, also being held in November. I look forward to seeing you around and about, and in the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Review of Victoria’s Planning System
One theme the VLGA will be pursuing in our submissions to the Underwood Inquiry is the topical issue of protecting highly productive agricultural land to ensure food security for local communities across the state. This issue is attracting a great deal of media commentary at both the national and state level, and we believe it is critical to this inquiry. As mentioned in previous editions of this eNews, the VLGA has continued to make recommendations about this issue and, given the economic and social contribution of Victoria’s food sector and the continuing pressures to develop land for residential and other uses, it is timely for our planning system to include tools to protect highly productive agricultural land. It was interesting to note the comments of departing Senator Helen Coonan last Thursday, who told the ABC’s PM Program that she was “particularly interested in (us) looking at perhaps an opportunity to identify what is prime agricultural land, to see whether it's feasible to quarantine that land and to then develop a system where there can be responsible multi-use of that land. I just think that perhaps the balance needs to be looked at.” See Senator Coonan’s comments.
Making Human Rights real – next workshops in Bairnsdale, Springvale and Melton
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation. The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The next workshops will be held:
For registration please phone Claire Bauska at VCOSS on (03) 9654 5050 or via email and mention which workshop you wish to attend. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department as part of a project to identify the importance of human rights education. The workshops will use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. They are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups. Further workshops will be held in the next few months in Mildura, Bendigo, Traralgon, Wangaratta, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Melbourne and Broadmeadows, with further details to be announced shortly.
50% discount for 9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this well-attended conference on 15-16 November in Melbourne. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. Case studies include the Regional Rail Link Project; Melbourne Airport’s international terminal development; Wimmera Regional Intermodal Freight Hub; the City of Ballarat Road Transport Plan; and Electric vehicle trials. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.
Six month report to members
The VLGA’s six-monthly report to members for the second half of the 2010/11 year is being circulated to members at present. A copy can be accessed on our website. Please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance on (03) 9349 7999 if you have any feedback or queries.
Early bird discount and offer for Creative Innovation 2011 Conference
VLGA members are reminded that if you register early (by 31 August), you will save over $500, plus receive a free subscription to BRW magazine. To receive a further 10% discount on tickets for your staff, members and associates the special discount code/password is CONNECT. This is a two-day conference with the theme ‘The challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world’ to be held from 16-18 November – find out more here.
Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2011
The annual awards program was established in 2004 to recognise and reward the contributions of individuals and organisations that promote the social, economic and cultural benefits of Victoria's multicultural community. The event is hosted by the Governor of Victoria, and is attended by more than 500 members of Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities. Nominations are now open for 2011, and the VLGA encourages members to apply - not only for the Local Government Award, but also any of the 8 other awards by 16 September 2011. For Nomination Forms and Award Guidelines, go to the Victorian Multicultural Commission Website.
National Sustainable Procurement Forum
ECO-Buy, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, is hosting a National Sustainable Procurement Forum. This exciting new event will take place in Melbourne on 7 and 8 September 2011 at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. The Forum is for sustainability and procurement professionals in local governments and elsewhere. Sustainable procurement is fast developing as the next big revolution in procurement and provides opportunities for improved efficiency, reduced resource use, cost savings and of course reducing an organisation’s impact. Whether your organisation is well under way with integrating sustainability into your purchasing, or just wondering about how to get started, this forum offers a range of interesting outcome based solutions. Go to the forum website for more information and to register.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Ballarat City Council
Local governments in rural and regional areas are significant drivers of local economies. As well as directly employing a significant proportion of the local workforce, they procure goods and services which often support local businesses. However sometimes there is a difficult balance to maintain between getting best value in pure price terms, and giving best value to the local economy by procuring locally whenever possible. Come along to the joint Ballarat City Council and VLGA Leading Edge Forum to hear the myth dispelled that “local governments cannot be active in this space”. Download the flyer, and register online or via email by Monday 29 August.
VLGA Training: New Councillors Induction
Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm
Carlton
The VLGA is holding its next New Councillors Induction Workshop on Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm at 60 Leicester St in Carlton. This workshop is for councillors who have come into office in the last 12 months or so, and also features a follow-up segment for councillors who attended our previous workshop in March. See our website for the program and to register. Please contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer, for further information, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Other events
Friends of Same 12th anniversary of the Timor-Leste Independence Ballot
Saturday 27 August, 7pm
Trades Hall, Carlton
Come and celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Timor-Leste Independence Ballot, with live bands, choirs, Timorese dancing, and stalls – including by the Friends of Same. The cost is $15 adults, $10 concession, children under 12 free, with all profits going to the Friend of Same’s Fuan Nabilan ba Matan A'at Education Centre. See the event flyer at the Friends of Same website.
Social Traders’ Breakfast Connect Series
Tuesday 30 August, 7.15-9am
RACV Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Social Traders' Breakfast Connect Series will launch on 30 August bringing together socially responsible businesses with renowned speakers. The first session on Business Innovation: Step by Step will be presented by Jason Clarke – one of the most sought-after creative minds in the country. RSVP by email. Cost is $40 per head.
2011 Government Sustainability Conference
31 August – 1 September
The Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne
The 2011 Government Sustainability Conference will provide local and state government professionals and representatives of government agencies with comprehensive analysis and advice about how to ingrain environmentally sustainable policies and practices within their organisations and the communities they serve.
Australian Constitution recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Thursday 1 September, 1.15-3.30pm
Aboriginal Advancement League, 2 Watt Street, Thornbury
VCOSS, Reconciliation Victoria and ANTaR invite you to participate in a workshop to discuss community sector organisations’ engagement in supporting positive change in the Australian Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The workshop will look at the Constitutional reform process and how organisations can have their say before the proposed referendum in 2013. We are fortunate to have Dr Alf Bamblett from VACSAL and Richard Franklin MA from VACCA to address the forum. Participation in the forum is free – please register here. The VLGA and VCOSS encourage community sector organisations to attend this forum, and to make a submission to the process. Also of interest is the fact that a panel has been appointed by the Federal Government to consult with Australians and lead a nationwide discussion on the issue of Constitutional recognition. The panel has set-up the You Me Unity website as the central point of information for this process – it provides all the information to enable everyone to be a part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of Australia.
* The design of buses
* Bus stops
* Bus routes
* How buses do or don’t work for you
Strictly limited places: early registration essential! To register online, visit http://busforum.eventbrite.com. If you have difficulties registering online, email or call (03) 9654 5050.
University of Melbourne Social Justice Initiative – Lunchtime seminar
Tuesday 6 September, 1-2pm
University of Melbourne Carlton Campus
The Social Justice Initiative is pleased to invite you to the upcoming Social Justice seminar. Professor Deborah Cobb-Clark will be presenting a lunchtime seminar entitled ‘That Pesky Problem of Gender Bias’. The seminar will be held in Theatrette 1 of the Economics and Commerce Building (also known as ‘Arts West’ building) at the University of Melbourne. For further information on this event, go to the Social Justice Initiative website.
Culture: A New Way of Thinking for Local Government
Tuesday 4 October, 9am-5pm
Melbourne Town Hall
How the inclusion of culture with social, environmental and economic policies strengthens local governance. This conference will include diverse perspectives on cultural policy from across the Asia-Pacific region. Conference topics will include:
Keynote speaker will be Catherine Cullen, President of the UCLG Committee for Culture, and Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture since 2001, City of Lille, France. The conference is hosted by the Cultural Development Network in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific region, the MAV, the City of Melbourne, and Arts Victoria. More information at www.culturaldevelopment.net.au.
I hope to see you at our Leading Edge Forum kindly hosted by the City of Ballarat from 6pm on Thursday 1 September, entitled Securing local business and jobs: exploring the barriers and opportunities. Download the flyer, and register online or email by next Monday 29 August. If you need to stay overnight, you can find local accommodation here.
I was delighted to join other ALGWA Victoria members on Thursday, with our CEO Maree McPherson, at their luncheon at Parliament House with guest speaker Jemima Richards, co-founder of Firefoxes. This was a terrific networking opportunity and we were joined by Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services, Jeanette Powell, Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs, and Danielle Green, Member for Yan Yean. It was wonderful to have such strong support from MPs at the luncheon. While mentioning ALGWA Victoria, I take this opportunity to thank outgoing Victorian President (and former VLGA Board member) Kate Lempriere DSJ for her commitment to ALGWA and women’s participation in local government. Kate has resigned and we wish her all the very best for the future, after what has been a great year for ALGWA. I also congratulate Cr Jean Wise and Cr Coral Ross on their co-Presidency for the Victorian Branch, following their election on 7 August by the Victorian executive. Jean is a councillor at Yarriambiack and Coral at Boroondara. Both Minister Wooldridge and Minister Powell spoke about the Think women for local government 2012 project in partnership with the VLGA, ALGWA and the Victorian Government in their addresses to the luncheon, and we are very pleased about this connection with ALGWA. I also take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow VLGA Board member and our Treasurer, Cr John Doull on his election earlier this month as the President of the Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM). The Association covers the ten local governments that have frontage to Port Phillip Bay, and represents over one million people, as well as the multitude of visitors to the bay year round. The ABM seeks to uphold the community’s values for the bay environment, including safe clean beaches, appropriate water quality, recreation, accessibility, open space and the conservation of native terrestrial and marine life. Well done, John, and we look forward to working with you in your new capacity.
Finally, I’d like to draw members’ attention to another two practical ways you benefit by being members. Take a look at the 50% discount offer for the 9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference in November. Oh, and don’t forget to register early (by 31 August) for the Creative Innovations Conference, also being held in November. I look forward to seeing you around and about, and in the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Review of Victoria’s Planning System
One theme the VLGA will be pursuing in our submissions to the Underwood Inquiry is the topical issue of protecting highly productive agricultural land to ensure food security for local communities across the state. This issue is attracting a great deal of media commentary at both the national and state level, and we believe it is critical to this inquiry. As mentioned in previous editions of this eNews, the VLGA has continued to make recommendations about this issue and, given the economic and social contribution of Victoria’s food sector and the continuing pressures to develop land for residential and other uses, it is timely for our planning system to include tools to protect highly productive agricultural land. It was interesting to note the comments of departing Senator Helen Coonan last Thursday, who told the ABC’s PM Program that she was “particularly interested in (us) looking at perhaps an opportunity to identify what is prime agricultural land, to see whether it's feasible to quarantine that land and to then develop a system where there can be responsible multi-use of that land. I just think that perhaps the balance needs to be looked at.” See Senator Coonan’s comments.
Young professional position on the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee
VLSAC is currently seeking Expressions of Interest for a new 'young professional' position on the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC). As an Accord Partner, the VLGA encourages members and friends to make an application which should be emailed by COB 30 August 2011. This position has been created to bring a youthful/environment officer perspective to the committee's deliberations. It presents a unique opportunity for an early career local government environment officer to engage in high level committee processes to progress key environmental sustainability issues affecting the local government sector. To apply for the observer position applicants will need to submit an application form, a statement of support from their Manager/Director, contact details for their Manager/Director and one other reference (preferably from within the local government sector) as well as endorsement by the CEO. The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that the diversity of our boards represents the diversity of our communities. Women, Indigenous persons, people with a disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Further information about the VLSAC, the 'young professional' position, and copies of the EOI form are available from DSE's Accord website.
Making Human Rights real – next workshops in Bairnsdale, Springvale and Melton
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation. The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The next workshops will be held:
Bairnsdale: Tuesday 30 August, 10am-2pm; at the Forge Performing Arts Centre, 80 McKean St, Bairnsdale
Springvale: Tuesday 6 September, 9.30am-12.30pm; at Springvale Meeting Rooms 1 & 2, Springvale Municipal Offices, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale
Melton: Wednesday 7 September, 1-4pm; at Meeting Room 4, Community Hall, Melton Civic Centre, 232 High Street, Melton
Springvale: Tuesday 6 September, 9.30am-12.30pm; at Springvale Meeting Rooms 1 & 2, Springvale Municipal Offices, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale
Melton: Wednesday 7 September, 1-4pm; at Meeting Room 4, Community Hall, Melton Civic Centre, 232 High Street, Melton
For registration please phone Claire Bauska at VCOSS on (03) 9654 5050 or via email and mention which workshop you wish to attend. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department as part of a project to identify the importance of human rights education. The workshops will use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. They are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups. Further workshops will be held in the next few months in Mildura, Bendigo, Traralgon, Wangaratta, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Melbourne and Broadmeadows, with further details to be announced shortly.
50% discount for 9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this well-attended conference on 15-16 November in Melbourne. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. Case studies include the Regional Rail Link Project; Melbourne Airport’s international terminal development; Wimmera Regional Intermodal Freight Hub; the City of Ballarat Road Transport Plan; and Electric vehicle trials. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.
Six month report to members
The VLGA’s six-monthly report to members for the second half of the 2010/11 year is being circulated to members at present. A copy can be accessed on our website. Please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance on (03) 9349 7999 if you have any feedback or queries.
Early bird discount and offer for Creative Innovation 2011 Conference
VLGA members are reminded that if you register early (by 31 August), you will save over $500, plus receive a free subscription to BRW magazine. To receive a further 10% discount on tickets for your staff, members and associates the special discount code/password is CONNECT. This is a two-day conference with the theme ‘The challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world’ to be held from 16-18 November – find out more here.
Victoria's Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2011
The annual awards program was established in 2004 to recognise and reward the contributions of individuals and organisations that promote the social, economic and cultural benefits of Victoria's multicultural community. The event is hosted by the Governor of Victoria, and is attended by more than 500 members of Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities. Nominations are now open for 2011, and the VLGA encourages members to apply - not only for the Local Government Award, but also any of the 8 other awards by 16 September 2011. For Nomination Forms and Award Guidelines, go to the Victorian Multicultural Commission Website.
National Sustainable Procurement Forum
ECO-Buy, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, is hosting a National Sustainable Procurement Forum. This exciting new event will take place in Melbourne on 7 and 8 September 2011 at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. The Forum is for sustainability and procurement professionals in local governments and elsewhere. Sustainable procurement is fast developing as the next big revolution in procurement and provides opportunities for improved efficiency, reduced resource use, cost savings and of course reducing an organisation’s impact. Whether your organisation is well under way with integrating sustainability into your purchasing, or just wondering about how to get started, this forum offers a range of interesting outcome based solutions. Go to the forum website for more information and to register.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
September LEF – Securing local business and jobs: exploring the barriers and opportunities
Thursday 1 September, 6-9pm
Ballarat City Council
Local governments in rural and regional areas are significant drivers of local economies. As well as directly employing a significant proportion of the local workforce, they procure goods and services which often support local businesses. However sometimes there is a difficult balance to maintain between getting best value in pure price terms, and giving best value to the local economy by procuring locally whenever possible. Come along to the joint Ballarat City Council and VLGA Leading Edge Forum to hear the myth dispelled that “local governments cannot be active in this space”. Download the flyer, and register online or via email by Monday 29 August.
VLGA Training: New Councillors Induction
Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm
Carlton
The VLGA is holding its next New Councillors Induction Workshop on Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm at 60 Leicester St in Carlton. This workshop is for councillors who have come into office in the last 12 months or so, and also features a follow-up segment for councillors who attended our previous workshop in March. See our website for the program and to register. Please contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer, for further information, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Other events
Friends of Same 12th anniversary of the Timor-Leste Independence Ballot
Saturday 27 August, 7pm
Trades Hall, Carlton
Come and celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Timor-Leste Independence Ballot, with live bands, choirs, Timorese dancing, and stalls – including by the Friends of Same. The cost is $15 adults, $10 concession, children under 12 free, with all profits going to the Friend of Same’s Fuan Nabilan ba Matan A'at Education Centre. See the event flyer at the Friends of Same website.
Social Traders’ Breakfast Connect Series
Tuesday 30 August, 7.15-9am
RACV Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Social Traders' Breakfast Connect Series will launch on 30 August bringing together socially responsible businesses with renowned speakers. The first session on Business Innovation: Step by Step will be presented by Jason Clarke – one of the most sought-after creative minds in the country. RSVP by email. Cost is $40 per head.
2011 Government Sustainability Conference
31 August – 1 September
The Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne
The 2011 Government Sustainability Conference will provide local and state government professionals and representatives of government agencies with comprehensive analysis and advice about how to ingrain environmentally sustainable policies and practices within their organisations and the communities they serve.
Australian Constitution recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Thursday 1 September, 1.15-3.30pm
Aboriginal Advancement League, 2 Watt Street, Thornbury
VCOSS, Reconciliation Victoria and ANTaR invite you to participate in a workshop to discuss community sector organisations’ engagement in supporting positive change in the Australian Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The workshop will look at the Constitutional reform process and how organisations can have their say before the proposed referendum in 2013. We are fortunate to have Dr Alf Bamblett from VACSAL and Richard Franklin MA from VACCA to address the forum. Participation in the forum is free – please register here. The VLGA and VCOSS encourage community sector organisations to attend this forum, and to make a submission to the process. Also of interest is the fact that a panel has been appointed by the Federal Government to consult with Australians and lead a nationwide discussion on the issue of Constitutional recognition. The panel has set-up the You Me Unity website as the central point of information for this process – it provides all the information to enable everyone to be a part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of Australia.
Bus Access Forum: How accessible are our buses?
Thursday 1 September, 11am-2pm (registration from 10am)
Endeavour Room, Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Docklands (enter Gate 4)
COTA and VCOSS are working with the Department of Transport to seek the community’s views on buses and bus services. In recent years, there have been significant investments in bus services. The Department of Transport is interested in better understanding the impact of these changes, particularly for senior Victorians, people with a disability, and those travelling with small children. The following topics will be explored:
Thursday 1 September, 11am-2pm (registration from 10am)
Endeavour Room, Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Docklands (enter Gate 4)
* The design of buses
* Bus stops
* Bus routes
* How buses do or don’t work for you
Strictly limited places: early registration essential! To register online, visit http://busforum.eventbrite.com. If you have difficulties registering online, email or call (03) 9654 5050.
University of Melbourne Social Justice Initiative – Lunchtime seminar
Tuesday 6 September, 1-2pm
University of Melbourne Carlton Campus
The Social Justice Initiative is pleased to invite you to the upcoming Social Justice seminar. Professor Deborah Cobb-Clark will be presenting a lunchtime seminar entitled ‘That Pesky Problem of Gender Bias’. The seminar will be held in Theatrette 1 of the Economics and Commerce Building (also known as ‘Arts West’ building) at the University of Melbourne. For further information on this event, go to the Social Justice Initiative website.
Culture: A New Way of Thinking for Local Government
Tuesday 4 October, 9am-5pm
Melbourne Town Hall
How the inclusion of culture with social, environmental and economic policies strengthens local governance. This conference will include diverse perspectives on cultural policy from across the Asia-Pacific region. Conference topics will include:
* Can positive change be expected as a result of the Declaration?
* How can the Declaration assist councils to achieve best outcomes for their communities?
* What are the different ways 'culture' is interpreted and how do these influence local government policies in relation to the arts?
* How can the Declaration assist councils to achieve best outcomes for their communities?
* What are the different ways 'culture' is interpreted and how do these influence local government policies in relation to the arts?
Keynote speaker will be Catherine Cullen, President of the UCLG Committee for Culture, and Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture since 2001, City of Lille, France. The conference is hosted by the Cultural Development Network in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific region, the MAV, the City of Melbourne, and Arts Victoria. More information at www.culturaldevelopment.net.au.
15 August 2011
VLGA President’s Message
As the State Parliament’s Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee grapples with whether to maintain, wind back or extend the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, I am keen that our members are aware of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s annual survey of local governments. The questions for local government are the same as those used in the 2010 Report to ensure the Commission can gather consistent comparative data. The 2010 Report questions mirrored the format of the VLGA’s Human Rights Toolkit, which looks at milestones in human rights implementation that are aimed at developing a more coordinated approach across all local governments. Hopefully this will reduce the reporting burden for local governments that choose to adopt the ‘Milestones’ approach to human rights implementation. I personally encourage you to speak among councillors, management and community members about the practical benefits of the Charter, and of course to encourage the participation of all 79 local governments in the online survey for local governments which will open on 29 August and close on 7 October. This week’s eNews features more VLGA and other events than usual, as there is so much happening of interest to local governments and communities. Please take the time to look at these events. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
New Councillors Workshop
The VLGA is holding its next New Councillors Workshop on Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm at 60 Leicester St in Carlton. This workshop is for councillors who have come into office in the last 12 months or so, and also features a follow-up segment for councillors who attended our previous workshop in March. Go online to see the draft program and registration form. For enquiries, please contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Urban Renewal Authority Victoria Board Appointments
The Minister for Planning is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals who wish to serve as directors on the Board of the Urban Renewal Authority Victoria (URA). Individuals with knowledge, skills or experience in the following specialist areas are encouraged to apply:
* the funding and delivery of infrastructure
* property and land development
* urban planning
* economics and financial management
* public administration
* corporate governance
* housing delivery, supply and affordability and,
* law, particularly commercial law
The URA Board will be comprised of up to nine directors who will be appointed by the Governor-in-Council upon the recommendation of the Minister. Appointments are made on a part-time basis and will be for a period of up to three years from the date of appointment. Remuneration will be paid to directors in accordance with State Government policy. Closing date is 19 August; further information is available on the DPCD Planning website.
Panel appointed on constitutional recognition of local government
The Gillard Government has today appointed the members of the independent expert panel that will progress the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution. Led by former Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, the Honourable James Spigelman AC QC, the panel members comprise representatives from a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise. Local Government Minister Simon Crean said the panel will consult with stakeholder groups and the community on options for recognising local government in the Constitution. "Under the guidance of Mr Spigelman, the panel members appointed today have been asked to look into the level of support for constitutional recognition of local government and to identify possible forms that recognition could take," Mr Crean said. "The panel will consult widely and the outcomes will help shape any proposal to put to a referendum”. The Government's commitment to establishing the panel is reflected in its agreement with the Greens and Independent MPs Tony Windsor and Andrew Wilkie. The panel will report back to the Government by the end of the year. The Australian Government is committed to holding a national referendum on this issue during the term of the current government or at the next Federal election. To succeed, the referendum must attract the support of a majority of votes nationally, and a majority of votes in a majority of states.
Call for support: Occasional Child Care Funding Campaign
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is campaigning on behalf of 220 Occasional Care Centres across Victoria that face losing their Take A Break government funding. They are supporting the Association of Neighbourhood Learning Centres (ANHLC) who is holding a demonstration on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne to show their disappointment in the loss of this funding. The plan is to have hundreds of dolls, teddies and soft toys sitting on the steps of Parliament House, representing each of the children attending Occasional Care. The rally will be held this coming Thursday 18 August at 12 noon on the steps of Parliament House.
You mean we have rights? New interactive, online tool for young women
Alarmingly low awareness rates among young women about discrimination are being tackled with a new interactive online tool, myworkrights.com.au, launched yesterday by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Outgoing Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke said my work rights was developed in response to Commission research that revealed that more than a third of Victorian young women have been discriminated against at work and a third have been sexually harassed. my work rights is being promoted though Facebook and Twitter, and a my work rights ecard is available through Avant Card. For more details, read the media release or take the my work rights quiz.
Whole-of-government alcohol and drugs strategy
Local governments and communities are affected by the harms associated with drugs and alcohol, so it is only fitting that many may wish to have a say as the Victorian Government develops a whole-of-government Victorian alcohol and drug strategy. Its objectives are to:
* Decrease the current rates of alcohol and other drug abuse in Victoria
* Reduce the amount of harm that alcohol and other drug abuse causes in the community
* Increase access to treatment options so that people with an alcohol or drug problem can get help when they need it
An independent advisory group has been established to provide the Government with expert advice on alcohol and drugs issues and to inform the development of the strategy. The Government is keen to hear views from the community about priorities for action and how best to tackle the harms caused by alcohol and drugs. A community consultation paper and instructions about how to make a submission are available at the following Health Department website. Public submissions are open until 21 September. The website also includes information on the whole-of-government Victorian alcohol and drug strategy, links to previous reviews and reports relevant to the strategy, the terms of reference and membership of the Expert Advisory Group, and the media release on the strategy.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Making human rights real
Wednesday 17 August, 11.30am-3.30pm
Grovedale Community Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation. The Australian Centre of Human Rights Education at RMIT University, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people’s understanding of human rights, the relevance of human rights to everyday life and to provide the tools to develop a human rights-based approach to service delivery and policy development in their organisation. Go to our website for more information and the registration form.
Ballarat City Council
Local governments in rural and regional areas are significant drivers of local economies. As well as directly employing a significant proportion of the local workforce, they procure goods and services which often support local businesses. However sometimes there is a difficult balance to maintain between getting best value in pure price terms, and giving best value to the local economy by procuring locally whenever possible. Come along to the joint Ballarat City Council and VLGA Leading Edge Forum to hear the myth dispelled that ‘local governments cannot be active in this space’. Download the flyer, and register online or via email by Monday 29 August.
Other events
Making sense of the draft carbon price legislation
TONIGHT Monday 15 August 2011, 5.30-7.30pm
Room 108, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton
The Federal Government has released draft legislation to implement its ‘Clean Energy Future’ policy package. The government is inviting public submissions on the draft legislation by 22 August. It’s critical that environment groups and concerned individuals use this process to ensure public environmental interest. Environment Defenders Office (EDO) is holding this law reform workshop to help you make a submission. They will go through the key policy and legal issues and be on hand to answer any questions that you might have. Bookings are essential – please RSVP to EDO Victoria on (03) 8341 3100 or via email.
TransAccess Mobility Support Expo
Wednesday 17 August, 10am-3pm
Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin
The second annual TransAccess Mobility Support Expo aims to provide information to people and organisations in Melbourne about services that support people’s access to the community. This free expo is an opportunity to see and talk to exhibitors from:
* public transport, taxi and community volunteer transport providers
* community organisations who support community access
* manufacturers and distributors of wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility aids
* vehicle conversion businesses
Social Traders’ Breakfast Connect Series
Tuesday 30 August, 7.15-9am
RACV Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Social Traders' Breakfast Connect Series will launch on 30 August bringing together socially responsible businesses with renowned speakers. The first session on Business Innovation: Step by Step will be presented by Jason Clarke – one of the most sought-after creative minds in the country. RSVP by email. Cost is $40 per head.
2011 Government Sustainability Conference
31 August – 1 September
The Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne
The 2011 Government Sustainability Conference will provide local and state government professionals and representatives of government agencies with comprehensive analysis and advice about how to ingrain environmentally sustainable policies and practices within their organisations and the communities they serve.
The following topics will be explored:
* The design of buses
* Bus stops
* Bus routes
* How buses do or don’t work for you
Strictly limited places: early registration essential! To register online, visit http://busforum.eventbrite.com. If you have difficulties registering online, email Michelle Lane or call (03) 9654 5050.
Culture: A New Way of Thinking for Local Government
Tuesday 4 October, 9am-5pm
Melbourne Town Hall
How the inclusion of culture with social, environmental and economic policies strengthens local governance. This conference will include diverse perspectives on cultural policy from across the Asia-Pacific region. Conference topics will include:
* Can positive change be expected as a result of the Declaration?
* How can the Declaration assist councils to achieve best outcomes for their communities?
* What are the different ways 'culture' is interpreted and how do these influence local government policies in relation to the arts?
Keynote speaker will be Catherine Cullen, President of the UCLG Committee for Culture, and Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture since 2001, City of Lille, France. The conference is hosted by the Cultural Development Network in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific region, the Municipal Association of Victoria, the City of Melbourne, and Arts Victoria. More information at www.culturaldevelopment.net.au.
As the State Parliament’s Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee grapples with whether to maintain, wind back or extend the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, I am keen that our members are aware of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s annual survey of local governments. The questions for local government are the same as those used in the 2010 Report to ensure the Commission can gather consistent comparative data. The 2010 Report questions mirrored the format of the VLGA’s Human Rights Toolkit, which looks at milestones in human rights implementation that are aimed at developing a more coordinated approach across all local governments. Hopefully this will reduce the reporting burden for local governments that choose to adopt the ‘Milestones’ approach to human rights implementation. I personally encourage you to speak among councillors, management and community members about the practical benefits of the Charter, and of course to encourage the participation of all 79 local governments in the online survey for local governments which will open on 29 August and close on 7 October. This week’s eNews features more VLGA and other events than usual, as there is so much happening of interest to local governments and communities. Please take the time to look at these events. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
New Councillors Workshop
The VLGA is holding its next New Councillors Workshop on Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm at 60 Leicester St in Carlton. This workshop is for councillors who have come into office in the last 12 months or so, and also features a follow-up segment for councillors who attended our previous workshop in March. Go online to see the draft program and registration form. For enquiries, please contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Urban Renewal Authority Victoria Board Appointments
The Minister for Planning is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals who wish to serve as directors on the Board of the Urban Renewal Authority Victoria (URA). Individuals with knowledge, skills or experience in the following specialist areas are encouraged to apply:
* the funding and delivery of infrastructure
* property and land development
* urban planning
* economics and financial management
* public administration
* corporate governance
* housing delivery, supply and affordability and,
* law, particularly commercial law
The URA Board will be comprised of up to nine directors who will be appointed by the Governor-in-Council upon the recommendation of the Minister. Appointments are made on a part-time basis and will be for a period of up to three years from the date of appointment. Remuneration will be paid to directors in accordance with State Government policy. Closing date is 19 August; further information is available on the DPCD Planning website.
Panel appointed on constitutional recognition of local government
The Gillard Government has today appointed the members of the independent expert panel that will progress the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution. Led by former Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, the Honourable James Spigelman AC QC, the panel members comprise representatives from a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise. Local Government Minister Simon Crean said the panel will consult with stakeholder groups and the community on options for recognising local government in the Constitution. "Under the guidance of Mr Spigelman, the panel members appointed today have been asked to look into the level of support for constitutional recognition of local government and to identify possible forms that recognition could take," Mr Crean said. "The panel will consult widely and the outcomes will help shape any proposal to put to a referendum”. The Government's commitment to establishing the panel is reflected in its agreement with the Greens and Independent MPs Tony Windsor and Andrew Wilkie. The panel will report back to the Government by the end of the year. The Australian Government is committed to holding a national referendum on this issue during the term of the current government or at the next Federal election. To succeed, the referendum must attract the support of a majority of votes nationally, and a majority of votes in a majority of states.
Call for support: Occasional Child Care Funding Campaign
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is campaigning on behalf of 220 Occasional Care Centres across Victoria that face losing their Take A Break government funding. They are supporting the Association of Neighbourhood Learning Centres (ANHLC) who is holding a demonstration on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne to show their disappointment in the loss of this funding. The plan is to have hundreds of dolls, teddies and soft toys sitting on the steps of Parliament House, representing each of the children attending Occasional Care. The rally will be held this coming Thursday 18 August at 12 noon on the steps of Parliament House.
You mean we have rights? New interactive, online tool for young women
Alarmingly low awareness rates among young women about discrimination are being tackled with a new interactive online tool, myworkrights.com.au, launched yesterday by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Outgoing Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke said my work rights was developed in response to Commission research that revealed that more than a third of Victorian young women have been discriminated against at work and a third have been sexually harassed. my work rights is being promoted though Facebook and Twitter, and a my work rights ecard is available through Avant Card. For more details, read the media release or take the my work rights quiz.
Whole-of-government alcohol and drugs strategy
Local governments and communities are affected by the harms associated with drugs and alcohol, so it is only fitting that many may wish to have a say as the Victorian Government develops a whole-of-government Victorian alcohol and drug strategy. Its objectives are to:
* Decrease the current rates of alcohol and other drug abuse in Victoria
* Reduce the amount of harm that alcohol and other drug abuse causes in the community
* Increase access to treatment options so that people with an alcohol or drug problem can get help when they need it
An independent advisory group has been established to provide the Government with expert advice on alcohol and drugs issues and to inform the development of the strategy. The Government is keen to hear views from the community about priorities for action and how best to tackle the harms caused by alcohol and drugs. A community consultation paper and instructions about how to make a submission are available at the following Health Department website. Public submissions are open until 21 September. The website also includes information on the whole-of-government Victorian alcohol and drug strategy, links to previous reviews and reports relevant to the strategy, the terms of reference and membership of the Expert Advisory Group, and the media release on the strategy.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Making human rights real
Wednesday 17 August, 11.30am-3.30pm
Grovedale Community Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation. The Australian Centre of Human Rights Education at RMIT University, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people’s understanding of human rights, the relevance of human rights to everyday life and to provide the tools to develop a human rights-based approach to service delivery and policy development in their organisation. Go to our website for more information and the registration form.
September LEF – Securing local business and jobs: exploring the barriers and opportunities
Thursday 1 September, 6-9pm
Ballarat City Council
Local governments in rural and regional areas are significant drivers of local economies. As well as directly employing a significant proportion of the local workforce, they procure goods and services which often support local businesses. However sometimes there is a difficult balance to maintain between getting best value in pure price terms, and giving best value to the local economy by procuring locally whenever possible. Come along to the joint Ballarat City Council and VLGA Leading Edge Forum to hear the myth dispelled that ‘local governments cannot be active in this space’. Download the flyer, and register online or via email by Monday 29 August.
Other events
Making sense of the draft carbon price legislation
TONIGHT Monday 15 August 2011, 5.30-7.30pm
Room 108, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton
The Federal Government has released draft legislation to implement its ‘Clean Energy Future’ policy package. The government is inviting public submissions on the draft legislation by 22 August. It’s critical that environment groups and concerned individuals use this process to ensure public environmental interest. Environment Defenders Office (EDO) is holding this law reform workshop to help you make a submission. They will go through the key policy and legal issues and be on hand to answer any questions that you might have. Bookings are essential – please RSVP to EDO Victoria on (03) 8341 3100 or via email.
Transport for Suburbia: are suburban gardens to blame for automobile dependence?
Wednesday 17 August, 5.30-6.30pm
Level 7 conference rooms, Storey Hall, RMIT University, 336-348 Swanston St, Melbourne
This event will discuss the relationship between urban sprawl and why Melbourne’s public transport is not coping. Dr. Paul Mees is a senior lecturer in transport planning at RMIT University, and before becoming an academic he was a lawyer. Associate Professor Robert Nelson from Monash University is a critic interested in how the aesthetic interacts with the moral. Register online or email Chloe Blackman by 15 August.
Wednesday 17 August, 5.30-6.30pm
Level 7 conference rooms, Storey Hall, RMIT University, 336-348 Swanston St, Melbourne
TransAccess Mobility Support Expo
Wednesday 17 August, 10am-3pm
Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin
The second annual TransAccess Mobility Support Expo aims to provide information to people and organisations in Melbourne about services that support people’s access to the community. This free expo is an opportunity to see and talk to exhibitors from:
* public transport, taxi and community volunteer transport providers
* community organisations who support community access
* manufacturers and distributors of wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility aids
* vehicle conversion businesses
The IPCC story: science versus politics in the climate change debate
Wednesday 17 August, 6.30-8.00pm
GTAC (in the grounds of University High School) corner Royal Parade & Story Street, Parkville (enter off Story Street)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is almost universally regarded as the definitive source of information on the science of climate change. Its assessments of the science are accepted by governments and widely supported by the climate science community. But it has also been criticised for politicising the science and for having become captive to both the proponents and the opponents of greenhouse gas reduction. This talk will explain the origins of the IPCC, describe how it works, and offer some comment on the scientific integrity of its reports. The speaker was involved in the establishment of the IPCC in 1988 and served as Principal Delegate of Australia to its sessions and a member of its Bureau for most of its first 20 years. Pizza and drinks after the talk.
Wednesday 17 August, 6.30-8.00pm
GTAC (in the grounds of University High School) corner Royal Parade & Story Street, Parkville (enter off Story Street)
Social Traders’ Breakfast Connect Series
Tuesday 30 August, 7.15-9am
RACV Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Social Traders' Breakfast Connect Series will launch on 30 August bringing together socially responsible businesses with renowned speakers. The first session on Business Innovation: Step by Step will be presented by Jason Clarke – one of the most sought-after creative minds in the country. RSVP by email. Cost is $40 per head.
2011 Government Sustainability Conference
31 August – 1 September
The Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne
The 2011 Government Sustainability Conference will provide local and state government professionals and representatives of government agencies with comprehensive analysis and advice about how to ingrain environmentally sustainable policies and practices within their organisations and the communities they serve.
Bus Access Forum: How Accessible Are Our Buses?
Thursday 1 September 2011, 11am-2pm (Registration from 10am)
Endeavour Room at Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke St, Docklands (enter Gate 4)
COTA and VCOSS are working with the Department of Transport to seek the community’s views on buses and bus services. In recent years, there have been significant investments in bus services. The Department of Transport is interested in better understanding the impact of these changes, particularly for senior Victorians, people with a disability, and those travelling with small children.
Thursday 1 September 2011, 11am-2pm (Registration from 10am)
Endeavour Room at Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke St, Docklands (enter Gate 4)
The following topics will be explored:
* The design of buses
* Bus stops
* Bus routes
* How buses do or don’t work for you
Strictly limited places: early registration essential! To register online, visit http://busforum.eventbrite.com. If you have difficulties registering online, email Michelle Lane or call (03) 9654 5050.
Culture: A New Way of Thinking for Local Government
Tuesday 4 October, 9am-5pm
Melbourne Town Hall
How the inclusion of culture with social, environmental and economic policies strengthens local governance. This conference will include diverse perspectives on cultural policy from across the Asia-Pacific region. Conference topics will include:
* Can positive change be expected as a result of the Declaration?
* How can the Declaration assist councils to achieve best outcomes for their communities?
* What are the different ways 'culture' is interpreted and how do these influence local government policies in relation to the arts?
Keynote speaker will be Catherine Cullen, President of the UCLG Committee for Culture, and Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture since 2001, City of Lille, France. The conference is hosted by the Cultural Development Network in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific region, the Municipal Association of Victoria, the City of Melbourne, and Arts Victoria. More information at www.culturaldevelopment.net.au.
8 August 2011
VLGA President’s Message
I will resist the temptation to feature planning issues in my message this week. However a brief side-note that at a conference held in the Melton Shire last Friday (see eNews story below), and attended by the VLGA, the conference MC and former veteran ABC journalist Peter Couchman referred on several occasions to the Centre for Independent Studies’ (CIS) research featured in last week’s eNews asking Mayors about their experiences of population growth. Up to a third were concerned that the ‘price’ of population growth policies was being picked up by already cash-strapped local governments. If you don’t have the time to read the research, it’s worth hearing the authors speak about it.
Thank you to all those who attended our Leading Edge Forum on directly elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors, which was webcast live. We were delighted to welcome guests including Parliamentary Secretary David Morris. What interested me were the many models used throughout Australia and the pros and cons that come with each of them. It seems to me one of the keys to making it work is the capacity and commitment of the leadership team to foster good working relationships with their colleagues as well as letting the voters decide whether they want to directly elect their Mayor, as is the case in New South Wales.
Good news that has swept the sector and been embraced by local communities is the breakthrough concerning library funding. I’d like to join with you in thanking the MAV and local governments for pushing for better funding, as the VLGA did in a united voice to the Minister. The challenge will now come in negotiations for future funding rounds, and I am pleased to see the State Government has appointed a bipartisan Libraries Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) to help guide these discussions over the next few years. For more information, including the MAC’s Terms of Reference, go here. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Economic development meets planning conference
Last Friday, local government economic development and planning staff, commentators, super funds and developers were among others attending the joint Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and Economic Development Australia (EDA) conference in Caroline Springs – Economic Development and Planning, with a focus on population growth. Co-sponsored by new VLGA member Melton Shire, the day’s presentations and discussions were fascinating and informative. While most of the speakers concentrated on metropolitan Melbourne, some did highlight the need for strategic planning in regional and rural Victoria to receive a significant boost by the State Government. Others, such as the Weekly Times, also commented late last week on the need for government to send stronger messages to the market about food processing, wind farms and other industries. Of further note was a panel discussion at the conference concerning the current review of Victoria’s planning system, and the strong panel view that it required ‘significant deregulation’. This view was at odds with those of a diverse range of speakers who felt that previous attempts at significant deregulation in the 1990s had not delivered integrated economic development and planning outcomes. Moreover, many felt that what was needed was much clearer direction from all governments to address the living pressures experienced across Victoria. Finally, it was refreshing to see the looming ‘health and ageing economic crisis’ get some airing at the conference. Our good friends the Heart Foundation and others highlighted the fact that no planning system in Australia currently contemplates solutions to the health and ageing changes we are about to see in communities. Those of us who’ve been highlighting this critical challenge were pleased to see others support our previous calls for action, which we will again highlight in our submission to the review of Victoria’s planning system. When the presentations are loaded on the conference website, we will provide the link to members. In the meantime, you may want to look at similar PIA (Vic) and EDA events.
Smoking trial in Baw Baw draws mixed early reactions
Only a week into their trial of smoking bans in public places, Baw Baw Shire has received mixed reactions from traders. Despite a number of other local governments now trialling education and awareness strategies across Victoria, the State Government has not yet revealed its hand on a uniform approach to this issue across Victoria. As has been seen in other municipalities such as Monash and Frankston, to name just two, the trials take some time to settle and ongoing education is important, as is consistent signage. Baw Baw Shire Deputy Mayor Tony Wolfe says the trial ban will be evaluated with feedback sought from residents and businesses, "It's a trial period and we certainly welcome all that feedback and we'll take that on board. We are taking an education approach to it. We don't want to slap fines on people and things like that.” If you would like to know more about what other local governments are doing in this space, you can read the Heart Foundation fact-sheet and the Quit fact-sheet.
The application is open to permanent members of staff of a Victorian shire or city. The applicant must be currently studying at a Diploma level or higher, at a recognised tertiary institution, on a part time or external basis, and must demonstrate an ability to make a positive contribution to their area of employment and to their employer through further tertiary study. The studies undertaken must be directly related to the applicant’s field of employment.
NBN brings multicultural Moreland up to speed
Last Thursday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and Moreland Mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz switched on the first inner city broadband for local residents who wish to sign up for the super-fast network. Brunswick is among the first areas on the Australian mainland to be linked up to the Federal Government's new National Broadband Network. You can read the Mayor’s speech welcoming the local investment in high-speed broadband to improve services at all levels of government, as well as for the private sector, particularly education, health and social support. In true Moreland style, and with the roll-out of modern high-speed broadband in Brunswick, they have developed a traditional communication tool aimed at bridging the digital divide for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds: the CALDCOM storyboard aims to get the message across to Moreland's diverse cultural communities about the benefits of the digital age. It also assists them to understand how it can be used in their daily lives. Moreland will be working to make sure the NBN roll-out really makes its impact where it counts most – by making sure no one gets left behind because they don’t understand how the internet works in everyday life. Watch the CALDCOM 'Connecting people' video on Youtube.
Food sensitive planning in urban design (FSPUD) workshops
Dates have now been set for six workshops to be conducted by the VLGA with the Heart Foundation, funded by VicHealth. What is FSPUD, you might ask? FSPUD is an approach to planning and urban design that addresses the critical intersects between public health nutrition; planning and urban design; and environmental sustainability. FSPUD builds on the healthy built environment focus pioneered by State and local government and the Heart Foundation over the past 15 years. Through FSPUD, professionals, policy makers, communities and councillors can develop a shared understanding of how the urban environment can incorporate planning and design elements that support a resilient, healthy and sustainable food system. A summary of the FSPUD resource is available on our website. Five workshops will be held in Bass Coast, Mount Alexander, Frankston, Maribyrnong and Whittlesea. We are also planning a Professionals Forum for 6 October, which will be an open invitation, with the venue to be advised shortly. It will include an introduction to the FSPUD framework and a panel discussion with three experts about food resilience and planning. The purposes of all workshops include:
* Raise awareness of the FSPUD Conceptual Framework including the principles and approach, the FSPUD Matrix and a range of local and international case studies
* Provide preliminary (conceptual) information to local governments on ways to build a local, resilient, healthy and sustainable food system through the delivery of targeted cross-department workshops
* Consult with municipalities on how the FSPUD framework could be developed to inform policy development, planning and programs. This will include discussion around the current and future needs of the subject municipality, recommendations for future use and application, and barriers to be overcome
Further information and invitations for the workshops will be circulated shortly. For more information contact the VLGA’s Food Security Officer, Leah Galvin, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Creative Innovation 2011
Don’t forget to register early (by 31 August), so you can save over $500, and receive a free subscription to BRW magazine. To receive a further 10% discount on tickets for your staff, members and associates wishing to purchase tickets for the event the special discount code is "CONNECT". This two-day Conference includes Deep Conversations, ten Master Classes, Gala Dinner and outstanding Australian performers and artists. It’s a place to learn techniques and strategies, share ideas and gain empowering experiences. The conference will bring together delegates from all sectors to discuss the challenges that impact global business and society, growth and sustainability issues facing the business environments of Asia Pacific, learning institutions and workplaces of the future and best practice for leaders and organisations in a super-connected world. To be held 16-18 November at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, you can find out more here.
Human rights workshops coming to Victoria
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department as part of a project identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops will use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups. The first workshop will be held in Geelong on 17 August from 11.30am-3.30pm at the Grovedale Community Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. A second workshop will be held in Bairnsdale on 30 August from 10am-2pm at the Forge Performing Arts Centre, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale. To register please phone Claire Bauska on (03) 9654 5050 or via email and state which workshop you would like to attend. Further workshops will be held in the next few months in Ballarat, Bendigo, Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Melbourne, Melton, Mildura, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Warrnambool, with further details to be announced shortly. Please forward this information to anyone you believe will be interested. All workshops will be free of charge. For more information contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Findings in the reports include:
* 10 per cent of Australian households live in unaffordable housing
* Around 12 per cent of people reported difficulties paying their mortgage/bills
* One in four people aged 18 to 24 and half of people older than 64 in private rental experience housing stress
* Unemployed people are 15 times more likely to live in unaffordable housing than full-time employed people
* Women, Indigenous people and people born in non-English speaking countries are more likely to experience housing affordability stress
* People with poor physical and mental health are more likely to experience forced moves from rental properties
* Around 4 per cent of the Australian population live in unsuitable housing
Events for your diary
The Yarra Settlement Forum invites workers to attend a Housing Forum
Tuesday 9 August, 9.30am-12.30pm
Reading Room, Fitzroy Town Hall, Napier Street, Fitzroy
Do you work with refugees with housing issues? Are you confused about the various housing options available? Do you want up to date information about housing in Yarra?
Come along and hear presentations by:
* Peer Education & Support Program speaker
* Housing Minister representative
* Housing Association and Service Providers
* Tenants Union of Victoria
Please RSVP by email to Katherine Vrettas at the City of Yarra via email.
Culture and Community Researchers’ Network
Thursday 11 August, 2.00pm-5.00pm
I will resist the temptation to feature planning issues in my message this week. However a brief side-note that at a conference held in the Melton Shire last Friday (see eNews story below), and attended by the VLGA, the conference MC and former veteran ABC journalist Peter Couchman referred on several occasions to the Centre for Independent Studies’ (CIS) research featured in last week’s eNews asking Mayors about their experiences of population growth. Up to a third were concerned that the ‘price’ of population growth policies was being picked up by already cash-strapped local governments. If you don’t have the time to read the research, it’s worth hearing the authors speak about it.
Thank you to all those who attended our Leading Edge Forum on directly elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors, which was webcast live. We were delighted to welcome guests including Parliamentary Secretary David Morris. What interested me were the many models used throughout Australia and the pros and cons that come with each of them. It seems to me one of the keys to making it work is the capacity and commitment of the leadership team to foster good working relationships with their colleagues as well as letting the voters decide whether they want to directly elect their Mayor, as is the case in New South Wales.
Good news that has swept the sector and been embraced by local communities is the breakthrough concerning library funding. I’d like to join with you in thanking the MAV and local governments for pushing for better funding, as the VLGA did in a united voice to the Minister. The challenge will now come in negotiations for future funding rounds, and I am pleased to see the State Government has appointed a bipartisan Libraries Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) to help guide these discussions over the next few years. For more information, including the MAC’s Terms of Reference, go here. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Economic development meets planning conference
Last Friday, local government economic development and planning staff, commentators, super funds and developers were among others attending the joint Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and Economic Development Australia (EDA) conference in Caroline Springs – Economic Development and Planning, with a focus on population growth. Co-sponsored by new VLGA member Melton Shire, the day’s presentations and discussions were fascinating and informative. While most of the speakers concentrated on metropolitan Melbourne, some did highlight the need for strategic planning in regional and rural Victoria to receive a significant boost by the State Government. Others, such as the Weekly Times, also commented late last week on the need for government to send stronger messages to the market about food processing, wind farms and other industries. Of further note was a panel discussion at the conference concerning the current review of Victoria’s planning system, and the strong panel view that it required ‘significant deregulation’. This view was at odds with those of a diverse range of speakers who felt that previous attempts at significant deregulation in the 1990s had not delivered integrated economic development and planning outcomes. Moreover, many felt that what was needed was much clearer direction from all governments to address the living pressures experienced across Victoria. Finally, it was refreshing to see the looming ‘health and ageing economic crisis’ get some airing at the conference. Our good friends the Heart Foundation and others highlighted the fact that no planning system in Australia currently contemplates solutions to the health and ageing changes we are about to see in communities. Those of us who’ve been highlighting this critical challenge were pleased to see others support our previous calls for action, which we will again highlight in our submission to the review of Victoria’s planning system. When the presentations are loaded on the conference website, we will provide the link to members. In the meantime, you may want to look at similar PIA (Vic) and EDA events.
Smoking trial in Baw Baw draws mixed early reactions
Only a week into their trial of smoking bans in public places, Baw Baw Shire has received mixed reactions from traders. Despite a number of other local governments now trialling education and awareness strategies across Victoria, the State Government has not yet revealed its hand on a uniform approach to this issue across Victoria. As has been seen in other municipalities such as Monash and Frankston, to name just two, the trials take some time to settle and ongoing education is important, as is consistent signage. Baw Baw Shire Deputy Mayor Tony Wolfe says the trial ban will be evaluated with feedback sought from residents and businesses, "It's a trial period and we certainly welcome all that feedback and we'll take that on board. We are taking an education approach to it. We don't want to slap fines on people and things like that.” If you would like to know more about what other local governments are doing in this space, you can read the Heart Foundation fact-sheet and the Quit fact-sheet.
2011 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Study Bursary
The ALGWA Victorian Branch is pleased to advise that applications are now open for the 2011 Study Award. The Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association has established an Annual Study Award to encourage and assist women in the local government sector in furthering their education. The Award is given in memory of past State and National President of ALGWA, Marie Wallace OAM JP. Marie devoted many years of service to the Association and was an advocate for women’s participation in local government, not only as elected members, but in the many career opportunities presented. The application is open to permanent members of staff of a Victorian shire or city. The applicant must be currently studying at a Diploma level or higher, at a recognised tertiary institution, on a part time or external basis, and must demonstrate an ability to make a positive contribution to their area of employment and to their employer through further tertiary study. The studies undertaken must be directly related to the applicant’s field of employment.
NBN brings multicultural Moreland up to speed
Last Thursday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and Moreland Mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz switched on the first inner city broadband for local residents who wish to sign up for the super-fast network. Brunswick is among the first areas on the Australian mainland to be linked up to the Federal Government's new National Broadband Network. You can read the Mayor’s speech welcoming the local investment in high-speed broadband to improve services at all levels of government, as well as for the private sector, particularly education, health and social support. In true Moreland style, and with the roll-out of modern high-speed broadband in Brunswick, they have developed a traditional communication tool aimed at bridging the digital divide for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds: the CALDCOM storyboard aims to get the message across to Moreland's diverse cultural communities about the benefits of the digital age. It also assists them to understand how it can be used in their daily lives. Moreland will be working to make sure the NBN roll-out really makes its impact where it counts most – by making sure no one gets left behind because they don’t understand how the internet works in everyday life. Watch the CALDCOM 'Connecting people' video on Youtube.
Food sensitive planning in urban design (FSPUD) workshops
Dates have now been set for six workshops to be conducted by the VLGA with the Heart Foundation, funded by VicHealth. What is FSPUD, you might ask? FSPUD is an approach to planning and urban design that addresses the critical intersects between public health nutrition; planning and urban design; and environmental sustainability. FSPUD builds on the healthy built environment focus pioneered by State and local government and the Heart Foundation over the past 15 years. Through FSPUD, professionals, policy makers, communities and councillors can develop a shared understanding of how the urban environment can incorporate planning and design elements that support a resilient, healthy and sustainable food system. A summary of the FSPUD resource is available on our website. Five workshops will be held in Bass Coast, Mount Alexander, Frankston, Maribyrnong and Whittlesea. We are also planning a Professionals Forum for 6 October, which will be an open invitation, with the venue to be advised shortly. It will include an introduction to the FSPUD framework and a panel discussion with three experts about food resilience and planning. The purposes of all workshops include:
* Raise awareness of the FSPUD Conceptual Framework including the principles and approach, the FSPUD Matrix and a range of local and international case studies
* Provide preliminary (conceptual) information to local governments on ways to build a local, resilient, healthy and sustainable food system through the delivery of targeted cross-department workshops
* Consult with municipalities on how the FSPUD framework could be developed to inform policy development, planning and programs. This will include discussion around the current and future needs of the subject municipality, recommendations for future use and application, and barriers to be overcome
Further information and invitations for the workshops will be circulated shortly. For more information contact the VLGA’s Food Security Officer, Leah Galvin, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Creative Innovation 2011
Don’t forget to register early (by 31 August), so you can save over $500, and receive a free subscription to BRW magazine. To receive a further 10% discount on tickets for your staff, members and associates wishing to purchase tickets for the event the special discount code is "CONNECT". This two-day Conference includes Deep Conversations, ten Master Classes, Gala Dinner and outstanding Australian performers and artists. It’s a place to learn techniques and strategies, share ideas and gain empowering experiences. The conference will bring together delegates from all sectors to discuss the challenges that impact global business and society, growth and sustainability issues facing the business environments of Asia Pacific, learning institutions and workplaces of the future and best practice for leaders and organisations in a super-connected world. To be held 16-18 November at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, you can find out more here.
Human rights workshops coming to Victoria
The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department as part of a project identifying the importance of human rights education. The workshops will use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The workshops are designed for both the community and local government sectors – for management, service delivery workers, board members, councillors, advocates and members of vulnerable groups. The first workshop will be held in Geelong on 17 August from 11.30am-3.30pm at the Grovedale Community Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. A second workshop will be held in Bairnsdale on 30 August from 10am-2pm at the Forge Performing Arts Centre, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale. To register please phone Claire Bauska on (03) 9654 5050 or via email and state which workshop you would like to attend. Further workshops will be held in the next few months in Ballarat, Bendigo, Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Melbourne, Melton, Mildura, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Warrnambool, with further details to be announced shortly. Please forward this information to anyone you believe will be interested. All workshops will be free of charge. For more information contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Project Officer, Gary Jungwirth, via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Poor housing and illness intrinsically linked, Hanover and VicHealth reports show
The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) and Hanover Welfare Services have put the spotlight on links between housing and health in Australia, with the launch of two new reports last week. Precarious housing and health inequalities: what are the links? and Precarious housing and health: research synthesis show a clear link between inadequate and unstable housing and poor health. The VLGA attended the launch, along with 60 guests from government and the housing, health and community sectors. You can see interviews with researchers Shelley Mallet and Rebecca Bentley and VicHealth’s Kellie Horton which will be loaded on Youtube in the next week.Findings in the reports include:
* 10 per cent of Australian households live in unaffordable housing
* Around 12 per cent of people reported difficulties paying their mortgage/bills
* One in four people aged 18 to 24 and half of people older than 64 in private rental experience housing stress
* Unemployed people are 15 times more likely to live in unaffordable housing than full-time employed people
* Women, Indigenous people and people born in non-English speaking countries are more likely to experience housing affordability stress
* People with poor physical and mental health are more likely to experience forced moves from rental properties
* Around 4 per cent of the Australian population live in unsuitable housing
Nominations now open for the Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) 2011 Pam Keating Award
Each year this Award provides $1,500 to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the environment industry in Victoria. The Award recognises the work of the late Pam Keating (1954-2009) who held a number of key roles in the waste, water and sustainability fields and was an inspiration to many in those fields. Download the Terms of Reference and Nomination Form.Events for your diary
The Yarra Settlement Forum invites workers to attend a Housing Forum
Tuesday 9 August, 9.30am-12.30pm
Reading Room, Fitzroy Town Hall, Napier Street, Fitzroy
Do you work with refugees with housing issues? Are you confused about the various housing options available? Do you want up to date information about housing in Yarra?
Come along and hear presentations by:
* Peer Education & Support Program speaker
* Housing Minister representative
* Housing Association and Service Providers
* Tenants Union of Victoria
Please RSVP by email to Katherine Vrettas at the City of Yarra via email.
Culture and Community Researchers’ Network
Thursday 11 August, 2.00pm-5.00pm
Graduate Centre, 1888 Grattan Street, University of Melbourne (between Swanston and Bouverie St)
Towards a Conceptual Handshake: bringing together theory, policy and practice of cultural indicators. Chaired by Dr Lachlan MacDowall, Research Coordinator, Centre for Cultural Partnerships, VCAM. Join us for a roundtable presentation of three unique perspectives from the burgeoning field of cultural indicators. From UNESCO’s benchmarks for cultural freedoms, comparison of LGA cultural provision, to community arts evaluation - diverse approaches to quantifying cultural value exist. Responding to Colin Mercer’s (2002) call for conceptual and policy ‘handshakes’, our speakers draw on their doctoral research to progress the dialogue about cultural measurement, aiming to enhance the knowledge base for cultural policy, planning and development. We invite researchers and workers in community cultural development, arts evaluation, and local government to participate in the roundtable discussion. Topics and speakers include: The political context of cultural indicators: evidence and values in democratic governance, Emma Blomkamp; Understanding outcomes of participatory arts: a framework for evaluation, Kim Dunphy; and ‘Naming the World’ as representation: a relational approach in socially-engaged arts and cultural indicators, Marnie Badham. For more information go here, and RSVP (for afternoon tea) by email or phone (03) 9685 9067 before COB on 8 August.
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