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.
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