VLGA President’s Message
I was delighted to attend the launch of Reconciliation Victoria last Tuesday where the Hon Jeanette Powell spoke about the Government’s support for the work of the organisation. There is a more comprehensive update below. Last Thursday night, the VLGA hosted another highly successful Leading Edge Forum attended by a large crowd who were able to enjoy networking together before hearing our challenging panellists. Brian Haratsis, Managing Director and Chief Economist from MacroPlan; James Lamour-Reid, Committee Member, Planning Institute Australia; and Matt Ruchel Executive Director, Victorian National Parks Association gave us three very different and inspiring insights into future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities. If you weren’t able to be there you can watch the webcast here. October is Planning Month, celebrating the industry's work with an intensive four weeks of professional development and networking activities. The PIA website shows the list of events. Member local governments have been corresponding with us on a number of issues recently, and we are interested in hearing more from you about these issues. Concerns have been raised about cuts to occasional Care ‘Take a Break’ funding, and siting of soil treatment facilities. If your council has comments on these issues please contact our CEO, Maree McPherson via email.
On another matter, I am aware that a number of mayors have expressed their surprise about the process undertaken to select representatives for the Ministerial Mayors Advisory Panel announced by Minister Powell on 29 September. I am keen to hear more from mayors and councillors about this, to inform my next discussions with the Minister.
Limited places at the VLGA’s Essential Councillor Retreat are filling fast and the early bird discount closes this Friday - 14 October. Make sure you register this week to take advantage of the discounted price. You can download the program and registration form here, or from our website. And don’t forget ALGWA Vic branch’s celebration of ALGWA’s 60th birthday, this Saturday at Box Hill. More details in the events section below. This week’s is another jam-packed eNews bulletin, so happy reading, and I look forward to seeing you around and about. 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
Local Government Capacity Building Project gets underway
The VLGA has appointed Emma Shepherdson as the Gaming Policy Officer to deliver the Local Government Capacity Building Project. The project aims to increase the capacity of local governments across Victoria to address Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) gambling related issues in the changing social and regulatory environment. The outcome will be greater certainty for industry, local governments and the community. The project is being informed in part by the Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG), which is auspiced by the VLGA.
Changing State and Federal regulatory environments mean that now more than ever, is the time to strengthen Council policy and statutory responses to gaming machines. The Capacity Building Project will achieve this by providing policy support and training to increase knowledge in council staff and councillors. Key aims of this project will be to enhance planning controls and social policies around gaming, as well as training on useful tools and guides for gaming processes.
Emma will share this role with her ongoing position at Moreland City Council. She can be contacted via email or 9349 7999 from 10 October.
Making human rights real – Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops
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 workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. 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 – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Traralgon on Tuesday 11 October, 10am-2pm at the Traralgon Business Centre, 55 Grey Street Traralgon, and
* Wangaratta on Tuesday 18 October, 10am-1pm at the Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta
To register for the Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer Gary Jungwirth via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Reconciliation Victoria re-launches
Last Tuesday, Reconciliation Victoria celebrated a significant moment when the Hon. Jeanette Powell, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government, officially re-launched the organisation at its new premises at Hub Melbourne in the CBD. Minister Powell spoke of the unfinished business of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians, and the importance of Reconciliation Victoria’s work in combating racism, and building just and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and other Victorians. The VLGA was well-represented at the event, and to read more and see pictures go here. Reconciliation Victoria has recently released it’s Spring Newsletter, packed with information about the Reconciliation in Local Government Project, their submission on Constitutional Reform, the success of National Reconciliation Week 2011, a round-up of activities from local reconciliation groups, plans for the coming year and more. Download the newsletter here. Reconciliation Victoria is also currently looking for someone to join their small team in the role of Coordinator, Local Government and Community Engagement. Applications close 14 October. Suitably experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. You can download the position description here.
VLGA Life Member Don Chambers retires from Keeping Australia Beautiful
Former VLGA and Eco-Recycle Board member, Mayor and councillor at Indigo Shire, Don Chambers is stepping down from his role as Chair of Keep Australia Beautiful after eight years. We all congratulate you Don on your achievements and thank you for the time you have given to this and your many other voluntary community support roles.
Social Media and Local Government
John Jago Good Governance Award
The John Jago Good Governance Award is awarded annually to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings), whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making. Applications for the 2011 Award are now invited. There is a two stage process and 1st stage applications should be submitted to the VLGA by Friday 28 October 2011. Applications can be emailed or sent as hard copy. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 9349 7999 or via email.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Mayors on Bikes 2011
This Wednesday 12 October, 10am-1.30pm
Kingston City Council
Coinciding with Ride to Work Day, Mayors on Bikes provides a useful informal networking and information sharing event that is invaluable to any mayor interested in transport and planning issues. Join us to explore a viable sustainable transport option. Hosted by the City of Kingston, this year’s event involves mayors, other representatives from local governments, and State Government authorities to join together in a leisurely bike ride along the Patterson River Trail, Wells Road shared path, Edithvale Road and Long Beach Trail. The ride will highlight some of the recent shared path and other upgrades, as well as the future challenges being faced by Kingston and shared by other local governments. Following the bike ride, there will be opportunity for networking over refreshments. See our Mayors on Bikes event page to register.
2011 Thriving Neighbourhoods Conference
Tuesday-Wednesday 25-26 October
St Kilda Town Hall
Thriving Neighbourhoods (TN) is a conference series that explores the impact of the built and natural environments on communities’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The VLGA is a major conference supporter and VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. The 2011 conference 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. The VLGA is making a financial contribution to bring Paul Hawken to the conference. Paul is a 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 program and registration details can be found at 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.
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
Other events
Local government forum: alternative water supplies for public open space
Friday 14 October, 9.30-11.30am
Sustainability Victoria, Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Sustainability Victoria invites you to the latest of its quarterly forums for local government officers and managers. Open spaces, such as parks, sports-grounds and streetscapes, are a vital part of our community infrastructure. Rainfall amounts have varied considerably over the past years. As a result, councils and the water industry are now looking into new ways of sourcing water that will reduce dependence on mains supply and maintain the quality of these spaces. This forum explores a strategic approach to planning for alternative water supplies, along with a leading practice examples from local government. Presentations will include:
* Geoff Connellan, G & M Connellan Consultants: Strategies for sustainable irrigated open space using alternative water supplies
* Steve Bumstead, Yarra Valley Water: Alternative water supply options and the community cost model
* Jason Summers, Hume City Council: Using reclaimed stormwater for sustainable irrigation
RSVP by 5pm on Tuesday 11 October via email to Nick Bailey or phone (03) 8626 8824.
The Long Walk Women's Luncheon 2011
Friday 14 October, 11.30am
Peninsula at Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Join the VLGA who is also donating a seat to this event that will celebrate Indigenous women’s achievements over lunch with great entertainment and conversation. The Long Walk is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to get the lives of Australia’s Indigenous people back on the national agenda. Special Guests include Rosalie Kunoth-Monks; Fay Ball; The Sunshine Sisters (Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd and Deline Briscoe) and the MC Pauline Whyman. You can book a table of 10 for the luncheon, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate seats to Indigenous women with limited funds. Please indicate donated seats by writing ‘donated seat’ as the guest name in the booking form. Seats (at $110 each) will be donated to FVPLS Victoria to distribute. Funds raised through the Women’s Luncheon will contribute to The Long Walk’s Indigenous Cultural Exchange in 2012. Please register online.
Creating a platform for action on rural and regional safety
Wednesday 19 October
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
The Ballarat Community Safety Advisory Committee invites you to this inaugural conference. The aim of the conference is to present current evidence and practice of community safety issues affecting Victorian rural and regional areas. Themes include Alcohol Related Harm; Driver/Cyclist Interaction; Women’s Violence Prevention; and Urban Design. For more information and to register online visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au. Registrations close Friday 14 October.
Public-private partnership in planning and management of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Wednesday 19 October, 5.45pm-6.45pm
Condell Room, 1st Floor of the Melbourne Town Hall
Free public lecture hosted jointly by the City of Melbourne and SGS Economics & Planning and featuring Dr Seth A. Grossman, of Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are distinctive, formalised partnerships between the public and private sectors operating as units of sub-government at the local level. There are more than 650 BIDs in the USA, and an estimated 1,500 worldwide. BIDs are special districts designed to bring together public, private and civic actors to achieve comprehensive community revitalisation, economic development and quality of life improvements in primary business and mixed use areas. Such partnerships appear to allow the public sector to enjoy more vigorous entrepreneurship, while allowing the private sector to utilize public authority and public processes to achieve economic and community revitalization. BIDs are unique because they are authorised by local ordinance, but tend to be managed by private and non-profit entities that function as publically oriented public-private partnerships. This presentation explores how BIDs dissolve public-private dichotomies to create new hybrid capacities for mutually beneficial community and business development. Registration (for catering purposes) by Friday 14 October to Rebecca Stroud, via email or (03) 8616 0331. Inquiries on program to Nigel Flannigan, via email.
Crisis and opportunity: the changing face of environmental health
Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 October
Comfort Inn Country Plaza, Halls Gap
Presented by Environmental Health Australia (Vic) Inc., and supported by the Department of Health, Northern Grampians Shire and Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers, this 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium will feature a range of workshops, site tours and social functions specifically aimed at local government Environmental Health Officers, Local Laws Officers, Health Planners and others. One of the workshops will feature the VLGA’s Food Security Policy Officer, Leah Galvin, speaking on ‘the relevance of addressing food security as an opportunity prior to crisis’ along with Meagan Ward, of the Grampians and Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership. You can download the conference program and conference registration.
An evening with Paul Hawken
Friday 21 October, 6.15-8.30pm
Peninsula Community Theatre, Cnr Nepean Hwy & Wilsons Rd, Mornington
Mornington Peninsula Shire invites you to share an evening with Paul Hawken - an environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist and author. Paul has dedicated his life to sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. His practice has included starting and running ecological businesses, writing and teaching about the impact of commerce on living systems, and consulting with governments and corporations on economic development, industrial ecology and environmental policy. Paul is a best-selling author of six books, including Blessed Unrest and Natural Capitalism, as well as dozens of articles and other papers concerning the responsibility of business to the natural environment and our social and ethical obligations to others around the world. Cost: Free
RSVP: via email by Monday 17 October.
North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or via email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or via email.
Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.
9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. 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.
‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, Full day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA / Green Building meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St Carlton, and Richmond Library
A new professional development program for elected representatives is now available in Victoria. The program is modified to suit participants whether experienced councillors, women councillors and/or potential candidates. Topics include Personal Productivity; Personality Style; and Being Heard. Dr Louise Mahler and Performance Unlimited’s Roma O’Callaghan are facilitating a series of sessions for councillors wanting to enhance their skills and effectiveness. Early-bird bookings and rates close on 12 October and to download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or via email.
5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.
I was delighted to attend the launch of Reconciliation Victoria last Tuesday where the Hon Jeanette Powell spoke about the Government’s support for the work of the organisation. There is a more comprehensive update below. Last Thursday night, the VLGA hosted another highly successful Leading Edge Forum attended by a large crowd who were able to enjoy networking together before hearing our challenging panellists. Brian Haratsis, Managing Director and Chief Economist from MacroPlan; James Lamour-Reid, Committee Member, Planning Institute Australia; and Matt Ruchel Executive Director, Victorian National Parks Association gave us three very different and inspiring insights into future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities. If you weren’t able to be there you can watch the webcast here. October is Planning Month, celebrating the industry's work with an intensive four weeks of professional development and networking activities. The PIA website shows the list of events. Member local governments have been corresponding with us on a number of issues recently, and we are interested in hearing more from you about these issues. Concerns have been raised about cuts to occasional Care ‘Take a Break’ funding, and siting of soil treatment facilities. If your council has comments on these issues please contact our CEO, Maree McPherson via email.
On another matter, I am aware that a number of mayors have expressed their surprise about the process undertaken to select representatives for the Ministerial Mayors Advisory Panel announced by Minister Powell on 29 September. I am keen to hear more from mayors and councillors about this, to inform my next discussions with the Minister.
Limited places at the VLGA’s Essential Councillor Retreat are filling fast and the early bird discount closes this Friday - 14 October. Make sure you register this week to take advantage of the discounted price. You can download the program and registration form here, or from our website. And don’t forget ALGWA Vic branch’s celebration of ALGWA’s 60th birthday, this Saturday at Box Hill. More details in the events section below. This week’s is another jam-packed eNews bulletin, so happy reading, and I look forward to seeing you around and about. 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
Local Government Capacity Building Project gets underway
The VLGA has appointed Emma Shepherdson as the Gaming Policy Officer to deliver the Local Government Capacity Building Project. The project aims to increase the capacity of local governments across Victoria to address Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) gambling related issues in the changing social and regulatory environment. The outcome will be greater certainty for industry, local governments and the community. The project is being informed in part by the Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG), which is auspiced by the VLGA.
Changing State and Federal regulatory environments mean that now more than ever, is the time to strengthen Council policy and statutory responses to gaming machines. The Capacity Building Project will achieve this by providing policy support and training to increase knowledge in council staff and councillors. Key aims of this project will be to enhance planning controls and social policies around gaming, as well as training on useful tools and guides for gaming processes.
Emma will share this role with her ongoing position at Moreland City Council. She can be contacted via email or 9349 7999 from 10 October.
Making human rights real – Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops
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 workshops are funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department as part of a project to identifying the importance of human rights education. 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 – and use case studies to highlight human rights and how to support human rights for people in local communities. The next workshops will be held in:
* Traralgon on Tuesday 11 October, 10am-2pm at the Traralgon Business Centre, 55 Grey Street Traralgon, and
* Wangaratta on Tuesday 18 October, 10am-1pm at the Wangaratta Library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta
To register for the Traralgon and Wangaratta workshops, please phone Michelle at VCOSS on 03 9654 5050 or register online for the workshop closest to you. For further information, contact the VLGA’s Human Rights Policy & Project Officer Gary Jungwirth via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Reconciliation Victoria re-launches
Last Tuesday, Reconciliation Victoria celebrated a significant moment when the Hon. Jeanette Powell, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government, officially re-launched the organisation at its new premises at Hub Melbourne in the CBD. Minister Powell spoke of the unfinished business of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians, and the importance of Reconciliation Victoria’s work in combating racism, and building just and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and other Victorians. The VLGA was well-represented at the event, and to read more and see pictures go here. Reconciliation Victoria has recently released it’s Spring Newsletter, packed with information about the Reconciliation in Local Government Project, their submission on Constitutional Reform, the success of National Reconciliation Week 2011, a round-up of activities from local reconciliation groups, plans for the coming year and more. Download the newsletter here. Reconciliation Victoria is also currently looking for someone to join their small team in the role of Coordinator, Local Government and Community Engagement. Applications close 14 October. Suitably experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. You can download the position description here.
VLGA Life Member Don Chambers retires from Keeping Australia Beautiful
Former VLGA and Eco-Recycle Board member, Mayor and councillor at Indigo Shire, Don Chambers is stepping down from his role as Chair of Keep Australia Beautiful after eight years. We all congratulate you Don on your achievements and thank you for the time you have given to this and your many other voluntary community support roles.
Social Media and Local Government
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) is capturing a snapshot of how
Australian local government is using social media. On 4 October a short online survey was sent to
every Council in Australia requesting they share their views and experiences about using social media.
The results will feed into an ACELG Issues Paper, which aims to assist with building capacity and understanding in the local government sector when it comes to using social media. The aggregated information will provide baseline data for further studies over time, and in the process enable organisations such as ACELG, Local Government Associations and other peak professional organisations to work on tools that can assist Councils. Both the national survey and the Issues Paper are supported by all State - Territory and national Local Government Associations and will be completed by the end of this year. Keep an eye out for the survey!
Australian local government is using social media. On 4 October a short online survey was sent to
every Council in Australia requesting they share their views and experiences about using social media.
The results will feed into an ACELG Issues Paper, which aims to assist with building capacity and understanding in the local government sector when it comes to using social media. The aggregated information will provide baseline data for further studies over time, and in the process enable organisations such as ACELG, Local Government Associations and other peak professional organisations to work on tools that can assist Councils. Both the national survey and the Issues Paper are supported by all State - Territory and national Local Government Associations and will be completed by the end of this year. Keep an eye out for the survey!
John Jago Good Governance Award
The John Jago Good Governance Award is awarded annually to a VLGA member local government or community group (or groupings), whose governance and leadership practices have led to improved public participation in decision-making. Applications for the 2011 Award are now invited. There is a two stage process and 1st stage applications should be submitted to the VLGA by Friday 28 October 2011. Applications can be emailed or sent as hard copy. Further information can be found on our website or by contacting Ron Exiner, Director Governance, on 9349 7999 or via email.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
Mayors on Bikes 2011
This Wednesday 12 October, 10am-1.30pm
Kingston City Council
Coinciding with Ride to Work Day, Mayors on Bikes provides a useful informal networking and information sharing event that is invaluable to any mayor interested in transport and planning issues. Join us to explore a viable sustainable transport option. Hosted by the City of Kingston, this year’s event involves mayors, other representatives from local governments, and State Government authorities to join together in a leisurely bike ride along the Patterson River Trail, Wells Road shared path, Edithvale Road and Long Beach Trail. The ride will highlight some of the recent shared path and other upgrades, as well as the future challenges being faced by Kingston and shared by other local governments. Following the bike ride, there will be opportunity for networking over refreshments. See our Mayors on Bikes event page to register.
2011 Thriving Neighbourhoods Conference
Tuesday-Wednesday 25-26 October
St Kilda Town Hall
Thriving Neighbourhoods (TN) is a conference series that explores the impact of the built and natural environments on communities’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The VLGA is a major conference supporter and VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. The 2011 conference 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. The VLGA is making a financial contribution to bring Paul Hawken to the conference. Paul is a 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 program and registration details can be found at 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.
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
Other events
Local government forum: alternative water supplies for public open space
Friday 14 October, 9.30-11.30am
Sustainability Victoria, Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Sustainability Victoria invites you to the latest of its quarterly forums for local government officers and managers. Open spaces, such as parks, sports-grounds and streetscapes, are a vital part of our community infrastructure. Rainfall amounts have varied considerably over the past years. As a result, councils and the water industry are now looking into new ways of sourcing water that will reduce dependence on mains supply and maintain the quality of these spaces. This forum explores a strategic approach to planning for alternative water supplies, along with a leading practice examples from local government. Presentations will include:
* Geoff Connellan, G & M Connellan Consultants: Strategies for sustainable irrigated open space using alternative water supplies
* Steve Bumstead, Yarra Valley Water: Alternative water supply options and the community cost model
* Jason Summers, Hume City Council: Using reclaimed stormwater for sustainable irrigation
RSVP by 5pm on Tuesday 11 October via email to Nick Bailey or phone (03) 8626 8824.
The Long Walk Women's Luncheon 2011
Friday 14 October, 11.30am
Peninsula at Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Join the VLGA who is also donating a seat to this event that will celebrate Indigenous women’s achievements over lunch with great entertainment and conversation. The Long Walk is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to get the lives of Australia’s Indigenous people back on the national agenda. Special Guests include Rosalie Kunoth-Monks; Fay Ball; The Sunshine Sisters (Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd and Deline Briscoe) and the MC Pauline Whyman. You can book a table of 10 for the luncheon, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate seats to Indigenous women with limited funds. Please indicate donated seats by writing ‘donated seat’ as the guest name in the booking form. Seats (at $110 each) will be donated to FVPLS Victoria to distribute. Funds raised through the Women’s Luncheon will contribute to The Long Walk’s Indigenous Cultural Exchange in 2012. Please register online.
Creating a platform for action on rural and regional safety
Wednesday 19 October
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
The Ballarat Community Safety Advisory Committee invites you to this inaugural conference. The aim of the conference is to present current evidence and practice of community safety issues affecting Victorian rural and regional areas. Themes include Alcohol Related Harm; Driver/Cyclist Interaction; Women’s Violence Prevention; and Urban Design. For more information and to register online visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au. Registrations close Friday 14 October.
Public-private partnership in planning and management of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Wednesday 19 October, 5.45pm-6.45pm
Condell Room, 1st Floor of the Melbourne Town Hall
Free public lecture hosted jointly by the City of Melbourne and SGS Economics & Planning and featuring Dr Seth A. Grossman, of Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are distinctive, formalised partnerships between the public and private sectors operating as units of sub-government at the local level. There are more than 650 BIDs in the USA, and an estimated 1,500 worldwide. BIDs are special districts designed to bring together public, private and civic actors to achieve comprehensive community revitalisation, economic development and quality of life improvements in primary business and mixed use areas. Such partnerships appear to allow the public sector to enjoy more vigorous entrepreneurship, while allowing the private sector to utilize public authority and public processes to achieve economic and community revitalization. BIDs are unique because they are authorised by local ordinance, but tend to be managed by private and non-profit entities that function as publically oriented public-private partnerships. This presentation explores how BIDs dissolve public-private dichotomies to create new hybrid capacities for mutually beneficial community and business development. Registration (for catering purposes) by Friday 14 October to Rebecca Stroud, via email or (03) 8616 0331. Inquiries on program to Nigel Flannigan, via email.
Crisis and opportunity: the changing face of environmental health
Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 October
Comfort Inn Country Plaza, Halls Gap
Presented by Environmental Health Australia (Vic) Inc., and supported by the Department of Health, Northern Grampians Shire and Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers, this 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium will feature a range of workshops, site tours and social functions specifically aimed at local government Environmental Health Officers, Local Laws Officers, Health Planners and others. One of the workshops will feature the VLGA’s Food Security Policy Officer, Leah Galvin, speaking on ‘the relevance of addressing food security as an opportunity prior to crisis’ along with Meagan Ward, of the Grampians and Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership. You can download the conference program and conference registration.
An evening with Paul Hawken
Friday 21 October, 6.15-8.30pm
Peninsula Community Theatre, Cnr Nepean Hwy & Wilsons Rd, Mornington
Mornington Peninsula Shire invites you to share an evening with Paul Hawken - an environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist and author. Paul has dedicated his life to sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. His practice has included starting and running ecological businesses, writing and teaching about the impact of commerce on living systems, and consulting with governments and corporations on economic development, industrial ecology and environmental policy. Paul is a best-selling author of six books, including Blessed Unrest and Natural Capitalism, as well as dozens of articles and other papers concerning the responsibility of business to the natural environment and our social and ethical obligations to others around the world. Cost: Free
RSVP: via email by Monday 17 October.
North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for the local government elections in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or via email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or via email.
Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 November
Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
Are you looking for practical, achievable ways to reduce the impact of electricity price rises in your community? This conference aims to showcase how regional Australian communities are developing innovative energy projects; helping to reduce local economic shocks; and can take practical action to hedge against rising energy prices. The Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, in its third biennial conference on renewable energy, is partnering with the Central Victoria Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program, and the City of Greater Bendigo, to deliver an exciting exploration of current energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies and actions being taken by Australian communities. For more information and to register, go here.
9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. 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.
‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, Full day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA / Green Building meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St Carlton, and Richmond Library
A new professional development program for elected representatives is now available in Victoria. The program is modified to suit participants whether experienced councillors, women councillors and/or potential candidates. Topics include Personal Productivity; Personality Style; and Being Heard. Dr Louise Mahler and Performance Unlimited’s Roma O’Callaghan are facilitating a series of sessions for councillors wanting to enhance their skills and effectiveness. Early-bird bookings and rates close on 12 October and to download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or via email.
5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.
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