I am pleased to report that at the close of the first stage expressions of interest last Friday, we have a fantastic range of nominations for the VLGA’s 2011 John Jago Good Governance Award. The winner of this year’s award will be announced at our end of year function on the evening of Thursday 1 December. Pencil this date into your diaries. Our Annual General Meeting is this Thursday night, and I invite you to come and hear our guest speaker, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM. And of course I hope you can come and celebrate the year’s achievements, and the awarding of a VLGA Life Membership to our founding member and inaugural President, Liana Thompson. Liana’s role in the governance of the VLGA, and more widely in the sector, is truly inspiring. You can RSVP for the AGM online or by calling (03) 9349 7999.
Speaking of good governance, last week’s release of the State of Australian Cities 2011 Report also saw the inclusion of an interesting chapter on Governance. Key findings of this chapter included the fact that the Productivity Commission has pointed to the need for improved governance arrangements to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of cities; and that the governance structure of Australia’s major cities differs between States and Territories, and between capital and regional cities within them. Of particular note to local governments and communities who demand a greater say and involvement in land use planning is the observation that there is evidence to support significant integration of the different levels of major city planning, infrastructure provision and management, particularly in capital cities. As we await outcomes from the extensive consultation process into Victoria’s planning system here, the VLGA will continue to assert the need for planning to occur ‘from the inside out’ with a genuine and deliberative role for local governments and communities. We believe that this is preferable to the ‘top down’ land use planning processes we have witnessed for our cities and regions to date. 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 via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Ground-breaking housing research presented to VLGA Advisory Group
Members are invited to the next VLGA Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG) meeting on Wednesday 9 November, 3-4.30pm at the VLGA. Included on the agenda for the DAHAG meeting will be an update on where the funding of affordable housing by the Federal and State Governments sits in the next National Affordable Housing Agreement due for negotiation in 2013. We will also hear a presentation from DAHAG member and Swinburne University researcher Dr Andrea Sharam, entitled No home at the end of the road? This ground-breaking research was commissioned by The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory in response to the growing number of women entering the welfare system late in life due to insufficient capital resources and income to provide for their retirement. The research specifically set out to test whether there was a market for a new housing product based on a land trust model in which single women over 40 years old would be willing and able to contribute at least $150,000 to the cost of development. The research found that women earning above average incomes in this cohort were rightly pessimistic about their capacity to purchase housing in the market and about their ability to accrue a sufficient nest egg for retirement – the surprise was that most of them were not saving at all. This finding is highly significant as it means that we can expect the number of single older women at risk of homelessness in their retirement to be far higher than previously forecast. The irony is that these women have considerable disposable incomes today and want to purchase housing but no one is currently willing to sell them housing. This latent equity however is an opportunity for social housing developers who are in need of capital. If you would like to attend the next DAHAG meeting – note that places are limited – please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA Launch of Social Impacts of Pokies
The Social and Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) Framework for EGMs is an online data book and evidence base for preparing SEIAs for gaming applications. It has been developed by a partnership between inner and northern local governments and other stakeholder organisations. You are invited to attend the exclusive VLGA launch of the Framework on Monday 14 November from 12.30pm (lunch) for a 1pm start until 3pm at the VLGA. Presentations from John Rantino (Partner at Maddocks Lawyers) and Felicity Leahy (Manager Social Development, Hume City Council) will discuss the role of Social Impact Assessments in gaming cases, including case studies. There will also be a presentation on the use of the SEIA Framework. Places are limited – please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project eBulletin #1
Speaking of pokies, our first Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project eBulletin was sent out late last week. These monthly eBulletins will provide a summary and update on recent VCAT and VCGR decisions, legislation and regulatory changes, upcoming events and training and local government highlights in gaming. The nine-month project has funding until the end of June 2012, due to the generous commitments from local governments for the University of Ballarat Research project. For more information on the project, contact our Local Government Gaming Policy Officer, Emma Shepherdson via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
2012 Moira Shire Community Leadership Program
The Moira Shire Community Leadership Program is designed to develop community leaders. The program, now in its tenth year, is free for Moira Shire residents and aimed at individuals or members of community groups who wish to increase the effectiveness of their group. Modules in the program will assist participants to develop and refine their leadership skills. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other community leaders, enabling them to identify opportunities for their community group. The participants’ main foundation for their learnings will be based around the ideas, process, procedure and execution of their chosen community project, not only gaining them valuable skills for positive leadership styles, but enhancing and strengthening personal skills and techniques. For more information and to apply, go here.
Can lawyers save the planet?
Lawyers have been called many things over the years, but ‘greenie’ generally isn’t one of them. Yet with politicians seemingly hamstrung to address environmental problems, the legal profession is fast becoming our planet’s last line of defence. Once considered comical, the concept of legal rights for nature is finally being taken seriously. Read the full article on Crikey.
Calling young people for Youth Affairs Council Youth Reference Group
Do you know of young people in your local community who would contribute to YACVic’s Youth Reference Group in 2012? Nominations will be opening soon. If you are thinking of nominating someone and would like to meet with YACVic to find out more about what they do, attend a friendly ‘meet, greet and eat’ YRG event on Thursday 10 November from 4-5.30pm at the YACVic offices in Melbourne (Level 2, 172 Flinders Street). This is a chance to meet other nominees, current members of the Reference Group and YACVic staff; find out more details of what the YRG will be focused on in 2012; and check you are ready and able to commit for the year ahead! To register to attend or to find out more contact Linda Randall via email or phone (03) 9267 3713.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Join us to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership to Liana Thompson at the AGM. Please come and celebrate this special occasion. Our guest speaker is Victorian Child Safety Commissioner, Mr Bernie Geary OAM. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
Making human rights real – Warrnambool, Melbourne and Ballarat workshops
Tuesday 8 November (Warrnambool)
Wednesday 16 November (Melbourne CBD)
Tuesday 22 November (Ballarat)
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 identify 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:
* Warrnambool: Tuesday 8 November, 10am-1pm; South West TAFE, Timor St, Warrnambool (OEA Conference and Events Centre Building B, Level 3, WB3.28)
* Melbourne CBD: Wednesday 16 November, 10am-2pm; RMI T University, Melbourne (corner Russell & Victoria Streets, Building 13, Level 3, Room 07)
* Ballarat: Tuesday 22 November, 10am-1pm; Ballarat Town Hall – Trench Room, Sturt St, Ballarat
* Melbourne CBD: Wednesday 16 November, 10am-2pm; RMI T University, Melbourne (corner Russell & Victoria Streets, Building 13, Level 3, Room 07)
* Ballarat: Tuesday 22 November, 10am-1pm; Ballarat Town Hall – Trench Room, Sturt St, Ballarat
To register for the 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.
Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
The Essential Councillor Retreat will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities pertinent to how councillors approach the 4th year of the council term. There will be a focus on:
* identifying and addressing public emotion and outrage;
* engaging effectively with local communities;
* taking stock and leaving a legacy;
* governing in the final year of council’s term; and
* ‘beyond Facebook and Twitter: communicating in ways that suit community needs’.
You can download the program and registration form from our website.
Other events
‘Clever Councilling’ program
Series sessions starting 11 November, full-day sessions starting 25 November
VLGA – 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 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; to download the registration form go here. For further information contact Roma O’Callaghan on 0400 800 060 or email.
North East Branch ALGWA ‘Think women for local government 2012’ Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1-4pm
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 email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (Interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or email.
Community power conference: Australian communities taking charge of their energy use
Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 NovemberCapital 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.
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 Conference 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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