VLGA President’s Message
Happy New Year to everyone! As you know, the start of the year heralds the VLGA’s signature event and I look forward to seeing a large number of you at our Essential Mayors’ Weekend from Thursday this week. This continues to be one of our most popular training offers every year, and I’m delighted that we have so many first-time mayors joining us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment. While registrations have filled quickly, it’s not too late for any other interested mayors to send in a last-minute registration. You can obtain the program and a registration form from Sarah Colgan, via email or phone 9349 7983. I look forward to seeing you about this year, and welcome to 2012.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Review of Australia’s federal anti-discrimination laws
As part of the Australian Government’s Human Rights Framework, the Government (through the Attorney-General and Minister for Finance and Deregulation) has announced it is reviewing Australia’s federal anti-discrimination laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act, with the intention of consolidating federal anti-discrimination legislation into one single comprehensive law and making rights and obligations clearer and easier to understand. The Government is conscious that anti-discrimination law has become complex and it is important that people easily understand their rights and obligations. There are currently five pieces of Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation including the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Age Discrimination Act 2004 and the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. A discussion paper has been released with submissions due 1 February 2012. VLGA member councils may be interested in responding to the discussion paper. For more information, go here.
Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper
Minister Powell has released the Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper in the past week. Local Government Victoria (LGV) is currently communicating with stakeholders on the discussion paper. LGV undertook a detailed analysis of building site management local laws which identified variations in local laws and council enforcement practices. The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission in the Inquiry into Streamlining Local Government Regulation Draft Report also identified building site local laws in their review. The Victorian Government's preferred option for rectifying any inconsistencies is for local government and the building industry to voluntarily implement the agreed changes with joint responsibilities. The discussion is open for formal comment until 29 February 2012. If member councils have comments they would like the VLGA to add to our response please email Maree McPherson.
Applications open for women’s director scholarships – closing 10 February
Women’s Affairs Minister Mary Wooldridge has encouraged women from across Victoria to consider applying for a scholarship to enhance their board expertise and skills. Applications are open for the Victorian Women’s Governance Scholarship – a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and the Australian Institute of Company Directors that will provide 34 women with training in corporate governance through the Company Directors’ Course. $180,000 funding has been provided by the Victorian Government, and the scholarships are available to women who are serving directors of non-profit boards that currently receive state government funding. Scholarship applications close on 10 February 2012. For further information and application forms, go here.
Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence 2012 – nominations closing 9 February
Celebrating and recognising the great work that people, groups, businesses, schools and governments do to protect Victoria’s magnificent coastal and marine environments, the 2012 awards are now open for nominations. There are a number of award categories; for further information and nomination forms visit www.vcc.vic.gov.au and follow the links to the Coastal Awards 2012. You can also phone 9637 8893 or send email to gain information from an awards team member.
What do we want for our Head of State?
Deakin University and the Australian republican movement in Victoria are hosting a conference on the role of the Australian Head of State, both now and into the future. The conference will be held at Deakin University Melbourne City Centre on 4 February 2012. The main aims of the conference are to:
* Improve the present level of knowledge and understanding of the role of the Head of State discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the present system
* Identify common aspirations for the Head of State's role in future, including engaging with the younger and rural demographic to help foster an interest in our Head of State and change to a republic
For further details and registration information go here.
Helpful resources from Moreland – the CALDCOM Handbook
Local governments and organisations that have Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people in their communities might be interested in seeing Moreland’s new CALDCOM Handbook 2. It's now available on the Moreland website. For further information, you can contact Manager Communications and Research, Peter Fitz, at Moreland via email or phone 9240 1111.
IAP2 new training programs for 2012
IAP2 has opened their online bookings for their new training courses, Cred! and Building an Engaging Organisation, delivered by iconic P2 practitioner, Anne Pattillo. Numbers are limited, so for further information check the IAP2 website for details.
New IWC Graduate Certificate in Water Planning
In response to identified skills needs across the water resource and planning profession, the International Water Centre (IWC) has developed a new Graduate Certificate in Integrated Water Management (Water Planning) focused on building capacity in effective community participation, social assessment and conflict management. The program is available to Australian/New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents. It is designed to accelerate career development and encourage dialogue across disciplines among water planners. The program will commence in Semester 1 (March) 2012 at Griffith University. To see application information, go here.
VLGA Events
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore: who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia; and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. Confirmed speakers include Dr Clinton Fernandes, Cr Rachael Powning and Rae Kingsbury. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.
For further information please phone (03) 9349 7999 or download the registration form.
Other Events
Gambling from a public health perspective
Friday 10 February, 1.30-5pm
Centre for Regulatory Studies, Monash Law Chambers, 55 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Organised by Monash University, Public Health Association Australia and VicHealth, this forum will draw on lessons from tobacco control for the proposed reform of gambling regulation. For more information and to RSVP with your workshop preference (research, advocacy or policy), see the Monash University website.
‘Storming Against Violence’ Breakfast
Tuesday 14 February, 7.30-9am
River Room, Crown Casino
and
Be the Hero! Premier Event
Thursday 16 February, 6.30-8.30pm
Melbourne Town Hall – registration essential
Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club and the Victorian Women’s Trust are hosting these events aimed at conversation and insights, actions and strategies to break the cycles of violence against women. For further information see the flyer on the VWT website, phone 9642 0422 or send email.
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