28 May 2012

VLGA President’s Message
Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week, and I can’t think of a more fitting way to open my message than to acknowledge the First Australians and traditional custodians of the land on which the VLGA offices sit – the Wurundjeri people.  I trust all our members are able to celebrate the week at the myriad of events happening around the State, and that you can join us next week for our special Leading Edge Forum.  Last Tuesday, Gaming Minister the Hon Michael O’Brien announced the final members of the newly formed Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation board.  The VLGA congratulates all members of the board and we look forward to interactions with the Foundation.  We have written to the Minister to indicate our willingness to work with the Foundation on behalf of local governments, and to express our disappointment that there is no representation from local government on the board, especially given the concerns expressed by the sector with regards gaming issues in our communities.  There has recently been discussion in the sector about differential rates, and you might be interested to see our eNews item on this below.  Please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email.  Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President


Keeping you up to date

National Reconciliation Week is here – time to celebrate! …and fill out the survey
This week, Victorian communities are celebrating Reconciliation Week in greater numbers than anywhere else in the country. Congratulations to all local governments organising and supporting many of the over 110 events happening around the State this week, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, recognising history and sharing stories.  Don’t forget: your local government was recently asked to complete the Victorian Local Government Aboriginal Engagement and Reconciliation Survey by the Hon Jeanette Powell, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.  The survey was emailed by Local Government Victoria, and needs to be submitted by 22 June, so if your local government hasn’t yet responded, this is a great week to do so!  Also, the upcoming June Leading Edge Forum From little things… Stories from the sector, is a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and hear good stories about Reconciliation in local government.

2012 Local Government Elections – updated resources from the VLGA
Last week we added a new document, 2012 Local Government Elections: Information Paper for potential candidates, to our one-stop-shop webpage.   This special section of our website has a range of resources including our good governance grabs so you can keep abreast of key topics that inform the local government election process.

Differential rate – what is the difference?
Many Victorian local governments have introduced differential rates to address local social and land use planning objectives.  The Local Government Act 1989 requires councils to specify the objectives of the differentials adopted and ensure they are consistent with the equitable carrying out of the council’s functions.  A number of local governments have introduced a differential rate on rateable land on which electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are operating.  Darebin is currently considering whether differential rating is an effective tool to address community health.  The VLGA believes it is important that councils retain the ability to work with their local communities to develop rating strategies that help address important social issues.

Social housing system in Victoria reviewed – have your say
Housing Minister the Hon Wendy Lovell has announced that the Victorian Government will develop a housing framework to secure the future of public housing.  Two discussion papers, Pathways to a Fair and Sustainable Social Housing System, and Social Housing – options to improve the supply of quality housing, aim to guide a new approach to public housing in Victoria.  The VLGA’s Local Government Housing Survey, November 2010 indicated that the lack of provision of public and community housing is affecting the most vulnerable members of local communities.  Survey findings also indicated that a key measure for the Victorian Government is to change planning laws so local governments and developers can enter into voluntary affordable housing agreements.  The VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG), is drafting a response to the discussion papers and invites contributions from members and stakeholders.  To submit comments and feedback, contact Jieh-Yung Lo on 9349 7980 or via email. 

Whitehorse acts on environmental impacts of light bulbs
The VLGA strongly supports City of Whitehorse efforts to keep heavy metal pollution from discarded low energy light globes out of landfill by providing recycling drop-off bins at municipal offices.  We endorse the call by Whitehorse for industry and the Federal Government to move quickly on this issue.  Currently around 95% of discarded household light bulbs go into rubbish bins, and this is a significant waste management issue for local governments.  Read more here.

Successful Timor-Leste forum
The VLGA Timor-Leste Advisory Group together with the Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Network hosted a forum last week on the results of the recent Presidential election, and the likely outcomes for the forthcoming Parliamentary elections.  There was a capacity audience to hear VLGA Vice President Richard Brown, Prof Damien Kingsbury from Deakin University, and Rae Kingsbury speak on various aspects of the election and what it means for Australia.  There were members of at least 13 Friendship Groups in attendance as well as councillors and officers from local governments, and other members, friends and supporters of the VLGA and the ATFLN.  For those unable to attend, you can now see a webcast of the forum.

Federal Budget 2012-13 – Stronger Regions, Stronger Nation
In a recent edition of eNews we covered aspects of the Federal Budget.  Members might also like to refer to the package of initiatives announced by Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean, Stronger Regions, Stronger Nation, which details a range of relevant portfolio areas.

Darebin Equity and Inclusion Policy
The City of Darebin has recently published its Equity and Inclusion Policy (2012-2015) which was endorsed by Council in December.  The VLGA congratulates Darebin councillors and staff on this initiative and you can read more about Darebin’s leadership and the policy on our special Showcasing local government practices webpage and on Darebin’s website.

Healthy skin in the workplace and at home
For the second year, the The Skin & Cancer Foundation will auspice the annual Healthy Skin Awards 2012, with awards presented to organisations and companies that have achieved success from innovative and effective marketing and promotion of skin health to their workforce (including employees, volunteers and contractors).  The Awards ultimately acknowledge and recognise employers throughout Australia who have supported and encouraged ‘best practice’ of skin health to their workforce.  Last year’s award winners were Mallesons Lawyers, Parks Victoria, Victorian Trades Hall Council, the Country Women’s Association and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.  The Healthy Skin Awards presentation will take place on 16 June at the ‘White Night Gala Ball’, at the end of Skin Health Week (11-17 June), which includes extensive promotion of the Foundation and healthy skin across the country.


Events for your diary

VLGA Events

June Leading Edge Forum – 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring representatives from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities.  RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.


Other Events

Consultation for Better Remote Aboriginal Housing: Transdisciplinary perspectives
Friday 1 June, 12.30 – 1.30 pm
RMIT City Campus, Room 8.7.6
This seminar, with guest lecturer Professor Michael Christie, will begin with reflections on learning through collaborative research with Aboriginal knowledge authorities, and will go on to give some details of recent research into the effectiveness of Housing Reference Groups in remote Aboriginal communities.  How do we do research which takes seriously both Aboriginal perspectives and knowledge practices, and the imperatives of the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program?  How do we conceptualise a postcolonial and generative approach to our research?  RSVP via email by COB Wednesday 30 May.

Problem Gambling in the EMR: Addressing the social risk factors in our community
Thursday 7 June, 9am-12noon
Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
The Inner East Primary Care Partnership invites you to find out about the emerging trends of gambling within the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR), prevention initiatives at a local level, early intervention, and treatment options and services.  This forum is open to HACC services, education services, youth and family services, health promotion and social planners within local government, gamblers help services, community health services and anyone working within the EMR who has an interest in problem gambling prevention.  See the Inner East PCP website for flyer and registration details.

Hope in Settlement – a Creative Refugee Week Performance
Wednesday 13 June, 6.30-8.00pm
FortyFive Downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
$15 general admission, $12 concession, ECCV members free
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria and Melbourne Playback Theatre Company will present a unique creative performance as part of the national Refugee Week theme, Restoring Hope.  When refugees settle in Australia there is an emphasis on taking care of the essentials - food, housing, education and employment.  Yet refugees also need resilience, courage and hope to face the challenges of settlement.  Book online.

Bike Futures 2012
18-19 October
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
This two-day conference is presented by the Bicycle Network and hosted by Bicycle Network Victoria.  Now in its fourth year, Bike Futures 2012 will discuss how to best provide bike infrastructure, essential for mobility, to changing the ways cities work.  Johan Diepens, CEO and founder of Mobycon, the leading edge Dutch transport and mobility consultancy, will give his vision of what the future holds for bike riding; Professor Ross Garnaut will share his view on the environmental role the bicycle can play.

21 May 2012

VLGA President’s Message
Last week the VLGA publicly expressed our concern about a decision by Minister Powell to introduce legislation to extend the Administration of the Brimbank City Council through until March 2015.  In September 2009, the VLGA advocated to the former State Labor Government for the return of elected representatives at the latest by October 2012, on the basis that the required organisational changes recommended in the Ombudsman's report would be put in place within that timeframe.  Our strong preference is to see the people of Brimbank able to cast a vote in October 2012, just as the people of every other Victorian municipality will have the chance to do.  The VLGA is calling on the Minister to give an undertaking to the people of Brimbank that the restoration of elected councillors be brought forward and ensure the newly appointed administrators achieve the required objectives in a shorter time frame.  We will raise our concerns directly with Minister Powell when we meet with her at the end of the month.  We have lots of news from our members this week, and I look forward to seeing you soon.  Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509.  Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President


Keeping you up to date

Victorian Government’s response to the review of the Planning System
As reported in last week’s eNews, Planning Minister Matthew Guy released the Victorian Government’s response to the Initial Report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Victorian Planning System.  The report provided a number of key recommendations for the Victorian Government to consider and adopt.  While the VLGA welcomes the Minister’s commitment to improve planning processes, we urge the Victorian Government to provide further information and clarity on the next steps of the review.  We invite you to contact our CEO Maree McPherson via email if you have comments on the report.  The VLGA will continue to keep members informed of our views, and the VLGA Board will consider the Government’s response at their May meeting.

‘Get it Right on Bin Night’
On Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith launched a new campaign to divert recyclable material from ending up in landfill.  The ‘Get it Right on Bin Night’ campaign will ensure Melbourne residents are provided with practical information to improve the amount of household waste recycled on bin night, and is a partnership between the Victorian Government, Sustainability Victoria, the Metropolitan Waste Management Group, the Australian Packaging Covenant and metropolitan local governments.  Through recent submissions, the VLGA has advocated for more funds to be spent on education campaigns to assist Victorians reduce their environmental impacts through better waste management. 

From Tuscany to Victoria: Some Determinants of Sustainability Reporting by Local Councils
Local governments in Victoria may not have much in common with their equivalents in Tuscany, but in both regions there is a growing interest in sustainability reporting.  From Tuscany to Victoria: Some Determinants of Sustainability Reporting by Local Councils is a collaboration between Dr Nick Sciulli from Victoria University, Melbourne, and Dr Giulio Greco and Professor Giuseppe D’Onza from Italy's University of Pisa.  The study investigates what motivates Victorian and Tuscan local councils to introduce sustainability reporting.  To find out more about the research, contact Dr Nick Sciulli on 03 9919 4424.

Monash pushes for pokies legislative reform
The VLGA is delighted that last Friday, at the MAV State Council meeting, Monash City Council’s call for change to pokies legislation was strongly supported by so many other local governments.  Congratulations to Monash Mayor, Cr Stefanie Perri who was interviewed in a feature on Friday night’s ABC 7.30.

Strathbogie benefits from Expo
The 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo ran for three days from 27-29 April, and many local governments from regional Victoria participated with displays and information about their communities.  VLGA members and Strathbogie Shire Council have reported to us that the Expo has had a direct impact for them already – around 2,000 contacts were received on site, six sales of land and buildings have been made since the Expo, and a local estate agent has 15 new customers booked in for inspections as a direct result of the Expo.  The Goulburn River and Ranges group of councils (Benalla, Murrindindi, Mitchell, and Strathbogie) won the Rural Councils Victoria top award for Collaboration of Councils at the Expo.

Hume Integrated Land Use and Transport Strategy
Hume City Council has finalised the Hume Integrated Land Use and Transport Strategy (HILATS) designed to tackle the major transport challenges in Hume which include: 
* reducing carbon pollution
* ensuring transport is affordable despite increasing oil prices
* ensuring transport is accessible, especially for the disadvantaged in the community
* helping to create healthy active communities.
For further information, contact Hume’s Strategic Planning Department via email or phone on 9205 2200.

Darebin examines fast food
Darebin City Council is considering a differential rate for fast food restaurants.  Darebin has the highest incidence of Type 2 diabetes in all of Victoria, and Council has agreed to investigate what it can do to improve residents’ health.

13th Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence
The VLGA congratulates all this years’ finalists and winners in the 13th Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence hosted by the Victorian Coastal Council on 26 April 2012.  A snapshot of the Awards can be found here. 

Call for papers – Racisms in the New World Order conference
Conference convenors are calling for papers for the Racisms in the New World Order: Realities of Culture, Colour and Identity conference, being held in Cairns in August.  Proposals for paper presentations at the conference are invited from practitioners, researchers, policy makers, educators and academics, government and non-government services, community groups and individual community members from across Australia and internationally.  


Events for your diary

VLGA Events

June Leading Edge Forum: 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring representatives from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities.  RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.


Other Events

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities: a guide for government employees
Monday 4 June, 9.30am-12.30pm
Level 3, 204 Lygon St Carlton
Understanding human rights in Victoria will help you identify opportunities to improve your services and create opportunities for people to participate more fully in community life.  For more details and to register go here.

Problem Gambling in the EMR: Addressing the social risk factors in our community
Thursday 7 June, 9am-12noon
Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
The Inner East Primary Care Partnership invites you to find out about the emerging trends of gambling within the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR), prevention initiatives at a local level, early intervention, and treatment options and services.  This forum is open to HACC services, education services, youth and family services, health promotion and social planners within local government, gamblers help services, community health services and anyone working within the EMR who has an interest in problem gambling prevention.  See the Inner East PCP website for flyer and registration details.

Plans that Work
Wednesday 13 June, 4pm for 4.15pm start
Seminar Room 1, State Library of Victoria, Latrobe St, Melbourne
There’s a lot of cynicism around today about the effectiveness of urban planning.  Many would have us believe that planning rarely achieves its objectives and usually results in nothing more than a tangle of red tape.  This seminar will look at plans that made, and promise to make, a difference to quality of life, prosperity and environmental sustainability.  RSVP via email or call Rebecca Stroud on (03) 8616 0331.

Place School Masterclass 2012
Friday 22 June, time TBA
Venue TBA
Village Well and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), a UK organisation for local economic development and local governance, are coming together to present an exciting and vital Masterclass in Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra.  Email Village Well for more information or phone (03) 9032 3415.

14 May 2012

VLGA President’s Message
On Friday, Planning Minister Matthew Guy “declared war on red tape” in the planning system, and released the Victorian Government’s response to the Initial Report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Victorian Planning System, otherwise known as the Underwood Review.  The Minister indicated the Government will immediately implement recommendations from the Initial Report including:
• Reform of the planning scheme amendment (rezoning) process
• A code assessment track for simple, low-impact permit applications
• Reform zones and planning provisions to simplify complex and lengthy regulations
• A review of the Farming Zone to give more flexibility to Victoria’s farmers and rural communities
• An increase in performance accountability for local councils and state referral authorities
These changes might be popular on several fronts with the public, and will enable the Government to demonstrate that it is doing something constructive about the Victorian Planning System after years of unfinished reviews of the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987.  We know, however, that our members will be especially interested in the increased performance accountability for local governments, and I would value hearing from you about this issue.  The Minister’s statements and associated documents can be found here.  The VLGA held another successful Delegates' Dinner last Wednesday night hosted by our Vice President Cr Heinz Kreutz.  Our guest speaker was Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp from Victoria Police who stood in for Chief Commissioner Ken Lay at the last minute who was called to other urgent business.  We were not disappointed – delegates agreed unanimously that Andrew was a wonderful speaker and provided us with very useful insights.  National Volunteer Week starts today, and on behalf of everyone at the VLGA I thank all the wonderful volunteers who support local governments through delivery of a wide range of services from Meals on Wheels, right through to governing on S.86 Committees of Management.  More than six million Australians volunteer to various services, and you can find useful downloads on the Volunteering Australia website.   Please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509, or drop me an email.  Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President


Keeping you up to date

Federal Budget 2012
Local government fared well from the Federal Budget with the continuation of significant funding.  The Roads to Recovery (R2R) program has been extended for a further five years beyond 2014, with $350 million a year for five years from 2014 to 2019 under the program.  The Australian Government also announced blackspot funding of $60 million a year for five years from 2014-19 and, $20 million a year over seven years from 2012-13 for heavy vehicle safety.  Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) to local governments will also be maintained in real terms, with the Government deciding to bring forward the first two quarterly payments of the 2012-13 FAGs into 2011-12.  There is an excellent analysis of the Federal Budget from several commentators in this week’s special edition of The Conversation.

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, 14-20 May 2012
The seventh annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) begins today, marking the beginning of a range of activities and events promoting the responsible gambling message throughout Victoria.  As a means of prevention and early intervention, young people are a particular focus of this year’s RGAW.  The VLGA participates on the RGAW Steering Committee and urges all local governments to actively promote RGAW.  For more information on the events and activities available, visit the RGAW website.

Have your say on the Victorian Metropolitan Planning Strategy
The VLGA urges Planning Minister Matthew Guy to reach out beyond online forums for the consultation process on the Metropolitan Planning Strategy.  The Victorian Government is urging local governments, industry groups, peak bodies and community members to have their say on the strategy.  To support the strategy, the Minister has announced the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Committee.  We trust that the MAC will undertake detailed discussions with local governments, key industry bodies and stakeholders to gain various perspectives on the strategy.  The VLGA believes that by having greater scope and engagement in the consultation process community confidence will be enhanced.

East Gippsland, Horsham, Nillumbik, Baw Baw and Moyne ‘Think women’
The VLGA’s Think women for local government 2012 project regional forums have been completed in the past fortnight, and we thank mayors, councillors, CEOs and officers across the ten local governments that sponsored the forums for all their support.  More than 200 women across Victoria have attended forums, and in the last two weeks our Women’s Policy Officer Linda Bennett has travelled around the State to be part of forums in Lakes Entrance, Horsham, Nillumbik and Port Fairy.  Thanks also to Baw Baw Shire who hosted at Warragul on Wednesday.

GST Treatment of Australian taxes, fees and charges
On 2 May the Assistant Treasurer and Minister Assisting for Deregulation released exposure draft regulation and explanatory material specifying the GST treatment of certain Australian government fees and charges for public consultation.  The exposure draft Regulations prescribe fees and charges that will be treated as GST exempt, and fees and charges that will be treated as taxable supplies from 1 July 2012.  The draft Regulation will ensure that the GST treatment of particular goods and services supplied by government related entities is consistent with the principles contained in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations.  These regulations are important as they will apply to local government as well as state and Commonwealth jurisdictions.  Submissions are open until 30 May.  DPCD has been working with the Department of Treasury and Finance on this issue and will coordinate submissions to the Commonwealth from Victorian local governments if desired.  For more information contact Leighton Vivian via email or phone 9937 0535.

Funding for the NDIS welcomed
The VLGA welcomes the announcement made in the 2012/13 Federal Budget to fund the building blocks of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).  The allocation of $1.03 billion over four years includes $342.5 million for individualised packages and $664.5 million for information technology, workforce development and other investment measures needed to launch the NDIS.  In the 2012/13 Victorian Budget, the Government allocated specific funding of $900,000 to support preparatory work such as improving service integration and support options for people with a disability.  The VLGA also acknowledges the commitment and support made by the Government to ensure Victoria is well-placed for the introduction of the NDIS.

Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund open
The 2012 round of the Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund is now open.
The Fund aims to:
* Support projects that will enable Victoria’s most captivating and exciting precincts to remain sustainable and attractive for investment and cultural and tourism activities; and
* Support the upgrade of existing or construction of new community facilities, promoting greater use and access by Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Capital infrastructure grants are available to culturally and linguistically diverse community organisations for the restoration or construction of community-owned facilities, and to local governments across Victoria to enhance cultural precincts.  Applications for Small Grants and Expression of Interest for Major Grants can be submitted until close of business on 8 June 2012.

CHFV is looking for an Executive Officer
VLGA member, the Community Housing Federation of Victoria, is looking for an Executive Officer.  The successful candidate for this position will have the ability to provide direction and leadership toward the achievement of CHFV’s philosophy, mission, and strategic goals and effectively managing the organisation, including a growing work program and highly engaged staff team to build the capacity of the sector.  Visit http://www.chfv.org.au/chfv-employment/ for a copy of Key Selection Criteria available in the Position Description.  Applications close by COB on Friday 25 May 2012.


Events for your diary

VLGA Events

The Timor-Leste Presidential Election: What does it mean for the Parliamentary Election and what does it mean for Australia?
Tuesday 22 May, 5.30-8pm
Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St
Numbers strictly limited!
The VLGA’s Timor-Leste Advisory Group in partnership with the Australian Timor-Leste Friendship Network is hosting this forum.  Professor Damien Kingsbury, Rae Kingsbury and Richard Brown will speak at the forum.  See our website for flyer and details.  Numbers are limited so RSVP promptly.  For those unable to attend don’t forget that the forum is webcast live from 6.15pm via http://timorlive.vlga.org.au and you can view the webcast afterwards via the same link.

June Leading Edge Forum – 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring representatives from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities.  RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.


Other Events

4th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
28-29 May
Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
Victoria is experiencing an infrastructure backlog to meet growing economic and community needs.  The State Government has begun planning and investment to address the backlog and realise Victoria's potential.  This conference will discuss the prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure in Victoria.

IAP2 in Victoria – ‘Engagement without borders’
Tuesday 29 May, 9.30am-4.30pm
Abbotsford Convent
‘Engagement without Borders’ is an inclusive engagement feast being held at Melbourne’s renowned Abbotsford Convent.  Internationally regarded community engagement specialist Wendy Sarkissian will be hosting the day.  Wendy will guide you on a whole-day SpeakOut! session to help extend your reach and attract diverse people from all corners of the community to the conversation.  Bookings are essential. 
 
Problem Gambling in the EMR: Addressing the social risk factors in our community
Thursday 7 June, 9am-12noon
Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
The Inner East Primary Care Partnership invites you to find out about the emerging trends of gambling within the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR), prevention initiatives at a local level, early intervention, and treatment options and services.  This forum is open to HACC services, education services, youth and family services, health promotion and social planners within local government, gamblers help services, community health services and anyone working within the EMR who has an interest in problem gambling prevention.  See the Inner East PCP website for flyer and registration details.

7 May 2012

VLGA President’s Message
The Victorian Budget last week had some mixed news for local governments and communities.  You can read our initial media release online, and a more detailed briefing on the Budget is also available on our website.  We note $12.7 million over four years in libraries funding – an extra $3.1 million per year – and we have several questions about the real impact of these funds across regional library corporations, which you can see in our briefing.  While we welcomed several Budget allocations for 2012-13 including those announced before the Budget, we were very disappointed to see that the State Government has not identified any investment in the ‘Green Light’ public lighting program in 2012-13, which was an election commitment.  In fact the Budget papers identify the area as a ‘saving’.  We had hoped to see the State Government provide some assurance around future directions in this area of importance for local governments, especially for metropolitan councils, and this is a very concerning omission. 
For those VLGA member local government Delegates who have not yet registered for our Delegates' Dinner event on Wednesday evening, you can still RSVP – call Sarah Colgan on (03) 9349 7983, and if you can't attend make sure one of your councillor colleagues comes along in your place – we would love to see you there.  Last week we concluded our Pokies Assessments - a 'how to' short course training sessions and it was terrific to see so many officers and councillors along with members of the community benefitting from these sessions.  There's more information below on this.  Please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email.  Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President


Keeping you up to date

New Director Policy at the VLGA
We are delighted to advise members that Toby Archer will be joining the VLGA on 23 May as our new Director Policy.  Many of you will know that Toby is a former councillor with Moreland City Council, retiring last year.  He is currently the policy and liaison worker for the Tenants Union of Victoria, and operates as the TUV’s media spokesperson and liaison with ministerial staff.  Toby’s current role includes writing high level policy advice, position papers, submissions etc., and presenting at national conferences.  He has also served on the steering committee for the national affordable housing campaign, Australians for Affordable Housing.  His previous work includes roles with the Finance Sector Union, the ASU (QLD), researcher at Griffith University, adviser with Job Watch legal service, and four years at the TUV.  Toby is on the board of a community health service, and previously the Moreland Energy Foundation.  Toby holds a BA with Honours from Latrobe University and a Master of Social Policy from the University of Melbourne.  Toby brings us a wide and diverse range of the experiences along with a strong commitment to the values of the VLGA.  Congratulations, Toby!

Pokies Assessments: A ‘how-to’ short course
The VLGA ran two full-day short courses on Monday 30 April and Thursday 3 May, with more than 55 participants attending.  The comprehensive training days included presentations from the VLGA, DPCD, VCGLR, RGAC, Ferrier Hodgson and K2 Planning.  The response to the training highlights the need for local governments to have resources and training in this complex area.  Attendees included councillors, social and statutory planners, researchers, health promotion staff, gambling counsellors, academics and consultants.  This training was developed as part of the Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy Project at the VLGA, made possible through generous assistance from 28 local governments across Victoria.  The course included a comprehensive 120-page ‘how-to’ guide on pokies assessments and local government which includes information on gaming context and legislation, Federal and State government issues, planning processes, planning and social policy information, licensing processes, new licensing arrangements and what it means for local governments, social and economic impact assessments and a range of resources and attachments to assist local government in this area.  This valuable guide is now available for purchase from the VLGA for $55.  Please contact the VLGA for an order form – phone (03) 9349 7999 or email the VLGA.

A resilient neighbourhood – what is it?
The VLGA’s Resilient Neighbourhoods – Integrated Approaches to Urban Change project has recently completed a draft discussion paper reviewing the role of local governments in facilitating sustainable development.  One aspect the paper identifies is that there is some confusion around the meaning of ‘sustainable development’ and a recent article in The Conversation by Mike Burbridge, from the Australian Sustainable Development Institute at Curtin University, also reinforces this.  Local government workshops focusing on the project discussion paper will commence shortly.  If you are interested in learning more about the project or how your local government can become involved, please contact Micaela Drieberg via email.

Yarra Ranges supports Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Yarra Ranges Shire Council in co-operation with Council’s Indigenous Advisory Committee recently welcomed the release of the Expert Panel’s report into Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.  Council resolved to support the recommendations of the Expert Panel’s report and has requested that the VLGA communicate this to our member local governments.  The Panel’s final report Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution can be found at http://www.youmeunity.org.au/final-report.

Moreland connects to the NBN
Congratulations to Moreland City Council who will receive over $400,000 from the Federal Government in Digital Local Government program funding.  The first Victorian NBN-enabled Digital Hub will be run out of the Brunswick Neighbourhood House.  ‘Moreland Connect’ will enable residents to speak ‘face to face’ with officers via live video. 

‘Talking My Language’ in Darebin
The Talking My Language – Environment and Diversity Conference will be held at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston on Friday 1 June.  Participants will share, learn, network and build capacity with others working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities on environmental matters.  The keynote address will be given by Kate Auty, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability.  Find out more and register by 25 May online.

IWC Masters Scholarships now open
Every year, the International Water Centre (IWC) awards several full-tuition scholarships
* Value: full-tuition (AU$44,400) and health cover for international students
* Applications close 1 August 2012
* Program commences in February 2013 (Australia)


Events for your diary

VLGA Events

The Timor-Leste Presidential Election: What does it mean for the Parliamentary Election and what does it mean for Australia?
Tuesday 22 May, 5.30-8pm
Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St
Numbers strictly limited!
The VLGA’s Timor-Leste Advisory Group in partnership with the Australian Timor-Leste Friendship Network is hosting a forum, The Timor-Leste Presidential Election: What does it mean for the Parliamentary Election and what does it mean for Australia?  Professor Damien Kingsbury, Rae Kingsbury and Richard Brown will speak at the forum.  See our website for flyer and details.  Numbers are limited so RSVP promptly.  For those unable to attend don’t forget that the forum is webcast live from 6.15pm via http://timorlive.vlga.org.au and you can view the webcast afterwards via the same link.

June Leading Edge Forum – 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring presentations from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities.  RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.


Other Events

4th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
28-29 May
Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
Victoria is experiencing an infrastructure backlog to meet growing economic and community needs.  The State Government has begun planning and investment to address the backlog and realise Victoria's potential.  This conference will discuss the prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure in Victoria.

IAP2 in Victoria – ‘Engagement without borders’
Tuesday 29 May, 9.30am-4.30pm
Abbotsford Convent
‘Engagement without Borders’ is an inclusive engagement feast being held at Melbourne’s renowned Abbotsford Convent.  Internationally regarded community engagement specialist Wendy Sarkissian will be hosting the day.  Wendy will guide you on a whole-day SpeakOut! session to help extend your reach and attract diverse people from all corners of the community to the conversation.  Bookings are essential.  to a small number of excellent candidates who are accepted into the Master of Integrated Water Management (MIWM) and clearly demonstrate potential to become future water leaders.  Scholarships are currently open to international and domestic applicants.