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.
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.
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