VLGA President’s Message
It’s just a short note from me this week, as I continue my break for the school holidays, but I did want to take a moment to reflect on the fire disasters in Tasmania, NSW, Victoria and other parts of the nation in the last week. Interstate service clubs, government employees and local governments were very generous and supportive to Victoria in our 2009 rebuilding, and the thoughts of everyone at the VLGA are with our local government colleagues as they deal with fire emergencies. We especially send our thoughts to councillors and officers in Glenelg, Pyrenees, Ballarat, and the north-western metropolitan area for the challenges they have endured this past week – I know some of you have been actively fighting fires as well. Reflecting on past January editions of eNews we have mentioned either fires or floods each year. However, it’s not just fires that place our communities at risk in summer. Prior to the break we ran this story in eNews, and I think it’s worth repeating here given the recent hot weather. The Victorian Department of Health has published a series of communication resources and tools for display and distribution, and a telephone script template to assist staff when speaking with community members during the heat. Local government HACC workers are an important source of information and support for community members most at risk of heat-related illness and stress. I look forward to seeing many of you at the VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend on the Mornington Peninsula later this week – we can possibly still take a late registration so contact Member Relations Officer Chelsea Ayling on 9349 7983 or via email if you would like to take this spot! There are details below on other training events coming up in February that will be of interest to you. Putting together your first Council Plan and Being Deputy Mayor are designed to add to your capacity and experience and give you access to other people’s perspectives. Happy New Year, have a great week everyone, and stay safe.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Board Elections
The VLGA Voters’ Roll closed on 18 December 2012, and nominations for Board positions for the February 2013-January 2015 term will open on 24 January 2013 at 9am. Visit our website to see the Election Guide.
Differential rates survey
In December the VLGA hosted a roundtable discussion with member local governments to explore the sector’s concerns. We understand the Ministerial guidelines will be released in draft form this week, and will provide the focus for the consultation over January and February. We have followed up with a survey which has been sent to CEOs of all local governments. The roundtable and survey will help us formulate the recommendations we will put forward in the government’s consultative process on the use of differential rates.
IBAC established
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has been established to promote integrity and accountability across the Victorian public sector, including local government. IBAC has commenced its role to prevent public sector corruption and to educate the public sector and community at large about corruption and its ill effects. IBAC will have functions and powers to expose and investigate serious corrupt conduct by public bodies or officers, and police personnel misconduct. The VLGA is working with IBAC to hold an event for councillors in the first half of 2013. Other information will be circulated throughout the local government sector in the interim to explain IBAC’s role, how to make a complaint, and the broader integrity system. If you would like to be kept informed of developments at IBAC, visit the IBAC website and register your name and preferred email address and you will be added to the IBAC contact database.
Tips for secretaries of Victorian incorporated associations
PILCH Connect has produced a terrific guide to the new Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic) which came into effect on 26 November last year. This web link takes you to the guide and a range of other valuable resources. This is especially useful for the VLGA’s community organisation members and for those of you on committees of management.
Local government Youth Inclusion Grants announced
On 4 January, Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith announced that nine regional and rural local governments will each receive a $30,000 Local Government Youth Inclusion Grant to actively engage and involve young people in their local community. Congratulations to Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Benalla, Central Goldfields, Glenelg, Horsham, Moorabool, Swan Hill and Wodonga on their successful applications.
Round One recipients announced for LIEEP
The Australian Government has announced funding of $39.8 million to Round One recipients of the $100 million Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP). The funding will be used to trial ways of helping low income households to become energy smart. Up to 25,000 low income households are expected to benefit. The LIEEP is also designed to create new local job opportunities.
Tips for facilitating bike use for liveable cities
Many VLGA members are interested in international experiences in creating opportunities for increased bike use in their municipalities. This TED Talk Bicycle Culture by Design from Mikael Colville-Andersen at TEDxZurich is definitely worth watching.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
‘Putting Together Your First Council Plan’
Thursday 14 February, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
As the key strategic document, the Council Plan guides the direction of the local government into the future. Developing the four-year Council Plan is a crucial opportunity for councillors to set strategy and determine the priorities for the organisation. This training will focus on assisting councillors to maximise their input into the new Plan, how to monitor and evaluate progress, and how to work with their colleagues and the administration to deliver an effective Council Plan that reflects issues and priorities. Hear from experienced councillors and officers, learn about successful approaches to working with colleagues and have the opportunity to draw on the experience of others to prepare for the Council Plan process. To register, download the registration form here.
‘Being Deputy Mayor’
Thursday 21 February, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2013. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this can be particularly challenging. The session will include time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your local government.
Other Events
2013 Local Government Research Forum – call for papers
6 - 7 June 2013
University of Adelaide
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government will host the 2013 Local Government Researchers Forum. This event builds on the very successful national Local Government Researchers Forum held at UTS in December 2011 and state-based forums held in Perth and Brisbane.
The Australian Men’s Shed 5th National Conference
27-29 October 2013
Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre
This Conference aims to promote the spread of Men’s Sheds throughout the nation and showcase the Australian Men's Shed movement across the world. This year will focus on sharing knowledge and providing practical support through the conference theme, Men's Sheds: A Sustainable Future. It will highlight the success that Men's Sheds have achieved and look to future growth and development.
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