President’s Message
With the announcement of the referendum on constitutional recognition of local government by the Prime Minister late last week, it seems we may be in for a rough campaign for the sector. In a scathing article (Sydney Morning Herald, 5 May), Chris Berg wrote “It's a bit of a misnomer to call local governments ‘government’' at all. Administratively, they are more like state government departments. But unlike, say, the Victorian Department of Education, they are virtually unaccountable, entirely unscrutinised, and deeply deluded about their own influence and importance.” Feisty stuff - perhaps to gain a reaction or is local government no longer influential or important in Australian society? I am interested to hear what you think about this. I am also keen to hear from the Australian Government and the Opposition this week in their Budget 2013 statement and reply as to what initiatives they have planned to support local governments. On the day of the referendum announcement we were asked for our reaction by a number of media outlets and we said we are supportive of the efforts of ALGA in working with councils to raise awareness of the issue, and we are hopeful that the short time frame to conduct the public awareness campaign will enable enough impact to ensure the success of the referendum. In my view, if the referendum is to succeed in September, there is an urgent need for local governments to present this matter directly to their communities, to supplement the ALGA’s national commentary. Now is the time for local governments to be leading local conversations about the importance of constitutional recognition to local communities. I congratulate the MAV on their media release on the issue, emphasising “the chance for Victorians to take charge and protect the future of their communities”. One councillor who has written a piece on the importance of constitutional recognition of local government is Cr Jieh-Yung Lo, Deputy Mayor at the City of Monash, and a member of the VLGA staff team. Jieh-Yung’s article Tick Yes for Local Government appeared in Pro Bono Australia News on 9 May. As many of you know, the Victorian Coalition Government does not support recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution. Many VLGA members have raised their concern about this with me, and we question what else they will offer to support the financial sustainability of the sector, especially smaller rural councils, if the referendum is not successful. It isn’t enough to say that the Commonwealth can already fund local governments directly through Commonwealth-State funding agreements.
By the way, it’s National Volunteer Week from today - Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteerism. This year’s theme - Thanks a Million - is all about recognising the contribution of Australia’s six million volunteers. Members of the public are invited to share personal stories of volunteering and messages of support to volunteers on social media. To find out more, visit Volunteering Australia’s website, or find them on Facebook and Twitter #NVW2013. I look forward to seeing many of you out and about and please don’t hesitate to be in touch on 0407 364 509 if I can be of assistance.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
State Budget short-changes communities in challenging times
The VLGA believes the Victorian State Budget 2013-14 provides limited funding for local government to meet its current and future challenges, and lacks initiatives to assist capacity building for local government reform. While the tight revenue context means that all levels of government need to be cautious, it is our belief that in tough budgetary times, governments need to build the capacity of communities to work together and thrive in challenging times. You can read our media release which was distributed to all members last Tuesday evening.
VLGA State Budget 2013 analysis
Since State Budget day, the VLGA has produced an analysis of the key budget initiatives for local governments and communities which is available at our website.
VLGA tips for your Municipal Public Health and Well-being Plan
The VLGA’s latest Good Governance Grab is about the role of councillors in the development of the Public Health and Well-being Plan for their municipality. You can find this Good Governance Grab along with all our others on our website.
VLGA features in latest ‘VicHealth Letter’
Check out the digital edition of the April ‘VicHealth Letter’ magazine, and the comments from VLGA CEO Maree McPherson on page 19 regarding the VicHealth indicators survey and its importance for local governments.
NSW parliament looks at powers to suspend local councils
A bill currently in NSW parliament is set to give the State Government there the power to suspend councils for three months. The Local Government Amendment (Early Intervention) Bill 2013 would allow the relevant Minister to suspend “poorly performing” local governments, and provide for stronger information gathering powers and the power to issue “performance improvement orders”. This article from The Fifth Estate provides more detail.
Does our ageing population threaten our democracy?
We’re all ageing, every day. At the VLGA, we are interested in population trends and what they mean for Australia’s political future. This fascinating article from The Conversation on 29 April from Luke Kemp How Australia’s ageing population threatens our democracy is at times confronting reading and also helps us understand some of the challenges local governments will face in the next decades.
Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund applications now open
Nominations for the 2013 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship close Monday 17 June 2013. The Scholarship is offered in memory of the extraordinary Sally Isaac, who made a profound and lasting contribution to social change and community development through the Local Government sector. Sally was an employee of the VLGA early in her career. The award recognises the outstanding achievements of young women, 35 and under, who have significantly improved community life. The recipient will receive $10,000 to further their own professional development and will be announced at the 2013 LGPro Women’s Network Dinner on 25 July 2013. For more information or to make a donation, visit the website or contact Maryanne Clarke on 0425 852 209.
Social Enterprise Awards 2013 short-list named
Research estimates that there are up to 20,000 social enterprises operating in every industry of the Australian economy. The research indicates the field is innovative, mature and sustainable with 60% of enterprises surveyed operating at least for 10 years. The Social Enterprise Awards are the only national awards for Australian social enterprise. The Awards are run by Social Traders in partnership with Foresters Community Finance and will be awarded annually with the inaugural awards to be presented in June 2013. In 2013 there are five awards – four awards for social enterprises and one for the businesses that support them. View the 2013 short list.
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week – 20 to 26 May
The eighth annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week begins on 20 May with a range of activities and events promoting the responsible gambling message throughout Victoria. Local governments have an important role in managing the impacts of gambling in local communities, and they can also play a valuable role in spreading the message about Responsible Gambling Awareness Week. The web site has resources about the Week, including draft media releases and order forms for promotional items. The VLGA participates on the Steering Committee for the Week. To register interest and involvement during the Week contact Sarah Carnovale on 9036 6390 or by email.
Take the opportunity to volunteer
To coincide with National Volunteer Week, GoVolunteer, the national portal for volunteering opportunities, is launching a volunteer profiles feature. The feature helps organisations find suitable volunteers based on their profiles which list their interests, skills and what causes they’re looking to support. To register and start advertising your volunteering opportunities for free, visit the website.
Funding opportunities
Newman’s Own Foundation grants – close Friday 24 May 2013
Newman’s Own Foundation is a private, US-based independent foundation. The Foundation is providing individual grants of up to $75,000 to eligible Australian charities for projects that focus on the following two priority areas:
* Children with Life-Limiting Conditions – projects that enhance the quality of life for children with life-limiting medical conditions, and/or for whom the experience of childhood has been disrupted by circumstances beyond their control
* Empowerment – projects that empower people to overcome extraordinary adverse circumstances, and/or provide equal access to human rights and contribute to the development of a civil society.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum
Thursday 6 June, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
This year we will again partner with Reconciliation Victoria for our special Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum focusing on cultural awareness strategies that achieve new outcomes. Register via email.
Other Events
Don’t forget to register!
ALGWA Vic State Conference and AGM – Going Bush in 2013
May 24-26
Euroa Butter Factory, 79 Boundary Rd North, Euroa
There is an exciting array of speakers at this year’s ALGWA Vic conference, including Local Government Minister (and ALGWA Life Member) Jeanette Powell, Federal MP Dr Sharman Stone, State MP Dr Bill Sykes, entrepreneur Gerry Ryan OAM, Professor Kate Auty (Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability), Pam Robinson OAM (ALGWA Life Member and Landcare advocate) and a Panel of north east women mayors. This is also the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Victorian ALGWA branch. Program and registration information is available online.
Employing people with disability seminar - ‘Getting to Yes’
Thursday 30 May, 8am for 8.30am start to 11am
RACV, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
This seminar is designed to help employers begin or further their efforts in employing people with disability. In just over two hours, you will get an overview of services, successful employment practices and ideas for how to move your own organisation's disability employment initiatives forward. The varied and information-packed format will feature: an overview of the support available to you (much of it at no cost!); best practice case studies from both a leading Australian employer and an innovative Disability Employment Services provider; a panel discussion with people with disability revealing what it is like to live and work with disability and the opportunity to consult with the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator team. RSVP by 16 May by email or call Melissa Matthews on 1800 464 800.
Save the Date!
2013 Victorian Agribusiness Summit
1 – 2 August
Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre
Registration options range from $130pp to $499pp
This Summit will address the position of agribusiness as part of a rapidly evolving global food system and highlight the opportunities available through trade relationships, internet technologies, collaborative market focused business models, productivity improvements and sustainable energy systems. Trade exhibitions, a meat sheep breed mini expo and participants from the financial, food processing, export and trade negotiation institutions as well as many local, state and federal representatives make this a critical for any person producing, processing and marketing food in Victoria. Visit the official Facebook page for ongoing Summit bulletins and information and visit the website to register.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
Information and education sessions
Various locations
The ACNC is providing a number of free community education sessions in metropolitan and regional centres across Australia. The information sessions are aimed at all charities, but not-for-profits may wish to come along. Keep checking the ACNC website for Victorian session details.
VLGA membership
As a VLGA member you become part of a unique organisation that specialises in democratic governance. Our As a VLGA member you become part of a unique organisation that specialises in democratic governance. Our membership includes local governments, organisations and individual community members. Membership brings many benefits such as regular updates on important and relevant issues, participation in the organisation's decision-making and discounts to VLGA events and training. To join the VLGA, visit our website or contact Member Relations Officer Chelsea Ayling on 03 9349 7999 or via email.
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