Vale Cr Tom Morrissey
It is with sadness that the VLGA has learned of the passing of Cr Tom Morrissey on Friday night. Tom served the Monash community as a Councillor for 22 years, including two terms as Mayor (in 2001-02 and 2006-07). Tom was born in 1945 and lived the majority of his life in the City of Monash. Following his secondary education at Jordanville Technical College, he became a master plumber who owned and operated a local plumbing business. Tom was a strong believer in public service and performed his civic responsibilities with great sincerity and dedication. He was first elected to the City of Waverley Council in 1990. He was elected to Monash City Council in 1997, 2000, 2005, 2008 and 2012 in the Mount Waverley Ward. In 2002, he was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to Local Government. The VLGA’s thoughts are with Tom’s family, and his colleagues at the City of Monash.
President’s Message
The eighth annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week begins today 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 this is in evidence in every conversation we share at our Local Government Working Group on Gambling meetings through the year. A number of local governments have used differential rates on pokies venues to address the impacts of problem gambling. Moreland and Monash councils are now challenging restrictions on the power to levy these differential rates. Don’t forget to check out the VLGA’s Advocacy Pack for local governments which provides fact sheets, key contacts, and a presentation template. It’s National Reconciliation Week from 27 May. The Week celebrates the commemoration of two significant milestones - the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The theme for this year is Let’s Talk Recognition - with a focus on how Australians can better recognise each other and recognise the contributions, cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s everyone’s business, and as a consequence many local governments are hosting events and activities. At the VLGA for the third year we are hosting our Reconciliation Leading Edge Forum in partnership with Reconciliation Victoria. Don’t forget to register to come along by scrolling to our Events section below for more information.
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
Who’s saying what on constitutional recognition?
On Friday last week, as a special service to our members, the VLGA commenced regular bulletins on the constitutional recognition of local government debate as it happens in the media and on the wider policy stage. Member mayors and CEOs will receive these bulletins direct from our office to assist and inform your commentary and advocacy in your local communities. For further information contact our Director Policy, Toby Archer via email.
Representative local democracy focus groups this week
This week the Cities of Whitehorse, Greater Geelong and the Shire of Indigo will host focus groups for the ACELG and VLGA’s research project on representative local democracy in Australia. Councillors and officers interested in attending a focus group can still register by emailing Chelsea Ayling. Thanks to the large number of you who have opted to participate by sending us your comments.
VLGA inaugural councillors’ leadership dinner a success
On Wednesday night, many VLGA member councillors from across the State joined us for our inaugural leadership dinner in Fitzroy with guest speaker Jenny Gray, CEO Zoos Victoria. We thank all who attended to help celebrate with us on this special night and to enjoy Jenny’s wonderful presentation. You can see pictures on our Facebook page and Twitter feed.
VLGA submission to Review of Victorian Public Libraries Stage 2
Last week, the VLGA completed our submission to the Stage 2 Discussion Paper of the Victorian Public Libraries Review. VLGA members have shared a range of views with us about the ‘Victorian Library’ model proposed in the Discussion Paper. In our submission we supported the principle underlying the Victorian Library concept however we:
* are concerned that the significant structural changes proposed in the model will not necessarily lead to improvements for those who provide and manage library services, nor library users
* see inadequate funding of libraries as the major impediment to the development of higher quality library services across the State
* call on the Victorian Government to reassess the level of funding provided to public libraries against the benchmarks set by the Australian Library and Information Association
* understand there are some limited opportunities for tying funding to specific elements of library services, but we are opposed to tied funding for core services
* call on the Victorian Government to establish a formal partnership agreement with local governments for Victorian public libraries.
VLGA submission to smoke-free issues paper
The VLGA also made a submission to the Department of Health’s issues paper on smoke-free playgrounds, sporting and recreation areas, last week. In our submission we recommended that the Victorian Government:
* funds a state-wide community education program to promote the benefits of banning smoking in outdoor areas
* provides additional financial resources to local governments to ensure they can enforce the proposed bans
* includes alfresco dining as part of the proposed new outdoor smoking bans.
CEOs sleeping out for homelessness
Several local government CEOs including our own Maree McPherson, will be sleeping rough at Etihad Stadium in June as part of the Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout 2013. This is the second time Maree has joined the Sleepout and she will be joined by City of Yarra’s Vijaya Vaidyanath, the City of Whittlesea’s David Turnbull, Cardinia Shire’s Gary McQuillan, and Simon McMillan from the City of Banyule. You can sponsor Maree online and search for other CEOs.
Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence 2013 – nominations now open!
These awards celebrate and recognise the great work people, groups, businesses, schools and governments do to protect Victoria's magnificent coastal and marine environment. Further information and nomination forms are available from the Victorian Coastal Council website. The awards team can be contacted by email or phone 03 9637 8893. Nominations close Thursday 4 July 2013, 5pm.
Funding opportunities
Small Capital Infrastructure Grants – applications now open!
Applications for the 2013 Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund Small Capital Infrastructure Grants are now open. Grants are aimed at not-for-profit organisations representing culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Victoria and are for minor works to existing community-owned infrastructure. Visit the website for more information or to apply. Applications close Friday 28 June 2013.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum
‘Cultural awareness and local governments – promoting creative strategies’
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. Our guest speakers include Glenn Shea, a Wathaurong/Ngarrindjeri man and an actor and playwright. Other speakers will feature case studies of how cultural awareness programs have impacted local government outcomes. Register your attendance 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.
Consultations on VicHealth’s new Framework for Health Equity
June, throughout Victoria
VicHealth is hosting six consultation sessions on its new Framework for Health Equity throughout June in Traralgon, Benalla, Swan Hill, Ararat and Carlton (two sessions). The VicHealth Framework for Health Equity outlines and describes the social determinants of health inequities, and provides practical entry points for action. Sessions will be facilitated by Sharon Friel, Professor of Health Equity from the Australian National University. Visit the VicHealth website for dates and registration.
Restoring Hope – a creative Refugee Week performance
Saturday 22 June, 3-5pm
Fortyfive Downstairs Gallery, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Free, booking essential
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. Actors draw on these themes to create a unique performance from the stories of audience members. These actors and musicians bring out the audience’s stories of hope and resilience in a way that is entertaining, surprising and transformative. Book your free ticket online.
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.
Not for Profit People conference
27-28 August
Jasper Hotel, Elizabeth St Melbourne
The Not-For-Profit People conference with keynote speakers and sessions for each of the five conference themes: Recruitment, Managing People Well, HR & Organisational Strategy, Leadership & Training and Health & Wellbeing. Bookings and information for the Not-For-Profit People conference
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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