President’s Message
It’s Budget Week in Victoria. The VLGA will be represented at the State Budget briefing on Wednesday and we will bring you our news on the 2013 State Budget that afternoon, with a fuller briefing to members later in the week. In last week’s eNews, we covered some commentary on John Daley’s work for the Grattan Institute on Federal Budget deficits and the questions posed about council budgets at our Essential Mayors' Weekend in January by John Comrie who argued that councillors and mayors should be able to cover off on key Budget questions. This week, we bring you some other interesting articles looking at federal budget imperatives as we head into State Budget Week. In The Age on 30 April, Tim Colebatch argued the need for a ‘Charter of Newspaper Honesty’ in reporting on budget issues “accurately, impartially, and without ignoring issues of relevance.” The day prior, Russell Marks, Honorary Research Associate at Latrobe University wrote an article about the announcement by the government that it has a $12 billion “black hole” which “had the status of a confession”. He argued that this type of language “remains trapped in a rationalist approach to economics, which is being increasingly discredited around the world.” A week earlier, Myriam Robin wrote this brief analysing some of the indices and data used to measure the performance of the Australian economy. We may not agree with everything (or indeed anything) from these commentators, but they make for interesting reading! 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
VLGA on the road again…
Our CEO, Maree McPherson will be catching up with mayors and CEOs and some councillors on her road trip to the South West this week. Maree will be visiting Moyne, Warrnambool, Colac-Otway, and Southern Grampians. Keep an eye out!
VLGA Advocacy Pack on gambling policy now available
To support local governments’ role in gambling policy, the VLGA together with our Local Government Working Group on Gambling sub-committee, has prepared the following fact sheets and documents:
• VLGA Fact Sheet 1 – Advocacy for Role of Local Government and Gambling
• VLGA Fact Sheet 2 – Advocacy for the Recognition of Local Government
• VLGA Fact Sheet 3 – Advocacy for Poker Machine Reform
• VLGA Fact Sheet 4 – Advocacy for a Public Health Approach to Gambling
• VLGA guide to key resources
• Gambling Policy key contacts list
• Gambling in Victoria PowerPoint
New data for local governments
Just a reminder for VLGA members that tables of updated and newly-prepared information about conditions within Victorian municipalities have recently been added to the website: www.socialstatistics.com.au. These new and updated files include:
* Information about maternal and child health outcomes (under ‘Health’)
* AEDI early development results (under ‘Education’)
* Consolidated files of various measures of community connection, health, physical activity, mental health and nutrition (under ‘Community Strength’)
* A report summarising conditions relating to health and wellbeing in Victoria, incorporating links to internet sources at a local government level (under ‘Health’)
Once in the website, just scroll down the page to the relevant heading, as indicated.
These tables and the website are part of a collaborative project between the VLGA and the Greater Dandenong City Council.
Building the Scaffolding – Strengthening support for young people in Victoria
VLGA member - the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) with the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) have completed a new joint report which examines how policy, planning and the delivery of youth support services could be strengthened to improve support for young people in Victoria. The report finds critical gaps in the areas of housing, specialist mental health supports, supports for young people with disabilities, and flexible learning options. Building the Scaffolding makes a range of recommendations aimed at addressing systemic policy, funding and practice issues in order to improve the provision of support to Victorian young people across the universal and specialist service platforms.
RAI releases ‘From Recovery to Renewal – Case Studies Report’ featuring Marysville and Carisbrook
With so many communities experiencing natural disasters in recent years, many VLGA members will be interested in this new report from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI). The From Recovery to Renewal Case Studies Report finds that the rebuilding of the local economy is crucial to getting communities functioning after a natural disaster. However, it is argued this is often overlooked in favour of developing new physical infrastructure despite key economic drivers possibly having been permanently altered. The RAI says that although regional Australia is a frequent victim of natural disasters, there is limited information on how local communities recover and whether we have the right policies in place to help businesses through the renewal process. The Report looks at the experiences of four regional Australian towns – Cardwell, Carisbrook, Emerald and Marysville – recovering from natural disasters, and how this can help communities struck in the future to thrive again.
BioRegional Australia brings Pooran Desai to Melbourne!
In November 2012, Co-founder of BioRegional and International Director of One Planet Communities Pooran Desai visited Melbourne to launch the establishment of BioRegional in Australia. BioRegional, in partnership with the United Nation’s Environment Programme, have made the use of One Planet Living more widely available. In late May 2013, BioRegional Australia will deliver a series of public lectures, interactive workshops and practical training courses based on the One Plant Living Initiative. You can see the full range of Melbourne events (including some free lectures) and register online. You can also scroll down to our events section below to see more about the One Hour for One Planet local government session on 31 May.
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.
Coalition invests in Services Connect
The Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge has announced that the Victorian Coalition Government is investing $12 million in the 2013-14 State Budget to continue to develop and start delivering a new integrated service delivery model for human services known as Services Connect. Services Connect is designed to connect people with the right support, address the whole range of a person’s or family’s needs, and help people build their capabilities to improve their lives. Services Connect brings together services such as child protection, public housing, disability, youth justice, family violence, mental health, and alcohol and drug services to provide an integrated response.
2013 Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll – nominations close 28 June
Nominations for the 2013 Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll are now open. This year the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll exhibition will be visiting a number of libraries across the State. Everyone is welcome to come and see the Honour Roll book and learn more about the inspiring achievements of the 35 Honour Roll inductees.
* 22 April to 3 May - Fitzroy Library (128 Moor St, Fitzroy)
* 6 May to 17 May - Lakes Entrance Library (18 Mechanics Street, Lakes Entrance)
* 20 May to 31 May - Shepparton Library (41-42 Marungi Street, Shepparton)
* 3 June to 14 June - Mildura Library (180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura)
* 17 June to 28 June - Warrnambool Library (25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool)
Consultations on Koorie education
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) is talking to parents, community members and service providers about how we can build on the strengths of the community and what has already been achieved to make education for Koorie people even better. Workshops will focus on how maternal and child health services, kindergartens, schools, higher education and training providers, Aboriginal organisations, other service providers and the community can make education for Koorie young people even better. The key themes for discussion will be engagement, transitions and aspirations and high expectations. Your wealth of experience in the sector would be a valuable contribution to the discussion. Participate in a workshop in your area from 10am – 1pm (lunch provided) at:
* Bairnsdale: Friday 17 May 2013, Bairnsdale Sporting and Recreation Centre, 117 Omeo Highway, Bairnsdale
* Bendigo: Thursday 9 May 2013, The All Seasons Hotel, 171-183 McIvor Road Strathdale, Bendigo
* Geelong: Tuesday 14 May 2013, Location to be decided
* Heywood: Monday 13 May 2013, Windamara Aboriginal Corporation, 21 Scott St, Heywood
* Mildura: Tuesday 7 May 2013, Mildura Primary School – 175-189 San Mateo Ave
* Preston: Wednesday 15 May 2013, Darebin Arts Centre (Acacia Room) – Corner Bell St & St Georges Rd, Preston
* Shepparton: Friday 10 May 2013, Parklake Hotel, 481 Wyndham St Shepparton
* Wodonga: Monday 20 May 2013, The Cube, 118 Hovell St, Wodonga
For more information contact the Koorie Strategy Unit on 9651 4305. RSVP via email indicating which location you will be attending.
Don’t forget – call for submissions – Beyond the Edge: Australia’s First Peri-Urban conference
On 1-2 October 2013, the Community Planning and Development Program, La Trobe University and the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, will co-host Beyond the Edge: Australia's First Peri-Urban Conference. Submissions are now open for paper presentations and workshops, with abstracts due by May 30. Submission guidelines and conference information is available online.
Review of Paid Parental Leave
The Australian Government has recently announced a review of Paid Parental Leave as required under the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010. A Discussion Paper has been released as part of the Review. As employers, local governments may be interested to respond. Submissions close on 31 May 2013.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Councillors’ Leadership Dinner – RSVP closes this week!
Wednesday 15 May@ 6.15 for a 6.30pm start, to 9.30pm
The Pumphouse Hotel, 128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
Only a few places left so book now!
The VLGA is hosting a special members-only dinner for councillors at VLGA member councils. This as an opportunity for councillors to network and catch up with each other to discuss local government issues. In addition we have a wonderful guest speaker, Jennifer Gray, CEO of Zoos Victoria. We value the opportunity to meet with you and obtain your views on current issues and concerns, so we do hope you will be able to join us to meet and mingle with councillors from across Victoria and VLGA Board and staff. RSVP your attendance by Friday 10 May.
A roundtable for social planners: Community services in growth areas – sharing new practice and building an evidence base
Wednesday 29 May, 10am to midday
Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Rd, Broadmeadows
Melbourne’s suburbs are changing rapidly. New models and timing of service and program delivery are needed that are appropriate and sustainable during the process of growth and urban renewal. This roundtable will provide local government social planners with an opportunity to learn about emerging approaches to social planning in changing environments. It will cover: spatial analysis of growth area community infrastructure needs, emerging approaches to growth areas social planning and identification of advocacy opportunities and collaboration. Register your attendance by 22 May by email or call 03 9349 7999.
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. Register via email.
Other Events
AEBN Environment Management and Sustainability Workshop
Environmental laws and the implementation of best practice principles workshop
16 – 17 May, 8.45am to 5.00pm each day
Ashurst Australia law firm, 181 William Street, Melbourne
This two-day intensive workshop will focus on environmental laws and requirements expected of industry, business and councils. Expert presenters will demonstrate how these laws are implemented into environmental best practice to assist you with compliance and to become a more sustainable business. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to network with participants and presenters. Download the program and register online.
Women’s Power Forum
Wednesday 22 May, 5.00pm for a 5.30 start to 7.30pm
Monash Council Chambers, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
This event will celebrate women who are changing the face of local governments and will be hosted by Ms Melba Marginson, Executive Director of the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition. Register your attendance online.
Launch of One Planet Councils Programme – Breakfast Lecture and Workshop
Friday 31 May, 7:45 am to 9:45 am
Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
$25 per ticket
One Hour for One Planet is a fun and interactive workshop that introduces the concept of One Planet Living and how participants can apply some simple principles in their own day-to-day lives. One Planet Living is a model and approach based on 10 principles that provides a framework to make sustainable living easy, affordable and attractive for all. Participants will be introduced to the concept of ecological footprinting as a way to identify their own specific impacts. This unique approach to sustainability and the creation of One Planet Action Plans can be applied to communities, companies and local governments, focusing on addressing key impact areas for individuals and creating a set of guiding principles for sustainable living. Learn more and register online.
2013 Walter Lippmann Memorial Lecture: The making of a great cosmopolitan city
Wednesday 19 June, 6pm to 7.15pm
The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Free event, bookings essential
Melbourne has evolved into a city of great diversity and at its best it is a model for other new world cities. Arnold Zable will explore the evolution of cosmopolitan and multicultural Melbourne through our stories of indigenous and immigrant journeys. Arnold Zable is a writer, novelist and human rights advocate, and one of Australia’s most loved storytellers. This lecture is presented by the Wheeler Centre, in partnership with the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria. Bookings are essential - register to attend.
VLGA membership
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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