VLGA President’s Message
Happy New Year to everyone! As you know, the start of the year heralds the VLGA’s signature event and I look forward to seeing a large number of you at our Essential Mayors’ Weekend from Thursday this week. This continues to be one of our most popular training offers every year, and I’m delighted that we have so many first-time mayors joining us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment. While registrations have filled quickly, it’s not too late for any other interested mayors to send in a last-minute registration. You can obtain the program and a registration form from Sarah Colgan, via email or phone 9349 7983. I look forward to seeing you about this year, and welcome to 2012.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Review of Australia’s federal anti-discrimination laws
As part of the Australian Government’s Human Rights Framework, the Government (through the Attorney-General and Minister for Finance and Deregulation) has announced it is reviewing Australia’s federal anti-discrimination laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act, with the intention of consolidating federal anti-discrimination legislation into one single comprehensive law and making rights and obligations clearer and easier to understand. The Government is conscious that anti-discrimination law has become complex and it is important that people easily understand their rights and obligations. There are currently five pieces of Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation including the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Age Discrimination Act 2004 and the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. A discussion paper has been released with submissions due 1 February 2012. VLGA member councils may be interested in responding to the discussion paper. For more information, go here.
Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper
Minister Powell has released the Better Practice Building Site Management discussion paper in the past week. Local Government Victoria (LGV) is currently communicating with stakeholders on the discussion paper. LGV undertook a detailed analysis of building site management local laws which identified variations in local laws and council enforcement practices. The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission in the Inquiry into Streamlining Local Government Regulation Draft Report also identified building site local laws in their review. The Victorian Government's preferred option for rectifying any inconsistencies is for local government and the building industry to voluntarily implement the agreed changes with joint responsibilities. The discussion is open for formal comment until 29 February 2012. If member councils have comments they would like the VLGA to add to our response please email Maree McPherson.
Applications open for women’s director scholarships – closing 10 February
Women’s Affairs Minister Mary Wooldridge has encouraged women from across Victoria to consider applying for a scholarship to enhance their board expertise and skills. Applications are open for the Victorian Women’s Governance Scholarship – a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and the Australian Institute of Company Directors that will provide 34 women with training in corporate governance through the Company Directors’ Course. $180,000 funding has been provided by the Victorian Government, and the scholarships are available to women who are serving directors of non-profit boards that currently receive state government funding. Scholarship applications close on 10 February 2012. For further information and application forms, go here.
Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence 2012 – nominations closing 9 February
Celebrating and recognising the great work that people, groups, businesses, schools and governments do to protect Victoria’s magnificent coastal and marine environments, the 2012 awards are now open for nominations. There are a number of award categories; for further information and nomination forms visit www.vcc.vic.gov.au and follow the links to the Coastal Awards 2012. You can also phone 9637 8893 or send email to gain information from an awards team member.
What do we want for our Head of State?
Deakin University and the Australian republican movement in Victoria are hosting a conference on the role of the Australian Head of State, both now and into the future. The conference will be held at Deakin University Melbourne City Centre on 4 February 2012. The main aims of the conference are to:
* Improve the present level of knowledge and understanding of the role of the Head of State discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the present system
* Identify common aspirations for the Head of State's role in future, including engaging with the younger and rural demographic to help foster an interest in our Head of State and change to a republic
For further details and registration information go here.
Helpful resources from Moreland – the CALDCOM Handbook
Local governments and organisations that have Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people in their communities might be interested in seeing Moreland’s new CALDCOM Handbook 2. It's now available on the Moreland website. For further information, you can contact Manager Communications and Research, Peter Fitz, at Moreland via email or phone 9240 1111.
IAP2 new training programs for 2012
IAP2 has opened their online bookings for their new training courses, Cred! and Building an Engaging Organisation, delivered by iconic P2 practitioner, Anne Pattillo. Numbers are limited, so for further information check the IAP2 website for details.
New IWC Graduate Certificate in Water Planning
In response to identified skills needs across the water resource and planning profession, the International Water Centre (IWC) has developed a new Graduate Certificate in Integrated Water Management (Water Planning) focused on building capacity in effective community participation, social assessment and conflict management. The program is available to Australian/New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents. It is designed to accelerate career development and encourage dialogue across disciplines among water planners. The program will commence in Semester 1 (March) 2012 at Griffith University. To see application information, go here.
VLGA Events
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore: who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia; and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. Confirmed speakers include Dr Clinton Fernandes, Cr Rachael Powning and Rae Kingsbury. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.
For further information please phone (03) 9349 7999 or download the registration form.
Other Events
Gambling from a public health perspective
Friday 10 February, 1.30-5pm
Centre for Regulatory Studies, Monash Law Chambers, 55 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Organised by Monash University, Public Health Association Australia and VicHealth, this forum will draw on lessons from tobacco control for the proposed reform of gambling regulation. For more information and to RSVP with your workshop preference (research, advocacy or policy), see the Monash University website.
‘Storming Against Violence’ Breakfast
Tuesday 14 February, 7.30-9am
River Room, Crown Casino
and
Be the Hero! Premier Event
Thursday 16 February, 6.30-8.30pm
Melbourne Town Hall – registration essential
Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club and the Victorian Women’s Trust are hosting these events aimed at conversation and insights, actions and strategies to break the cycles of violence against women. For further information see the flyer on the VWT website, phone 9642 0422 or send email.
19 December 2011
VLGA President’s Message
Last week, I met with Planning Minister Mathew Guy and his senior staff. The Minister advised that he would be receiving the report on the Review of Victoria’s Overall Planning System (the ‘Underwood Review’) on 16 December. More than 500 submissions have been received and the report will bring together a diverse and wide range of views from stakeholders. Minister Guy committed to making the report public in the New Year and to taking the time in 2012 to have a proper dialogue with the community and local governments around the recommendations from the Review. We also discussed the Urban Growth Boundary and Green Wedges, and the Growth Areas plans. We raised the need for a greater focus on coastal planning and assisting local governments with greater clarity and good data to help them plan effectively. We are aware that the Minister has been working with a number of local governments on their specific needs and the Minister advised coastal planning will be given greater emphasis in the first part of 2012. This is our last eNews for the year, and we will recommence our communications with members in mid-January. I want to take this opportunity to wish all our members the very best for the festive season and to ask that you stay safe and have some time to relax with your loved ones. Thank you for your support throughout 2011 and I look forward to seeing many of you in the New Year when I return from my break. Warmest wishes.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
A brief summary of the year that was…
The VLGA has had a productive and successful 2012. Major news was our receipt of the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion for building capacity in local governments and communities for our Food for All Information Dissemination Project. Our other exciting news was that the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord Committee has approved the VLGA to undertake our new Resilient Neighbourhoods project from January to August 2012. Other highlights include:
* a well-regarded submission for Victorian planning system review
* a very successful inaugural Essential Councillors Workshop and development sessions for new councillors and deputy mayors
* commencement of the Good Governance Guide review project in partnership with the MAV, LGPro and Local Government Victoria
* productive meetings with the Minister for Local Government and her advisors and other Ministers and Opposition members
* we commenced the Local Government Gaming Officer and the Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy project
* delivery of Food Security Planning in Urban Design workshops and initial council activities for the Municipal Food Security Scanning Tool project
* governance sessions with a number of member councils
We look forward to working with you in 2012.
$5,000 grants for local government Responsible Gambling Awareness Week activities
The Department of Justice has issued an invitation for local governments to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 for Responsible Gambling Awareness Week events or activities, from 14-20 May 2012. This is a significant increase from the $500 offered by the Department of Justice to local governments in previous years. The closing date for submissions is 23 January 2012. With many people taking leave in January, you may want to start discussions with your Gambler’s Help Service and neighbouring local governments this year to get an application together in time. The theme for this year is young people. Events, activities and initiatives that effectively reach this target group will be considered. Six grants are available and will be chosen on a regional basis to ensure a spread of activities across Victoria. Joint applications with more than one local government are strongly encouraged. You will need to be as detailed as possible in your application. Application guidelines and assessment criteria are outlined here. For more information, contact Madeleine Scanlon from the Department of Justice on (03) 8684 1988 or via email.
Whittlesea’s ‘See Beyond Race’ media campaign recognised for outstanding journalism
Whittlesea LEAD project’s December eNews has reported that the ‘See Beyond Race’ media campaign, a partnership of Whittlesea Leader and the City of Whittlesea, has won the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Journalism on Health Promotion. Journalist Cheryl Balfour took out the award for the articles that profiled five local residents from diverse backgrounds in a bid to breakdown cultural prejudice and stereotypes and reduce race-based discrimination. The media partnership was a key strategy of the City of Whittlesea's ‘See Beyond Race’ campaign. The campaign involved mainstream advertising, communications and media activities, in order to build positive attitudes and behaviours towards diversity in the wider community. Award judges said the quality, depth and fairness of the reports was “extremely impressive and a terrific asset for the Whittlesea community at large”. For more information about the 2011 VicHealth Awards for health Promotion, go here.
Launch of the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre Guides
The Minister for Gaming, Hon Michael O’Brien MP, formally launched the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre’s (RGAC) GAP Project: Guides to the Application Processes associated with EGMs, on Wednesday 14 December 2011. VLGA Chief Executive Officer, Maree McPherson and Gaming Policy Officer, Emma Shepherdson attended the event at the Melbourne Town Hall. The Guides were developed in response to community confusion about the licence and planning processes associated with Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). The Guides aim to make planning and licence processes for EGMs clearer and enable communities and local government officers to develop informed responses to any application for an EGM in their community. The guides provide simple and practical information in the form of three Guides, as well as process charts and useful fact sheets with tips, case studies and information. K2 Planning was commissioned as planning expert to deliver the project with RGAC. The Guides are an online document available at: http://egm.responsiblegambling.org.au/. Downloadable PDFs of the Guides are also available on the website.
Update on Women’s Policy
For more than 12 years the VLGA has been demonstrating leadership around the issues affecting women councillors and citizens and their participation in local governments. In 1999, the VLGA became an active member of the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition (WPILGC) and has undertaken the Secretariat role for this Coalition since 2000. In 2005, the VLGA appointed what was possibly the first peak local government Women’s Policy Officer. The VLGA’s Women’s Policy Advisory Group reports to the VLGA Board about issues that support the VLGA’s role in this area. The VLGA is a major signatory to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter which has three principles: gender equity, diversity and active citizenship. The VLGA’s leading work on women’s policy continues and a comprehensive run-down on our activities can be found here. A whole range of useful information can be located through this link including resources for download, fact sheets and links. The Think women for local government 2012 project continues into next year and workshops start in earnest from March 2012. More information can be obtained via email.
Reconciliation in Local Government
Over the past year, Reconciliation Victoria has led the Reconciliation in Local Government Action Research Project, in partnership with the VLGA and Reconciliation Australia, and with funding support from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. The aim of the project was to explore the usefulness, advantages and limitations of the Reconciliation Action Plan tool for Victorian local governments to advance reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The project assisted three local governments to develop Reconciliation Action Plans – Baw Baw Shire Council and the Cities of Whittlesea and Stonnington. The report of the project has made recommendations related to the Reconciliation Action Plan program for local governments, recommendations directed at individual local governments, and recommendations for peak bodies and State government regarding support for the local government sector.
International Women’s Day
In 2012, International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Thursday 8 March 2012. The entire month of March has become a landmark month for events that celebrate and champion women for their achievements in families, communities, organisations and politics. Why not make ‘think women for local government’ a theme in 2012? Now is a good time to start planning. If you would like some have a look at some tips from 2011, click here.
VLGA Events
2012 Essential Mayors Weekend
From all accounts, a high number of first-time Mayors have been elected over the last couple of weeks. Being Mayor is a challenge at all times, and there will be added pressures in navigating the final year of the council term. The VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend is one of our most popular training offers, and we encourage as many Mayors as possible to join us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment on local challenges and solutions. Interested Mayors can download the program and the registration form from our website.
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia, and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.
For further information please contact (03) 9349 7999 and you can download the registration form here.
Last week, I met with Planning Minister Mathew Guy and his senior staff. The Minister advised that he would be receiving the report on the Review of Victoria’s Overall Planning System (the ‘Underwood Review’) on 16 December. More than 500 submissions have been received and the report will bring together a diverse and wide range of views from stakeholders. Minister Guy committed to making the report public in the New Year and to taking the time in 2012 to have a proper dialogue with the community and local governments around the recommendations from the Review. We also discussed the Urban Growth Boundary and Green Wedges, and the Growth Areas plans. We raised the need for a greater focus on coastal planning and assisting local governments with greater clarity and good data to help them plan effectively. We are aware that the Minister has been working with a number of local governments on their specific needs and the Minister advised coastal planning will be given greater emphasis in the first part of 2012. This is our last eNews for the year, and we will recommence our communications with members in mid-January. I want to take this opportunity to wish all our members the very best for the festive season and to ask that you stay safe and have some time to relax with your loved ones. Thank you for your support throughout 2011 and I look forward to seeing many of you in the New Year when I return from my break. Warmest wishes.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
A brief summary of the year that was…
The VLGA has had a productive and successful 2012. Major news was our receipt of the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion for building capacity in local governments and communities for our Food for All Information Dissemination Project. Our other exciting news was that the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord Committee has approved the VLGA to undertake our new Resilient Neighbourhoods project from January to August 2012. Other highlights include:
* a well-regarded submission for Victorian planning system review
* a very successful inaugural Essential Councillors Workshop and development sessions for new councillors and deputy mayors
* commencement of the Good Governance Guide review project in partnership with the MAV, LGPro and Local Government Victoria
* productive meetings with the Minister for Local Government and her advisors and other Ministers and Opposition members
* we commenced the Local Government Gaming Officer and the Supporting Local Governments on Gaming Policy project
* delivery of Food Security Planning in Urban Design workshops and initial council activities for the Municipal Food Security Scanning Tool project
* governance sessions with a number of member councils
We look forward to working with you in 2012.
$5,000 grants for local government Responsible Gambling Awareness Week activities
The Department of Justice has issued an invitation for local governments to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 for Responsible Gambling Awareness Week events or activities, from 14-20 May 2012. This is a significant increase from the $500 offered by the Department of Justice to local governments in previous years. The closing date for submissions is 23 January 2012. With many people taking leave in January, you may want to start discussions with your Gambler’s Help Service and neighbouring local governments this year to get an application together in time. The theme for this year is young people. Events, activities and initiatives that effectively reach this target group will be considered. Six grants are available and will be chosen on a regional basis to ensure a spread of activities across Victoria. Joint applications with more than one local government are strongly encouraged. You will need to be as detailed as possible in your application. Application guidelines and assessment criteria are outlined here. For more information, contact Madeleine Scanlon from the Department of Justice on (03) 8684 1988 or via email.
Whittlesea’s ‘See Beyond Race’ media campaign recognised for outstanding journalism
Whittlesea LEAD project’s December eNews has reported that the ‘See Beyond Race’ media campaign, a partnership of Whittlesea Leader and the City of Whittlesea, has won the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Journalism on Health Promotion. Journalist Cheryl Balfour took out the award for the articles that profiled five local residents from diverse backgrounds in a bid to breakdown cultural prejudice and stereotypes and reduce race-based discrimination. The media partnership was a key strategy of the City of Whittlesea's ‘See Beyond Race’ campaign. The campaign involved mainstream advertising, communications and media activities, in order to build positive attitudes and behaviours towards diversity in the wider community. Award judges said the quality, depth and fairness of the reports was “extremely impressive and a terrific asset for the Whittlesea community at large”. For more information about the 2011 VicHealth Awards for health Promotion, go here.
Launch of the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre Guides
The Minister for Gaming, Hon Michael O’Brien MP, formally launched the Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre’s (RGAC) GAP Project: Guides to the Application Processes associated with EGMs, on Wednesday 14 December 2011. VLGA Chief Executive Officer, Maree McPherson and Gaming Policy Officer, Emma Shepherdson attended the event at the Melbourne Town Hall. The Guides were developed in response to community confusion about the licence and planning processes associated with Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). The Guides aim to make planning and licence processes for EGMs clearer and enable communities and local government officers to develop informed responses to any application for an EGM in their community. The guides provide simple and practical information in the form of three Guides, as well as process charts and useful fact sheets with tips, case studies and information. K2 Planning was commissioned as planning expert to deliver the project with RGAC. The Guides are an online document available at: http://egm.responsiblegambling.org.au/. Downloadable PDFs of the Guides are also available on the website.
Update on Women’s Policy
For more than 12 years the VLGA has been demonstrating leadership around the issues affecting women councillors and citizens and their participation in local governments. In 1999, the VLGA became an active member of the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition (WPILGC) and has undertaken the Secretariat role for this Coalition since 2000. In 2005, the VLGA appointed what was possibly the first peak local government Women’s Policy Officer. The VLGA’s Women’s Policy Advisory Group reports to the VLGA Board about issues that support the VLGA’s role in this area. The VLGA is a major signatory to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter which has three principles: gender equity, diversity and active citizenship. The VLGA’s leading work on women’s policy continues and a comprehensive run-down on our activities can be found here. A whole range of useful information can be located through this link including resources for download, fact sheets and links. The Think women for local government 2012 project continues into next year and workshops start in earnest from March 2012. More information can be obtained via email.
Reconciliation in Local Government
Over the past year, Reconciliation Victoria has led the Reconciliation in Local Government Action Research Project, in partnership with the VLGA and Reconciliation Australia, and with funding support from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. The aim of the project was to explore the usefulness, advantages and limitations of the Reconciliation Action Plan tool for Victorian local governments to advance reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The project assisted three local governments to develop Reconciliation Action Plans – Baw Baw Shire Council and the Cities of Whittlesea and Stonnington. The report of the project has made recommendations related to the Reconciliation Action Plan program for local governments, recommendations directed at individual local governments, and recommendations for peak bodies and State government regarding support for the local government sector.
International Women’s Day
In 2012, International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Thursday 8 March 2012. The entire month of March has become a landmark month for events that celebrate and champion women for their achievements in families, communities, organisations and politics. Why not make ‘think women for local government’ a theme in 2012? Now is a good time to start planning. If you would like some have a look at some tips from 2011, click here.
VLGA Events
2012 Essential Mayors Weekend
From all accounts, a high number of first-time Mayors have been elected over the last couple of weeks. Being Mayor is a challenge at all times, and there will be added pressures in navigating the final year of the council term. The VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend is one of our most popular training offers, and we encourage as many Mayors as possible to join us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment on local challenges and solutions. Interested Mayors can download the program and the registration form from our website.
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia, and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.
For further information please contact (03) 9349 7999 and you can download the registration form here.
12 December 2011
VLGA President’s Message
As we wind down towards the end of the year, this will be the second last eNews, so we thought we would keep it short and sweet. We will be up and running again in mid-January, so if you miss your weekly fix of our eNews, we encourage you to use the time to rest and spend time with family and friends. I would like to thank everyone who came along last Thursday morning to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The th
eme for the 2011 International Human Rights Day is ‘promoting human dignity’ and also marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. It was wonderful to see people, and to get some important updates about what is happening in this space. I also wanted to share some really good news with members that late last week we received approval from the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee for a VLGA project called Resilient Neighbourhoods: integrated approaches to urban planning. The project seeks to address three key challenges for local government:
* The need for more integrated planning within local government, and between government agencies, for urban growth and change
* Opportunities to facilitate effective community dialogue about sustainable urban growth and change
* To support local governments to meet the increasing challenge of engagement over diverse and sometimes confronting issues
We will be working with lots of local governments facing urban growth and change, and if you would like to know more about the project, drop me a line. That’s it from me this week. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to call me to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Submission on Pre-commitment for Pokies
The State Government recently released a Discussion Paper on Pre-Commitment for Pokies. In our submission, we stated that in our view, voluntary pre-commitment – if it is well-promoted and there is a high take-up rate – can assist (but is not really as effective as fully as mandatory) those people who have accepted they are beginning to develop, or have a problem with gambling and want to stay in control. While our strong preference would be for a mandatory model, we believe that voluntary pre-commitment should be combined with other measures (e.g. lower limits on machines, and reduced spin rates) if it is to be effective.
Program announced for 2012 Essential Mayors Weekend
From all accounts, a high number of first-time Mayors have been elected over the last couple of weeks. Being Mayor is a challenge at all times, and there will be added pressures in navigating the final year of the council term. The VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend is one of our most popular training offers, and we encourage as many Mayors as possible to join us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment on local challenges and solutions. Interested Mayors can download the program and the registration form from our website.
Independent Commissioner to oversee FOI requests
Members may be aware that legislation to establish a commissioner to oversee freedom of information (FOI) requests made to Government departments was introduced into State Parliament last week. The appointment of an independent FOI commissioner was one of the Coalition's key election promises. It is proposed that the independent commissioner will be appointed by the Governor-in-Council as an officer of the Parliament. The commissioner will have the power to review FOI decisions, investigate complaints and educate government departments about how to better handle FOI applications. The State Government deserves congratulations on this announcement, but the VLGA believes that a statutory officer alone cannot turn around a secretive FOI culture that has been allowed to thrive in Victoria. We look forward to monitoring whether this culture changes in the interests of transparency and community access to decision-making.
More coverage on the IBAC
In last week’s eNews, we provided some information about the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and we note the passing of the First and Second Readings of the Bill in Parliament last Thursday. There was plenty of coverage on talk-back radio on Friday morning, with a wide and diverse range of commentators welcoming the Bill. There was further coverage in The Age on Thursday. To see the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Amendment (Investigative Functions) Bill 2011 and associated documents, go here. The VLGA will provide further information to members in the new year.
Inspiring Communities Conference papers now available
Some time ago in eNews, we talked about the wonderful Inspiring Communities Conference held in Shepparton earlier in the year. This Conference highlighted the need to work ‘inside-out’ with communities to ascertain and harness their assets and strengths, rather than ‘top-down’ approaches that can often be viewed suspiciously by communities. Conference organisers have now advised that presentations are available at http://www.inspirecommunities.com.au/, under the ‘Resources’ tab. Once other presentations become available they will be placed on this page as well.
2012 From Strength to Strength Conference keynote speaker announced
National Disability Services (NDS) is pleased to announce that the opening keynote speaker for the 2012 From Strength to Strength conference will be Stuart Taylor, Managing Partner of The Resilience Institute, speaking on Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times. In 2002, while climbing the ladder to corporate executive, Stuart was diagnosed with brain cancer and given a prognosis of two and a half years to live. Far from accepting the prognosis, Stuart embarked on a journey back to physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual health. Part of this journey included creating The Resilience Institute in Australia to share his experience and philosophy with Australian organisations. Stuart has recently celebrated his nine year milestone and really is going from strength to strength. Keep up to date with the conference program by visiting their dedicated conference website. For more information about the conference program, please contact Jieh-Yung Lo, at NDS, on 03 8341 431 or email.
Federal Parliamentary Library Clean Energy Bill Digest
Following the passage of recent legislation has been a very complex task. To assist with community understanding, the Parliamentary Library has produced a Bills Digest of the Clean Energy Bills that explains what the new Acts will do, describes the genesis of the MPCCC, summarises different parties policies, different countries' emissions reduction commitments, and lots of other useful bits and pieces – all with the meticulous citation that the Library always provides – all in 117 concise pages!
Victorian Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling
The State Government will direct the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) to undertake a public inquiry next year into the social and economic costs of problem gambling in Victoria. This directive is one of the Victorian Coalition’s pre-election promises on tackling problem gambling, within the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Plan for Gaming (2010). The VLGA supports the State Government’s decision to undertake an independent inquiry into the social and economic costs associated with problem gambling in Victoria, taking into account the significant work already undertaken by the Productivity Commission in this area. The State Government should, however, consider broadening the scope of the inquiry to consider the impact that gambling as an industry has on the Victorian community, rather than just problem gambling. For local governments in particular, data directly related to gambling is very difficult to source in regards to debt and bankruptcy, crime, interpersonal relationship breakdown, expenditure diversion and employment. Any inquiry should address these costs as identified by the Productivity Commission. The VLGA welcomes the inquiry, which will assist not only State Government, but also local governments to provide effective policy and problem gambling prevention programs at a local level.
VLGA Events
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia, and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. More details and invitation to follow!
As we wind down towards the end of the year, this will be the second last eNews, so we thought we would keep it short and sweet. We will be up and running again in mid-January, so if you miss your weekly fix of our eNews, we encourage you to use the time to rest and spend time with family and friends. I would like to thank everyone who came along last Thursday morning to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The th
eme for the 2011 International Human Rights Day is ‘promoting human dignity’ and also marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. It was wonderful to see people, and to get some important updates about what is happening in this space. I also wanted to share some really good news with members that late last week we received approval from the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee for a VLGA project called Resilient Neighbourhoods: integrated approaches to urban planning. The project seeks to address three key challenges for local government:* The need for more integrated planning within local government, and between government agencies, for urban growth and change
* Opportunities to facilitate effective community dialogue about sustainable urban growth and change
* To support local governments to meet the increasing challenge of engagement over diverse and sometimes confronting issues
We will be working with lots of local governments facing urban growth and change, and if you would like to know more about the project, drop me a line. That’s it from me this week. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to call me to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Submission on Pre-commitment for Pokies
The State Government recently released a Discussion Paper on Pre-Commitment for Pokies. In our submission, we stated that in our view, voluntary pre-commitment – if it is well-promoted and there is a high take-up rate – can assist (but is not really as effective as fully as mandatory) those people who have accepted they are beginning to develop, or have a problem with gambling and want to stay in control. While our strong preference would be for a mandatory model, we believe that voluntary pre-commitment should be combined with other measures (e.g. lower limits on machines, and reduced spin rates) if it is to be effective.
Program announced for 2012 Essential Mayors Weekend
From all accounts, a high number of first-time Mayors have been elected over the last couple of weeks. Being Mayor is a challenge at all times, and there will be added pressures in navigating the final year of the council term. The VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend is one of our most popular training offers, and we encourage as many Mayors as possible to join us for networking, master classes, and a range of opportunities to work together in a confidential environment on local challenges and solutions. Interested Mayors can download the program and the registration form from our website.
Independent Commissioner to oversee FOI requests
Members may be aware that legislation to establish a commissioner to oversee freedom of information (FOI) requests made to Government departments was introduced into State Parliament last week. The appointment of an independent FOI commissioner was one of the Coalition's key election promises. It is proposed that the independent commissioner will be appointed by the Governor-in-Council as an officer of the Parliament. The commissioner will have the power to review FOI decisions, investigate complaints and educate government departments about how to better handle FOI applications. The State Government deserves congratulations on this announcement, but the VLGA believes that a statutory officer alone cannot turn around a secretive FOI culture that has been allowed to thrive in Victoria. We look forward to monitoring whether this culture changes in the interests of transparency and community access to decision-making.
More coverage on the IBAC
In last week’s eNews, we provided some information about the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and we note the passing of the First and Second Readings of the Bill in Parliament last Thursday. There was plenty of coverage on talk-back radio on Friday morning, with a wide and diverse range of commentators welcoming the Bill. There was further coverage in The Age on Thursday. To see the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Amendment (Investigative Functions) Bill 2011 and associated documents, go here. The VLGA will provide further information to members in the new year.
Inspiring Communities Conference papers now available
Some time ago in eNews, we talked about the wonderful Inspiring Communities Conference held in Shepparton earlier in the year. This Conference highlighted the need to work ‘inside-out’ with communities to ascertain and harness their assets and strengths, rather than ‘top-down’ approaches that can often be viewed suspiciously by communities. Conference organisers have now advised that presentations are available at http://www.inspirecommunities.com.au/, under the ‘Resources’ tab. Once other presentations become available they will be placed on this page as well.
2012 From Strength to Strength Conference keynote speaker announced
National Disability Services (NDS) is pleased to announce that the opening keynote speaker for the 2012 From Strength to Strength conference will be Stuart Taylor, Managing Partner of The Resilience Institute, speaking on Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times. In 2002, while climbing the ladder to corporate executive, Stuart was diagnosed with brain cancer and given a prognosis of two and a half years to live. Far from accepting the prognosis, Stuart embarked on a journey back to physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual health. Part of this journey included creating The Resilience Institute in Australia to share his experience and philosophy with Australian organisations. Stuart has recently celebrated his nine year milestone and really is going from strength to strength. Keep up to date with the conference program by visiting their dedicated conference website. For more information about the conference program, please contact Jieh-Yung Lo, at NDS, on 03 8341 431 or email.
Federal Parliamentary Library Clean Energy Bill Digest
Following the passage of recent legislation has been a very complex task. To assist with community understanding, the Parliamentary Library has produced a Bills Digest of the Clean Energy Bills that explains what the new Acts will do, describes the genesis of the MPCCC, summarises different parties policies, different countries' emissions reduction commitments, and lots of other useful bits and pieces – all with the meticulous citation that the Library always provides – all in 117 concise pages!
Victorian Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling
The State Government will direct the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) to undertake a public inquiry next year into the social and economic costs of problem gambling in Victoria. This directive is one of the Victorian Coalition’s pre-election promises on tackling problem gambling, within the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Plan for Gaming (2010). The VLGA supports the State Government’s decision to undertake an independent inquiry into the social and economic costs associated with problem gambling in Victoria, taking into account the significant work already undertaken by the Productivity Commission in this area. The State Government should, however, consider broadening the scope of the inquiry to consider the impact that gambling as an industry has on the Victorian community, rather than just problem gambling. For local governments in particular, data directly related to gambling is very difficult to source in regards to debt and bankruptcy, crime, interpersonal relationship breakdown, expenditure diversion and employment. Any inquiry should address these costs as identified by the Productivity Commission. The VLGA welcomes the inquiry, which will assist not only State Government, but also local governments to provide effective policy and problem gambling prevention programs at a local level.
VLGA Events
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia, and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. More details and invitation to follow!
5 December 2011
VLGA President’s Message
The days are winding down to Christmas and we are all running between events it seems. The past week has been a hectic time at the VLGA with our annual Christmas function for members on Thursday night, where we were delighted to award our second John Jago Award for Good Governance (see below). On the same night, we were very proud to receive our own award – the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion (also see below). Last Tuesday, the VLGA co-convened the Urban Climate Justice Research Roundtable with Curtin, Griffith, Macquarie, Monash and RMIT universities and the University of Melbourne as a step in bridging the gap between research and practice. We were welcomed by Federal Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt MP, at RMIT’s Storey Hall, and more than 40 participants workshopped what it means to have a ‘climate just’ city in Australia. Particular thanks to VLGA Vice President Cr Heinz Kreutz and the VLGA staff team for putting this together.
Also last week, I wrote to Premier Baillieu regarding the Victorian Government’s review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) (the Charter). I commended to the Premier the evidence provided by local governments to the Review, which was overwhelmingly in favour of a retention of the Charter and for strengthening the capacity of local governments as responsible authorities. The Charter has made a real difference to the lives of many Victorians and has had a direct impact on the policies and practices of local governments. See the letter here.
Finally, in my meeting with Minister Powell last week, I provided feedback from VLGA members on the Ministerial Mayors Advisory Panel, which was well-received. The Minister also reinforced her desire to include all peaks in the discussions on the VLGSA.
That’s it from me this week. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Indigo wins the VLGA’s 2011 John Jago Good Governance Award
Indigo Shire Council's Indigo 2030 Community Vision Project has won the John Jago Award for good governance for 2011. Indigo's win was announced at the VLGA's end of year function on 1 December and was accepted by Indigo Shire’s CEO Brendan McGrath and General Manager Sustainable Communities Mark Florence. We received seven entries this year, and the winning entry was judged as being a very innovative approach to community planning by a small rural shire with significant challenges around geographical size and dispersed populations. Indigo utilised very creative approaches including the arts and storytelling to enable its various communities to speak in their own voices.
The other highly commended short-listed entries were Alpine Shire Council and the Harrietville Community Building Initiative Committee's Community Building Initiative; Baw Baw Shire Council's Baw Baw 2050 plan; and the David House Redevelopment Project by Maribyrnong City Council. All the entries exhibited excellent governance and the VLGA will be displaying all these projects on our website as terrific examples of what Victorian local government can do. Congratulations again to Indigo Shire Council. The VLGA looks forward to running the John Jago Award again in 2012.
VLGA wins prestigious VicHealth Award
Speaking of awards … the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion has been awarded to the VLGA for building capacity in local governments and communities (or for ‘Organisational Development’) for our Food for All Information Dissemination Project. The VLGA was one of only 22 Award Finalists for health promotion and disease prevention projects across the whole of Victoria – so a prestigious win it was!
Our congratulations especially to Leah Galvin as the Project Officer, Darren Ray as Project Manager, and our administration and policy teams for their contributions to this successful project. We also acknowledge the previous work of VLGA member Dr Beverley Wood on food security over a number of years, which established our reputation in this space. You can see more information on the project in the Award Application Statement. This Award places the VLGA in a good position to continue negotiations with government about improving food security at the local level. It lends considerable weight to existing leverage such as the mention of the VLGA’s food security work in the new State Government’s Preventative Health Plan actions. Watch this space!
Community involvement in planning … matters?
Members may have come across this very good article by Alan March, senior lecturer at the Melbourne School of Design, and Executive of Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, where he makes the case for retaining appeal rights for communities. Alan concludes with the view that “the planning system must be able to determine what the future of the city should be and to get people to generally agree to it in advance, rather than expecting that many tiny incremental changes initiated by infill developments will lead to good outcomes.” The VLGA has been making these points for many years, with a focus on the lead-up to the last State Election, and subsequently in meetings with the Planning Minister. This was a key theme of our submission to the Underwood Inquiry looking into the future of Victoria’s Planning System. Our submission emphasises the need for the planning system to incorporate collaborative approaches that embody the principles of community engagement and good governance. For this to occur, it is vital to ensure that there is equitable access to the planning processes, with local government maintaining its functions in strategic and statutory planning for local communities. While significant gains in efficiency can be made, they should not be sought through a deregulated system that bypasses fair and transparent processes. We await the outcomes of the Underwood Inquiry, and we will continue to make the case for appeal rights and community involvement to be maintained.
VLGA members offered 20% discount for Place Making Training
Creative Communities is offering VLGA members a 20% discount to this season's new and improved 2012 Place Making workshop series with David Engwicht. The focus of the workshop is Day One: The Art of Place Making; and Day Two: Becoming a More Creative Place Maker. David Engwicht is one of the world's most innovative thinkers on creating vibrant public spaces. David empowers design professionals, city officials and citizens with new low cost tools and powerful community engagement approaches to tame traffic, create vibrant places, stimulate economic development, promote civility and build resilience. To claim a 20% discount simply put VLGA in the discount code box. Go online to download the brochure, register, and get more information.
16 Days of Action to prevent violence against women
Don’t forget to take a look at the VLGA’s ‘16 Days of Action’ on our website at www.vlga.org.au, which will run until International Human Rights Day on 10 December. If you’d like to join us for our International Human Rights Day Morning Tea on 8 December with a focus on women, see the details in VLGA events below. We encourage you to have a look at the simple actions you can take as part of our ‘16 Days of Action’, with new actions loaded each day.
Fresh new look for Footscray
Maribyrnong City Council’s Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, launched the Footscray Integrated Marketing Strategy (FIMS) and a fresh new brand for Footscray at a launch event at Victoria University's Footscray Park Campus last Wednesday. The event highlighted the collaborative, strategic partnerships between key partners in Footscray: Maribyrnong City Council, the State Government, Victoria University, and the Western Bulldogs. The event was attended by senior figures from all the partner organisations. The launch event featured a performance by local artists, the Snuff Puppets, who performed as a 7-tonne elephant, complete with elephant handler. The marketing strategy aims to encourage residents and visitors to take a fresh look at Footscray and what is has to offer: located on the city fringe, offering riverside lifestyle, city views, arts and cultural festivals and unique Asian and African dining experiences and easily accessible to Melbourne’s western growth corridor. The marketing strategy has already led to the creation of a new Footscray destination website – www.footscraylife.com.au – partnered with a bi-monthly Footscray Life newsletter in English, Vietnamese and Chinese.
Melbourne City Council’s Urban Forest Strategy
Melbourne's tree population is vast – we have 60,000 local government owned trees, worth around $650 million. Trees are a defining part of Melbourne. But the trees are now under threat. After a decade of drought, severe water restrictions and periods of extreme heat, combined with an ageing tree stock, we expect to lose 27 per cent of our current tree population in the next decade and 44 per cent in the next 20 years. To pre-empt this major loss, Melbourne City Council has just released their new Urban Forest Strategy. This may also be a model other local governments and communities are interested in following. You can have a read and have your say by visiting melbourneurbanforest.com.au.
Honouring Victorian Women
Nominations for the 2012 Victorian Women’s Honour Roll are closing on 21 December 2011. Since its launch in 2001, 478 women have been included on the Honour Roll. The new inductees will be announced as part of International Women’s Day celebrations in March 2012. Women can be nominated for their contributions in a diverse range of fields including health, science, law, social justice, arts, media and education, as well as their involvement in culturally diverse and Indigenous communities. For more information, nomination forms and posters visit the website at Victorian Women's Honour Roll, contact Brenna Murphy on (03) 9918 7343 or view the website www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/women.
Call for applications: Future City Leaders Initiative
Are you a young Mayor or Councillor currently involved in your local government’s sustainability initiatives looking to build your knowledge, leadership skills and networks? Future City Leaders is a global initiative that offers a unique two-year environmental capacity building program for 21 selected young mayors and councillors. The accelerated learning curriculum uses face to face mentoring alongside group activities online to help leaders looking for the next step up. Highlights include networking with global peers and experts; attending the ICLEI World Congress and potentially Rio +20 in June 2012; and receiving expert mentoring from established leaders and (also in collaboration with the World Mayors Council on Climate Change). FutureCityLeaders is an outstanding program essential for young mayors and councillors looking to build their leadership skills, collaborate internationally and share best practice case studies in a supportive group of global peers. Applications should be sent to ICLEI by January next year. For further information on the program and to apply, please visit www.iclei.org/futurecityleaders or contact via email.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
International Human Rights Day Morning Tea
Thursday 8 December, 10-11.30am
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
The VLGA invites you to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The theme for the 2011 International Human Rights Day is ‘promoting human dignity’ and 2011 also marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. Our focus for this year will be on the progress and future of local government and community actions in:
* Preventing Violence Against Women
* Promoting participation of women in next year’s Local Government Elections, and
* The uptake of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.
Come along and network with colleagues, and do your bit for International Human Rights Day. Numbers are limited, so please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other events
Department of Human Services, Level 1, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Speaking of preventing violence against women, and acknowledging the wonderful leadership that local governments in particular have demonstrated, the MAV is holding a Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence Against Women on 14 December in Melbourne. The audience is primarily local government people (both elected representatives and officers), key community partners and government representatives. This half-day event (including lunch) is offered by the MAV at no charge. Registrations are required by COB today, 5 December, and you can find more information and register online.
The days are winding down to Christmas and we are all running between events it seems. The past week has been a hectic time at the VLGA with our annual Christmas function for members on Thursday night, where we were delighted to award our second John Jago Award for Good Governance (see below). On the same night, we were very proud to receive our own award – the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion (also see below). Last Tuesday, the VLGA co-convened the Urban Climate Justice Research Roundtable with Curtin, Griffith, Macquarie, Monash and RMIT universities and the University of Melbourne as a step in bridging the gap between research and practice. We were welcomed by Federal Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt MP, at RMIT’s Storey Hall, and more than 40 participants workshopped what it means to have a ‘climate just’ city in Australia. Particular thanks to VLGA Vice President Cr Heinz Kreutz and the VLGA staff team for putting this together.
Also last week, I wrote to Premier Baillieu regarding the Victorian Government’s review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) (the Charter). I commended to the Premier the evidence provided by local governments to the Review, which was overwhelmingly in favour of a retention of the Charter and for strengthening the capacity of local governments as responsible authorities. The Charter has made a real difference to the lives of many Victorians and has had a direct impact on the policies and practices of local governments. See the letter here.
Finally, in my meeting with Minister Powell last week, I provided feedback from VLGA members on the Ministerial Mayors Advisory Panel, which was well-received. The Minister also reinforced her desire to include all peaks in the discussions on the VLGSA.
That’s it from me this week. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Indigo wins the VLGA’s 2011 John Jago Good Governance Award
Indigo Shire Council's Indigo 2030 Community Vision Project has won the John Jago Award for good governance for 2011. Indigo's win was announced at the VLGA's end of year function on 1 December and was accepted by Indigo Shire’s CEO Brendan McGrath and General Manager Sustainable Communities Mark Florence. We received seven entries this year, and the winning entry was judged as being a very innovative approach to community planning by a small rural shire with significant challenges around geographical size and dispersed populations. Indigo utilised very creative approaches including the arts and storytelling to enable its various communities to speak in their own voices.
The other highly commended short-listed entries were Alpine Shire Council and the Harrietville Community Building Initiative Committee's Community Building Initiative; Baw Baw Shire Council's Baw Baw 2050 plan; and the David House Redevelopment Project by Maribyrnong City Council. All the entries exhibited excellent governance and the VLGA will be displaying all these projects on our website as terrific examples of what Victorian local government can do. Congratulations again to Indigo Shire Council. The VLGA looks forward to running the John Jago Award again in 2012.
VLGA wins prestigious VicHealth Award
Speaking of awards … the 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion has been awarded to the VLGA for building capacity in local governments and communities (or for ‘Organisational Development’) for our Food for All Information Dissemination Project. The VLGA was one of only 22 Award Finalists for health promotion and disease prevention projects across the whole of Victoria – so a prestigious win it was!
Our congratulations especially to Leah Galvin as the Project Officer, Darren Ray as Project Manager, and our administration and policy teams for their contributions to this successful project. We also acknowledge the previous work of VLGA member Dr Beverley Wood on food security over a number of years, which established our reputation in this space. You can see more information on the project in the Award Application Statement. This Award places the VLGA in a good position to continue negotiations with government about improving food security at the local level. It lends considerable weight to existing leverage such as the mention of the VLGA’s food security work in the new State Government’s Preventative Health Plan actions. Watch this space!
Community involvement in planning … matters?
Members may have come across this very good article by Alan March, senior lecturer at the Melbourne School of Design, and Executive of Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, where he makes the case for retaining appeal rights for communities. Alan concludes with the view that “the planning system must be able to determine what the future of the city should be and to get people to generally agree to it in advance, rather than expecting that many tiny incremental changes initiated by infill developments will lead to good outcomes.” The VLGA has been making these points for many years, with a focus on the lead-up to the last State Election, and subsequently in meetings with the Planning Minister. This was a key theme of our submission to the Underwood Inquiry looking into the future of Victoria’s Planning System. Our submission emphasises the need for the planning system to incorporate collaborative approaches that embody the principles of community engagement and good governance. For this to occur, it is vital to ensure that there is equitable access to the planning processes, with local government maintaining its functions in strategic and statutory planning for local communities. While significant gains in efficiency can be made, they should not be sought through a deregulated system that bypasses fair and transparent processes. We await the outcomes of the Underwood Inquiry, and we will continue to make the case for appeal rights and community involvement to be maintained.
VLGA members offered 20% discount for Place Making Training
Creative Communities is offering VLGA members a 20% discount to this season's new and improved 2012 Place Making workshop series with David Engwicht. The focus of the workshop is Day One: The Art of Place Making; and Day Two: Becoming a More Creative Place Maker. David Engwicht is one of the world's most innovative thinkers on creating vibrant public spaces. David empowers design professionals, city officials and citizens with new low cost tools and powerful community engagement approaches to tame traffic, create vibrant places, stimulate economic development, promote civility and build resilience. To claim a 20% discount simply put VLGA in the discount code box. Go online to download the brochure, register, and get more information.
16 Days of Action to prevent violence against women
Don’t forget to take a look at the VLGA’s ‘16 Days of Action’ on our website at www.vlga.org.au, which will run until International Human Rights Day on 10 December. If you’d like to join us for our International Human Rights Day Morning Tea on 8 December with a focus on women, see the details in VLGA events below. We encourage you to have a look at the simple actions you can take as part of our ‘16 Days of Action’, with new actions loaded each day.
Fresh new look for Footscray
Maribyrnong City Council’s Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, launched the Footscray Integrated Marketing Strategy (FIMS) and a fresh new brand for Footscray at a launch event at Victoria University's Footscray Park Campus last Wednesday. The event highlighted the collaborative, strategic partnerships between key partners in Footscray: Maribyrnong City Council, the State Government, Victoria University, and the Western Bulldogs. The event was attended by senior figures from all the partner organisations. The launch event featured a performance by local artists, the Snuff Puppets, who performed as a 7-tonne elephant, complete with elephant handler. The marketing strategy aims to encourage residents and visitors to take a fresh look at Footscray and what is has to offer: located on the city fringe, offering riverside lifestyle, city views, arts and cultural festivals and unique Asian and African dining experiences and easily accessible to Melbourne’s western growth corridor. The marketing strategy has already led to the creation of a new Footscray destination website – www.footscraylife.com.au – partnered with a bi-monthly Footscray Life newsletter in English, Vietnamese and Chinese.
Melbourne City Council’s Urban Forest Strategy
Melbourne's tree population is vast – we have 60,000 local government owned trees, worth around $650 million. Trees are a defining part of Melbourne. But the trees are now under threat. After a decade of drought, severe water restrictions and periods of extreme heat, combined with an ageing tree stock, we expect to lose 27 per cent of our current tree population in the next decade and 44 per cent in the next 20 years. To pre-empt this major loss, Melbourne City Council has just released their new Urban Forest Strategy. This may also be a model other local governments and communities are interested in following. You can have a read and have your say by visiting melbourneurbanforest.com.au.
Honouring Victorian Women
Nominations for the 2012 Victorian Women’s Honour Roll are closing on 21 December 2011. Since its launch in 2001, 478 women have been included on the Honour Roll. The new inductees will be announced as part of International Women’s Day celebrations in March 2012. Women can be nominated for their contributions in a diverse range of fields including health, science, law, social justice, arts, media and education, as well as their involvement in culturally diverse and Indigenous communities. For more information, nomination forms and posters visit the website at Victorian Women's Honour Roll, contact Brenna Murphy on (03) 9918 7343 or view the website www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/women.
Call for applications: Future City Leaders Initiative
Are you a young Mayor or Councillor currently involved in your local government’s sustainability initiatives looking to build your knowledge, leadership skills and networks? Future City Leaders is a global initiative that offers a unique two-year environmental capacity building program for 21 selected young mayors and councillors. The accelerated learning curriculum uses face to face mentoring alongside group activities online to help leaders looking for the next step up. Highlights include networking with global peers and experts; attending the ICLEI World Congress and potentially Rio +20 in June 2012; and receiving expert mentoring from established leaders and (also in collaboration with the World Mayors Council on Climate Change). FutureCityLeaders is an outstanding program essential for young mayors and councillors looking to build their leadership skills, collaborate internationally and share best practice case studies in a supportive group of global peers. Applications should be sent to ICLEI by January next year. For further information on the program and to apply, please visit www.iclei.org/futurecityleaders or contact via email.
Supporting Victorian Local Governments Manage Climate Risks and Plan for Change
This MAV report is the second part of the Supporting Victorian Local Governments Manage Climate Risks and Plan for Change project, funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The aims of this, Part B, were to: understand the barriers and constraints local governments face in undertaking, integrating and implementing adaptation planning; to assess the ability of current methodologies, guidance, information and tools to address these issues and barriers; and finally, to identify potential measures to assist councils in their adaptation planning. Events for your diary
VLGA events
International Human Rights Day Morning Tea
Thursday 8 December, 10-11.30am
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
The VLGA invites you to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The theme for the 2011 International Human Rights Day is ‘promoting human dignity’ and 2011 also marks the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. Our focus for this year will be on the progress and future of local government and community actions in:
* Preventing Violence Against Women
* Promoting participation of women in next year’s Local Government Elections, and
* The uptake of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.
Come along and network with colleagues, and do your bit for International Human Rights Day. Numbers are limited, so please RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other events
Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence against Women
Wednesday 14 December, 12.30-5.30pmDepartment of Human Services, Level 1, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Speaking of preventing violence against women, and acknowledging the wonderful leadership that local governments in particular have demonstrated, the MAV is holding a Local Government Promising Practice Forum on the Prevention of Violence Against Women on 14 December in Melbourne. The audience is primarily local government people (both elected representatives and officers), key community partners and government representatives. This half-day event (including lunch) is offered by the MAV at no charge. Registrations are required by COB today, 5 December, and you can find more information and register online.
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