Tuesday 27 April, 2010

Ministerial Forum
I was delighted this week to attend the Local Government Ministerial Forum dinner with Ministers Wynne, Allan and Morand, along with CEOs and Mayors from all local governments. Maree McPherson, VLGA CEO and I received requests from attendees to gather feedback about the day’s events and forward suggestions to the Minister for future forums. I welcome your comments on this.

The VLGA received strong and supportive feedback from members I spoke to in the evening. It was great to speak with Minister Wynne and MAV President Cr Bill McArthur about the VLGA and its principles in general.

Pokies and problem gambling

Over 25 members of the VLGA’s Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) met last Wednesday and received a report from the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation about tighter timelines for local governments to make submissions on applications for new pokie venues or transfers of existing machines. LGWGOG also considered advocacy issues for the State and Federal Elections. At the VLGA we are continuing our strong advocacy to minimise the harmful effects of pokies for problem gamblers because we know this is a growing matter of concern for our local government and community members. Feel free to contact Darren Ray at darren@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7902 to discuss further or share your ideas.

Essential Services Commission

As you may know, the City of Melbourne and several other local governments will be joint signatories to a submission on the ESC’s Performance Monitoring Framework. I also note that the MAV has come out calling for this process to be halted. Next week’s eNews will detail the VLGA’s position on the joint signatories submission, which is currently being carefully considered by the VLGA board. The VLGA has consistently expressed that compliance and duplication costs need further consideration. I’d be pleased to hear your views - feel free to contact me via heinz@vlga.org.au or 0438 006 656.

Victorian government celebrates 2010 Year of Women in Local Government

The VLGA congratulates all local governments who are taking steps to improve the participation and visibility of women on their councils, in their organisations and in reaching out to engage women in the community. Keep it up – we are here to support you in this work to assure our collective community futures for the 21st century and beyond. To hear more about the VLGA’s important work in this area contact Linda Bennett, VLGA Women’s Policy Officer, linda@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7904.

The annual Local Government Ministerial Forum hosted by Minister for Local Government the Hon. Richard Wynne and Cabinet colleagues, was opened this year by a celebration of and information session about women in local government. The State-wide data about women’s participation as councillors, CEOs and senior managers is alarming. However, it is heartening to hear Victorian Ministers for Local Government and Women’s Affairs talk of their deep interest in supporting local governments to reach out to women. To read more, go here.

Transport and Social Inclusion
Consultation on the Hoddle St upgrade: The Hoddle Street planning is now underway and this is a chance to voice your opinion on the possibilities.
Hoddle Street/Punt Road is Melbourne’s main north-south route and polls have indicated that it is drivers’ least favourite thoroughfare. Peak hour traffic east bound and west bound along Johnston Street, Victoria Street, Bridge Road and Swan Street is also held up at the intersection with Hoddle Street. To participate in the forum and to have your say, go to www.hoddlestreetstudy.com.au. Or you can email VicRoads at hoddlestudy@roads.vic.gov.au, or visit Collingwood Town Hall or Melbourne Town Hall to fill in a feedback form.

Social Inclusion Principals for Transport Engineers seminar
Friday 14 May 2010, 9am-12pm
Department of Transport Theatrette, 121 Exhibition St, Melbourne
This seminar is relevant to all who work in the transport field, providing unique access to expert presenters who will provide an overview of the social implications of transport planning and specific examples of how to respond.

Presenters include:
* Professor Graham Currie – Monash University Institute of Transport Studies
* Emily Simatos – Victorian Department of Transport
* Kate Colvin – Victorian Council of Social Services

Thanks to Victorian Department of Transport assistance, this seminar is FREE for all attendees. Bookings are essential, and close Friday 7 May 2010.
Registration forms are available via this link. To book places or for further information, contact Gordon Young, VLGA Local Government Transport Facilitator at gordon@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7943.

Creating Better Places Round 6 Urban Improvement Grants
Monday 3 May 2010
Treasury Theatre, Treasury Reserve, Ground Floor, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne
The State Government allocated $17.9 million over six years to the Creating Better Places Program. This program supports Melbourne 2030 initiatives by funding innovative urban improvement projects on:
(a) Principal and Major Activity Centres in metropolitan Melbourne; and
(b) Eligible towns and cities in networked corridor identified in Melbourne 2030.

The Creating Better Places Program will implement Melbourne 2030 objectives by co-funding councils for place managers and projects that will result in physical improvements within activity centres in metropolitan Melbourne and regional cities and towns along the networked cities corridors. The closing date for applications is 10 June 2010.

You are invited to an information forum to launch the Creating Better Places Round 6 Urban Improvement Grants and to obtain further information about the program. Please RSVP to kathryn.tolliday@dpcd.vic.gov.au to register your attendance.

Mayoral Chain and VLGA Delegates Function
Thursday 6 May 2010, 6.00pm-9.00pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Calling all VLGA Delegates and Mayoral Chain members for a night of networking, fingerfood, drinks and learning as you hear from Tanya Makin of The Presentation Group on Not Another ****** Presentation.
Numbers are strictly limited, so if you are a VLGA Delegate and/or Mayoral Chain member and have not yet RSVP’d, please do so as soon as possible. Register here or contact Sarah Colgan by Thursday 29 April at sarah@vlga.org.au or on 03 9349 7983.

Local Government Forum – Fostering Strong Communities: Bridging the Academic-Practitioner Divide
Friday 7 May 2010, 10am-3pm
RMIT University Hamilton Campus, 200 Ballarat Road, Hamilton
$50 per person (includes lunch)
A range of practitioners and academics share their perspectives on how to tackle community development and planning, including organisational change, the gap between community and community development, and governance. Guest speakers have extensive experience, across academia and local government.

For more information, access the flyer and registration form under the Additional Articles and Resources heading on the President's eNews page of the VLGA website. Registrations close Wednesday 5 May, 2010.

Regards
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au

Tuesday 20 April, 2010

This is my first eNews as president of the VLGA and I feel honoured to be in such a privileged position. As members, you will share my appreciation for the distinct role the VLGA fulfils in the community and for local government. As someone who is actively involved both in several community groups as well as local government, I can attest to the importance of the VLGA in both domains. I am a strong believer in local democracy and rigorous advocacy and know few organisations that fit this brief as well and competently as the VLGA. We are supported by a very capable and committed VLGA board and reassured by staff whose competence and commitment is second to none. VLGA officers, with our CEO Maree McPherson at the helm, have my full confidence.

I would like to thank Councillor Rose Iser who has done a magnificent job as immediate past President. While her resignation is also a loss of talent, we will continue to work with Rose and her council. Her expertise and values have benefited the VLGA greatly.

I will also endeavour to make every effort to liaise and collaborate with other representative bodies and peak organisations. Last week, for example, when I attended the MAV National Environment Conference, I was pleased to see that our respective organisations share the common goal of assisting our communities with their transition to a more resilient future. Of course, we at the VLGA understand the leadership, learning, and the social justice and equity challenges of the transition. The recently launched Liveable and Just Toolkit is a perfect case in point.

In addition to social and environmental sustainability, my passions include multiculturalism and community education, an area where I am able to combine my professional work at Monash University with my community interests. Some of you are aware of my role and responsibilities as the chair of the Melbourne Metropolitan Waste Management Board. In a sense, the waste portfolio is also about education, behaviour change and advocacy. The recent State Government announcement about increasing the landfill levy has been an interesting event. While most members agree with the increase and accept the need for a fresh approach to waste management and diversion of waste to landfill, there remains concern about lack of consultation and engagement by the State Government. A unanimous message has been that the additional revenue generated by the higher levy needs to be redirected to responsible agencies such as local government. The VLGA will take this message to the Minister and advocate on members’ behalf.

I will attempt to be as approachable as possible and look forward to meeting our many individual members, community groups and councillors in due course. You can reach me by email at heinz@vlga.org.au or mobile on 0438 006 656.

Feedback from Warrnambool Leading Edge Forum
Thank you to the dozens of councillors, CEOs and community members who attended our LEF in Warrnambool last Thursday night. Our thanks also go to our generous hosts, Warrnambool City Council as well as our guest speakers, Mayors Judy Verlin (Ballarat) and Michael Neoh (Warrnambool) and CEOs Bruce Anson (Warrnambool) and Anthony Schink (Ballarat). As you might already know, the topic we canvassed was Forethought or afterthought: what needs to happen to improve liveability, funding and strategic planning in regional and rural Victoria?

We were also joined by many from around the state who watched our live webcast of the LEF which can be viewed here. Some great food for thought which we recommend you view if interested.

No Leading Edge Forum on 6 May, but…
We will not be holding a Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 6 May. Instead we are using this date to bring together our VLGA Delegates and Mayoral Chain members for a night of networking, fingerfood and drinks as well as learning. Those present will hear from Tanya Makin of The Presentation Group on Not Another ****** Presentation.

Event: Mayoral Chain and VLGA Delegates Function
Date: Thursday 6 May 2010
Time: 6.00pm-9.00pm
Venue: VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton

There is no cost for Mayoral Chain members and council Delegates however numbers are strictly limited, so if you are a VLGA Delegate and/or Mayoral Chain member and have not yet RSVP’d, please do so as soon as possible. Register here or contact Sarah Colgan by Thursday 29 April at sarah@vlga.org.au or on 03 9349 7983.

Councillor Bias?
The VLGA has been getting a lot of emails from councillors and officers concerned about how the Winky Pop case is playing out, particularly now that many false claims of bias are being confused with conflicts of interest. The VLGA is currently working on one of our Good Governance Grabs for distribution to the sector. If you have concerns or suggestions about Councillor Bias, please contact Ron Exiner at ron@vlga.org.au or phone 03 9349 7903.

2010 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival
If, like me, you enjoy using what spare time you have (strange to hear a councillor say that, I know) catching up with arts and cultural pursuits, the 2010 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) in Melbourne may be of interest. This third Festival from 23 April-9 May includes film, art, music, poetry, dance, speakers and literature with a human rights touch, and this will no doubt challenge some minds. See here for more information.

Moving to a sustainable balance between public and non-government social housing?
Wednesday 28 April, 9.30am-1pm
Monash Conference Centre, Level 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne
The VLGA continues to lobby for more sustainable and equitable communities. This includes a better balance of social housing that is integrated and well supported. One upcoming event you may be interested in is the Australasian Housing Institute’s Policy and Practice Forum on 28 April called a truly diverse social housing system by 2015? This is the first in a series of Policy and Practice Forums, where leading policy and practice thinkers tackle the big issues in social housing.

Andrew Larkin (a housing and regeneration consultant, working for State and Territory Governments and housing associations) will examine such key questions as:
* will the current flurry of activity be sustained after the funding boost?
* will Australia finally move to a sustainable balance between public and non-government social housing?
* is there potential to establish new non-government players through large scale transfers?
* what role might smaller and more devolved public landlords play?

Cost $90 for AHI members and $120 for non AHI members. More information and registration here.

Regards
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au

Monday 12 April, 2010

Dear VLGA friends and members,

After 15 months of intense activity at the VLGA, I have tendered my resignation as President in order to concentrate on some priorities closer to home. I will finish up on Wednesday 14 April. It has been an immense privilege to represent the interests of councils and community members across Victoria and argue for a more democratically just society with local governments well supported to serve their communities. I thank you for affording me the opportunity of representing you on many occasions. I have enjoyed meeting wonderful and hard working folk across Victoria – keep up the good work and, for those who I don’t see regularly in our local government circles, I wish you all well.

The VLGA will now be well served by Cr Heinz Kreutz who has been unanimously appointed by the Board as the President. Cr Kreutz will be joined by Cr John Doull who was also unanimously appointed as Vice President for the interim until the next Board election in February, as required by the VLGA’s Constitution. They will join Cr Jeanette McRae (Vice President), Bill Penrose (Community Vice President) and Cr Samantha Dunn (Treasurer) on the VLGA Executive. Together with Cr Grace La Vella, Richard Brown, Tom Moloney and Kate Lempriere, CEO Maree McPherson and the VLGA staff will continue the hard work and advocacy on behalf of all of our members. Please contact any of our staff or Board members for support or to bring matters to the attention of the VLGA and our members. The work never stops – and a passionate team will continue to work for progressive social change.

Cr Heinz Kreutz will be well known to many of you as a strong advocate for the environment, multiculturalism and social justice. Cr Heinz Kreutz works as a senior lecturer at Monash University’s School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, and dedicates most of his spare time to his local community, especially the residents of Lynden Ward in the City of Boroondara, where he was first elected in 2002. Heinz' interests cover a broad spectrum. He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics and has a professional interest in languages, Linguistics and Translation Studies. His community engagement reflects his passion for social justice, local government and the environment at the local community level. In addition to being a VLGA Board member, Heinz is chairman of the Melbourne Metropolitan Waste Management Board, and serves on the Melbourne Metropolitan Transport Forum, Victorian Litter Action Alliance and Environment Advisory Group of the Municipal Association of Victoria. Heinz considers himself fortunate to be able to combine his professional interests and expertise with some of the key principles and underlying philosophies of the VLGA. He is a member of the Centre for Civil Society and the State Government’s Standing Committee for Cultural Diversity in Local Government. His work on cultural learning, neighbourhood cultural exchange, intergenerational education and positive ageing is complemented by a passion for good local government, community governance systems and adequate local support and service delivery to community groups. You can contact Heinz on 0438 006 656.

Presentation skills training
As a result of our recent online survey, we have put together two training courses in the next few months. The first is aimed at officers (14 and 21 May), and the second aimed at councillors (18 and 25 June). The unique feature of this training is that the sessions have a week’s break between them so that participants can practice their learning. This is an introductory program for participants with limited presentation experience specifically focussed on the needs of officers. Participants will work in small groups to learn and practice some of the basic steps in planning, delivering and assessing presentations, as well as responding to questions. Tanya Makin from The Presentation Group has over 30 years experience as a consultant in Learning and Development and is currently working with and supporting many councils in Victoria. Jim Connor from VLGA Training has extensive experience as a councillor, community activist and VLGA Board member, as well as working with and training local government staff in metropolitan and rural councils. Numbers are limited so for more information and registration details, go here.

The power of the human rights charter
Many of you will know of the VLGA’s long-standing work to promote human rights and better access to appropriate and affordable housing. These two issues came together this week following a landmark VCAT decision. President Justice Bell found that the State Government decision to evict a Somali refugee and his young son from public housing leased to his late mother was unlawful and a breach of human rights. See the full article about the landmark decision here and a full copy of the decision here.

Mainstreets and Aged Housing
In the last eNews we talked about the 2010 World Health Day theme of Urbanisation and Health. Two events that are coming up related to these issues:
A Mainstreet Australia Training event on 15 April at Banyule City Council will focus on business and marketing plans, measurement and evaluation of activities and committees’ roles in high performing Mainstreets. For more information and to book a place, click here.
Canadian Aged Care Housing Experts will be in Melbourne on Wednesday 12 May to explore housing options for people seeking affordable housing in their own community. This free forum is brought to you by the VLGA, Department of Human Services, Common Equity Housing Ltd, Community Housing Federation of Victoria, and Aged & Community Services Australia. For more information and to book a place, go here.

Next Leading Edge Forum in Warrnambool this Thursday 15 April
Don’t forget we will be in Warrnambool this coming Thursday 15 April 6-9pm, for our next LEF entitled Forethought or afterthought: what has to happen to improve liveability, funding and strategic planning outcomes for regional and rural Victoria? This event will be webcast live from 7pm and you can go here to view it. Speakers include Mayor Judy Verlin, Ballarat City Council on Regional Cities Victoria: focusing on the future; CEO Anthony Schink, Ballarat City Council on funding for rural and regional communities: challenges and opportunities; Mayor Michael Neoh, Warrnambool City Council on liveability in rural and regional Victoria: what are residents saying and how we need to respond; and CEO Bruce Anson, Warrnambool City Council on land use and strategic planning: challenges and opportunities for rural and regional Victoria.

You can RSVP online here or phone (03) 9349 7999. Accommodation options include Quest Apartments - (03) 5564 1200; Comfort Inn on Raglan -(03) 5562 2755; Choice Hotels Comfort Inn & Suites – (03) 5561 9800; or the Country Comfort – (03) 5562 3866.

Bushfires and transport choices
We bring to your attention a confronting conference paper included on the VLGA’s Thinking Transport website by Professor Graham Currie of Monash University’s Institute of Transport Studies concerning transport disadvantage and experiences during and after the bushfires in Murrindindi Shire. This presentation raises some important questions that need to be asked if we are to minimise the impact of extreme weather events on the most vulnerable in our communities – including those with little or no transport choices. The VLGA’s Thinking Transport website provides an easy way for local governments to share their documentation on a wide range of local government transport initiatives, from long-term strategies to one-off events. Thinking Transport also provides quick access to a database of Victorian Government programs and projects that support local governments in their efforts to provide better mobility for their communities. Visit http://www.thinkingtransport.org.au/.

Availability of residential and industrial lots
The VLGA will continue to speak with many rural and regional local governments about the need for better planning tools to manage future housing and population growth so that we can continue to lobby for these beyond metropolitan Melbourne. Given the currency of urban and population growth debates, the recent release of the Urban Development Program’s 2009 Annual Report makes for interesting reading. The 2009 Urban Development Program has identified that there are 201,071 potential lots on residential broad hectare land across Melbourne and Geelong. The Program has also identified 1,419 redevelopment projects yielding an estimated 106,940 dwellings. You can download a copy of the Annual Report here. You can also see a consolidated map of all residential broadacre areas, major residential redevelopment sites, existing and proposed industrial areas, land suitable for development and significantly constrained land here.

National Youth Week (NYW) is this week, 10-18 April
NYW is a National, State, Territory and Local government initiative that gives young people aged 12 to 25 an opportunity to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives and have a lot of fun. It’s a week-long party right across Australia where you get to participate in heaps of competitions, events and activities for FREE! If you are young, young-at-heart or care about young people we want you to become involved in an activity, event or project with your school, university, TAFE, local community or just with your mates. For more information on National Youth Week including events, go here.


Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au

Monday 29 March 2010

Maintaining a healthy community should be at the forefront of our community planning. With so much media coverage in the past few weeks concentrating on urbanisation and growth, it is timely to note that Wednesday 7 April is World Health Day. This year’s theme of Urbanisation and Health reminds us that urbanisation impacts on community health and wellbeing unless we take measures to secure health based design, infrastructure and services. The Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP) will be holding a free Conference on the day. See details in Events later in this eNews. If you have World Health Day events you would like us to promote, email us at vlga@vlga.org.au.

Vice President Cr Ruth McGowan resigns from VLGA Board
It is with sadness that the VLGA has accepted Cr Ruth McGowan’s resignation from the VLGA Board this week. Ruth was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year and has reluctantly chosen to step down in order to focus her energy on staying well as she considers treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She will continue in her role as councillor with the Baw Baw Shire.
Cr McGowan wrote, “It has been a great privilege to work with fellow Board members who are dedicated to serving the community and strengthening democracy. I admire the commitment and passion to local government shown by VLGA members and staff and I hope to continue supporting the VLGA where I can.”
We all convey our deep thanks to Ruth for her service to the VLGA as Vice President and Interim President, and her outstanding commitment to communities, social justice and local government. We wish her and her family well at this time.

VLGA congratulates Kaele Way AM JP on her service to ALGWA
Last week, we omitted an important acknowledgement when reporting on the successful ALGWA Conference. Our sincere thanks to Kaele Way AM JP for her tireless work for women in local government. Kaele has been a driving force in ALGWA for 13 years serving as both President and also National President during that time. Congratulations Kaele and we wish you well.

Essential Services Commission – Local Government Performance Monitoring Framework
After five months of working with CEOs, mayors and councillors, the Essential Services Commission has released their Draft Report for comment. The Draft Report can be found via the Essential Services Commission website.
Submissions are due by 23 April and can be submitted via email to localgovernment@esc.vic.gov.au.
There are two seminars for councillors including ESC presentation of its preliminary findings, presentation from invited guest speakers, as well as the opportunity for questions and answers. Call (03) 9651 0259 to register your attendance.
Melbourne: Thursday 29 April 2010, 5.30-7.30pm
Treasury Theatre, Ground Level, 1 Macarthur St, Melbourne 3002
Shepparton: Tuesday 4 May 2010, 6.30-8.00pm
Shepparton RSL, 88 Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630
Other forums and seminars include:
* Local Government Ministerial forum, 22 April
* Public Forum (Melbourne): Wednesday 28 April, 2-5pm
Treasury Theatre, Ground Level, 1 Macarthur St, Melbourne 3002
* LGPro CEO Forum, 30 April
* Public Forum (Shepparton): 11 May Tuesday, 2-4pm
Country Comfort Shepparton Parklake, 481 Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630
Meetings with councils to road-test indicators will also occur during April-May.
The VLGA has been vocal throughout the consultation process to date about the need for any performance measures to be useful, not overly costly or onerous, and to report on and to be focussed on driving improvement rather than making unfair comparisons. We will be sending an email soon with some initial thoughts about the draft report. We look forward your comments.

Landfill levies to assist recycling
On Wednesday 24 March, Environment Minister Jennings announced an increase in the landfill levy as a charge on the delivery of material to landfill sites. The aim of this levy is to provide an incentive to avoid landfill and stimulate the development of innovation around recycling. The VLGA generally welcomes the State Government’s $54 million reinvestment to reduce waste including: $5.5 million to help councils implement the Metropolitan Waste Plan; a $6 million strike force to address illegal dumping; and $5.69 million to ensure waste agencies can fully support households, councils and industry to tackle waste. We welcome the work with local governments to tackle illegal dumping. The environmental gain is significant, despite the cost impost. The cost to individual households is likely to be $10-$15 maximum per annum (half that in rural areas). The changes have been supported by environmental groups in the state through the Boomerang Alliance. We know that sometimes it is financially difficult for smaller rural councils to find matching funds to meet Government grants and welcome the opportunity to explore this issue further with the State Government. The impacts of the levy on council budgets and rates will be felt sharply this year, but should be balanced by the long term benefits to the environment and local amenity. The VLGA Board spokesperson on this issue is Cr Heinz Kreutz.

Agriculture and food shortage – the next national challenge?
As our members would know, the VLGA has been leading the charge to raise awareness on food security for many years now. As we mark World Health Day on Wednesday 7 April, it is timely to also link other issues such as urbanisation, health, agriculture and food security. Our most recent work involved looking at the economic significance of the Food Sector and as mentioned in previous editions of this eNews, the need to integrate land use planning and food security. You may be interested in a recent article sourced from the Foodforethought blog. This article from SBS’s World News Australia proposes a government intervention to help the nation cope – by way of a national food policy. For more information on the VLGA’s Food Security work, contact Dr Beverley Wood on 03 9349 7999 or beverley@vlga.org.au.

Sharing government and community facilities
One of the pressures facing urban and regional or rural local governments alike is to ensure that our facilities can keep pace with community needs. An area that has recently come under the spotlight is the issue of sharing government and community facilities. With the release of the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s (VCEC) Final Report and the State Government’s Response, the focus in the future will be on simplifying government grant processes for shared facilities and increasing community access to them. VCEC consulted the VLGA when it was scoping the issues to be covered in the inquiry, and we welcome the recommendations in their final report.
A significant number of local governments made submissions to the inquiry. These included Ararat, Banyule, Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Bayside, Boroondara, Cardinia, Casey, Colac Otway, Darebin, Frankston, Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Knox, Latrobe, Manningham, Melbourne, Monash, Moorabool, Moreland, Moyne, Strathbogie, Surf Coast, Warrnambool, Wellington, West Wimmera, Whitehorse and Wyndham. You can download copies of these submissions here.

Transport notices
Wyndham City Council is hosting the Transport Access & Inclusion Forum: Exploring Transport Access & Inclusion Challenges & Options in a Growth Area on Thursday 13 May 2010, from 9.30am-3.30pm, as part of the Wyndham Transport Connections Project. Further details can be found via the Thinking Transport website.
Also, three more area-specific surveys have been released by pt4me2 for the North-East, South-East and Western regions of Melbourne. Access the survey for your area via Thinking Transport.

Statistical training opportunities with ABS Victoria in 2010
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is offering practical, informative and relevant training to help you develop your statistical skills. Courses include: Introduction to ABS Statistical Collections; Turning Data Into Information; Analysing Survey Data Made Simple; Making Quality Informed Decisions; and Understanding Demographic Data.
Find further details and a flyer via our website.


Events

Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct World Health Day Conference
Wednesday 7 April, 8.30am-5pm
Ormond Hall, 557 St Kilda Rd, Prahran (enter off Moubray Street)
The two inter-related themes of the conference include:
* Implications of urbanisation for the health of poor and disadvantaged populations, and
* Multi-faceted approaches to improving maternal health in low-income settings.
This conference is organised by Monash University and the Burnet Institute, on behalf of the AMREP Global Health Consortium, with support from 'Compass', the AusAID-funded Women's and Children's Health Knowledge Hub, and VicHealth. The conference is free to all participants, and you can register your details with Emma.Frean@med.monash.edu.au. You can find the Conference and Workshop programs here.

Emily’s List: Empowering the Community Sector training for women
Monday 19 April 2010, 9-11am: Introduction to Lobbying
Monday 10 May 2010, 9-11am: Advanced Lobbying – Lobbying Labor
The Atrium, Level 5, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 210 Lonsdale St Melbourne
2010 is an important election year at both State and Federal government levels. The Empowering the Community Sector Series is designed to give women in senior levels of the community sector essential skills, insight and tips on how to impact the political process as they advocate for their organisations’ key issues to be placed on the election policy agenda. For more details, including the program and booking forms, go to VLGA Events.

Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) Energy Management Course
Tuesday 20 April 2010 or Tuesday 22 June 2010, 9am-5pm
233 Sydney Road, Brunswick
This popular one day course is offered by VLGA member MEFL to equip participants with a broad understanding of energy use, assessment and auditing techniques. If you, or council officers or others you know are interested, you can download the flyer and registration form at VLGA Events.

2010 Premier’s Sustainability Awards
Thursday 22 April 2010, 7pm-12 midnight
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Wharf
Dress: Lounge Suit
Join the Hon. John Brumby MLA, Premier of Victoria, host Eddie McGuire and keynote speaker Mr Andrew Tan, Director of the Centre for Liveable Cities Singapore, at Victoria's most prestigious environmental awards ceremony on 22 April. There are a number of Award Categories and finalists, including Local Government Award finalists Nillumbik Shire Council, Darebin City Council and Boroondara City Council. Community Award finalists include the Alternative Technology Association, FareShare and SecondBite. The event includes unveiling the winners, a night of entertainment and a four-course meal showcasing Victoria's finest local produce.
Tickets to the ceremony are available until 9 April 2010. Individual tickets are $170 plus GST and corporate tables are $1,600 plus GST. Tickets can be purchased here or call 1300 302 161.

Changing cultures, changing attitudes: preventing violence against women
Wednesday 7 April 2010, 10-11am, followed by light refreshments
Zinc, Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne
The Minister for the Status of Women, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP, will launch the report of the National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women 2009, Changing cultures, changing attitudes: preventing violence against women, produced by VicHealth with the support of the Social Research Centre, the Australian Institute of Criminology and funded by the Australian Government.
Speakers include:
Nelly Thomas, comedian and creator of the No Means No Show for young people
Waleed Aly, politics lecturer, media commentator, and White Ribbon Ambassador
Jen Allen, advocate, Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service
With a performance by the cast of the No Means No Show, a program focused on promoting respectful relationships among young people.
RSVP by Wednesday 31 March to launch@vichealth.vic.gov.au or 03 9667 1354.


Please note there will be no eNews next week. We wish everyone a restful Easter break.

Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au