VLGA Connect

"There's a real awakening, especially amongst young people, about the fact that their world is changing and the circumstances in which they're living really need strong and in some cases, dare I say, radical interventions to ensure that their future and standard of living is not only commensurate with those of those of the people who came before them, but better in some ways."...

VLGA Connect - TGU, 22nd September 2023 It was the week the government unveiled its new housing statement and reforms to the Victorian planning system. How has the local government sector responded?  Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic look at the major changes and reactions so far. Also this week, waste charges take the media spotlight, new data shows most council-run airports are running at a loss and ne...

Today's guest on Local Leaders with Chris Eddy is the CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Mark Dupe. Mark has a background in finance and IT, with experience in the private sector before joining local government. He lived and worked in various locations around the world, including Lisbon, Hong Kong, and the United States, before taking up his first local government tole in 2001. Mark believes in em...

On TGU from VLGA Connect this week: The Block pulls out of Hepburn Shire; a new statewide levy short stay accommodation mooted; a council to withdraw fines over a technicality; councils align on regional advocacy and funding programs; a GM’s sacking remains on hold; and do we feed the peacocks? Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local G...

Sitting down with Chris Eddy for today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Karen Foster, the mayor of Moyne Shire Council in southwest Victoria. "There's nothing wrong with being a good and decent person and a kind person. There's nothing wrong with being prepared to listen to other perspectives. It may just shift your own a little bit." Cr Foster is a first term councillor and...

Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Rob Amos, the Mayor of Campaspe Shire Council. "I love what I do. It's very, very busy, particularly this year with the floods recovery stuff.  But I absolutely love it." Cr Amos is in his first term as a councillor. He talks about the challenges of learning and adapting to the role, while dealing with challenges such as floods and  the ongo...

As part of the VLGA Connect Operation Sandon series, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy are joined by Roberta Ryan, professor of local government at the University of Newcastle. Prof. Ryan was an expert witness during the Operation Sandon enquiry, and gives her perspective on proposed changes to the planning framework and recommendations to bring more independence to council's management of the CEO...

VLGA Connect, TGU - 8th September 2023 This week on TGU, a regional councillor ordered to apologise for social media activity; the narrative on councils’ role in housing shortages challenged; new research on perceptions of corruption; what keeps CEOs awake at night; and Julie Reid reports from Scotland on current local government issues and challenges. Support the show To learn more about the even...

Joining Chris Eddy on today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Tammy Radford, mayor of Cardinia Shire, one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria. "Push yourself. Just because you're feeling nervous and you're not sure about something, don't hide away from it, just push yourself." The rapid population growth has led to a need for critical infrastructure improvements. Cr...

Today's Local Leaders guest is Kerryn Ellis, CEO of South Gippsland Shire Council, which was under administration for over two years before returning to elected representation in October 2021. Kerryn tells Chris Eddy about the transition from administration to elected representation that required extensive induction and transition processes for the new councillor group. The organisation faced...

On this week’s episode of TGU with Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic, catch up on recent sector developments, including: a councillor pleads guilty to misuse of position and is spared conviction; Hume City Council withdraws an appeal against a VCAT ruling on councillor conduct; Moonee Valley councillors caught up in an IBAC investigation; sunlight wins in a precedent setting VCAT decision; and a council...

Joining Chris Eddy on today's episode of Local Leaders is Lucy Roffey, the CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council. "Local government gives you so much experience in such a broad range of things." Lucy Roffey has a unique background, having worked in the film industry and running a luxury day spa in Canada before transitioning to local government.  Lucy emphasises the importance of...

Today's guest on the VLGA Connect Local Leaders series is Bernie O'Sullivan, CEO of Macedon Ranges Shire Council. "I'm loving the local government sector. I've done a full circle... back to where I was ultimately going to be. It's a very privileged position to have." Bernie has a background in agriculture, public service, and local government, and is focused on p...

This week on TGU, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid catch up on local government news, including a Supreme Court decision with relevance for arbiters’ outcomes; the case against Yarra Ranges Shire dismissed; a council’s call for respectful behaviour towards staff; a GM sacked and reinstated within 24 hours; and a potential legal challenge as a council drops the prayer. Support the show To lea...

Today on Local Leaders, our guest is Cr Rosie Annear, the Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council. "There is nothing that you can't come back from, you've just got to ride out the hard times." Cr Annear has a background in hospitality and teaching. Rosie decided to run for council because she wanted to make a difference and represent the diverse community of Mount Alexander Shir...

Today's guest on VLGA Connect's Local Leader series is Marcia Timmers-Leitch, the Mayor of Knox City Council. Cr Timmers-Leitch tells Chris Eddy about her reasons for getting involved in local government, and talks about current challenges and projects, including her council's consideration of its future in delivering kindergarten services. Support the show To learn more about the e...

Join Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Tony Raunic for a wrap up of the week’s local government happenings on TGU from VLGA Connect. On the menu this week, trees disappearing from the suburbs under cover of darkness; a plan to silence local objections towards housing projects; Councils consider their position on kindergarten delivery; the high cost of supporting a community campaign; a call to stamp out...

Joining us on the VLGA Connect Local Leaders series today is Cr Angelica Panopoulos, Mayor of Merri-Bek City Council. "I love being on council. It is such a great, great experience." Cr Panopoulos is the youngest ever mayor of Merri-bek City Council (formerly Moreland). She became involved in local government through her activism for refugee rights. Angelica talks about the challenges of...

Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Annette Death, the Mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire Council in central Victoria. "How do we manage to keep women involved in these roles beyond that, beyond their first term? And then how do we diversify that even more?" Cr Death is a first-term councillor and has found the experience to be rewarding and challenging. Annette decided to run for local...

This week, the TGU panel discusses the latest developments in the TechnoPark issue in Hobsons Bay; a court win for Merri-bek; an ‘absurd’ bidding war in Port Phillip; countback results; a NSW MP under pressure to give up his councillor position; a panel divided on pet remains in cemeteries; and lots more of the week’s local government news. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs...

As part of the VLGA Connect Operation Sandon series, Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt speak with IBAC Deputy Commissioner to get the IBAC perspective on the process of forming its 34 recommendations. David responds to the reaction following the release of the report, and talks about likely next steps. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Loca...

"We need to tell our story to our ratepayers." The Mayor of Glen Eira, Cr Jim Magee, is passionate about the state of the local government sector and the challenges it faces. Cr Magee has had discussions with mayors from across Victoria and interstate, and they all face similar problems in their municipalities. He believes that councils need more support from state and federal government...

Joining us on VLGA Connect is the CEO of Recycling Victoria, Tony Circelli. In his first year in the role, Tony tells us about his background and the current priorities for his organisation - including the rollout of the new container deposit scheme and how RV is working with councils on  recycling initiatives and the circular economy. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and...

The TGU panel is back to dissect the week’s local government news, including councils blindsided and sidelined by state government interventions; Yarra Ranges Shire Council in the Supreme Court; another Greater Geelong councillor resigns; the Queensland CEO terminated after less than three months in the job; and the French mayor who wants local dogs to have a passport and submit to DNA testing! Su...

"Collaboration in local government is where good outcomes are going to come from when it's done right." Cr Isabelle Tolhurst is the mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe. She has faced challenges in her role, including dealing with community issues and calls for intervention. One of the biggest challenges she has faced is a motion of no confidence in the council, which raised concern...