VLGA Connect

VLGA Connect, Episode 274: Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect is Felicity Macchion, Manager of Libraries at Yarra City Council, to talk about the innovative Open Library concept that has been introduced to two of Yarra's libraries over recent months. Library members who have gone through an induction process are able to access library services during unserviced hours, in a model of service th...

VLGA Connect, Episode 272: On today's episode, Chris Eddy is joined by Shannon Smyth and Dian Lipiarski from Sustainability Victoria, to talk about the Recycled First Local Government Program, and how is connecting councils with resources and information to buy recycled product and participate in the circular economy. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training off...

VLGA Connect, Episode 271: This week on the Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the week's local government happenings, including a former mayor's federal election campaign on hold; local government well represented in the latest Top 50 Public Sector Women honourees; election signage continues to be an issue for councils; council employees called on to provide their vi...

VLGA Connect, Episode 270: Kathryn Arndt and Steve Cooper of the VLGA join Chris Eddy in the annual budget analysis special from VLGA Connect. They share insights into how local government fared in the 2022 Victorian State Budget, and some of the reaction from around the sector. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Associ...

VLGA Connect Governance Update, Episode 269: This week on the Governance Update,  a COVID-affected Steve wants to refine some of his comments from last week; plus monitors, tenuous links abound, we revisit the West Wimmera controversy; and discussion on councils and councillors in the news. Links: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-26/edenhope-rsl-shows-support-to-gay-and-trans-community/10101660...

VLGA Connect, Episode 268: On today's episode, Chris Eddy is joined by Victoria's LGBTIQ+ Communities Commissioner, Todd Fernando. Learn about his background and how he came into the role; his bout of imposter syndrome; challenges and disappointments; and what lies ahead for Australia's first openly queer and Aboriginal Commissioner. Support the show To learn more about the events,...

VLGA Connect, Episode 267: Governance Update, 22nd April 2022 On this week's Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, a rural council's decision not to fly the Rainbow Flag sparks debate and alarm; a successful Mayoral Easter charity event; modern slavery act obligations on NSW Councils come into effect; differing council approaches to election signage regulation in the s...

VLGA Connect, episode 266: Emily Maguire, the CEO of Respect Victoria, joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt on today's episode to talk about the role of her organisation, how it engages with local government, and about the opportunities for more connection and involvement through such initiatives as the 16 Days of Activism. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training...

VLGA Connect, Episode 265: Professor Liam Smith is a leading authority on behaviour change. On today's VLGA Connect, he speaks with Chris Eddy about how an understanding of human behaviour and how to influence it can be helpful for councils in getting the outcomes they're looking for. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local G...

VLGA Connect Governance Update, episode 264: This week we unpack the announcement of municipal monitors to be appointed to three more Victorian Councils; the sector reaction to the Commonwealth Games coming to regional Victoria in 2026; and more news from around the sector on our weekly Governance Update. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victor...

VLGA Connect Episode 262: On today's program, Chris Eddy speaks with Dr Tim Johnson about Treenet, an independent non-profit organisation working with organisations including councils to improve the urban forest. We talk about the origins of the organisation, how it assists councils and communities to appreciate the values of the urban forest, and some of the current issues of relevance to th...

VLGA Connect Governance Update, 8th April 2022: On the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper this week, we unpack the Latrobe Councillor Code of Conduct Panel process and outcomes; plus news from around the sector including a new LGV Executive Director appointment; a guest appearance from Moira Shire Mayor Cr Libro Mustica talking about cross border cooperation; an ex Victorian CEO...

VLGA Connect Special Edition, Episode 260: Insights from Professor Carolyn Hendricks, former MP and communications consultant Bill Forwood, and Associate Professor Andrea Carson, who participated in the FastTrack 2022 panel discussing what trust in leadership looks like. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (V...

VLGA Connect Episode 259: VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy for a conversation with Victoria's Shadow Minister for Local Government, Richard Riordan. Topics include the local government rating system, the cultural review of the sector, the perception of councils at other levels of government, and the value or otherwise of council alliances. Support the show To learn more about the event...

VLGA Connect Governance Update, Episode 258: On the program this week: Why is the Local Government Minister so impressed with Gippsland councils? Victoria Police back to basics initiative to include more engagement with councils  Is the distribution of political freebies a local laws issue for councils? The report from the independent review of workplace equality at Ambulance Victoria is out The M...

VLGA FastTrack 2022 Special Edition: Professor Anna Armstrong and LGV Executive Director Julie Reid reflect on the process to review the culture of the local government sector in Victoria. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here . If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, pleas...

VLGA Connect, Episode 256: On a special episode recorded at FastTrack 2022, some Victorian Mayors share their insights into what they've learned during time as councillors that would have been useful to know when they were starting out. With thanks to: Cr Kim O'Keeffe, Mayor, Greater Shepparton City Council Cr Jasmine Nguyen, Mayor, Brimbank City Council Cr Chrissy Weller, Mayor, Campasp...

VLGA Connect, Episode 255: On the Governance Update this week, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper are joined by Andrew Gunter from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to discuss the Supreme Court judgment in the political signage case of Badger vs Bayside City Council. The outcome is relevant for all councils in Victoria. Plus news on councillor movements, with a Deputy Mayor and a Mayor resigning their positions...

VLGA Connect, Episode 254: This week on the Governance Update, analysing the new Victorian councillor allowance regime; a further countback needed to fill Moreland vacancy; lessons from a tragic boarding house fire; a Tasmanian councillor in court and a damning cultural review into another Tasmanian council; Central Coast Council sacked and new elections required for three NSW Councils. Links: htt...

VLGA Connect, Ep 253: VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy to discuss last week's International Women's Day event, and to talk through the key points of the VLGA's submission to the review of culture in the Victorian local government sector. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please...

VLGA Connect, Episode 252: Today on the program, Chris Eddy is joined by Aleem Ali, the CEO of Welcoming Australia, and Sebastian Geers, Manager of Welcoming Cities Project to talk about their organisation supports local governments to advance communities where everyone can belong, and to participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life. Find out more at welcomingcities.org.au Support the...

VLGA Connect, Episode 251: On the Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, the latest on Bayside political signage dispute in the Supreme Court; Yarra removes controversial elements from its proposed Code of Conduct and announces its new CEO; councillor allowances announced with a new category for Deputy Mayors; countback results, developing future women councillors and more. More...

VLGA Connect, episode 250: Today's guest on VLGA Connect is Leanne Williams, President of Public Libraries Victoria, speaking with Chris Eddy about the recently launched Libraries Health and Wellbeing Strategic Framework 2024 - targeting the impact areas of social connection, physical health and mental wellbeing to drive health and wellbeing improvements in Victorian communities. Support the...

A new initiative out of Deakin University is working to promote healthy eating, and to help people find retailers that provide a healthy food environment. The project, known as Nourish Network, sees engagement with local government as a key to its success. Our guest on this episode of VLGA Connect is Anna Peeters, a Professor of Epidemiology and Equity in Public Health at Deakin University, and th...

VLGA Connect, episode 248: Governance Update. Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discuss the governance news of the week, including a dispute over the display of political signage in Bayside City Council; the collapse of a property reform package and a social housing rates exemption along with it; a new councillor for Yarra Ranges; and legal action over the removal of a heritage property in Stonnington...