VLGA Connect

VLGA Connect, Episode 247 - Chris Eddy speaks with Cr Jim Memetic, Chair of the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum. The taskforce has launched the 'Back Your Neighbour' campaign in the lead up to a federal election, highlighting the treatment of people seeking asylum who are living in the community. More information at www.backyourneighbour.com.au Support...

In this episode, the VLGA's Inclusion and Diversity Lead, Deborah Wu, outlines a new project in conjunction with Welcoming Cities to tell the stories of Victorian councillors from diverse cultural backgrounds. 'Stories for Success' will celebrate their achievements and encourage further participation by culturally diverse people in local government. Support the show To learn more ab...

This week on the Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper are joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to discuss the implications for councils from the new Decriminalisation of Sex Work Act;  plus, a countback to proceed despite ongoing legal proceedings; real estate agents warned over ballot pack irregularities; a council trialling public councillor briefings; and lots more new...

Today on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Chris Buckingham, the newly appointed CEO of the Latrobe Valley Authority. Chris talks about the work of the authority in fostering the economic transition of the Latrobe Valley, and how he is bringing his local government and tourism background to the role. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victori...

Today on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks with Kieran McMahon, the manager of a new charity initiative that aims to reduce the number of used bikes going to landfill, while supporting the work of Brainwave Australia. 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...

This week on the #VLGAConnect Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, discussion topics include conflict of interest, grey corruption and a huge software scandal in the UK. Plus, a councillor and a CEO resign, mayors in support of asylum seekers, and get set for a ‘regional’ Commonwealth Games. All that and more, brought to you by the VLGA and sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Li...

This week on the Governance Update, two councillor resignations this week for very different reasons; cricket is back in the news; revisiting the culture review; lessons for councils from recent legal cases; indemnity provisions for decisions made in good faith; and more news from around the sector. Links to stories referenced: https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/councillor-resigns-followi...

From 26 October 2021: On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Peter Kartsidimas, Director Networks and Planning at Infrastructure Victoria. We learn more about the development of IV's 30 Year Strategy, and its recommendations in relation to growth area infrastructure, urban infill and developing regional areas. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and trainin...

From 27 September 2021: On VLGA Connect, IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt to look at the IBAC report into perceptions of corruption and integrity by people who work in local government. We discuss the key findings and observations, and the implications for Councillors and council organisations. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and tra...

This week on the Governance Update, with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, the latest news from around the sector, including culture review update; the 'party gate' report is out; councils band together to fight graffiti; advocacy asks in an election year; by-election updates; e-scooter trial learnings; and much more. Links: Sue Gray Report Councils partner to fight graffiti Wyndham schools...

From 22 September 2021: Yoo-rrook Justice Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt to discuss the important truth-telling work of the commission, and how local government might expect to be involved and assist. 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'...

From 3rd August 2021: Our guest on VLGA Connect is Kate Symons, Chair of the Essential Services Commission, to talk about the commission's role in relation to local government; how it oversees the rate capping framework in Victoria; and the recently released outcomes report which provides information on the current financial sustainability of Victoria's councils Support the show To learn...

Join Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper for another episode of the Governance Update. This week, defining culture; an integrity body head succumbs to pressure and steps down; local government Australia Day honours; the danger of being ambushed by a cake! Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click her...

From 26 July 2021: The new CEO of Victoria's Environment Protection Authority visits VLGA Connect to introduce himself, and talk about the new legislative environment in which the EPA is working with its stakeholders, including local government. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click he...

From 22 July 2021: Our guest in the VLGA Connect studio today is Terry Moran, AC, chair of the Centre for Policy Development, discussing confidence in our democratic institutions, local government's place in our democracy, and 'the lack of faith' at a federal level in the capacity of local government. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by...

On the VLGA Connect Governance Update, this week: Leadership lessons from tennis and Gettysburg, (but not tennis at an address in Gettysburg); media ethics questions around mayors who work in radio; misconduct findings against councillors in Queensland; local government enforcement issues and challenges; appointment news; hat of the week and more. Support the show To learn more about the events, p...

From 19 July 2021: Victoria's Local Jobs First Commission works to promote employment of apprentices, cadets and trainees on government projects, and oversees compliance of local content and job commitments in contractual arrangements for project delivery. On VLGA Connect, we speak with Acting Local Jobs First Commissioner Greg Wilson about his role, and how the commission could potentially a...

From 30 June 2021: Joining Chris Eddy in the VLGA Connect virtual studio today is Shane Lucas, CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, to talk about the work of the foundation with local government, the VLGA, responding to the recent VAGO audit of its operations, and contributing to the Royal Commission regarding Crown Casino. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs...

This week on the Governance Update: Tennis lessons; omicron impacting Council services; when is a garden party a work function? And other news and views from around the local government sector. 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,...

From 19 June 2021: A special edition with all three current Chair Administrators in Victoria, Julie Eisenbise, Lydia Wilson and Noelene Duff, discussing the role of an administrator; the task of restoring community confidence after governance failings have led to Council dismissals; and how the role differs (or doesn't) to that of an elected Mayor/Councillor. Support the show To learn more ab...

From 26th May, 2021: On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Sherryn Prinzi, Chair of the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Advisory Group - an alliance of local governments and other agencies, working to empower children as active and engaged citizens. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Associ...

The weekly Governance Update is back for 2022, with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discussing local government news and events of the past few weeks, including: a delayed determination on councillor allowances; the Victorian rate cap for next financial year announced; a councillor resignation and countback for Alpine Shire; the cultural review a hot topic of discussion; cricket gets a mention (go f...

From May 2021 - VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy for a discussion with the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass, about her new report looking at how Councils administer financial hardship policies. She highlights good and poor examples leading to a series of recommendations to improve the way the  Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian...

From May 2021 - On VLGA Connect, we are in conversation with Anna Cronin, Victoria's Commissioner for Better Regulation, and Chair of the expert panel conducting a wide ranging review of the state's building system. Anna outlines the scope of the review, the process to be undertaken, timing and  Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victor...

From May 2021 - On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Angus Clelland, CEO of Mental Health Victoria, about the unprecedented investment from federal and state governments in mental health services; and the importance of ensuring local councils are participants in the solution. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Gover...