VLGA Connect

This week from the weekly Governance Update, with Council elections looming we discuss candidate eligibility, the range of queries, enquiries and inquiries and where you should direct them, and observations from the draft Governance and Integrity Regulations. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please...

Join us for the weekly Governance Update, when Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discuss the latest governance news, including: new VEC information sessions for candidates; turning our minds to the election of a new group of Mayors in November; and a useful resource from IBAC on maintaining integrity in local government under current conditions. Support the show To learn more about the events, program...

This week in the Newsroom - what happened to last week's episode? A membership milestone. Six months of providing information to prospective candidates drawing to a close. And contributing to the roadmap out of the COVID-19 for 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...

Meet Victoria's new Public Sector Commissioner, Adam Fennessy, discussing the focus of his new role, how state and local government can work together effectively, and promoting integrity across the public 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 contac...

This week on the VLGA Connect Governance Update with Stephen Cooper, we talk about the new draft standards of conduct to guide behaviour and inform Councillor Codes of Conduct; the looming 1st September deadline for elements of the new Local Government Act; and significant late-term decisions for some Councils. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the...

Victoria's Cross Border Commissioner, Luke Wilson, talks to VLGA Connect about his role, and the current challenges dealing with cross-border restrictions and ensuring local government's voice is heard in the process. 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...

This week from the VLGA Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt reflects on the decision to proceed with Council elections in October, the significant co-design work currently occurring to implement the Local Government Act, plus more. 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 cont...

Join Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper for a discussion about the week's top governance issues. This week, it's full steam ahead for Council elections in October; frequently asked questions from the candidate information sessions; and speculating on what the pending standards of conduct will mean for new Councillor Codes of Conduct post-election. Support the show To learn more about the events...

Melbourne's Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, drops in for a virtual chat on VLGA Connect about the learnings of the past six months from responding to a global pandemic, and the unique role of a capital city leader in the broader local government space. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click her...

Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discuss the week's governance agenda, including elections and safe campaigning; Local Government Act implementation and pending changes for committee arrangements; and the role of councillors when appointed to other boards and committees. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association...

Our second instalment in the Your Community Country & Council live forums featuring journalist Shahni Wellington. Shahni Wellington is a proud Jerrinja woman and a multi-award nominated journalist specialising in politics, indigenous affairs and sport.  A great session on the media and social media - including Tik Tok! Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training off...

Check in with Kathryn Arndt in the VLGA Newsroom for a look at the stories making news in world of local government advocacy this week. 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, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on...

On VLGA Connect we speak with the Victorian Government Minister for Equality, Mental Health and Creative Industries, the Hon. Martin Foley MP, about the development of a whole of government LGBTIQ Strategy; the recently announced investment in mental health initiatives; and the role of local government in supporting both of these important areas of focus. Support the show To learn more about the e...

This week from the newsroom on VLGA Connect, join Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy for a discussion on the ever-changing election environment for local government in Victoria, with speculation on how a deferral might occur; a recap of this week's live panel on election regulations; and a preview of what's ahead for VLGA Connect. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and...

On the weekly Governance Update from #VLGAConnect , Stephen Cooper and I talk about the fast-moving environment in relation to upcoming Council elections; electoral material and authorisations; mandatory training and safe campaign guidelines, and more. Including ducks! Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLG...

This week from the Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt updates us after important advocacy discussions with two State Ministers, including the Minister for Local Government - with news on covid-safe election campaigning, forthcoming standards of conduct regulations, and more topical VLGA Connect panel sessions and interviews to come. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offe...

On the show this week, Stephen Cooper and I discuss recent developments in the world of #governance , as well as observations on how Councils might approach the period between now and the official start of the 'election period', informally known as caretaker period. Such questions as, should Councils have a policy that effectively extends the period in which they won't make signific...

Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp, speaks with Chris Eddy about the role of local government in navigating emergency management challenges,  the importance of keeping perspective and taking time out for oneself. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here . If y...

This week on VLGA Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, mandatory training for Council candidates will be available soon; upcoming live forums in the YCCC program; empowering young people to take an active role in community life; plus reflections and looking ahead to top calibre guests on coming episodes of VLGA Connect. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the...

This week on the #Governance Update with Stephen Cooper , another wide-ranging discussion including election related issues such as the appointment of election managers; ensuring you are qualified to stand as a candidate; and the important task for new Councils to adopt a Code of Conduct to guide behaviour and set the right tone at the top of Council organisations. Support the show To learn more a...

Victoria's first LGBTIQ Strategy will provide a roadmap to LGBTIQ equality for years to come. A discussion paper is out for consultation currently, to help inform the strategy. On VLGA Connect, we speak with Victoria's Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality, Ro Allen, about the need for a whole of government approach to meeting current challenges and opportunities, and how local governmen...

Victoria's new Local Government Minister, the Hon. Shaun Leane drops in for chat about the upcoming Council elections, conducting them safely in a COVID-19 environment, the importance of mandatory candidate training, and his plan for engaging with the sector post-elections. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Associ...

On the Weekly Governance Update for 17 July 2020, Stephen Cooper and Chris Eddy discuss the high level of CEO turnover during this term of Council in Victoria; the importance of following a crisis communication plan during emergencies; and a reminder for Councillors and Committee Members to complete their required interest returns. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and tra...

Join Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy for the weekly VLGA Newsroom segment. This week, understanding the various training and information sessions on offer for prospective Council candidates; the VLGA's advocacy regarding safe campaign activities; and moving to a  fee model for non-member access to VLGA Connect webinars. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offe...

There's so much happening behind the scenes to prepare for local government elections. We get an insight in the work done to date and still to come from Deputy Electoral Commissioner Liz Williams, including being COVID-safe, and changes from new legislation. We also learn about the VEC VoterAlert system and the role of democracy ambassadors. Support the show To learn more about the events, pr...