Appointment of the new Shadow Minister for Local Government
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) would like to congratulate Western Victoria MP Beverley McArthur on being appointed as the new Shadow Minister for Local Government. The VLGA looks forward to partnering with Ms McArthur to ensure good governance and effective leadership is at the heart of local government decision making. We wish Ms McArthur all the best with her new portfolio.
Appointment of the new Minister for Local Government – Nick Staikos
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) would like to congratulate The Hon Nick Staikos MP on his recent appointment as Victorian Minister for Local Government. Minister Staikos’ appointment coincides with the new council term and the recent election of many first-time councillors to the sector. As a former councillor himself, Mr Staikos has experienced first-hand the challenges facing t
VLGA Board Office Bearer Appointment
Statement from the VLGA CEO & Returning Officer – Kathryn Arndt I am delighted to announce that Cr Janet Pearce from Macedon Ranges Shire has recently been appointed Vice President of the VLGA. This follows the appointment of former Vice President Cr Grace La Vella to the position of President in November. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cr Pearce on her appointment and I loo
New Commissioners Appointed to Oversee Parliamentary Behaviour
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) would like to congratulate the Victorian Government on the establishment of the Parliamentary Workplace and Integrity Commission. It would also like to warmly acknowledge the appointment of Mr David Wolf as Chair and Commissioner and Ms Natasha De Silva as sessional Commissioner for the next five years. VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt welcomes the establish
VLGA releases model policies for councillors
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has launched two new model policies, aimed at enhancing councillor conduct and strengthening good governance practices. The Councillor Confidentiality Policy and Councillor Social Media Policy , not only respond to the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, but also ensure councillors are always operating with integrity and good governance front of mind
Join the VLGA Young Councillors Network
Are you a young councillor wanting to connect with other like-minded people in the sector? The VLGA is establishing a Young Councillors Network which is open to all Victorian councillors aged 40 years and under. One of the VLGA’s key priorities is to improve diversity and inclusion within local government and encourage good governance and active participation. In line with these aims, the VLGA is
Election Insights: Analysis of the 2024 Local Government Elections
The VLGA, along with the Victorian Government, has been advocating for gender equality across Victorian councils by 2025. However, analysis of the recent election results completed by the VLGA, in partnership with GenderLens Australia, shows we are disappointingly yet to reach 50:50 gender representation in the sector. How close did we get? 280 women were successfully elected to councils across Vi
VLGA Board Changes
Statement from the VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt Following the recent local government elections there have been changes to the membership of the VLGA Board. Regrettably, highly regarded councillors and VLGA Board members, Denise Massoud and Susanne Newton, have been unsuccessful in their campaign for re-election and as a result will no longer be members of the VLGA Board. I would like to acknowledge Den
Thank you to Cr Denise Massoud
The VLGA would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless work of long-serving Whitehorse councillor and our most recent VLGA president Denise Massoud. Her commitment to good governance and delivering the best outcomes for her community and more broadly the local government sector, are to be commended and celebrated. We thank her for her service and wish her all the best for the fut
Thank you to Cr Susanne Newton
The VLGA would like to acknowledge the long-standing contribution of VLGA board member Susanne Newton, who has been a dedicated and passionate councillor for the City of Darebin since 2016. Susanne joined the VLGA board a year into her first term in 2017 and her contribution since that time has been invaluable. We thank Susanne for her commitment to the VLGA and the Darebin community during her ti