VLGA Alumni – Become a Member today.
When a councillors’ time as an elected representative ends this doesn’t mean their connection to the sector and the VLGA has to. Many former councillors continue to have a strong commitment to community and are seeking opportunities to remain connected to local government. VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt said former councillors have a depth and breadth of knowledge that adds significant value to the sector
Local Government Act Regulations reforms finalised
New reforms to the Local Government Act 2020 were finalised today, signifying big changes to how the sector will operate in the next council term. These reforms introduce a Model Code of Conduct and also require mayors, deputy mayors and councillors to undertake mandatory induction training and ongoing professional development. The VLGA has been a strong advocate for the introduction of reforms, w
Election Insights: Analysis of the 2024 Local Government Elections Nominations
The nominations are in and the 2024 Local Government election campaign is now in full swing. Significant changes to the local government sector means this election period is shaping up to be one of the most interesting since councilamalgamations in 1994. The shift to single member wards, a push towards 50/50 gender representation by 2025 and the local government culture review has the potential t
Leading the conversation on standards of behaviour in local government – VLGA hosts FastTrack Program event on 17 November
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has announced that the Victorian Minister for Local Government, The Hon Melissa Horne MP, will deliver an address at its recognised FastTrack Program event on Friday 17 November 2023 which is themed “Civility in Local Government”. She joins distinguished speakers, councillors and council officers from across Victoria’s 79 local councils. The progra
Meet the Board – Josh Fergeus, VLGA Vice President
Born and raised in Monash, Josh has also lived in London while working on development of the National Health Service with local groups including the Haredi and Afro-Caribbean communities, and in Nepal while working with local women and children. Josh holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts and Teaching. His research
Tell us your story of impact
We’d love to hear your tales of VLGA’s impact on you, your Council, and community. How have you been impacted personally? How has your leadership been influenced by our work? What is something that has been done at your local Council which has made an impact on the mission of the VLGA to build governance and leadership capacity.
Board Office Bearers Elected
The VLGA is pleased to advise that at their meeting on 17 August, the VLGA board re-elected, Cr Denise Massoud (Whitehorse City Council) as President. Cr Josh Fergeus (Monash City Council) was elected Vice-President and Andrew Sloman was re-elected Treasurer. Each will serve a two-year term. We are delighted to be working with Denise, Josh and Andrew in their capacity as board office bearers and w
VLGA’s Ongoing Efforts in Reducing Gambling Harm
The VLGA remains dedicated to supporting member Councils in their fight against gambling harm. We are pleased to report that recent Electronic Gaming Machine reforms announced by the State Government are aligned with our advocacy work and are positive move. The key reforms include: • Mandatory pre-commitment in hotels and clubs, which includes forced daily loss limits. • All
Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2021
Gambling Harm Awareness Week: 18 – 24 October 2021 Today marks the beginning of Gambling Harm Awareness Week. The theme for 2021 is TALK.SHARE.SUPPORT. Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an opportunity to engage with your local community about why gambling harm matters. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has provided a range of resources to support this that are available here. The 2021 ca
Female participation in local government – VLGA/La Trobe University Study
An Australian Research Council study investigating the under representation of women in Australian politics is seeking participants willing to share their experiences of deciding to run for local government, and any difficulties they may have faced in doing so. Co-led by Associate Professor Andrea Carson at La Trobe University and Associate Professor Leah Ruppanner at University of Melbourne, this