Gov Xchange

In 2025 the VLGA announced the development of a range of new supports and initiatives to augment our existing supports for governance staff, Councillor Conduct Officers and other staff that directly work with councillors – the GovXChange.

Cognisant of the loss of experienced governance staff from the sector over recent years, along with the increasing complexity of the work governance and councillor support staff undertake, the VLGA seeks to support officers in governance related roles and give them a voice. 

We know councils in rural areas are particularly hard hit by challenges around attracting and retaining governance staff.  Our aim is to help fill the void created by the lack of a local government governance focussed course or qualification through:

• Regional governance networks
• Professional development
• Councillor Conduct Officer workshops
• An information and interaction portal
• A ‘help line’
• Mentorship opportunities
• An annual ‘check in’ survey.

A Steering Committee has been formed, consisting of some 16 volunteers from across the State – small rural councils, rural cities, interface councils and metropolitan councils – to guide the roll out of GovXChange supports.