VLGA Connect

On VLGA Connect this week, Chris Eddy meets the mayor of Corangamite Shire, Cr Kate Makin, to talk about a number of local and regional challenges council is actively advocating on including the condition of regional roads, some initiatives in waste collection, renewable energy projects and the importance of reliable connectivity in regional areas as we enter fire season. Cr Dr Josh Fergus is here to talk about his approach to his new role as President of the VLGA - kicking off a “Meet the Board” series.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

Chris Eddy and Julie Reid unpack the biggest planning reforms in decades have been introduced to the Victorian Parliament and explain what they mean for councils.Plus, we put the spotlight on one of the country's fastest growing areas - Mitchell Shire Council Mayor John Dougall joins me to talk about his community's priorities ahead of next year's state election.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and Chris Eddy discuss some breaking news from the sector this week, including a proposal to introduce term limits for councillors, new Aged Care Act responsibilities for councillors, and as mayoral election season gets under way, is it a good idea to have position statements for mayors and deputy mayors?Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with VEC Commissioner Sven Bluemmel to talk through the official report on the conduct of last year's Victorian council elections, and the recommendations for future elections.Chris then speaks with the mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Claire Ewart-Kennedy about some of the shire's current challenges and priorities.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, the Mayors of Merri-bek City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council join Chris Eddy to talk about a joint councils campaign to raise awareness on transport issues in the fast growing northern metropolitan region and the Northern Council's Alliance's efforts to advocate to the state government for better connectivity.After a big week in the sector, Tony Raunic returns to the panel to unpack the Commission of Inquiry report into Whittlesea Council, the monitors report at Brimbank, the return of the Mayor of Maribyrnong and more.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

As the VLGA launches the 2025 Victorian Councillor Census, VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt and John Armitage from QDOS Research join Chris Eddy to talk about this year's Census - how does it work, and how will the information be used?Deputy mayor of Wellington Shire Council, Cr Cindy Madeley, also joins the program to chat about life in the shire and an important ongoing conversation with the community about financial sustainability.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Merri-bek Mayor Cr Helen Davidson to discuss the priorities and challenges for the inner city municipality as her mayoral term draws towards a close.Adam McSwain, the newly commenced CEO at Golden Plains joins Chris to chat about his career journey, and his approach to the role as the council comes out of a period of instability.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Cr Sophie Price, Mayor of Indigo Shire, joins Chris Eddy to discuss how the northeast region is recovering from recent events, and gives us an update on the ongoing fight for better hospital and health services in the region.Tony Raunic returns to discuss the latest legal and governance issues from across the sector, including a new arbiter decision that has led to the suspension of a Surf Coast Shire councillor for one month.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris is joined by City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney to talk about a major customer service survey, and how the organisation is meeting the demands of a rapidly growing regional centre.Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss on recent issue of a governance and legal nature, including a move at Frankston to extend the term of the current mayor; a VCAT case about e-scooters in the Yarra City Council; and the latest, potentially final twist, in the long-running Slug Gate saga in the City of Greater Dandendong.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Cr Stefan Koomen, Mayor of Casey City Council on leading the new council in its first term since a long period of administration, and how the long running Operation Sandon investigation has impacted the new councillor group.Then, we learn more about a metro Melbourne circular economy first with Sarah Furnell, Brimbank Circular Economy Officer as she explains an exciting new project repurposing soft plastics for road making materials.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy interviews Mark Stoermer, CEO Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on how he is settling in as CEO, his priorities for the role, including an announced restructure, and the pending release of the Board of Inquiry report into the McCrae landslip - with potential sector-wide implications.Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of Moyne Shire Council returns to the program to discuss council's refreshed commitment to Great Ocean Road Tourism, advocacy for better community outcomes from renewable energy, and a controversial decision to remove the prayer from the council's meeting agendas.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest in local government news including the appointment of monitors to Kingston City Council and the standing down of Maribyrnong City Council Mayor under the provisions of the Local Government Act.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy gets to know the new CEO of Strathbogie Shire Council, Rachelle Quatrocchi to hear about her visions for the new role.Tony Raunic and Chris catch up on the recent issues affecting the sector, including a significant local law decision at Casey Council and new legal reforms dealing with perceived invasions of privacy.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Gail Gatt the new CEO at Horsham Rural City Council about how she is settling into her new role and the key issues facing her community.Chris also catches up with Port Phillip City Council Mayor Cr Louise Crawford about an innovative solution the council has developed to prevent and reduce damage to public bins. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

Today on the program Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of West Wimmera Shire Tim Meyer to talk about how he is finding this mayoral term.Mary Agostino, Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell Shire also joins us to talk about what is happening in her community and the key issues council is addressing. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Don Henderson, Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council on what's happening in the region, the challenges council faces and what he sees are the priorities for this term. Chris then speaks to Ryan Allott, Manager Compliance & Environmental Health at Whittlesea City Council on an innovative program council has implemented to tackle their stray cat population by offering residents feeding or sheltering a stray cat free desexing, microchipping and one year of registration.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest from across the local government sector including an arbiter decision at Wyndham, a loss at VCAT for Moorabool Council, and Hume Council's call for greater enforcement powers in relation to dangerous dogs.Chris also interviews Ballarat City Council deputy mayor Cr Ben Taylor on council's recent announcement of a 0% rate rise, the implications on the long term fiscal outlook for council with this decision, where savings were found to be able to make this decision considering there is so much pressure on councils to do more, with less, and how other councils might be able to work towards this considering the current cost of living crisis.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down for an in-depth discussion with the Mayor of the City of Yarra, Stephen Jolly, on his first mayoral term, responding to criticism, and why he won't be seeking another term as mayor.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris chats to Campaspe Shire Council mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell on the implementation of a zero tolerance policy to prevent inappropriate behaviour towards staff and councillors.Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss all the big news this week in the local government sector. Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Cr Kris Bolam, mayor of Frankston City Council on their friendly city and sister city arrangements and how they impact the community. Chris then speaks to Wyndham City Council mayor Cr Mia Shaw on council's partnership with RMIT University, to deliver a unique AI and analytics capability development program for businesses. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic discuss some significant decisions released this week, including the return of a Kingston councillor from suspension. Chris also interviews Swan Hill Rural City Council mayor Stuart King on the recent changes made to liquor licencing which while designed to remove red tape, cut councils from the decision-making process. Together they will explore the potential impacts these changes could have on communities across the state.  Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to chat with Chris Eddy about the latest issues facing the local government sector including the parking fine error at Merri-bek council and  recent election related decisions at VCAT.Matt Collins, CEO of the Planning Institute of Australia discusses the recent survey which highlighted the severe shortage of qualified planners and the impact on councils and their service delivery.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

Sally Jones, Interim CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council returns to VLGA Connect this week to update Chris Eddy on the latest from the Federal Court hearing into the combined enterprise bargaining arrangements. Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of Moyne Shire Council then joins the show to discuss the significant drought in the region, and the calls for more action to support communities.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Mayor of Murrindindi Shire Council, Cr Damien Gallagher about what he sees are the opportunities and challenges unique to the region, and to the sector as a whole. Leonie Martens, Manager Family and Children's Services at Baw Baw Shire Council joins Chris to discuss council's partnership with Casey and Cardinia Councils in maternal and child health to deliver immunisation services to the region. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

With the Victorian Government announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City Council, Chris Eddy sits down with Tony Raunic of Hunt and Hunt Lawyers to look at how the Inquiry will work and what can be expected.Chris also speaks with Mayor of Port Phillip City Council, Cr Louise Crawford on the recent report into community safety commissioned by council, and their response to the recommendations. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Kingston City Council Mayor Georgina Oxley to discuss council's position on the Suburban Rail Loop and the effect of the project on the municipality, along with some key changes they would like to see made to improve outcomes for community. With the Victorian State Budget released this week, Kathryn Arndt, CEO of the Victorian Local Governance Association joins Chris to discuss the response to the Budget, and the shortfall of funding for some key projects for the sector, as well as the backlash from Victorian councils to the Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

It has been a big week in the local government sector! This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down this week's big issues including the voiding of the election of a councillor from Whittlesea City Council and the suspension of the mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of Manningham City Council, Cr Deirdre Diamante to discuss the implications of plans to mandate kerbside glass collection and the push by a group of councils across the state to look at alternative options. Chris is also joined by Tony Raunic to discuss the release of some significant monitors reports and their recommendations, as well as the review into the validity of some of decisions made at Kingston City Council prior to a councillor being stood down. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to Simone Zmood, Mayor of Glen Eira City Council on their recent advocacy activities to both the state and federal government. We learn about the key issues facing the Glen Eira community and what support the Council is seeking from the other tiers of Government.   Then, Chris sits down with Alan Getley, the Mayor of Buloke Shire Council and Brent McAllister, CEO of Northern Grampians Shire Council about an alliance between five north east councils to advocate collectively on significant projects affecting the Wimmera region.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on the program Chris Eddy sits down with David Jackson, Director of Customer and Corporate Services at Moorabool Shire Council, to learn more about the use of AI  and the benefits the introduction of this technology is having for a smaller council.  Later in the program Chris speaks with Mayor of Cardinia Cr Jack Kowarzik about Outer Melbourne Councils – a group of 10 councils that form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne that was formed to advocate for better services and infrastructure to  about 1.6 million residents.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

With Chris Eddy on leave, Victorian Local Governance Association CEO Kathryn Arndt steps into the VLGA Connect hosting chair, as Chris interviews Johnathan Spear, CEO of Infrastructure Victoria to discuss the recently launched draft Victorian 30-year infrastructure strategy. Julie Reid re-joins the panel to discuss the recent planning scheme reforms. And, Helen Healy the Mayor of Mildura joins us to talk about the Nature Strip Showdown - a unique annual community competition where residents showcase their creatively maintained nature strips.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayors of Indigo Shire and Wodonga City Councils to discuss the fight for a new hospital development in the Albury Wodonga region, after a recent rally to Parliament in Melbourne. Chris also chats to Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers on the startling document leaked on the redevelopment of the Rex in Hepburn Shire Council, and dissects the Model Governance Rules which have been released to the sector for feedback.All this, plus much more! Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week in a Special Edition of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Victorian Local Governance Association CEO Kathryn Arndt to interview The Hon. Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Local Government.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

Chris Eddy brings you this week's latest local government news in this week's VLGA Connect, including safety concerns at council meetings across the state. Joining Chris this week is Bradley Thomas, CEO of Hepburn Shire Council to outline council's request to increase rates above the state government's rate cap to assist with the council's financial sustainability.Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and Chris Eddy analyse the leaked letters reported in the media between the CEO and Mayor at the City of Whittlesea, as well as the monitor's report into Buloke Shire Council. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

Join us for a special edition of VLGA Connect, as we come to you live from the launch of the results from the VLGA's Victorian Councillor Census. Hear from John Armitage at QDOS Research as he and Chris Eddy discuss how the census was conducted, and the key insights the data found. Mike Gooey from LGV joins to chat about how the state government will use the data to guide its policy decisions moving forward. Chris also chats to Councillors Jane Karslake, Mia Shaw, Jack Kowarzik and Kylie Spears about how the data reflects their own councillor experience. Joining in the flesh, Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers discusses how the data could make a difference to the sector now and into the future.Learn more about why this work is so important here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQNkaC56WQs and read the full Census Report here: https://bit.ly/vlga_cr_censusSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

Join Chris Eddy and the team for the new VLGA Connect where each week we bring you the latest local government news and take a deep dive into issues affecting the sector. This week, Kendrea Pope joins Chris to break down the new mandatory professional development requirements facing councillors, and discuss their impact on the sector.Michael Annear, Director Infrastructure & Development at Mount Alexander Shire Council outlines the groundbreaking shared services agreement with Hepburn Shire Council and the potential for these to be used to increase efficiencies in local government. Also, Chris speaks to Mansfield Shire Council Mayor Cr Steve Rabie on the state government's planned Emergency Services Volunteer Fund and its impact on councils.Proudly sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers joins Chris Eddy to break down the recent disruption of the Casey City Council meeting and the no confidence motion against City of Whittlesea mayor. Following on from last week's segment on open briefings, two councillors Cr Anthony Marsh, Mayor Mornington Peninsula Shire and Cr Rhonda Garad of Greater Dandenong City Council join Chris Eddy to discuss their point of view. All this, plus the latest in local government news.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect is Mark Dupe, former CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council to take a deep dive into the move by some councils towards open briefings. Mark and Chris discuss whether this is a shift towards greater transparency, or a limit to councillors receiving detailed advice. Chris interviews Sally Jones, interim CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council on the move to take a proposal to conduct combined enterprise bargaining to the Federal Court. All this, plus the week's local government news.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

New year - new program! In 2025 the VLGA is proud to re-launch The Governance Update as VLGA Connect - your weekly program covering the latest news, analysis and deep dives into the current issues shaping the local government sector. This week, Chris Eddy is joined by Cr Jo Armstrong, Mayor Ararat Rural City Council to get the latest on the recovery efforts following the Grampians bushfires, and Tony Raunic to look at the latest consultation from the state government into lobbying reforms. Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on the TGU final episode for the year, the panel looks at this week's news and reflects on the year and the previous Council term. Plus, predictions for what might be ahead in the new year, and Rhys Thomas shares some special poetry treats!Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

On the agenda this week, councils unite on healthcare; two Gippsland council CEOs have announced their departure; councils getting tough on illegal dumping and unregistered cat breeding; and a review of Parks Victoria announced… what could that mean for councils?Loaded with gratuitous movie titles, Rhys will comment on a few recommendations from the recent Parliamentary Enquiry into local government.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

On the agenda this week, the wrap up of mayoral elections; a parliamentary report into local government funding makes 48 recommendations; criticism of the increasing use of municipal monitors; Yarra City Council's 36 point omnibus motion passes after a marathon session; and should 16 year olds be able to vote in council elections?Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week, the team discuss the push to overhaul council elections, the mayoral elections taking place around the state, a notice of motion to overturn 35 previous decisions of council, a push from rural councils for a better deal from the Federal Government, the suspension of the Townsville mayor, and a mayor ordered to complete training to better understand the role. Rhys Thomas discusses an issue that has arisen with a number of Councillors failing to take the oath/affirmation correctly, including three at one Council, as well as what the Inspectorate is planning to do about it.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

The TGU panel returns to discuss the wrap up of Victorian council elections, and allegations of suspected postal vote tampering in two Council wards. Plus a change of leadership for the sector's peak bodies, mayoral elections underway, a controversial CEO resignation and a push in NSW to ban confidential councillor briefing sessions.Rhys Thomas joins Chris Eddy to talk about some of the trends we saw at the election, including the long awaited data on the gender gap on Councils. He will also raise some examples of councillors that did not last long in the role - hopefully something that doesn't happen this time.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week, the TGU panel unpacks the provisional council election results that we know so far. The winners, the losers, the surprises and what's still to come. Plus municipal monitors appointed to three councils, and the latest CEO to announce a new career move.Rhys Thomas talks about the gap between the council election day and the swearing in of councillors and the limits on the powers of councils and CEOs during that period. He will identify a specific flaw in the Act that means a council could be left without leadership.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

This week on TGU, the panel attempts to pull together interim results from the Victorian council elections; strike action mooted at Greater Geelong council; a council's concerns about a fast tracked planning decision; and Rhys Thomas unpacks the detail of Victoria's new governance and integrity regulations.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

The TGU panel is back to look at the new governance and integrity regulations which have dropped this week, along with a raft of planning and building announcements that have taken councils by surprise.The election period is coming to an end and voting will soon commence in Victorian council elections. Is a post-Covid mentality responsible for more poor council governance, and how many councils still use X (formerly Twitter)? Plus Rhys Thomas is back with some handy election eve tips for governance officers.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

On the TGU menu this week, stories from the campaign trail; the councillor who resigned to be able to speak freely during the election campaign; a live TV debate with Lord Mayoral candidates; help on the way for regional councils dealing with a shortage of municipal building surveyors; the candidate campaigning on having a beer and watching the football; councils cop another whack about the pace of housing approvals; and much more. Plus Rhys Thomas provides analysis on election candidates and some opportunities for improvement.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

The panel is back for more TGU from VLGA Connect, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.Up for discussion this week -  new report from IBAC on an investigation in bribery and misconduct allegations at Moonee Valley City Council; vandalism and theft on the campaign trail in Victoria; a record number of candidates; why you should make you're on the role and do the training first; Councils reveal the most popular dog names and breeds; and much more.VLGA Snapshot - “Incrhysingly formal”Rhys talks about the voting process, including how to vote and the common mistakes that make votes informal. Also what happens if one of the candidates has been retired? Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

As we draw closer to the end of this council term, Chris Eddy, Kathryn Arndt and Rhys Thomas reflect on the last four years and the issues which shaped local government.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999

As we look back on some of the big issues of the last year, we revisit this discussion between Chris Eddy and CEO of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) in the UK, Jonathan Carr-West.Chris and Jonathan look at LGIU research into the financial sustainability of the local government sector in the UK and similarities with the Victorian sector.Support the showTo 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 03 9349 7999