VLGA Connect

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

This week, we look back at an interview with Deputy Commissioner at IBAC, David Wolf.  David and Chris look at the risks associated with donations and lobbying in local government elections. In the lead up to the election period we revisit this issue, and 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

Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human right, but the housing crisis is growing globally. With increasing cost pressures, and population growing faster than build times, what can local government do to address the crisis? This panel looks at barriers to housing accessibility, development, the role of all levels of government to work together and short and long term strategies councils could look to easing the pressure. Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt moderate a Q&A style discussion with a panel comprising leaders in this space from across Australia and the UK.Panellists include:Rushda Halith - General Manager Community and City Services, City of MelbourneRobert Burns - Chief Executive Officer, Monaghan County Council, IrelandDiwa Hopkins - Senior Economist, Regional Australia Institute (RAI)Dr Grace Vickers - Chief Executive Officer, Midlothian Council, ScotlandSupport 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, we look back at a conversation between Chris Eddy and the (then) newly elected Victorian Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel. Chris and Sven discuss Sven's career journey, from Victorian Information Commissioner to Victorian Electoral Commissioner, and consider the intensive work that was undertaken to prepare for this year's local government elections across the state. 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 03 9349 7999

Today on TGU, the panel looks at an exciting new waste to energy project; Reaction to the government's latest housing plansConcerns over a rental agreement in Yarra and the use of parking sensors in Maribyrnong;A Melbourne Council CEO is moving onA new program to address workforce shortages in local government, and a campaign to encourage more people to become plannersPlus councils in NZ told by the Prime Minister to get back to basics.And Rhys Thomas joins us to look at the likely impact of structure changes on the upcoming elections, plus some fun facts about ward names.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 03 9349 7999

This week, the TGU panel looks at a surprise move to ban hired e-scooters in Melbourne; a councillor resignation preceding an arbiter misconduct ruling; a municipal monitor for Horsham; a high five commotion in Yarra Ranges; interesting Notices of Motion from the past week; an innovative housing project; an interesting FOI decision; a monumental nomination debacle in New South Wales and much, much more.Plus Rhys Thomas's analysis of the draft model Code of Conduct and other materials currently out for comment.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 03 9349 7999

In what has been a heartbreaking week for the local government sector, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the latest in the sector in this week's TGU. This week, the devastating passing of two sitting councillors, a new model Code of Conduct is out for consultation, a contentious heritage proposal raises temperatures at Boroondara Council, the status of the CFMEU's Fair Work Commission application to represent Greater Geelong workers, budget troubles at a Horsham Rural City Council, and a NSW council at odds over its policy on alcohol for councillors. 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 03 9349 7999

This week on TGU, Greater Geelong Council CEO Ali Wastie makes a stand in court against gendered abuse;A call for more resourcing for the Local Government Inspectorate;An extension of the term for municipal monitors at Moonee Valley, while the Minister rejects a call for a monitor at Northern Grampians;A CEO defends the editing of a council meeting recording;And new CEO appointments in regional Victoria.Rhys Thomas discusses the rules around election signage and pulls out another Olympic anecdote! 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 03 9349 7999

Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Tony Raunic return to brighten your Friday with the latest in local government news! This week the panel discuss, the first Victorian council to open briefing sessions to the public, the cost of asbestos clean up across parks in Hobsons Bay revealed, a councillor wants a municipal monitor appointed, e-scooters here to stay, the latest on Liverpool's battle with the NSW State Government and a unique new governance model unveiled for a council that has been under administration for 11 years.With the countdown now on to election day, Rhys Thomas talks about the need to consider personal wellbeing on the election campaign trail, and the privacy (or lack thereof) of the voters roll and what you can do about it, as well as a piece of Olympic trivia...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 03 9349 7999

Today, the sector mourns the passing of a local government legend;a likely suspension looms for Liverpool Council as a public inquiry is announced; a misconduct finding against a councillor at Port Phillip; the on-again, off-again filming of The Block in Daylesford is back on;And a controversy over a proposal to change a council's Acknowledgement of Country.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 03 9349 7999

The TGU team return with the latest in this week's local government news. This week, another municipal monitor appointed to a Victorian council, an interstate Council CEO appointment with a Victorian and sporting connection, Melbourne Councils in the news over flood modelling and climate emergency planning, the rise of abusive behaviour towards elected officials and council staff raises concerns in Tasmania and New Zealand.And Rhys Thomas joins us to talk about the nuances of the elevation of a new Lord Mayor of Melbourne and what to expect in the next Council term when vacancies ariseSupport 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 03 9349 7999

On TGU this week, the panel unpacks recent conduct decisions at Brimbank City Council; a former councillor avoids a jail sentence; a long term councillor resigns and a high profile CEO announces retirement; councils cracking down on an unsafe EV charging practice; and the mayor locked out of town hall for 3 and a half years. Plus Rhys Thomas updates on the passage of new conduct legislation and the use of gendered language at Victorian councils.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 03 9349 7999

On TGU today, Melbourne has a new Lord Mayor;Melbourne's west mayors react to the Airport Rail Link mediation outcomeConcerns over Suburban Rail Loop planning, and integrity issues raised at two Melbourne councilsWe've had a Council CEO resignation this weekAnd Townsville's embattled mayor was back at work this week, reigniting calls for his resignationPlus we'll check in with Rhys Thomas who has been in Canberra this week for the National General Assembly.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 03 9349 7999

On TGU this week, the panel unpacks recent conduct decisions at Brimbank City Council; a former councillor avoids a jail sentence; a long term councillor resigns and a high profile CEO announces retirement; councils cracking down on an unsafe EV charging practice; and the mayor locked out of town hall for 3 and a half years. Plus Rhys Thomas updates on the passage of new conduct legislation and the use of gendered language at Victorian councilss.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 03 9349 7999

This week, on TGU Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Nick Miller chat about the new Victorian Government conduct reforms made law, draft housing targets for all Victorian councils announced, Port Phillip, Yarra, Greater Geelong councils in the news, Community Satisfaction Survey results released and a 1 metre long ballot paper for a by-election in Canada.Rhys Thomas returns to reveal the “mystery of the missing municipality” on the anniversary of Council amalgamations in Victoria.Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.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 03 9349 7999

This week the TGU panel discusses recent media reports about interventions at Victorian councils; local government elections targeted by more extremist candidates; Merri-bek Council's proposal to double rates for landlords; a new Chair Administrator and a long term councillor to step aside; the council ordered to return $36M to the government; and a councillor's unfortunate exposure during an online council meeting.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 03 9349 7999

Join the TGU team for a look at the week's local government news, including a councillor suspension for serious misconduct; governance concerns at Brimbank; a coffee van row prompts calls for the amalgamation of Queenscliffe borough; the return of a merry Christmas at Stonnington; an update on the passage of conduct reforms through Parliament; and a look at anomalies in electoral roll legislation ahead of Victorian council elections in October. TGU is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt LawyersSupport 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 03 9349 7999

Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by Nick Miller from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers for this week's panel discussion on the week's local government news, including new legislation, wards boundaries, an arbiter decision, housing challenges, planning winners and much more. Plus, introducing a new segment with Rhys Thomas reporting on the latest important happenings from the VLGA.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 03 9349 7999

On TGU this week, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, the panel discusses the latest council concerns about funding for state-owned roads; a mayor puts pressure on Melbourne Airport and the government to get serious about an airport rail link; permanent and interim CEO appointments announced; wicked housing problems and collapsing roads; and the neighbours who don't like living next to a brewery.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 03 9349 7999

This week the TGU panel looks at sector reaction to the Federal Budget; concerns of a massive loss of open space from the state government's Big Build; a council's wicked housing problem; the overturning of Cumberland's controversial library book ban; a capital city mayor takes issue with her own council's decision; and much more of the week's local government news.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 03 9349 7999

On TGU this week, the panel looks at sector reaction to the Victorian State Budget; yet another Council has a monitor installed; CEO announcements; waste collection dilemmas; a council's controversial library book ban creates backlash; turning off Facebook comments; and Jeremy Clarkson upsets his local council again.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 03 9349 7999

This week the TGU panel discusses new governance and integrity measures for local government in Victoria; the appointment of municipal monitors to Darebin City Council; plans to remove council planning powers if they don't meet housing targets; and much more of the week's local government news.TGU from VLGA Connect is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.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 03 9349 7999

This week's TGU panel discussions looks a sexist newspaper cartoon about a female Council CEO; Ballarat Council's rejection of a policy on formal positions; the challenges of national standardisation of kerbside bins; falling levels of public trust in government in the UK; a council's warning about Brazilian Butt Lifts and more! Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.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 03 9349 7999