issue 2
Towong’s
Broadband
Success
PP 352583/00812
Value of Community Art
Tackling Climate Change
SERIOUS
SOLD & SERVICED BY EXPERTS
Maximum reliability, even under extreme conditions is a hallmark of
STIHL power tools. Furthermore, STIHL outdoor power equipment is
designed with the end user in mind. Easy starting, low vibration levels,
low emissions and economic fuel consumption make STIHL the choice
of groundsmen and professional gardeners world wide.
STIHL products are available from your local STIHL dealer who can
match you with the tools best suited to meet your demands, give
you useful tips on how to use them correctly and provide you with
professional workshop servicing.
Here’s a selection of user - friendly products designed for serious Winter work.
BG 86C Blower
SH 86C Vac/Shredder BR 600 Blower Power
Perfect for councils, this blower features a very
powerful air stream for clearing large areas.
Features include STIHL Easy2Start, cruise
control, high air speed and ultra low vibration.
Round and flat nozzles are standard.
Extremly powerful suction. Ideal for cleaning
large areas. Also operates as a blower. With the
soft grip handle, low weight, very low vibrations
and low fuel consumption this machine is well
suited to the council user.
Extremely high performance blower with lengthadjustable blower tube. The BR 600
is powered by a proven low-emission
STIHL 4-Mix engine and packed with
comfort features.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
27.2 cc engine capacity
4.5 kg dry weight
306 km/hr max air speed
780 m3/hr max air flow
27.2 cc engine capacity
5.7 kg dry weight
0.8 kW engine power
770 m3/hr max air flow
64.8 cc engine capacity
9.8 kg dry weight
324 km/hr max air speed
1,720 m3/hr max air flow
OW
MS 211C Low Vibration MS 260C Limbing Saw MS 361 Council
Pro
Extremely low-vibration chainsaw for property
maintenance. Includes air filter system with
pre-filtration, STIHL 2-Mix Engine technology and
Quick Chain Tensioning.
For heavy duty use on a wide variety of council
jobs. A mid sized hardworking chainsaw for heavy
pruning and limbing, with STIHL’s unique
Quick Chain Tensioning system. Popular with
groundskeepers.
Intelligently designed pro saw with remarkably
low vibration and smart ignition, along with superb
power-to-weight ratio. The ideal combination of
power, technology and rugged reliability.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
35.2 cc engine capacity
4.6 kg dry weight
1.7 kW engine power
16” (40cm) bar length
OW
50.2 cc engine capacity
4.9 kg dry weight
2.6 kW engine power
18” (45cm) bar length
ACCESSORIES & SERVICING
STIHL lubricants, accessories and protective wear are available
from your local STIHL dealer. Trained workshop technicians will
also service your equipment quickly and affordably.
NCIL
FAV
59.0 cc engine capacity
5.6 kg dry weight
3.4 kW engine power
20” (50cm) bar length
DUT
Y
call 13 11 97 for your nearest dealer www.stihl.com.au
COUNCIL WORK TOOLS
Editor Kristi High
Sub Editor Imogen Kelly
Contributors Elizabeth Naylor
Issue 3 due out November 2009
Editorial content can be forwarded to countrywide.media@gmail.com.
Disclaimer Countrywide Media (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication
are at the sole discretion of the Municipal Association of Victoria and the publication is
offered for background information purposes only. The publication has been formulated
in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents
do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be
relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility
for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information
contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence
on the part of the publisher, its directors and employees. Copyright All advertisements
appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with
the consent of the owner of the copyright. Advertising Advertisements in this magazine
are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special
considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be
given to any advertiser.
Countrywide Media adheres to stringent
ethical advertising practices and any
advertising inquiries should be directed to:
Countrywide Media
Level 2, 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne Victoria 3001
GPO Box 2466, Melbourne Victoria 3001
Ph: 03 9937 0200 Fax: 03 9937 0201
Email: admin@cwmedia.com.au
Website: www.cwmedia.com.au
2
July 2009
contents
features
6
24
10
Recession calls for balancing act: Councils face
the challenges of the global economic crisis by seizing
opportunity and supporting community
12
Casey signs 30 year deal with Demons: Melbourne
Football Club to deliver intensive community engagement
program to Casey
14
Open day gives small town new life: Wellington town
Yarram still reaping the benefits of 2008 open day
16
Rising to climate change challenge: Council projects
being implemented across the state to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions
18
Planning from the ground up: Glen Eira’s strategy
to recruit and retain town planners
29
The magic of bonding with horses: Mansfield
introduces equine facilitated learning to service providers
30
Darebin’s transport future going places: Successful
transport strategy gaining nationwide attention
37
Collaboration needed for recruiting success: MAVs
new employment branding campaign to attract the best
candidates for local government
26
Feature Story
Geelong, Wangaratta and Latrobe using
art to tackle the big issues
regular columns
Towong
36 Crossword
41 In Brief
43 Events
Cover Story
Shire delivering broadband
to Tallangatta township
July 2009
CEO recounts bushfire tragedy: Moreland chief
executive Peter Brown recounts the Black Saturday fires
which claimed his family home
3
44 Staff Movements
46 Photos
48 Vox Pop
Plan gives more
than health benefits
O
ver half of Victoria’s councils have signed up to the
that if the member is hospitalised they will be refunded the full
MAV’s new health insurance product, LGE Health Plan. amount of any excess charged. The excess refund is capped at
This superior health insurance product can be offered $250 for the first year a person is a member and $500 thereafter.
by councils as an employment benefit in support of the sector’s
The MAV manages the Excess Refund Pool to be funded by 4
efforts to be recognised as an employer of choice.
percent of employee premiums. In the first instance, councils that
LGE Health Plan can achieve significant premiums savings
take up the health plan are required to contribute a refundable
(up to 45 percent) by providing a facility called the Excess Refund
deposit of $5,000 for councils with 300 EFT or more and $2,500
Pool. This fund will be used to reimburse any excess payable in the
for councils with less than 300 EFT in order to establish the pool.
event that local government employees and councillors who take
It is estimated this amount will be paid back within 12-36 months.
up the plan, or their eligible family members, are hospitalised.
LGE Health Plan is a result of the MAV’s collaborative
Savings are achieved by opting for a product that charges
work with Health Link Consultants and not-for-profit health
the highest excess and lowest premiums, safe in the knowledge
insurer GMHBA.
Councils offering the LGE Health Plan to employees:
Alpine Shire Council
Banyule City Council
Bass Coast Shire Council
Benalla Rural City Council
Cardinia Shire Council
Casey City Council
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Colac Otway Shire Council
Corangamite Shire Council
Darebin City Council
Gannawarra Shire Council
Frankston City Council
Glenelg Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council
Greater Bendigo City Council
Greater Geelong City Council
Greater Dandenong City Council
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Indigo Shire Council
Kingston City Council
Latrobe City Council
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Manningham City Council
Melbourne City Council
Melton Shire Council
Monash City Council
Moreland City Council
Moorabool Shire Council
Mount Alexander Shire Council
Moyne Shire Council
4
Municipal Association of Victoria
Pyrenees Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Strathbogie Shire Council
Surf Coast Shire Council
Warrnambool City Council
Wellington Shire Council
Whitehorse City Council
Whittlesea City Council
Wodonga City Council
Yarra City Council
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council
July 2009
from the mav<<
From the MAV
Cr BILL MCARTHUR
President
A
new era of federalism has dawned
in Australia and local government
is well positioned to benefit from
a more direct relationship with the Federal
Government.
At the Australian Council of Local
Government in June, Prime Minister
Kevin Rudd announced a further $220
million funding for vital community
infrastructure, bringing the Australian
Government’s investment in community
infrastructure to more than $1 billion
since last November.
Local government spends locally
and has clear government structures
and accountabilities, making it an
attractive destination for economic
stimulus spending.
This is a tremendous boost to councils
and their local communities. But if
we are to successfully attain federal
support for infrastructure beyond the
current economic situation then we
must plan ahead and be mindful of
demonstrating our capacity to expend
this investment quickly.
The Prime Minister also announced
the establishment of a $25 million Local
Government Reform Fund to fast-track
improvements to the sector’s asset and
financial management systems and
support regional collaboration in the
delivery of services. Victorian councils
July 2009
>>
… if we are to successfully
attain federal support for
infrastructure beyond the
current economic situation
then we must plan ahead and
be mindful of demonstrating
our capacity to expend this
investment quickly.
have demonstrated leadership in both
these pursuits.
We have reduced the asset renewal gap
from $280 million to $133 million over the
past four years through introducing more
robust assessment methods; establishing
asset management plans; improving links
between financial records and engineering;
separating renewal, upgrade and new
capital works in council budgets; and
elevating responsibilities for managing the
asset portfolio to senior management and
councillors.
And in 2007 the Victorian Government
fell in behind our own reform initiatives
and provided $4.7 million to support
5
councils to pursue collaboration. We now
have shared services for public libraries,
maternal and child health, records
management and information technology
either in place or under development.
As the new MAV President I have
now taken my place on the Australian
Council of Local Government
Steering Committee. I look forward
to sharing Victoria’s experience to assist
the Committee in its purposes of driving
reforms to infrastructure and services
provided by local government and
developing a stronger relationship
between our sector and the Federal
Government. n
CEO recounts
bushfire tragedy
Moreland chief executive Peter Brown, his wife Fiona and
children Katherine and Douglas experienced firsthand the
horror of Victoria’s February bushfires as their family home
in St Andrews burnt to the ground.
In an emotionally moving and insightful submission to
the Bushfire Royal Commission Mr Brown has provided a
detailed account of how he struggled to save his property, what
he saw as he moved between his and a neighbour’s property,
and the shelter his family found under a blanket inside the
family swimming pool.
Mr Brown was compelled to capture the devastating fire
blazing in front of him and his family on camera. This was
partly to help him figure out later what went wrong and
It’s 2.55 am on the 11 February 2009, I
cannot sleep unless I first write down
my thoughts – this is my therapy to
lighten a deep sadness I feel over what
happened on 7 February 2009 in the
bushfire that devastated my community
of St Andrews. It was confirmed yesterday
that our family friends Garry, Jacinta and
Erryn Bartlett were lost in the fire. Jacinta
was also a work colleague, who I knew well
and loved for her dedication to her job, her
co-workers, the Moreland City Council and
to me as the Chief Executive Officer.
I am writing for all the eclectic people
of my small valley sandwiched between
Strathewen and St Andrews, who have lost
their lives – George Jackson, Reg Evans,
Angela Brunton, Rob Pierce, people I have
spoken less than a few words to but were
the colourful characters who sped past you
on our road and gave a wave.
I feel for the Victorian community, I can
feel the raw emotion that the media fans,
of people trying to understand what has
happened and piece together answers to
questions that in some cases will never be
answered. I hear and read outpourings of
solutions to an event that we still have not
yet worked through thoroughly.
The swift State Government response
in setting up the Royal Commission
is appropriate, but will we jump to
conclusions prior to even having the
first hearings?
What I am writing is my story – call it
where the fire ignited. But mostly, he photographed because he
knew there would be an investigation.
On Tuesday 10 February, devastated by what his community
had just faced and saddened by the news his friends Jacinta
and
Garry Bartlett along with daughter Erryn were among the 173
people who had died, Mr Brown sat down to write.
He describes what happened in the lead up to, and on
the
day of, Black Saturday, a time he describes as Australia’s
worst peace time disaster.
This is an extract of the opening of Mr Brown’s submission
presented to the Bushfire Royal Commission as a resident who
witnessed the fire and a local government chief executive with
knowledge of the broader issues.
a case study of understanding bush fires
over the past 35 years.
My family, Fiona, Nicholas, Katherine
and Douglas and myself lived in and loved
our house and property in St Andrews.
On Saturday 7 February 2009, Fiona,
Katherine, Douglas and myself survived
a fire storm that consumed our house,
and property. It also consumed at least
173 Victorians, as well as 2,000 homes –
Australia’s worst peace time disaster.
I am reluctant to call it a natural disaster
as it appears our fire started because man
made equipment was the source of the
original ignition and in allowing myself to
accept the Black Saturday fire as natural
is to accept that when powerlines arc,
clash, overheat or an arsonist starts a fire
it is natural, the consequences of the first
ignition was driven and grown by nature
but the ignition source was man made. Yes
some fires are started by natural causes,
but mitigation to a good percentage of our
major fires rests with us – humans.
I have seen on the media, the whole
hearts of small towns destroyed. We
survived, but we lost our family treasures
– mud brick dream home – the initial
sketches of which date back to my courting
days with my wife to be, 25 years ago. It
was built by our family and friends, book
collections, children’s treasures, photos
and trophies – I can go on.
Our family’s case study of survival
is a story outlined to assist the Royal
6
Commission rationally get the best
outcome for the Victorian community.
To get out of the commission the best we
possibly can do. As Victorians, we are not
broke or a third world state; we can expect
real and tangible results to flow quickly and
responsibly to ensure we as a community
do not have the loss of life again.
In responding to the submissions from
the community and various authorities
I request of the Commissioners that
the recommendations need to be based
on personal responsibility, strong self
reliance that builds on local solutions
and community building. Please do not
have a central bureaucratic response, we
do not need a nanny State, people need
to be responsible for their own actions,
governments need to partner with their
communities and people to educate,
support, guide and to maintain the rule
of law. Where it is appropriate a whole
of government response is appropriate
but it must have a fine grained local
connection if it is going to work. It
does not need to command and control,
or forcibly direct law abiding citizens to
do things against their will.
We do not need to live in fear of
bushfires, they are part of our environment,
Australia, we do not have to die, in the face
of a terror like Black Saturday if sound
and disciplined government policy is in
place backed up by a community that
understands and implements it. n
I
July 2009
>> About the property
The Brown’s dream property was purchased in April
1986 and located near the head waters of Arthurs
Creek on the southern side of the Great Divide, east
of Mt Sugarloaf. On the 40ha property was a mud
brick family home, swimming pool, shed and onsite
dam. The Brown’s plan in the case of a fire had always
been predicated on no support from the CFA or
even neighbours.
They relied on the fact that the warning system being
used through the ABC radio would give real time
strategic advice and provide good intelligence of what
was likely to be in store.
2pm taken from pool near house,
looking west toward Mt Sugarloaf
3pm From front gate, looking
west toward Mt Sugarloaf.
5.50pm Towards house east
5.51pm Towards house south
6.06pm
6.10pm
Excerpts from recollection of events
2pm
Take a photo of the plume of smoke from the Kilmore
fire – still unconcerned but aware that Heathcote
Junction and Wandong look like they are under ember
attack and have been warned by 774
4pm
Notice while swimming that a number of blackened
pine needles are floating in the pool. Check 774 and am
aware that the fire is in Clonbinane where a number
of pine plantations exist. Still unconcerned as fire is
35kms away
4.40pm
Receive phone call from neighbour south of our
property advising (they) are fighting a spot fire in
their gully and drive over to check how big the fire is.
(Head home to get the trailers ready and head back to
neighbour’s) ... notice small spot fires igniting next to
the track.
and invite (her family) around for a swim.
5.38pm
Back home set up radio on ABC 774 and hear about the
Kilmore East Fire. Wind has picked up and temperature
over 40 degrees
(Back home) have driven tractor to open bare earth to
the north of the pool. Run upstairs to turn on roof top
sprinkler system. Power is out
5.40pm
It’s getting too hot and the noise is loud. Fiona is
already in pool. Run to join (family) and Charlie our
dog in the water and under the woollen blankets
5.45pm
Fire front passes, look out from under blanket and notice
grasses, bushes , garden pot plants and trees on fire
Friday 6 February
All news on the weather points to bad fire weather on Saturday,
but does it have to be a Black Friday or Ash Wednesday? My only
feeling was enough advice had been given out by all, including the
Premier to notify every arsonist in the State that now was a good
time to start a fire.
(In preparation I) pumped up water from the dam to fill the
dam tank with 45,000 litres of water.
7 February 2009
6.00am
Time to get up and get the house ready for the day, set
up all the ladders, cleaned out the house gutters, get
pumps, hoses and knapsack sprays out of the shed,
load tank onto tractor trailer
11.00am (Drive) into Hurstbridge and see friend Jacinta Bartlett
12pm
1pm
July 2009
Find Central Victorian map book, plot where Kilmore
East fire is at. No concern as it seems to be over 40
kilometres away. Very windy and on all evidence
indicates spotting of fires usually is limited to 10-15kms
7
5.52pm
Feel it is safe enough to get out of pool and put out
fires around the house. I notice flames at first floor
level. Look at Fiona and say “we have lost it.”
6.00pm
Return to the pool – nowhere else to go. All we can
do is sit it out. I look at the house and think I must
learn lessons out of this – no doubt there will be an
investigation
6.30pm
7.00pm
7.20pm
Can hear cars going up – popping of tyres and flame
flare ups. Notice glass has melted and roof collapsing.
Concerned that roof may collapse into pool, direction
of wind and large trees protecting pool. Notice that
the chimneys are venting black smoke, rising under
pressure against north-westerly wind. Fiona says she
cannot breath. I advise her and the children that we
are not going to die and that we are safe and to breath
slowly under the blanket
8.00pm
Neighbours return and explain police came through
and they were evacuated south of where the fire front
came through. I am puzzled why the police had not
warned us. Ron offers me a beer. It was gratefully
accepted. (We) decide it was time to get out
8.30pm
It’s getting dark (we) drive out south along Jacksons
Road, west along Hewitt Road, and south along the
Cottlesbridge – Strathewen Road.
Sunday
Go to work and organise acting CEO, email councillors advising
what has happened and seek leave while we get the children back
to school and our lives back on track. Drive out to the Diamond
Creek Relief Centre to register with the Red Cross and seek
medical attention for smoke in the eyes. Hear that Maddison
Bartlett has been rescued but Garry, Jacinta and Erryn are still
unaccounted for.
House fire has subsided enough to leave the pool. Roof
has collapsed into house in one mass. Everything is
either burning or burnt, smoke is still heavy, and wind
has reduced. I get on tractor and ... decide to go across
to (neighbours).
Track between properties has fallen burning trees (and
neighbours) fences and cattle yard are on fire (but)
house is untouched. Back (home) I notice everywhere
is burnt–cars, garden, farm shed and gas is venting
into house.
Mr Brown’s submission also included a number of broader
recommendations on the Stay or Go policy; a warning system based
on graduated assessment of fire risk day - similar to cyclone warning
categories; and amalgamation of the fire fighting services to have one
Victorian Fire Fighting Authority and domestic fire refuges . To read the
full submission log on to the Bushfire Royal Commission website at www.
royalcommission.vic.gov.au
Mr Brown and his family are now renting a property in metropolitan
Melbourne. He and his wife are still contemplating whether to rebuild
on their St Andrews land, daunted by the enormous job ahead of them.
Back at (neighbour’s) we are concerned that as the area
around the house is unburnt we might find ourselves
back in the hot seat.
MAV Annual Conference 2009
29 October, 2009. Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
A single day program open to all of local government, from councillors, CEOs
and directors to policy and service professionals, the Annual Conference will
showcase the strategic thinking needed to develop high performance councils.
For more information: www.mav.asn.au/ac09
8
July 2009
Councils have a major role to play in a pandemic that includes community support and recovery.
Swine of a job for councils
THE OUTBREAK OF H1N1 INFLUENZA (SWINE FLU) HAS PUT MANY COUNCILS’
DRAFT PANDEMIC PLANS TO THE TEST ALREADY.
E
arlier this year councils began
working with the State, and the
MAV, to prepare for a pandemic
by producing a localised plan for
their municipality based on the 2008
Victorian Government’s two-part toolkit
for local government.
These municipal pandemic plans will
include details of council’s role in a
pandemic, which includes community
support and recovery, public health,
business continuity and essential services.
In late April, just two months off
councils’ completion date for a draft
plan, the world stood to attention
when the World Health Organisation
declared the first outbreak of swine flu
in the US was a ‘public health emergency
of international concern’.
By 10 May the potentially deadly flu
had arrived in Australia (NSW) and
two days later Victoria’s first swine flu
victim was officially reported living in
the City of Yarra.
At 2pm on Tuesday 12 May, Yarra City
Council was alerted by the Department
of Human Services that a young
Collingwood boy was the state’s first
confirmed swine flu case.
The boy, along with his mum, dad
July 2009
and two siblings were quarantined.
Council provided high level support
to the family that included daily
contact, shopping trips for food, delivery
of activities such as books and DVDs,
and other special services.
Yarra’s Director of Community Services
Craig Kenny said the council was prepared
for swine flu to hit the municipality.
“We had been stepping up our handling
of a pandemic since the start of the swine
flu, especially around ensuring we had a
supply of personal protective equipment,”
he said.
“Our public health people were on
standby, we had briefed assessment staff
and thought about what sorts of things
we would need them to be trained in if they
were called in to action.”
At the height of the quarantine phase
of H1N1 Influenza, Yarra supported
six families with at least one member
confirmed with swine flu.
“The quarantine duration and support
differed between families,” Mr Kenny said.
“Most were quarantined between 5-7 days
and were self reliant but one family was
housebound with little outside support
except for council for 10 days.”
Before the swine flu hit its municipality,
9
Yarra had been working on the draft
pandemic plan for six months.
“This outbreak of H1N1 certainly gave us
the opportunity to road test our pandemic
plan and in practical terms it worked very
well,” Mr Kenny said.
“The handover of confirmed cases from
the State to council worked well, and
liaison with the families worked well.
“One of the learnings however was
that if there was an escalation in the
number of people we would need to
support, that would put significant
pressure on council and decisions would
need to be made as to what services we
may have to stop providing. ”
Many Victorian councils have been
affected by the outbreak of swine flu
within their communities. At the time
of print, nine Victorians have died with
swine flu and more than 1,500 cases have
been confirmed. The municipalities of
Wyndham and Whittlesea have recorded
the highest numbers of swine flu cases
in Victoria.
The MAV is assisting the DHS to further
develop protocols and processes for home
support, and client information collection
and sharing between State and local
governments. n
Recession calls
for balancing act
L
ocal government has not been
immune to the effects of the
global financial crisis which hit
in mid 2008 and the recession that has
followed is likely to have a long-term
impact on the sector and the communities
it represents.
The economic crisis that Australia,
along with most of the developed nations,
is experiencing is affecting many parts
of council’s operations.
The MAV’s annual Local Government
Cost Index has forecast council costs
are expected to increase by an average
of 3 percent in 2009/10 as delivery on
the same services as last year rise with
increased demand.
While councils are far from recessionproof they are expected to continue
delivering high quality services that
support community needs, while limiting
cost increases such as property rates.
Amid the gloom however, has come
the opportunity provided in the form
of the Commonwealth’s Community
Infrastructure Program for councils to
improve the standard of community assets.
The Commonwealth’s answer to pump
money into the economy fast and run a
deficit has been short and medium term
strategies of cash payments and funding
for community infrastructure projects
across the whole of Australia.
In the past six months local government
has received a total of $1.02 billion under
the community infrastructure program,
distributed nationally, allowing additional
investment and delivery of shovel ready
projects such as sporting facilities,
children’s services and libraries in addition
to councils’ annual capital works programs.
MAV Manager Economic Data and Policy
Development Owen Harvey-Beavis said
this investment had been greatly reflected
in local infrastructure projects, schools and
social housing.
“Local government has been seen
by the Commonwealth as a valuable
conduit for these funds to be put back
into the economy quickly because the
existing statutory frameworks ensure a
high level of scrutiny that councils will
use the money for what it is intended,”
Mr Harvey-Beavis said.
10
Councils are doing everything they can to
minimise the effects of the global economic
crisis on their business and the community.
A financial analysis by the MAV of key
issues for local government revealed
infrastructure as a main concern.
The state has already been a big winner
under the community infrastructure
program with $213 million allocated to
Victorian councils. With this spending
boost comes some pressure for councils
to deliver projects that create local jobs
and stimulate economic development
to help communities through the global
financial crisis.
“Local government is ready to spend
money in this area and infrastructure
work is a way to get money out to the
economy quickly.
“All eyes will now be on local
government, and how councils achieve
the implementation of this program will
influence the Commonwealth’s views
of the sector,” he said.
The current economic conditions
have also raised issues around local
government’s collection of revenue,
potential implications for expenditure,
and intergovernmental arrangements.
Local government only has control
July 2009
of one source of tax through rates.
Intergovernmental grants are divided
into general purpose, indexed by
inflation and population, and specific
purpose provided by the State and the
Commonwealth. Additional income
is raised through user fees, fines and
charges and investment income.
“The recession is likely to place pressure
on all these revenue sources as household
incomes and Commonwealth and state tax
receipts fall,” Mr Harvey-Beavis said.
Most councils have given great
consideration of rates affordability in
preparing their 2009/10 budgets.
“You could expect an increased level
of non-payment of rates,” Mr HarveyBeavis said.
“This is more of a cash flow issue
but will not really prevent councils
from continuing to offer the same level
of service.
“More of a concern, is local government’s
quest to be fair and responsible and give
due diligence to what its tax is doing and
how it can mitigate negativity against it.
How councils determine who is struggling
to pay are among some of the issues that
will need to be worked through.”
The low rate increase shown across
Victorian councils in 2009/10 is indication
that local government is considering the
Victorian councils have received $213 million in Federal funding for new and existing community
infrastructure projects to help keep the economy moving.
community and stimulating the economy
rather than focusing on revenue raising.
Manningham is one of many councils
that prepared its 2009/10 annual budget
with the social impacts of an economy
in recession in mind.
Despite a $1.56 million drop in council
revenue through reduced interest earnings
and a decrease in trading activities, blamed
on the economic crisis, Manningham
restricted its rate rise to 3.5 percent and
introduced a number of initiatives to
support the community that could be
facing financial hardship.
The lowest rate rise in the municipality
in 10 years, and 1.3 percent lower than
ARE YOU A LOCAL GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYER OF CHOICE?
forecasted, means council will need to work
within constrained financial parameters
and draw on its cash reserves during the
economic down-turn.
A one-off allocation of $300,000 has
formed a Community Assistance Fund.
Initiatives under this fund include a $50
discount on property rates for people
holding a low income health care card,
additional assistance to welfare agencies
and community groups, increased
financial hardship provisions, reduced
prices on a number of facilities and
services for residents in financial hardship
and no increase in Home and Community
Care fees. n
T
R
A
I
N
I
N
G
Invest in the development of your staff.
Training and development helps councils to attract and retain good talent
and encourages increased performance from all employees, which is vital
for a strong employer brand.
Drake Training specialises in tapping into the latent potential within your
people to improve productivity and performance across your organisation.
From the desktop to the field, from the executive team to the front line,
Drake Training helps to develop the skills, qualities and competencies that
form the foundations of excellent business practice and lead to improved
client service, performance and motivated employees.
Our service offering includes:
·
·
·
·
Desktop
Professional Development
Customer Service
Accredited Training
· Business Process Improvement
- Six Sigma
- LEAN
· OH & S
Contact us:
Ph. 1300 362 262 l Fax. 1300 367 536
dt@au.drakeintl.com l www.draketraining.com.au
Drake is a member of the Strategic Purchasing panel,
providing Employment & Training services to Local Government.
July 2009
11
Casey signs
30 year deal
with Demons
C
asey City Council has unveiled plans for an extraordinary
community partnership program with Melbourne
Football Club in exchange for significant capital
expenditure at Casey Fields that will see the venue become home
to the AFL’s oldest club.
After months of negotiations, Mayor Geoff Ablett said sealing
the agreement between the council, Melbourne Football Club
and VFL team Casey Scorpions was fantastic news for the entire
Casey community.
“The partnership will provide many significant long-term
benefits for the Casey community including a commitment by
Melbourne Football Club to deliver a comprehensive community
partnership program for the next 30 years,” he said.
The community partnership program is valued at more than
$630,000 per year and includes 12 program areas that each comes
with key performance indicators.
The program areas cover exposure for Casey, community
linkages with sporting clubs and schools, and youth programs
focused on non-sport activities such as music and literacy.
Each area has been significantly enhanced to include community
participation above and beyond what is expected of all clubs by the AFL.
Cr Ablett said the community partnership was a key benefit of the
agreement and is one of the most intensive of any AFL club.
“Melbourne Football Club will undertake a number of activities
at local schools, businesses and junior and senior football clubs,”
he said.
“The Club’s presence in Casey will not only provide a
boost to local football clubs through the presence of elite
footballers who will act as community role models, but
the broader Casey community will also benefit from the
identification with an elite AFL club, thereby building increased
community pride.”
As part of the agreement the VFL pavilion at Casey Fields
will undergo a $2.1 million extension funded by council
($1.25 million), Melbourne Football Club ($150,000), the
AFL ($175,000) and the State Government ($525,000) which
will include an additional covered spectator area. Melbourne
Football Club’s summer training operations, and training once
a week during the football season, will be based at the pavilion
for 30 years.
Other immediate benefits include enhanced match day facilities
for sports clubs using the VFL complex at Casey Fields including:
12
July 2009
(L-R) Melbourne FC President Jim Stynes and Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett
announce a community participation program between club and council
valued at $630,000 per year.
Casey City Council’s community
participation program with Melbourne
Football Club is built on 12 key areas:
>> Permanent presence
· 152 training sessions in-season and 32 pre-season
training sessions
>> Welcome to Casey
· MFC introduction pack to all new residents
>> Training and playing
· Activities during the premiership season including open
training sessions held at 4pm.
>> Summer camp
· Activities in the off season including a Christmas Family
Day event
>> Business ambassadorship
· Business to business program including meetings
in the CBD
>> Commitment to schools
· Appearances by MFC players beyond existing
arrangements through the AFL
Casey Fields has become home for Melbourne FC, which will now train
at the facility regularly. © GSP Images
>> Coach to coaches
· Seminars and workshops for local sporting coaches held
by MFC players and staff
>> A substantial upgrade to the VFL facility at Casey Fields
>> Access for non VFL clubs to larger change rooms and other
enhanced match day facilities
>> Administration space for the Casey Scorpions
>> Office space for the continuing MFC community
partnership staff
>> AFL players as community role models and inspiration
for young footballers
>> Reinforcement of Casey Fields as the elite Australian Rules
venue in south-east Melbourne
Melbourne Football Club President Jim Stynes confirmed
the strength of the affiliation.
“Casey Fields provides the world class training venue that we
have been looking for – but it’s not just the training ground,”
he said.
“What we have achieved to date is just the beginning.
We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with
the City of Casey, and we plan to make a real and meaningful
contribution to this great community.”
The agreement is effective immediately and the community
participation program has commenced. n
July 2009
>> Demons Cup and curtain raiser
· Competition to be held between local clubs with the final
played at the MCG on Council’s naming rights day
>> Local Police and Community Services training day
· Initiative involving council’s Youth Services, Victoria
Police and MFC aimed at preventing juveniles entering
the justice system
>> Local paper
· Weekly editorial in local newspaper written by MFC
player or coach
>> Human Resources
· Employment of MFC Community Development Manager
based within council
>> Annual media launch
· Season launch event to be held at Casey Fields
13
Open Day gives
small town new life
YARRAM IS NOW ON THE MAP, AFTER A WEEKEND-LONG OPEN DAY GAVE
THE SMALL TOWN A BIG BOOST.
S
ituated within Wellington Shire,
along magnificent coastline and
amongst natural rainforests, a twoday event coordinating home opens and
tours of local icons to promote Yarram is
still attracting visitors, moving real estate
and creating business opportunities almost
a year later.
The township suffered a major blow
18 months ago when local employer
Murray Goulburn shut its doors on 40
full time lab workers, which also impacted
heavily on the agriculture industry it was
supplementing.
Following this, a brainstorming session
between Wellington Shire and Regional
Development Victoria to raise the town’s
profile and attract new residents and
businesses to the area put in motion the
idea of an all-of-town event.
Southern Wellington Economic
Development Officer Julie Nethercote
said in preparing for Yarram’s open day
council, in partnership with Regional
Development Victoria, pictured what
the weekend would look like and
worked backwards.
“This is an area that was unknown and
untapped but was only a two hour drive
from Melbourne,” she said.
“We thought it would be good for people to
know that Yarram exists and when they came
to visit the doors were open to businesses,
attractions, services, and facilities.
“To add to the interest we decided to
really make it worthwhile and open as
many of the properties for sale – homes
and businesses.”
Organising the weekend took a two
pronged approach over four months.
“We needed to speak to residents and
businesses to get them on board with
the project and help prepare them,”
Ms Nethercote said.
“While that was happening, the weekend
needed promoting.”
A local contractor designed and built
a dedicated website and year 10 media
students from Yarram Secondary College
Local businesses helped out with
promoting the Yarram Open Day by
taking a lead role in the design of a
postcard.
were paid to produce a DVD, which
subsidised a school camp. The DVD was
loaded onto the Yarram Open Day website
and YouTube and played on the large
outdoor screen at Federation Square during
the Melbourne promotion campaign.
The website included properties for
sale which were linked to an external real
estate site.
By the first weekend of October the
website had received over 9,000 hits.
Promotion in Melbourne included
handing out 500 Yarram showbags at
four major shopping centres. Included
in the bag of goodies were postcards
picturing local retailers holding signs
inviting people to Yarram open day and
directing them to register on the website.
Large display boards were created showing
what was for sale and Yarram’s beautiful
14
natural landscape.
Adverts were placed on radio station
3AW and Leader newspapers but once the
ball was rolling a number of media outlets
ran the editorial side of the story.
Current affairs program Today Tonight
sent a reporter and camera person to
stay overnight at the town and ran a full
segment on its charm while promoting
the open day in the week leading up to
the event. A link between Channel 7 and
Yarram Open Day websites was also created.
“I knew Today Tonight was coming and
put a note out to residents calling for
volunteers to stand in and jump on and
off the bus at different spots the crew was
filming like the beach, rainforest and Port
Albert,” Ms Nethercote said.
The task of promoting the 80 homes,
30 blocks of land and 13 businesses
July 2009
for sale was put in the hands of the
individual owners.
Training on preparing to sell property
was offered including a three hour
presentation from Lifestyle Channel
program Selling Houses Australia
presenter Shaynna Blaze-Vaughan.
An ex resident working in visual
merchandising made-over two local shop
windows to liven up the street and show
other businesses what could be done on
a limited budget.
Clubs and societies organised displays
for the combined town expo, while services
such as the local schools, neighbourhood
house and hospital prepared onsite tours.
“The local football club, Apex, Lions,
churches and hospital were involved in
the weekend as part of the combined town
July 2009
expo or a tour stop,” Ms Nethercote said.
“When the tour stopped at the local
secondary school, our visitors were met by
the principal who showed them around.”
In an effort to make a weekend out
of the event, comedian Dave Hughes was
booked to do a gig at the Regent Theatre
on the Saturday night.
Ms Nethercote said the promotion
had been a major success and visitors
to Wellington Shire continue and phone
calls are still being received for requests
of showbags.
“People have visited Yarram from all over
Australia and there have been calls from as
far as Papua New Guinea,” she said.
About 50 percent of the homes listed
on the Yarram Open Day website have sold
and at least one business has reopened. n
15
The Yarram Open Day will feature
on this year’s Small Towns Summit
program. Julie Nethercote will
present the outcomes of the Yarram
Open Day at the summit to be held
in Maffra on 26-27 August 2009.
Julie Nethercote (left) sits down with the
Today Tonight crew to promote Yarram and its
open day. Photo source: Yarram Standard.
>>feature
Rising to climate
change challenge
DEVELOPING NEW INITIATIVES TO COMBAT THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE IS A
CONTINUOUS PROGRAM OF WORK FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. COUNCILS AROUND
VICTORIA ARE HAVING A HAND IN IMPLEMENTING OR SUPPORTING A RANGE OF
PROGRAMS THAT TACKLE THE ISSUE FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES.
M
ount Alexander Shire and
Moreland City councils are
following detailed action
plans developed specifically for their
municipalities that have set ambitious
targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mount Alexander is taking a triple-action
approach and supporting initiatives at council,
corporate and community levels to reach a
target of 30 percent reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions by the end of next year.
With 18 months remaining on its three
year Greenhouse Action Plan, which sets
its 30 percent emissions reduction target
based on 2000 levels, Mount Alexander
is involved in a number of projects at
varying levels across the region to help
reach this goal.
Leading by example, council systematically
audits the energy use of its own buildings
and is currently assessing new fleet cars,
including the purchase of at least one
electric car.
Mayor Philip Schier said these may
be small initiatives in terms of emissions
savings but council had a role as leader
in the community.
“It is important to take these small
initiatives to set an example for the bigger
projects,” Cr Schier said.
Buying greenpower, particularly for
street lighting, has also become a priority.
“We are confident we can reach our
30% target and exceed this overall if
the greenpower can get sorted out,”
Cr Schier said.
Events run in the shire are also
working towards carbon neutrality. This
year, the shire part funded a local initiative
called Wash Against Waste, a trailer
that allows assembly of a dishwashing
station to reduce the amount of landfill
generated by food caterers and vendors
at outdoor events.
Under its Greenhouse Action Plan,
Mount Alexander set out to align
itself with established climate change
organisations and groups to lessen
the load on council and make more
meaningful inroads into behaviour change.
As a member of the Central Victorian
Greenhouse Alliance, council was chosen
to pilot a behaviour change project in
Castlemaine to deliver 500 residential
Mount Alexander’s Wash Against Waste trailer.
16
July 2009
feature<<
households best practice strategies for
reducing energy use in the home.
Initial data shows the project,
Castlemaine 500 (C500), did achieve a
reduction in energy use and greenhouse
gas emissions in participating households.
“Data collection on previous emissions
can be difficult to verify but we do believe
there has been a reduction based on the
behaviour change of our community
who participated in this pilot project,”
Cr Schier said.
“The C500 project was also successful
in raising community awareness of energy
use and climate change and building
partnerships within the community.”
The work initiated by C500 is continuing
through community volunteers who run
greenhouse emission workshops, make
home visits to undertake household
assessments and train other locals to
become energy experts.
In addition, the strong community-led
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
is working with large energy users under
the Maine’s Power project, one of 10
national schemes being funded by CSIRO’s
Sustainable Communities Initiative.
Maine’s Power is testing a range of
behaviours and technologies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from four major
local employers, including the Mount
Alexander Hospital.
Mayor Cr Philip Schier said while the
30 percent target was ambitious; there
is no road map on how to get there.
“There is no use waiting around for
five years or ten years when even greater
evidence of global warming and its
ramifications are known,” Cr Schier said.
“Rather than waiting for the perfect
model to appear, we committed to early
action and refining our approach based
on our experience.”
Another early starter to combating
climate change was Moreland and Port
Phillip city councils. These councils
have stepped up their efforts to support
local developers integrate environmental
sustainability into planning applications.
They have collaborated on a free online
environmental assessment tool for the
built residential environment covering
energy and peak energy uses, water
consumption, stormwater and materials
with minimum scores for each one of the
categories they need to pass. A second tool,
deals with commercial property.
Moreland’s Acting Manager Sustainable
Continued on page 40
July 2009
17
Planning from
the ground up
B
uilding experience and expertise
from the ground up is proving
successful in attracting and
retaining planning staff at Glen Eira
City Council.
Like many Victorian councils, Glen Eira
was faced with difficulties in recruiting
town planners almost a decade ago, but a
shift in how to approach this challenge is
paying off.
Manager Town Planning Ronald Torres
said after years of spending money on
expensive recruitment ads, which attracted
few applicants with local knowledge,
council started looking at a different entry
point for its future senior planners.
“We moved away from hiring planning
administration staff that were traditional
receptionists and secretaries and started
recruiting people either studying or at least
interested in a planning career,” he said.
Over the last five years, planning
administration staff employed at Glen Eira
have been educated and nurtured towards
careers in local government town planning.
“This new entry point from within
our team has created an incubator type
situation for our future planners, making
us self sufficient when a qualified position
becomes available and we have people
waiting in the wings,” Mr Torres said.
A few years ago, advice from council’s
human resources department also
pointed the senior planners towards
recruiting these administration workers
via traineeships.
Cemil Ali is Glen Eira’s Planning
Support Technical Officer and is just
months off graduating from RMIT with
a planning diploma.
In 2006, Mr Ali was employed as a
baggage handler working at Tullamarine
Airport. He responded to an advertisement
for a traineeship in the planning
department at Glen Eira and has spent the
past three years studying while receiving
valuable on the job training.
“I wanted to learn a skill and work in an
office environment,” he said.
“I had no idea what was involved with
this traineeship but I was determined to
get through the application process.”
Mr Ali began as a Planning Support
Assistant, moved to Planning Support
18
Technical Officer and in his current role
assesses planning applications, attends
to VCAT correspondence and acts in the
Team Leader role when required.
“This is definitely a long term career
path for me and I have no plans of moving
out of local government,” Mr Ali said.
A great advocate for working in local
government, Mr Ali often takes it upon
himself to spruik the benefits of working
in the sector to other young people looking
for career advice and direction.
“This council is just a great environment
to work in,” he said.
“You come to work and learn new
skills that no one can take away and at
Glen Eira there is real growth opportunity
and job security.”
To support this recruitment strategy,
Glen Eira streamlined the entire business
unit to function effectively and efficiently.
“We have a process that fast tracks the
1000 planning applications we receive each
year and we have streamlined our work line
to function effectively,” Mr Torres said.
“Initiatives like these keep our work
at a manageable load and therefore
July 2009
>>
Melbourne councils can now boast the Fair and Flexible
Manningham and
Employer brandmark after being recognised at a state government award
ceremony for initiatives that improve working conditions of its employees.
The two councils were among 16 winners of the first annual Fair and Flexible
Employer Recognition award, an initiative of the Victorian Government and the
Working Families Council.
In response to changing demographics that includes an increasing number
of employees with school aged children, an ageing workforce and a rise in
the number of dual income parents, Manningham has introduced a number
of employee options.
Some of these include phasing back-to-work after leave, reduced working
hours as a transition to retirement, allowing annual leave in single day
increments and bi-annual benchmarking for pay equity to remain competitive
within the sector.
Melbourne City Council has run a comprehensive employee wellbeing program
for 25 years, and trialled a Working Parent Wellbeing program in 2008 aimed
at supporting employees dealing with home stresses such as disturbed sleep.
The awards are designed to recognise employers who have developed
innovative programs in policy and practice that improve their workforce’s
lifestyle balance. n
support this kind of recruitment model
because we have the time and processes
to nurture staff in the early stages of their
planning career.”
While Mr Torres acknowledges council
may wear a little pain with this model,
it is well worth it in the long run.
“We have a philosophy to recruit from
within our team first,” he said.
“So when we are looking for a position
to fill we have already recruited people who
are right for our team, fit within the Glen
Eira culture, know the systems and have
undergone necessary training.”
To instil confidence in the team,
the planning department operates a
transparent model of communication
between management and staff.
“We document clear career path
milestones for all staff and where possible
we adapt to changes in the workforce
like offering flexible work hours and
encouraging a good work/lifestyle
balance,” Mr Torres said.
Glen Eira is constantly promoting itself
as a workplace of choice and Mr Torres
regularly runs courses in town planning,
July 2009
Glen Eira fosters careers in planning by educating and nurturing support staff. (L-R) Manager Town
Planning Ronald Torres and Cemil Ali who started his career as a trainee and will graduate with a
planning diploma this year.
attends career days and works with
universities to maintain exposure of the
council while drawing attention to careers
in town planning.
“We have realised that some people
starting out may not have had the best
introduction to planning as a career due
to high workloads, conflict with some
19
customers and a lack of promotion
opportunities,” Mr Torres said.
“We have tried to address and rectify
these and give as much opportunity
available for our people to get a good
grounding in the sector and in planning
and we are really seeing the results of
our work.” n
368U
278U
Notice the difference ......
173U
278U
325U
&
www.apstax.com.au
173U
www.apsfinplan.com.au
130U
REFLEX BLUE U
325U
www.apsbs.com.au
www.apsbs.com.au
130U
REFLE
X
www.apsbs.com.au
The Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd
Financial services provided by Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd are provided under its AFSL No. 244115
APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Futuro Financial Services Pty Ltd (‘Futuro’)
Financial services provided by APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd are provided under Futuro’s AFSL No. 238478
Working passport
for unemployed
A
collaborative employment program
between businesses, community
and council has earned Hume
national recognition.
Passport to Work is a protégé-mentor
based program, touted unique in the way
it has evolved for unemployed people
aged 18-60 years, to become a successful
collaborative partnership between local
government, community partners and
corporate companies.
The program was first piloted in
2005 based on council’s Broadmeadows
Community Neighbourhood Renewal,
a project for unemployed residents
living in Broadmeadows, and extended
to include participants from the entire
Hume municipality.
The next phase of the project was the
introduction of Job Services Australia
providers within the area, who now
fund the program, and later Hume City
Council began offering its own staff the
opportunity to mentor.
Hume’s Employment and Learning
Coordinator Anita Lijovic said Passport
to Work was a truly collaborative effort
to address unemployment, where council
plays a major role in recruiting local
businesses to act as mentors.
“Passport to Work aims to identify
typical barriers to gaining employment
for people who may be retrenched mature
aged workers, have no recent work history,
are experiencing personal issues or have
recently arrived from outside Australia and
seeking work,” Ms Lijovic said.
“By matching a protégé with a mentor,
we try and break old habits and create
new positive and productive attitudes
for those attempting to break the cycle
of unemployment.”
The first week of the three-month
program is foundation training in
communication and team building and
includes preparing a resume.
After this, protégé and mentor start
work on the practical side of employment.
The protégé meets their mentor at
their worksite for an hour each week to
identify employment barriers and develop
strategies to overcome these.
Ms Lijovic has worked on the last
two Passport to Work programs and has
been a mentor.
July 2009
Hundreds of unemployed people of all ages are gaining work through Hume’s Passport
to Work Program.
Victorian category winners in the 2009 National
Awards for Local Government
Managing Community Assets
Central Goldfields Shire Council – Maryborough Urban Prospects*
Improving Service Delivery through Collaborations
Wodonga City Council – Sort and Save: A Community Recycling Project
Leading Community Greenhouse Actions
Melbourne City Council – Ecocity Melbourne
Towong Shire Council – Pure Towong Energy: Innovation in Triple Bottom Line
Sustainability*
Health and Wellbeing
City of Port Phillip – Health and Wellbeing Program
Strength in Diversity
Hume City Council – Passport to Work
*Small council winner (total number of rate payers less than 15,000)
She said the mentor experience gave her
an insight into the life and circumstances
facing her protégé, who in turn received
valuable skills and contacts that increased
his employment opportunities, self–
confidence and participation in society.
“I have worked with long-term
unemployed people for many years and
it was a challenge for me to see if I could
assist being on this side of the fence,
getting my protégé from point A to point
B, influencing and leading him to get work
while learning about my own leadership
skills,” she said.
“At times I may have experienced some
frustration with my protégé but that just
allowed me time to reflect on how I handle
situations and it enabled me to better read
body language.”
21
Ms Lijovic’s protégé is one of 132 people
employed after receiving a Passport to Work
in the last four years, which has recorded a
65-75 percent success rate per program.
Protégés are coached to improve vital
business, professional, people and cultural
skills required to gain and keep employment.
“Most start in entry level jobs in
customer service or retail - areas where the
skills they have learned easily transfer into
the workforce,” she said.
Hume was a category winner in the 2009
National Awards for Local Government.
Ms Lijovic said the award confirmed
the program was doing what it should
be doing.
“It’s nice to see a protégé become
a role model within their own family,”
she said. n
Gambling with VCGR
Monash’s fight against Matthew Flinders Taverner to increase its number of pokie machines will be a litmus test of State Government regional cap limits.
M
onash City Council’s fight
in front of the Victorian
Commission for Gambling
Regulation (VCRG) opposing an
application by a local tavern to install
more electronic gaming machines will be
a litmus test of the State Government’s
regional caps limit.
Just six days after Matthew Flinders
Taverner was forced to remove 46 gaming
machines from its premises under State
Government laws introduced in December
2007, the proprietor of the Chadstone
based tavern applied for an increase.
On Christmas Eve 2007, council was
informed Matthew Flinders had submitted
an application to VCGR asking for a
further 21 machines to be installed at their
venue, a move that will test the limits set
by the State Government.
Determined to fight this application
and protect its community, Mayor Cr Paul
Klisaris said it was little more than greedy
corporate citizens pushing the boundaries
of State Government law.
“This application laughs in the face
of State Government legislation,” he said.
“One of the intentions of the Victorian
Government regional cap is to protect
July 2009
communities that are most vulnerable
to the harmful effects of gambling.
“This is a test of those laws and we fear
if we lose this it will open up a floodgate
for other venues to make applications and
councils will be left to defend them.”
Monash has a long history of proactive lobbying around gambling and in
2001 Cr Klisaris co-founded the Monash
Responsible Gaming Taskforce.
“We see gambling as a real issue for our
city,” he said.
“Matthew Flinders is in a high need,
difficult, pocket of our city and we know
people go there to find some relief and
in doing so create other problems for
themselves and their families, which is why
we’re here to protect them.”
Council saw the decline of Matthews
Flinders machines from 105 to 46 as a step
in the right direction and was surprised to
see an application to increase this number
less than a week later.
“Matthew Flinders has been
opportunistic in doing a deal with another
venue to take over their pokie machines in
exchange for financial security.
“While we support the other venue’s
need to find alternate ways to survive,
23
we will fight tooth and nail against this
coming from gambling.
“Laws have been put in place to reduce
the number of gaming machines in areas
of high need and this case will test the will
of the State.
In 2008 Monash distributed 70,000
responsible gambling cards to each
household after council data and health
services showed the adverse impact of
gambling on the community.
“In moderation and if done so
responsibly, gambling can be okay,
however, we must take an active
stance against gambling where families
are suffering because of the habit,”
Cr Klisaris said.
While there is some cost to council in
engaging expert representatives to present
to the VRGC, it is worth wearing.
“We are not the only council facing
this problem and if this hearing goes
our way it will set a precedent for other
municipalities; alternatively, if we don’t
and Matthew Flinders wins its case, expect
other venues across Victoria to follow,”
Cr Klisaris said.
The outcome of the VCGR hearing is
expected in August. n
Broadband:
helping small
communities
exist and grow
DELIVERING FULL BROADBAND ACCESS
TO ONE OF NORTHERN VICTORIA’S
MOST CHALLENGING TOPOGRAPHIC
REGIONS IS BEING GIVEN HIGH
PRIORITY BY TOWONG SHIRE TO
ADDRESS ISSUES AROUND POPULATION
DECLINE, ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND
TRAINING SERVICES, BUSINESS VIABILITY
AND TOURISM.
24
July 2009
Residents and visitors of Tallangatta can enjoy full broadband access across most of this beautiful township.
I
and health services, combined with the capacity to attract more
tourists, council set about pursuing an innovative and cost
effective solution to its broadband challenges in two parts.
With no competition for carriers, unlike nearby Albury and
Wodonga, first a business partner had to be secured to install
a backhaul to connect Tallangatta to Albury. A repeater site
powered by wind and solar energy was installed near the town’s
lookout to expand coverage over longer distances.
A wireless mesh was then installed throughout the town to improve
connectivity while keeping expenditure costs down for users.
While high speed broadband has obvious benefits like faster and
more reliable internet for businesses, students and other users,
the mesh keeps the cost down and applications extend to voice
over internet, virtual private networks and security cameras.
Industrial strength access with higher bandwidth has been
provided to key sites in the town such as the hospital, council
offices and depot, and primary and secondary schools.
“One of the great things about this wireless broadband project
is the use of mesh technology that enables a user with a laptop
or PDA to move around the town without losing a connection
compared to a wireless hotspot where you would need to
continually reconnect,” Mr Barry said.
With most cutting edge technology now developed by
manufacturers with minimal impact on the natural landscape
and an ability to be deployed across a range of locations, the
infrastructure does not impose on the valley.
“The main objective from broadband technology is to get
maximum coverage with minimal impact on the landscape and
lowest power consumption,” Mr Barry said.
“Our low powered transmission towers, which are built on
council acquired land, are solar or wind powered which clearly
reduces electricity consumption.”
“The mesh is barely visible with six nodes, each the size of a shoe
box, used to cover the entire town.”
Council is part of the business community enjoying the benefits
of its own initiative.
n the far flung north-east of the state, one of Victoria’s smallest
budget councils is making serious inroads into a plan for
universal broadband access at prices and service levels
equivalent to metropolitan areas.
Their ambition might be as lofty as the mountains that
dominate the landscape, but Towong Shire Council is already
demonstrating that it can deliver high speed wireless broadband
to 95 percent of the picturesque rural township of Tallangatta.
In 2005, the Shire undertook an intensive community
engagement process to identify resident needs for high speed
internet. This process sparked great interest from businesses and
locals, leading to a demonstration project in the Tallangatta valley
– home to 1000 people.
The council is now building a case to expand next generation
communications services for voice, video and data to all of its
small towns, villages and valleys dotted over a vast 6,500 sq kms.
By next year Towong Shire’s dream could start to play out if
a feasibility study, being funded through the MAV’s Broadband
Innovation Fund, delivers the outcomes it expects based on the
acclaimed wireless community broadband demonstration.
This has been a significant achievement for a council facing
the challenges of varying topography, limited resources and
financial constraint.
Manager Economic Development Dave Barry said ultimately
these challenges were overcome by council’s approach to economic
development, based on motivation to find highly innovative
technology solutions.
“We have implemented a range of projects where the use
of technology is at the core of their success,” he said.
“This project has been a key priority of council and is managed
by the development services team led by Aaron Van Egmond.”
Council considered making a business case to the big players
in the telecommunications arena for improved broadband services
to the region but knew its municipality’s topography, among other
reasons, would make any case less than appealing.
Realising the true value that improved internet access would
have on its community as a way of improving business, education
July 2009
Continued on page 39
25
>>feature
Councils put value
on community art
MORE THAN JUST BEING ART FOR
ART’S SAKE, A SERIES OF LESS THAN
TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PROJECTS
IN THREE MUNICIPALITIES HAVE
SHOWN HOW MUSIC, STORYTELLING,
PHOTOGRAPHY AND OTHER CREATIVE
FORMS CAN BE USEFUL IN COMMUNITY
CONSULTATION, ENGAGEMENT AND
CONNECTIVITY.
around greenhouse gas emissions to create Green Expectations.
The three councils partnered with the Cultural Development
Network, an independent agency linking communities, artists and
councils, who played an important role in securing funding from
Australian Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria and the Department
for Planning and Community Development.
Cultural Development Network Director John Smithie said after
identifying their issue, councils had developed some exemplary
projects to engage with the community.
“Individual arts projects were developed under each council’s own
unique theme identified as an issue in their municipality,” he said.
“The starting point was for councils to decide what their big issues
were and then put together a team to work with local artists.”
Each council developed its own in-house team to deliver its
Generations projects and hundreds of local artists across each
municipality, as well as some well known names, have been engaged.
“It is an opportunity for local artists to gain some paid
employment but also, for emerging artists, it’s a chance to be
mentored by some well known names in the arts,” Mr Smithie said.
Geelong, Wangaratta, Latrobe and two participating interstate
councils will present their Generation project outcomes at the
ReGenerating Community: Arts, Community and Governance
conference in September. n
Talking about Generations
Geelong, Wangaratta and Latrobe are all using arts based projects
to tackle the big issues for their communities.
Launched in 2006 these three councils have collaborated
internally and externally to create new models of civic engagement
using the arts.
Geelong called its project Connecting Identities to focus on the
changes its municipality was facing. Wangaratta decided to tackle
its ageing population and Latrobe took an environmental theme
Connecting Identities
Geelong City Council
Geelong spent 12 months developing content and establishing
its internal structures to ensure Connecting Identities had
a foundation that would enable it to continue beyond the life
of the project.
The theme of Connecting Identities was chosen by council
to provide a focus for acknowledging and exploring the
municipality’s diverse landscape, environment and communities,
and the issues affecting them.
Coordinator Cultural Development Duncan Esler said that a
fundamental agenda of Connecting Identities was to open up
opportunities for arts and culture to empower and influence other
departments of Council.
“That first year of planning gave councillors and other
departments the chance to explore the civic engagement
possibilities presented by Connecting Identities and its artistic
process. This engendered great enthusiasm and a strong level of
ownership over the project,” Mr Esler said.
“Many departments recognised the potential to work in with
strands of the project that resonated with the work they were
already doing,” Mr Esler said.
“Other connections developed over a period of time as the
project concept evolved and we had growing momentum that is
continuing now.”
Geelong has created a legacy for its Connecting Identities project
by developing its own unique website which will continue to be
updated with stories and images.
The three part project is based on the connection of residents to
the land, and presenting Indigenous traditions in a contemporary
context, including:
Photo by Bindi Cole
Photo byTravis Easton
Memory Bank – a collection of films and stories about people
living in Geelong and places of local significance. Launched in
July 2008, an installation of film screens and panels with quotes
transformed the National Wool Museum which included a
rendered sculpture of the whole municipality and a collection
of memorabilia frozen in ice.
Mouth to Mountain – A 12 hour relay journey to bring
together people and places. 96 community ambassadors carried
sea water in beautifully crafted story vessels from the beach, and
eventually poured it into an ancient waterhole atop the You Yangs.
Artworks and celebrations highlighted community involvement
and the natural environment on the day.
M2M – Connecting Identities is now planning the third phase
for 2010 entitled M2M. The contemporary songline previewed
during Mouth to Mountain, plus film and photography taken
from the dawn to dusk journey and stories from Memory
Bank will play a central role in this major celebration of
Geelong communities’ embracing change, honouring the past,
acknowledging the present and visioning the future. n
26
July 2009
feature<<
Generations
Wangaratta Rural City
Wangaratta used its Generations
project to address findings that
its ageing population was being
perceived as negative for the
community’s future.
The findings, from a council
study into its population,
prompted council to challenge
these misconceptions by using
non traditional community
engagement methods and
embracing the arts to turn
negativity into a celebration.
Cultural Development Officer
Maz McGann said through the
Generations project, council
wanted to celebrate the past and
talk about the future.
“Culturally people want to tell
stories and need to hear other
people’s stories,” she said.
“We saw this as a way to
The conversation couch is bound to get people talking.
better engage and get to know
the older people in our community who have stories and let
others respond.”
Once the issue was identified, council consulted with
representatives from a diverse network of individuals and groups
to both inform the project and encourage them to become
ambassadors.
“After looking at a number of projects that were around and
where we could complement the work that other organisations
were doing in this area, we came up with a series of initiatives
that have been rolled out over the past two and a half years,”
Ms McGann said.
The Generations project includes:
>> An Imagined Future – two local artists were commissioned
to create postcards and start people thinking about what they
wanted from the future.
>> By Myself – Older Wangaratta residents who chose to
continue living independently rather than in aged care facilities
were photographed and interviewed as a way of celebrating
independence in older people. The result was a street-based
exhibition where the artwork was enlarged and hung in CBD
shop windows.
>> Heritage Idol – This project challenged people’s idea of
ageing by promoting the value of old artefacts such as furniture,
jewellery and cars because of their history. Nominations for the
best old person or object formed a top 10 and the community
voted on its favourite. A story was attached to each and displayed
on storyboards in the library, local newspaper and at the
Wangaratta Show.
>> Telling River Secrets Short Film Festival – A couple
of community based film makers joined a professional film maker
to capture stories from different generations about people’s
relationships with the Ovens and King rivers.
>> The Conversation Couch – A steel framed upholstered
couch has been designed by three artists with Wangaratta
street names, local birds and scenery woven in. The eye catching
piece of furniture is designed to spark conversation. A living
libraries project is planned where the couch will be a place for
older people to sit and tell their stories. n
July 2009
Wangaratta’s Heritage Idol was a unique storytelling initiative of the
Generations projects.
La Trobe City Council
Green Expectations
Latrobe’s Green Expectations project is an interdepartmental joint endeavour between council’s Arts and
the Sustainability and Environment units to deal with the
issue of greenhouse emissions.
This three part project involves collecting community
thoughts and feelings about climate change, using these to
create an arts installation and culminating in a street parade
later this year.
After three years of ground work, the installation,
known as The Grid, will take its place this year. The
central image for The Grid is the Pylon Tree–woven
recycled cables from the electricity grid and decorative
leaves carrying community messages growing out of the
base of a power pylon.
Previous projects include a theatre performance themed
on climate change, a tree planting trailer painted with local
animals who survive on indigenous habitat and a sculptural
representation of a cooling tower and coal mine. n
27
The magic of
bonding with horses
WE’VE HEARD THE EXPRESSION ‘HORSE WHISPERER’ BUT NOW CENTRAL HUME
REGION’S HORSES ARE BECOMING RECOGNISED PEOPLE WHISPERERS.
P
eople working with special needs
kids in and around Mansfield have
witnessed firsthand the therapeutic
possibilities of horses.
Rural Access Project Officer (Central Hume)
Cathy Prior, who is based at Mansfield Shire
Council, jumped on the chance to coordinate
a workshop for service providers and staff
working with young people when she heard
that world renowned equine facilitated
learning expert Franklin Levinson would
be touring Australia.
Ms Prior saw an opportunity for her
Accessible Horse Riding program for young
people with a disability to link in with
Mr Levinson’s teachings about the powers
of horse/human relationships.
“We are very much a horse area and there
has been growing interest in Mansfield
about equine facilitated learning,” she said.
Tayne and horse Freckles start out under Franklin Levinson’s tutelage.
“Through my role at council I wanted to
give staff working with young people an
opportunity to be introduced to Franklin
Levinson’s expertise.”
The workshop booked out three times
over, in the end the numbers were extended
to accommodate 60 service providers
working with young people with mental
or physical disability including volunteers
from the Victorian arm of Riding for the
Disabled and staff from Mansfield Autism
Tayne and Freckles have now formed a strong
Statewide Services.
Tayne and Freckles move quickly to stage two
bond as horse and child break physical
Equine facilitated learning is a clinically
and tackle a jump together.
connection but continue working together.
proven technique for helping with social,
emotional and developmental disabilities
such as autism and ADHD, and mental
disorders and has been described as
“Stage two introduces games and
health issues such as depression. It is
obstacles and once they have got to
therapy–helping improve cognitive
and communication skills, self esteem
based on a horse’s behavioural tendency
know each other the halter and lead
to mirror a person’s body language and
and confidence.
comes off so there is nothing physically
“One of the biggest things is the
mental wellbeing.
tying them together.
“A horse can mirror specific things about
confidence that grows in the children
“In this last stage the horse will stop and
because the horse is doing what they want
the child it is with,” Ms Prior said.
go when the child does because it now sees
“If a child walks, the horse will follow;
them to do. This horse wants to be with
the child as a leader, the child learns how
if the child stops, the horse will stop.”
to use their body language, verbal cues and
them and not because they have to be with
them,” Ms Prior said.
The goal is to develop mutual trust
intention to direct the horse.
between horse and person based on the
“There is just this kind of magic when
“The lessons learnt from the equine
you see the kids work with the horses –
fact that no relationship, animal or human,
experience are then linked to ways of
can flourish without it.
it is very touching.”
interacting within other environments,
“The way Franklin teaches there is no riding
for example in school, home and the
Franklin Levinson will return to
Australia to hold further clinics and
involved, it is all ground work and moves
broader community.”
in three stages. At the start a halter and
workshops from 15 February-15 March
Clinical studies show this learning
2010. Contact Cathy Prior on 0438 875 686
lead are used and the horse generally walks
technique is particularly beneficial for
in a circle around the child,” Ms Prior said.
for more details. n
children with emotional and mental
July 2009
29
Darebin’s
transport future
going places
DAREBIN ATTRIBUTES ALMOST $1 MILLION IN GRANTS
FOR NEW AND UPGRADED INFRASTRUCTURE, AND
RESEARCH STUDIES, IN PART TO THE SUCCESS OF ITS
20 YEAR TRANSPORT STRATEGY.
B
ased on two years extensive
Manager Transport Management and
consultation Going Places – Darebin Planning Daniel Kollmorgen said it was
Transport Strategy 2007-2027
an ambitious move to develop a 20 year
provides a long-term vision for accessible, strategy and some ambitious targets had
sustainable and safer travel in Darebin that
been set.
is shared by the community, Council and
“We have really looked at it as a holistic
the State Government.
piece of work,” he said.
“There are some contentious things like
The strategy is an extension of the
Darebin Integrated Travel Plan, launched
advocating for lower speed limits and
allocating more road space for public
in 2000. A review of this plan in 2006
revealed to council a need to align its
transport which are tough choices, but
municipal strategy with a number of
it is our vision for how Darebin will look
in the future.”
metropolitan and statewide policy
documents including Melbourne 2030, the
Councillors agreed that a larger up
front investment to develop an evolving plan
Metropolitan Transport Plan, Meeting our
that could be implemented over a longer
Transport Challenges, Linking Victoria and
period of time was the best way to tackle a
Growing Victoria Together.
large issue like transport in a municipality
Broader community issues such as
climate change, increased petrol prices,
where every mode of public transport was
available – buses, trams and trains – as well
health and wellbeing, an ageing population
as cars, bicycles and pedestrians.
and increased road congestion were
The plan is described as an integrated
also requiring attention and Darebin
determined it was time for a new strategy.
solution for the Darebin community
of Transport, Department of Planning,
Darebin Mayor Cr Diana Asmar said,
and is testament to how local and State
even the Victoria Police to achieve a
governments can work together.
“Transport has always been an area of
common goal.”
“In developing a strategy of this depth it
concern for our residents, and following
With public transport much in the
was critical to gain support from council
on from the success of our Integrated
hands of State Government, main arterials
and work collaboratively with State
Transport Plan in 2000 we needed a
managed by Vic Roads and local roads
Government departments and agencies,”
new strategy.
the responsibility of councils, local
Mr Kollmorgen said.
“The Darebin Transport Strategy was
government is part of the picture, if not
developed to achieve a long term vision of
“It’s important to engage the State
traditionally a lower order partner.
authorities and get them thinking about
how we want our municipality to look in
“Our role is also to advocate a vision
your municipality.
the future – a sustainable, accessible and
for our community. We asked what was
“If you’ve got your policy right it
socially connected community.”
needed and in doing that we were also
makes it easy to talk to the State about
Since launching its strategy in November
helping the State achieve its goals to
2007, Darebin has attracted nationwide
individual projects.
better manage transport holistically,” Mr
“We don’t see ourselves as an island but
interest in its long term vision and is
Kollmorgen said.
rather part of the jigsaw and we needed
considered a leader and innovator of travel
“We’re the level of government closest to
to work with Vic Roads, the Department
behaviour change.
the people and engaging our community
30
July 2009
“In 2027 Darebin is a community where transport plays a positive role in
connecting residents, visitors and employers so that its social networks are
strong, local and metropolitan opportunities are accessed easily and the
local economy prospers. This is achieved while the people and businesses
of Darebin increasingly live within their means, using natural and human
resources wisely to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts
of travel.”
The Vision
Going Places – Darebin Transport Strategy 2007-2027
on broader transport issues helps us to
positively shape the way Darebin moves
into the future.”
Darebin is now 18 months in to the
20 year strategy to better manage its
transport issues and has already received
significant funding from a number of State
departments to help deliver the projects
identified in the plan.
Council has also been willing to commit
more funds in the transport area, and has
recently approved an ongoing permanent
part time safe travel officer to help ease
the load that ultimately comes with
implementing a long term strategy.
See Going Places – Darebin Transport
Strategy 2007-2027 at www.darebin.vic.gov.au
July 2009
Tram 86 on track for improvements
Tram Route 86 Corridor Improvement is council’s flagship project
stemming from the Darebin Transport Strategy.
Tram 86, Melbourne’s third most popular route with more than 14
million travellers each year, covers a 6.8km corridor through major
activity centres in Westgarth, Northcote and Thornbury.
Council intends to make the tram route a safer, accessible and faster
journey to encourage more people to choose the tram over a singleoccupant car.
The proposed improvements include more space for pedestrians
on platform tram stops, public art, trees, outdoor dining and street
furniture.
Council is currently engaged in community consultation on the plans
to improve tram route 86 and a decision on the final proposal is due
late 2009.
31
NEED TO KNOW MORE...?
Do you know who is excavating around
Council property?
Are your underground assets fully protected?
By becoming a Member of Dial Before You Dig you’ll have access
to information on who is about to excavate within Council boundaries,
what work they will be doing and when they plan to start. Protect
your assets and keep track of excavators.
Visit www.1100.com.au and go to Membership to find out the benefits.
Save Time, Save Money, Protect Life, Protect Community.
KFC
Prahran
Cnr Elizabeth & Chapel Streets, Prahran
Phone: 9826 9220
Proud Supporter of The Police Association Victoria
Monash profile now online
M
onash City Council has
embraced ground breaking
technology to register its
economic footprint online.
A demographic profiling and forecasting
company was commissioned to create
an on-line product designed to make
economic information available to the
wider community.
The business tool, known as economy.id,
sets the context for understanding the
performance of local economies within a
national and regional perspective.
Available through the Business in
Monash link on council’s main website,
economy.id provides a snapshot of how the
municipality’s economy is performing,
identifies major
industries and
calculates their
contribution to
both local and
state economies.
A profile of
the local and
regional labour
force captures
information about
where Monash
residents work and
localities where
people employed in the municipality live.
The detailed profile information allows
users to make decisions about business
opportunities, markets and resources
in Monash.
Mayor Paul Klisaris said economy.id
would ensure the local and wider
communities received relevant
information about Monash’s economic
demographic.
“We’re very pleased to be embracing this
new technology and are delighted that we
were able to work hand in hand to develop
the software,” he said.
“This is a great new way to share
important economic information to assist
in the development of local industries and
to encourage new industry and investment
within the city.”
The economy.id data is compiled from
ABS Census data and other relevant local
economic figures. n
Local Government Technology Solutions Conference
The right decisions for now
I3 - I4 August, 2009. Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Demonstrating the latest thinking and future directions for local government ICT, the 2009 LGTS conference will
address the linkages and solutions provided by technology in the face of changed economic, social and environmental
landscapes confronting councils.
Exploring the theme “The right decisions for now”, a comprehensive program features high profile keynote speakers,
practical workshops, the second annual LG ICT awards and showcases successful council IT programs.
Targeting local government CEOs, executive management, directors, senior managers, chief information officers and
sector IT professionals, this event is not to be missed.
For more information and registration: www.mav.asn.au/lgts
July 2009
33
Regional Victorians tell us that the health, happiness and future of their
kids are their top priorities. That’s why we are bringing the V/Line Life
Training program to regional communities, to talk about the challenges and
opportunities facing young people and their parents today.
To do this we have banded together with our
long-term partner, the Victorian Country Football
League (VCFL) as well as industry experts who
will talk about:
– Illicit Drugs
– Binge Drinking
– Depression
Victoria Police’s ‘Purana Taskforce’, Odyssey House
and Orygen Youth Health present hard hitting,
relevant and engaging information to young people
and their parents, encouraging questions and open
discussion.
The program also offers a ‘life skills’ workshop,
which helps young people identify ‘who’ in their lives
provides support and helps them make positive
TOP
Nathan Thompson at
V/Line Life Training
BOTTOM
V/Line Life Training participants
complete the ‘life skills’ worksheets
choices. It also shows them how to set long-term
goals and reflect on current behaviours and attitudes.
V/Line Life Training is aimed at kids aged between 13
and 18, as well as their parents.
vline.com.au/lifetraining
Former North Melbourne footballer, Nathan
Thompson, has been V/Line’s Life Training
Ambassador since the launch of the program in
2007. His personal account of living with depression
along with stories of negative choices made by
mates growing up in regional Victoria and the
consequences of these decisions resonate with
session audiences.
ABOVE
This year, the program has grown beyond the VCFL’s
Junior Football carnivals and is now open to the
Dr Stefan Gruenert, CEO of Odyssey
House addresses the gathering
whole community. We are travelling across the state
to deliver 12 sessions in 2009.
V/Line Life Training is part of our business because
we are part and parcel of regional communities.
For more information about V/Line
V/Line staff live, work and breath country Victoria
Life Training, venue information and to
every day, so what is important to you is important
register attendance at a session, visit
to us.
vline.com.au/lifetraining.
“If these sessions help one young
person to make positives choices in
their life, then we see the program
as a success.” V/Line CEO, Rob Barnett
Coming Events:
Wed 15 July - Dandenong
Binge Drinking
Wed 22 July - Ballarat
We have started planning for the program in 2010
Binge Drinking
and beyond, so if you feel your community would
Wed 5 Aug - Swan Hill
benefit from a V/Line Life Training session, please
Illicit Drugs
contact the Community Relations team at
V/Line (community.relations@vline.com.au).
Wed 12 Aug - Horsham
Illicit Drugs
Crossing Municipalities
>> across
1. Name of Shepparton’s new CEO (2)
4. Peter Brown’s home was destroyed in this
Victorian region (2)
6. Casey is affiliated with this AFL club
7. Kay Rundle spent six years at this council
8. Monash is fighting for less of these in its
municipality (2)
11. Tim Johnson has been appointed CEO at
this council
14. FECCA will hold its multicultural conference
here
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
>> down
2. Hume is giving unemployed one of these to
work
3. Name of Cultural Development Network’s
arts project
5. Last name of US horse whisperer
9. Focus of MAV’s new campaign
10. Glen Eira has strategy to recruit more of
these workers
12. Radio station that put on Gippsland’s One
Night Stand (2)
13. The Tram 86 route is in focus at this
municipality
15. Tallangatta is in this shire
11
12
13
14
36
15
July 2009
Councils are being urged to join a collaborative local government
employment branding project that could save millions of dollars
across the sector in recruiting and retention costs.
Collaboration needed
for recruiting success
COUNCILS HAVE STARTED EXPRESSING INTEREST IN A NEW COLLABORATIVE
EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN, DESIGNED TO ATTRACT THE BEST
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES AND FILL SKILLS AND LABOUR SHORTAGES.
D
emand for the MAV-led local
government careers campaign
and the necessary financial
investment is currently being assessed,
with strong early support from over 30
councils resulting in pledges exceeding half
a million dollars.
The campaign has been developed as
part of a multi-stage rebranding strategy
to resolve workforce attraction difficulties
by highlighting the challenges, diversity
and professional growth opportunities
available in local government.
Guided by the local government
employment branding committee,
comprising council CEOs, and human
resources and communications managers,
a common positioning strategy for
employment, a joint action plan covering
best practice employment systems and a set
of collective communication activities has
been devised.
The advertising campaign will reposition
local government as a preferred employer,
building on an employment proposition
unique to the sector: ‘For ambitious people
July 2009
with a desire to improve society, local
government offers an environment of
challenge, growth and broad experiences
that can benefit your career.’
Councils are being asked to contribute
practically and financially to a medium
or high impact campaign that requires
a combined media spend of $1.1 million
or $1.6 million, distributed among the
participants.
Media planning includes advertising
outdoor, online, in magazines and
newspapers along with developing
supporting collateral. The difference
between the two levels lies in the inclusion
of TV advertising.
Combined, councils currently spend
around $134.5 million on various
employee attraction and retention
activities.
MAV Marketing Manager Dan Hogan
said considering the current level of
expenditure, and long term difficulties
in attracting in-demand employees, the
required sector investment was modest.
“This new and collaborative approach
37
to improve employee attraction is an
opportunity for the sector to address
this critical issue in a new way, but it
requires the support of all councils,”
he said.
“We are calling for all councils to join the
campaign and provide a united front to
raise the profile of our sector to the best
potential candidates available.”
Councils participating in the Local
Government Employee Branding campaign
will receive:
>> Permission to use campaign material,
copyright free
>> Priority consideration in the
placement of outdoor and local
newspaper advertising
>> Marketing collateral and local area
tools for promotion
>> Access to branded tools for use in local
events (ie banners)
>> Priority inclusion and exposure within
the Local Government Careers website
>> Access to human resource tools
To support the campaign contact Dan
Hogan on 9667 5518. n
Shepparton hosts multicultural conference
G
reater Shepparton City
Council’s strong track record
in multiculturalism has won
it the right to host a biennial conference
that will attract multicultural leaders
nationwide.
Competing with other councils
Australia-wide to host the next
Federation of Ethnic Communities
Council of Australia (FECCA) conference,
Greater Shepparton Councillor Chris
Hazelman said the accolade was
pleasing recognition of the community’s
efforts to provide an environment that
celebrates diversity.
“Hosting the conference highlights
the work that council, in partnership
community that welcomes migrants of all
cultural backgrounds,” he said.
Director of the FECCA Peter van Vliet
said Greater Shepparton was selected to
host the conference based on supporting
multiculturalism, community harmony,
social justice and the rejection of all forms
of discrimination and racism.
“Local government plays an absolutely
crucial role in multicultural issues as
they are at the coal face of communities,”
Multiculturalism will be celebrated in Greater
he
said.
Shepparton when FECCA hosts a national
conference later this year.
The FECCA conference, Strengthening
Multiculturalism and Building Social
Inclusion, will be held on 29-30 October
with many community groups, does in
at the Eastbank Centre, Shepparton. For
providing an environment that celebrates
our diverse population and creates a
further information visit www.fecca.org.au
Waste technologies preparation
A
group of metropolitan councillors
have toured facilities in NSW to
prepare for the introduction of
advanced technologies for treating solid
waste in Melbourne.
Organised by the Metropolitan Waste
Management Group, the technical tour
aimed to assist councils make informed
decisions in considering advanced resource
recovery options.
A number of NSW councils who have
already navigated their way through
processes for procurement of new facilities
gave the visiting councillors tips on
understanding the options, processes,
outputs and potential pitfalls of different
technologies.
Investment in advanced resource recovery
technologies has the potential to significantly
improve Victoria’s environmental footprint.
38
Councillors tour NSW waste treatment facility.
July 2009
Continued from page 25
Mr Barry said the community was better engaged, council
field staff could access records while off-site and a new level
of competitiveness had arrived in Towong Shire.
“We can now deliver more online services knowing that the
community can access them,” he said.
“We have also introduced a level of competitiveness that did not
before exist for our Shire.
“With traditionally less competitiveness in rural areas this project
has introduced a greater level of fairness in relation to costs
of goods and services for council but also for the business and
residential communities.”
Education is another big winner and users in the agricultural
sector are expected to rise.
“Schools have their own virtual private network which students
can access via the internet as if they’re on the school’s network
and the agricultural community is already beginning to see the
benefits of broadband access in the region,” Mr Barry said.
“If we can deploy this network throughout the remainder
of the Shire, we would expect a higher uptake of telemetry
applications within agricultural development projects.”
Since securing funding through the MAV BiF fund, Towong
Shire has appointed consultants to work on network architecture,
financial feasibility and social economic benefits
“This is now underway and progressing well,” Mr Barry said.
“We anticipate conclusion later in the year to enable us to
determine a path forward in terms of the roll out of future wireless
broadband infrastructure in Towong Shire.
“Ultimately, the Shire wants universal broadband access
to 100 percent of the Shire with prices and range of services
equivalent to metropolitan areas.” n
(l-r) Council officers Dave Barry and Aaron Van Egmond look across the
Tallangatta township – their community broadband pride and joy.
The MAV received funding from the Victorian
Government and the Australian Government
under the Clever Networks program to support
broadband enabled projects. For more details
contact Tony Gibbs at tgibbs@mav.asn.au
Colac’s case to get more mobile
Colac Otway Shire Council is helping the Gellibrand and
Kawarren communities provide a business case to Telstra to
improve mobile coverage in Gellibrand.
Gellibrand and Kawarren residents identified the need
for improved mobile phone coverage in Gellibrand when
reviewing their township master plan.
Mayor Brian Crook said the Gellibrand community was
frustrated with the lack of mobile phone coverage in town.
“The town, with its growing reputation as a tourist
destination, is falling behind without mobile phone
coverage, businesses are at a disadvantage and tourists
coming through the region are not getting the service that
they should expect when travelling through an area with
high visitation,” Cr Crook said.
“In addition, the town is located within the Otways, which
presents a high fire risk so improved communications would
be extremely beneficial.”
Council has sent letters to all Gellibrand and Kawarren
residents and ratepayers as well as non-resident ratepayers
to request letters of support for Council’s business case.
Business Development Officer Joel Kimber encouraged
people to sign a form that had been placed in businesses
throughout Gellibrand.
“Telstra needs justification from the local community and
from tourists travelling through the region to demonstrate
the need for their investment,” Mr Kimber said.
Council has asked people to add value to the business case
by signing a form and sending letters of support into the shire.
July 2009
(l-r) A solar panel is inspected while council staff discuss the roll-out
of the community broadband project to the entire Towong Shire.
39
More climate change
initiatives:
>> Western Region councils
Brimbank, Moonee Valley,
Wyndham, Hume, Moorabool and
Melton have joined forces with
a local company to roll out the
Solar Suburbs Program to help
households go solar.
>> Yarra Ranges Shire Council
is becoming a carbon neutral
organisation by purchasing
renewable energy certificates to
offset street lighting and council
building emissions and planting
60,000 trees to offset council fleet
emissions.
>> Boorondara City Council
is planning an Eco Living Centre
to provide practical solutions that
make it easier for communities to
embrace green living in their homes.
>> Mornington Peninsula
Shire Council has held a series
of ‘climate change conversations’
with its community, reaching over
5,000 residents.
>> Stonnington City Council
provides staff with public transport
tickets for offsite meetings to reduce
the environmental impacts of single
driver car trips.
>> Ballarat Rural City Council
has installed new energy efficient
LED traffic lights and restricted
weekend-use of fleet vehicles.
>> Manningham City Council
holds monthly community seminars
to discuss local, national and global
environmental issues.
Continued from page 17
Development Daniel Murphy said this
initiative was intrinsically linked to helping
climate change in the municipality.
“We can do what we can on council
facilities but what is really needed is for
the broader development community,
representing over 99% of new building
projects yearly in Moreland, to really think
about their projects and use these tools
to incorporate sustainability issues at the
start of the planning process,” he said.
The online tool outlines council’s
environmental expectations to architects,
builders and developers during the preapplication process.
Moreland’s experience with integrating
environmental assessments on planning
permit applications has also enabled the
development an internal program that
incorporates environmental performance
into the planning permit approvals
process to achieve better sustainable
outcomes for the long-term benefit of
the wider community.
Mr Murphy said this was a systematic
and effective way all councils could engage
the development community to meet
environmental expectations.
“Moreland is seeking to continue its
leadership role by establishing a betterresourced and formal program that all
councils can access, build their capacity
and demonstrate the key role that local
government has in delivering climate
change objectives,” he said.
“This program streamlines processes
and ensures little to no extra cost for new
developments – yet delivers ongoing long
term savings for residents.
“These are simple tools for councils to
easily and effectively achieve meaningful
outcomes that engage their community
and promote the role of local government
in tackling climate change and minimising
resourse use.”
Also taking an active community
40
engagement approach to tackling climate
change, Mornington Peninsula Shire has
spent the past two years examining the
potential impacts of climate change on its
region, which have been communicated
extensively to its residents.
In mid-2008 a study was released that
identified the likely impacts of climate
change on the built environment over
the next 60 years and local adaptation
responses to those impacts.
With this new information in
hand, council set itself a challenge to
communicate this with the community
over six weeks.
A booklet was developed, summarising
outcomes from the study and highlighting
work council was doing in response to
the potential identified impacts. This
was distributed to households and at
community engagement sessions coordinated across the Peninsula.
These sessions, called Climate Change
Conversations, reported on the latest
scientific research and provided a
forum for the community to air their
environmental concerns.
Mayor Anne Shaw said the Climate
Change Conversations were a remarkable
success with more than 3,000 people
attending 12 sessions.
“Each session was tailored to address
the issues and needs of each particular
township and attracted 150–350 people
at each meeting, displaying the passion
our residents have about where they live,”
she said.
Survey forms were collected at each
session, to obtain a better understanding
of the community’s views on climate
change and how council and other levels
of government could assist.
To keep the conversations alive, council
introduced a bi-monthly newsletter and
established an e-mail network to inform
residents about upcoming projects and
initiatives related to climate change. n
July 2009
inbrief<<
In Brief
The group will draw on its broad skills base to develop council’s
Environmental Sustainability Strategy, due at the end of this year.
“Beyond that, we hope the group will continue to advise
council on any environmental issues that may be referred to them,”
Ms Marriott said. n
>> Mansfield Shire has introduced Green Globe/EC3, which
will allow council to measure, monitor and improve the way water,
natural resources and energy is used in the municipality.
The internationally recognised certification program is expected
to further enhance the solid economic base of the shire.
“The environmental impact of introducing Green Globe/
EC3 is likely to be significant in improving the sustainability
of how we act as a community and conduct businesses,”
said Cr Jeff Whyte. n
>> Maribyrnong City Council led a six week program for
Students at Moyne Primary School are learning about Indigenous
rituals.
students and parents affected by a merger of three schools that
used art as a mechanism for sharing feelings.
Art JAM for Kids, a six week after-school art and craft program
explored the impact the merger had on students in an effort to
change the way they view their new school situation.
Mayor Michael Clarke said these classes were aimed at getting
students to explore how the merger affected them and how it
impacted on others.
“Art JAM for Kids will help to build and cement new
relationships and a sense of community at the newly merged
Braybrook Primary School,” he said.
Art JAM for Kids is one of six council programs conducted
out of local schools to encourage interaction and help increase
civic pride. n
Indigenous workshops
for Moyne students
Moyne Shire has funded a series of workshops for local primary
school students to learn Indigenous rituals, language and stories
of south-west Victoria.
The Peetyawan Weeyn – Rekindle the Fire workshops were run
over a few months by traditional owner of the Kilcarer Gundij
Gilgar Gundij people Kellie Frankland and Dan Joseph who is
Warrengu Yidindji.
Ms Frankland said teaching her culture to school children was
really important to her and Mr Joseph.
“It gives us the chance to make a difference by making the kids
aware of our language, our rituals and where we have come from,”
she said.
“We do this by getting them involved in the workshop and
hopefully we give them a real experience of Indigenous Australia.
Sharing our traditions is what inspires us as artists.” n
>> City of Greater Bendigo has been successful in a bid to host
four major basketball events projected to boost the local economy
by more than a million dollars.
The tournaments, to be held at the Bendigo Stadium in
February and April next year, include the Country Victorian U18 &
U20 Junior State Basketball Championship, the Country Victorian
U16 Junior State Basketball, Country Victorian Gold Star Classic
U14 Junior Championship and the Country Victorian Future Stars
U12 Junior Championship.
City of Greater Bendigo Marketing and Major Events Manager
Leanne Rosewall said the council and Bendigo Stadium jointly
submitted a tender to the Basketball Victoria Country Council
to host the tournaments next year.
“This is the first time all of these events have been tendered
and we are excited to have been successful in winning them,”
she said.
“In 2009 the Bendigo Junior Classic attracted 2,800 basketballers
and this injected an estimated $1.1 million dollars into the local
economy and we believe it’s reasonable to expect similar numbers
for the January 2010 tournament.” n
>> Ararat Rural City is getting some expert help from a
group of passionate and knowledgeable volunteers tasked with
developing a more sustainable future for the region.
The group of 12 comprises the recently formed Environmental
Sustainability Advisory Group, which is working with council to
develop a long-term strategy for the region.
Ararat’s Sustainability Officer Jane Marriott is facilitating the
project and said the group had identified key issues and were
developing actions to address them.
“The group has already drafted strategies around developing
sustainable transport systems and healthy, productive land and
waterways,” Ms Marriott said.
“Developing sustainable communities, reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and renewable energy are on the agenda for
future meetings.”
July 2009
41
>>events
Councils treat locals
to a One Night Stand
Gippsland played host to a 12,000 strong crowd at the Triple J One Night Stand in May.
THE RAIN CAME DOWN HARD AND THE AIR HAD A FROSTY BITE, BUT IT WOULD
TAKE MORE THAN THE WEATHER TO DAMPEN THE SPIRITS OF 12,000 PEOPLE WHO
FLOCKED TO GIPPSLAND FOR THE TRIPLE J ONE NIGHT STAND IN MAY.
B
aw Baw, Latrobe and Wellington councils joined forces with
Reporters and hosts from Triple J interviewed a number of
young people, which were posted on Triple J’s One Night Stand
website along with photos. People were also invited to blog their
experience at the event and reactions to the interviews.
Federal Minister Youth and Sport Kate Ellis headed down for
the One Night Stand, facilitating a youth forum before the concert
event and later showed a lighter side to her personality, discussing
Mexican pies on air with the Triple J crew.
Wellington Shire Youth Council collected gold coin donations,
with proceeds going towards improving access to information and
services for young people at council’s Youth Space facility, which
offers a place for young people to spend time and interact.
One Night Stand is part of Triple J’s Unearthed project to find
unknown talent in Australia. Before the concert, Wonthaggi band
And Burn was named winner of a competition to play on stage at
the One Night Stand concert.
With big named bands like Eskimo Joe, Hilltop Hoods and
Butterfly Effect included in the seven hour line-up, Wellington
Mayor Darren McCubbin is probably right when he said the event
showed Australia that a “small town can do big things.” n
popular youth radio station Triple J to put on the region’s
first One Night Stand event at the Sale Football Oval.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Ruth McGowan said it brought welcome
relief to people living in and around Gippsland, many of whom
were affected by the devastating February bushfires.
“We have done it tough in Gippsland in recent times and it’s
great to see an event like this available to our young people,”
she said.
The three councils worked together to coordinate the event and
were responsible for managing and providing security, transport,
food and medical services.
“It has been a great partnership for Baw Baw Shire Council to
work with Wellington Shire and Latrobe City, along with V-Line,
the Council Transport Connections projects and other partners to
support Triple J in this initiative,” Cr McGowan said.
The event was also the catalyst for young people living in the
region to share their recent experiences, their hopes and dreams
for the future and showcase the raw beauty that exists within the
people and landscape of Gippsland.
42
July 2009
events<<
Over the fence
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON THE WEEKEND? PLANNING A WEEKEND
OUT OF TOWN? OR DO YOU JUST WANT A STICKY BEAK AT EVENTS BEING RUN
OR SUPPORTED BY OTHER COUNCILS? CHECK OUT THE MUNICIPALITY CALENDAR
OF MAJOR COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS.
>> Melbourne International Film Festival
>> Creswick Forestry Fiesta
Date
24 July-9 August
Various cinemas in Melbourne’s CBD
Description The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
is an iconic event, screening films from over 50
countries during a 17 day program at four venues in
Melbourne’s CBD. MIFF enjoys annual admissions
of more than 185,000, making it one of Melbourne’s
significant public events.
Date
Venue
Venue
Need more? www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au
Need more? www.creswickforestryfiesta.com
>> The Melbourne Writers’ Festival
>> 156th Warrnambool Agricultural Society Show
21-30 August
Venue
Federation Square
Description Some of the country’s finest writers, as well as critics,
will come together for the 23rd annual Melbourne
Writers Festival this winter. New to this year’s festival
is a craft market, Craft Hatch@MWF– Where Stories
Meet Craft, dedicated to text, paper and story.
Date
25 October
Old Market Square, Midland Highway, Creswick
Description Dress up in the spirit of Fairytales of the Forest and
join in the fun of the 14th annual Creswick Forestry
Fiesta. This free event includes a grand parade, live
music, stalls, car display, criterium cycle race, fun run
and flower show. With a bit of effort you could walk
away with a cash prize for the best costume.
30 October-1 November
Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-10pm, Sunday
9am-5pm
Venue
Warrnambool Showgrounds, Koroit Street,
Warrnambool
Description This three day annual event includes all the fun
of a genuine country show. Enjoy horse and
showjumping events, shearing championships,
animal nursery, games, rides and showbags.
Need more? Call Wayne Smith on 03 5562 4644
Date
Need more? www.mwf.com.au
>> Ballarat Wine and Food Expo
13 September
10am-4pm
Venue
Ballarat Showgrounds, Creswick Rd, Ballarat
Description For the cost of a gold coin you can experience the
wonderful flavours of Ballarat and central Victoria at
the Ballarat Wine and Food Expo. Sample local sweets,
baked goods, oils, fine wines, chutneys and sauces and
wander through the many exhibits.
Need more? Call Belinda Glass on 0409 533 242
Date
>> Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens
31 October-8 November
Various gardens in Maldon and Castlemaine
Description Spring is a time for celebration in Mount Alexander
and is marked with the opening of many beautiful
properties ranging from large town gardens to small
cottages for the public to enjoy.
Date
Venue
Need more? www.festivalofgardens.org
>> Australian Junior Motocross Championships 2009
>> Glen Waverley Food, Wine & Music Festival
26 September-3 October
10am-4pm
Venue
Maffra Sale Motocross Facility, Newry
Description This year Gippsland plays host to the annual
Australian Junior Motocross Championships, tipped
to attract more than 600 competing riders from
Australia and New Zealand. During the week long
competition, 3,000 spectators are expected to visit
the Newry complex to see local riders from Heyfield,
Glengarry, Lakes Entrance and Valencia Creek take
on some tough competition.
Need more? Call Karen Morris on 03 5127 6365 weekdays between
10am-2pm.
Date
15 November
10am to 8pm
Venue
Glen Waverley Activity Centre
Description Dine, drink and dance in the streets at the inaugural
Glen Waverley Food, Wine & Music Festival to
celebrate the best that local traders have to offer.
Need more? Call Catherine Franklin on 0418 535 254
Date
July 2009
43
>>staffmovements
Phil Pearce
Tim Johnson
>> Chief Executive Officer
>> Chief Executive Officer
Greater Shepparton City Council
Wellington Shire Council
Tim Johnson is clearing out his
Phil Pearce has commenced
desk at Latrobe City Council
and crossing the border to take
up the chief executive position
at Wellington Shire Council at
the end of August.
After six years at Latrobe
working in a number of
corporate managerial roles,
most recently General Manager
Governance, Mr Johnson
is looking forward to his next career move.
“Experiencing a number of roles at Latrobe City put me
in a sound position to apply for the CEO role,” he said.
The former Manager of Parks Victoria and YMCA said this
new role had been in his sights for a while and was expecting
a challenging road ahead.
“A chief executive post has certainly been something I have
worked towards for a period time,” he said.
“Some community challenges I expect will be to continue
growing the population, which is an issue facing most regional
councils, and ensuring that Wellington is well positioned to take
up some of the economic opportunities that are presenting in the
region at the moment.
“Organisational opportunities are initially around meeting
everyone and understanding the strategic direction of councillors
and officers and ensuring we position council in that direction.”
Mr Johnson will remain living in Sale, where he was born and
educated and now lives with his wife and three children. n
in the CEO role at Greater
Shepparton.
The move comes after a six
year stint at the Mildura Rural
City Council where he was
the driving force behind some
major projects including an $85
million marina and residential
development.
After serving 20 years in the
Australian Army, Mr Pearce started his career in local government
at the Shire of Ararat in 1997.
The appointment to Greater Shepparton is Mr Pearce’s third
CEO position, having also filled the top administrative role at
Campaspe Shire from 2000-2003.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Dobson said Mr Pearce’s
appointment was made based on his strengths in community
engagement, public consultation, strategic planning and intergovernment liaison.
“He shows terrific leadership and is a real people person who
has excellent skills to cover the broad areas of local government,”
he said.
Arriving at Greater Shepparton, Mr Pearce said he was
looking forward to working with the council.
“Greater Shepparton is a progressive and dynamic city and
an exciting place to be involved in right now,” he said. n
Kay Rundle
>> Chief Executive Officer
Port Phillip City Council
After a 10 year absence,
In both chief executive roles, she has been acknowledged for
achieving outstanding results in areas such as staff morale,
financial management and relationships with the local community
and with government.
Ms Rundle said St Kilda was her first home after leaving her
parents and she was enjoying experiencing the diversity and vitality
the Port Philip municipality offers once more.
“I feel very privileged to have been appointed CEO at Port Phillip
and I am really keen to work closely with the councillors as they
connect with their community,” she said.
“I also recognise the challenges of combining Port Phillip’s
magnetism in attracting visitors with the needs of the residents of
the municipality and look forward to addressing these issues.” n
Kay Rundle has returned home
to Port Phillip City Council,
where her local government
career began.
In 1999 Ms Rundle left her
job managing Port Phillip’s
competitive tendering process
to take on the role of chief
executive at Maribyrnong City
Council. After four years Ms
Rundle moved to Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, where she
spent six years in council’s top job.
4
July 2009
Warren Roberts
Rob Small
>> Chief Executive Officer
>> Chief Executive Officer
Stonnington City Council
Colac Otway Shire
Highly regarded engineer and
long standing Stonnington
employee Warren Roberts has
been appointed chief executive
officer at the council where he
has spent 14 years in various
senior roles.
Mr Roberts was recruited
to Stonnington from the City
of Whitehorse in 1995 and
most recently held the title of
Stonnington’s General Manager Infrastructure and Environment.
It was his knowledge of, and commitment to, the organisation that
set him apart from other candidates.
“I am looking forward to using my passion and enthusiasm for
this great city to maintain Stonnington’s position at the pinnacle
of local government in this country,” Mr Roberts said.
Among his achievements Mr Roberts has sourced significant
funding for major projects in Stonnington and has developed and
managed a range of projects and services.
A civil engineer with a Graduate Diploma of Business
Administration, Mr Roberts was recognised by Engineers Australia
in 2005 as one of Australia’s 100 most influential engineers and
in 2007 he received the Municipal Engineering Foundation Award
for Excellence. n
Former Colac Otway Shire
Chief Executive Rob Small has
returned to council’s top post.
Mr Small led the shire for
16 months in 2003-2004. He
was re-appointed based on his
experience and passion for both
the job and the region.
With three decades of local
government experience, Mr
Small also has a distinguished
career in international organisations. He was a director and
judge of the world’s most liveable cities for a decade, and served
as the World President of the International Federation of Parks
and Recreation.
He left the shire for the CEO role at horticultural giant
Fleming’s Nurseries and later acted in the CEO role of Parks
Forum. The last three years has been spent in private consultancy.
Mr Small said he was delighted to be returning to Colac Otway
Shire, which he believes has incredible natural assets and a
community spirit unlike any he has encountered.
“These are powerful attributes to drive a prosperous future
for our communities,” he said.
“I have a sense of unfinished business in this district and believe
with sound political and professional leadership that this shire can
be one of the most liveable places in Victoria.” n
Where are they now?
Marilyn Duncan
Former CEO Brimbank
Marilyn Duncan has traded the intense workload that comes
with running a council for books, movies and walking her
favourite greyhound - all managed around 2-3 days working
in private consulting.
Ms Duncan retired from Brimbank City Council in 2007 after
13 years, 10 of which were served in the role of chief executive.
In 1995, while working for the State Government, Ms Duncan
was approached by a number of (then) commissioners who urged
the highly reputed senior manager to join council following the
amalgamation of Sunshine and Keilor municipalities.
She put her name forward and started a career in local
government as Brimbank’s Director Planning and Statutory
Services. Just three years later, she took over the reins of chief
executive from the MAV’s current boss Rob Spence.
Ms Duncan said that while council provided a lot of variety, her
issues management and strategic planning business is also wideranging, with the benefit of working when and where she wants.
“I am enjoying working with the State, local government, a
few different agencies and in the private sector and now I get the
chance to work this around reading, being a gym junkie, and
seeing movies and exhibitions when fewer people are around,”
she said.
Ms Duncan described working in local government as a fantastic
experience and called on the sector to continue its work around
changing people’s perception of working in local government.
“It would be great to get more of the success stories about
what really happens and is achieved inside council out into the
mainstream,” she said. n
>>photos
Cr Geoff Dobson, Greater Shepparton
City Council.
Councillor Fundamentals
Thursday 5 March,
Hobsons Bay Civic Centre
Cr Geraldine Brooks (Brimbank) and Cr Marion Martin (Brimbank).
Cr Henry McLaughlin, Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Cr David Mitchell (Queenscliffe) and Cr Stuart Miller (Brimbank).
Cr Robert Vance (Pyrenees) and Cr Gwenda
Allgood (Ararat).
Maximising the Mayoralty
Networking Dinner
Wednesday 25 March,
Angliss Restaurant
Cr David Cooper (Knox), Cr Lisa Price (Latrobe) and Cr Mark Byatt (Wodonga).
Cr Lisa Price (Latrobe), Cr Scott Rossetti (Wellington), Cr Arthur
Athanasopoulos (Kingston) and Cr Greg Cruickshank (Swan Hill).
Cr Arthur Athanasopoulos (Kingston), Cr Lambros Tapinos (Moreland)
and Cr Charles Pick (Manningham).
46
July 2009
photos<<
Cr Michael Clarke (Maribyrnong) and Cr
John Sipek (Moonee Valley).
Presidential Candidates
Forum
Wednesday 25 March,
MAV
Cr Ruth Gstrein (Corangamite) and Cr Jane Rowe (East Gippsland).
Cr Tran Siu (Brimbank City Council).
Cr James Long, Bayside City Council.
Cr Stephen Hart (Colac Otway).
State Council
Wednesday 27 May,
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Cr Ruth McGowan (Baw Baw) and Cr Angela Altair (Hobsons Bay).
Cr Margaret Esakoff (Glen Eira).
July 2009
Cr Mary Fraser (Towong) and Towong Chief Executive Officer Juliana Phelps.
47
>>voxpop
What will be the biggest impact
of the global economic crisis
on your community?
MUNICIPALITY CAUGHT UP WITH VICTORIAN COUNCILLORS TO FIND OUT HOW THE
CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE WAS AFFECTING THEIR COMMUNITIES.
Cr Ruth Gstrein
Cr Peter Gurr
>> Corangamite Shire Council
>> Maroondah City Council
Because 34 percent of Corangamite Shire’s
working population is employed by the
agricultural industry, we’ve found that the
drop in milk prices and its repercussions
on businesses have had the biggest impact
locally. In particular, businesses linked to the agricultural industry
have noted a slower turnover because of reduced spending, and
are struggling.
From a council budget perspective, we
anticipate a reduction of approximately
$1million in investment income. However,
we have been extremely fortunate to
receive a number of Federal Government
infrastructure grants, which will be used to improve aquatic
and sporting facilities for the Maroondah community.
Cr Kathy Majdlik’s
Cr Ros Spence
>> Melton Shire Council
>> Hume City Council
The insecurity of potential, and sadly
inevitable, loss of employment. Physically, the
inability to provide for the basic necessities
will have a direct effect on the quality of
life. The psychological impact it will create
in coping with the pressures of daily life and existence will be
detrimental to the society as a whole. Helplessness and depression
will ultimately increase as many may potentially loose the family
home, unable to meet their mortgage commitments. The demand
for assistance such as welfare will increase, placing greater pressure
on governmental sectors to provide at least the basic needs in life.
Hume City is dominated by the
manufacturing sector. The current economic
climate has created significant pressures for
local businesses and since last year we have
seen 2820 workers lose their jobs in that
sector. Council is continuing to look for ways to strengthen the
local economy by keeping job losses to a minimum and creating
new employment opportunities and the stimulus packages offered
by the State and Federal governments will certainly assist us in
doing that.
Cr Arthur
Athanasopoulos
Cr Darren McCubbin
>> Wellington Shire Council
A lack of confidence whether it be a
fund manager investing in a regional
infrastructure project or mum deciding
not to buy that new washing machine from
the local retailer. Money is made round
and should go around.
>> Mayor Kingston City Council
On our review, the impact of the global
financial crisis will be more than $1million
in our municipality. It is important that
as a council we give support to those
bearing the brunt of the economic downturn; with programs
such as a Social Support for our most vulnerable and to tackle
this global financial crisis by being focused on maintaining
services. The pension rebate and community grants will experience
an increase to $250,000 and $45,000 per annum respectfully.
Cr Anne Shaw
>> Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Council is very aware that people are
concerned about employment, and retirees
are worried about their superannuation.
Mornington Peninsula as a region however,
has fared pretty well considering the
economic crisis. In particular, there has been an increase in tourists
choosing to holiday on the Peninsula rather than heading overseas
or interstate.
48
July 2009