VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc

09/10/2026

In this week's episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Nick Reece, about the challenges facing the M9 group of councils as they expect to accommodate up to a million more residents by 2051.

Chris also chats to Simon Harrex (Victorian Local Governance Association) and John Armitage (Qdos) about the launch of the 2026 Victorian Councillor Census, who tell us more about how the census is conducted and what the data is used for.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4A5i6oVokk or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

In this week's episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to the Lo...

08/10/2026

New to the Victorian Councillor Census? Here's some key things for you to know.

Census data helps us inform future policies, projects and support for Councillors and the local government sector.

All 642 councillors in Victoria will have received an email with a unique link to the Census. The link to complete the Census will close on Friday, 30 October at 11.59pm.

If you require any assistance or have trouble locating the email with your unique Census link, please email [email protected].

Your perspective matters. Have your say today.

05/10/2026

All Councillors in Victoria will have received an email with a unique link to the Census.

You have until the end of October to have your say and help shape and influence the future of the sector and inform real and tangible change.

Read more: https://www.vlga.org.au/governance-leadership/local-government/victorian-councillor-census

04/10/2026

In this week's special episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews the new Local Government Minister in Victoria, the Hon Tim Richardson MP.

Together they discuss his approach to the portfolio and what he sees as the sector's priorities in the months ahead, with the November state election fast approaching.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cNxu7CP6N8 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

In this week's special episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy intervie...

02/10/2026

In under 20 minutes you can help influence real and tangible change in the local government sector where it is needed most.

The VLGA Victorian Councillor Census is back for 2026 and this is your chance to have your say.

From October 5 all Councillors in Victoria will be sent an email with their own unique link to the Census. Keep an eye on your inbox and make sure you have your say.

01/10/2026

Our next lunch and learn training session is happening tomorrow and is free to all VLGA members.

This session will help to equip Councillors with information on how to represent the community in planning processes where the Minister has final decision-making authority.

Lead by Kendrea Pope, public sector expert with experience in policy & strategy and governance & reform, together with support from Peter Elliott RPIA, Urban Planner, PHD scholar and sessional member Planning Panels Victoria.

A focus will be on the delineation between the State and local government and the real-world challenges of managing both the short, medium and longer term challenges of development. Our panel experts will discuss examples where the benefits are born by the broader community and not able to be captured locally. Including when decisions occur within a very short timeframe leaving elected representatives scrambling for strategies to manage the community response.

There will also be an opportunity for participants to submit questions.

Date: Friday October 2nd
Time: 12.15pm - 1.15pm
Format: Zoom Webinar

Please note that this session will NOT be recorded. This session is for VLGA members only.

To register please contact: [email protected]

28/09/2026

This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy is joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to unpack two recent Council conduct decisions and the latest on the Stronger Communities Bill which just passed through both Houses of Parliament this week.

Chris also chats with Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Libby Stapleton (GAICD), about the push for a rapid transit link between Geelong and Torquay, and an innovative trial to improve the availability of longer term rental homes in the tourist town of Lorne.

Watch here https://youtu.be/gSK7l_oCavA or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

28/09/2026

Only one week until the launch of the third annual VLGA Victorian Councillor Census.

This is your chance to have your say on the issues impacting the local government sector. All Councillors in Victoria will be emailed the Census from October 5.

24/09/2026

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has a long history of championing local democracy and advocating strongly on behalf of Victorian Councils and Councillors.

That role has been particularly important in recent months, as the local government sector has navigated a range of significant governance and legislative issues.

The situation at Hepburn Shire Council highlighted the importance of getting the legislative framework right. Five of the Council’s seven elected Councillors were automatically stood down after criminal charges were brought against them by a private citizen.

The VLGA immediately called on then Local Government Minister Paul Hamer to take urgent action and subsequently met with Local Government Minister Tim Richardson and Shadow Minister for Local Government Bev McArthur to advocate for legislative change.

The Victorian Parliament has acted with the Local Government Legislation Amendment (Stronger Communities) Bill 2026 having now passed through both Houses this week.

The reforms clarify that a Councillor can only be automatically stood down where criminal proceedings are commenced by, or on behalf of, a law-enforcement agency. The reforms also strengthen aspects of the Councillor conduct and governance framework, including internal dispute resolution and other measures designed to support effective council governance.

These changes are an important step in strengthening the local government system and protecting the integrity of local democracy.

The VLGA acknowledges and thanks everyone who contributed to progressing these reforms to this point – particularly the Victorian Parliament, Ministers and Shadow Ministers, Councils, Councillors and our members who continued to advocate for stronger protections for Councils across the state.

The strength of the local government sector – and our work representing its interests – is made stronger through our partnerships and close collaboration with member Councils.

Together, we can ensure the voice of local government is heard, important issues are addressed and local democracy remains strong.

24/09/2026

Councillor conduct is critical to strong, trusted local government.

Join us tonight and explore how local government across Australia, the UK and Canada are approaching standards and conduct for elected members?

This timely international discussion will examine the conduct and standards frameworks currently operating across the three countries — including common challenges, best-practice approaches and lessons each jurisdiction can learn from each other.

Panellists include Victorian Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath, Chief Executive at the Association of Democratic Services Officers in the UK Charlotte Eisenhart, Director of Governance and Assurance at the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny in the UK, Ian Parry and Canadian author and local government expert Ian McCormack.

Thursday, 24 September
5.30pm–7pm AEST
Global webinar
Free for VLGA members

Presented in partnership with LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) don't miss the opportunity to hear international perspectives on one of the most important issues facing local government: maintaining robust, effective and trusted standards for elected members.

Register now via the VLGA website www.vlga.org.au and join the conversation.