This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by two mayors to break down both sides of the glass bin debate. Mayor of Merri-bek City Council, an early adoptor of the four-bin system, Cr Nat Abboud and Mayor of Manningham City Council, part of the coalition of councils lobbying the state government for an alternative before the 2027 deadline, Cr Jim Grivas, discuss the pros and cons of the scheme.

Tony Raunic, Managing Principal at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss a controversial community decision at Yarra City Council. 

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.

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With the release of the state budget this week, Chris Eddy speaks to Mayor Stefan Koomen from the City of Casey to hear the views of the Outer Melbourne Councils on the pros and cons from the budget for this rapidly growing area.

Mayor of Mildura Rural City Council, Cr Ali Cupper discusses what is happening in the north west of the state, and gives a frank assessment of how the budget has fallen short for regional communities and ways the council are educating their community on the division of responsibility between local and state government.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

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Join us at the RACV City Club for FastTrack 2026: Incivility - A threat to local democracy for this special episode of VLGA Connect. 

Hear from panellists Dr Josh Fergeus, Virginia Haussegger, Anne Wickham, Steve Huff and Liz Gillies about their contributions to this important discussion, as well as attendees about why these conversations are so critical to their role as elected leaders. 

FastTrack 2026 was sponsored by principal sponsor Payble, panellist sponsor Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and networking sponsor, Jenny Scicluna Facilitation and Consulting.

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Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect from London is Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), to discuss a stark new report on the financial state of the UK local government sector.

With a number of UK councils having already declared effective bankruptcy, and more likely to follow, Jonathan reveals the reasons for the crisis and how the sector is responding. The survey reveals a disturbing low level of confidence from within councils about their capacity to stave off serious financial decline in the coming years without significant intervention.

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This week, with Chris Eddy away on a mystery international assignment, regular panellists Julie Reid and Tony Raunic are joined by Steve Cooper to dissect the week’s local government news.

The panel discuss the mooted local government conduct changes, VEC ward boundary reviews, emergency management, vandalism of public art, a contentious planning application and some Scottish push-back against central government interference.

The episode includes an interview with South Gippsland Shire CEO Kerryn Ellis about Kerryn’s experiences in responding to a major emergency, with some telling messages around leadership and culture.

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The TGU panel dissects the week’s local government news, including a tweak to existing use rights in Victorian planning schemes; more meetings disrupted over ceasefire calls; a council clean up initiative rubbished in the media; a councillor’s call for a charge on dog waste bags; and councils on the frontline of recovery efforts after more storms and bushfires.

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VLGA Connect's popular Local Leaders is back for a new season in 2024.
First up this year is the four-term Mayor of Horsham Rural City Council, Cr Robyn Gulline, who shares with Chris Eddy her approach to the role as a first-term councillor, thoughts of dealing with conduct issues across the sector, local challenges and future plans.

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This week on TGU, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the week’s major local government news, which includes the announcement of structural changes for 39 Victorian councils ahead of elections later this year.

Also: monitors start work at Brimbank and finish up at Greater Geelong; conflict in the Middle East continues to impact local council meetings; a major event in Mornington Peninsula relocated, while a city mayor makes a plea to Taylor Swift.

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This week on TGU, Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by guest panellist Kendrea Pope to discuss the week’s big local government stories, including:
The potential return of sacked former councillors
The impact of electoral representation reviews and ward boundary reviews on Victorian councils ahead of this year’s elections
A council leads the way with its new AI policy
New data suggests a weak link between short-stay rentals and housing supply
A UK council planning mistake leads to reputational damage, and
Economic juggernaut Taylor Swift rolling into town and a council’s unique plan to celebrate.

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TGU is back for 2024 with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discussing some of the latest local government developments, including:

Municipal monitors for Moonee Valley; a Darebin councillor suspended for misconduct; a CEO departs the sector for a state government role; a major review of the local government financial model in NSW; and should councils be sponsoring sporting clubs?

Brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and VLGA Connect.

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On the final TGU for the year, the panel brings you the week’s big local government stories including a Council meeting that turned ugly; CEO and Councillor appointments, resignations and a sacking; Christmas goes missing in one municipality, and the return of the age-old debate on Christmas decorations.

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On the agenda this week, the suspension of Strathbogie Shire and the installation of an interim administrator; a councillor facing a four month suspension after a conduct panel ruling; a new executive team announced sending ripples through three councils and a peak body; plus a damning Ombudsman report into public sector politicisation and a government intervention in a Canadian council.

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The TGU team is back to unpack the week’s local government news, including the council position that nobody wants; councillors claim unsafe work environment; council work practices in question; a councillor passes; a CEO appointed and much more.

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This week on VLGA Connect, Marlo Baragwanath, the Victorian Ombudsman, sits down with Chris Eddy to discuss a joint paper, prepared with the IBAC Commissioner and the Auditor-General, titled 'Advancing budget transparency for Victoria’s core integrity agencies’. 

Mayor of Swan Hill, Cr Stuart King, also joins the program to talk about the Murray Basin Plan review, and why it’s such a critical process for communities all along the Murray River.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.

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In a new episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy welcomes the recently appointed Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel for a conversation about his career journey, and the work that is underway preparing for next year's round of local government elections across the state.

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This week on TGU with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid, new conduct reforms announced for Victorian councils; the OHS implications of war-related motions; Councils fail to maintain quorum; a countback fails; and overseas, an increasing number of ‘neutrality motions’ and court rules guns are allowed in Council meetings!

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On the TGU agenda this week - Glenelg monitors revealed; a 30 kph speed limit extension; councils standing up to cost-shifting; the Ombudsman investigates a 7-year building permit saga; the 4-day working week on trial in Victoria and the UK; plus more of the week's local government news with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid.

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On TGU today, the team discusses Merri-bek Council’s controversial resolution on Gaza; tragedy strikes two council communities; monitors start Monday at Glenelg, but who are they?; Strathbogie Council asked to show why it shouldn’t be suspended; a NSW mayor suspended for serious corrupt conduct; should councils operate mobile speed cameras?; and much more on the agenda for your weekly discussion on all things local government with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid.

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Joining Chris Eddy on Local Leaders today is Cr Denise Massoud, a former mayor and deputy mayor at Whitehorse City Council, and the current President of the Victorian Local Governance Association.

Denise talks about her passion for community and a story of frustration that led to her eventually becoming a councillor; how long-term councillors can continue to play an active role in the community; and the responsibility to foster the next generation of local leaders.

Denise also shares her plan for life post-local government, whenever that may be.

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On the TGU menu this week, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic discuss the pending appointment of municipal monitors to Glenelg Shire Council; a Council CEO responds to inaccurate media reporting on the removal of posters relating to the Israel/Gaza conflict; a Supreme Court rejects a former councillor’s appeal against an arbiter’s finding of misconduct; mayoral election results; a new CEO appointed; a unique community campaign about e-scooter behaviour; and much more news from around the world of local government.

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Cr Jennifer Anderson is today's guest on Local Leaders.
Cr Anderson has been mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire five times, and is the current deputy mayor.

She speaks with Chris Eddy about how she manages balancing a busy GP practice with her local government career; how her approach to council leadership has changed over time; and the value her broader sector representation role brings to the local community.

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Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Hadi Saab, the Mayor of Kingston City Council.

Cr Saab is a Druze first-generation Australian born to Lebanese and Syrian parents. He talks to Chris Eddy about his motivations for getting into local government, the progress made this year on significant issues for the Kingston community, and his commitment to improving transparency and community consultation.

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Today's guest on Local Leaders is Dr. Josh Fergeus, the Vice President of the VLGA and a councillor at the City of Monash.

Josh has a background in social work and a doctorate in foster care and mental health, and is  passionate about social justice and the well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children in the child protection system.

He is also the CEO of the charity Kevin Hines Grow, which supports people with disabilities and mental health conditions.

Josh believes in the importance of being open and sincere as a political representative and engaging in genuine conversations with the community.

"In the end, it's about making people's lives better however I can."

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On TGU this week, a call for an overhaul of planning laws in relation to developers; a councillor in court over a fire prevention order; a new homelessness initiative launched in Yarra; IBAC’s new commissioner announced; another councillor resignation; the NT council suspended by the government; deja vu out of New South Wales, and much more local government news.

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Warren Davies, the Unbreakable Farmer. Warren is a farmer, a writer and keynote speaker, and a podcaster, shining a light on capacity building, resilience and recovery in the face of increasing natural disasters and setbacks, especially in the rural Australian context. 

Cr Steve Rabie, Mayor of Mansfield discusses issues affecting his community - from the controversial Emergency Services Volunteer Fund to the state government's planning reforms. Fresh off the recovery efforts from recent bushfires, Mayor Rabie shared his perspectives on what he sees as unfair policies impacting rural Victoria.

Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers gives his insights to two recent arbiter decisions and any lessons which can be learned from the outcomes. 

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

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Support the show

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Jacqui Weatherill is the CEO of Greater Dandenong City Council, is the most multicultural municipality in Australia.

She and her council are passionate about working with diverse and disadvantaged communities.

Jacqui talks to Chris Eddy about her career path leading to her taking up the role at Greater Dandenong in late 2022.

Her local government career began in the 1980s, and for a time Jacqui was the CEO of Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, before returning to the sector as CEO of the City of Stonnington.

Jacqui is focused on addressing the city's financial challenges while making the most of technology and AI.

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Join Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid for TGU, your weekly rundown of local government happenings from VLGA Connect.

Topics for discussion this week include Australian councils reacting to events in the Middle East; the ongoing use of Council prayers; opening briefing sessions to the public; cat curfews; VCAT decisions; sector arrivals and departures; Roundup usage by Melbourne councils; the new Melbourne YIMBY movement; and a move in Malta to allow 16 and 17 year olds to be elected mayor or deputy mayor.

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The Mayor of Melton City Council, Cr Lara Carli, joins Chris Eddy on Local Leaders to discuss the challenges and excitement of managing the fastest growing municipality in Australia.

Cr Carli says the affordability of housing and the presence of hidden gems like wineries and parks are attracting people to Melton in ever increasing numbers. She emphasizes the importance of public transport and employment opportunities in the city.

Mayor Carli discusses the upcoming council elections and the potential for new faces in local representation.

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VLGA Connect - TGU, 6th October 2023
Julie Reid returns to the TGU panel with Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic to look at the week in local government news.

Stories include state government announcements about residential land tax and an extension of an e-scooter trial; a historic joint meeting of three councils in Melbourne’s north; Glen Eira considers closing council-run childcare centres; the council that asked its community if councillors should get a pay rise - the answer probably won’t surprise you; and the rise of abuse of elected members is a global problem.

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Recorded Thursday , 7th September 2023

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As a local government CEO, Carl Cowie keeps a low profile in the sector - preferring to focus his efforts on delivering for "the people who pay me."

VLGA Connect has secured a rare interview with Carl, who made the move from the private sector to local government originally as CEO of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.

He was recently signed up for a second term leading Nillumbik Shire Council, the green wedge shire on Melbourne's outskirts.

Hear Carl's thoughts on the financial sustainability of the sector, how we need to catch up with others on climate change response, and who are the mentors that have inspired his career development along the way.

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VLGA Connect: TGU, 29th September 2023
Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic unpack the latest local government news, including a change of Premier in Victoria and the likely impact on the sector; more reaction to the government’s housing and planning reforms; a new conduct panel decision leading to a three month councillor suspension; a mistake rectified after 12 years; the insurance market impacts on council projects; and the council technology solution dramatically reducing wildlife roadkills.

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Today's guest on VLGA Connect's Local Leaders series is Brett Davis, the CEO of Moyne Shire Council in south west Victoria.

Brett has a background in local government and planning, and his planning experience has helped him in his role as CEO.

Moyne Shire has implemented innovative initiatives, such as key worker housing in caravan parks, to address housing challenges. The shire is also dealing with the impacts of wind farms, with six in operation, four under construction, and four more planned.

Tourism is a significant economic factor for Moyne Shire, particularly in Port Fairy and Koroit.

Brett Davis values the input and support of other CEOs and mentors in the industry. He says, "CEOs are a sharing bunch, I've come to discover!"

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"There's a real awakening, especially amongst young people, about the fact that their world is changing and the circumstances in which they're living really need strong and in some cases, dare I say, radical interventions to ensure that their future and standard of living is not only commensurate with those of those of the people who came before them, but better in some ways."

Mayor Joseph Haweil is currently serving his second term as mayor of Hume City Council.

He is focused during his mayoral term on infrastructure and catering for growth in Hume.

He believes that politics plays a role in local government and that councils should work together with the state government.

Mayor Haweil studied politics and has a passion for public service, and was motivated to become a councillor to have a seat at the table and make decisions.

He is also Deputy President of the MAV, and talks about current issues including the government’s housing and planning reforms, and his criticisms of peak body LGPro and its public position on the standard of councillor behaviour.

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews the Victorian Information Commissioner, Sean Morrison, about the risks and pitfalls of using generative AI from a privacy principles perspective - a relevant conversation for every councillor in particular.

Also, Tony Raunic returns to unpack new ministerial guidelines in place for Councils in Victoria to deal with ratepayers experiencing hardship .

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.

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VLGA Connect - TGU, 22nd September 2023

It was the week the government unveiled its new housing statement and reforms to the Victorian planning system. How has the local government sector responded? 

Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic look at the major changes and reactions so far.

Also this week, waste charges take the media spotlight, new data shows most council-run airports are running at a loss and need more government support, and Julie Reid reports from London on the challenges faced by the UK local government sector.

Some links:
Victoria’s Housing Statement
Good decisions, made faster
Premier Media Statement

MAV response #1
MAV response #2
Regional mayors unhappy
Yarra response
Stonnington response

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Today's guest on Local Leaders with Chris Eddy is the CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Mark Dupe.

Mark has a background in finance and IT, with experience in the private sector before joining local government.

He lived and worked in various locations around the world, including Lisbon, Hong Kong, and the United States, before taking up his first local government tole in 2001.

Mark believes in embracing technology and sees the potential of AI for local government.

He sees the main challenges for Baw Baw Shire Council as managing rapid growth, meeting community expectations, and maintaining financial sustainability.

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On TGU from VLGA Connect this week: The Block pulls out of Hepburn Shire; a new statewide levy short stay accommodation mooted; a council to withdraw fines over a technicality; councils align on regional advocacy and funding programs; a GM’s sacking remains on hold; and do we feed the peacocks?

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Sitting down with Chris Eddy for today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Karen Foster, the mayor of Moyne Shire Council in southwest Victoria.

"There's nothing wrong with being a good and decent person and a kind person. There's nothing wrong with being prepared to listen to other perspectives. It may just shift your own a little bit."

Cr Foster is a first term councillor and first-time Mayor, and has been enjoying the role.

She has a background in journalism and PR, and has a passion for governance.

Karen is also passionate about supporting and mentoring women in business and leadership, and is interested in promoting respectful debate and leadership with kindness and love. 

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Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Rob Amos, the Mayor of Campaspe Shire Council.

"I love what I do. It's very, very busy, particularly this year with the floods recovery stuff.  But I absolutely love it."

Cr Amos is in his first term as a councillor.

He talks about the challenges of learning and adapting to the role, while dealing with challenges such as floods and  the ongoing recovery process. He believes that there needs to be more trust and flexibility in the funding and decision-making processes for local councils.

Cr Amos has a background in emergency management and is focussed on improving the shire's emergency management plan.

He is passionate about serving the community and making a positive impact as a councillor and mayor.

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As part of the VLGA Connect Operation Sandon series, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy are joined by Roberta Ryan, professor of local government at the University of Newcastle.

Prof. Ryan was an expert witness during the Operation Sandon enquiry, and gives her perspective on proposed changes to the planning framework and recommendations to bring more independence to council's management of the CEO employment relationship.

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VLGA Connect, TGU - 8th September 2023
This week on TGU, a regional councillor ordered to apologise for social media activity; the narrative on councils’ role in housing shortages challenged; new research on perceptions of corruption; what keeps CEOs awake at night; and Julie Reid reports from Scotland on current local government issues and challenges.

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Joining Chris Eddy on today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Tammy Radford, mayor of Cardinia Shire, one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria.

"Push yourself. Just because you're feeling nervous and you're not sure about something, don't hide away from it, just push yourself."

The rapid population growth has led to a need for critical infrastructure improvements.

Cr Radford became a councillor through a community leadership program, 
and is a strong advocate for gender equality in local government.

She believes that more needs to be done to address bullying and improve mental health support for councillors.

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Today's Local Leaders guest is Kerryn Ellis, CEO of South Gippsland Shire Council, which was under administration for over two years before returning to elected representation in October 2021.

Kerryn tells Chris Eddy about the transition from administration to elected representation that required extensive induction and transition processes for the new councillor group.

The organisation faced challenges during the transition, including staff experiencing inappropriate behavior and tension in the community.

Kerryn highly valued the trusted advisors and a supportive network that helped her to navigate the challenges and lead the organisation through the transition.

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To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

On this week’s episode of TGU with Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic, catch up on recent sector developments, including: a councillor pleads guilty to misuse of position and is spared conviction; Hume City Council withdraws an appeal against a VCAT ruling on councillor conduct; Moonee Valley councillors caught up in an IBAC investigation; sunlight wins in a precedent setting VCAT decision; and a council withdraws its membership of a peak local government professional body.

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

VLGA Connect is back for 2026! 

VLGA President Dr Josh Fergeus and CEO Kathryn Arndt join host Chris Eddy to give a sneak peek into the VLGA’s premier leadership conference - FastTrack - focusing on the topic of Incivility.

The mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council, Cr Toby Heydon, drops by to explain why he’s dancing up a storm on social media!

Also returning for 2026 is Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Managing Principal Tony Raunic to give his take on a ground-breaking new employee agreement in Tasmania that may have implications for the entire local government sector.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.

FastTrack: Incivility: A Threat to Local Democracy

https://www.vlga.org.au/%2Fcivicrm%2Fevent%2Finfo%3Fid%3D557%26reset%3D1

Mayor Toby Heydon’s dance video on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DJMb26ACn/

City of Launceson 4 day week enterprise agreement:

https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/News-Media/City-of-Launceston-and-ASU-reach-agreement-in-principle-on-landmark-Enterprise-Agreement

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

Joining Chris Eddy on today's episode of Local Leaders is Lucy Roffey, the CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council.

"Local government gives you so much experience in such a broad range of things."

Lucy Roffey has a unique background, having worked in the film industry and running a luxury day spa in Canada before transitioning to local government. 

Lucy emphasises the importance of supporting the mayor and councillors as the face of the council. 

Her legacy goal is to ensure the Central Goldfields community has access go first class facilities, as well as improved rail services. 

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

Today's guest on the VLGA Connect Local Leaders series is Bernie O'Sullivan, CEO of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

"I'm loving the local government sector. I've done a full circle... back to where I was ultimately going to be. It's a very privileged position to have."

Bernie has a background in agriculture, public service, and local government, and is focused on planning for sustainable growth and managing housing affordability and diversity in the region.

He believes in the importance of community input and decision-making in local government.

He discusses current challenges including recruitment in a competitive market, the financial sustainability of local government and increasing community expectations.

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week on TGU, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid catch up on local government news, including a Supreme Court decision with relevance for arbiters’ outcomes; the case against Yarra Ranges Shire dismissed; a council’s call for respectful behaviour towards staff; a GM sacked and reinstated within 24 hours; and a potential legal challenge as a council drops the prayer.

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999