Listen to VLGA Connect for news and interviews relating to the local government sector in Victoria.
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VLGA Podcasts
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Cr Kylie Spears - the inaugural winner of the Mary Rogers Award for women in local government. Our Meet the Board series continues, with a conversation with Cr Jane Karslake from Glen Eira City Council - a recent addition to the VLGA board. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To le…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Maribyrnong Council CEO Celia Haddock joins Chris Eddy to talk about new local laws requiring authorised officers to be trained in the city's homelessness protocol; her challenge to property owners about landbanking in central Footscray, and more. Continuing the Meet the Board series, Chris sits down for a chat with Cr Mi…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by the CEO of the Independent Broad Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) Alison Byrne to discuss the latest perceptions of corruption report and findings released by the agency. Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss a move to limit Notices of Motions at the City of Whittlesea and …
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On VLGA Connect this week, Chris Eddy meets the mayor of Corangamite Shire, Cr Kate Makin, to talk about a number of local and regional challenges council is actively advocating on including the condition of regional roads, some initiatives in waste collection, renewable energy projects and the importance of reliable connectivity in regional areas …
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Chris Eddy and Julie Reid unpack the biggest planning reforms in decades have been introduced to the Victorian Parliament and explain what they mean for councils. Plus, we put the spotlight on one of the country’s fastest growing areas - Mitchell Shire Council Mayor John Dougall joins me to talk about his community’s priorities ahead of next year’s…
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This week, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and Chris Eddy discuss some breaking news from the sector this week, including a proposal to introduce term limits for councillors, new Aged Care Act responsibilities for councillors, and as mayoral election season gets under way, is it a good idea to have position statements for mayors and deputy may…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with VEC Commissioner Sven Bluemmel to talk through the official report on the conduct of last year’s Victorian council elections, and the recommendations for future elections. Chris then speaks with the mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Claire Ewart-Kennedy about some of the shire’s current challen…
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This week on VLGA Connect, the Mayors of Merri-bek City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council join Chris Eddy to talk about a joint councils campaign to raise awareness on transport issues in the fast growing northern metropolitan region and the Northern Council's Alliance's efforts to advocate to the state government for better connectivity. After a…
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As the VLGA launches the 2025 Victorian Councillor Census, VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt and John Armitage from QDOS Research join Chris Eddy to talk about this year’s Census - how does it work, and how will the information be used? Deputy mayor of Wellington Shire Council, Cr Cindy Madeley, also joins the program to chat about life in the shire and an im…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Merri-bek Mayor Cr Helen Davidson to discuss the priorities and challenges for the inner city municipality as her mayoral term draws towards a close. Adam McSwain, the newly commenced CEO at Golden Plains joins Chris to chat about his career journey, and his approach to the role as the council co…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Cr Sophie Price, Mayor of Indigo Shire, joins Chris Eddy to discuss how the northeast region is recovering from recent events, and gives us an update on the ongoing fight for better hospital and health services in the region. Tony Raunic returns to discuss the latest legal and governance issues from across the sector, inc…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris is joined by City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney to talk about a major customer service survey, and how the organisation is meeting the demands of a rapidly growing regional centre. Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss on recent issue of a governance and legal nature, including a move at Fra…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Cr Stefan Koomen, Mayor of Casey City Council on leading the new council in its first term since a long period of administration, and how the long running Operation Sandon investigation has impacted the new councillor group. Then, we learn more about a metro Melbourne circular economy first with Sara…
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This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy interviews Mark Stoermer, CEO Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on how he is settling in as CEO, his priorities for the role, including an announced restructure, and the pending release of the Board of Inquiry report into the McCrae landslip - with potential sector-wide implications. Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of M…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest in local government news including the appointment of monitors to Kingston City Council and the standing down of Maribyrnong City Council Mayor under the provisions of the Local Government Act. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To learn more about the event…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy gets to know the new CEO of Strathbogie Shire Council, Rachelle Quatrocchi to hear about her visions for the new role. Tony Raunic and Chris catch up on the recent issues affecting the sector, including a significant local law decision at Casey Council and new legal reforms dealing with perceived invasions of p…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Gail Gatt the new CEO at Horsham Rural City Council about how she is settling into her new role and the key issues facing her community. Chris also catches up with Port Phillip City Council Mayor Cr Louise Crawford about an innovative solution the council has developed to prevent and reduce damage to…
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Today on the program Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of West Wimmera Shire Tim Meyer to talk about how he is finding this mayoral term. Mary Agostino, Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell Shire also joins us to talk about what is happening in her community and the key issues council is addressing. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Support the sho…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Don Henderson, Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council on what's happening in the region, the challenges council faces and what he sees are the priorities for this term. Chris then speaks to Ryan Allott, Manager Compliance & Environmental Health at Whittlesea City Council on an innovative program council has im…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest from across the local government sector including an arbiter decision at Wyndham, a loss at VCAT for Moorabool Council, and Hume Council’s call for greater enforcement powers in relation to dangerous dogs. Chris also interviews Ballarat City Council deputy mayor Cr Ben Tayl…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down for an in-depth discussion with the Mayor of the City of Yarra, Stephen Jolly, on his first mayoral term, responding to criticism, and why he won’t be seeking another term as mayor. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the …
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris chats to Campaspe Shire Council mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell on the implementation of a zero tolerance policy to prevent inappropriate behaviour towards staff and councillors. Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss all the big news this week in the local government sector. Support the show To learn more a…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Cr Kris Bolam, mayor of Frankston City Council on their friendly city and sister city arrangements and how they impact the community. Chris then speaks to Wyndham City Council mayor Cr Mia Shaw on council's partnership with RMIT University, to deliver a unique AI and analytics capability development pr…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic discuss some significant decisions released this week, including the return of a Kingston councillor from suspension. Chris also interviews Swan Hill Rural City Council mayor Stuart King on the recent changes made to liquor licencing which while designed to remove red tape, cut councils from the…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to chat with Chris Eddy about the latest issues facing the local government sector including the parking fine error at Merri-bek council and recent election related decisions at VCAT. Matt Collins, CEO of the Planning Institute of Australia discusses the recent survey which hig…
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Sally Jones, Interim CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council returns to VLGA Connect this week to update Chris Eddy on the latest from the Federal Court hearing into the combined enterprise bargaining arrangements. Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of Moyne Shire Council then joins the show to discuss the significant drought in the region, and the calls for m…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Mayor of Murrindindi Shire Council, Cr Damien Gallagher about what he sees are the opportunities and challenges unique to the region, and to the sector as a whole. Leonie Martens, Manager Family and Children's Services at Baw Baw Shire Council joins Chris to discuss council's partnership with Casey and…
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With the Victorian Government announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City Council, Chris Eddy sits down with Tony Raunic of Hunt and Hunt Lawyers to look at how the Inquiry will work and what can be expected. Chris also speaks with Mayor of Port Phillip City Council, Cr Louise Crawford on the recent report into community safety com…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Kingston City Council Mayor Georgina Oxley to discuss council's position on the Suburban Rail Loop and the effect of the project on the municipality, along with some key changes they would like to see made to improve outcomes for community. With the Victorian State Budget released this week, Kath…
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It has been a big week in the local government sector! This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down this week's big issues including the voiding of the election of a councillor from Whittlesea City Council and the suspension of the mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and tra…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of Manningham City Council, Cr Deirdre Diamante to discuss the implications of plans to mandate kerbside glass collection and the push by a group of councils across the state to look at alternative options. Chris is also joined by Tony Raunic to discuss the release of some significant m…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to Simone Zmood, Mayor of Glen Eira City Council on their recent advocacy activities to both the state and federal government. We learn about the key issues facing the Glen Eira community and what support the Council is seeking from the other tiers of Government. Then, Chris sits down with Alan Getley, t…
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This week on the program Chris Eddy sits down with David Jackson, Director of Customer and Corporate Services at Moorabool Shire Council, to learn more about the use of AI and the benefits the introduction of this technology is having for a smaller council. Later in the program Chris speaks with Mayor of Cardinia Cr Jack Kowarzik about Outer Melbou…
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With Chris Eddy on leave, Victorian Local Governance Association CEO Kathryn Arndt steps into the VLGA Connect hosting chair, as Chris interviews Johnathan Spear, CEO of Infrastructure Victoria to discuss the recently launched draft Victorian 30-year infrastructure strategy. Julie Reid re-joins the panel to discuss the recent planning scheme reform…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayors of Indigo Shire and Wodonga City Councils to discuss the fight for a new hospital development in the Albury Wodonga region, after a recent rally to Parliament in Melbourne. Chris also chats to Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers on the startling document leaked on the redevelopment of t…
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VLGA Connect - Friday 21 March 2025 - Special Edition: The Hon Nick Staikos MP
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This week in a Special Edition of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Victorian Local Governance Association CEO Kathryn Arndt to interview The Hon. Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Local Government. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here…
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Chris Eddy brings you this week's latest local government news in this week's VLGA Connect, including safety concerns at council meetings across the state. Joining Chris this week is Bradley Thomas, CEO of Hepburn Shire Council to outline council's request to increase rates above the state government's rate cap to assist with the council's financia…
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VLGA Connect - Friday 7 March 2025 - Special Edition: The Victorian Councillor Census
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Join us for a special edition of VLGA Connect, as we come to you live from the launch of the results from the VLGA's Victorian Councillor Census. Hear from John Armitage at QDOS Research as he and Chris Eddy discuss how the census was conducted, and the key insights the data found. Mike Gooey from LGV joins to chat about how the state government wi…
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Join Chris Eddy and the team for the new VLGA Connect where each week we bring you the latest local government news and take a deep dive into issues affecting the sector. This week, Kendrea Pope joins Chris to break down the new mandatory professional development requirements facing councillors, and discuss their impact on the sector. Michael Annea…
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This week on VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers joins Chris Eddy to break down the recent disruption of the Casey City Council meeting and the no confidence motion against City of Whittlesea mayor. Following on from last week's segment on open briefings, two councillors Cr Anthony Marsh, Mayor Mornington Peninsula Shire and Cr Rhonda …
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Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect is Mark Dupe, former CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council to take a deep dive into the move by some councils towards open briefings. Mark and Chris discuss whether this is a shift towards greater transparency, or a limit to councillors receiving detailed advice. Chris interviews Sally Jones, interim CEO of Central Goldfie…
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New year - new program! In 2025 the VLGA is proud to re-launch The Governance Update as VLGA Connect - your weekly program covering the latest news, analysis and deep dives into the current issues shaping the local government sector. This week, Chris Eddy is joined by Cr Jo Armstrong, Mayor Ararat Rural City Council to get the latest on the recover…
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TGU - Reflections, predictions and poetry
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This week on the TGU final episode for the year, the panel looks at this week’s news and reflects on the year and the previous Council term. Plus, predictions for what might be ahead in the new year, and Rhys Thomas shares some special poetry treats! Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Lo…
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On the agenda this week, councils unite on healthcare; two Gippsland council CEOs have announced their departure; councils getting tough on illegal dumping and unregistered cat breeding; and a review of Parks Victoria announced… what could that mean for councils? Loaded with gratuitous movie titles, Rhys will comment on a few recommendations from t…
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TGU: Funding reforms, and the perils of poor process
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On the agenda this week, the wrap up of mayoral elections; a parliamentary report into local government funding makes 48 recommendations; criticism of the increasing use of municipal monitors; Yarra City Council’s 36 point omnibus motion passes after a marathon session; and should 16 year olds be able to vote in council elections? Support the show …
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This week, the team discuss the push to overhaul council elections, the mayoral elections taking place around the state, a notice of motion to overturn 35 previous decisions of council, a push from rural councils for a better deal from the Federal Government, the suspension of the Townsville mayor, and a mayor ordered to complete training to better…
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The TGU panel returns to discuss the wrap up of Victorian council elections, and allegations of suspected postal vote tampering in two Council wards. Plus a change of leadership for the sector’s peak bodies, mayoral elections underway, a controversial CEO resignation and a push in NSW to ban confidential councillor briefing sessions. Rhys Thomas jo…
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TGU: Election winners and losers, monitors and Postie attacks
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This week, the TGU panel unpacks the provisional council election results that we know so far. The winners, the losers, the surprises and what’s still to come. Plus municipal monitors appointed to three councils, and the latest CEO to announce a new career move. Rhys Thomas talks about the gap between the council election day and the swearing in of…
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TGU: Trawling for results as counting continues
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This week on TGU, the panel attempts to pull together interim results from the Victorian council elections; strike action mooted at Greater Geelong council; a council’s concerns about a fast tracked planning decision; and Rhys Thomas unpacks the detail of Victoria’s new governance and integrity regulations. Support the show To learn more about the …
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TGU: Blindsided - election period announcements catch councils by surprise
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The TGU panel is back to look at the new governance and integrity regulations which have dropped this week, along with a raft of planning and building announcements that have taken councils by surprise. The election period is coming to an end and voting will soon commence in Victorian council elections. Is a post-Covid mentality responsible for mor…
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