Best Victorian Local Governance Association Podcasts (2025)

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A new era, a health battle and copycat motions 30:07

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18h ago30:07

30:07

Send us a text Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup: A new era for Hobsons Bay Council as it announces its next chief executive Gippsland earns a place on the world stage A Lord Mayor’s health battle Councillors accused of copycat motions on housing in NSW Service cuts and workforce reallocations flagged at a Queensland council, Whi…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 24 October 2025 37:18

3d ago37:18

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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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Beach tragedy, landbanking, award winners and a burial boom 31:18

4d ago31:18

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Frankston Council to step up beach safety measures after two tragic deaths Concerns over plans to add private security cameras to Melbourne’s CCTV network Landbanking accusations from by an inner city Council CEO Concerns raised about new NSW councillor conduct reforms This year’s…

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Assault Charge, Housing Pressures, and Council Reforms 45:59

6d ago45:59

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Yarra’s Mayor charged with assault Anger from Kingston Council over a controversial development approval Disappointment as Ballarat loses a major sporting event 52 jobs to go as the axe falls at Shoalhaven Council The NSW Premier threatens councils over housing New reforms announc…

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Melbourne Protests, Kingston's Second Monitor, Townsville Mayoral Race, and WA's Compulsory Voting Debate 26:22

8d ago26:22

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Condemns Immigration Protest Violence Kingston’s second monitor announced Wodonga’s new councillor questions the use of a hospital lobbyist Victoria’s new Police Chief Meets Regional Councils on Crime Central Darling Elects its First Councillors in Decade Al…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 17 October 2025 50:22

11d ago50:22

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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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“Ill-founded and misconceived” - legal disputes, improvement orders 29:22

11d ago29:22

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The VEC calls for legislative change for Victorian council elections A new CEO for Buloke, and a familiar face returns to Wodonga Council Brimbank embroiled in legal disputes Workplace improvement notices placed on Shoalhaven Council for councillor safety NSW Council CEO news, inc…

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Whittlesea Commission of Inquiry outcomes, a CEO sacked, and a massive fraud 49:41

13d ago49:41

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Another monitor for Whittlesea as a Commission of Inquiry report raises serious governance concerns Maribyrnong’s Mayor back at work as his legal proceedings end Councils unite against an unpopular tax A council lobbying for councillor term limits Parramatta Council sacks its CEO …

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"Frivolous and vexatious" - legal battles, disputes and asbestos 25:54

15d ago25:54

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A suspended mayor’s court challenge edges closer A rural mayor calls for sector support for its battle with the EPA A NSW councillor resigns, amid reported financial troubles Asbestos contamination concerns widen in Liverpool A copper smelter rescue package welcomed in Queensland …

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VLGA Connect - Friday 10 October 2025 38:38

18d ago38:38

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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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Landslide findings, prayer rejected, and crime wave concerns 40:14

18d ago40:14

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The MacRae Landslide Board of Inquiry report is out, along with the government’s response Prayer rejected - a petition fails to return the Lord’s Prayer to Bass Coast Council meetings A charity given notice to vacate by Greater Dandenong Council Date set for a de-amalgamation refe…

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Councillor restricted, urgent plea, and new misconduct laws 39:12

20d ago39:12

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A councillor’s workplace restrictions strengthened after an investigation Northern Melbourne councils unite to demand transport improvements A push to return the Lord’s Prayer to a rural council’s meeting Horsham Council condemns a spate of offensive, racially motivated material A…

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Toxic behaviour and a shocking trend in episode #500! 29:44

23d ago29:44

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Send us a text It's episode 500 of the Local Government News Roundup! Coming up in this episode, A new report of a toxic culture among former Brimbank councillors A new Victorian flood hazard rating system draws mixed reviews The sad passing of a NSW Council’s General Manager A country mayor sounds the alarm over a disturbing trend of crime in his …

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VLGA Connect - Friday 3 October 2025 34:49

25d ago34:49

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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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Grim determination, political bastardry, and by-election date set 28:29

26d ago28:29

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A victory for community activism in Hepburn Shire A new award program honouring women in local government A CEO recruitment process comes under investigation A council fined over a sewage discharge Workers protest possible redundancies at Liverpool City Council The date is set for…

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Controversial appointment, corruption perceptions, and rate pegs 38:39

28d ago38:39

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Perceptions of corruption run high in Victorian local government New cat confinement laws come into effect in Melbourne NSW Council rate pegs revealed for next year Shoalhaven’s controversial CEO appointment A milestone for a local government employment program Townsville Council …

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"Systemic shortcomings", a funding dispute, and a controversial resignation 23:25

30d ago23:25

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: More councils take issue with funding for beach lifeguard services Townsville’s controversial mayor resigns, but the long running saga is not over Calls for publication of Council FOI requests A council’s $2M parking machine overhaul A Sydney area council CEO reportedly negotiatin…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 26 September 2025 39:58

1M ago39:58

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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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Sandon in court, resignations, elections, and another councillor suspended 28:37

1M ago28:37

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Baw Baw Shire appoints a new CEO A surprise councillor resignation on the Surf Coast Operation Sandon finally reaches a courtroom CEO appointment news from NSW A controversial flouride decision in Queensland A South Australian mayor resigns after months of turmoil A Tasmanian coun…

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CEO resignation, high-rise protest, and a surprise restructure 46:16

1M ago46:16

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Merri-bek Council CEO Cathy Henderson resigns to head up WorkSafe Victoria Gates demolished as Yarra’s mayor declares a long running dispute over Sydney Council urging stronger state action on illegal vapes Residents protest a high-rise development plan A breakthrough in a Queensl…

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Suspension, rate cap error, and a return to democracy 24:25

1M ago24:25

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Suspended - a Surf Coast councillor to sit on the sidelines for one month A win at VCAT for Wyndham City Council Geelong to show its colours in AFL Grand Final week A remote NSW community votes for its first new Council in more than a decade The home of Tamworth’s famed Golden Gui…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 19 September 2025 42:16

1M ago42:16

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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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Melton mayhem, Mornington macropods, and a mayoral ultimatum 27:26

1M ago27:26

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A political storm engulfs Melton Council Wallabies saved from euthanasia on the Mornington Peninsula Mayors unite over deteriorating road conditions Sweeping planning changes to accelerate housing development in NSW Townsville’s suspended mayor asked to show why he shouldn’t be sa…

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“Bureaucratic nightmare” - disaster funding, earthquakes and a dead whale 26:39

1M ago26:39

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Councillor numbers to be slashed under a new Tasmanian Government proposal for local government Victorian councils concerned about disaster funding delays, while NSW councils deal with earthquakes and a dead whale Port Phillip steps up advocacy on extended Grand Prix timelines A r…

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“Clearly oppressive” - Slug Gate case dismissed, urgent briefing, facilities closed 24:13

1M ago24:13

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Case dismissed - the latest twist in the Greater Dandenong Slug Gate saga Urgent briefing for Yarra Council on a VCAT e-scooter challenge A life or death decision looming for kangaroos and wallabies at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council financial management concerns laid bare in a…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 12 September 2025 22:50

2M ago22:50

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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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"Blindsided" - high density surprise, suspension push, and clickbait and chaos 22:08

2M ago22:08

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Plans for new high density precincts unveiled in Melbourne Liverpool Councillors move to have the city’s CEO suspended A mayor distances her council from expected job losses From Gore to Walcha - a trans-Tasman leadership transition The spectre of Operation Sandon hanging over Cas…

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Landslide inquiry report, a nonsensical decision, and AI manipulation 20:55

2M ago20:55

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The McCrae Landslide Board of Inquiry report has been submitted to government - what are the likely implications for the local government sector? Moorabool continues to challenge the EPA over transparency concerns CEO level appointments in Victoria and NSW, and a contract extensio…

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A mayor’s health battle, a new Lord Mayor, and a bygone prayer 38:17

2M ago38:17

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Two big city Mayors call for the reinstatement of a missing transport link An acting mayor appointed as a country mayor deals with health challenges Another council drops a Christian prayer from its meetings A bitter housing dispute between a council and the state government in Sy…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 5 September 2025 32:17

2M ago32:17

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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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“Hateful narratives”: a world first strategy, and toxic culture rejected 24:19

2M ago24:19

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Charges laid after seven years of Operation Sandon Mayors facing down discrimination and hateful narratives A world first anti-semitism strategy launched Shoalhaven Council rejects claims of a toxic culture A council under pressure to change its community vision A general manager …

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“Beyond disgraceful”: councils taking a stand 21:29

2M ago21:29

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Taking a stand against abuse towards frontline council workers and elected representatives Councils push back on electricity reforms, lifeguard funding and planning call-ins Rural NSW councils look to the future after devastating economic blows A council’s planned tribute to rock …

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Sweeping meeting changes, a censure overturned, and an un-resignation 23:02

2M ago23:02

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Send us a text Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Another council raises concerns about a surprise renewable energy zone proposal An urgent call for animal foster carers in Gippsland Sweeping changes announced for council meetings in NSW A censured Parramatta councillor’s court win A Council GM un-resigns and gets a new five year deal Coun…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 29 August 2025 26:03

2M ago26:03

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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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Dog attack alarm, funding wins, and more industrial action 28:06

2M ago28:06

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Alarm over a disturbing increase in dog attacks in East Gippsland The growth of data centres raises water concerns in Hume An admission that a controversial roundabout should never have been built Funding wins for five regional NSW Councils Compensation calls for sacked Ipswich co…

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Council shutdown, charged Mayor stands aside, and intervention for two councils 26:27

2M ago26:27

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Alpine Shire Council shuts down as a police manhunt continues A metro mayor facing charges stands aside Many Melbourne councils predicted to fall short of government housing targets Sydney councils at odds with the state government over planning proposals Government intervention l…

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Kingston monitors, tight mayoral contests, and a 'gut-wrenching' attack 23:52

2M ago23:52

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Monitors announced for Kingston Moorabool’s toxic waste fight with the EPA continues A waste-to-energy surprise in Hume A former mayor attempts a by-election comeback A NSW councillor fails to block a second suspension NT mayoral election counts on a knife-edge Surprising recommen…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 22 August 2025 43:08

2M ago43:08

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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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Levy discontent, demerger referendum, and a major restructure 26:13

2M ago26:13

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Levy discontent grows as rates notices go out A council’s major restructure plan announced Casey Council backtracks on controversial local laws Another potential NSW council demerger moves a step closer Sweeping reforms announced for council elections in South Australia An histori…

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Overwhelmed and Overworked: Addressing Burnout in Councils 18:10

2M ago18:10

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Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the pressing issue of burnout and overwhelm within local government. Join us as we explore insights from Zoe Dattner, CEO of the Dattner Group, who shares stories and findings from a recent event focused on the relentless drive to do more with less. Discover the risks of this growing pressure, the impact…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 15 August 2025 29:16

2M ago29:16

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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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Well Travelled Executive Series #12 - Michael Tudball 45:21

3M ago45:21

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Send us a text Another insightful episode in the Well Travelled Executive Series, featuring Michael Tudball, a seasoned leader in local government. From his beginnings in audit and risk to becoming a council CEO, Michael shares his unique journey through various councils across Victoria. Discover his experiences as a mayor, his passion for communit…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 8 August 2025 37:58

3M ago37:58

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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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Reprogramming Local Government (Generative AI in Action) 27:40

3M ago27:40

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Send us a text In this special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy explores how generative AI is beginning to transform councils in Victoria. This episode features real-world stories of councils trialling AI chatbots, document search tools, and AI agents, as well as bold discussions about what might come next – from robot build…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 1 August 2025 30:54

3M ago30:54

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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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Well Travelled Executive Series #11 - Rebecca McKenzie 41:20

3M ago41:20

41:20

Send us a text In this episode of the Well Traveled Executive Series, Chris Eddy sits down with Rebecca McKenzie, the outgoing CEO of Glen Eira City Council, to explore her public service journey from the UK to Australia. Rebecca shares her insights on the evolving landscape of leadership, the importance of diversity in governance, and the highligh…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 25 July 2025 45:24

3M ago45:24

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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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Final warning, inquiry revelations, and a formal caution 27:38

3M ago27:38

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A final warning over a controversial sea wall in Frankston Two rural councils challenge the Victorian Government over drought funding inequities Maribyrnong Council the latest to consider funding private security measures More revelations from the Liverpool Council public inquiry …

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Misconduct allegation dismissed, formal frustration, and demerger optimism 28:26

3M ago28:26

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Send us a text On your Monday morning edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A mayor’s misconduct complaint against a councillor dismissed Whitehorse council’s multi-million dollar fight with SRL Buloke formalises its frustration with the state government A wave of demerger optimism in NSW Rising Tide stands firm on protest plans in Newcastl…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 18 July 2025 27:44

3M ago27:44

27:44

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 …