Best Victorian Local Governance Association Podcasts (2025)

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Overwhelmed and Overworked: Addressing Burnout in Councils 16:57

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1d ago16:57

16:57

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

3d 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 44:08

8d ago44:08

44:08

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

10d 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) 26:27

15d ago26:27

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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

17d 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 40:07

22d ago40:07

40:07

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

24d 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 26:25

26d ago26:25

26:25

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 27:13

28d ago27:13

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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

1M ago27:44

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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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Dangerous precedent, Council raided, and demerger approved 24:43

1M ago24:43

24:43

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Moorabool Shire faces a $1/2M clean up bill after a loss at VCAT A council and union meet to discuss workplace culture concerns A sacked street sweeper wins compensation, and is now considering a tilt at federal politics A dramatic raid on a Sydney council The green light for a de…

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Agency underfunded, dangerous dogs, and a shock resignation 24:20

1M ago24:20

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Claims of underfunding from another Victorian integrity agency A council’s call for stronger powers to act on dangerous dogs A councillor demanding a public apology from her council Liverpool’s public inquiry gets underway A NSW mayor calls out keyboard warriors A shock resignatio…

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Toothless tiger, un-Australian planning rules, and suspension upheld 22:45

1M ago22:45

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Serious concerns raised about the effectiveness of Victoria’s local government inspectorate Councillors brand planning changes “un-Australian” A Councillor fails in a bid to overturn a three month suspension Further delays in a Council’s General Manager appointment process A QLD m…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 11 July 2025 36:20

1M ago36:20

36:20

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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$1.5B cost-shift, costly legal disputes, and amalgamation debate reignites 25:18

1M ago25:18

25:18

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Moorabool puts its case to VCAT over an EPA clean up order A fight to stop a proposed new McDonald’s restaurant in Darebin The Victorian Government denies a council’s kangaroo harvesting request A new report puts a number on government cost-shifting A tragedy in Townsville involvi…

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Punching down, a suspension, and an imminent dissolution 26:04

1M ago26:04

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Turmoil in Perth as a councillor exodus triggers a council’s dismissal A council challenges the EPA at VCAT A suspension for a veteran Merri-bek councillor A mayor’s anger over anti-semitic attacks in Melbourne CEO resignations and appointments, and a failed recruitment A mayor’s …

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Hateful attacks condemned, toxic claims rejected, and a dramatic skyline change 20:52

1M ago20:52

20:52

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Hateful attacks condemned Claims of a toxic council workforce rejected Reaction to new drought support measures A disappointing state government funding cut An innovative road reconstruction project fails A dramatic change coming to Sydney’s skyline Another NSW Council CEO resigna…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 4 July 2025 27:00

2M ago27:00

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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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Closing the loophole, poor communication, and shocking mismanagement 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: An appeal to the Governor over the ESVF levy A council’s planned exit from maternal and child health services A grant loophole closes on the Mornington Peninsula Violent incidents shut down a Council library A mayor’s war on visual pollution A council’s warning for pet owners afte…

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Intervention granted, a dysfunctional culture laid bare, and a tax-fighting bin chicken 38:38

2M ago38:38

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A win for a metro mayor in court A councillor resignation to trigger another by-election A culture of distrust and fear laid bare at Hobsons Bay All systems go in Frankston for a new friendship agreement Resignations from two NSW council chiefs A groundbreaking report for the futu…

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Funding disadvantage, a damn disgrace, and a problematic proposition 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The Victorian Government accused of holding back crucial infrastructure funding A surprise bank branch closure angers a rural council A council introduces body worn cameras for council officers Innovative council waste management and animal control initiatives The massive investme…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 27 June 2025 35:01

2M ago35:01

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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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Unfair dismissal, private security furore, and historic council budgets 27:47

2M ago27:47

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A council worker wins an unfair dismissal case A hard-fought win for Techno Park residents in Hobsons Bay A controversial funding decision in Wyndham The fields are set for two by-elections A regional council’s zero per cent rate increase Historic $1B plus budgets for two Queensla…

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Dysfunctional budget debacle, mayoral challenge, and a rate cap warning 39:07

2M ago39:07

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A suspended councillor’s legal troubles resolved A mayor’s budget challenge to the rest of the country An apology called for after a councillor was wrongfully accused of theft The shock passing of two sector leaders in NSW Sydney Council takes aim at gas appliances, and the unsigh…

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Procedural vandalism, toxic dysfunction, and a costly decision 47:12

2M ago47:12

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The Victorian Government releases its response to an inquiry into local government funding Two new members elected to the VLGA board Above average satisfaction for two western Victorian councils An acting mayor accuses colleagues of procedural vandalism A pay dispute in Townsville…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 20 June 2025 41:51

2M ago41:51

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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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Liquor licence loss, democracy returns, and a “toxic” debate 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Another council introduces security measures for its meetings Concerns as councils are set to lose a say in liquor licence decisions Ballarat Council hit with an EPA fine A council returning to elected representation after more than a decade A NSW Council General Manager resigns T…

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Multi-million dollar mistake, job cuts clash, and election bill shock 25:35

2M ago25:35

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Councils consider legal options over an unpopular state tax A multi-million dollar parking fine error at Merri-bek Council The latest Victorian Council CEO to call it quits Golden Plains finally gets its last councillor A mayor and union clash over planned job cuts A controversial…

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Election rejected, concerning loophole, and a trivial complaint crackdown 23:48

2M ago23:48

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: More drama at Golden Plains as a countback winner rejects a spot on the Council Higher rates flagged for owners of derelict Melbourne properties A building surveyor loophole raises concerns A crackdown on trivial councillor conduct complaints in NSW Councils make big moves on beac…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 13 June 2025 28:06

2M ago28:06

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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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Bargaining tension, CEO movements, and a councillor reprimanded 24:05

2M ago24:05

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Contention over a push for multi-council enterprise agreements The ESC releases its annual rate capping report A new CEO announced, and support for another dealing with personal attacks Wins and disappointments for NSW councils A Council General Manager announces retirement A coun…

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Honours, awards, resignations and interventions 19:56

2M ago19:56

19:56

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A metro council exploring legal options to challenge the state’s ESV levy A controversial mayor returns to work Victorian councils recognised for excellence Local government contributors make the King’s Birthday Honours list A former mayor and a current mayor announce surprise res…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 6 June 2025 36:26

2M ago36:26

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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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Result stands, flag furore, and a nauseating attack 21:18

2M ago21:18

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Result stands - VCAT rules on fraudulent votes in the city of Knox A flag furore at a Victorian council A council rejects a peer-reviewed flood study Retirement announced for Council CEOs in two states An advocacy win for NSW councils on fire service assets A Queensland mayor unde…

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Project pushback, alliance pullback, and a cheeky council campaign 45:12

3M ago45:12

45:12

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A new operating model for G21 as councils withdraw funding An Acting CEO becomes interim as a Council recruitment moves ahead Councils pushing back on housing and infrastructure projects A NSW Council’s CEO appointment moves to final steps A new guideline released on free speech i…

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Abhorrent levy, dismissal warning, and CEOs and councils part ways 24:11

3M ago24:11

24:11

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A levy pause for farmers and more drought assistance announced - but some councils say it's not enough The WA council on notice for potential dismissal Two Queensland councils sever ties with their CEOs The massive flood cleanup under way in NSW A council’s controversial decision …

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VLGA Connect - Friday 30 May 35:24

3M ago35:24

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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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A monitor for Hobsons Bay, Council-Government clashes, plus CEO appointments and councillor resignations 39:34

3M ago39:34

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A municipal monitor sent in to Hobsons Bay CEO appointments in three states, as two former Council CEOs make a return in Victoria Greater Geelong to stay in aged care service delivery High profile councillors resign in New South Wales and Queensland A South Australian council rock…

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Aged care pressure, wage talks impasse, and targeting online abuse 22:32

3M ago22:32

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Pressure on Greater Geelong council to remain in aged care services A last minute reprieve for a Stonnington animal shelter operator Councillors call for action on online abuse and misinformation Snowy Monaro’s new CEO announced An impasse in wage negotiations in Noosa A mayor’s d…

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Formal warning, turmoil in the top end, and a unique border rivalry 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Indigo Shire gets the go-ahead for a revenue-neutral rate cap variation More council winners from the Victorian state budget A formal warning for a Council CEO A council’s massive infrastructure program unveiled A unique border rivalry in State of Origin week A policy backdown on …

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VLGA Connect - Friday 23 May 2025 27:31

3M ago27:31

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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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Budget disappointment, alleged corrupt practices, and a mayor reprimanded 36:18

3M ago36:18

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Sector reaction to the Victorian State Budget Councils united against a new state tax - we hear from MAV President Jennifer Anderson on next steps now the legislation has passed Disaster support announced for 16 NSW councils A contractor fired from a council sports field project A…

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Commission of Inquiry launched, a new Mayor elected, and challenging fake news 19:23

3M ago19:23

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The Whittlesea Council Commission of Inquiry is underway Golden Plains elects a new Mayor A leadership transition revealed for Cardinia Shire A Sydney council’s new housing plan alternative Kiama Council hits back at false media claims A major council property transaction confirme…

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“Complete travesty”, “unfair and cruel” - new tax draws swift response 25:11

3M ago25:11

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Victorian councils respond to a contentious new state government tax A community push to save a regional saleyards from closure Winners and losers from IPART’s rulings on special rate variations A ban on live events in Sydney parks draws criticism Townsville’s suspended mayor laun…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 16 May 2025 30:39

3M ago30:39

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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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A surprise un-retirement, mayoral medical dramas, and a warning for sniggering councillors 37:43

3M ago37:43

37:43

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A mayor resigns, as the suspension of another takes effect The surprise un-retirement of a former Council CEO A Melbourne council to trial 30km speed limits Medical dramas for two NSW mayors IPART makes its ruling on 6 special rate variation applications The eye-watering cost of N…

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Another mayor suspended, higher rate cap approved, and a call to ‘lift the tone’ 24:44

3M ago24:44

24:44

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A rural mayor suspended after an arbitration process Hepburn gets the all clear for a 10 per cent rate increase Intense debate over a controversial inner city artwork More councils join the fight against a new state government tax A Sydney council calls for new planning rules to b…

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Whittlesea woes, Golden Plains’ plight, plus ridiculous arguments and lame excuses 22:13

3M ago22:13

22:13

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Election voided - Whittlesea Council down another councillor Dysfunction at Golden Plains under the spotlight Greenline cut and more bike lanes planned in the city of Melbourne’s new budget The results are in from a review of Newcastle City Council A deputy mayor resigns citing th…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 9 May 2025 41:23

3M ago41:23

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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…