The benefits for councils and communities of good decision-making and culture are driving the Victorian Local Governance Association's (VLGA) Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which was launched today in Melbourne.
Formally released at the independent member-based peak body's annual councillor leadership development day, the VLGA was joined by the Minister for Local Government the Hon Melissa Horne and a renowned lineup of presenters, including advocate Julia Banks and over 50 councillors, to welcome a shared plan to support and strengthen local governance for Victorian communities.
Speaking at the launch, VLGA President Cr Denise Massoud said the plan was informed by extensive member and stakeholder consultation last year and aligns with state-wide research from PwC in the Local Government Culture Project Insights Report.
"As the only peak body for good governance in local government in Australia, we are committed to bring about the programs, support and guidance that local elected representatives need to ensure good governance and leadership," Cr Massoud said.
"This Strategic Plan outlines directly how we will do this by using our seat at the table in Victoria, and across borders, to bring about the skills and capacities that our current and future councillors need."
The four key areas the organisation and its members will focus on include:
- Building councillor expertise and capability;
- Shaping and sharing good governance strategy and practice;
- Partnering for impact by working in coalition to educate and inform; and
- Supporting councils, councillors and communities to address the challenges to good governance.
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt said these objectives translate to programs and actions needed to support good governance, which is about the processes for making and implementing decisions.
"In the lead up to the last Victorian local government elections we reached over 1,000 candidates through workshops and programs to inform, encourage and support community members interested in standing for election in local government, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities," she said.
"The fact is, we know when communities, economies and the environment are well governed; people feel that they belong, can contribute, and thrive. We look forward to working with our members and all those passionate in our community around the role of councils, to now bring this plan to life."
For more on VLGA's Strategic Plan 2023-2027, please visit: https://www.vlga.org.au/about-vlga/strategic-plan-2023-2027
Key Facts:
The VLGA is an independent organisation that supports councils and councillors in good governance.
As a councillor support network, we inspire and enable good governance in elected representatives, nurturing their journey from candidacy to end-of-term.
