VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc

20/10/2026

Why does the Victorian Councillor Census matter?

'This is your chance to get in and say what’s important to you, and the VLGA can go into bat for you.'

That’s John Armitage from QDos Research, who leads the team behind the data collection for the VLGA Victorian Councillor Census, speaking on a recent episode of VLGA Connect.

The VLGA Victorian Councillor Census provides an opportunity for all Councillors to have their say and be heard.

Last year’s findings highlighted that the rules and regulations imposed by other levels of government, and limited financial resources, were the two key barriers councillors reported as constraining their power to achieve outcomes.

By participating in this year’s Census we can determine what issues are still prevalent and if there are any new or emerging trends.

If you’re a Victorian Councillor, your response helps shape what the VLGA advocates for.

Listen to the VLGA Connect episode here: https://youtu.be/Q4A5i6oVokk

The Census closes on Friday October 30. Have your say today.

19/10/2026

Our thoughts are with Helen and her family, Helen’s team, the people of Wangaratta and everyone affected by this incident at this difficult time.

18/10/2026

Limited places remain for the 2026 VLGA Mayoral Leadership Program.

Delivered by some of the sector’s most respected leaders and facilitators, including Tony Raunic, Anne Wickham, Georgie Ward, Daniel Meade and Sally Clarke, this full-day interactive program will prepare Mayors and Deputy Mayors to:

- Lead council meetings with authority and confidence
- Understand the full scope of the mayoral role and responsibilities
- Apply best-practice approaches to community engagement and advocacy
- Safeguard their wellbeing and respond effectively to rising incivility across government

The program aligns with the mandatory professional development requirements introduced by the Victorian Government in 2024, which must be completed within one month of election to the role.

Friday 4 December 2026 | 9.15am to 4.30pm
Melbourne Business School, 200 Leicester Street, Carlton

Register now: https://lnkd.in/g2U8Q3bA
View full program: https://lnkd.in/gv9T2A3Y

16/10/2026

On this week's episode of VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers joins Chris Eddy to discuss Councillor attendance, meeting participation and the expectations of the role.

Chris also chats to Hobson's Bay City Cr Rayane Hawli, who shares why 'you don’t need anyone’s permission to lead' and reflects on how she’s working to improve representation in local government after being named an Emerging Leader at this year’s Mary Rogers Awards.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/bD7CzWGq66I or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

09/10/2026

In this week's episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Nick Reece, about the challenges facing the M9 group of councils as they expect to accommodate up to a million more residents by 2051.

Chris also chats to Simon Harrex (Victorian Local Governance Association) and John Armitage (Qdos) about the launch of the 2026 Victorian Councillor Census, who tell us more about how the census is conducted and what the data is used for.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4A5i6oVokk or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

In this week's episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to the Lo...

08/10/2026

New to the Victorian Councillor Census? Here's some key things for you to know.

Census data helps us inform future policies, projects and support for Councillors and the local government sector.

All 642 councillors in Victoria will have received an email with a unique link to the Census. The link to complete the Census will close on Friday, 30 October at 11.59pm.

If you require any assistance or have trouble locating the email with your unique Census link, please email [email protected].

Your perspective matters. Have your say today.

05/10/2026

All Councillors in Victoria will have received an email with a unique link to the Census.

You have until the end of October to have your say and help shape and influence the future of the sector and inform real and tangible change.

Read more: https://www.vlga.org.au/governance-leadership/local-government/victorian-councillor-census

04/10/2026

In this week's special episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews the new Local Government Minister in Victoria, the Hon Tim Richardson MP.

Together they discuss his approach to the portfolio and what he sees as the sector's priorities in the months ahead, with the November state election fast approaching.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cNxu7CP6N8 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

In this week's special episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy intervie...

02/10/2026

In under 20 minutes you can help influence real and tangible change in the local government sector where it is needed most.

The VLGA Victorian Councillor Census is back for 2026 and this is your chance to have your say.

From October 5 all Councillors in Victoria will be sent an email with their own unique link to the Census. Keep an eye on your inbox and make sure you have your say.

01/10/2026

Our next lunch and learn training session is happening tomorrow and is free to all VLGA members.

This session will help to equip Councillors with information on how to represent the community in planning processes where the Minister has final decision-making authority.

Lead by Kendrea Pope, public sector expert with experience in policy & strategy and governance & reform, together with support from Peter Elliott RPIA, Urban Planner, PHD scholar and sessional member Planning Panels Victoria.

A focus will be on the delineation between the State and local government and the real-world challenges of managing both the short, medium and longer term challenges of development. Our panel experts will discuss examples where the benefits are born by the broader community and not able to be captured locally. Including when decisions occur within a very short timeframe leaving elected representatives scrambling for strategies to manage the community response.

There will also be an opportunity for participants to submit questions.

Date: Friday October 2nd
Time: 12.15pm - 1.15pm
Format: Zoom Webinar

Please note that this session will NOT be recorded. This session is for VLGA members only.

To register please contact: [email protected]