VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc

04/09/2026

Named after Mary Rogers – the first woman to be elected to a Victorian Municipal Council (City of Richmond 1920-1925) – the 2026 Mary Rogers Awards for women in local government were a true celebration of diversity and inclusion.
For more than two decades the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has been a leader in the gender equality space, pioneering gender equality initiatives in local government, including sector-wide research, and championing sector-wide investment and partnerships to help bridge the gender gap.
The Mary Rogers Awards is another way we are celebrating the contributions women continue to make to as civic leaders.
VLGA President Cr Jane Karslake said the VLGA’s vision is to see 50% of women elected as Councillors and Mayors by the next local government election in 2028.
“We are proud to be the organisation behind these Awards because of the impact they will have in inspiring other women to stand in the future.”
"Congratulations to all our nominees and award recipients. You are the trailblazers inspiring the next generation and we couldn't be prouder."

Photo (L-R) Local Government Minister Tim Richardson MP, Brimbank City Council Mayor Councillor Virginia Tachos, Mildura Rural City Council Councillor Katie Clements, Emerging Woman Leader Award recipient, Cr Rayane Hawli - Hobsons Bay Councillor, Mary Rogers Award recipient Cr Melina Sehr from Stonnington City Council, VLGA President Cr Jane Karslake and VLGA Interim CEO Jan Noblett.

03/09/2026

Councillor Melina Sehr from Stonnington City Council has been named the 2026 winner of the Mary Rogers Award for women in local government.

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), in partnership with the Victorian Government, made the announcement at a special presentation ceremony at Queens Hall, Parliament House today.

This is the second year the VLGA has delivered the Mary Rogers Awards - part of the organisation's long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality in the sector and encouraging and inspiring more women to take on civic leadership roles.

Cr Rayane Hawli from Hobson’s Bay City Council was awarded the Emerging Woman Leader Award and Brimbank City Council and Mildura Rural City Council won the
Gender Equality Council Champion Awards.

“We are proud to be the organisation behind these Awards because of the impact they will have in inspiring other women to stand in the future," VLGA President Cr Jane Karslake said.

"The Mary Rogers Awards for women in local government celebrate and acknowledge the incredible leadership, resilience, courage and commitment of women councillors working for their communities.

“To every woman councillor working tirelessly in the sector I am incredibly proud to stand alongside you today and celebrate your achievements," Cr Karslake said.

“Your leadership matters, your voices matter, and the positive change you are creating in communities’ matter.”

The VLGA has committed to running the Mary Rogers Awards for women annually.

More photos to come.

To find out more about the awards and this year's winners visit https://www.vlga.org.au/news/vlga-announces-winners-2026-mary-rogers-awards-women-in-local-government

28/08/2026

This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy is joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to discuss the latest developments on new legislation to amend the Local Government Act. They also unpack two new councillor conduct decisions out of City of Kingston - including a councillor suspension.

Chris is also joined by City of Greater DandenongChief Executive Officer Jacqui Weatherill, and independent facilitator Dr Tania Miletic from The University of Melbourne, to talk through a unique and timely social cohesion project conducted in Melbourne’s southeast and its outcomes.

Watch here https://youtu.be/-Gm3i2ObnX8 or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

27/08/2026

Following sustained advocacy from the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal has determined an increase to councillor allowances that better reflects the contemporary role and responsibilities of elected councillors.

The VLGA’s submission highlighted the significant responsibilities councillors carry in representing their communities, contributing to strategic decision-making and governance, and working with communities to respond to increasingly complex challenges.

While the VLGA welcomes the review and the increases in allowances, this is not the end of the conversation.

The VLGA remains committed to advocating for further reform to ensure councillor allowances keep pace with the demands and expectations of the role.

Appropriate councillor allowances are important, not only in recognising the contribution of existing councillors, but also in supporting the attraction and retention of people from a broad range of backgrounds who can represent their communities.

You can view the VLGA's full statement here

Following sustained advocacy from the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal has determined an increase to councillor allowances that better reflects the contemporary role and responsibilities of elected councillors. The determination provides....

26/08/2026

Today, VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc President Cr Jane Karslake, Interim CEO Jan Noblett and Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Anya Murray met with Victoria’s new Local Government Minister, Tim Richardson MP, to discuss the issues that matter most to councillors and local government.

As the peak body for Victorian councillors, the VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc is committed to working constructively with the State Government to achieve policy reforms and deliver programs that strengthen the working environment for councillors and councils.

Our discussions covered a range of immediate sector priorities, including:

• The Strengthening Communities Bill 2026 and the urgent need for stronger protections for councillors and CEOs
• A dedicated Councillor Assistance Program to support councillor health and wellbeing
• The rising levels of incivility and its impact on councillors, councils and communities
• Councillor remuneration
• The Mary Rogers Awards for Women in Local Government and the VLGA’s commitment to expanding inclusive civic leadership
• The 2026 Victorian Councillor Census, providing important insights into the experiences and challenges facing councillors across the state

We thank Minister Richardson for being so generous with his time and look forward to continuing to work with him and the Victorian Government to deliver positive outcomes for councillors, local government and the communities they serve.

21/08/2026

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to discuss the latest developments at Hepburn Shire Council and the related Supreme Court case. They also review the status of the Government’s new local government bill and look at how it compares to the Opposition’s alternative bill.
Chris is also joined by Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, President of South Australia’s Local Government Association and Mayor of the City of Mitcham, to discuss how the five-month delay to local council elections is affecting the sector, along with other local government developments from across the border.

Watch here https://youtu.be/onT00TM-sfE or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Tony Raunic from...

18/08/2026

Still considering how your Council will deliver its Year 2 mandatory Councillor Professional Development Program? Why not join forces with neighbouring councils?

That’s exactly what the Wimmera Southern Mallee Alliance did this month, with the VLGA delivering its full Year 2 Program over two days in Warracknabeal for:

Horsham Rural City Council
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Buloke Shire Council West Wimmera Shire Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council

More than 60 councillors, CEOs and officers came together for a cost-effective program delivered by Aileen Hiskins, Daniel Meade, Shannon Davies, Sally Clarke and Dawn Bray that not only met the mandatory requirements, but created opportunities for shared learning, collaboration and networking.

A great example of councils working together to make professional development go further.

Contact the VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc today to find out how we can tailor a program to meet your councillor professional development needs.

14/08/2026

This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy is joined by Greater Geelong City Council Mayor, Dr Stretch Kontelj to find out more about his push for a special economic zone pilot in central Geelong, similar to what has been rolled out in Ireland and China.

Chris also sits down with Dawn Bray from the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and Sally Clarke, a global expert on burnout and culture, to discuss the VLGA’s Councillor Professional Development Program, including Mayoral Leadership, and its focus this year on the health and wellbeing of elected members.

Watch here https://youtu.be/DA2-ni2Y8jM or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy is joined by Greater Geelong C...

10/08/2026

Places are filling fast for this December's 2026 VLGA Mayoral Leadership Program.
Book now to secure your place and the additional Earlybird discount.
Now in its third year, our program provides Mayors and Deputy Mayors with the targeted knowledge they need to fulfil their roles with a high degree of competency.
The VLGA has assembled some of the best sector-recognised leaders and facilitators from across Australia to deliver its 2026 Program.
Join Tony Raunic, Anne Wickham, Georgie Ward, Daniel Meade and Sally Clarke for this full day interactive program.
The 2026 VLGA Mayoral Leadership Program is being held on Friday, 4 December at the Melbourne Business School, 200 Leicester St, Carlton from 9.15am to 4.30pm.
You can view the full event Prospectus here https://www.vlga.org.au/file/vlga-mayoral-leadership-program-prospectus-2026pdf
The program directly aligns with the mandatory professional development requirements introduced by the Victorian Government in 2024, both in terms of content and the need to complete the program within one month of election to the role.
Mayors and Deputy Mayors will build on their existing skills and experience through interactive and practical learning focused on experiential insights and meaningful and tangible takeaways.
Participants will leave the program better placed to lead council meetings, with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and with best practice tools for successful engagement and advocacy.
This year we have also placed a strong emphasis on councillor health and wellbeing. Participants will also leave with the tools they need to combat the rising levels of incivility being experienced across government.
Morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea provided.
Click here to register https://www.vlga.org.au/%2Fcivicrm%2Fevent%2Finfo%3Fid%3D588%26reset%3D1

07/08/2026

This week on VLGA Connect, and as part of the VLGA's state election series, Chris Eddy is joined by Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bev McArthur MLC, to discuss the opposition’s view on a range of local government issues, including rate capping and legislative loopholes.

Chris also chats with the mayor of South Gippsland Shire, Cr Nathan Hersey, about a shared council approach to FOGO services in Gippsland, and his recent trip to Singapore to put his region on the world stage.

Watch here https://youtu.be/c7KoBzDK9KQ or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers.

This week on VLGA Connect, and as part of the VLGA's state election...