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An innovative idea out of Thomastown Library in Melbourne’s north is gaining attention across Australia and overseas.

This Australian first involves providing free wifi hotspots to families who might not otherwise be able to access the internet - an essential service at the best of times, let alone during regular COVID lockdowns.

To find out more about the idea, I invited Coralie Kouvelas, the Thomastown Library branch manager to join me in the virtual Roundup studio.

Read more in this article from The Guardian

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas
In depth analysis of what’s happening in Israel—and why it matters everywhere.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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On the Roundup today… the EPA’s first chief investigator appointed; Kingston Council heeds advice in changing its housing strategy; some mayoral election updates; sad news on the passing of a sitting South Australian councillor; and a new strategic alliance formed in regional Queensland.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
EPA first chief investigator appointed
Kingston updates new housing framework
New Melbourne social enterprise funding program
Ballarat: Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected
Bendigo: Mayor-elect announced
Council meetings take exciting virtual step - Office of Local Government NSW
Leading QLD organisations to form strategic northern alliance
Shoalhaven green ceramics Microfactorie to progress
Mid Murray Councillor dies suddenly
Investment in hydrogen in Whyalla welcomed
Salisbury wins Excellence in Public Health Award
$150 million new program for neglected unsealed roads

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

On the Roundup today… a report finds widespread noncompliance with Councillor personal interest return requirements; councils named as the most complained about public bodies by the Ombudsman; an olive branch extended at a troubled Sydney council, as the Minister threatens to step in; and Dubbo Council releases the results of its code of conduct complaints audit.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
Personal interests returns: Encouraging disclosure and increasing transparency
Record demand for the Victorian Ombudsman's help
Recycling Victoria Leads The Way To A Sustainable Future
Wyndham wins prestigious UNESCO Learning Cities Award 2021
East Gippsland Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected
Cr Samantha Byrne elected as Moonee Valley Mayor
Ceasefire at dysfunctional north shore council ahead of elections
Outgoing Dubbo mayor demands greater transparency around code of conduct complaints
LGAQ Annual Conference - calls for Works for Qld funding boost
Norfolk Island joins LGAQ
LGNSW calls for more council heritage powers

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

On the Roundup today… Swan Hill’s unvaccinated CEO resigns; new state electoral boundaries to be released this week; Greater Shepparton elects its Mayor and Deputy Mayor; nominations open for NSW council elections; the Sydney council that can’t achieve a quorum for seven consecutive meetings; and controversial water reforms to proceed in New Zealand.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
Swan Hill CEO resigns
SE Melb Councils call for 2030 commitment from Federal Government
Rail freight hub gets green light—South East Melbourne
Greater Shepparton elects Mayor and Deputy
Premier's Sustainability Awards
Monash bin collection delays
Paul Jerome Award Recipient 2021 - VPELA
New law safeguards December elections
Nominations open for council elections
Blue-ribbon Sydney council in disarray over no-show councillors
Wingecarribee cancels civic centre contract
News from Hobart Council Meeting - 25 October 2021

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

On the Roundup today… Banyule’s mayor steps down following an appearance at IBAC; the CEO of Yarra resigns to take up a new role; the council CEO choosing not to get vaccinated; an inquiry announced into Queensland’s local government integrity agency; a deputy mayor steps down and a mayoral election recount denied.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
Banyule mayor takes leave of absence
Yarra CEO Accepts Exciting New Role With Homes Melbourne
Candidate accused of using newspaper to boost re-election campaign
Victorian Premier tells 'non-compliant' Swan Hill Council CEO to get the jab
The Regional Renewable Organics Network at Black Rock
Dubbo: Rescission motion unsuccessful
Qld parliament to probe council watchdog;  Statement by Greg Hallam, CEO of the LGAQ – LGAQ
City of Swan announces new Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor makes formal complaint against councillor
Moreton Bay Council - Deputy Mayor steps down, election conducted

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

On the Roundup today… the Victorian Government announces an injection of funding for councils and businesses for covid-safe outdoor hospitality; Yarra Council’s parklet fee plan revisited; the results are in from Western Australian local government elections; nominations about to open for NSW elections; and a council’s finances to be subject to independent review.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
Vic Govt funding for outdoor hospitality
Yarra Council backflips on parking cash grab
Cross border first Wodonga and Albury
Baw Baw seeks funding for $30M precinct
Local government elections: WA
Newly elected Fremantle mayor and councillors sworn in
Young councillors shake up local governments in regional Western Australia
City of Port Adelaide Enfield - Outer Harbor Ward - 19 October 2021
One week until nominations for councils open - Office of Local Government NSW
LGNSW Anti-Poverty Week call for social housing
Interim Administrator to review Council's finances

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

On the Roundup today… 9000 ballot packs go missing in the South Gippsland Shire Council election; a CEO talks about being trolled over a mandatory vaccination stance for staff; the deamalgamation question set to be put to residents of Inner West council; and opposition builds to a new waste from energy facility in New South Wales.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
South Gippsland Shire Council election
Victoria's success relies on thriving regional cities
Fire Season Inquiry Phase Two Report Delivered
MAV responds to fire season inquiry report
Roundup Extra - Ali Wastie, Bass Coast Shire CEO
New library to take prime position in redeveloped Westfield Knox
Inner West de-amalgamation question
Mayor Overall to retire at upcoming election
Sunshine Coast Biosphere within reach
LGNSW welcomes outdoor dining funding
Whitsunday Regional Council to review Airbnb policy after homeowners threaten legal challenge
Council Objects to Proposed Matraville Incinerator

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

Bass Coast Shire Council last week became the first council in Victoria to require all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

When CEO Ali Wastie announced the policy, she was unprepared for the media attention and the trolling that would follow.

On a new Roundup Extra, Chris Eddy speaks with Ali Wastie about the reasoning behind the decision, the impact on her organisation and community, and if she would do anything differently next time.

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

On the Roundup today… the Victorian Ombudsman releases her Kingston Council investigation report, with no evidence of corruption found; significant reforms to the NSW rate peg methodology announced; Casey and Cardinia Libraries to go their separate ways; Tasmanian general manager recruitment processes under the spotlight; a new claim to local government’s largest renewable energy collaboration; and a local government sets a new Guiness World Record.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
Ombudsman report on Kingston City Council; Kingston response
Melbourne Councils join nationwide call for climate action
Casey/Cardinia seek new service model for libraries
New Library at Queen Victoria Market
New peak bodies to promote design excellence
Cultural Centre benefits from further funding | Bass Coast Shire
Tasmanian Auditor General Reports on Council GM recruitment
Audit slams Huon Valley Council's hiring process
$250 million gain for growing NSW communities - Office of Local Government NSW

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

On the Roundup today… vaccination requirements announced to access Council facilities in the City of Melbourne; rural Victorian Councils celebrate major grant funding announcements;  a new study quantifies the housing crisis in western Queensland; the countdown to Western Australia council elections enters its final week, and more senior executive appointment news.

Just some of what’s ahead on the Roundup, which is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, an independent governance organisation supporting councils and councillors to achieve the highest standards of governance;

And by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - providing advice to help Councils achieve the best for their communities.

Links:
City of Melbourne vaccination requirements
Maribyrnong CEO appointment
Michel Masson stepping down at Infrastructure Victoria
Corangamite Shire welcomes funding for Port Campbell town centre
Indigo Shire celebrates funding for Rutherglen trail project
Geelong launches women-only street art project
Vic Tennis Awards shortlist local government category
Vic Rural Councils funding program opens
Community sports infrastructure loans scheme
W Qld housing study released
Blue Mountains mayor criticises COVID-19 restriction inconsistencies
Ipswich Council considers CEO shortlist

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.