As a local government CEO, Carl Cowie keeps a low profile in the sector - preferring to focus his efforts on delivering for "the people who pay me."

VLGA Connect has secured a rare interview with Carl, who made the move from the private sector to local government originally as CEO of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.

He was recently signed up for a second term leading Nillumbik Shire Council, the green wedge shire on Melbourne's outskirts.

Hear Carl's thoughts on the financial sustainability of the sector, how we need to catch up with others on climate change response, and who are the mentors that have inspired his career development along the way.

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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

VLGA Connect: TGU, 29th September 2023
Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic unpack the latest local government news, including a change of Premier in Victoria and the likely impact on the sector; more reaction to the government’s housing and planning reforms; a new conduct panel decision leading to a three month councillor suspension; a mistake rectified after 12 years; the insurance market impacts on council projects; and the council technology solution dramatically reducing wildlife roadkills.

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To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

Today's guest on VLGA Connect's Local Leaders series is Brett Davis, the CEO of Moyne Shire Council in south west Victoria.

Brett has a background in local government and planning, and his planning experience has helped him in his role as CEO.

Moyne Shire has implemented innovative initiatives, such as key worker housing in caravan parks, to address housing challenges. The shire is also dealing with the impacts of wind farms, with six in operation, four under construction, and four more planned.

Tourism is a significant economic factor for Moyne Shire, particularly in Port Fairy and Koroit.

Brett Davis values the input and support of other CEOs and mentors in the industry. He says, "CEOs are a sharing bunch, I've come to discover!"

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To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

"There's a real awakening, especially amongst young people, about the fact that their world is changing and the circumstances in which they're living really need strong and in some cases, dare I say, radical interventions to ensure that their future and standard of living is not only commensurate with those of those of the people who came before them, but better in some ways."

Mayor Joseph Haweil is currently serving his second term as mayor of Hume City Council.

He is focused during his mayoral term on infrastructure and catering for growth in Hume.

He believes that politics plays a role in local government and that councils should work together with the state government.

Mayor Haweil studied politics and has a passion for public service, and was motivated to become a councillor to have a seat at the table and make decisions.

He is also Deputy President of the MAV, and talks about current issues including the government’s housing and planning reforms, and his criticisms of peak body LGPro and its public position on the standard of councillor behaviour.

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To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

VLGA Connect - TGU, 22nd September 2023

It was the week the government unveiled its new housing statement and reforms to the Victorian planning system. How has the local government sector responded? 

Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic look at the major changes and reactions so far.

Also this week, waste charges take the media spotlight, new data shows most council-run airports are running at a loss and need more government support, and Julie Reid reports from London on the challenges faced by the UK local government sector.

Some links:
Victoria’s Housing Statement
Good decisions, made faster
Premier Media Statement

MAV response #1
MAV response #2
Regional mayors unhappy
Yarra response
Stonnington response

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To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

Today's guest on Local Leaders with Chris Eddy is the CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Mark Dupe.

Mark has a background in finance and IT, with experience in the private sector before joining local government.

He lived and worked in various locations around the world, including Lisbon, Hong Kong, and the United States, before taking up his first local government tole in 2001.

Mark believes in embracing technology and sees the potential of AI for local government.

He sees the main challenges for Baw Baw Shire Council as managing rapid growth, meeting community expectations, and maintaining financial sustainability.

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

On TGU from VLGA Connect this week: The Block pulls out of Hepburn Shire; a new statewide levy short stay accommodation mooted; a council to withdraw fines over a technicality; councils align on regional advocacy and funding programs; a GM’s sacking remains on hold; and do we feed the peacocks?

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

Sitting down with Chris Eddy for today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Karen Foster, the mayor of Moyne Shire Council in southwest Victoria.

"There's nothing wrong with being a good and decent person and a kind person. There's nothing wrong with being prepared to listen to other perspectives. It may just shift your own a little bit."

Cr Foster is a first term councillor and first-time Mayor, and has been enjoying the role.

She has a background in journalism and PR, and has a passion for governance.

Karen is also passionate about supporting and mentoring women in business and leadership, and is interested in promoting respectful debate and leadership with kindness and love. 

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Rob Amos, the Mayor of Campaspe Shire Council.

"I love what I do. It's very, very busy, particularly this year with the floods recovery stuff.  But I absolutely love it."

Cr Amos is in his first term as a councillor.

He talks about the challenges of learning and adapting to the role, while dealing with challenges such as floods and  the ongoing recovery process. He believes that there needs to be more trust and flexibility in the funding and decision-making processes for local councils.

Cr Amos has a background in emergency management and is focussed on improving the shire's emergency management plan.

He is passionate about serving the community and making a positive impact as a councillor and mayor.

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

As part of the VLGA Connect Operation Sandon series, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy are joined by Roberta Ryan, professor of local government at the University of Newcastle.

Prof. Ryan was an expert witness during the Operation Sandon enquiry, and gives her perspective on proposed changes to the planning framework and recommendations to bring more independence to council's management of the CEO employment relationship.

Support the show

To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.

If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999