For the final episode of the year, Tony Raunic, Managing Principal of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt join Chris Eddy to wrap up what has been an action packed first year of the council term. The team looks at the major issues and events of 2025 and look forward to what we may expect to see in the sector in 2026. Completing our Meet the Board series, Chris chats to VLGA Treasurer, Mike Blake about his fascinating journey from Africa to the Australian public sector. Sponso...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to Kerryn Ellis and Dan Nicholson from the Victorian Ombudsman about a recently released report into flood risk decisions relating to two housing estates, with broader implications for councils. The VLGA's Meet the Board series continues with independent member Louise Hill joins the program for a discussion about how she contributes to the board, and her work in and beyond the local government sector. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Suppor...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Cr Kylie Spears - the inaugural winner of the Mary Rogers Award for women in local government. Our Meet the Board series continues, with a conversation with Cr Jane Karslake from Glen Eira City Council - a recent addition to the VLGA board. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. 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 l...

This week on VLGA Connect, Maribyrnong Council CEO Celia Haddock joins Chris Eddy to talk about new local laws requiring authorised officers to be trained in the city's homelessness protocol; her challenge to property owners about landbanking in central Footscray, and more. Continuing the Meet the Board series, Chris sits down for a chat with Cr Mia Shaw from Wyndham City Council, after her recent election to the board of the VLGA. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show T...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by the CEO of the Independent Broad Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) Alison Byrne to discuss the latest perceptions of corruption report and findings released by the agency. Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss a move to limit Notices of Motions at the City of Whittlesea and the implications of that, along with a newly released municipal monitor report into Horsham Rural City Council. Continuing the Meet the...

On VLGA Connect this week, Chris Eddy meets the mayor of Corangamite Shire, Cr Kate Makin, to talk about a number of local and regional challenges council is actively advocating on including the condition of regional roads, some initiatives in waste collection, renewable energy projects and the importance of reliable connectivity in regional areas as we enter fire season. Cr Dr Josh Fergus is here to talk about his approach to his new role as President of the VLGA - kicking off a “Meet ...

Chris Eddy and Julie Reid unpack the biggest planning reforms in decades have been introduced to the Victorian Parliament and explain what they mean for councils. Plus, we put the spotlight on one of the country’s fastest growing areas - Mitchell Shire Council Mayor John Dougall joins me to talk about his community’s priorities ahead of next year’s state election. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Vic...

This week, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and Chris Eddy discuss some breaking news from the sector this week, including a proposal to introduce term limits for councillors, new Aged Care Act responsibilities for councillors, and as mayoral election season gets under way, is it a good idea to have position statements for mayors and deputy mayors? Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Loc...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with VEC Commissioner Sven Bluemmel to talk through the official report on the conduct of last year’s Victorian council elections, and the recommendations for future elections. Chris then speaks with the mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Claire Ewart-Kennedy about some of the shire’s current challenges and priorities. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the ...

This week on VLGA Connect, the Mayors of Merri-bek City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council join Chris Eddy to talk about a joint councils campaign to raise awareness on transport issues in the fast growing northern metropolitan region and the Northern Council's Alliance's efforts to advocate to the state government for better connectivity. After a big week in the sector, Tony Raunic returns to the panel to unpack the Commission of Inquiry report into Whittlesea Council, the monitors report ...

As the VLGA launches the 2025 Victorian Councillor Census, VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt and John Armitage from QDOS Research join Chris Eddy to talk about this year’s Census - how does it work, and how will the information be used? Deputy mayor of Wellington Shire Council, Cr Cindy Madeley, also joins the program to chat about life in the shire and an important ongoing conversation with the community about financial sustainability. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Support the show To learn mor...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Merri-bek Mayor Cr Helen Davidson to discuss the priorities and challenges for the inner city municipality as her mayoral term draws towards a close. Adam McSwain, the newly commenced CEO at Golden Plains joins Chris to chat about his career journey, and his approach to the role as the council comes out of a period of instability. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training...

This week on VLGA Connect, Cr Sophie Price, Mayor of Indigo Shire, joins Chris Eddy to discuss how the northeast region is recovering from recent events, and gives us an update on the ongoing fight for better hospital and health services in the region. Tony Raunic returns to discuss the latest legal and governance issues from across the sector, including a new arbiter decision that has led to the suspension of a Surf Coast Shire councillor for one month. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris is joined by City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney to talk about a major customer service survey, and how the organisation is meeting the demands of a rapidly growing regional centre. Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss on recent issue of a governance and legal nature, including a move at Frankston to extend the term of the current mayor; a VCAT case about e-scooters in the Yarra City Council; and the latest, potentially final twis...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Cr Stefan Koomen, Mayor of Casey City Council on leading the new council in its first term since a long period of administration, and how the long running Operation Sandon investigation has impacted the new councillor group. Then, we learn more about a metro Melbourne circular economy first with Sarah Furnell, Brimbank Circular Economy Officer as she explains an exciting new project repurposing soft plastics for road making materials. Sponsor...

This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy interviews Mark Stoermer, CEO Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on how he is settling in as CEO, his priorities for the role, including an announced restructure, and the pending release of the Board of Inquiry report into the McCrae landslip - with potential sector-wide implications. Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of Moyne Shire Council returns to the program to discuss council’s refreshed commitment to Great Ocean Road Tourism, advocacy for better community out...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest in local government news including the appointment of monitors to Kingston City Council and the standing down of Maribyrnong City Council Mayor under the provisions of the Local Government Act. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. 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 ...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy gets to know the new CEO of Strathbogie Shire Council, Rachelle Quatrocchi to hear about her visions for the new role. Tony Raunic and Chris catch up on the recent issues affecting the sector, including a significant local law decision at Casey Council and new legal reforms dealing with perceived invasions of privacy. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Lo...

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Gail Gatt the new CEO at Horsham Rural City Council about how she is settling into her new role and the key issues facing her community. Chris also catches up with Port Phillip City Council Mayor Cr Louise Crawford about an innovative solution the council has developed to prevent and reduce damage to public bins. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the V...

Today on the program Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of West Wimmera Shire Tim Meyer to talk about how he is finding this mayoral term. Mary Agostino, Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell Shire also joins us to talk about what is happening in her community and the key issues council is addressing. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click her...