Municipal Association of Victoria

Sport has the power to create positive change. It can bring our communities together and give us a sense of belonging. ⚽🏐🏀🏏🎾🎽 Celebrating everyone’s participation in sport, regardless of gender, helps create a culture where everyone feels safe and equal. Wyndham City Council and Melton City Council are hosting free events for local sporting clubs as part of their 16 Days of Activism Campaigns. 🏆 Growing Gender Inclusive Clubs 🏆 Monday 2 December 7pm-9pm - Eagle Stadium, Werribee https://lnkd.in/g_XVnNcJ And 🎖️ Leading Gender Equitable Sports Clubs 🎖️ Wednesday 4 December 6.30pm-8.00pm - Burnside Children’s and Community Centre https://lnkd.in/gRfVJ8wW #16Days #16DaysOfActivism

The MAV’s continued call for a meaningful and constructive partnership – through a formal agreement between State and Local Government – has been strengthened by the findings of a State Parliamentary enquiry into Local Government funding and services. It is clear the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee report has taken seriously the weight of evidence presented before it by the MAV and councils in recognising the value of the role of local government and the challenges councils face in continuing to deliver high quality services and infrastructure to their communities The Committees’ key recommendations: 🔶 Improving the partnership between local and state government through codesign in legislation and regulation and adherence to the principles of the Victorian State-Local Government Agreement 🔶 Increases to untied funding and reducing the administrative burden of applying for and acquitting grants 🔶 Victorian State Government update Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to allow betterment to build the resilience of local council infrastructure The MAV thanks the Committee and will continue to advocate for councils to be a constructive and critical delivery partner to the State Government as we support inclusive, resilient communities and thriving neighbourhoods and towns across Victoria.

The MAV was pleased to host Maree Crabbe for ‘It’s Time We Talked: Pornography, young people and violence prevention’, as part of our support for the 16 days of activism campaign to prevent violence against women. Council officers working in prevention, gender equality, youth services, child and family services, libraries and sport and recreation, were in attendance to hear from Maree about how they can make a difference. Maree is an international leader in the development and delivery of resources and professional learning about pornography and its impacts on young people.

The election of Mayors across Victoria represents a significant milestone in our local democracy. Victorian Mayors stand as leaders of their local communities — representing their voices, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation where it matters most.   On 12–13 December 2024, the MAV is thrilled to welcome more than 120 Mayors and Deputy Mayors to Melbourne for the MAV Mayoral Mandatory Training Program.   This 2-day event is an opportunity for local leaders to complete their regulated training while honing the essential leadership and governance skills needed to excel in their roles.   This training will also mark the start of the new Mayors Institute, a high-impact program that empowers Victorian Mayors with the skills to navigate challenges and lead with confidence and impact.   This is more than just training; it’s the start of a transformative journey in leadership for Victorian communities. We can’t wait to see our Mayors and Deputy Mayors there!

We are pleased to announce the MAV Board’s appointment of its new Advisory Panel members! 💕👁️🏡🌞 These incredible individuals bring with them a wealth of expertise, leadership, and passion - making them invaluable contributors to the work of MAV and the local government sector. Congratulations to Dr Cathy Oke OAM, Leanne Hodyl, Tahlia Azaria and Maria Dimopoulos AM for their appointment as Chairs of the Advisory Panels. Four Advisory Panels have been established focusing on: Health and Wellbeing, Climate Futures, Connected Places, and Future Gen. The formation of these Advisory Panels represents a key step in our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and supporting councils in building a resilient and sustainable future. Read more about our new Advisory Panels and its members: https://lnkd.in/g6bQMk-5

Are you ready to be part of a groundbreaking AI and housing project? 🕵🏘️ The MAVlab Program Manager – Housing Innovation will play a critical role in the MAV’s mission, through the management and delivery of the Advancing AI Innovation in Local Government (AAII) project. Advancing AI Innovation in Local Government (AAII) project is part of the ‘The Local Government Housing Innovation Program’ – a joint Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and Greater Dandenong City Council project – has received $500,000 from the Commonwealth Housing Support Program. The Commonwealth program is designed to help achieve the National Housing Accord target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over 5 years. This is a part-time position (3 days per week) until 30 June 2025. Secondments from within the sector and expressions of interest from specialist consultants will be considered. For more information visit https://lnkd.in/dBnzQjjQ Get in touch with 🗺 Bonnie Shaw with any questions. 

Today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. A global campaign for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Councils across metro, regional and rural Victoria are getting involved in the 16 Days of Activism by hosting a wide range of events including community walks, workshops, film screenings, training and more. To check out events in your local area and online, head to Safe and Equal’s community events calendar https://lnkd.in/gRp-pWGp To learn more about 16 Days of Activism, visit: https://bit.ly/3stqFwD

The MAV is proud to be supporting Respect Victoria’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Today MAV staff attended the Walk Against Family Violence in the Melbourne CBD. 🍊🧡📙 25 November-10 December marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – a global campaign for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Here at the MAV we support councils all year round to deliver, partner and lead primary prevention work through a diverse range of strategies and actions across their communities, workplaces and organisations. Councils have the unique opportunity to reach people where they live, work and play to embed primary prevention across the community. To learn more about 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, visit: https://bit.ly/3stqFwD

Just announced!! 📢📢📢 Minister for Children, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn, has announced grants for 25 councils to help children from multicultural families across Victoria access and attend kindergarten. The Victorian Government's CALD Outreach Initiative funds councils to employ outreach workers to address barriers to kindergarten access and participation for children and families from CALD backgrounds. These workers also support families' transition to school and ongoing engagement and participation in education. First initiated in 2021, the program has seen councils successfully support over 6000 children across the state. This initiative is a significant investment in supporting CALD families in accessing early childhood education and other essential services. As partners in the initiative, MAV supports CALD Outreach workers through a community of practice, resources, and advice, creating welcoming spaces and opportunities for CALD families to connect, engage, and thrive. While the CALD Outreach Initiative is making incredible progress with participating councils, all Victorian councils can access resources, guidance, and expertise through the MAV to ensure every CALD family is engaged with Early Childhood Education and Care. To read more about MAV's support for councils, click here: https://bit.ly/3ZfrHJX To read the Minister's announcement, click here: https://bit.ly/4hVOBNX Alpine Shire Council, Ararat Rural City Council, Ballarat City Council, Banyule City Council, City of Greater Bendigo, Brimbank City Council, City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Darebin City Council, City of Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay City Council, Hume City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Maroondah City Council, City of Melbourne, Melton City Council, Merri-bek City Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Greater Shepparton City Council, City of Whittlesea, Wyndham City Council, Yarra City Council, Yarra Ranges Council

We're #hiring a new MAVlab Program Manager – Housing Innovation in Melbourne, Victoria. Apply today or share this post with your network.