VPELA

The VPELA Christmas Party held on Tuesday at was a wonderful night to celebrate and reflect on the year. VPELA President Mark Sheppard acknowledged retiring board member and Vice-President Colleen Peterson for her outstanding commitment and contribution to Board during her 9 year term of office. He also thanked Isobell Vescovi for her time on the YPG Committee and the last three years as Co-convenor. Rob Moore the recipient of the Paul Jerome Award this year joined us to be formally presented with his award announced at the Conference in August. Finally thank you to our sponsor onemilegrid #vpela #vpelaevents #vpelaypg #pauljeromeaward

The VPELA Small Business Collective enjoyed its end of year lunch last week. We’ve had some great conversations at our catch ups throughout the year, including contracting arrangements, AI and septic tanks! If you would like to attend the SBC lunches for next year please contact admin@vpela.org.au #vpela #vpelasbc #smallbusiness  

The YPG Christmas Party last week completed their calendar of events for 2024! Co-Convenor Charlie Wurm thanked the Committee for a great year and acknowledged retiring members James Cossins, Madeleine Craig, Romy Fanarof, Adam Gardiner, Briony Oddey and Isobell Vescovi for their contributions during their time on the Committee. Special thanks to Isobell Vescovi who has been Co-Convenor for the last three years.   Applications are still open for members to join the Committee in 2025 here https://lnkd.in/gkWZAmRR Finally thank you to our YPG sponsors Biosis Pty Ltd, Contour Consultants, Taylors – Urban | Infrastructure, Traffix Group and Urbis for supporting the group this year. #vpelaypg #vpela #networking #professionaldevelopment

VPELA’s '18 Months On from the Implementation of the Central Geelong Framework Plan – Reverse Seminar' held last Thursday at the KPMG Australia office in Geelong, provided an insightful and forward-looking discussion about the progress and evolving impact of the Central Geelong Framework Plan since its implementation 18 months ago. The session was opened by Matthew Fletcher, KPMG who went through the highlights of the Geelong Economic Blueprint before handing over to our first ‘reverse seminar’.   This seminar offered a unique opportunity for urban planners, developers, state and local government officials, industry professionals and local residents to reflect on both the achievements and challenges of the Framework. The engaging format ensured that a wide range of perspectives were heard, and the discussions underscored the importance of continued collaboration and innovation as Geelong moves toward realising its vision for a revitalised city centre.   The event concluded with networking over breathtaking views over Central Geelong and Corio Bay. Thanks to our sponsor KPMG Australia for hosting in their incredible venue!  Our thanks also to Anna Borthwick, KPGM, Chloe Moorcroft, Context Planning and Grant Logan, DTP for mediating the event. We look forward to more regional events, including those in Geelong – stay tuned! #vpela #vpelaevents #professionaldevelopment #networking #geelong

This week VPELA hosted a celebration evening to congratulate Kathy Mitchell AM on her 28 years at PPV, including 20 as Chief Panel Member. Mark Sheppard, Tamara Brezzi and Nick Wimbush paid tribute to Kathy on her a wonderful career… so far. They acknowledged her service, passion and commitment to her role at PPV.  Along the way she has been a leader to hundreds of Panel members and heard submissions and evidence from thousands of barristers, solicitors, advocates, experts and community members. She has conducted herself in a way that demonstrates her fundamental belief in broad inclusion and participation. During COVID Kathy stridently lead Panels into a new era of online hearings and following the pandemic, ensured that the gains made have very much become the new normal under her leadership.   On the night Susan Brennan SC, Emma Peppler, Emily Porter SC and Nick Tweedie SC entertained with a musical tribute to Kathy’s precise timetabling!   We wish Kathy well for the future as she embarks on the next chapter of her career which we’re sure will be filled with drive, passion, ambition, a curious mind and, of course, very precise timetabling. Thank you to our host Norton Rose Fulbright #vpela #vpelaevents #networking #planningpanelsvictoria

As we approach the festive season join the VPELA Board in the celebration of another successful year for the Association at Zinc. Catch up with friends and colleagues for some Yuletide cheer! This event includes 3 hours of drinks and nibbles. Book https://lnkd.in/gKz2QMZx Thank you to our sponsor onemilegrid #vpela #vpelaevents #networking

Following in-person lectures, homework and online sessions, this year’s VPELA Moot Court participants tested their learnings before a number of VCAT Members in the Moot Court hearings last week. It was great to see their efforts in preparation, the invaluable feedback given and the support from attendees. We congratulate all participants and thank VCAT for its continued support for this program. We would also like to thank Nick Tweedie SC, Juliet Forsyth SC, Jane Sharp, Jennifer Trewhella, Amanda Ring and Craig Murphy who have assisted throughout the program this year. Finally thank you to Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd for their continued sponsorship for this event. #vpela #vpelamootcourt #professionaldevelopment

This VPELA award recognises excellence in a young or new professional working in the Victorian Public Sector. It is awarded to a young person, or mid/late career person following a career change, who goes above and beyond and demonstrates exceptional initiative and endeavour. The aim of the award is to reward outstanding contributions, foster a culture of excellence in the public sector, and contribute to public sector staff retention. Nominations are especially encouraged from Managers and Directors to recognise excellence in their teams. Self-nominations are also welcomed. Download the criteria and application form https://lnkd.in/gvzCe-D9 #vpela #kathymitchellaward #vpelaawards #professionaldevelopment

Celebrate the festive season with the YPG! Bring your colleagues and friends and enjoy drinks, BBQ and barefoot bowls at the Fitzroy Victoria Bowling & Sports Club located next to the Edinburgh Gardens. This is a two hour event however we have access to the venue space until 10.00pm. Book here https://lnkd.in/g5iypqKv Thank you to our YPG sponsors Biosis Pty Ltd, Contour Consultants, Taylors – Urban | Infrastructure, Traffix Group and Urbis #vpela #vpelaypg #networking #professionaldevelopment

It’s been 18 months since the Minister for Planning approved the Central Geelong Framework Plan: A plan for the heart of Djilang 2023 along with the relevant planning controls through Amendment C431ggee. The Framework Plan outlined a vision, objectives and a suite of urban design guidance to guide the growth and development of Geelong’s CBD, with the new Activity Centre Zone focussed on facilitating growth whilst protecting the amenity and unique qualities of central Geelong. So how is it going? We are excited to be running our first ever ‘reverse seminar’ – a unique format that breaks the traditional model of speakers and attendees. We invite all attendees to become participants, to ask questions and to volunteer to answer the questions of others, providing real insight into the experiences of people working within the new planning framework. This format provides a far more interactive experience which will be moderated by our facilitators on the night. You can let any of our moderators know in advance if you have any specific questions you’d like to raise or if you would like to volunteer to answer questions on the night. You can also opt into doing either roles at the session (ask or answer questions). Moderators: Anna Borthwick, Director Infrastructure, Assets & Places KPMG and VPELA Board member, Chloe Moorcroft, Associate: Context Planning and YPG Board Member and Grant Logan, Manager, Development Approvals and Design, Department of Transport and Planning and VPELA Board member. Book here https://lnkd.in/gwfrE5PS Thank you to our sponsor and host KPMG #vpela #geelongframework #AmendmentC431ggee #professionaldevelopment #networking