\ President’s Message

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NUMBER 19/14 – 22 October 2014
Mayor Barry Easther OAM
West Tamar Council
2014 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CONFERENCE SPONSOR
President’s Message
What a great spring day it has been so far. The sun is
shining, the lambs are growing and have been joined
in the front paddock by a couple of young calves to
chew the grass that has been invigorated by some
recent showers.
Yesterday I celebrated another birthday and chaired
my last West Tamar Council meeting! After thirty-one
years on Council and five years as your President, I
have about eight days to go before I relinquish my
roles in Local Government. The decision not to contest
the Local Government Elections this year was a
relatively easy one to make as I knew that it was not
only the sensible thing to do but the right decision to
make. Strangely, once the decision was made, each
day after that, I have felt more and more comfortable,
and I am looking forward to ‘retirement’. So as I left
the Council Chambers yesterday, I felt very content.
Enough about me - how are you all going with your
electioneering? Some elected members who are
offering themselves for re-election tell me that they
have not worked harder. That’s good because it must
undoubtedly raise the level of interest in Local
Government. Sadly, there have been some very
negative aspects to the election campaign and some
nastiness that should never be a part of Local
Government elections. Just a week to go and the
counting begins! I will watch with much interest the
results as they are posted on the Electoral Commission
website but not with the same ‘tightness of the tummy
muscles’ as on previous occasions. It is an anxious time
for candidates who have the desire to represent their
communities on their local council and I wish you all
the success that you are hoping for.
The election for President of the Association closed at
10.00am this morning and it is with a great deal of
pleasure that I congratulate the successful candidate,
Mayor Barry Jarvis on being chosen by your colleagues
from around the State to serve in this important
position. I personally wish you every success for your
term as President and am confident that you will enjoy
the role and receive the same support and
encouragement I experienced during my terms.
I close by thanking everyone in Local Government
across Tasmania for the friendship and support shown
to me during my time in Local Government and
through my terms as President. It has been an
experience that I will always remember fondly.
I particularly express my appreciation to the great staff
at LGAT and CEO, Allan Garcia, who do so much that
benefits Local Government in Tasmania. I will continue
to show a great interest in Local Government affairs but
for now, retirement beckons!
New President Elect
for Local
Government
Association
Mayor Barry Jarvis of Dorset
Council today became the
President elect to the Local
Government Association of
Tasmania. With the departure
of present incumbent, Mayor
Barry Easther from the position
in the coming week, Mayor
Jarvis will officially take on the role at the declaration of
the election writs on, or around 30 October 2014. As one
of five people contesting the position, Mayor Jarvis
praised those who had nominated for the role,
highlighting the regard in which the position is held and
the importance the sector places upon it. He is humbled
and honoured to receive the vote of support from his
Local Government peers. Mayor Jarvis paid tribute to
the current President, Barry Easther for leading the sector
affably and capably over the past five years.
Clr Jarvis who was elected to Dorset Council in 2007 and
became Mayor in 2009, is excited at the prospect of
leading the sector and looks forward to the challenges
of working with Association members, the State
Government and other stakeholders to further progress
Local Government in the State.
Elected Member Training – Local
Government 101
On 22 November, LGAT will be delivering a one-day
workshop for newly elected members in Launceston
which will cover: roles and responsibilities under the
Local Government Act; the relationship with the general
manager and the mayor; acting as a member of the
planning authority; strategic planning requirements
including financial and asset planning; pecuniary
interests and offences under the Act; and meeting
procedures. Don’t miss this opportunity to hone your
skills as a newly elected member. For further details, log
onto the LGAT website at www.lgat.tas.gov.au, click on
the Extranet Login tab and enter your Council’s
password.
Have you voted in the Local Government Elections?
All Tasmanians who are registered on the Tasmanian Electoral Roll are
encouraged to vote in the 2014 Local Government Elections. The elections
cover all 29 Tasmanian councils and are the first to take place since a
number of electoral reforms were introduced, including the introduction of
all-in, all-out Local Government elections every four years, with four-year
terms for mayors and deputy mayors. Polling closes at 10.00am, on
28 October followed by the counting of votes and the announcement of
the results. Don’t delay – have your say! For details, visit
www.electoral.tas.gov.au/LocalGovernmentElections2014/index.html.
Garage Sale Trail this Weekend!
There are just three days to go until the 2014 Garage Sale Trail kicks off around the country on Saturday, 25 October.
With over 5,000 registered sales and 6 million sale items up for grabs, there’s a heap of treasure waiting to be
discovered. Don’t miss out! Visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au.
New General Manager Announced for Waratah-Wynyard
Mr Michael Stretton has been announced as the new General Manager of WaratahWynyard Council. Having been Director of Development Services at Launceston City
Council and Central Coast Council’s Director of Development and Regulatory Services
previously, Michael brings almost 20 years’ experience in Local Government to the
position and already has well-established networks in the region. Mr Stretton will take
up the position of General Manager on 4 November, with John Martin continuing as
Acting General Manager until this time.
HeForShe
Over the next 12 months the HeForShe campaign aims to mobilise one billion men and
boys as advocates and agents of change in ending the persisting inequalities faced by women and girls globally.
The premise is that inequality is a human rights issue, the resolution of which will benefit everyone - socially, politically
and economically. Your voice is powerful - raise it to tell the world why equality for every woman and girl is worth
fighting for. UN Women invites both men and women to join the global movement to advance women’s rights at
www.heforshe.org.
Grants & Awards
20 Million Trees Grants Open
Communities can now apply for grants through the $50 million, 20 Million Trees program. The funding aims to reestablish Australia's green corridors and urban forests as part of the National Landcare Program. 20 Million Trees
projects can be undertaken in urban and regional areas, and on public or private land. Communities, groups and
individuals can apply for grants of between $20,000 and $100,000. Applications are open until 30 October. More
information is available at www.nrm.gov.au/national/20-million-trees.
2015 Government Communications Australia Awards
Entries are invited for the annual Government Communications Australia (GCA) Awards for Excellence which
recognise the exceptional work of government communicators, and reward outstanding examples of
communication strategy and implementation in line with best practice standards. There are 12 categories catering
for all areas of government communications, marketing, engagement and public relations. The Awards for
Excellence will be presented at the GCA Conference, to be held in Sydney, from 13-15 May 2015. Entries must be
submitted by 28 November. Full details can be found online at www.govcomms.com.au/awards.
Employer of Choice Awards
Entries for the 2015 Employer of Choice Awards are now invited. The Employer of Choice Awards, managed by Skills
Tasmania, recognise and promote Tasmanian organisations that have a reputation among its staff as being a great
place to work, and that successfully attract and retain skilled employees. Workplaces that help to attract and retain
staff may: provide a flexible workplace; enable staff to balance their work and family commitments; offer regular
and constructive feedback on employee performance; communicate effectively with staff; and embrace diversity
in the workplace. Entries close on 11 December, with winners announced in mid-2015. To find out more, go to
www.skills.tas.gov.au/eoc.
Communities, Sport and Recreation Tasmania - Major Grants Program
The Major Grants Program offers financial assistance towards major equipment purchases and the development or
improvement of facilities or playing surfaces that directly benefit sport and recreation clubs, and improve
opportunities for Tasmanians to participate in sport and active recreation. The Major Grants Program provides grants
of between $15,000 and $80,000 and is offered on an annual basis through one funding round, closing on 4 February
2015. For guidelines, visit www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/csrt/sportrec/funding_opportunities/major_grants.
Conferences, Seminars and Workshops
Women on Boards
Women with an interest in joining Boards are invited to join a series of workshops and networking events to: improve
their practical knowledge of directorship; give their boardroom aspirations some new life; and consolidate their
understanding. Join one or more sessions on the successful Pathways to Directorship program in Hobart including:
Realising your Board Potential - a highly practical and focused session for women at all levels seeking board roles
(10 November); Aspects of Directorship - an interactive evening with local directors and facilitated group
conversations (10 November); and Boards on your Horizon – NFP and Government – covering sector specific
information, strategic advice and useful tips (11 November). For details, visit www.womenonboards.org.au, or call
(02) 4321 0100.
Bridges out of Poverty Southern Workshop
Tasmania Medicare Local is coordinating a series of workshops as part of its Social Determinants of Health initiative,
aiming to equip staff, practitioners and service providers with practical tools to assist Tasmanians affected by
generational poverty and disadvantage. The workshop will be held on 12 and 19 November at the Brighton Civic
Centre, Bridgewater, and costs $100 per person. For enquiries, contact Vicki Eather on (03) 6425 0800, or email
[email protected].
TasCOSS 2014 Conference
Registration is now open for the TasCOSS 2014 Conference, being held on 13-14 November in Hobart. The theme is
Navigating a Changing Environment and speakers will include the Federal Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews
and state Minister for Human Services, Jacquie Petrusma who will speak about their policies, plans and philosophies.
Register at http://bit.ly/XTLiOP.
Creating Easy to Read Information for the Community
Do you need to develop a brochure, flyer or pamphlet but you’re not sure where to start? In this practical workshop
you will have the opportunity to: work on reviewing or developing a resource that you bring to the workshop; look at
the things to consider when developing resources such as layout, font size, language and readability; and learn
about resources and support available. The workshop will be held from 10.00am – 3.00pm, on 14 November, in
Hobart. Registrations close on 4 November. To book a place, register at www.surveymonkey.com/s/JZ7TQ8M. For
further information, email [email protected].
Conflict Management Training
Managing conflict and supporting staff members in conflict is a fundamental part of effective business leadership. A
highly-interactive and skills-focused course, to be held at the UTAS Sandy Bay Campus from 19-20 November, will
provide participants with essential skills to enable them to effectively support others and themselves in conflict. Cost
is $900 (+ GST). Find out more at www.conflictcoachinginternational.com.
Roads Infrastructure 2014
As the mining boom ends, the Government is relying on major infrastructure projects to deliver sound strategic
national economic benefit. The Optimising Procurement for Exceptional Outcomes Conference will be held on
20 November, in Sydney. This national conference will strengthen networks and provide an opportunity for Road
Authorities to benchmark across jurisdictions on value-for-money, innovation and sustainability in procurement. It will
present speakers from Government, Treasury and industry on streamlining the procurement process, pushing the
boundaries on innovative contracting and striving for exceptional outcomes. View the brochure at
http://bit.ly/1klSflj. Register online, quoting the discount code CC*LGAT, to save $100 off your registration.
Safety at Roadworks - Taking Responsibility
Want to improve Safety at Roadworks? Join the 2014 Australian Asphalt Pavement Association’s Safety at Roadworks
workshop in Hobart, on 21 November, to find out more about improving safety for all road workers and every road
user. Participants will walk away with steps to improve operating conditions for road users, drive awareness amongst
colleagues, and practical solutions to enhance safety. Cost is $260 (incl. GST and meals) per delegate. Register
online at http://australian-asphalt-pavement-association.eventbrite.com.au, or phone (03) 9853 5322.
Upcoming Local Government Events
National Local Roads and Transport Congress, Tamworth
General Meeting, Launceston
Mayors’ Workshop, Launceston
Local Government 101, Launceston
12-14 November
19 November
20 November
22 November
Local Government Association of Tasmania
326 Macquarie Street, Hobart. GPO Box 1521, Hobart, TAS 7001
Ph: (03) 6233 5966 Fax: (03) 6233 5986 Email: [email protected]