VLGA Connect

This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy speaks with Loddon Shire Mayor, Cr Dan Straub about his council's advocacy priorities ahead of the state election. Cr Straub shares his thoughts on the Murray Darling Basin Plan review process and the impact of water buybacks on his community.
We also cross to Canberra where the annual National General Assembly has been underway this week. We get some insights on the ground about some of the most pressing issues councils are talking about across the country with VLGA Vice President Cr Janet Pearce and VLGA Board Member Damien Gallagher.
Sponsored by Hunt and 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 the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews Golden Plains Mayor Owen Sharkey to discuss how his municipality is dealing with growing pains and gearing up to make sure its voice is heard in the run down to this year’s state election.
We also meet  Mansfield Shire Council CEO, Kirsten Alexander who has just been reappointed for a further four years.
And finally we chat to Tony Raunic and get his initial thoughts on the updated local government legislation introduced in Victorian Parliament earlier this week.
Sponsored by Hunt and 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 the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews Frankston City Council CEO Tennille Bradley on her first 6 months in the role, council's priorities and taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness and advocate for change in the community. 
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to break down the decision from the Victorian Supreme Court which has ruled the suspension of the former Whittlesea Mayor invalid. 
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 the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, Cr Lawrie Cox, Mayor of Whittlesea City Council chats with Chris Eddy about the council’s stand on road conditions in the region and its call for the state government to step up and do more to manage its assets.

Cr Jodie Ashworth, the mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, joins to talk about her leadership journey, and current issues and challenges happening for council which is one of the largest and diverse municipalities in the far eastern corner of the state.

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 the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week on VLGA Connect, host Chris Eddy speaks with the mayor of Glen Eira City Council, Cr Simone Zmood, about the council’s successful application for a rate cap variation, the reasons behind the request and how they consulted with the community.

To celebrate the launch of the 2026 Mary Rogers Awards for women in local government, Chris talks to last year’s inaugural winner Cr Kylie Spears from Maroondah City Council about why the awards are important and why people should nominate.

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 the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999