30 April – 01 May 2021

Culture Conduct Retention

Conference Program

Culture, Conduct and Retention

Acknowledgement of Country

Yarra City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners and true sovereigns of the land now known as Yarra. We also acknowledge the significant contributions made by other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to life in Yarra. We pay our respects to Elders from all nations here today— and to their Elders past, present and future.

Whether you’re a visitor, resident or teacher, our Aboriginal History of Yarra website provides a range of ways for you to learn more about our local history. Here, you will find downloadable local history publications, teaching resources, videos, and a map of significant sites in the area. We encourage you to visit, learn, engage and refer it on to other interested people. https://aboriginalhistoryofyarra.com.au/ City of Yarra Mayor’s Welcome

It’s our great honour to host the ALGWA Vic conference in the City of Yarra this year. I hope you all feel very welcome. Yarra has a proud history of elevating women in leadership. In 1920, Mary Rogers was elected to City of Richmond Council as the first female elected to any tier of Government in . This is a legacy that continues through to today. I am joined by five other diverse women representing Yarra as Councillors. It’s rare to see this type of majority representation in Australian governments, and it’s something we’re very proud of. As a city, we are committed to equality and empowerment for people of all genders, cultures, and abilities. Forums like this help us have brave conversations about the important role of women – and indeed diversity – in local government and politics. May we continue to support and elevate women in all areas of life. Cr Gabrielle de Vietri Mayor of Yarra Culture, Conduct and Retention

ALGWA Vic President’s Welcome

The Australian Local Government Women’s Association Victorian Branch is excited to have Yarra City Council host our 2021 Annual State Conference. This year, our theme is “culture, conduct and retention: the next 100 years of women in local government”. This could not be more appropriate for us all, as we build the foundations of our next four years – and indeed the next hundred – in local government. Culture is so important in any workplace, and starts with us all as individuals. It’s with culture that we set the tone for our next four years together. Conduct provides a basis for positive culture, and we can’t underestimate how important this is in today’s environment. In light of the Gender Equality Act, respectful relationships are a significant part of conduct. And finally, retention. Positive conduct and culture provide the strong foundations that lead to retention. Retention is vital in achieving a 50-50 gender balance by 2025. We look forward to an action-packed conference as we unpack this theme, and help each other plan for the coming years. Cr Kylie Spears President ALGWA Vic Mayor of Maroondah City Council Mary Rogers

City of Yarra is proud to commemorate the Centenary of the election of Mary Rogers to the City of Richmond Council in 1920. Mary Rogers was the first female elected to any tier of Government in Victoria and one of the first women to be appointed as a Justice of the Peace in Victoria. Mary was born in Richmond and lived all her life here in the heart of Yarra. Mary became active in the Australian Labor Party, and was appointed secretary and later president of the Women Office Cleaners’ Union. In 1920, Mary became Victoria’s first female Local Government councillor (and second in Australia), when she was elected to Richmond Council. Being a leading woman in a male dominated era was a very brave step and has helped pave the way for many other great female leaders in the sector. She was a passionate advocate for helping those in need. Mary led ground-breaking progress in welfare, education and family issues, initiating the very first community maternal and child health services in Victoria. And at a Trades Hall Council in 1923, she moved a resolution calling for equal pay for women. In 1928, Mary was one of the first women to be appointed a Justice of the Peace in Victoria and later was a special magistrate at the Children’s Court in Richmond. Mary was an extraordinary woman and we’re very proud to continue her legacy here in Yarra. You can see her commemorative plaque at the front of Richmond Town Hall. Richmond Town Hall 333 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121 Djirri Djirri Dance Group, Smith Street Dreaming 2019, Photo by James Henry. Friday Night

Centre for Contemporary Photography 404 George Street, Fitzroy, Vic, 3065

Welcome Drinks Brought to you by Davidson

Cr Gabrielle de Vietri, Mayor City of Yarra Vijaya Vaidyanath, CEO City of Yarra Cr Kylie Spears, President ALGWA Vic Vanessa Huxley, Partner Davidson

6.00PM - 8.00PM Please enjoy the current exhibition at CCP, To resound, unbound featuring Hannah Bronte, Hootan Heydari, Callum McGrath, Anne Moffat, Sara Oscar, Sanja Pahoki, Jessica Schwientek, Emmaline Zanelli.

Wines provided by Blackhearts and Sparrows Freshly shucked oysters from Richmond Oysters Sushi selection from Hinoki Pantry Ricotta cannolini fromSmith’s Cakes and Aquilana Pasticceria Gourmet selection of cheeses Saturday Morning

Fitzroy Town Hall 201 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

FROM Registration 8.00AM

Session 1

Welcome to Country, Annette Xiberras, Wurundjeri Elder Cr Gabrielle de Vietri, Mayor City of Yarra 8.45AM - The Hon. Shaun Leane MP, Minister for Local Government 10.20AM Cr Kylie Spears, President ALGWA Vic Danielle Pepyat, ALGWA Vic Bursary Award Winner 2020 Helen Haines MP + Winsome McCaughey AO, Women’s Ways of Knowing, Doing and Power Sharing

Morning Tea

10.20AM - 10.50AM Catering supplied by STREAT

Session 2

Jill Gallagher AO, Women in Leadership Dr Niki Vincent, Changing the culture to achieve gender equality 10.50AM - Michael Stefanovic AM, Our role in monitoring local government 1.00PM and ensuring the integrity of elections Melissa Scadden, Navigating conflict amongst Councillors Clare McCartin + Vanessa Huxley, Driving local government workplace performance beyond 2021 David Morris MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government Saturday Afternoon

Fitzroy Town Hall 201 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Lunch

1.00PM - 1.45PM Catering supplied by Charcoal Lane

Session 3

Maggie Toko, Leadership: A time to rise up and claim our opportunity Natalie Egan + Renee Cassidy, Sexual harassment in local 1.45PM - government – VAGO’s 2020 performance audit 3.35PM Coral Ross + Sandra Wilson, Sexual harassment in local government Tessa Sullivan, Sexual harassment, media, workplace laws, legislation and current social movements Dr MLC, Integrity - the key to success

Afternoon Tea 3.35PM - 4.05PM Catering supplied by STREAT

Session 4

Coral Ross, How to elect more women to council – lessons 4.05PM - 5.00PM learned from overseas Jane Gazzo, The power of music and Helen Reddy’s legacy Emma Donovan, Special performance Saturday Night

Fitzroy Town Hall 201 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Networking Drinks Brought to you by Community Bank Clifton Hill - North Fitzroy

Jenny Farrar, Connecting community to make great things happen 5.00PM

During this time, our resident gallery Conners Conners will open exclusively for conference attendees. Please explore their space and the exhibition Museum Studies curated by Rosemary Forde. Conners Conners is located on the ground floor of Fitzroy Town Hall.

Gala Dinner Brought to you by Maddocks

Cr Marianne Saliba, President ALGWA National Kate Oliver, Partner Maddocks

7.00PM - 11.00PM Nyadol Nyuon, Keynote address

Catering supplied by Free to Feed Featuring Loretta Bolotin and Zina Zahra

Cr Kylie Spears, Closing remarks City of Yarra Hosts

Cr Gabrielle de Vietri Mayor City of Yarra Gabrielle de Vietri is the Mayor of the City of Yarra and a Langridge ward Councillor. Before being elected to local government, Gabrielle worked in the arts, creating collaborative community projects for social change, as well as a paralegal at Refugee Legal, providing legal services to refugees and people seeking asylum. She has a long history of community organising, having been involved in the successful community mobilisation against the east-west toll road and organising events leading human rights and climate change activism. In her role as Mayor and Councillor, Gabrielle is committed to working with the community to help shape a growing city in a way that better meets the needs of the people and the environment. She is passionate about supporting meaningful climate action, transitioning to a zero-carbon future and making sure that no-one is left behind. This term, she will work towards a zero-carbon future, better active transport, housing for all, zero-waste to landfill, and revitalised local economy.

Vijaya Vaidyanath CEO City of Yarra Vijaya Vaidyanath has been the CEO of the City of Yarra since 2012. Prior to this role, Vijaya spent over a decade as CEO at Waitakere City Council in New Zealand, and as the CEO of Rodney District Council in New Zealand. She also worked for 15 years as a Senior Executive in the Reserve Bank in India with brief stints in the USA. Vijaya’s exemplary qualifications include a Senior Executive Fellow of the John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; an MBA from JMKatz Graduate School of Business in Pittsburgh, USA, and; a Master of Arts (Economics) and Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from the University of Bangalore. Yarra Council was the Victorian state winner in the Resilient Australia Awards and is a leader in innovation and smart city initiatives. On the World Environment Day last year, the City of Yarra received the United Nations of Australia national award for climate action in Local Government. Vijaya is renowned for her innovation, integrity, inspiring leadership style, and a unique ability to deliver results. She has enormous commitment to social justice and value-based leadership. Culture, Conduct and City of Yarra ALGWA Retention Hosts

Cr Kylie Spears President ALGWA Vic

Kylie Spears is the current Mayor at Maroondah City Council, first elected 2016. She is the current Chair of ERG – the Eastern Group of Councils. She represents ALGWA Vic on the State Gender Equality Advisory Committee. Kylie is a current Netball Victoria Board director and President of the East netball Association. Kylie has successfully run her own local business for the past 12 years As President of ALGWA’s Victoria branch, Kylie is focused on continuing to grow participation and strengthen supports for women in the Local government sector.

Cr Marianne Saliba President ALGWA National

Marianne was raised in Shellharbour, attended school at Warilla North Public School, Stella Maris Shellharbour and St Annes College, Dapto and has raised her four children in Shellharbour. As well as Mayor, Marianne is currently a board member of Local Government NSW (2017 – current); National President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) (2019 – current); Vice-Chair of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (2012-current), Director of Civic Risk Mutual (2016 – current); Council Delegate on Healthy Cities Illawarra Management Committee (2012 – current). Marianne’s civic work has included: Member for Illawarra (1999-2007); Temporary Chairman of Committees (2003–2007); Member of the NSW Regulation Review Committee (1999- 2003); NSW Joint Select Committee on Victims’ Compensation (1999–2000); Vice Chairman NSW Legislative Review Committee (2003-2004); NSW Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety (Staysafe) (2003-2005); Chairman NSW Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (2004-2007); Deputy Mayor Shellharbour City 2011-2012; ALGWA NSW Country Vice President (2014-2016) and ALGWA NSW President (2017-2019). Marianne is passionate about ensuring the fair treatment of all people and the delivery of services. Her vision is to leave the community in a better position than she found it, to ensure those who follow have a great place to live, work and play and to safeguard sustainability. Djirri Djirri Dance Group Smith Street Dreaming 2019 Photo by James Henry Culture, Conduct and Conference Retention Speakers Annette Xiberras Managing Director U.C.A. Pty Ltd Annette has been working in the cultural heritage industry for more than 30 years and was part of the first group of cultural heritage officers employed by AV in 1988. Annette has held the Victorian Aboriginal community -elected chair of the Victorian Traditional Owners Land Justice Group for the past 6 years. Annette’s long career in cultural heritage has seen her gain numerous formal qualifications in Cultural Heritage Management and has allowed her to work with some of Australia’s leading archaeological experts. As a Wurundjeri Elder and a former cultural heritage staff member with AV, Annette has built professional relationships with both government bodies and Aboriginal communities. Annette combines these skills with real-world business and commercial experience. Annette’s expertise in Aboriginal cultural heritage is reflected in the many honorary positions and qualifications she holds, including: Co-chair, Victorian Traditional Owners Land Justice Group; Co-Chair, City of Yarra Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee; Respected Elder Koori Courts; Footscray Arts Committee Member; Member Wurundjeri Elders council; Member of the National Trust Advisory Committee; Advanced Certificate Diploma in Archaeological Site Management - North Metropolitan College of Tafe; and Graduate Diploma of Natural Resource Management Deakin University.

Djirri Djirri Dancers Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group

Djirri Djirri Dancers are the only Wurundjeri female dance group, and, also Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne). Djirri Djirri means Willy Wagtail in Woiwurrung, the language of Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne) and surrounds. The Willy Wagtail the Spirit Bird, gave them dance. Many of their group have danced since they were young children, while others have learnt as adults. You will hear Mandy Nicholson singing in Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people. Stace, Ky-ya and Hailey will perform their Welcome dance, followed by the Country dance. The Hon. Shaun Leane MP Local Government Minister Parliament of Victoria

Shaun was elected to the Victorian Parliament as the Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region in the November 2006 Election and was re-elected in 2010, 2014, and for a fourth term in November 2018. An electrician by trade, Shaun has worked for a variety of organisations in this capacity and later with the Electrical Trades Union. As well as his electrical qualifications, Shaun holds a Diploma of Community Services and has a keen interest in the education and retention of apprentices. Born in Oakleigh, Shaun was only young when his father, a bricklayer who fought in New Guinea in WWII, passed away leaving his mother, a nurse, to work night shift to raise their family of eight children. From 2014-18, Shaun served in the Andrews Labor Government as Parliamentary Secretary to the Special Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure. Shaun was elected as the President of the Legislative Council on the first sitting of the 59th Parliament on Wednesday 19 December 2018; a position he occupied until he was promoted to the Andrews Government Ministry. Shaun is now Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development and Minister for Veterans. Shaun is married with two adult daughters.

Danielle Pepyat Coordinator Council Laws Maroondah City Council

Danielle has spent the majority of her working career in the Local Government sector. Twelve years ago, she started in the field as a Ranger having the passion for animals and justice, alongside wanting to motivate and empower others to achieve their own success. For the past 7 years, she has held leadership positions with two Councils whilst completing a law degree part-time. From thesis on faeces to policy/ procedure and reviewing legislation, her roles has enabled her great exposure. As the receiver of the 2020 ALGWA Bursary award winner, Danielle intends on completing her studies this year and hopes to continue to positively contribute not only to Council but the community. Culture, Conduct and Retention Helen Haines MP Independent Federal Member for Indi Parliament of Australia

Helen Haines is the Independent Federal Member for Indi. She was elected in May 2019 – the first Independent to succeed another in the same electorate in Commonwealth Parliamentary history. In her earlier professional career she was a nurse, midwife, health administrator, and rural health researcher in Victoria’s North East for more than 32 years. Helen grew up on her family’s dairy farm near Colac and attended Eurack primary school. She later followed her aunts and trained as a registered nurse at St Vincent’s Hospital, and as a midwife at Melbourne’s Mercy Maternity Hospital. In 1986, she moved to Victoria’s North East to work as a midwife at Wangaratta Base Hospital (now Northeast Health Wangaratta). She was afterwards appointed Chiltern Bush Nursing Hospital’s youngest matron. A passion for education led Helen to study a bachelor’s degree at Deakin University before returning to NHW, where she became a Community Midwife Program foundation member. This pioneering, continuing program is recognised as a world leader in rural midwifery care. Helen then undertook a master’s degree in epidemiology and public health at the University of New South Wales and, in 2004, commenced her PhD at Uppsala University in Sweden. She completed her doctoral degree in Medical Science in 2012 and a postdoctoral fellowship at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute. Helen has long been active as a member of community organisation boards and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program. Helen lives with her husband, Phil, on a small beef farm by Wangaratta’s King River, where they raised three children. Before contesting this year’s federal election she worked as a Senior Research Fellow with the University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health and as Director of Education and Research Unit at NHW.

Winsome McCaughey AO Director Baddaginnie Run Wines

Winsome focussed on philosophy and political science at Melbourne University. She has held many positions in community, government, philanthropy and business. These include founder and EO of Community Child Care Association; Executive Director of Lance Reichstein Philanthropic Foundation; Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne; Associate Director, KPMG; Commissioner for Africa with Melbourne Olympic Bid Committee; CEO of Greening Australia Ltd; Chair and CEO of Australia New Zealand Food Authority (now FSANZ); Chair, RMIT School of Arts Advisory Committee; Executive Director, Australia Business Arts Foundation (ABAF); Senior Strategic Advisor (Partnerships), University of Melbourne; Trustee, Helen Macpherson Smith Trust; Director, Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation; Member, ‘Invisible Farmer’ Advisory Committee, Museum Victoria. Currently she is Chair, Benalla Art Gallery Trust and Director of Seven Sisters Vineyard P/L, her family company that produces ‘Baddaginnie Run’ world-class wines. Jill Gallagher AO CEO VACCHO Jill has spent the past 20 years advancing Aboriginal health and wellbeing through her work as CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. She is a highly respected Aboriginal leader and advocate for self-determination outcomes in the Victorian Aboriginal community, and a former Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner. In 2013, Jill was awarded the Order of Australia. She is also an inductee of both the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll.

Dr Niki Vincent Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector

As Commissioner, Dr Vincent is responsible for overseeing implementation of the Gender Equality Act 2020 and plays a key leadership role in promoting gender equality in the Victorian community and workplaces. Dr Vincent has a wealth of experience in gender equality and organisational leadership. This includes most recently serving as the South Australian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity since May 2016. In this role, Dr Vincent was responsible for the general administration of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA).

Michael Stefanovic AM Chief Municipal Inspector Local Governement Inspectorate

Mr Stefanovic joined the Inspectorate in April 2021, taking over the role from Acting Chief Municipal Inspector Dr John Lynch PSM. Mr Stefanovic has 35 years of experience undertaking complex investigations in high-risk environments both within Australia and abroad. An expert in his field, having led teams specialising in fraud, corruption and misconduct investigations with the World Bank in Washington DC, he also served as the Director of the Investigations Division at the United Nations in New York. Since November 2020, he has been the Director for Compliance Operations with COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria. Prior to this, Mr Stefanovic was the Director of Investigations for the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants. His experience extends to post-conflict environments, having served as a United Nations war crimes investigator in The Hague, Chief Resident Investigator in UN peacekeeping missions and a member of specialist teams engaged by the US State Department to investigate crimes against humanity in Myanmar (2018) and Darfur (2004). In 2018, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, following significant services to international relations. Mr Stefanovic began his career in the Victoria Police ranks, which included time with the Homicide and Drug Squads. Culture, Conduct and Retention

Melissa Scadden Partner Justitia Lawyers

Melissa Scadden is a Partner at Justitia, an employment law firm. In addition to advising employers (including local government) on the full gamut of employment law matters, Melissa has acted as Arbiter on numerous Councillor Code of Conduct disputes and more recently worked with a number of Councils to refresh their Codes of Conduct. She has a keen interest in early intervention strategies for workplace conflict, along with building the capacity of individuals to effectively engage in difficult conversations. Melissa also regularly conducts complex workplace investigations and delivers training, and is frequently asked to speak on employment law matters at industry conferences.

Clare McCartin Managing Partner Davidson Executive and Boards

Clare is the Managing Partner of the Davidson Search & Advisory team where she leads teams in VIC, SA, NSW and QLD. She took on this role in mid-2017. Clare joined Davidson late 2015 as General Manager VIC, where she quickly established the Davidson brand and built the Melbourne practice. Prior to joining Davidson in 2015, Clare was a Director of a Melbourne based search firm for thirteen years where she conducted hundreds of Chief Executive and Senior searches in the government, health, sporting and community sectors. Clients recognise that Clare is dedicated to getting the best outcome for all concerned, treating clients and candidates with the same passion and understanding. The energy and enthusiasm Clare brings to her work is infectious. Clare has been recognised as a leader within her sector and was recognised as the Seek Recruitment Consultant of the Year in 2016. Clare is an active corporate member of IPAA and established the inaugural Top 50 Women in the Public Sector initiative, now in it’s 4th year. She is also actively involved as a Corporate member within the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce. Vanessa Huxley Partner Davidson Executive and Boards

Vanessa is an experienced talent strategy and executive search consultant, with over 12 years’ experience within sectors including financial services, technology, mining, government and healthcare. Commencing her career in IT recruitment, Vanessa later transitioned into Executive Search, partnering with ASX 50 organisations to lead global search and succession projects for both Executive and Board positions. In 2012, Vanessa ran for Local Government in the City of Port Phillip and was the elected Councillor for the Carlisle Ward from 2012 – 2016. It was a privilege for Vanessa to serve her community and she continued in her Board member position at Linden New Art until 2017. Vanessa has completed a Bachelor of Communications, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), and is currently completing a Masters in Human Resources from Monash University.

David Morris MP Shadow Minister for Local Government Parliament of Victoria

David currently serves as Shadow Minister for Local Government, Shadow Minister for Housing, and Shadow Minister for Ageing in the 59th Parliament of Victoria. David’s Parliamentary career has included various roles, such as the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Chair & Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee & Deputy Chair of the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee. David was a Councillor of the Shire of Mornington from 1987 to 1994, and Shire President 1992-1993; a member of the Westernport Regional Planning Committee 1989 – 1994, and a member of the Peninsula Regional Library service committee from 1987 to 1995, including a number of terms as Chair. Prior to his election to Parliament, David had over twenty-five year’s experience in local small business. Culture, Conduct and Retention

Maggie Toko CEO VMIAC

Maggie is the CEO of VMIAC, Victoria’s peak consumer body. Maggie identifies as indigenous to Aotearoa and acknowledges that she is proud of her Ngati whatua, Ngapuhi descent. Maggie has worked in homelessness, mental health, sexual assault, youth, and education. She cites her work as a consumer consultant and her work in the NT teaching indigenous students as some of the highlights of her career. Maggie is a strong believer in growing consumer leadership across all sectors and forging change to enable a mental health system that is consumer driven.

Natalie Egan Manager, Performance Audit (Local Government) VAGO

Natalie joined the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office in 2017 and managed a variety of local government performance audits covering service delivery and asset management. In 2020, Natalie managed a performance audit on Sexual Harassment in Local Government, which was tabled in Victorian Parliament in December 2020.

Renee Cassidy Assistant Auditor-General, Performance Audit VAGO

Renee joined VAGO in 2007 as a performance audit analyst and has since held manager and director roles and undertaken performance audit work across a broad range of state and local government service delivery areas. She has a background in health, and has a Masters of Health Administration. Renee has a particular interest in training and development, along with public sector evaluation. She manages a business unit of around 50 employees and is responsible for VAGO’s performance audit act ivities across a diverse range of portfolios. Coral Ross ALGWA National Vice President ALGWA Vic Committee Member

Coral Ross was a councillor at the City of Boroondara for more than 18 years and served three terms as Mayor. She is the ALGWA National Vice President, and was previously both the National and Victorian President. Until last October, Coral was the President of the Municipal Association of Victoria and served on the board of the Australian Local Government Association for four years. Coral is the Chair of the Australian Gender Equality Council, an umbrella group of national women’s organisations with a collective membership of over 500,000. In 2014, she was named by Westpac/Fairfax as one of the 100 Women of Influence, and in 2019, she was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Coral was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship to improve gender equality in local government. In January and February 2020, she travelled to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany to investigate ways of increasing the number of women elected to local government.

Sandra Wilson Vice President (Metro) ALGWA Vic

Sandra Wilson is a former Hobsons Bay City Councillor (2012-2020), serving twice as Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Sandra has worked as a consultant and workplace trainer on discrimination, harassment, bullying and flexible work practices; a manager of volunteers; and a policy officer for the national peak body for volunteering. She is ALGWA Vic’s Metro Vice President, writing key advocacy submissions; Board Member Western Region Football League; Chair Hobsons Bay’s Communities That Care (focussed on young people) and member of Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Committee of Management. She served as Hobsons Bay’s Women’s Charter Champion having always been passionate about gender equity. As an AICD graduate, Sandra believes respectful conduct, upholding good governance, and building trust are key to achieving positive outcomes in local government and communities.

Tessa Sullivan Lawyer & Officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria University of New England

Tessa is currently a lawyer and officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria, law academic at the University of New England, has a David Nason Journalism scholarship at Harvard University, is a qualified mediator and arbitrator awarded by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, former City of Melbourne councillor, wife and mother-of-three and on the boards of Blind Sports and Recreation at Vision Victoria, the Thai-Australia Network, the North American Australian Lawyers Alliance and ambassador for NOW (Tracey Spicer’s initiative against sexual harassment). Culture, Conduct and Retention

Dr Samantha Ratnam MLC Leader of the Victorian Greens Parliament of Victoria

In 2017, Samantha entered the Victorian Parliament representing the Northern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council. In the 2018 state election, she was re-elected to this position. As well as being the Parliamentary Leader of the Victorian Greens, she holds a range of portfolios including Local Government, Housing and Planning, and Community Services. Samantha is a champion for social justice and the environment within the parliament. She actively campaigns to save public housing, reduce gambling harm and support communities to have more control over planning decisions in their neighbourhoods. Prior to entering the Victorian Parliament, Samantha was a social worker for over 15 years and also spent five years as a Councillor at the City of Moreland, where she was elected the first Greens Mayor of Moreland in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours and a PhD in Youth Sociology. Samantha believes in putting people first and wants our state to be all it can be by investing in world-class public transport, powering Victoria with 100% clean renewable energy, providing homes for everyone, protecting our forests from logging companies and returning essential services like electricity to public hands.

Jane Gazzo Broadcaster, TV Presenter, Author Freelancer

Jane Gazzo is a broadcaster, TV presenter, music journalist and published author who began her career in radio, aged 16. Since then, she has presented nationally on and Triple M as well as XFM , FM London and BBC Radio 6 in the UK and has hosted music television shows such as The Sound and Recovery on ABC TV. Jane also spent eight years as a presenter on ’s Channel V, where she reported from some of the biggest world music festivals, red carpet events and hosted live TV shows, interviewing some of the biggest and best names in the music world. Jane is currently a lecturer of entertainment management at Collarts, chair of the Australian Music Vault Hall of Fame advisory committee at the Arts Centre Melbourne and serves on the board for government youth organisation The Push. Her first book, John Farnham - The Untold Story was published in 2015. She is also co-founder of the Sound as Ever Facebook group - a place which celebrates and documents Australian music from the 1990s and whom to date has over 17K members. Emma Donovan Singer

Acclaimed Indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks first burst on to the Australian scene with their album Dawn in 2014, announcing a new voice in Australian soul music. After six years, the band reunited launching Crossover in 2020 to great acclaim. Emma’s songwriting is optimistic, impassioned, and bruisingly honest, The Putbacks’ music is fluid, live and raw, and the collaboration has won friends and admirers all over the world. Emma Donovan grew up singing church songs with her grandparents on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia and her first secular gigs were singing in the family band, The Donovans, with her mother and five uncles. Throughout her career, she has toured and recorded with many of the mainstays of Indigenous music from Archie Roach to Dan Sultan and was a member of the Black Arm Band project. It was in this group that Emma met members of The Putbacks and their journey together began. The Putbacks are stone cold pros, grizzled veterans of all the tours and all the studios. When they come together, they’re one of the tightest, sharpest, slickest, most dynamic musical units ever to exist. Their collaboration with Emma elevates their music and Emma’s songs to another level.

Jenny Farrar Chair Community Bank - Clifton Hill North Fitzroy

As an active community member and a former Mayor and Councillor of the City of Yarra, Jenny believes that communities can shape their own future. When she was introduced to the concept of the Community Bank Model in 2003 by a local resident in North Fitzroy, Jenny knew that this model would work within their passionate and committed community. The opportunity to initiate a campaign to launch a prospectus and be a Founding member of Clifroy was too good for Jenny to miss. She has been a director since inception and it has been a terrific journey. Her experience, coupled with strong communication and understanding of the Clifton Hill and North Fitzroy community contribute to the growth of the community enterprise.

Kate Oliver Partner Maddocks

Kate is a Partner and Practice Team Leader of the Public Law Team at Maddocks. Kate has been advising local government for more than 15 years in Victoria. During that time, she has developed a specialised practice in the area of governance for local government, and has extensive experience providing strategic advice to Victorian councils on governance and regulatory matters. Most recently, Kate has conducted a number of Councillor inductions across Victoria following the local government elections and assisted councils in their implementation of the new Local Government Act 2020. Culture, Conduct and Retention

Loretta Bolotin CEO + Founder Free to Feed

Loretta was born in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, in a highly multicultural community. Loretta would describe the community as rich in cultural diversity, as opposed to material things. Loretta grew up in a migrant family, the youngest of three siblings. Her parents migrated from southern Italy as a result of economic hardship and, together, her parents ran a small food business, a little neighbourhood deli. They were very hard working and entrepreneurial. Loretta’s grandparents spoke very little English but spent a lot of time cooking and coming together around the dinner table was an important ritual. She vividly remembers making gnocchi from scratch in her Nonna’s kitchen. Growing up Loretta admired many people around me for their resilience, including her parents and grandparents and the multicultural community. Loretta’s passion for diversity and inclusion continued through her studies and professional work experience where my commitment to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum has taken them from Christmas Island to Cairo.”

Zina Zahra Teacher Free to Feed

Zina is a mother of three from a Syriac town in Iraq called Bakhdida Qaraqosh. In August 2014 she along with thousands of others was forced to leave her beloved city, a place she describes as full of people who “believe in seeking peace”. She and her family resettled in Jordan and Zina’s past training as an art teacher allowed her to volunteer with refugee families like herself. Finally when her family were granted humanitarian visas to Australia Zina felt a strong mix of happiness, sadness and gratefulness. Determined to give back after receiving such an opportunity to start again, Zina quickly gained Certificates in both English and Education Support and commenced volunteering at schools and migrant programs. She says “Australia was like a new mother who welcomed us in.” An artist at heart, Zina appreciates the world in her own creative way. “The people in the world to me are like colours. I love all the colours. I believe in the equality of all people. When I make food, I see these colours.” Amongst other dishes Zina is excited to introduce and teach the recipe for her special Syriac bread and teach students the many different ways her culture expresses itself. Keynote Speaker

Nyadol Nyuon Senior Consultant - Community Crime Prevention Unit Department of Justice and Community Safety

Nyadol Nyuon was born in a refugee camp in Itang, Ethiopia, and raised in Kakuma Refugee camp, Kenya. In 2005, at the age of eighteen, she moved to Australia as a refugee. Since then, Nyadol has completed a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne. She worked as a commercial litigator with Arnold Bloch Leibler and recently moved to the department of Justice and Community Safety. Nyadol is a vocal advocate for human rights, multiculturalism, the settlement of people with refugee experiences and those seeking asylum. She has worked and volunteered extensively in these areas with a range of organisations. Nyadol is also a regular media commentator in these areas, having appeared on ABC’s The Drum, as a panellist on Q&A and contributing to The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and the Saturday Paper, to name just a few. In both 2011 and 2014, Nyadol was nominated as one of the hundred most influential African Australians. In 2016, she was the recipient of the Future Justice Prize. In 2018 her efforts to combat racism were widely recognised, with achievements including the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Racism. It Stops With Me Award. The prestigious award was in recognition of her advocacy and activism on behalf of the Australian-African and Melbourne’s South Sudanese communities. Nyadol also received the Harmony Alliance Award for significant contribution to empowering migrant and refugee women, and was a co-winner of the Tim McCoy Prize for her advocacy on behalf of the South Sudanese Community. She also received the Afro-Australian Student Organisation‘s Unsung Hero Award. Culture, Conduct and Retention Sunday

02 May 2021

We invite you to explore Yarra with these unique curated experiences. For more information, contact the conference team.

Charcoal Lane mural by Robert Young, Heesco and Makatron, Photo by J Forsyth

Street Art Tour

Started in 2011 by a group of street artists from Blender Studios, Melbourne Street Art Tours remains the only Melbourne tour company entirely run by practicing local artists. Being part of the local scene imparts their tour guides with behind-the-curtains knowledge of the art featured in Yarra’s main streets and back laneways, from large scale murals to hidden installations. Their Fitzroy tour is the perfect way to delve deeper into our City’s world-renowned street art culture.

Morning Tea at Fairfield Boathouse

Established in 1908 by John St Clair as a picnic, camping and refreshment room area, the Fairfield Boathouse has changed hands many times but retains its original charm on the banks of the Yarra River near the Fairfield Amphitheatre, where public concerts often take place on weekends. Enjoy their scones (voted in the top 10 in the state by The Urban List), go for a stroll or hire a boat in the peaceful surrounds of Yarra Bend Park.

Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail

From the 1920s, the inner city suburb of Fitzroy became known as the urban heart of Aboriginal Victoria. It was the birthplace of many important Aboriginal organisations, centre stage for the fight for civil rights and a meeting place for linking-in with family and community (including members of the Stolen Generations). The Aboriginal History of Fitzroy walking trail identifies sixteen sites of significance (from the 1920s onwards) in the area. Each site is marked with a bronze plaque. Further details of this history can be found on Yarra City Council’s website: https://aboriginalhistoryofyarra.com.au/ FitzroyAboriginalHeritageWalkingTrail.pdf Culture, Conduct and Abbotsford Convent and Collingwood Retention Sunday Children’s Farm

Founded in 1863 by The Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the Abbotsford Convent operated for more than 100 years through the social traumas caused by the gold rush boom and bust, the Great Depression and two world wars. Over the period of a century, thousands of girls and women were placed in care at the Convent, with many residing in the Convent’s Sacred Heart building, and labouring in the onsite Magdalen Laundry. The site was subdivided in 1975 and the farmland previously attached to the convent was converted into the Collingwood Children’s Farm, a unique inner-city haven for adults and kids alike with acres of paddocks and hundreds of animals just four kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. Today the adjacent Convent is under management of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, and while undergoing widespread restoration, plays host to dozens of creative businesses, social enterprises, artists and events. There is much on offer across the two sites: wander around the grounds and take in the restored architecture and gardens, stop by one of the numerous cafes, pat the farm animals or go on the self-guided heritage audio tour of the convent. There are also frequent events and exhibitions popping up in the venue calendars, keep an eye on their respective websites.

Degustation and Brewery Tour at Stomping Ground Brewing Co.

A little known piece of Australian brewing history, in the late 1800s Collingwood used to host the highest density of breweries in any Australian neighbourhood, ever. Amalgamations and buyouts unfortunately saw them all wiped out by the early 1900s. Founded in 2015, Stomping Ground brought the tradition back to life in a converted warehouse which now hosts a crowd-favourite beer hall with a retractable roof for summer and an oversized fireplace for winter, as well as a 4 hectolitre brewery behind glass walls. Brewing a wide range of beers for all tastes, ranging from Passionfruit Smash Sour, Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout as well as classic IPAs, Lagers and Ales, the venue’s 26 taps have what it takes to quench any thirst. Stomping Ground have generously offered a free degustation and tour to ALGWA Vic Conference delegates, who are welcome to stay on and enjoy their Italian woodfire oven pizzas after the tour.

Floor Talk by Jack Willet, curator of To resound, unbound at the Centre for Contemporary Photography

On Friday 30 April, the Centre for Contemporary Photography will be hosting the conference cocktail event in the surrounds of their latest exhibition, To resound, unbound, featuring Hannah Bronte, Hootan Heydari, Callum McGrath, Anne Moffat, Sara Oscar, Sanja Pahoki, Jessica Schwientek, Emmaline Zanelli. Echoing throughout all four exhibition spaces, the exhibition presents a series of new commissions and significant works from emerging and established lens-based practitioners from across Australia. This group of eight artists explore themes concerning knowledge, memory, identity, trauma, representation and time, typically found in both societal and cultural structures and narratives. On Sunday 2 May, ALGWA VIC delegates are invited to a floor talk presented by the exhibition curator, Jack Willet. Sponsors

Organisers

Government partner

Sponsored by

Providers Culture, Conduct and Retention

Maddocks

Maddocks is an independent Australian law firm with 84 partners and more than 550 staff in offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. We work for a diverse client base – from all three tiers of government to large international and Australian private companies. In particular, we are a market leader in local government where our experience working with councils goes back to our beginnings in 1885. We are also leaders in diversity and inclusion. We have been named an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency every year since 2004 and we were named a Bronze Employer at the Australian Workplace Equality Index’s 2020 LGBTQ Inclusion Awards.

Justitia Justitia is an award-winning workplace law and consulting firm based in Melbourne. Since 2005, we’ve been pioneers in the space. Founded as an independent, forward-thinking practice by female lawyers, our business model continues to challenge industry norms by putting people first. We provide end-to-end services in employment law, industrial relations, OHS, equal opportunity law and local government governance. Our lawyers are also skilled in resolving conflict, mediating and investigating workplace complaints and misconduct. As legal advisors, we also think it’s important to model best practice in our own workplace. Justitia has been recognised by its peers, and by experts in the human resources sector, not only for the quality of our work, but for our innovative work practices, collaborative approach working with clients and industry partners, and genuine commitment to sustainable lawyering. Justitia is sponsoring the ALGWA Vic. conference and will be delivering a presentation by Melissa Scadden, Justitia Partner.

Davidson

With offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, Davidson is an Australian firm, with an extensive track record of partnering with Local Government to enhance their workplace performance. We bring together a team of Business Advisors, Executive Search & Recruiters and Technology subject matter experts who have a genuine commitment to delivering quality outcomes. In the past 2 years alone, Davidson has placed over 150 executives across 66 different Local Governments throughout Australia whilst also steering Organisational Redesigns, Service Reviews, Digital Transformations and Workforce Planning Programs. Community Bank Clifton Hill - North Fitzroy

Since 2006, the Community Bank Clifton Hill - North Fitzroy on Queens Parade has invested over $3million into community projects to support over 200 community groups. We support people working to make our community a better place to live, work, play and grow. We are a full service competitive bank. The more customers to our Community Bank equates to more profits, and more funds for partnering local community groups and strengthening our community. The Community Bank Clifton Hill - North Fitzroy has generously sponsored the post-conference networking drinks.

Blackhearts and Sparrows

Blackhearts and Sparrows is the brainchild of brother and sister team Paul and Jessica Ghaie, founded in 2006 with one store in Yarra. Blackhearts & Sparrows prides itself on sourcing only the best wine, eschewing the more generic and mainstream options with a keen focus on independent Australian producers and a thoughtful international selection. With now 13 stores across the Melbourne region and Tasmania, the siblings have revolutionised the wine store experience and feature in- store workshops, their own wine series and wine subscription services matched with recipe cards from celebrated chefs such as Andrew McConnell, Annie Smithers and David Moyle. Blackhearts and Sparrows are the exclusive wine sponsor of ALGWA Vic’s 2021 annual conference.

The Saturday Paper

The Saturday Paper is a weekly newspaper, dedicated to narrative journalism. It’s a newspaper founded on good writing, on telling the whole story. It publishes long-form accounts of the week’s key stories, offering the biggest names and best writing in news, culture, and analysis, with a particular focus on Australia. Culture, Conduct and Retention

Interflora

The name Interflora is synonymous the world over with the language and sentiments that only flowers can express. Interflora Australia has been delivering the freshest flowers across Australia, through its network of 700+ Florists, since 1954. The centrepieces and gifts here today are from our partner charities - Ovarian Cancer Australia & National Breast Cancer Foundation - Interflora Australia will donate 5% of these products directly to assist them in their quest to support women who have been diagnosed. Make Every Moment Brighter, with Interflora.

Shebah

Shebah is Australia’s leading all women rideshare service, designed to solve three transport needs that women needed and are entitled to: Safer transport; flexible and safe working environment; and a family friendly transportation option/logistics. Shebah was founded in Melbourne in 2017 by Georgina McEncroe when she identified safety disparity for riders and drivers working in the rideshare industry- in 2019, under 10% of all rideshare drivers were female. Shebah has since grown into a nationwide business with 1000+ drivers and 260,000 riders. Shebah’s lively community is strengthened by the committed and passionate drivers who enjoy the flexibility, increased earnings (85% of every fare) and safety driving in the comfort of their own vehicle. They also enjoy being given an opportunity to help others, create new networks within their communities and help the most vulnerable. Shebah riders are women travelling solo, families transporting kids to Afterschool activities, family holiday transport with baby seats as well as transport for elderly women and marginalised groups whose needs have been left unmet by current providers + pets! Drivers hold Working with Children Checks which enables them to legally transport children unaccompanied and you can even book a baby and/or booster seat in the app. Suppliers

STREAT

The food you are enjoying today is made by STREAT.

STREAT is a food-systems social enterprise supporting vulnerable young people with a healthy self, home and work. Social Procurement - Tastes Good Does Good

Charcoal Lane

Charcoal Lane is a Mission Australia social enterprise restaurant that provides guidance and opportunity to young Aboriginal people who are in need of a fresh start in life.

The aim of the program is to create a skilled workforce for the hospitality industry, providing leadership and mentoring to help vulnerable young people achieve their potential and gain long-term independence.

Conners Conners

Conners Conners is a non-profit exhibition space in Fitzroy, run and curated by artists, art workers and curators. It is dedicated to providing a platform where artists in all stages of their careers have the freedom to explore, experiment and take risks within their practices. The gallery develops and promotes a supportive and dynamic program with ambitious aims, offering the opportunity for artists to elevate their practices and to build stronger networks within and between art and non- art communities. All Exhibitions are co-curated by Ry Haskings, Vincent Alessi and Narelle Desmond (unless otherwise specified).

Free to Feed Free to Feed is a non-profit social enterprise empowering people from refugee backgrounds and people seeking asylum, and encouraging inclusive community attitudes, through shared food experiences. The program facilitates social and economic participation through paid training, employment and work experience. It breaks down barriers to achieving a sense of belonging, while offering communities exposure to new culture. Free to Feed provides a human face to ‘refugees’. Culture, Conduct and Suppliers Retention ALGWA Vic + Mental Health First Aid Courses

A series of Mental Health First Aid certificate courses Supported by the Mental Health Foundation Australia

Mental health and first aid are important subjects to ALGWA Vic, therefore through The Mental Health Foundation, ALGWA Vic is able to provide the mental health first aid certificate. As ALGWA Vic members, you are able to attend this course at a discounted rate through ALGWA Vic. This is a 2 day course. Numbers are limited and open to all working or elected in local government for the discounted rate: $149 per person

Session 1: 12th-13th July Session 2: 29th-30th July Session 3: 23rd-24th August Session 4: 30th-31st August

Registration link: https://www.trybooking.com/BQKGO Culture, Conduct and Retention Upcoming Key Dates ALGWA Vic

22 July 2021 Churchill Fellowship research paper presentation Supported by Deakin University

A dedicated event with guest speaker Coral Ross, who will present the world first research paper on improving gender equality in local government. After being awarded the Churchill fellowship, Coral discovered 50 overseas initiatives and has made 30 recommendations on encouraging gender equality in local government. Come hear about a world first research paper and findings directly. A morning event. Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/BQUJQ

20 October 2021 Annual Bursary Award event Supported by Deakin University

The Annual Bursary Award event is open to all member councils for female officers, who are studying to further their career in local government. This event is to announce the 2021 ALGWA Vic Bursary winner. This is a late afternoon awards event. Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/BQUJW

Interested in hosting the next ALGWA Vic Conference?

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for 2022 (rural) and 2023 (metro) ALGWA Vic Conferences. Help us support women to thrive, connect and excel in local government by expressing your interest to host one of our next two conferences. We would like to thank the City of Yarra for hosting us for this year. With over 140 attendees registered, we had a wonderful time putting the program together. This conference is the perfect opportunity to see what is possible with a strong partnership and an organised team. Application details can be found on our EOI package at the link below. https://tinyurl.com/8upn9tt9 Credits

We would like to thank the tireless efforts that have gone into organising this conference. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the Working for Victoria Program and the following individuals for their contribution:

Yarra City Arts: Siu Chan, Conference Manager Louisa Marks, Conference Team Leader Michael Finney, Venue Manager Chris Forwood, Communications, Design and Marketing Leo Gester, Sponsorship and Logistics Lachlan Curry, Speaker Engagement Luke Zammit, Conference Coordinator Ashley Groenen, Production and Technical Mitchell Wood, A/V Technician and Design Support Vicki Mackay, A/V Technician and Documentation Matt Hughes, COVID Safety Advisor Bianca ‘Billy’ Raffin,Videographer Clare Callow, Writer Theresa Harrison, Photographer

ALGWA Vic Conference Contributors: Cr Kylie Spears, President Cr Michelle Kleinert GAICD, Executive Officer

ALGWA Vic Interns: Carrington Courtney Lara Christensen Rosie Constantino Mollie Fernandez Chantelle Fowler Julie Rae

This program has been printed on 100% recycyled and recyclable paper. Please consider the environment before disposing of this program.