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Social justice in a culture of competition
Speaking at the 7th National Conference on Local Government and Community Development, Frank Hornby said that the diverse cultural and social structures of Australia's cities and towns and isolated rural areas call out against a fixed central system of economic and social policy. A system which narrowly defines public morality as a short term helping hand for the less fortunate.

Landmark for new Century
As Homebush Bay takes shape for the 2000 Olympics, this environmentally sensitive development is being described as an icon to rival the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, according to a promotional video.

Editorial
A number of organisations, both public and private sector, were in there vying for the recent Australian Customer Service Awards. Winning two of the four Categories, and the overall Qantas Special Award, plus two High Commendations is definitely a feather in the cap for Local Government. Competing against the best in the private sector for these National Awards illustrates Local Government's commitment to providing quality service at an affordable price.

President's comment
Each edition we feature the views of a State Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Bill Bott, President New South Wales Shires Association.

MAV sets new direction
Speaking at the Association's recent Annual Conference, President Brad Matheson, said that, in response to member Councils' needs, a far greater emphasis is now being given to policy and advocacy.

LG scoops Australian Customer Service Awards
With six of the 18 finalists in the 1998 Australian Customer Service Awards being Councils, there is little doubt Local Government not only mixes it with the best in the private sector but can better them.

Teaching your future ratepayers about Local Government
For some years Eryl Morgan Publications Pty Ltd, the publisher of Local Government FOCUS, has been producing School Kits. These customised Kits teach students about the vital role Councils play, in local communities and in the governance of the nation. Produced in two editions, one for Primary students and the other for the Secondary level, the key is they are tailored to reflect the style and operation of your particular Council. That is, they teach students in your area about Local Government using your Council as the example.

King Island protects its natural environment
Mainland Australians are familiar with King Island in Bass Strait through its famous dairy products. King Island recently obtained Natural Heritage Trust funding to sustain and enhance the environment which supports this and other industry on the Island.

International Year of Older Persons
1999 has been designated as the United Nation's International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). The IYOP will provide an opportunity for government, business, the community and families to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of older people. Local Government authorities have a key part to play in ensuring that the International Year has a lasting effect on the quality of life and wellbeing of older Australians.

Brisbane offers Gold to its Seniors
Abseiling, plane flying lessons, roller blading, sea kayaking, South American dance, Tai Chi, bush walks, belly dancing and trails riding are not the activities you would normally associate with older Australians. In Brisbane, however, these are options, along with 40 others, which are offered to the senior citizens as part of an innovative scheme which challenges the accepted notions of age appropriate activity.

Call for entries for Annual Report Awards
Organisations committed to excellence, accuracy and responsibility in reporting to stakeholders should enter the prestigious 1999 Annual Report Awards (ARA). Some of Australia's largest publicly listed companies, as well as many government and not for profit organisations, have accepted the Awards as the benchmark for excellence in annual reporting.

City of quality and diversity
The recently launched City Plan for Victoria's Stonnington City Council will build a combined future for the former inner urban municipalities of Malvern and Prahran. A key focus of the Plan is recognition of the diversity that characterises Stonnington formed in 1994.

Partnerships the way ahead
The New South Wales Local Government Association staged its Annual Conference at Coffs Harbour from 17-20 October. Attracting more than 600 delegates from across the State, speakers included the Premier, Bob Carr and Opposition Leader, Peter Collins.

Recognising self improvement
The prestigious Bluett Awards are given to Councils that have achieved the most valued, or greatest relative progress, over the previous 12 month period.

Motorola Two Way Rental Finance Plan
The Two Way Radio Division of Motorola is offering its' customers a new approach to financing their mobile business communications needs. By signing up to Motorola's Two Way Rental Finance Plan, Councils will enjoy several significant advantages, not the least of which is the all in one nature of the package of finance, hardware, installation and training.

Building innovation into contracts
RainStorm has gained widespread acclaim through the use of their DustMag product, verified by a recent ARRB survey. Environmentally benign and 100% Australian made, DustMag has built a reputation within Australia and overseas as the single best road dust suppressant on the market.

Spring in the valley
Each Spring, Derwent Valley highlights its scenic attractions which help draw thousands of people to Tasmania. 'Spring in the Valley Festival', an initiative of Derwent Valley Council, accentuates the features which make the valley so attractive. It also promotes active and passive recreational opportunities for local people and visitors.

Lismore and Cootamundra rewarded for arts promotion
The 1998 Dorothy Helmrich Award, given 'in recognition of outstanding contribution to arts and cultural development' in regional NSW, has been awarded to Lismore City Council and Cootamundra Shire Council.

Landmark of Australian democracy
A $4.2 million Centre celebrating one of the most significant events in Australia's history was opened earlier this year. The Eureka Stockade Centre, developed by the City of Ballarat, portrays the events which led to the historic uprising which pitched miners in an armed struggle against colonial authorities.

Traineeships link surf to snow
Victoria's Surf Coast Shire has launched an innovative scheme to overcome seasonal variations in economic activity in the Shire and reduce local youth unemployment. Under the scheme 14 unemployed young people from the Shire have been selected to work for the six warmer months of the year in the local surfing industry. During the remaining six months they will work on the snowfields of Mt Hotham and Falls Creek.

Planning regional tourism accommodation
The Tourism Task Force has recently published a two-part guide for Councillors and developers considering future regional tourism accommodation development.

Managing a diversity of interests
Following amalgamation of the former Shires of Upper Yarra, Lillydale, Sherbrooke and Healesville in 1994, the Shire of Yarra Ranges became one of the most extensive Local Government areas in the State. It is also one of the most diverse. The Shire stretches from suburban Lilydale to remote wilderness areas in the Warburton Ranges nearly 80 kilometres away.

Council goes 'on the road'
With residents and businesses scattered over 2,500 square kilometres, the newly elected Council at Yarra Ranges soon recognised the need to develop a comprehensive communication strategy. The aim of the strategy was to overcome drawbacks distance creates through meaningful two way communication.

Governing diversity brings unity
One of the best things about the creation of the Yarra Ranges Shire was the strengthening of this area's common identity. With the one Local Government decision making body, regional issues such as tourism and major infrastructure can be addressed in a more integrated manner.

On the road
Stretched end to end, the road network of Yarra Ranges would take you from Melbourne to Bundaberg in Queensland. This includes some major highways, which come under the umbrella of VicRoads, but there are also numerous smaller roads.

Abundant business opportunities
Yarra Ranges enjoys a wide range of industry, including many small businesses producing goods ranging from gourmet foods and wine, arts and craft to timber. With large numbers of young people in the community, Council is keen to promote new business opportunities which will provide employment and blend with the many natural assets of the Shire.

Supporting staff in a change environment
While most sectors of the workforce have experienced a high degree of insecurity in recent times, Victorian Local Government employees have had to deal with an unusually high level of change. This includes amalgamation and the introduction of Compulsory Competitive Tendering. At Yarra Ranges, the creation of a Bid Support Team greatly assisted staff in gaining the necessary expertise and confidence to deal with changes brought about by a more competitive environment.

Youth Works
Young people make up a high percentage of Yarra Ranges' population. However, many live in relatively isolated circumstances making it difficult to find employment and have access to advice and information. Council supports this vulnerable group with what is believed to be the largest youth services program of any Local Government in Victoria.

Support for Indigenous heritage
Yarra Ranges was the first Local Government in Victoria to employ an Aboriginal Community Development Officer. The Shire has a significant Koori community of 750 people and the appointment of Joy Murphy has greatly enhanced the ability of the Indigenous community to interact with Council and access services.

Balancing fire safety with conservation
Balancing the value of the natural environment with the need to minimise bushfire risk is a vital concern for the Shire of Yarra Ranges. While residents value their scenic environment, the very factor that attracts people to the area, the bushland setting, is the same factor which could cost them property damage or even loss of life.

Trails around the Shire
While thousands of daily visitors usually arrive by car, many appreciate that there is more to enjoy in the Shire than can be seen from a vehicle. To provide healthy leisure activity for residents and visitors alike, Council is developing a network of trails.

Environmental preservation a key priority
While Yarra Ranges' residents value their environment, how best to preserve it is a major issue for Council. While there is extensive public land in the Shire there is also a great deal of private land containing important remnant bushland.

Recovering from disaster
Shortly into the new Council's first term tragedy struck Yarra Ranges when bushfires swept through the Dandenong Ranges. Widespread property damage and loss of life resulted. Council was among the first organisations to respond by coordinating relief centres, organising an emergency communications centre, carrying out evacuations and providing information.