Annual Conference and Councillor Service Awards Dinner
The MAV Annual Conference and Service Awards Dinner are renowned as one of the premier events in the Victorian local government social calendar, providing the opportunity for the sector to come together from across the state to connect, learn, and be inspired.
The 2025 MAV Annual Conference and Service Awards Dinner brought together local government leaders from across Victoria for one of the sector’s most anticipated gatherings. Held at the Park Hyatt on Thursday 9 October, the event combined inspiring keynote speakers, practical workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, leaving participants energised, connected, and motivated.
Supported by MAVlab, this year’s program introduced dynamic sessions, interactive workshops, and dedicated content on housing and emerging opportunities. The conference concluded with the MAV Councillor Service Awards Dinner - an evening celebrating the outstanding dedication and service of elected councillors who continue to strengthen and support their communities.
Check out the 2025 MAV Annual Conference Program (PDF - 1.49MB)
View our Video Playlist sharing Highlights from the MAV Annual Conference:
2025 MAVlab Innovation Awards Celebration
On Wednesday 8 October, at Higher Ground Melbourne, 200+ people convened for the MAVlab Innovation Awards Celebration to learn about the best and brightest Victorian local council people, programs and projects.
Learn more about the MAVlab Innovation Awards
Explore the Finalists in the 2025 MAVlab Innovation Case Study Library
2024 Annual Conference
Victorian local government's premier event, the MAV Annual Conference & Dinner was held on Thursday 12 September 2024 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
The conference theme 'Celebrating our work, reimagining the future, and creating optimism for what's ahead' explored how the transformative power of forward-thinking, collaborative leadership within local government can build thriving, resilient and sustainable communities to create lasting and positive change.
2024 Gala Dinner & Councillor Service Awards
The Gala Dinner is a highlight of the Annual Conference, it includes the Councillor Service Awards that acknowledge and celebrates the long term commitments of the recipients to their communities.
The awards were presented at the 2024 MAV Annual Conference & Dinner.
Partners
The MAV Annual Conference and Service Awards Gala are supported by the following partners, with more to be announced soon.
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Mixtape: Leading from Within: Capability, Culture and Systems
[Online] Featuring case studies from Davidson, Datascape, Nillumbik Shire Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Brimbank and Maribyrnong City Councils, and Boroondara City Council.. -
Mixtape: Working with Community: Stories, Connection and Wellbeing
[Online] Featuring case studies from Ylab, Choosewell, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Merri-bek City Council and City of Greater Dandenong.. -
-2026 MAV Rural & Regional Planning Conference
The MAV Rural and Regional Planning Conference brings together planners and decision makers to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping rural and regional Victoria –... -
Mixtape: Shaping Places and Programs that Last: Infrastructure, Planning and Partnerships
[Online] Featuring case studies from JLT Public Sector, SenSen Networks, Matter, City of Darebin, and City of Melbourne, with more to be announced..