Local Government Fellowship
The Local Government Fellowship was available to all Victorian councillors and supported the successful applicant to undertake international research and study of a policy area of significance to the local government sector. Below are all the final reports completed by past recipients.
Previous Fellowship Recipients
Enhancing Local Government Through Deliberative Democracy - 2019
Cr Amanda Stone (Yarra City Council) undertook an investigation into the use of deliberative democracy in Australia, the UK, Germany, Canada and Portland, Oregon. It was awarded in the context of declining public confidence in elected representatives and the decisions they make, as well as a proposed requirement in a new Local Government Act for the use of deliberative processes by Victorian councils.
The aim was to identify best practice in deliberative processes and develop a guidebook for local governments in Victoria. The broader aim was to identify whether deliberative processes made a difference, whether they could help restore confidence in elected representatives and democracy.
Investigation of the Development of UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Italy - 2018
Travelling to Northern Italy, Jennifer Alden of the City of Greater Bendigo researched what it means to be appointed a UNESCO Creative City and how a City of Gastronomy can help to transform the profile and branding of a city region and increase gastronomic tourism.
How Shires and Regions in Victoria can increase Revenue and Yield from Nature Based Tourism - 2016
On his study tour, Cr Peter Harkin (Corangamite Shire Council) compared the scenic, nature based site, the 12 Apostles in south-west Victoria, to some similar areas in the world with large tourist numbers.
In particular, Cr Harkin studied how these areas take on and develop the sites, local areas and regions for tourism.
Cr Harkin visited key sites including the Grand Canyon and towns in close proximity, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Stonehenge and Avebury pre historic site, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-A-Rede Bridge, the Cliffs of Moher and Newgrange stone age monument.
The role local government can play in addressing social factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents - 2015
Bo Li of Darebin City Council travelled to the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Singapore in September 2015 with the aim of identifying best practice models in councils that are tackling social disadvantage using a whole-of-council approach in their programs and initiatives.
Real affordable housing options for all residents - 2014
Lenka Thompson of Moreland City Council travelled to the United Kingdom to look at options for council involvement in housing programs.
Making community solar a reality - 2013
Eve Fisher researched the options for community solar power available to Victorian councils through the three main models used in the US.
The 2013 award was sponsored by MAV Insurance and the Diploma of Local Government.
Acceptance of religious freedom - 2012
Charlotte Baines examined the challenges and opportunities for local government in building greater community tolerance and acceptance of religious freedom.
Streetlight reduction programs - 2011
Tony Wolfe researched streetlight reduction programs in Australia, Europe, the UK and the US.
Municipal WiFi networks - 2010
In 2010 Gaetano Greco examined Municipal Wi Fi Networks and travelled to nine cities in North America, Europe and Oceania.
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For more information, contact: learningandevents@mav.asn.au.