Current professional development opportunities

Explore our current professional development opportunities below:

	Speaking with Impact This dynamic workshop empowers Victorian mayors and councillors to become authentic and engaging communicators. Led by seasoned presentation and media trainers, Michelle Coffey and Maura Angle, you'll learn how to understand your audience and tailor your messages to resonate with communities, effectively informing key audiences. Specifically tailored for local government, it includes governance principles including the Mayor as Spokesperson, the Councillor Code of Conduct, and Media Policies. With limited places available, this masterclass offers a rare chance to learn in a small, supportive group where every participant gets individual attention. You’ll explore how to prepare compelling speeches that align with strategic plans, using clear structure and impactful openings and closings. Through storytelling techniques, you’ll learn to weave personal anecdotes and real-life examples into presentations making them memorable, persuasive and relatable. Focus is on the art of authenticity, speaking with sincerity and confidence. By the end, you'll be equipped to deliver speeches that captivate, connect, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. MAV Office Date: Friday 24 July 2026 Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm Location: In person. MAV Office, Level 5, 1 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Cost: $800 excluding GST or Council Credit Points Registrations at capacity MAV Office Date:* Friday 4 September 2026 Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm Location: In person. MAV Office, Level 5, 1 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Cost: $800 excluding GST or Council Credit Points Click here to register
	Leading Healthy Communities (VicHealth Series) The MAV is pleased to partner with VicHealth to deliver a Leading Healthy Communities professional development program for Victorian councillors. This program will support councillors: Understand how all local council business impacts on the health and wellbeing of their communities; and Better equip them as community leaders to make decisions that contribute positively to the health and wellbeing of their communities. The Leading Health Communities program offers three webinars and one in person masterclass guided by a guest speaker and facilitator to build knowledge and tools, and reflect on local contexts, challenges and priorities. Attendance to all webinars and masterclass is not required to participate in the program. Session Details: Thursday 13 August, 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Online) Beyond Band-Aids – Making smarter decisions for complex communities. Thursday 27 August, 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Online) Using universal design to create the conditions for all people to thrive. Thursday 10 September, 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Online) Prevention pays – How prevention delivers better outcomes for communities. Wednesday 16 September, 9:30am – 2:00pm (In-Person, MAV Office) Masterclass - From evidence to action - prevention, smarter decisions and design for thriving communities. Delivery: Online (via Teams) & in person In-Person Location: MAV Office, Level 5, 1 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Cost: Complimentary Click here to register
	Understanding Local Government Finances This course equips councillors with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of local government finances. Led by local government finance expert Domenic Isola, you'll learn about financial responsibilities, and develop a range of practical skills including having oversight of council budgets, interpretation of financial statements and application of key financial management principles. By the end of this course, councillors will be better prepared to make informed financial decisions for sustainable council operations that align with community needs and ensure sustainable financial health for their council. This professional learning opportunity is an absolute must for all councillors as it meets the requirements of mandatory training related to financial management. MAV Office Date: Friday 14 August 2026 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm Location: In person. MAV Office, Level 5, 1 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Cost: $250 excluding GST or Council Credit Points Click here to register
	The Local Leaders Series: Leading Through Crisis and Complexity Local governments are navigating an era of increasing complexity. Climate shocks, financial pressures, community expectations and interdependent systems are converging and demanding a new kind of leadership. The Local Leaders Series: Leading Through Crisis and Complexity is a new, applied learning experience designed to support Mayors and Councillors to lead with confidence, clarity and collaboration in this evolving landscape. Delivered by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in partnership with the Melbourne Centre for Cities (University of Melbourne), and other leading contributors, this inaugural series brings together municipal leaders to build capability and rethink leadership for today’s challenges. Various locations and online Dates: Friday 21 August; Friday 18 September; Friday 16 October; Friday 13 November; Friday 20 November Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (Lunch will be provided) Click here for more details and to register your interest
	Masterclass: Councillors' Role in CEO Performance Strengthen your leadership impact with this essential masterclass on councillors’ critical role in CEO performance. Led by expert facilitator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM, this course will guide you through council’s legal obligations, effective planning, and practical processes for reviewing CEO performance. Through expert insights, you'll build the skills and confidence to assess achievements, set measurable goals, and apply the CEO Employment and Remuneration Policy to drive organisational success. This is a must-attend for councillors committed to enhancing council performance and accountability through strong CEO oversight. Key Takeaways: A clear understanding of council’s legal responsibilities in CEO performance Practical strategies for planning and delivering an effective CEO review Tools for setting measurable goals and evaluating achievements Knowledge of how to apply the CEO Employment and Remuneration Policy Confidence to contribute to improved organisational performance and accountability. MAV Office Date: Thursday 10 September 2026 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (Lunch will be provided) Location: In person. MAV Office, Level 5, 1 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Cost: $250 excluding GST or Council Credit Points Click here to register