Current professional development opportunities

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

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

Media Skills That Work

Want to strengthen your ability as spokesperson for your council with confidence and clarity in the media?

This focused media training session equips councillors to engage confidently and authentically with the media. Guided by experienced journalists and communications specialists Michelle Coffey and Maura Angle, you’ll learn how to navigate interviews, manage challenging questions, and deliver clear, compelling messages that build trust with your community.

With limited spots available, this small-group class provides personalised coaching and real-world practice in a supportive environment. You’ll gain practical tools to stay calm under pressure, craft key messages that resonate, and use media opportunities to highlight council achievements and priorities.

By the end, you’ll be ready to handle media interactions with confidence and clarity whilst representing your council with professionalism and impact.

MAV Office

Date: Friday 28 August 2026
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm (Lunch will be provided)
Location: In person. MAV Office, Level 5, 1 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne
Cost: $800 excluding GST or Council Credit Points

Click here to register

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 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

*Registrations at capacity

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