Current professional development opportunities

Leadership in Advancing Gender Equality

Webinar: This online session equips councillors with the knowledge and confidence to lead with purpose whist contributing to a legacy of equity and inclusion for Victoria.

Led by GenderWorks accredited facilitator Kathy Oliver, this session will:

• Guide your understanding, interpretation and application of the Gender Equality Act
• Align your leadership with both legislative obligations and community expectations
• Advocate for systemic change through inclusive decision-making
• Understand your council’s role in cross-sector collaboration for a safer, more equitable Victoria.

You'll leave this webinar with an understanding of the impact the councillor role has in making decisions that promote more gender equitable and inclusive communities.

Online

Date: Thursday 16 October 2025
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Online. (Teams link to be sent to registered emails)
Cost: Complimentary

Click here to register

Online

Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Online. (Teams link to be sent to registered emails)
Cost: Complimentary

Click here to register

Masterclass: Speaking With Impact

Masterclass: This course empowers councillors to become authentic and engaging communicators. Led by seasoned presentation and media trainers, you'll learn how to understand your audience and tailor your messages to resonate with communities, effectively informing key audiences.

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 17 October 2025
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

Greater Bendigo City Council

Date: Thursday 27 November 2025
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm (Lunch will be provided)
Location: Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub, 189-229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo
Cost: $800 excluding GST or Council Credit Points

Click here to register

Techniques for Speed Reading

Webinar: This online course equips councillors with the foundational techniques of speed reading while enhancing comprehension and retention.

The course is designed to assist in doubling your reading speed without compromising understanding, and introduces practical strategies for effectively absorbing and organising information.

Through interactive exercises, you’ll learn how to sharpen your memory and use mind mapping to structure and store knowledge. These core skills can be applied across a wide range of documents, making your reading practices more effective and purposeful in your councillor role.

You'll leave this course with a range of skills to confidently manage large volumes of reading material with greater speed and accuracy.

Online

Date: Friday 7 November 2025
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Online. (Teams link to be sent to registered emails)
Cost: $350 excluding GST or Council Credit Points

Click here to register

Understanding Local Government Finances

Masterclass: 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: Thursday 20 November 2025
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