Bringing Wellington’s Voice to Canberra

Represented by Deputy Mayor Cr Cindy Madeley, Cr John Tatterson, Cr Catherine Bannerman and CEO David Morcom, the Wellington delegation spent four days engaging in policy discussions, advocacy meetings and strategic forums to ensure the needs and opportunities of the region were clearly heard by Federal decision-makers.

Hosted by the Australian Local Government Association, this year’s Assembly was held under the theme National Priorities Need Local Solutions, highlighting how councils play a vital role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation including housing, infrastructure, workforce development, climate resilience and cost of living pressures.

“We were there for four days and made the most of every opportunity to raise Wellington’s voice in the national conversation,” Deputy Mayor Cr Madeley said.

While in Canberra, the Wellington delegation met with Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen to advocate for a joint $4.7 million regional planning proposal developed in partnership with South Gippsland Shire Council and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).

They also met with local Federal MP Darren Chester to reinforce key advocacy priorities for Wellington Shire.

The Regional Planning proposal aims to prepare the Gippsland region for future growth by ensuring housing, roads and essential infrastructure are in place, supporting workforce transition into emerging industries, and protecting the environment, culture and local communities.

Wellington Shire Council also used the Assembly to engage in national conversations on key regional concerns, including affordable housing and community planning, the financial sustainability of small rural councils, emergency management and community preparedness, regional infrastructure investment, skills shortages, and the impacts of climate change on coastal communities.

“This is about making sure the issues that matter to Wellington are front and centre with decision-makers,” Cr Madeley said.

“We had access to Federal Ministers, Shadow Ministers and senior advisors, and we took every opportunity to advocate for better outcomes for our region.”

Cr Madeley also said the regional forum highlighted the importance of tailored approaches.

“It really highlighted the importance of tailored approaches for regional areas not just one-size-fits-all policy,” she said.

Another highlight of the Assembly was a keynote address from Her Excellency the Governor-General, who spoke on the importance of civics education and helping young people understand the three levels of government.

“It was a timely reminder of how important it is to engage the next generation in local democracy,” Cr Madeley said.

Councillors also attended practical sessions such as From Big Picture to Local Action with Jason Clarke, which explored how different people contribute to solving local problems.

“His message was clear-every type of person has a role to play in building strong communities,” Cr Madeley said.

Cr Madeley said that networking was one of the most valuable parts of the week.

“The networking was exceptional! We heard about innovative projects, successful advocacy efforts and how other councils are tackling the same challenges we face. These conversations are often just as valuable as the formal sessions.”

In addition to advocacy and networking, the Assembly offered professional development opportunities for councillors, with sessions on gender equity, the future of artificial intelligence in local government services, road safety, and strategies for building resilience to natural disasters.

A record number of motions were submitted and debated at this year’s Assembly, with councils from across the country contributing to ALGA’s policy platform for the year ahead.

A full list of Assembly motions is available via the ALGA:

‍2025 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUSINESS PAPERS (conferenceco.com.au)

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