Intensive Program - Councillor CPD

To ensure all councils can comply with the mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location the VLGA is offering a special Councillor Professional Development (CPD) Intensives series.

Through intensive small group delivery, facilitated by subject matter experts from across the sector, VLGA intensive workshops are both efficient for councillors and affordable for councils.

These sessions have been designed to cover the 13 modules outlined within the mandatory guidelines for the first year of the term, combining them into six half-day sessions.

These intensive workshops have been designed for councillors to attend as a group where they can grow their knowledge through shared learning and peer support. 

Partner with three other councils and save more than 50% off the minimum cost of completing all 13 modules in Year 1.

The Intensives will be held over three days, will include all 13 mandatory modules, are cost effective, time efficient and promote the benefits of peer-to-peer and face-to-face learning.

Please contact the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999 or training@vlga.org.au to discuss your council's requirements.

Working together as a team Friday 1 August 2025 9:00am - 12:30pm This session will renew the councillor group commitment to work as a team. Councillors will reflect on ways to work better together, their responsibilities and obligations under legislation, as well as how to overcome conflict. This session will look at councillors’ role in CEO performance management, in line with organisational performance and accountability, and the importance of the CEO Employment and Remuneration Policy Book Here	Decision-making, integrity and accountability Friday 1 August 2025 1:30pm - 5:00pm This session will give councillors an understanding of meeting procedures and governance rules, including how to read and understand agendas and other briefing papers to enable them to make the best decisions in good governance. Councillors will also gain an understanding of how to engage in effective and respectful debate, negotiation practices and gain the skills to effectively chair Council Meetings. Book Here
Community Representation Friday 22 August 2025 9:00am - 12:30pm This session will look at the diversity of the community councillors serve, and council’s obligations when it comes to key issues affecting the community. Councillors will also gain an understanding of meaningful community engagement and its importance in the decision-making process. Book Here	Effective Communication Friday 22 August 2025 1:30pm - 5:00pm This session will look at how councillors engage with the media, including council’s media and social media policies. It will include appropriate use of social media, as well as skills and knowledge in effective public speaking, including speaking at a council meeting or speaking to the media and presentation skills. Book Here
Land Use Planning  Friday 12 September 2025 9:00am - 12:30pm This session will look at the role of council’s Planning Scheme and its impacts. It will take councillors through powers of delegation and the processes to trigger the determination of applications by council. Councillors will also gain an understanding of policies and processes related to interactions with developers, planning applicants, representatives and objectors. Book Here	Strategic Planning and Financial Management Friday 12 September 2025 9:00am - 12:30pm This module will focus on effective financial and risk management and will build on the information, knowledge and skills relating to financial and risk management addressed during induction. In addition, councillors will gain knowledge and skills relating to financial and risk management such as asset management and setting rates. Book Here