AUGUST 8, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Cakes for all creatures
(Dennis Manktelow)
Jinky Accheni and her adorable rabbit Gandalf are getting ready for RSPCA Victoria’s sweetest fundraiser of the year. Animal lovers are encouraged to share sweet treats any day throughout August, especially for Cupcake Day on August 21, in return for a donation to the animal welfare charity. All money raised through the sale of baked goods and events goes towards helping animals in need. RSPCA Victoria chief executive Liz Walker said the fundraiser was an opportunity for friends, family, work mates and social groups to get together while raising money to help the organisation rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals. “Each year, we help thousands of animals and we rely on the generosity of our fundraisers to continue our vital work,” Dr Walker said. “Most people are happy to help a good cause, and Cupcake Day events are really good fun while playing a serious role in helping end cruelty to all animals.” Anyone who registers as a Cupcake Day host receives a free host kit with host guide, pop-up donation box, decorative bunting, promotional posters and a recipe book that even includes pup-friendly cupcakes. Details: www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au Esther Lauaki
Council calls in lawyer Moorabool council has hired an independent lawyer to sit in on its meetings to review councillors’ performance. Experienced lawyer Terry Bramham, of Macquarie Local Government Lawyers, has been observing councillors at the past two meetings and will continue to do so until October. Chief executive Rob Croxford said Mr Bramham was hired as part of a councillor support and assistance program and would be reporting on governance and procedures. He denied Mr Bramham was hired to resolve
conflict between councillors. Mr Croxford would not be drawn on how much it was costing the council to hire a lawyer but said “there is funding in our current budget to cover it”. Details about Mr Bramham’s role were made public after a closed special council meeting last month. In a report to the council, Mr Croxford stated that the councillor support program was introduced as a response to the significant workload and pressures councillors face in their roles. At least half of the report outlining the support program, seen by Star Weekly, is
and assemblies with a view to improving governance process and outcomes.” When Star Weekly questioned first-time east ward councillor Jarrod Bingham about the program he read a response from a statement stating that the council had hired the lawyer as a “good governance response to the workload”. A spokesperson for the Municipal Association of Victoria told Star Weekly it was not common practice for councils to hire lawyers to sit in on meetings. However, she said she was unable to comment on Moorabool council’s decision as she was unaware of its particular circumstances.
dedicated to how councillors can resolve issues. “It is important for the councillor team to work together for the benefit of the communities across the shire,” the report stated. “It is normal for tensions and disagreements to occur, however an understanding of team dynamics, different personalities, styles and team building is invaluable in delivering good governance.” It stated that council’s local laws were complex and formal meeting procedures were sometimes difficult for councillors to follow. “It is suggested that a short-term resource be appointed to advise and review the operation of council and committee meetings
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