Council to stay a member of MAV
“The MAV’s leadership is a matter for its board to work through.” CR BRUCE HARWOOD
daughter had set high expectations for future Father’s Day presents.
“She’ll have to get me a nice big houseboat to beat this,” he said.
The Torquay couple enjoyed a quiet Father’s Day surrounded by family, and look forward to getting to know their new daughter.
“I’m just looking forward see the personality she develops,” Mr John said. THE City of Greater Geelong has confirmed it will continue its association with the Municipal Association of Victoria despite the organisation’s president being embroiled in a bitter dispute with her own council.
The City of Greater Geelong said it was about to pay its annual MAV membership of $68,208.98, even though there were questions over the group’s leadership and at least one council had withdrawn its funding.
The MAV is considering appointing a new leader after president Mary Lalios’ own council, the City of Whittlesea, had quit the organisation.
Cr Lalios has led the state’s peak local government body since March 2017, where she was the first popularly-elected female president in MAV’s history. She has maintained the role despite being on approved leave from the City of Whittlesea for about five months, following infighting and amid reports she made a WorkSafe claim against the northern suburbs council.
Whittlesea council has since decided not to renew its membership of the MAV, plunging Cr Lalios’ presidency in doubt, and Cr Lalios acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding her tenure in a newsletter last month.
“The (MAV) board is working through all the implications of the possible nonpayment of the subscription,” she said.
The MAV currently counts all other 79 Victorian councils as members. Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood deflected a question about the council’s view on the issue.
“The MAV’s leadership is a matter for its board to work through,” he said.
Cr Harwood said the MAV advocated for local government and provided a united voice for the sector.
“They also offer a range of other benefits and services, including networking and training opportunities, policy advice, insurance and procurement services, CEO performance appraisal and a workers’ compensation scheme.”