Meeting in Canberra from 25-28 November, some 750 delegates from Councils across the nation attended the 8th National General Assembly of Local Government. President of the Australian Local Government Association, Councillor John Ross, said that this was a timely gathering in the national capital, coinciding with the opening of Peoplescape, the final national celebration of our Centenary of Federation.
He said that this magnificent visual representation of the stories of thousands of Australians would not have occurred without every Council throughout Australia having some involvement in it.
“Our involvement in Peoplescape reflects the pattern of Local Government’s contribution since the earliest days of the Federation movement,” Councillor Ross said.
In delivering his Presidential address, he said it is vital that Local Government renews its commitment to build and strengthen Australia’s social capital.
“We must reinvest in local communities, giving them new substance, identity and meaning,” John Ross said.“Our leadership must inspire the people living and working in our communities, to actively re engage with each other, support one another and collaborate on this important task.”
He said that the recently released 2001 State of the Regions report highlighted the need for individuals, business, educational bodies, and community groups to work together at the local level.
“Those communities that have the diverse networks are the most successful,” he said. “Through these networks ideas can prosper, innovative concepts and solutions develop and new, interesting production and delivery mechanisms be utilised.
“When the community, against the backdrop of national and international trends, drives these solutions, they form the basis of a sustainable economic future. The role of social capital in this process is pivotal.
“It is those socially cohesive communities that are performing well economically both here and overseas. Strong social networks ensure that the community is constantly communicating, interacting, and learning form each other.”
John Ross said that this leadership cannot be confined to our own community’s immediate interests.
“We must display that famed Australian sense of justice and empathy for those in need – both at home and elsewhere,” he said. “Constitutional recognition of Local Government will be a foregone conclusion when we are seen to lead our communities in a way that articulates and inspires them to reach out as mature international citizens.”
He said that as we all re evaluate our lives and priorities in the wake of September 11, it is a natural instinct to focus on our own backyards rather than someone else’s.
“As Local Government leaders, we must encourage our communities to reject pessimism and fear,” Councillor Ross said. “We must lead our communities in developing a new, more positive comprehension of globalisation and our new role in a global society. To achieve a harmonious and united global community, we must first achieve this goal in our own local communities. Local Government has a vitally important role in representing all constituents within the community.
“In building social cohesion, Local Government must promote tolerance within our communities. Justice, equity and a fair go are the Australian way. If local communities fail to tolerate difference, we allow discrimination, fear and violence to dominate our society.
“In embracing the differences which distinguish us from one another, local communities become vibrant places, rich in culture and social diversity.”
