Local Government Leads the Way

Our local Councils are where it's all happening. South Perth and Melville are building ideas towards the future with their work on Canning Bridge precinct and many other issues. Several thousand people have attended workshops, information sessions and gatherings in the park, about Our Vision Ahead 2030 and about Canning Bridge precinct. Local people have been having their say about a plan for South Perth in 2030, about Canning Bridge and about what sort of city we dream of. The effect of this is that new ideas and vision are being put together with everyone’s involvement- the essence of Participatory Democracy.

Swan Federal Liberal MP Steve Irons this week spoke for an extended time in the House of Representatives in Canberra, bagging our consultative process, our public meetings in general and my blogs in particular. Why run down our City? Surely this is not a political issue, an arena for scoring points. We’re working for our future; the support of our Parliamentary representatives will go far to helping us progress towards our shared vision.

Federal Government is so far away they rarely listen to us at all. State Government has been an inspiration- free zone for many years, so public consultation has been totally unnecessary for them anyway.  In Council we do it all the time- in deputations and workshops, in blog comments, at meetings in the park and on the street. C’mon Steve Irons, and John McGrath, you can be part of this too.

This process is exciting. Of course, not everyone goes away happy, especially when a majority opinion differs from their own, but everyone is certainly heard. Sometimes the language and emotion get a bit spicy too. Local Government and community is where dreams for the future of Australia are born. Here people are demonstrating inspiration and courage, essential ingredients of vision.

Can we hear from you too? Feel free to click on “Comments” below.

Local Music

WA music is thriving. Last night’s music awards at the Fly By Night Club in Freo showed off some of the very best. I had the pleasure of presenting the Jazz award, sponsored by the City of South Perth and won by Chris Sealey. Chris will be playing at Ellington's, the fabulous jazz club in North Perth on 02 November. There is a full list of 2010 winners on the WAM web site.

Watch out for lots of music in South Perth in 2011. There will be events large and small, they all sound exciting and will interest all ages. This is really one area that Local Government can make such a difference. By organising events, providing venues, sponsoring competitions I think that we can do plenty to encourage local talent. Sure, we enjoy the big names for the big shows; we can also savour the work of new WA musicians. How about a Sunday afternoon Jazz event in McDougall Park or a school- age showcase event in the holidays?

By adding some music to our world, especially in a social setting, I think that we can improve our quality of life. Lucky Oceans, the Master of Ceremonies last night, spoke about melody being a feeling and lyrics being a thought. What are your feelings and thoughts about what we can do with music? Click on ‘Comments’ below.