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| Community and Place News |
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| APRIL 2021 |
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Kaya/Hello,
WALGA acknowledges the many traditional owners of the land on which we work throughout Western Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Community and Place News is a monthly publication produced by WALGA's Resilient Communities Team, part of the broader WALGA Strategy, Policy and Planning Unit.
In this issue...
Funding opportunities, resources, upcoming training and contacts:
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| Upcoming Events |
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Encounters: 2021 South West Heritage Conference
The Conference provides an opportunity for professional and business development, networking and exposure to a broad range of heritage concepts and information.
Date: Thursday, 22 April and Friday, 23 April.
Venue: City of Busselton Administration, 2 Southern Drive, Busselton
Indigenous Voice Consultations
Community consultations are being held in a range of locations to collect feedback on the Indigenous Voice proposals.
Dates: Tuesday, 13 April, Wednesday, 14 April, Thursday, 15 April, Monday, 19 April and Tuesday, 20 April
Venues: Regional locations - Port Hedland, Carnarvon, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton
Dowerin Do-Over Regional Conference
The ‘Do-Over’ is part conference, part hands-on placemaking, and will include 1.5 days of interactive activities along Dowerin’s Mainstreet.
Date: Friday, 30 April
Venue: Main Street, Dowerin
2021 Perth Airport WA Regional Tourism Conference
A program is available and registrations are now open.
Date: Monday, 3 May - Wednesday, 5 May
Venue: 75 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton
Family and Domestic Violence Focused Event
The Local Government Community Safety Network is hosting an event focused on the topic of family and domestic violence. The program will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Date: Tuesday, 18 May
Venue: WALGA, 170 Railway Parade, West Leederville or Online
SAVE THE DATE
Local Government Professionals - Community Development Network Conference
This professional development event will showcase an educational and informative program, designed specifically for Local Government officers working in community development. The conference theme is 'Creating community impact - awareness, action, influence.'
Date: Thursday, 9 September and Friday, 10 September
Venue: Crown Perth
Bringing Children and Young People into View – FDV Conference 2021
The purpose of the conference is to strengthen the understanding of children and young people’s experiences and needs, and to consider the responses that can be put in place to support their safety, health and wellbeing and improve their opportunities.
Date: Monday, 13 September - Wednesday, 15 September
Venue: Crown, Perth
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| WALGA Child Safety Officer Submission |
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| After consultation with Local Governments, WALGA has provided a submission to the State Government on the proposal for Child Safety Officers within Local Government, a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. |
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In December 2020, the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries and the Department of Communities released the “Discussion paper on the implementation of child safety officers in local governments” to guide the consultation on recommendation 6.12 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
In order to provide feedback on the discussion paper, WALGA hosted a series of online discussions to gather feedback from Local Governments and encouraged Local Governments to make individual submissions.
In WALGA's submission a number of recommendations have been made including:
- The State Government, in consultation with Local Government, should develop a clear framework for the implementation of Recommendation 6.12 and in that framework approach child safety as a function (similar to disability access and inclusion) within a Local Government, rather than an officer.
- The scope of the Child Safety Officer function should be clearly articulated, including minimum requirements and reporting requirements, and concerns around the ‘grey area’ of overlap with child protection work be addressed.
- A Working Group of the State Government and Local Governments should be established to guide further consultation and policy development on child safety.
To view WALGA's submission click here. |
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| For more information, email WALGA's Policy Officer, Resilient Communities, Bec Waddington or call 9213 2055. |
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| Wastewater Public Health Risks Consultation Webinar |
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| The Department of Health and WALGA are hosting a webinar to assist Local Governments participate in the consultation on the future management of public health risks from wastewater, which commenced on Thursday, 18 February and closes on Friday, 21 May. |
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This review of wastewater is part of the implementation of the Public Health Act 2016 which requires the Department of Health to review the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 and associated regulations.
Date: Thursday, 15 April
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Click here to register.
WALGA is developing a sector submission and Local Governments are encouraged to send direct feedback or a copy of their completed survey to Senior Policy Advisor, Community, Marissa MacDonald by Friday, 16 April.
View the InfoPage here.
Local Governments can also provide direct feedback on the proposals to the Department of Health by Friday, 21 May and through this survey. |
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| For more information, or to provide feedback, email Senior Policy Advisor, Resilient Communities, Marissa MacDonald or call 9213 2074. |
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| Government Regional Officer Housing Program Update |
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| On Tuesday, 30 March WALGA and the Department of Communities hosted a webinar to update Local Governments on the Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) program. |
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In the webinar, the Department of Communities outlined that across regional and remote Western Australia, there are approximately 5,000 homes available to State Government agencies through the GROH program. The GROH program meets the housing requests made by State Government agencies by allocating existing stock, leasing houses from the private market, building or purchasing houses when funds permit and entering long term lease arrangements. In recent years, several Local Governments have entered long term leases for GROH housing and the GROH program is currently seeking additional Local Government investment.
The Shire of Koorda and the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup provided case studies to demonstrate the value of being involved with the GROH program. This included securing the continuation of essential services and guaranteeing a rental income for the duration of the lease. |
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| For more information regarding the GROH program and webinar content, email the Department of Communities - GROH Program Group Manager, Jane Deane or call 0466 602 329. |
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| Western Australian Libraries Strategy Consultation |
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| The Public Library Strategy Working Group invites Local Governments to participate in the consultation for the development of a new State strategy for WA Public Libraries. |
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Consultation opportunities include voting and commenting on crowd sourced ideas through the iThink challenge, three guest speaker showcases and a workshop demonstrating the value of libraries hosted by Public Libraries WA.
The first showcase was held on Monday, 29 March and focused on digitally inclusive libraries. A range of international and local presenters showcased various digital engagement approaches, including online platforms, augmented reality, robotics, 3D printing and providing spaces for people to create online content such as podcasts and Vlogs.
Further showcases and workshops are planned for the following dates:
- Showcase: Libraries Supporting Communities - Wednesday, 21 April at City of Belmont Library
- Showcase: Library Led Learning - Monday, 17 May at WALGA
- Workshop: Demonstrating the Value of Libraries - Thursday, 27 May at the Boulevard Centre, Cambridge
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| For more information or to register, visit the Public Libraries WA website here. |
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| National Reconciliation Week Street Banner Project Sponsorship 2021 |
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| WALGA is sponsoring three Local Governments to participate in the National Reconciliation Week Street Banner Project 2021. |
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To celebrate and recognise the importance of National Reconciliation Week, celebrated from 27 May to 3 June each year, the Department Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is coordinating the 2021 Street Banner Project across Western Australia.
The Local Governments awarded sponsorship from WALGA are:
- City of Canning
- City of Melville
- Town of Victoria Park
The banner design is featured on the right and will be flying in locations all around Western Australia during Reconciliation Week. |
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| For more information on the Banner project, click here. |
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| Noongar Boodja Trust commences for South West Native Title Settlement |
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| The State Government has established the Noongar Boodja Trust for the South West Native Title Settlement, and appointed the Perpetual Trustee Company as the initial Noongar Boodja Trustee. |
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This marks a new partnership between the State Government, Noongar people and the Perpetual Trustee Company, to support Noongar empowerment and deliver long-term social, cultural and economic opportunities through the South West Native Title Settlement (Settlement).
The Settlement is the most comprehensive Native Title agreement negotiated in Australian history. It involves around 30,000 Noongar people and covers approximately 200,000 square kilometres of the South-West region. A fundamental component of the Settlement is the recognition of the Noongar people as the Traditional Owners of the South-West region of Western Australia. The Settlement will provide Noongar people with sustainable assets and options for delivering long-term economic, social and community outcomes. The first payment of $60 million will be made to the Noongar Boodja Trust within 60 business days and start the process to transfer land assets for the Noongar Land Estate.
Other significant commitments under the Settlement will commence once the Noongar corporations are established later in 2021. |
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| For more information, click here. |
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| Most Accessible Community in WA - Awards |
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| The Regional Capitals Alliance WA (RCAWA) is once again proud to sponsor the West Australian community awards for the Most Accessible Community in WA (MACWA). |
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Local Governments are encouraged to enter one or more of three categories:
- Digital and technology accessibility initiatives
- Infrastructure and public open space inclusion and accessibility
- Leadership
An overall winner will be announced from the best of the:
- Regional Cities/Capitals
- Regional Shires/Towns
- Metropolitan Councils
Nominations are due by Saturday, 31 July. |
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| For more information, click here. |
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| 2021 Youth Week WA |
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| Youth Week WA 2021 runs from 9-16 April and is the biggest celebration of young people on the Western Australian youth calendar. |
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The Department of Communities is responsible for the oversight of Youth Week and this year’s theme is 'Our Path'. Inspired by wayfinding stars, it acknowledges the convergence of our individual paths to form a community, to where we are now, and questions how we are going to move forward.
As part of Youth Week, the State Government funded 44 youth-focused community organisations and Local Governments to run events and activities.
The opportunity to participate in Youth Week WA takes on greater significance for young people this year, following the challenges they have faced over the last 12 months and the forced cancellation of last year's event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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| For more information, click here. |
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| New Locality in South-West ‘Yebble’ Honours Local Noongar Hero |
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| Yebble has been formally approved by Landgate as the official name of a new locality along WA's South-West coastline. |
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Yebble was created in honour of local Noongar man, Mr Samuel Yebble Isaacs who was pivotal in a heroic rescue in 1876 where, together with Ms Grace Bussell, they rescued 54 passengers from the shipwrecked SS Georgette at Redgate Beach.
Having only received a bronze medallion for his efforts, in contrast to Grace Bussell's silver medallion, he was later awarded 100 acres of land in Margaret River for his efforts - the first land grant to an Aboriginal person in Western Australia.
The new locality is excised from the existing localities of Gracetown and Burnside which is mostly covered by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and not far from the land gifted to Mr Isaacs.The Undalup Association with support from Dr Robert Isaacs, Yebble's great-grandson, initiated the proposal to have Mr Isaacs rightfully recognised for the significant role he played in the sea rescue.
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River endorsed the creation of the new locality following overwhelming public support during the consultation period. |
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| For more information, click here. |
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| National Preventive Health Strategy Consultation |
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| The Commonwealth Government Department of Health has released the draft National Preventive Health Strategy for public comment. |
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In June 2019, the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP announced that the Australian Government would develop a 10-year National Preventive Health Strategy (the Strategy).
The Strategy will aim to help Australians improve their health at all stages of life, through early intervention, better information, targeting risk factors and addressing the broader causes of poor health and wellbeing. Areas of focus for the next 10 years are identified in the Strategy as well as evidence-based policy achievements.
Comments on the draft Strategy are due by Monday, 19 April. It is anticipated that the final Strategy will be launched in mid-2021. |
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| For more information, or to provide feedback, click here. |
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| Commonwealth Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence - Report Released |
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| The Commonwealth Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs has finalised the 'Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence' and released a report. |
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The Inquiry was announced in June 2020 by the Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, and the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston. The terms of reference emphasised the role of the inquiry in informing the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (National Plan).
The final report was released with 88 recommendations, including recommendations related to Local Government including:
- Recommendation 16 - The Committee recommends that the Australian Government and State and Territory Governments directly involve Local Government in the development and implementation of the next National Plan.
- Recommendation 17 - The Committee recommends that the Australian Government and each State and Territory Government co-fund on a 50-50 basis a dedicated family and domestic violence policy officer in each State and Territory Local Government Association for an initial period of five years. In addition, the Australian Government and State and Territory Governments should work with the Australian Local Government Association to consider whether additional resources are required to assist individual Local Governments to have a more active role in preventing and responding to family, domestic and sexual violence, and to implement the 'Prevention toolkit for Local Government'.
The Commonwealth Government will now utilise the report findings and recommendations to inform the development of the next National Plan due in 2022. |
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| To review the report, click here. |
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| Heritage Perth Weekend 2021/ Boorloo Kwedjang Bardip Yanginy |
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| In its 11th year, Heritage Perth Weekend 2021/ Boorloo Kwedjang Bardip Yanginy running from Friday 16 April - Sunday 18 April is an event that celebrates Perth City's unique natural, built and social history and heritage. |
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It aims to engender a sense of community pride in our cultural heritage and to promote its value in the contribution it makes to our community now and in the future.
The event program features history and heritage walks, talks 'behind the scenes' tours of iconic and curious heritage buildings, children's activities, exhibitions and experiences. |
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| For more information, click here. |
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| Unlock Housing Campaign |
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| In 2020 Shelter WA developed the Unlock Housing campaign in partnership with the sector and people with lived experience of homelessness, with three core priorities that address the housing crisis. |
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Unlock Housing outlines that the target of 260 additional social homes per year over the next ten years in the WA Housing Strategy 2020-2030 will not meet current and future demand. Over the last three years social housing has decreased by 1,155 properties. Recent government investment will deliver an additional 870 social homes.
Other key facts include:
- Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA
- Over 30,000 people (15,700 applicants) are on the wait list for social housing
- There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA.
Unlock Housing proposes a housing package to:
- Invest in social and affordable housing
- Fix the housing system
- End homelessness
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| For more information, click here. |
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| Regional Institute Australia - 'Liveability Toolkit' to Grow Regional Towns |
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| The Regional Institute Australia has launched a Liveability Toolkit which provides a comprehensive, step-by-step practical approach for regional leaders looking to build their community populations. |
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The Toolkit has been developed in response to the growing need in regional communities to attract and retain populations. It builds on the Regional Australia Institute’s research across rural and regional Australia on population mobility, regional jobs and liveability.
The Toolkit is a guide to help regional leaders gather and analyse the data that can help them develop a tailored action plan to improve their town’s liveability. By developing a place-based Liveability Action Plan, regional towns can become more successful in attracting the people that they need for a strong and prosperous future. |
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| To access the Toolkit click here. |
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| City of South Perth Amendment to Local Law to Allow for Children's Verge Tree Swings |
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| At the March 2021 City of South Perth Council Meeting, Elected Members resolved to amend a local law which will allow for children’s swings to be hung from verge trees. |
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The street verge is an increasingly important area to provide an opportunity for outdoor play for children, encouraging community interaction and encouraging a friendly, fun and attractive place to live.
The decision to amend the City of South Perth Public Places and Local Government Property Local Law came after a public consultation period from Wednesday, 13 January to Friday, 5 March, with input from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The City of Vincent similarly endorsed a Street Trees Policy in 2018 that provides guidance to residents on attaching street tree swings and other attachments. The image attached demonstrates a verge swing installed in the City of Vincent. |
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| For more information on the City of South Perth's local law amendment, click here. |
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| Webinar - Internship Opportunities for Local Government with the McCusker Centre Internship Program |
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| LG Professionals WA is hosting a live webinar with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship and a participating Local Government about the internship program. |
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The McCusker Centre for Citizenship partners with not-for-profit, community, and government organisations to provide a structured, quality internship program for students. Through this award-winning internship program, students can engage in active citizenship by making a difference and contributing to the complex social issues in our community.
Since the internship program began in 2016, the Centre has worked with more than 250 partner organisations to enable 1200 UWA students to undertake internships and contribute 130,000 hours to the community.
WALGA hosted a research intern from UWA’s McCusker Centre for Citizenship at the beginning of the year. The intern’s research report – Local Government Metrics of Wellbeing – discusses the purpose and use of wellbeing indices by national and sub-national jurisdictions across three countries (Australia, New Zealand and Canada) as well as exploring future opportunities for Local Government in Western Australia, notably through the proposed Western Australian Development Index.
Webinar details as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 28 April
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
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| For more information or to register, click here. |
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| WA Galleries, Libraries, and Museums (GLAM) Sector: Jobs, Education, and Training Survey 2021 |
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| FutureNow—Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council Inc are currently collecting information to understand the skills and labour needs in the Western Australian galleries, museums, archives and libraries sectors, and the various pathways available to meet these needs. |
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Information gathered through this survey will help inform the development of training priorities for the state. FutureNow may also use this information to inform ongoing research.
The survey closes on Monday, 12 April. |
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| To participate in the survey, click here. |
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| Heart Foundation Personal Walking Plans Launched |
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| Personal Walking Plans deliver simple information and advice to individuals looking to increase their physical activity to help draw attention to the holistic benefits of walking, and in turn increase the likelihood they will stick with a new walking habit. |
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| The Personal Walking Plans involve a six week program, where participants receive a walking plan matched to their current activity level. Plans are delivered by email and text to motivate participants and deliver information about the many benefits of walking. |
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| For more information, click here. |
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| WALGA |
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ONE70, LV1, 170 Railway Parade,
West Leederville, WA 6007
PO Box 1544, West Perth, WA 6872
Tel: (08) 9213 2000 | Fax: (08) 9213 2077
Email: info@walga.asn.au
www.walga.asn.au |
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| © Copyright Western Australian Local Government Association 2014 |
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