VPELA

This week VPELA hosted a celebration evening to congratulate Kathy Mitchell AM on her 28 years at PPV, including 20 as Chief Panel Member. Mark Sheppard, Tamara Brezzi and Nick Wimbush paid tribute to Kathy on her a wonderful career… so far. They acknowledged her service, passion and commitment to her role at PPV.  Along the way she has been a leader to hundreds of Panel members and heard submissions and evidence from thousands of barristers, solicitors, advocates, experts and community members. She has conducted herself in a way that demonstrates her fundamental belief in broad inclusion and participation. During COVID Kathy stridently lead Panels into a new era of online hearings and following the pandemic, ensured that the gains made have very much become the new normal under her leadership.   On the night Susan Brennan SC, Emma Peppler, Emily Porter SC and Nick Tweedie SC entertained with a musical tribute to Kathy’s precise timetabling!   We wish Kathy well for the future as she embarks on the next chapter of her career which we’re sure will be filled with drive, passion, ambition, a curious mind and, of course, very precise timetabling. Thank you to our host Norton Rose Fulbright #vpela #vpelaevents #networking #planningpanelsvictoria

As we approach the festive season join the VPELA Board in the celebration of another successful year for the Association at Zinc. Catch up with friends and colleagues for some Yuletide cheer! This event includes 3 hours of drinks and nibbles. Book https://lnkd.in/gKz2QMZx Thank you to our sponsor onemilegrid #vpela #vpelaevents #networking

Following in-person lectures, homework and online sessions, this year’s VPELA Moot Court participants tested their learnings before a number of VCAT Members in the Moot Court hearings last week. It was great to see their efforts in preparation, the invaluable feedback given and the support from attendees. We congratulate all participants and thank VCAT for its continued support for this program. We would also like to thank Nick Tweedie SC, Juliet Forsyth SC, Jane Sharp, Jennifer Trewhella, Amanda Ring and Craig Murphy who have assisted throughout the program this year. Finally thank you to Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd for their continued sponsorship for this event. #vpela #vpelamootcourt #professionaldevelopment

This VPELA award recognises excellence in a young or new professional working in the Victorian Public Sector. It is awarded to a young person, or mid/late career person following a career change, who goes above and beyond and demonstrates exceptional initiative and endeavour. The aim of the award is to reward outstanding contributions, foster a culture of excellence in the public sector, and contribute to public sector staff retention. Nominations are especially encouraged from Managers and Directors to recognise excellence in their teams. Self-nominations are also welcomed. Download the criteria and application form https://lnkd.in/gvzCe-D9 #vpela #kathymitchellaward #vpelaawards #professionaldevelopment

Celebrate the festive season with the YPG! Bring your colleagues and friends and enjoy drinks, BBQ and barefoot bowls at the Fitzroy Victoria Bowling & Sports Club located next to the Edinburgh Gardens. This is a two hour event however we have access to the venue space until 10.00pm. Book here https://lnkd.in/g5iypqKv Thank you to our YPG sponsors Biosis Pty Ltd, Contour Consultants, Taylors – Urban | Infrastructure, Traffix Group and Urbis #vpela #vpelaypg #networking #professionaldevelopment

It’s been 18 months since the Minister for Planning approved the Central Geelong Framework Plan: A plan for the heart of Djilang 2023 along with the relevant planning controls through Amendment C431ggee. The Framework Plan outlined a vision, objectives and a suite of urban design guidance to guide the growth and development of Geelong’s CBD, with the new Activity Centre Zone focussed on facilitating growth whilst protecting the amenity and unique qualities of central Geelong. So how is it going? We are excited to be running our first ever ‘reverse seminar’ – a unique format that breaks the traditional model of speakers and attendees. We invite all attendees to become participants, to ask questions and to volunteer to answer the questions of others, providing real insight into the experiences of people working within the new planning framework. This format provides a far more interactive experience which will be moderated by our facilitators on the night. You can let any of our moderators know in advance if you have any specific questions you’d like to raise or if you would like to volunteer to answer questions on the night. You can also opt into doing either roles at the session (ask or answer questions). Moderators: Anna Borthwick, Director Infrastructure, Assets & Places KPMG and VPELA Board member, Chloe Moorcroft, Associate: Context Planning and YPG Board Member and Grant Logan, Manager, Development Approvals and Design, Department of Transport and Planning and VPELA Board member. Book here https://lnkd.in/gwfrE5PS Thank you to our sponsor and host KPMG #vpela #geelongframework #AmendmentC431ggee #professionaldevelopment #networking

Chief Panel Member, Kathy Mitchell AM, will be embarking upon the next chapter of her career and concluding her role at Planning Panels Victoria in late November. VPELA invite you to come together to celebrate this remarkable woman’s career and her many achievements. Join us for this special evening to acknowledge the long-standing contribution of an eminent and influential practitioner and Past President of VPELA. Your hosts for the evening will be Mark Sheppard, President VPELA and Tamara Brezzi, Past President VPELA, with tributes from Tamara Brezzi and Nick Wimbush, former Deputy Chief Panel Member and current VCAT member. Book here https://lnkd.in/gWwCvAaC Thank you to our host Norton Rose Fulbright #vpela #professionaldevelopment #networking #kathymitchell

This year’s VPELA Moot program involves a series of workshops, lectures and seminars by a range of our industry’s professionals, for a group of budding advocates and expert witnesses. Join and support our program participants as an ‘observer’ to the in-person Moot hearings at VCAT. There is much to learn as you watch how the advocates and expert witnesses present their case, understand how to structure your submissions, survive cross-examination and learn how your expert opinion informs a decision. The event will commence at 5.30pm with welcome and introduction before the hearings commence at 6pm sharp. Please allow enough time for security clearance at the entry to VCAT. Book https://lnkd.in/g9rkan8r Thank you to our sponsor Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd #vpela #professionaldevelopment #mootcourt

Last Friday young professionals from VPELA, Planning Institute of Australia and UDIA Victoria came together for the annual DCE Nexus Ball. The Ball is always a prime opportunity for junior professionals across the different industry groups to meet and network. The theme for this year’s event ‘When I Grow Up’ was a helpful conversation starter across the board. The costumes sparked intrigue and hilarious nostalgia. We clearly didn't all start out wanting to be engineers, planners or lawyers! Congratulations to best costume prizes winners Tamika Chikulin, Russell Kennedy who said she was obsessed with Audrey Hepburn, particularly her elegance and grace. Raji Samarasekara, Whiteman Property & Associates who wanted to be Pete "Maverick" Mitchell from Top Gun. There were many others who could have won so thanks to everyone who embraced the theme. Attendance also helped raise valuable funds for children's charity The Mirabel Foundation A huge thank you to our major sponsor Dalton Consulting Engineers (DCE) and all our supporters’ sponsors Bold Urban Planning, Dartmouth Consulting, Planned Resources, Planning & Property Partners, Ratio Consultants and URPS Finally thanks to organising committee members Dani Davidovits, MinterEllison Bridget Goodear, Smec, Romy Fanarof, City of Port Phillip, Tom Morrison, Planning and Property Partners, Olivia Cootes, Cootes Quarry Products, Shaun Cheng, Development Victoria, Hugh McIntyre, Zesty Planning and Oscar Yencken, VPA. #vpela #vpelaypg #udiaoutlook #piayoungplanners #dcenexusball  

Last chance bookings close this Friday so don't miss the premier event for young professionals in Victoria’s planning, development and environment industries. Have fun with our theme “When I Grow Up" and support children’s charity The Mirabel Foundation. Every child deserves a childhood including the often-overlooked children who find themselves orphaned or abandoned because of parental drug use. Book here https://lnkd.in/gYsdN247 Thank you to our major sponsor Dalton Consulting Engineers (DCE) and all our supporting sponsors Bold Urban Planning, Dartmouth Consulting, Planned Resources, Planning & Property Partners, Ratio Consultants and URPS #vpela #vpelaevents #vpelaypg #udiaoutlook #piavicyoungplanners