ecological sustainability, democracy and solidarity

It's been a very busy month and I've met some incredible people who've really left their mark.

I had the very great privilege of being invited to the Sustainable Cities event organised by Federal Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, spoke to an intimate group of invited guests about what makes cities sustainable.

Key to his message was a sustainable ecology, for without a healthy environment and a clean water supply, cities cannot ever be sustainable.








In my role as President of the Victorian Local Governance Association, I hosted a reception for His Excellency, the Hon Zacarias da Costa, Foreign Minister for Timor Leste. In talking to the Minister and his staff, it impressed on me the critical importance of democracy to Timor Leste and its people and reinforced to me the significant relationship Australia has with Timor Leste in assisting with their democratic election processes.

























This month also saw the 60th anniversary of the Australian Local Government Women's Association. The Governor General, Quentin Bryce AC, addressed attendees. Her Excellency talked about the importance of women's participation in all spheres of life and recognised the significant efforts of women in local government. She talked about solidarity amongst women and acknowledged that we stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us.

A very inspiring month, meeting very inspiring people.