MAV Annual Conference and Dinner - September 2024

This year's Annual Conference will explore how the transformative power of forward-thinking, collaborative leadership within local government can build thriving, resilient and sustainable communities to create lasting and positive change.

Event Details

The MAV Annual Conference & Dinner returns in 2024, taking place on the traditional land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

This year's conference theme ‘Celebrating our work, reimagining the future, and creating optimism for what’s ahead’ will explore how the transformative power of forward-thinking, collaborative leadership within local government can build thriving, resilient and sustainable communities to create lasting and positive change. You will have the opportunity to meet inspirational thought leaders that will take you on a deep dive into legacy minded and optimistic leadership; the imperative of climate adaptation and action; how to navigate our changing political landscape and combat disinformation; and the exploration of innovative global policy and social movements that can lift the gaze of local leaders to help them reimagine their roles and what may be possible in the future. We will also recognise and celebrate the achievements of Victorian councils and their impact in supporting our local and indigenous communities.

Keynote Speakers

Fabian Dattner
Chief Executive Officer, The Dattner Group
Fabian Dattner, CEO and founder of Dattner Group, leads a legacy-driven consultancy with nearly four decades of expertise in transformative cultural change and leadership practices.

Dattner Group is renowned for its profound impact on diverse audiences, particularly within the council sector, where it collaborates closely with executive teams, staff at all levels, and councillors to effect profound cultural shifts.

Fabian’s work spans municipalities such as The City of Greater Bendigo, Banyule City Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, and many others.

A respected thought leader, Fabian regularly contributes to Government News and is a featured guest on the Local Government News Roundup Podcast with Chris Eddy.

Fabian also founded Homeward Bound Projects, a global initiative empowering women in STEMM fields. Recently stepping down as CEO, Fabian’s vision continues to shape Homeward Bound’s immersive 12-month leadership program, which culminates in an Antarctic expedition, so women in STEMM can amplify their leadership role globally.

Elaine Chia
Chief Executive Officer, Naomi Milgrom Foundation
Elaine Chia is the CEO of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which champions art, design and architecture that improves Australian lives. Operating on a public-private partnership model, the Foundation collaborates with government, educational institutions and industry partners to deliver flagship initiatives such as MPavilion, Living Cities Forum, and the Richmond Power Station renewal project.

A recognised arts leader and mentor, Elaine has run major arts festivals, international tours and groundbreaking cultural infrastructure projects. Past roles include Executive Director at the Adelaide Festival, CEO at Sydney’s City Recital Hall and Director, International Signature Projects at the Australia Council for the Arts where she spearheaded the Australian Pavilion redevelopment in Venice, Italy, the first 21st century building in Venice.

As a jack of all trades Elaine actively cultivates collaboration and pooling of diverse talents and perspectives, at times unpredictable and risky, but when it works brings astonishingly powerful outcomes.

Jess Scully
Author
Jess Scully is an author, city-maker and advocate for an expanded civic imagination to empower us to create a fair and sustainable future. As Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney from 2019 to 2022 and as a Councillor at the City of Sydney from 2016 to 2023, Jess championed new models to address the housing crisis and support a more inclusive economy, worked to embed culture in the life of the city and revive Sydney’s nightlife, and advocated to expand who plays a role in shaping the life of the city.

Previously, Jess founded and directed Vivid Ideas, Australia’s largest creative industries event; supported emerging talent through the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards; transformed public space as an urbanism consultant and public art curator, served as a policy advisor to the NSW Minister for the Arts and hosted Saturday Afternoons on ABC Radio.

She is currently a World Bank consultant contributing to sustainable urban development in Indonesia and Senior Associate at the Sydney Policy Lab. Her first book, Glimpses of Utopia: Real Ideas for a Fairer World, was published by Pantera Press and shortlisted in the Australian Book Industry Awards in 2021.