The Perth Area Consultative Committee in partnership with the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council hosted the Office of Local Government Leading Practice Seminar at the EMRC Coucil Chambers on September 6th, 2007.

The event program brought together Leading Practice projects that are aligned to the direction of the Perth ACC Strategic Regional Plan and metropolitan Local Governments for a one-day seminar. These projects were chosen to reflect issues raised in the recent Perth ACC community consultations such as community involvement, volunteering and mentoring, environmental and diversity issues and regional cooperation.

The seminar provided opportunities for the 50 participants representing Local Government Councils and community organisations to see first hand how specific case studies might apply in their own situations and to allow for the exchange of ideas and practice on project development and implementation.

The keynote presentation was made by Chanti Richardson from the City of Newcastle presenting the award winning Greenouse Action In Newcastle (GAIN) plan.In addition, presentations were made from EMRC, City of Cockburn, City of Playford, WALGA, Greater Geelong City Council and Blue Mountains City Council.

The following day, some presenters took the opportunity to visit Local Government Authorities to further share their experiences of their project and join in a discussion with stakeholders from the area. The City of Swan hosted the Marni Waeindi presentation by the City of Playford. Daniel Hanley, Community Development Coordinator - Midland for City of Swan commented:

"The Playford Marni Waeindi program showed us that a strong partnership between all parties (Community, NGOs, Local, State & Federal Govt) can achieve results. A clear message that came from the presentation is that no amount of work by professionals alone will bring about penetrating and sustainable success. The Community itself is a vital ingredient, one that needs the backing, encouragement and support of Agencies and Organisations that can cooperate and collaborate in a strategic and effective manner".