Local Government Web Network

Public Sphere: Government 2.0

Sat in the car heading down to Canberra for the second Public Sphere, Reem, Bern (from Mosman Council), and I have been talking about the possibilities of local government on the web, and the challenges that face the web staff in councils. In New South Wales we’re on varying levels when it comes to our websites, or web services. Many are still tackling the basics of getting a functioning, usable, accessible website up, whilst others are experimenting in the realms of social media. Open data, open government, and open web, is something most are still learning about, let alone being at a stage where these methodologies will be incorporated into the building of new web services. For example, with a quick count it looks like less than 50% of councils in NSW have even one RSS feed, on the other hand we’ve seen more and more councils utilising social media such as YouTube, and gradually we’re seeing councils popping up on Twitter.

So it’s a mixed bag when you look at New South Wales as a whole, and this is not surprising with the huge regional diversity we have (as we do around the whole of Australia). Another big factor being the lack of fast broadband, which makes it difficult for councils to make their websites an important part of the services they provide their communities, and as a key community engagement tool. But Reem are excited by the individuals we’ve met and are connecting with through our network, and new networks and events such as Public Sphere. You can feel that there is a change happening from within and at the top of government, and it looks like we’re all starting to head in the right direction in realising the potential of the web. We’re collaborating, sharing our ideas, and beginning to build our Government 2.0.

The second Public Sphere hosted by Senator Kate Lundy is focussing on Government 2.0: Policy and Practice will be taking place in Canberra at Parliament house on Monday 22 June. Tickets sold out quickly but you can participate online - there will be a live video feed, live blogging and an accompanying Twitterfeed with hashtag #publicsphere.

Reem and I will be presenting a quick 10 minute presentation on Challenges in Local Government. See our presentation below, and other Public Sphere presentations on Slideshare.

WE Believe In Community - register now

We’re happy to announce that registrations for our conference - WE Believe In Community - are now open!

Like last year we are keeping the ticket prices as low as possible. This conference is not about making money, it’s about getting people together to share ideas and learn.

Early Bird discount available until 10 July: only $475.00 +GST (that’s a discount of $75.00!) Continue reading WE Believe In Community - register now…

Welcome to the Public Sphere

Recently, Kate Lundy, Senator for the ACT, launched a new initiative called “Public Sphere” to engage with the community on topics of national interest.

The concept aims to bring people together online to share their views on various topics, in addition to hosting a physical meet up that is live streamed over the Internet. The meet up allows people to give their two cents in short ten minute presentations on whatever aspect of the topic they choose, either in person, via skype, YouTube or other means. Continue reading Welcome to the Public Sphere…

LG Web Network Conference 2009 - what do YOU want?

We are starting to plan the program for the Local Government Web Network Conference for 2009, so now is the time where we’d really like your feedback to help us make a better conference for you.

To get your feedback in a more interesting way, we are taking a leaf out of Web Directions book, and launching an Ideas Forum. This will allow you to post ideas, comment on other people’s Continue reading LG Web Network Conference 2009 - what do YOU want?…

Help victims of the bushfires in Victoria

On Monday morning I switched on the TV and was presented with images of absolute devastation. As the images flashed before me I began to have some idea of the true horrors of the Bushfires in Victoria. Everything I did that day seemed so utterly pointless when there were people waking up without homes, knowing they’d lost family members, or not knowing. That was Monday, and the tragedy is still unfolding.

Police fear that that the death toll may rise to 300. Thousands of people are without homes. Many are still waiting to hear whilst the coroner continues the heavy task of identifying bodies. I cannot begin to imagine the agony all these people are going through.

This is a devastating tragedy that will call on the good will of the Australian people to help heal, and around the world. Continue reading Help victims of the bushfires in Victoria…