Building confident, capable and connected Mayoral leaders

Join us for the 2026 Mayoral Mandatory Program, designed to support Victorian Mayors and Deputy Mayors in undertaking their roles and responsibilities and leading effectively within the local government environment.

One program. Two learning pathways. One connected Mayoral community.

Participants begin together before moving into a learning stream tailored to their experience as newly elected or returning and experienced Mayors and Deputy Mayors.

  • Stream 1: Orientation
    Designed for newly elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors.
  • Stream 2: Accelerated Learning
    Designed for returning Mayors and Deputy Mayors who completed the 2025 MAV Mayors Mandatory Training Program.

The day brings everyone together for a shared leadership experience, peer connections and networking - creating an opportunity to learn from one another, build relationships and strengthen the broader Mayoral network.

Stream Selection: Participants will select their preferred stream after the statutory meetings have been completed. Further information about the available streams will be provided at that time.

Event Date: Thursday 3rd December

Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Venue: Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

Address: 80 Western Beach Rd, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia

 

Registration Fees:

Mayor or Deputy Mayor Attendanace: $880 (ex-GST)  

Mayor and Deputy Mayor Attendance: $1400 (ex-GST)

Save $180 per registrant when you register for both Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

For more information, please contact: 

sedev@mav.asn.au

About the Program

The program will cover the training prescribed under the Local Government Act 2020 and Guidance on the mandatory training for Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors.

Participants will engage with the four prescribed mandatory training matters:

  • Roles & Responsibilities
  • Chairing Meetings
  • Leadership
  • Engagement & Advocacy

Participants will:

  • Understand their Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral roles, responsibilities and powers. 
  • Build confidence in chairing effective Council meetings. 
  • Strengthen leadership, relationships and collaboration with Councillors and the CEO. 
  • Develop capability in engagement, advocacy, communication and representation. 
  • Connect with peers and establish mentoring relationships to support their leadership journey.

 

What you can expect

  • Practical, facilitated learning 
  • Contemporary local government perspectives 
  • Scenario-based discussion and application 
  • Peer learning and experience sharing 
  • Opportunities to connect with Mayors and Deputy Mayors across Victoria 
  • Mayors Handbook as your resource and tool kit

Detailed program and facilitator information will be provided to registered participants.

 

Connecting on the Waterfront at Nyaal Banyul!

This year, we are delighted to welcome delegates to Geelong, one of Victoria’s most vibrant regional destinations. Set against the stunning Geelong waterfront, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre provides an exciting new home for our conference.

As one of Victoria’s newest premier event venues, Nyaal Banyul combines world-class facilities with a strong connection to the region’s culture, community and natural beauty. Located on Geelong’s stunning waterfront, the venue provides the perfect setting for a day of learning, networking and connection.

We invite you to join us in Geelong for what promises to be an engaging, insightful and memorable conference experience.

Learn more:

Looking for accommodation to extend your stay? Click here to explore a range of places to stay in Geelong and surrounding areas:

We look forward to welcoming you to Geelong this year!

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We support local government’s capacity and knowledge to strengthen relationships with Victoria’s Aboriginal communities and for it to encourage greater unity, knowledge, cultural awareness and respect for the first occupants of our land – through its strong community links and local representation.