Cr Connie Boglis OAM

29/05/2026

How fantastic to have Hands-on Health Australia here on Edwardes St at Reservoir Village 🎉

29/05/2026

Proud to share that my motion - Strengthening Councillor Independence and Protections from Occupational Violence PASSED at the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council with majority support this morning.

This is an important step forward in recognising that councillors must be able to carry out their statutory duties independently, free from coercion, intimidation, bullying, harassment and political interference.

Councillors across Victoria are increasingly facing occupational violence, including online abuse and unsafe pressures that impact both wellbeing and decision-making. Yet significant gaps still exist in protections and accountability frameworks.

I welcome the strong support for this motion and the important leadership the is showing in prioritising councillor health, safety and wellbeing. The MAV’s ongoing work around occupational violence, online harm and strengthening protections for councillors is critical to ensuring local democracy remains safe, respectful and independent.

Thank you to the councils and councillors who supported my motion and important reform agenda. Strong local government depends on councillors being able to serve their communities safely, independently and without fear.

Better Politics Foundation
VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc

27/05/2026

Yesterday, I was proud to pass an amendment supporting longer-term certainty for our neighbourhood houses across Darebin and it passed unanimously.

This motion delivers: 🏡 A 4-year lease agreement, with the option of an additional 4 years through a council resolution.

That means up to 8 years of stability and security for the incredible organisations that bring people together, support vulnerable residents, create connection, and strengthen our community every single day.

Neighbourhood houses are the heart of Darebin, and they deserve long-term support to continue their amazing work Neighbourhood Houses Victoria Span Community House Reservoir Neighbourhood House Jika Jika Community Centre Alphington Community Centre Bridge Darebin Prace

26/05/2026

Today on National Sorry Day, we pause to reflect on the strength, resilience and courage of the Stolen Generations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were forcibly removed from their families, culture and community.

It is an important day of remembrance, truth-telling and healing. As a community and as Council, we acknowledge the deep and ongoing impacts of these injustices and stand together in the spirit of respect, reconciliation and hope for future generations.

25/05/2026

Edwardes St lunch with Cr Angela Villella 🌯

25/05/2026

I stopped by Hands-on Health Australia in Reservoir today with Cr Angela Villella on the way to lunch and met the Cert IV Mental Health students. We had a chat about the role of being a councillor, my background working in the mental health and community sector, and the importance of awareness, listening to people where they are at, and building trust in our communities.

Thanks for the warm welcome and thoughtful conversations today. All the very best at in your studies and career ahead. So excited to have you all enter into a much needed and rewarding profession.

24/05/2026

Great to attend the Darebin Chess Tournament today with Mayor Emily Dimitriadis ♟️

Fantastic seeing young and old from across our community coming together, connecting, and challenging each other through such a timeless game all made possible through our community grants programs. I may have almost had the Mayor in checkmate… 😄

24/05/2026

It was fantastic watching the juniors proudly wear their jerseys and give it their all on the field this weekend at the Preston Bullants First Nations Game at Zawah Park.

One of the best moments was seeing the boys in the games room before the match, supporting and encouraging one another. In junior sport, coaches are helping build character and belonging just as much as skills — and hearing teammates lift each other up before a game can make such a difference.

That spirit of connection, respect, culture and looking after one another is what community sport is all about. ❤️💛🖤

17/05/2026

The Women’s Coterie plays an important role in supporting and fundraising for the Preston Lions women’s and girls’ football programs. Events like today create opportunities for women and girls in sport, strengthening pathways for players, and building a strong, inclusive club culture and community connection.

Thank you to Preston Lions Football Club, and most importantly the woman on the committee who make the Preston Lions Women’s Coterie event a success each year.

09/05/2026

Happy Mothers Day Darebin 🥰

06/05/2026

The findings from the 2025 Victorian Councillor Census are deeply concerning and confirm what many of us in local government already know abuse, intimidation and occupational violence towards councillors is increasing, particularly towards women in leadership.

Good governance cannot exist in an environment where elected representatives are expected to tolerate threats, bullying and harassment simply for serving their communities.

As a strong advocate for integrity, accountability and mental health, through the Better Politics Foundation I welcome the VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc call for a dedicated support and wellbeing program for councillors across Victoria. The lack of structured mental health supports in local government must change.

This is exactly why I have continued advocating for stronger protections and cultural change within the sector, including my upcoming Municipal Association of Victoria motion on occupational violence at the MAV State Conference later this month.

Councillors are community leaders, but we are also human beings. No one should have to sacrifice their wellbeing or safety to serve their community.

Creating respectful, safe and accountable democratic spaces is not optional.

Census Findings
The 2025 VLGA Victorian Councillor Census showed councillors are experiencing increasing levels of incivility while performing the duties of their role. 59% of councillors reported they had experienced threatening or intimidating behaviour from members of the public, and 10% said that this was a regular occurrence. The data also revealed women were more likely than men to have experienced abuse, especially bullying and non-sexual harassment, and intimidation from other councillors. You can read the full Census report here https://www.vlga.org.au/governance-leadership/local-government/victorian-councillor-census

VLGA Response:
In response, the VLGA is calling on the Victorian Government to support the VLGA in delivering a dedicated assistance and support program for councillors. This is an initiative we have been progressing for some time and consider essential in the current environment. Many councillors at VLGA member councils have expressed genuine concerns about the lack of supports available to them, particularly from a health and wellbeing perspective.