News

Latest news from the department.

All news

Two people working on a computer.

Provisions for electronic meetings in local governments

Nov 4, 2022

LG Alert

On health advice, Western Australia’s State of Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic is set to end on 12.01am, the morning of Friday 4 November. WA’s strong health outcomes mean we are exceptionally well placed to move into the next stage of the pandemic.
Hand of a accounatant analysing line graph on computer screen

Local Government (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Order 2022

Jun 30, 2022

LG Alert

The Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 enables the Minister for Local Government to make an order that modifies or suspends provisions of the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) and Regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hand sanitiser and mask

$1.65 million to keep WA’s sport and recreation clubs COVID-safe

May 18, 2022
The State Government has announced $1.65 million in funding for COVID-related cleaning and personal hygiene costs at local community sport and active recreation clubs.
Business owner standing in front of their patisserie with customers using an alfresco area

South Freo patisserie first to receive grant in $5 million COVID-19 Activating Alfresco program

May 4, 2022
The first rebate in the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Activating Alfresco Rebate Program has been made to a local patisserie in South Fremantle.
A close-up photo of audience members

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor

Apr 27, 2022
March 2022 results out now.
A group of people eating at a table outdoors

Applications are now open for the Activating Alfresco Rebate Program

Mar 21, 2022
Eligible hospitality businesses can seek a rebate of up to $5000.
People dining alfresco

Activating Alfresco Rebate Program

Mar 3, 2022
The Activating Alfresco Rebate Program will open shortly.
A woman in front of her computer

Holding meetings electronically

Feb 16, 2022

LG Alert

Several local governments have contacted the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries about the requirement to hold Electors’ general meetings and Special electors’ meetings (Electors' meetings) and if they can be held electronically.
Roll up for WA

Vaccine rollout for sport and recreation

Jul 30, 2021
It’s been a busy few months in the COVID-19 vaccine space. To get the latest news on the national rollout, keep visiting WA.gov.au.
A nurse holding up her sleeve showing she has been vaccinated

Local Government COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sessions

Jul 8, 2021

LG Alert

DLGSC, with the Department of Health, is holding two exclusive information sessions for local government staff and elected members in Western Australia.
Perth and Peel transition out of lockdown: interim restrictions apply

End of lockdown for Perth and Peel from 12:01am, Saturday 3 July

Jul 2, 2021
Interim restrictions are in effect until 12.01am, Tuesday 6 July.
Lockdown: Perth and Peel

Lockdown: Perth and Peel

Jun 29, 2021
Perth and Peel has entered a minimum four-day lockdown from 12.01am, Tuesday 29 June 2021 until 12.01am, Saturday 3 July 2021.
Roll up for WA banner graphics and images of people who have had a vaccine

Roll up for WA posters

Jun 9, 2021

LG Alert

Anyone over the age of 30, and all Aboriginal people over the age of 16, in Western Australia are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
WA State Parliament

Local Government (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Order 2021

Jun 1, 2021

LG Alert

The Local Government (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Order 2021 (the Order), comes into effect on 2 June 2021, providing ongoing assistance to WA ratepayers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2021-22 financial year.
Hand picking a bottle of wine up from shelf

Restrictions on the sale of packaged liquor due to COVID-19 — Kimberley region

May 11, 2021
The Director of Liquor Licensing has reviewed the previous restrictions on liquor purchases in the Kimberley put in place to support measures taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A group of people as an infographic

State Government donates $2 million towards India COVID crisis

May 4, 2021
The State Government is allocating $2 million in relief funding to support those directly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in India.
Duncan Ord

Message from the DLGSC Director General

Apr 27, 2021
Post-lockdown transition
Infographic for the post-lockdown transition

COVID-19 update: post-lockdown transition

Apr 27, 2021

LG Alert

Following an announcement by the State Government, post-lockdown measures will come into effect from 12:01am Tuesday 27 April until 12.01am, Saturday morning 1 May.
Perth Skyline from Cable-stayed pedestrian bridge - stock photo

Transitional lockdown restrictions will be lifted

Feb 12, 2021

LG Alert

COVID-19 update
Mandatory contact register

SafeWA update

Dec 15, 2020

LG Alert

More than one million Western Australians have now signed up for SafeWA.
Mandatory contact register

Contact register resources available

Dec 4, 2020

LG Alert

With just one day to go until COVID-19 contact registers become mandatory for many WA local businesses and venues, there are a number of State Government resources available to assist with communications to stakeholders.
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Keeping contact registers from 5 December 2020

Dec 1, 2020

LG Alert

With COVID-19 contact registers becoming mandatory for many WA local businesses and venues from 5 December, local governments should already be aware of the State Government’s SafeWA app.
Contact register for business icon

Mandatory contact registers in WA

Nov 25, 2020

LG Alert

The State Government has announced that mandatory contact registers at relevant businesses and venues will be introduced from 5 December 2020.
A stock image of a group of people in a meeting

Restrictions eased for local government electors’ meetings

Nov 4, 2020

LG Alert

COVID-19 restrictions are being eased for local government electors’ meetings from today.
Theatre audience

Updates to the COVID Event Plans process for high risk events

Nov 2, 2020
Event organisers and local governments should be aware of the following important information regarding submission of high risk COVID Event Plans to the Department of Health, including mandatory cut-off dates for those events occurring in December and January.
COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor Phase 3

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor – WA Phase 3 report out now

Oct 16, 2020
The final report is now available, showing how Western Australian audiences felt in September 2020 about attending arts events again, compared to earlier in the year.
AOM Phase 3(2)

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor – Phase 3 report out now

Sep 22, 2020
National results from the third phase of the COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor are now available.
Children making puppets at Claremont Christmas Event, 2014. Facilitated by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. Photo by Jessica Wyld

Now open — Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program

Sep 1, 2020
Applications are now open to the DLGSC and Lotterywest Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program.
Abstract painting

House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts inquiry into Australia’s cultural and creative industries and institutions

Aug 31, 2020
Australia’s cultural and creative industries and institutions will be the focus of a new Parliamentary inquiry.
A stock image of a group of people meeting in a boardroom

Electors’ special meetings during COVID-19

Aug 19, 2020

Ministerial Circular 5 2020

As you are aware, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 was passed by Parliament on 16 April 2020 and came into effect on 21 April 2020.
Home office setup for webinar and teleconference. Image:  Lorado via Getty Images

Governance update — Engaging with the Community

Aug 18, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for local governments and their communities but it has also highlighted the innovative ways local governments are working to produce the best outcomes for their communities.
WA Recovery

WA getting back on track with $5.5 billion Recovery Plan

Aug 18, 2020
The State Government released the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan in late July, which included huge investments in infrastructure, schools, TAFE and community facilities.
Oil painting

DLGSC and Lotterywest Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program – coming soon

Aug 6, 2020
The arts play a significant role in supporting communities to tackle disruption and re-establish local connection, strength and resilience beyond the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
C:\Users\gwhite\DLGSC\DLGSC Website - Documents\Content\Images\MARKYT Community Resilience Scorecard Result

Survey results show local governments pivotal in COVID-19 recovery

Aug 6, 2020
Local Government Minister David Templeman today launched the results of an online COVID-19 survey which mapped community wellbeing and resilience levels across WA.
Perth Concert Hall during Storm. Image credit Brad Martin.

Massive $76 million recovery package to support culture and arts in WA

Aug 6, 2020
Western Australia's iconic Perth Concert Hall is set to receive a $30 million upgrade and investment over the next three years as part of the State Government's WA Recovery Plan.
Colourful paint buckets

COVID-19 Creative Industries Impact Survey – available now

Aug 4, 2020
The department is conducting a targeted survey to assess COVID-19 impacts on employment and revenue in the creative industries in Western Australia.
Audience Outlook Monitor: Phase Two July 2020

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor — Phase 2 report out now

Jul 22, 2020
Results from the second phase of the COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor are now available.
Perth Motorplex at dusk

Start your engines: Racing to resume at Perth Motorplex

Jul 22, 2020
The roar of dragsters and speedway cars will once again be heard at Perth Motorplex come October.
State Government support to culture and the arts during COVID-19. Information is included below.

State Government COVID-19 response $23.4 million for culture and the arts in Western Australia

Jul 8, 2020
The State Government has responded to the needs of the culture and the arts sector in Western Australia, providing $23.4 million in funding and support as part of COVID-19 responses.
Silhouette photo of a young ballet dancer dressed in a long peach dress, pointe shoes with ribbons.

Big boost for WA arts, sport and community sectors seeking relief

Jul 6, 2020
The State Government, through Lotterywest, has provided the biggest agenda of grants — in number and value-making up more than $47.5 million in crucial funding to the Western Australian community.
A mother and child sitting in camping chairs

Payment methods

Jul 2, 2020

LG Alert

Amendments have been made to the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997, the Cat Regulations 2012, and the Dog Regulations 2013.
Empty chairs in a meeting room

Easing of restrictions – Council meetings update

Jul 2, 2020
The State Government has announced Phase 4 Easing of Restrictions, introduced on 27 June and removing existing gathering limits.
WA Unlocked Perth at HBF Stadium 18 July 2020

Western Australia to host nation’s first post COVID-19 live music event

Jun 30, 2020
Live music in Western Australia is officially back with the announcement that up to 4000 fans will be able to support popular local bands on Saturday July 18, the day WA celebrates the lifting of all COVID-19 crowd restrictions.
Stock image of a basketball on a court. Getty Images.

Local governments share in $1.75 million infrastructure grants

Jun 26, 2020

LG Alert

Local governments around Western Australia are to share $1.75m to help fund 27 sport and recreation infrastructure projects to support their communities.
iThink WA Public Sector ithink.wa.gov.au

Share ideas — iThink for WA’s recovery

Jun 26, 2020

LG Alert

Western Australians are encouraged to share their ideas on the State’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through the iThink (WA Public Sector), an online ideas community, now also open to the general public.
View of the Albany Entertainment Centre exterior at dawn. Photo by Alison Paine.

The lights go up at Albany Entertainment Centre

Jun 10, 2020
The Albany Entertainment Centre (AEC) will reopen to audiences on June 18 with the first of the Harbourside Concert Series, known locally as Harbourside.
Empty chairs in a meeting room

Easing of restrictions – Council meetings update

Jun 5, 2020
The State Government has announced Phase 3 Easing of Restrictions commencing 6 June that will allow gatherings of up to 100 people indoors (while maintaining physical distancing). What does this mean for council meetings?
Illustration of stages along a road

Phase 3 of COVID-19 roadmap to commence from Saturday, June 6

Jun 2, 2020
The State Government has announced Phase 3 of the roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions in WA, with significant changes coming into effect from Saturday, June 6.
The Pleasure Garden at Fringe World Festival. Photo by Court McAllister.

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor – WA results

May 27, 2020
WA results from the Audience Outlook Monitor are available now, showing how Western Australian audiences feel about attending arts and culture events in the context of the COVID-19.
Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt and AGWA Foundation Chair, Warwick Hemsley in the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Support for WA artists through $1.5 million COVID support program

May 25, 2020
The State Government has approved a $1.5 million support package, developed by the Art Gallery of Western Australia's Board and the Art Gallery's Foundation, to help Western Australian artists during the COVID-19 emergency.
Hand signing a document

COVID Safety Guidelines and COVID Safety Plans

May 22, 2020

LG Alert

The WA Government has implemented a staged lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and developed guidelines to assist businesses and community activities to reopen or recommence.
Minister joined by Nollamara football legend Des Headland and members of the Nollamara Football club

State Government fast tracks community sport grants to assist with COVID-19 recovery

May 21, 2020
The State Government will fast-track $12 million in funding applications for community sport and recreation projects to expedite the projects and support Western Australia's economy as part of the COVID-19 recovery.
Live audience

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor

May 19, 2020
Six government agencies are collaborating with researchers to track how Australian audiences feel about attending arts and culture events in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paperwork on desk

Procurement - Contract Extensions and Variations

May 19, 2020
On 4 May 2020, the Auditor General tabled a performance audit report in Parliament on local government contract extensions and variations.
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How you can support your volunteers

May 18, 2020
To coincide with National Volunteer Week, here are some resources and tips to help sport and recreation organisations recognise and support their volunteers.
State Library of Western Australia building exterior

State Library reopens - Welcome home

May 18, 2020
The State Library of Western Australia has today (May 18) reopened its doors to the public after being closed for 56 days.
Man sitting in a library

COVID-19 Easing of restrictions – Further information for Public Libraries

May 15, 2020

LG Alert

The State Government has announced the easing of restrictions (phase 2) commencing Monday, 18 May 2020.

Council meetings

May 15, 2020

LG Alert

The Premier has announced that from 18 May gatherings of 20 people will be permitted. What does this mean for council meetings?
Library shelves

Local government sector urged to take leadership role

May 12, 2020

LG Alert

The local government sector has a key role to play in the Phase 2 easing of restrictions and in helping communities get back on their feet and the economy back on track.
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State Government exercises new powers to help ratepayers

May 8, 2020
The Minister for Local Government has exercised his new powers under the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020.
Person writing

Local Government (COVID-19 response) Order 2020

May 7, 2020

Ministerial Circular 3 2020

As you would be aware, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 was passed by Parliament on 16 April 2020 and came into effect on 21 April 2020.
Staff member using office equipment

Financial assistance provided to local governments

May 7, 2020

LG Alert

WA Government makes $100 million borrowing facility available to local governments to assist with cash flow.

Amendments to Purchasing Policy

May 7, 2020

LG Alert

Local government purchasing policies in the Local Government (Functions and General) Regulations 1996 to be amended.
Abstract painting

Update on DLGSC culture and the arts grants due to COVID-19

May 5, 2020
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is working on a range of options to assist arts and cultural organisations and independent artists dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Office desk

City of Perth Inquiry extension granted after COVID-19 impacts

May 1, 2020
Local Government Minister David Templeman has granted an extension to the Inquiry into the City of Perth following delays caused by COVID-19.
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Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Amendment Regulations 2020

Apr 30, 2020

Ministerial Circular 2 2020

I am pleased to advise that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with penalties for illegal parking in ACROD bays.
Staff member using office equipment

Budget process

Apr 30, 2020

LG Alert

The Minister for Local Government is intending to make an Order using the new COVID-19 Response powers.
GettyImages-1147281619_1405x791px

Support for arts, sports and community organisations

Apr 24, 2020
From Friday 24 April, until midnight Wednesday 13 May, organisations are able to apply for Lotterywest support through its COVID-19 Relief Fund involving the ‘Event Cancellation Relief and ‘Sector Support for Resilient Organisations’ short term grants programs.
A person  writing with a pen

Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020

Apr 21, 2020

LG Alert

On 20 April 2020, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 received Royal Assent.
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RGL Alert — Covid-19 responses

Apr 20, 2020
In the interest of public health and safety, the State Government has developed measures and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Practical assistance for local governments to respond during a state of emergency (COVID-19)

Apr 9, 2020

Ministerial Circular 1 2020

I am advising that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with access to funding, procurement and long service leave during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Regulations

Upcoming regulation amendments for local governments

Apr 6, 2020

LG Alert

To continue to support local governments during the COVID-19 outbreak, the department is urgently progressing amendments to the following Local Government Regulations.
GettyImages-936029750

New intrastate travel restrictions from midnight, Tuesday 31 March 2020

Mar 28, 2020

LG Alert

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the State Government will introduce further restrictions on travel within Western Australia from midnight Tuesday night (12.00am Wednesday morning).
GettyImages-1161449765

Notice of Electronic Council Meetings During Emergencies

Mar 28, 2020

Departmental Circular 6 2020

Following the commencement of amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1998, the following clarification is advised.
A women teleconferencing on a computer

Regulation amendments for electronic attendance – enabling council meetings to continue during emergencies

Mar 24, 2020

Departmental Circular 5 2020

His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulations to allow local government councils to hold meetings electronically during a public health emergency or a state of emergency. This can be via teleconference, video conference or other electronic means.
The beautiful historic buildings of the bustling port town of Fremantle in Western Australia.

Instructions to close certain places of business, worship and entertainment

Mar 23, 2020

Departmental Circular 4 2020

Under the Emergency Management Act 2005, the Commissioner of Police and State Emergency Coordinator, Chris Dawson, has issued directions regarding the closure of various establishments to the public in WA to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Delivery truck

Public Authorities (Delivery of Goods and Collection of Rubbish and Refuse) Directions

Mar 20, 2020

LG Alert

Local governments have been providing assistance to ensure that goods can be delivered to shops in a timely manner.
A women teleconferencing on a computer

Electronic attendance at meetings

Mar 20, 2020

LG Alert

The department understands the challenges that local governments are facing in regard to social distancing and possible individual self-isolation in Western Australia.
Full shopping cart in supermarket aisle - stock photo

Instructions to councils to assist supermarkets to respond to demand

Mar 19, 2020

Departmental Circular 3 2020

As our state and nation face the challenges of COVID-19, many of our supermarkets and other businesses are struggling to meet unprecedented consumer demand.
Page reviewed 23 August 2023