VMBSG Annual
State Conference
2024

Our Sponsors

Sponsorships are key to making annual state conferences amazing. They help fund great speakers, fun activities, and high-quality materials, making the event more engaging for everyone. We would like to extend a big thank you to our sponsors.

The 2024 VMBSG Annual State Conference
is proudly sponsored by

Russell Kennedy is a leader in the local government sector. Our reputation is for delivering practical, cost-effective legal outcomes and developing long-term partnerships with our council clients. In fact, in the last three years alone, we’ve worked with 74 of the 79 Victorian councils.  Russell Kennedy’s large team of local government legal specialists offers deep expertise in all local government law: environment, building, local laws, prosecutions, planning, governance, commercial, property, workplace relations and employment.  We draft, implement, interpret, advise and enforce.

With over 150 lawyers, we can bring together the various legal disciplines necessary to deal with the many and unique legal issues faced by councils – from small matters to major or complex projects. All sourced from within Russell Kennedy, efficiently and cost-effectively.

At Russell Kennedy, we understand that the strength of our firm lies in the lasting relationships we build with our clients, our people and the broader community.
Maddocks are “The modern Australian law firm”. Our mission at Maddocks is to make a difference for clients, the communities in which we operate and each other. We are known for our collaborative approach and high service standards and for being accessible, transparent and responsive to our clients’ commercial needs. It is why some of our client relationships go back more than 100 years. Our culture is built on a foundation of five core values that are promoted and observed across the firm. These values are: ∙ Integrity ∙ Collaboration ∙ Commitment to doing things better ∙ Respect for the individual and diversity ∙ Stewardship We give back to the communities in which we operate through our pro bono program, grants programs for community organisations and our staff volunteering initiatives. We are committed to attracting the best people and to build a workplace in which all of our people feel they can bring all of themselves to work.

Victorian Building Reports (VBRs) was launched in March 2024 and offers an invaluable research tool for practitioners as well as a means to keep abreast of the latest BABV decisions. 

VBRs has consolidated all Building Appeals Board of Victoria decisions made since April 2018, when BABV decisions were first made available on Austlii. 

All decisions have been categorised based on the nature of the appeal – whether it is under a section of the Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018 or Building Code of Australia. This will be an invaluable research tool when considering permit applications or preparing for Board cases. 

In addition, regular bulletins are provided that identify noteworthy decisions made by the Board. This will ensure practitioners are kept updated of significant decisions. 

An editorial committee has been formed with various building industry experts working in the private and public sectors. 

Weir Legal and Consulting specialise in advising government regulators on a broad range of regulatory issues. Our team brings extensive expertise in areas such as risk-based regulatory practices, investigatory powers, evidence gathering, enforcement actions, complaints management, licensing decisions, and auditing procedures. We have worked with state and commonwealth regulators to develop risk-based decision-making frameworks that balance discretion with the need for consistency and fairness in addressing non-compliance. 

Led by Managing Director Bronwyn Weir, and supported by Special Counsels Krista Weymouth and Frances Hall, as well as administrative assistant Victoria Whyte, our firm is nationally recognized for its work across various sectors, including building regulation, education, health, water, and climate regulation. We are part of the Victorian State Government Legal Panel and the legal panel for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and we regularly advocate in courts and tribunals, providing pragmatic and thorough advice to our clients. 

BW&A National Consulting, established in 1994, is a leading provider of building permits, construction certificates, and regulatory advice. Over the years, the company has grown from a single office in Mildura to a nationwide consultancy, with offices in Melbourne, Yarra Ranges, Swan Hill, and Mildura. Specialising in building approvals, BW&A National offers a range of services, including approval inspections, audits, subdivision, and town planning services. 

As industry leaders in building permits and approvals, BW&A National is committed to providing expert advice and delivering efficient, high-quality service to its clients. With decades of experience, their team works closely with clients to ensure compliance and successful project outcomes. Whether you require construction certifications, regulatory guidance, or town planning solutions, BW&A National’s broad expertise and dedication make them a trusted partner in the building and construction industry. 

RYT Business Solutions is a leading investigations consultancy offering a range of services, including complex investigations, security risk assessments, audits, and mediation/conflict management. Since its founding in 2011, the company has built a strong reputation based on its commitment to developing customised solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs and legal requirements. 

With a team of highly experienced investigators, RYT Business Solutions prides itself on employing thorough investigative techniques to provide clients with detailed and accurate reports. This ensures clients can make informed decisions with confidence. Confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical practices are at the core of all investigations, including interviews, evidence gathering, and legal document preparation. Whether working with corporate clients or private individuals, RYT Business Solutions consistently delivers quality results, making them a trusted partner for any investigation needs.