FIND YOUR ONE NATION CANDIDATE, LOCAL POLLING BOOTHS AND HOW-TO-VOTE CARD HERE. Alannah Casey proudly represents Pauline Hanson’s One Nation as the candidate for Maribyrnong in the upcoming federal election.A devoted wife Alannah knows firsthand the pressures facing Australian families From the rising cost of living to the frustrations of dealing with broken family court and child support systems she has lived the real challenges that too many Australians experience every day.Motivated by her experiences Alannah believes that families—not bureaucracy—should come first She is passionate about restoring common sense to the family court and child support systems and supporting Australian-owned businesses and strong border security.Alannah is not a career politician—she is a real Australian with a genuine commitment to fighting for everyday people She stands as a voice for those who feel unheard and forgotten and integrity back to Australia's institutions."I’m standing up for Australian families like mine The One Nation political party was launched on the 11th April 1997 at Ipswich by its founder 2/6-12 Boronia Rd Brisbane Airport QLD 4008 Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs held strong for Labor as Anthony Albanese was returned as prime minister on Saturday Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded the election at 9.30pm and congratulated Mr Albanese Labor was ahead in 72 seats and projected to pick up a few more The Liberals seem to have suffered a significant swing in Fraser or 7.16 per cent according to the Australian Electoral Commission as at 10pm on election night which all recorded an upswing in their primary vote in Fraser Sitting MP Daniel Mulino recorded a slight .5 per cent downturn in his primary vote There were not two party preferred figures at the time of publication which sat at more than 16 per cent before this election is expected to increase when all votes are counted is one of the Albanese government’s safest was only announced as Liberal candidate for Fraser on April 7 more than a week after the election was called.The delay was caused by the party’s previous candidate having to stand down in March after being found in breach of Section 44 of the constitution by having dual Vietnamese citizenship Labor has increased its majority in Gellibrand with the Australian Electoral Commission projecting a 6 per cent swing to the party on a two party preferred basis at 10pm on election night and comfortably returning sitting MP Tim Watts Mr Watts was projected to attract 67.2 per cent of the two party preferred vote compared to his Liberal rival’s 32.8 per cent The inner-west seat has been held by the Labor Party since it was created in 1949 Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts has held Gellibrand since 2013 the creation of the neighbouring seat of Fraser in 2018 meant Gellibrand was pushed to the south and west taking in parts of the Wyndham council area such as Point Cook Meanwhile losing Yarraville means Gellibrand no longer takes in any part of the Maribyrnong council area and Spotswood and Brooklyn shifting to Fraser means it no longer covers all of Hobson’s Bay either Gorton has a new MP with Alice Jordon-Baird succeeding long-serving retiring Labor MP Brendan O’Connor Mr O’Connor previously held the seat of Burke from 2001 to 2004 which was in place before the formation of Gorton meaning he had represented much of the area for 24 years Labor attracted a 2.4 per cent swing on a two party preferred basis according to the Australian Electoral Commission on election night New MP Alice Jordon-Baird attracted 62.3 per cent of the two party preferred vote Gorton covers Brimbank and Melton with much of the electorate part of the growth areas between the Melton township and Brimbank The Labor Party promised budget funding for both upgrades to the Western Freeway and Calder Park Drive Hawke MP Sam Rae attracted a small swing in line with the broader ALP swing nationally to comfortably retain Hawke the Australian Electoral Commission predicted a 1.8 per cent swing to Labor in Hawke which was created in 2022 after a boundary redistribution Mr Rae attracted 59.4 of the two party preferred vote compared to 40.5 per cent for his Liberal rival Simmone Cottom as of 10pm on election night Covering 1986 square kilometres and including Sunbury the electorate was first contested at the last election The seat was visited by opposition leader Peter Dutton four times during the campaign Labor increased its vice-like grip on Lalor recording a 3.36 per cent swing according to the Australian Electoral Commission predicted outcome on election night The swing to Labor followed a 16.5 per cent swing against the party’s primary vote in February’s Werribee state by-election Sitting MP Joanne Ryan was re-elected for a fifth time attracting a 3.36 per swing to Labor gaining 66 per cent two party preferred votes as at 10pm on election night attracted 34 per cent of the two party preferred vote Williams Landing and parts of Truganina and Point Cook Lalor lost about 10,000 voters in parts of Truganina Williams Landing and Point Cook to Gellibrand in the east Despite the seat shrinking in area from 464 to 180 square kilometres much of which was down to a thinly populated corridor in Little River that was redistributed to Corio Labor’s margin remained relatively unchanged Maribyrnong has a new MP but it is likely it will remain a Labor stronghold the AEC was projecting that Labor would win the seat 65.76 per cent to the Liberal Party’s 34.24 per cent on a two-party preferred basis Those figures represent a 2.05 per cent swing to Labor Labor’s Jo Briskey 41.58 per cent of first preferences with 64 per cent of polling booths counted Liberal candidate Tim Beddoe had 28.69 per cent Bill Shorten retired as Maribyrnong MP in January Labor held the seat by a margin of 13 per cent Based in Melbourne’s western suburbs Maribyrnong covers 70 square kilometres between CityLink and Pascoe Vale Road in the east Among the suburbs it covers is Gladstone Park Labor has held the seat from 1969 and is classed a very safe seat heading into the election The population of the City of Maribyrnong is expected to experience 66 per cent growth by 2041 and requires State and Federal Government support to cope with the resulting pressure placed on the municipality's services Maribyrnong's diverse and growing population mix of industry and recent investment in our transport network makes it an attractive place to invest With further State and Federal Government investment the City of Maribyrnong can continue to develop into a sustainable and livable city that can play an active role in boosting Melbourne's growth Maribyrnong City Council has heard the community's calls for better jobs which has resulted in the development of strategic plans that outline our advocacy priorities We call on State and Federal Governments to support the City of Maribyrnong during this time of unprecedented growth Investing and improving in our community spaces and places The Maribyrnong Defence Site holds significant opportunity to provide new homes Creative West will be a large-scale performing arts venue It is vital that we establish and provide ongoing funding fora Mental Health Service Hub in Melbourne’s inner west The City of Maribyrnong has some of the worst national health statistics related to poor air quality and is seeking to address this through policy change and investment The City of Maribyrnong is one of Australia's fastest growing regions and needs targeted investment in our active and public transport networks to support this growth the Victorian Government annouced a $1.5 billion investment to build a new Footscray Hospital The hospital is expected to start operating in 2025 Council seeks State and Federal Government Support to help address various issues still impacting community members affected by the 2022 Maribyrnong Flood and to implement measures to prevent or mitigate future flood damage We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past Following two years of renovation and restoration works to return the historic Footscray Town Hall building for community use Council is hosting an official opening on Sunday 9 February from 10.30am and welcomes residents to come down and enjoy the redeveloped space The official opening ceremony will include live music Council’s Art Collection is also back on display said the new Civic Precinct and Community Hub boasts a modern environmentally friendly space representing leadership in sustainable design while also paying homage to the rich history of the site and the wider City “The revitalisation of our beloved historic Town Hall marks an exciting milestone in our Council’s history reflecting our dedication to preserving heritage while investing in resources that will benefit our community for years to come.” Featuring a new community park with contributions from First Nations artists the revitalised precinct seeks to foster civic and community connection while also future proofing for future generations “By linking our civic building with the iconic Town Hall and creating a community park onsite that welcomes Council and residents alike we strengthen this bond and reinforce our belief that we are stronger when we come together supporting one another to achieve our shared goal to exist in a vibrant and thriving community.” During construction Council has considered all opportunities to reduce carbon emissions improve energy efficiency and enhance biodiversity including timber and carbon neutral certified concrete and plasterboard and rainwater tank providing water for toilets and irrigation of the community park with the aim of being the first civic building in Victoria to achieve a six-star Green Star accredited rating The build was funded in part by a $10 million dollar loan from the State Government’s Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme which provides access to low-interest subsidised loans please note there will be no parking available on site The Official proceedings are scheduled for 11:30am allowing time for residents to wander through the building via a self-guided tour with a scavenger hunt for the kids and enjoy a performance from the Footscray Yarraville City Band Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews The availability and opening hours of some Council services and facilities will change over the Christmas and New Year’s period Read more below to see how these changes may impact you Kerbside bin collections from Wednesday 25 December to Friday 27 December will take place one day later than usual There will be no bin deliveries or repairs on Christmas Day There will be no hard waste collections from Monday 23 December to Friday 27 December The regular service will resume from Monday 30 December with the exception of Wednesday 1 January when there will be no collection There will be no Cleanaway (illegally dumped waste and scheduled hard waste collections) collections from Monday 23 December to Sunday 29 December The service will resume from Monday 30 December For more information, download our Bins and Recycling app to find you bin collection schedule, or visit the website We will be closed from midday Christmas Eve Tuesday 24 December We will also be closed New Year’s Day Wednesday 1 January regular business hours apply – 8.30am-5pm via phone and 8:30am-5pm in-person at the Civic Precinct + Community Hub If you have an urgent matter on any of the public holidays that cannot wait until the next business day contact our after-hours service on 9688 0200 The after-hours service can only assist where Council is the responsible provider Email: email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Online: MyMaribyrnong MyMaribyrnong is an online portal where residents can self-manage transactions and interactions with Council at the click of a mouse checking bin collection schedules or logging service requests library services will have adjusted hours and some closures Regular hours will resume on Thursday 2 January 2025 and all loans are extended until Thursday 2 January For more information, visit the Library website For more information, visit Community Centres page Phoenix Youth Hub will close at 12pm on Tuesday 24 December and reopen on Thursday 2 January Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre will remain open with modified hours over the festive season except for closures on Christmas Day and Boxing Day Childcare will be closed on from Friday 23 December Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews Sign-ups are now open for the first two Active Maribyrnong initiatives of 2025 including the GO Family and Swim Unity programs available ‘free’ to our community GO Family is a six-week soccer program encouraging those of all abilities to be active in an inclusive and pressure-free environment while strengthening family and community connections Council will host a special launch event on Saturday 18 January to offer residents a taste of the fun to come throughout the program which begins on begins on Monday 10 February Local football clubs (Maribyrnong Swifts FC Yarraville Glory FC and Footscray Rangers United) will lead launch event activities and subsequent programs at various locations throughout the municipality with support from Council to ensure anyone across the municipality who wishes to has the opportunity to participate The GO Family program is made possible by funding from the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well Participation Grant in May 2024 with Maribyrnong being the first Council nationwide to deliver the program Swim Unity is a new 10-week swimming program specifically designed to provide multicultural women in our community the opportunity to develop essential swimming skills and aquatic confidence in a safe and supportive environment As Active Maribyrnong’s pilot program it launched in early 2024 in partnership with Her Run Supported by grant funding from the Australian Government this initiative hosted at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre is now able to reach more multicultural women in our community The primary focus of the program is water safety and will cover correct swimming techniques to empower women to be confident in and around water Those wishing to participate can register their interest in the program one beginning Tuesday 28 January and the other Sunday 2 February More dates will be available towards the end of the year There will be a break in the program for Ramadan noted both the GO Family program and Swim Unity programs demonstrate Council’s commitment to enhancing wellbeing in our municipality “It’s important we cater to the varied needs in our diverse community such as offering initiatives that encourage family participation through programs that build valuable skills," Mayor Tiwari said For more information on Swim Unity, visit: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Community/Parks-sport-and-leisure/Active-Maribyrnong/Swim-Unity For more information on GO Family, visit: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Community/Parks-sport-and-leisure/Active-Maribyrnong/Upcoming-Active-Maribyrnong-Events/GO-Family Council held the annual Civic Awards ceremony on 27 March 2025 and show our appreciation to the local heroes and businesses that make our City uniquely Maribyrnong Mayor Pradeep Tiwari said all the nominees have played an important role in helping make our City a great place to work those involved in sports and the arts; to those who bring people together through to leadership and support – it is this connection to community that is irreplaceable,” said Mayor Tiwari “This year’s Civic Award winners reflect this in the best possible way and recognise the everyday heroes that contribute to Maribyrnong being a beacon of community strength,” he added “Thank you to the winners and nominees for their efforts in contributing to this; I am proud that our City is a destination where everyone feels welcome and supported.” Randa is a passionate and dedicated advocate for those experiencing homelessness and hardship leading a team that has helped sustain the Footscray community since 2005 through Reaching out in the Inner West Angela is a dedicated community organiser and climate advocate with over a decade of service in Maribyrnong She is actively involved in several environmental groups and has been a key figure in initiatives like Permaculture Out West and Reimagining the Old Footscray Hospital Site Edward is a dedicated community advocate who has committed much of his time to supporting the people of Maribyrnong Raised in the area and a former student of Maribyrnong Secondary College Edward has always felt a strong connection to the young people in the community and often sees his own experiences reflected in their lives was born from a community need observed during her time as an educator at the Western English Language School in Braybrook L2R Dance has become a prominent community-driven organisation offering free dance programs across Melbourne’s West with a focus on young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Reem Sweid established The Chestnut Tree bookshop in West Footscray in 2021 opening the business during the COVID-19 lockdowns after noticing a gap in the community for a local bookshop The Chestnut Tree provides a welcoming space for people to connect over a coffee offering a unique and accessible community hub in the area Vincent became the youngest ever Mayor of Footscray in 1977 and served as a local Councillor for nine years Vincent has made a significant impact in the Footscray business community through his successful 55-year career as a legal practitioner he contributed to the local economy and employed numerous staff over the years Azhar has been a tireless advocate for the Little Africa Precinct in Footscray where he has made significant contributions to improving the local trading environment As the inaugural president of the Little Africa Traders group Azhar has worked to foster better relationships between local traders and Council.  The Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club is a leader in promoting inclusivity and gender equality in sports The club offers a wide range of football programs catering to women and gender-diverse individuals of all ages and skill levels and pathways to coaching and refereeing qualifications founded by Erika Gofton in 2010 and later joined by Ilona Nelson in 2018 has become a cornerstone of the local arts community The Art Room offers diverse artistic education providing dedicated spaces for Life Drawing who make up a significant portion of its participants The Iceberg Foundation is a trailblazer in supporting LGBTIQA+ communities particularly forcibly displaced individuals and neurodivergent people.  Operating for over five years inclusive services that address systemic barriers and promote mental health and wellbeing a beloved café in West Footscray that fosters diversity and connection Stacey has cultivated a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can come together and enjoy a shared love of coffee Her commitment to inclusivity and supporting the local community is reflected in every aspect of her business she witnessed a woman collapse from cardiac arrest and immediately took action playing a pivotal role in saving the life of the mother of two Her quick thinking and calm composure during such a critical moment were essential in reviving the woman and ensuring her survival We can't find the page you are looking for Please try again using the search feature at the top of our website or contact us for assistance Return to our home page or why not visit one of our other sites: and preventing caravan parking on Council land are some of the proposals being tested as part of a comprehensive ten-year review of Council’s by-laws These are the day-to-day rules set by Council to help protect local amenity and regulate activities on Council-controlled land and roads Sometimes this involves putting measures in place to prevent misbehaviour and Maribyrnong City Council’s current General Purposes Local Law contains 56 by-laws which seek to ensure residents understand their rights and responsibilities and Council is able to respond to local issues they include a requirement for residents to keep their bin lids closed when placed on the street for collection to keep them sanitary and to control barking dogs to reduce nuisance impacting neighbours Council would have no means of addressing issues immediately impacting residents four areas of the current Local Law have been identified that could be improved or strengthened: animal management; safety cleanliness and neighbourhood appeal (including some activities on private property); waste disposal; and behaviour and activities on Council-managed land and roads Some of the proposed changes include reducing the number of newly-registered pets that can be kept on an individual property introducing permit requirements for private waste collection services derelict or unregistered vehicles on Council land and roads “These proposed changes we’re looking to test are designed to help future-proof our City by maintaining comfort and safety protect our City’s assets and address gaps in the current Local Law,” Mayor Your input will help shape a new draft General Purpose Local Law which will be shared for comment in mid-2025 Find more information about the changes proposed, share your feedback and any other areas you think we should consider by midnight Sunday 6 April 2025 at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/LocalLaws Stay up-to date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews The City of Maribyrnong’s creativity sector has been given a strategic direction for the next five years with the endorsement of Council’s new creativity strategy The new Strategy recognises our municipality’s vibrant arts and creative industries sector and celebrates our significant artist population range of arts organisations and creative businesses The City of Maribyrnong is home to a culturally-rich and diverse community that is eager to participate and engage with the arts and the Strategy has been developed to deliver social cultural and economic benefits for an industry that contributes $639 million into the local economy “The Creative Maribyrnong Strategy will grow community participation in creative activities strengthening and growing our creative industries and drive spending across all sectors by enabling our City to be a vibrant and dynamic cultural destination,” Mayor The endorsement of the Strategy follows a review of the Arts and Culture Strategy 2018-23 which included multiple conversations to ensure the final document reflects the thinking of our community we received 211 online contributions on Your City Your Voice and over 440 community members participated in in-person conversations “The economic potential of creative industries will be evident in the growth and vitality of the sector in coming years and stimulate other sectors such as hospitality New Horizons: Creative Maribyrnong 2030 is bold and will make a significant contribution to enriching social cultural and economic life in Maribyrnong,” Mayor Tiwari said Read New Horizons: Creative Maribyrnong 2030 at maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/arts-and-culture/About/New-Horizons-Creative-Maribyrnong-2030 record-breaking rain in Victoria led to the Maribyrnong River breaching its banks Hundreds of City of Maribyrnong residents were displaced and more than 500 properties were significantly impacted many people were unable to return to their homes for months and some are still experiencing ongoing challenges related to insurance and repairs Council seeks State and Federal Government support to help address various issues still impacting community members affected by the 2022 Maribyrnong flood and to implement measures to prevent or mitigate future flood damage The broad nature of issues has resulted in five advocacy priorities: The implementation of measures to incentivise resilience rebuilding through schemes such as a GST refund on materials or delivery of a resilient retrofit program Federal Government programs to address the issues of insurance availability rising premiums and case handling from insurance providers Federal Government investment in improvements to the Australian emergency warning systems Further State Government investment in flood mitigation infrastructure including a commitment of funding based on the outcomes of the Melbourne Water Flood Mitigation Study A State Government-sponsored independent report on the economic impact of the October 2022 Maribyrnong flood event including a summary of the financial cost of the flood event on residents Council also seeks State Government funding and support for the State Emergency Service (SES) the issue will be raised along with the others Resilient rebuilding programs Residents impacted by the October 2022 flood have reported that due to insurance requirements they were required to rebuild their properties ‘as was’ as opposed to being given the opportunity to build something that will remain flood resilient into the future This means anyone rebuilding with more resilient materials and/or taking other measures are doing so at their own cost The consequence of this is a continual cycle of investment of government funding in recovery residents and businesses alike remain vulnerable in the face of future flood events With the increasing frequency and severity of disasters due to climate change Maribyrnong is at the forefront of the climate crisis This warrants significant investment in this community.  Queensland and New South Wales have both implemented schemes aimed at supporting resilient retrofits after floods. These initiatives are designed to reduce future flood risks and provide financial assistance to homeowners and communities affected by flooding The State Government reconsiders its position outlined in the response to the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria and establishes a program or scheme to incentivise resilient rebuilding in flood zones.  Community-needs assessments undertaken as part of the Maribyrnong Insurance Project provided a range of adverse insurance experiences involving Maribyrnong residents following the October 2022 floods Many of the experiences collated through the needs assessment process involved insurance availability and affordability and woeful delays during the claims process and the inability for claimants to use their refund to adapt their homes to be more flood resilient.  Consumers should be able to trust insurers to be there when the worst happens which is why the Federal Government must ensure that policies surrounding house insurance and natural disaster claims put the consumer before the insurance companies More affordable and reliable insurance coverage is needed along with flood resilience and mitigation measures and prohibitive recovery and social welfare costs to taxpayers and ratepayers Federal Government funded schemes to address insurance availability and affordability such as an insurance subsidy for vulnerable or at-risk residents or a national insurance scheme Stronger regulations to improve the handing of claims (including one case manager through the whole case where possible; product disclosure statements in plain language and translated; proactive personal support from insurance companies for an affected region; and regulation of unreasonable increase of premiums Funding for a program including a panel of specialist builders to be available free of charge to community to validate insurance scope of works documents.  As part of Council's efforts improve insurance outcomes for people affected by future flooding, Council partnered with GenWest and the Community Recovery Committee (CRC) to deliver the Flood Insurance Guide: A Maribyrnong Community Initiative in English and Vietnamese, which features clear accessible information on how and why to take out insurance how to make a claim and the complaint process Early warning systems are critical for providing timely and effective information to enable communities and services to take action to prepare for emergencies The Australian Warning System (AWS) has made improvements in consistency of emergency warnings however there is a need for continuous improvement The October 2022 Flood of the Maribyrnong River took many residents off-guard with reports of residents not aware of the flood warning until water had entered their homes A review of the existing system and implementing improvements would enhance residents’ capacity to act early to protect themselves and their property Embedding a review of the flood warning system into its transition from Melbourne Water to the Bureau of Meteorology would provide an opportunity to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of flood warnings and mitigate the impacts of increasingly frequent and severe disasters on communities accessibility of systems is critical to meet the needs of communities that face barriers receiving and interpreting information Public education is crucial to increase awareness of how to respond to warnings Recommendation 45 of the State Government's The 2022 flood event in Victoria report calls to improve the flood warning system so that warnings are: The Federal Government provides additional funding and support for research and enhancement of comprehensive early warning systems for emergencies across Australia and implementation of advanced early warning systems across Australia to improve accuracy and timeliness of warnings Review and enhance the flood warning system as part of the transfer of this function from Melbourne Water to the Bureau of Meteorology with an emphasis on warning accuracy and timeliness Continue to promote the integration of early warning systems with emergency management frameworks and communication channels to enable stakeholder collaboration and seamless dissemination of warnings Consider the accessibility needs of at-risk communities in system improvements including the culturally and linguistically diverse community Invest in accessible public education campaigns to raise awareness about effectively responding to warnings In its response to the report the State Government reported that: In December 2024 the State Government announced it will invest $53 million in a modernised VicEmergency app and the central database for emergency services Emergency Management Common Operating Picture This will also enable the app to be translated into different languages ensuring a wider range of multicultural communities have the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe information in other languages will also need to extend to preparedness information and other platforms particularly accommodating those who are not well-versed with technology Findings from the Final Report also indicate that certain communities received delayed or inaccurate information from the VicEmergency service making it more difficult for them to make informed decisions VICSES has secured funding from the Federal Government through the DRF to deliver the ‘Consequence-Based Intelligence Driven Warnings’ project which will provide more timely tailored and relevant warnings during flood and storm emergencies We are yet to receive any insight on how this will be achieved and what will be different under the consequence-based Melbourne Water reported in its progress update the recommendation that its action to transition of the flood forecasting service from Melbourne Water to the Bureau is underway was on track but there is an opportunity as part of the hand over to the Bureau of Meterology to review the effectiveness of gauges and warnings to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement The October 2022 flood caused significant damage to homes displacing residents and disrupting local economies Many affected communities are still recovering from this trauma and the risk of future flooding remains high due to climate change and shifting weather patterns Investment is necessary to address the vulnerabilities exposed by this event and prevent future catastrophic damage as well as the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events driven by climate change this growth will exacerbate the damage from future floods Investment in flood mitigation now can protect the community in the face of future flooding and reduce long-term recovery costs Investment in mitigation will also enhance the resilience of the local economy A commitment from the State Government to strengthen flood mitigation measures along the Maribyrnong River in response to the October 2022 flood event including a commitment to fund the recommendations from the Melbourne Water Flood Mitigation Study The State Government delivers a comprehensive report into the economic impacts of the October 2022 flood event on residents The State Emergency Service (SES) is a vital component of Victoria's emergency response framework providing essential services to communities in times of need Increased funding will enable the SES to better prepare for and respond to the growing number of disasters within the state and volunteer support will enhance the effectiveness and safety of SES operations Strengthening community engagement will improve public resilience and preparedness Maribyrnong City Council supports calls for sustainable State Government funding and support for the Victorian SES to enhance the capacity and capability of the SES to respond to emergencies across Victoria and provide effective community education programs to promote public awareness and preparedness for emergencies Council is calling for expressions of interest from community members for three positions on our Heritage Advisory Committee to help promote protect and manage heritage places across the City The Advisory Committee will help Council raise awareness of heritage matters and support linkages between heritage groups and the broader community Successful applicants will sit alongside seven professional members representing local heritage organisations The two-year commitment involves attending four committee meetings per year plus other ad-hoc meetings and workshops as needed We are seeking community members with knowledge or strong interest in our municipality’s heritage with induction training on local heritage and Council processes to be provided to all members Being a member of the Advisory Committee will provide an opportunity to: Expressions of Interest close midnight Wednesday 30 April and can be submitted at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/heritage Committee appointments will be made at the June 2025 Council meeting Based on insights from community contributors about what they wish they had known before the Maribyrnong River Flood Council has partnered with GenWest to deliver a resource to support anyone impacted by future flood events with information and learnings More than 500 properties were impacted when the Maribyrnong River breached its banks in the early hours of 14 October 2022 with hundreds of residents displaced Many are still unable to return to their homes or are grappling with ongoing challenges related to insurance and repairs Insurance was one of the top priorities identified by the Community Recovery Committee (CRC) – comprising representatives from the community – established in the wake of the flood to provide guidance and support to Council to help address issues and barriers that hinder recovery and advocate for positive outcomes The resulting Flood Insurance Guide: A Maribyrnong Community Initiative includes clear Copies will also be available in Vietnamese financial and recovery experts – as well as tips for mental health and wellbeing during the aftermath of a flood thoughtful resource for residents at risk of flood events in Maribyrnong “I am confident this step-by-step guide will benefit those wanting to understand how to protect their assets with easy to understand information from experts along with valuable insights from community members who have lived experience,” he said The CRC has been instrumental in supporting Council with guidance on recovery needs since the 2022 flood “We are also grateful for the contributions of the broader Maribyrnong community in its development,” Mayor Tiwari added said this guide exemplifies strong community and agency partnership “GenWest facilitated safe spaces for affected communities to share their insurance experiences and partner agencies generously contributed expert knowledge and resources,” said Ms Wakefield “We are deeply grateful for this collaborative effort and hope it will support people navigate the insurance process with greater ease," she continued To download a copy of the Flood Insurance Guide, please visit: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Residents/Emergency-Management/Maribyrnong-Flood-Recovery/Maribyrnong-Insurance-Project This project was jointly funded through the Victorian and Australian Governments through the Community Recovery Hubs program Maribyrnong Community Centre (the Centre) is a council managed centre where members of our community can come together to participate in lifelong learning opportunities participate in health and wellbeing programs enjoy social activities and develop new friendships We seek input from our community into the programs and activities offered at the Centre which currently include a range of exercise classes The Centre is home to many local community groups which meet on a regular basis to run their programs and hold regular meetings 9 Randall Street, Maribyrnong 3032 (view map) Each quarter we publish the Maribyrnong Community Centre Newsletter (the Newsletter) which you can download below or contact us if you would like to receive the Newsletter in some other way To view what is currently on offer visit the Centre's programs and activities page There are a number of ways you can contact the Centre: Essendon Square Dance Club Lessons and social dancing in square dancing Bill teaches a range of dances including new vogue and latin during weekly dance sessions Dance club which meets Tuesday mornings to practice sequence ballroom dancing Maribyrnong Orchid Society Monthly meetings to educate and train orchid lovers on how to grow them Sequence and New Vogue dance steps with some stretching exercise Melbourne Church of Christ Non-denominational Christian church group meetings and kids Sunday school Monthly craft activities where participants can interact socialize and support Rotary International's Polio Eradication Program Wit Kids Council has prepared a proposed $144.78 million budget to support core functions deliver on community priorities and prepare for the future – with a focus on road maintenance Council is facing significant financial challenges with the costs of delivering services and infrastructure increasing This is why the November 2024 community conversation about residents’ priorities was so important – it gave us a snapshot about where you would like to see our budget spent Key proposed spending allocations include: The Proposed Annual Budget is premised on a three per cent increase in total rates revenue collected while maintaining the State Government imposed rate cap “Thank you to everyone who shared their spending priorities as we started planning this Budget in late 2024 We have – as much as possible – considered what is most important to you in our decisions while balancing both the cost of living challenges for ratepayers and the challenging economic climate in which we all operate,” Mayor As Council goes back out to the community with the Proposed Annual Budget 2025/26 for community feedback we are also seeking feedback on the draft Revenue and Rating Plan This Plan will determine the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach for Council which in conjunction with other income sources will adequately finance the objectives in the new four-year Council Plan View the Proposed Budget 2025/26 and the draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-29, and share your comments by midnight Wednesday 14 May 2025 at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/budget Street Libraries are popping up all over Maribyrnong Council commissioned the Braybrook Men’s Shed to build 17 Street Libraries and in May 2018 and 17 local hosts were selected and each received one of the libraries to decorate Street libraries are small book exchanges located in neighbourhoods on local streets hosted by individual households to encourage a love of books and reading The libraries are a great way to connect and share in the neighbourhood There are now more than 40 street libraries in the City of Maribyrnong You can find the full list of registered local Street Libraries online at Street Library Australia website Pop by one of the awesome libraries to check it out Council is supportive of people installing their own Street Libraries as long as the street library is on private land Street Libraries Australia can provide plans and ideas on how to build and install your very own library though residents are encouraged to think creatively and consider upcycled ideas for their Street Libraries Street Libraries are not permitted on nature strips if there is overhang on to neighbouring property or spaces (like footpaths) if they impede visibility to pedestrians/traffic or they pose a safety risk For more information contact Council's Access and Participation team by phoning 9688 0200 or email communitydevelopment@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Council will celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) 2024 with a photography exhibition to promote inclusivity and raise awareness of the experiences and achievements of individuals with disabilities features members of Council’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) IDPwD is observed globally on 3 December each year and is dedicated to celebrating the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities as well as promoting their rights and wellbeing The photographic exhibition to be launched Thursday 5 December at the Yarraville Seniors Centre will also involve a panel discussion and provide an opportunity for community members to come together and learn about Council's ongoing initiatives to improve accessibility within the municipality said the event will provide a platform for Council’s Advisory Committee members to share their story of allyship "We are excited to showcase the incredible individuals who make up our Disability Advisory Committee through this photographic exhibition and panel discussion," said Mayor Tiwari “We hope this exhibition and panel discussion will inspire others to become allies and advocates for inclusivity." The exhibition will feature a collection of photographs capturing the diverse talents and everyday lives of the committee members Each photograph will be accompanied by a brief description highlighting their unique journey and role as an ally there will be opportunities for attendees to network and engage in meaningful conversation For more information and book, please visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/IDPWD2024 Maribyrnong’s vibrant arts sector contributes $639 million into the local economy which is why it is important to have a robust strategy in place to support it – and our community – into the future Council has developed a draft Creativity Strategy 2030 to address barriers for people wanting to participate and enjoy arts and culture and to support the creative community and our creative values – which is now available to view and provide comment on The arts and culture sector already provides 2,800 jobs in the City of Maribyrnong and through proper planning and working with the community it is anticipated a finalised Strategy could guide investment and opportunities that could add more than 3,000 additional jobs in the coming decades were key to building a more resilient and well-resourced society and economy “Arts and culture is increasingly recognised as vital to a community’s development our arts and culture sector supports residents to live whole and connected lives It also has multiple ‘halo’ effects including drawing customers to local business – a major driver for tourism.” The draft Strategy is underpinned by three goals which will see arts and culture leveraged to support social cohesion and boost economic growth and urban revitalisation: Residents can share comments on the draft Strategy at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/creativity-strategy by midnight Sunday 23 February 2025 Feedback will help inform the final document prior to endorsement later in 2025 Introducing the Slow Food Edgewater Farmers' Market!  the Slow Food Edgewater Farmers' Market is the newest addition to Maribyrnong and bringing together the very best of Victoria’s food scene Discover an incredible selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables and more. Each vendor is handpicked to ensure quality Help us keep it waste-free by bringing your own bags And don’t forget—your furry friends are welcome too (just keep them on a leash) A gold coin donation at entry supports the West Footscray Op Shop and Sunshine Harvest Garden Werribee Join us and experience a market where food Maribyrnong Family Park, Maribyrnong, 3032 Fields marked as 'Required' must be completed Enter your email address or your friend's email addresses all separated by commas Please select which date you want an invite for including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay are in with the chance to win a million – a million cents that is – as the prize of a recycling competition from Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) Cents competition offers five lucky recyclers a $10,000 cash prize each for returning their empty drink containers through the scheme CDS Vic is a recycling program that gives back to Victorians the environment and the community by providing a 10-cent refund for each eligible drink container returned the competition automatically rewards customers with one entry for every 50 eligible containers they return in a single transaction – regardless of whether they keep the refund amount or donate it to one of the registered donation partners The competition was launched launched last week at Melbourne’s North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre in Errol Street Scheme coordinator VicReturn chief executive Jim Round said since Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme launched in November 2023 1.7 billion drink containers have been returned through the scheme equating to $170 million back to Victorians This includes $1.7 million donated to local charities “I’m so proud of how Victorians have embraced the scheme and the positive impact it is making on sustainability and community fundraising Cents competition is a fun way to thank Victorians for their support and to encourage even more participation,” Mr Round said One of the five winners will score a bonus $10,000 to donate to a registered CDS Vic charity The competition is open to Victorian residents only There are deposit points across Melbourne’s north-west Details: cdsvic.org.au You need to enable javascript to view latest disruptions Stay updated about the West Gate Tunnel Project with key announcements and milestones The most satisfying end to a pre-Christmas spring clean is around the corner with Council’s  Free Hard Rubbish Drop-Off Days on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December 2024 This event will provide City of Maribyrnong residents with an opportunity to clear out unwanted household items - with the added benefit of being able to safely dispose of items that are not able to be picked up during Council’s once a year bookable hard waste collection Residents can drop off items at the Brooklyn Resource Recovery Centre (174 Old Geelong Road Brooklyn) between 8am and 12pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December Don’t forget to bring proof of address A range of hard rubbish items will be accepted For more information on accepted items and event details, please visit: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Free-Hard-Rubbish-Drop-off-Day This initiative supports Council’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing landfill waste key objectives in our Towards Zero Waste Strategy 2019-2030 “Take advantage of free drop-off days and do your part to keep our community clean and safe This is the perfect opportunity to responsibly dispose of items like car batteries and household items which might be cluttering your home Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter it’s the perfect time to discover fun and wide-ranging health and wellbeing options throughout the municipality – completely free – as part of upcoming Active Maribyrnong initiatives Council is offering two unique programs designed to promote physical activity and wellbeing in our community: our annual Spring into Summer Series running from Monday 11 November to Sunday 8 December 2024 and the new Maribyrnong Girls Can initiative taking place from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 November 2024 Maribyrnong Girls Can links with VicHealth’s state-wide This Girl Can campaign and is tailored specifically to meet local needs to engage in physical activity through a variety of health and wellbeing programs participants can look forward to new offerings such as an Introduction to AFL providing a welcoming and social space to explore new sports the Spring into Summer Series will feature more than 20 diverse programs for all ages and fitness levels Each session is led by qualified local health and fitness professionals ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone Participants can register for various programs within the series with each program being held once a week for the 4-week duration of the series Participants are encouraged to invite friends and family to join the fun and support one another in trying something new to support your wellbeing and make the most of the warmer days ahead Registrations are essential and open on Monday 28 October 2024 To register and view the timetable for each initiative, please visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/MaribyrnongGirlsCan for Maribyrnong Girls Can and maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/SpringintoSummer the Spring into Summer Series Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews Maidstone Community Centre is a Council run multi-purpose community centre that welcomes people of all ages We provide an exciting range of community programs and activities focused towards enriching and supporting our community Our programs include health and wellbeing; language and literacy; digital literacy; art and craft; social and recreational programs Maidstone Community Centre is a Neighbourhood Houses Victoria member and works hand in hand with partners Check out our Programs and activities page for all our enrolment opportunities or alternatively you can download our Term 1 Newsletter below Charge your wheelchair or scooter battery here Al-Taubah Association This Eritrean social group get together weekly and organise activities for families Children are taught the Tigrean and Arabic languages Australian Vietnamese Women's Assoc. Provides activities for Vietnamese seniors do some gentle exercises and have a healthy meal They have health presentations and celebrate birthdays They also offer Supported Playgroup for Vietnamese Families SAIL A volunteer run not for profit secular organisation which provides free English support and community services to the Sudanese Australian Community Valid Inc Members of this group gather to inform members about issues relating to the disability sector and community organisation in the local area.  Community Support Group for Vietnamese Seniors WeFo Singers We’re a  group of locals who are interested in getting together to share the joy and friendship of  singing Community centres would not be out of place as a setting for the Fast and Furious movie franchise A jaw-dropping Maribyrnong pad featuring a car enthusiast’s dream garage is set to rev past the suburb’s residential record price with its $5m-$5.5m asking range The area’s current $4.15m benchmark was set by 96 The Esplanade in 2018 But the ultra-modern home at 37 Newstead St could overtake that figure by at least $850,000 Whitefox Northside’s Dylan Francis said the abode’s eight-car garage boasted a Telsa charger three-phase power connection and cantilevered door RELATED: Why this Yarraville home is still the one to watch after passing in at auction Nathan Coe: Former Socceroo goalkeeper selling his family home in Yarraville John Brumby’s former Footscray home hits the market just three months after changing hands And the house’s occupants can even admire their car collection while eating or cooking “You’ve got a showcase of cars as you walk through the house that you can see through the open-plan living area and the kitchen,” Mr Francis said “The vendor is a car enthusiast who really enjoys luxury high-end cars and classic cars.” partnered with Grove Architecture to construct the six-bed house where elements include a burnt Japanese timber feature wall polished-terrazzo concrete and chevron-oak floors a central courtyard and tiles imported from Italy The owner is both a builder and car enthusiast The house is close to Maribyrnong Secondary College St Bernard’s and Ave Maria Colleges and Penleigh and Essendon Grammar Mr Francis said he believed that the house cost in excess of $3m to build but the sum to replace it would be closer to $4m today taking land and materials into consideration The upstairs living and dining area and a covered terrace take in uninterrupted Maribyrnong River and park views The natural-stone fitted kitchen is equipped with an island bench butler’s pantry and Zip Tap for automatic hot built-in fridges and an integrated dishwasher A curved burnt Japanese timber feature wall graces the entrance a fluted soaker tub and tiles imported from Italy in one of the bathrooms The barbecue kitchen and woodfire pizza oven in the back garden barbecue kitchen and woodfire pizza oven make for an entertainer’s dream set-up “I think you could comfortably host 100 people at the home because of the smart floor plan,” Mr Francis said The home’s 60m-long frontage onto parkland offers even more space Light fixtures from the Abbotsford lights manufacturer Brightgreen features throughout the property Other highlights are ensuites and walk-in wardrobes in some bedrooms underfloor heating and a home automation system The owner is selling with plans to build an even more impressive home Expressions of interest close at 5pm on March 25 Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Inside Williamstown’s $3m Blue Heelers police station turned luxury home Waverley Park for sale for $20m as Hawthorn Football Club moves out Oscar-nominated film producer Paul Wiegard selling his modernist Melbourne home third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. Your Maribyrnong Libraries membership gives you free access to LinkedIn Learning an online platform with thousands of expert-led courses across a wide range of topics LinkedIn Learning is free with your library membership Access LinkedIn Learning Your Maribyrnong Libraries membership lets you access a growing collection of unique items – from kitchen appliances and home energy testing kits to board games and DIY tools.  A Library of Things offers the community a way to share resources instead of buying or test an item before making the decision to buy.  Join us for the Library of Things launch event with sustainability expert and author of Live More with Less, Dr Kate Luckins on Thursday 27 February at Braybrook Library see items in action and discover how sharing helps build community and reduce waste Explore the collection and book your spot at the launch providing an opportunity to recognise the local heroes and businesses that make our City uniquely Maribyrnong You can show your appreciation for those who have made a significant contribution to our community by nominating them in one of eight categories the Youth Leadership Award has been renamed to honour Les Twentyman in recognition of his lifelong advocacy for Victoria's most vulnerable communities Nominate an inspirational role model that has made an outstanding contribution to the City of Maribyrnong in the area of community Nominate an individual for their outstanding achievements as a volunteer Nominate an individual who is under the age of 25 for their exceptional leadership work Nominate an individual or not-for-profit organisation for its outstanding work Nominate a local business for its contribution to the City of Maribyrnong in one of the following sub-categories: community group or organisation for outstanding contributions to the arts in the City of Maribyrnong Nominate a LGBTIQA+ individual or group for their outstanding leadership achievements in the LGBTIQA+ community Award nominees will be invited to a civic event to be held in early 2025 where recipients will be presented with their awards the Mayor also awards the Mayoral Award to an individual community group or organisation for outstanding contributions to the City and in the lives of others Nominations close 5pm Friday 13 December 2024. For more information visit: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/CivicAwards2025 Maribyrnong Libraries will operate on reduced opening hours over the festive period All library branches will also be closed to the public all day on Friday 13 December 2024 with usual hours returning on Saturday 14 December 2024.  Check your local branch for opening hours below Footscray Library Usual opening hours resume at Footscray Library on 2 January 2025 Usual opening hours resume at Braybrook Library on 2 January 2025 Usual opening hours resume at West Footscray Library on 2 January 2025 Usual opening hours resume at Maribyrnong Library on 2 January 2025 Usual opening hours resume at Yarraville Library on 2 January 2025 Council has identified a potential facility to name in recognition of the late Cr Sarah Carter and will be seeking the community’s feedback on the proposal Councillors endorsed the in-principle approval of naming the newly developed kindergarten forming part of the Maribyrnong Community Centre at 9 Randall Street Maribyrnong – as the Sarah Carter Kindergarten Council will be seeking community feedback on the proposed name Among her many significant community contributions Cr Sarah Carter was a passionate advocate for early childhood services including the redevelopment of the kindergarten at the Maribyrnong Community Centre which is why the new facility has been proposed to commemorate her “Sarah was an exceptional public servant who served on Council for 16 years The community has been supportive of honouring her memory first in calling for her to be recognised in some way and second for providing kind words as part of the tribute book that was presented to her family last month I look forward to hearing from the community regarding this opportunity to recognise Sarah,” Mayor Visit Your City Your Voice in early May to share your feedback: yourcityyourvoice.com.au Celebrating 50 years of Vietnamese refugee resettlement in Australia this year’s Tết festival at Footscray Park is more than just a celebration - it’s a heartfelt tribute to resilience and the shared gratitude for the chance to rebuild lives in a new home cultural displays and fireworks each evening On the Saturday at around 4.20pm the RAAF will conduct a ceremonial fly over Active Maribyrnong has three programs on the calendar this March have access to free physical activity initiatives Westside Variety Abilities Unleashed Kids – a come-and-try sports day event for children living with disabilities designed to promote inclusive recreational activities and participation in community sport – was held earlier last week The one day event was delivered in collaboration with Disability Sports Australia and Brimbank City Council offering children the opportunity to try a range of sports with modifications and adaptive equipment available to support various abilities Cr Pradeep Tiwari praised the initiatives for encouraging community participation Get Active Expo and Sons of the West are all well-loved programs in our municipality each meeting diverse and distinct needs in our community," he said “Supporting the wellbeing of our community requires an approach that offers opportunities and access for everyone These programs represent the impactful work being done in this space to fulfil Council’s commitment to our local residents," continued Mayor Tiwari The Get Active Expo will kick off with a special event on Sunday 16 March providing a taste of the upcoming sessions Officially commencing the following Monday this recurring program will offer new and exciting sessions including some that have not been previously available Fighting Fit – taekwondo fitness class and Over 55’s reformer pilates and include options for women only and all abilities groups Program Dates: Sunday 16 March – Sunday 13 April 2025 For more information and to register, visit: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Community/Parks-sport-and-leisure/Active-Maribyrnong/Get-Active-Expo This 10-week program will feature weekly group-based exercise sessions suitable for men of all fitness levels as well as guest presentations on various health topics Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other local men in a supportive environment The program is specifically designed to help men prioritise their health and wellbeing Date: Tuesday 18 March – Thursday 29 May 2025 For more information and to register, visit: https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/sons-of-the-west The youth mental health system in Melbourne’s inner west is under immense pressure and services are stretched with limited capacity to respond quickly The system is both complex and difficult to navigate especially if you are a young person seeking help Council is advocating to State and Federal Governments to ensure young people growing up in the area have support when they need it most Gaps in youth mental health prevention and early intervention services are getting wider adding further strain on our rapidly growing population The risk for young people is poorer mental health outcomes often associated with experiences of exclusion discrimination and stigma Establish and provide ongoing funding for a Mental Health Service Hub in Melbourne’s inner west Undertake a review and establish a plan to address the mental health impact of housing affordability climate change and the long-term impacts of COVID-19 for our young people safe community hub including health services where LGBTIQA+ people families and community can connect in the West.  These facts are exasperated by the adverse effects of COVID-19 which disproportionally impacted young people which has one of the largest multicultural communities in Victoria there are significantly more young people than the state average vulnerable to these experiences due to cultural or gender identity More locally designed prevention and early intervention solutions to adequately respond to the diversity and vulnerability in the youth population in Melbourne’s west are required Young people themselves have identified a need for greater investment in prevention and culturally accessible wrap-around services underpinned by co-design and co-delivery that place them at the centre of care Prevention and early intervention youth mental health is a key priority for the City of Maribyrnong We must work together to ensure all young people have localised access to a mental health service during times of crisis and need the then Mayor of Maribyrnong moved a Notice of Motion that highlighted the need to explore provision for a youth mental health hub and to understand any need surrounding councils may have A Statement of Intent was also developed advocating for greater investment in community-led and community-based youth mental health prevention and early intervention responses for young people Figure 1 below demonstrates the inequity of youth-based mental health service provision in Melbourne’s west.  If you or a loved need someone to talk to [1] Census 2021 Women aged 15-24 averaged 16.6% reported mental health diagnosis The Greater Melbourne average for the cohort is 13.5% [3] Headspace locations are in Sunshine and Werribee [4] NWMPHN (2019) Primary health network: needs assessment reporting Reference taken from Maribyrnong Youth Mental Health Desktop Review [5] From Maribyrnong Youth Mental Health Desktop Review Extrapolated based on NWMPHN mental health profile (2017) Council has welcomed a $5 million commitment from the Federal Government to support the design phase of Creative West – a proposed new vibrant cultural precinct in Footscray – with funding to be matched by Council The funding was announced this morning by the Hon Council has been advocating for some time for the Creative West project – which is premised around a contemporary library and learning hub large-scale flexible performance/events venue and open space to support creatives and inspiring audiences that will also stimulate and drive economic employment and business activation well into the future has thanked the Commonwealth support for the visionary project which will create much needed improved infrastructure in Footscray to ensure our creative industries and community continues to thrive “Maribyrnong boasts a rich and diverse arts scene and is home to arts organisations of state is recognised as a creative hub within the Western Metropolitan Region,” Mayor Tiwari said “Creative West is about improving access to a range of cultural and community spaces and supporting our growing community in experiencing all of Victoria’s cultural offerings This funding is another step towards realising this important project,” Mayor Tiwari continued The $5 million funding from the Federal Government will be complemented by a $5 million contribution from Council and will support the establishment of an advisory steering group – made up of community stakeholders including representatives from Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and local traders – along with design initiation and schematic and detailed design in preparation for future construction The Commonwealth commitment for the Metropolitan Activity Centre in Footscray is part of an $8.8 million investment in projects across Victoria under the Federal Government’s urban Precincts and Partnership program designed to transform urban spaces to meet the needs of growing community which has been temporarily based at the Footscray Library will return to the new Civic Precinct and Community Hub on the corner of Hyde and Napier Streets from 8.30am on Monday 2 December Friday 29 November will be the final day Customer Service will be available at Footscray Library for in-person enquiries Customer Service will be accessible via the Hyde Street or Lawson Street entrances with on-site parking available via Lawson Place There will be no disruption to in-person support and phone and online services will continue to be available as usual during the transition Customer Service was relocated to Footscray Library in 2022 to support the renovation of the historic Footscray Town Hall as part of the Civic Precinct and Community Hub redevelopment The refurbished Town Hall features a number of community meeting rooms which will be available for community use and bookings in February 2025 There is also infant feeding and change room facilities which will be available for community use when the Civic Precinct and Community Hub opens to the public on 2 December for customer enquiries A new community park has also been established on the Hyde Street frontage An open day is anticipated in February 2025 where an invitation will be extended to our community to explore the upgraded space with further details to be announced as plans are finalised Council is expanding its Library of Things to include a range of everyday items for library members to borrow We know while many people may want to try a new project or hobby they may feel held back by the cost of tools and the uncertainty of how often they will actually use them This is where our Library of Things comes in providing a variety of items members of Maribyrnong Libraries can borrow for free said the community-focused service reimagines borrowing beyond books “The Library of Things not only encourages a culture of sharing but also provides a more affordable way to try out new pastimes,” he said “Given sustainability and the rising cost of living are key concerns for our community at the moment it is more important than ever that people have access to resources that enable creativity and leisure without the financial strain or environmental impact,” Mayor Tiwari continued Leveraging feedback from our 2024 Collections Survey our expanded catalogue of ‘things’ has been selected to best reflect the genuine needs and interests of our community beyond the smaller collection of introductory items initially released Currently the collection includes board games The collection will be expanding to include a Wellness Kit (blood pressure monitor and scanner to digitise photos and documents There are also plans to include more kitchenware small appliances and power tools in the near future We will be continuing to take on community feedback as our collection grows Make the most of this exciting community resource and browse through our available items on offer at www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/LibraryOfThings To celebrate the official launch of Maribyrnong’s Library of Things Braybrook Library is hosting Dr Kate Luckins For more information and to register visit the link below Book now Council partnered with GenWest and the Community Recovery Committee on a project designed to make insurance information more accessible to the community The Maribyrnong community were at the forefront of this project dedicating time to participate in conversations to inform the needs assessment process and supporting the development of the guide it was clear there is a need to create a resource that conveyed complex insurance information in a clear This was how the Flood Insurance Guide: a Maribyrnong Community Initiative was born.  The following organisations were involved in the creation of the guide: This page will be updated to reflect any changes within the insurance sector that may impact the accuracy of the guide Some considerations to think about based on the information included in the guide are listed below Please note this is not a comprehensive list.  For information on steps to take after an emergency, visit the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) website The guide is one component of the Maribyrnong Insurance Project GenWest and Maribyrnong City Council will continue to work together over the coming months to continue to make insurance information accessible through a range of programs.   This project is made possible with joint funding from the Australian and Victorian Governments through the Community Recovery Hubs program Flood Insurance Guide - English(PDF, 14MB) Flood Insurance Guide - Vietnamese(PDF, 14MB) To celebrate the opening of the new Civic Precinct artworks from the City of Maribyrnong’s Art and Heritage Collection are on display throughout the recently restored Footscray Town Hall Summer Road to Saltwater charts the development of the municipality from the nineteenth century to the present day Once reliant on Melbourne for its prosperity Footscray quickly became a place of opportunity Focusing on the area once known as Saltwater the art display reflects how identity and place is formed and transforms over time has drawn artists to document both its magnificence and deterioration industrial development and natural disasters have affected the City’s river which was once its main attraction and a source of survival glass and textile, Summer Road to Saltwater reflects on the shifting character of our municipality and the current challenges facing our environment Location: Civic Precinct and Community (corner Hyde and Napier Streets Viewing times: Wednesdays and Fridays Group bookings: Groups larger than 10 people are required to book a tour via arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Curator's guided tour: 3pm on Thursdays 3 April Book now Image credit: Chrisy Dennis, Maribyrnong River Kartù Gallery is an artist-led initiative designed to connect creatives and emerging artists in a supportive environment The gallery is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the work of local artists particularly women and underrepresented voices with an emphasis on fostering creative collaboration and community engagement Her will highlight female artists within Melbourne’s western suburbs focusing on pieces that celebrate identity The exhibition will be available for viewing Monday-Friday with an opening night on Thursday 27 March 2025 This project is supported by Maribyrnong City Council’s Creative Places pilot program.  Learn more about Creative Places Exhibition Spaces Maribyrnong City Council has installed two picnic tables at Burndap Park to honour the legacy of Judy Ingram a long-time volunteer and former president of the Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley (FMV) making significant contributions to the enhancement of the Maribyrnong Valley and ground covers were planted and nurtured and weed-ridden landscape into a treasured space for the community and visitors alike the newly installed picnic tables serve as a lasting tribute to Judy's endeavours and her commitment to the Maribyrnong Valley said the dramatic transformation of the Maribyrnong Valley is a testament to Judy's dedication and hard work “Judy’s efforts have left an incredible mark on the environment and the community fostering a sense of pride among residents,” said Mayor Tiwari “I encourage the community to visit Burndap Park enjoy the new facilities and reflect on the positive impact Judy had on the local environment,” he continued Council has launched a new pilot program to transform underutilised commercial properties in the Footscray Central Business District into dynamic The Creative Places Initiative seeks to foster community involvement and address the need for accessible and affordable venues for the local creative community the Creative Places initiative will convert several vacant shopfronts into environments for artists and creative businesses to showcase their work and connect with residents Community is at the heart of Creative Places with a series of events designed to connect artists These gatherings will include a launch event and networking sessions Pop-up performances and activities will pepper the pilot program ensuring the community remains involved throughout The initiative will also showcase a public art project displaying images from a local photographer’ in large-format decals and a bold new billboard to bring art directly to the streets Council is eager to explore expressions of interest from other property owners who may wish to participate in future iterations of Creative Places which not only aims to enhance the cultural fabric of Footscray but also establish a precedent for how communities can repurpose spaces to support and celebrate creativity For more information please visit: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/creativeplaces The upgrade aims to address the increasing demand for dog-friendly spaces driven by both population growth and a rise in pet ownership in the area It will provide a safe space for dogs and their owners to enjoy supporting responsible pet ownership and local outdoor recreation As a key part of the endorsed McIvor Reserve Master Plan which was developed following community engagement where residents voiced their desires for a better-equipped the upgrade is designed to ensure local infrastructure continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community both now and into the future The upgraded dog park will feature a new fence to define the park’s layout “Upgrading the dog park is a highly anticipated project within our community and receiving this funding is an exciting step towards bringing it to life.” “This project reflects our commitment to delivering initiatives that respond to residents’ needs and will support growing demand for safe spaces dogs can explore while preparing local facilities to meet growing population and pet ownership increases.” The park upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026 Council will keep the community informed about the progression and completion of works.  Council is urging the State Government to prioritise community health and immediately commit to installing effective filtration systems as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project Plans for the West Gate Tunnel Project currently include two unfiltered ventilation stacks to be located in Yarraville and South Kingsville – raising serious concerns about the impact on local communities Despite predictions of thousands of vehicles using the tunnel daily including a significant number of heavy trucks there are no confirmed plans to include filtration infrastructure in the ventilation stacks to manage the resulting air pollution Following the endorsement of the Air Quality Improvement Plan in late 2022 Council declared a Health Emergency in May 2023 The Air Quality Improvement Plan highlights the ongoing negative health impacts caused by heavy vehicle traffic through the streets of the City of Maribyrnong The pollution generated by these vehicles has long been a source of concern for local residents and health professionals alike Council will write to the Minister for Environment requesting they direct the Environment Protection Agency to: Cr Pradeep Tiwari expressed his concern about the adverse effects that the unfiltered stacks will have on the community Our community is already dealing with the impacts of traffic-related air pollution and the proposed ventilation stacks will only make things worse if left unfiltered Residents in Maribyrnong and the inner west deserve better – we cannot accept infrastructure that puts their health at further risk,” he said Prepare yourself for this incredible evening hosted by the acclaimed Sarah Ward will be the six-piece reggae band Crown Heights with their vibrant energy and dynamic sound that promises to set an electrifying tone for the night a soulful Australian artist celebrated for her mesmerizing voice and a powerful blend of R&B and Indigenous storytelling that’s sure to captivate the crowd whose unique style blends rock's gritty swagger with the glam and groove of disco This irresistible mix of glamour and edge will deliver a fresh the evening will close with an exhilarating Daft Punk Discovery set ensuring a high-energy finale that will leave everyone buzzing free events to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week in the City of Maribyrnong from 17 to 23 March 2025 This annual celebration honours the rich cultural tapestry of our community and promotes unity and understanding among residents Building on Council’s Intercultural Strategy Cultural Diversity Week will be celebrated with events including a multicultural picnic cultural games day and more – all of which foster learning dialogue and relationships between cultures said these events exemplify Maribyrnong's commitment to embracing and celebrating our diverse community “With 38% of our residents born overseas representing over 135 nationalities and speaking more than 80 languages our cultural diversity is a source of pride and strength,” he said “Many of the events showcased run regularly throughout the year – which speaks to Maribyrnong’s ongoing commitment to interculturalism and responding to our vibrant community,” continued Mayor Tiwari Highlights for this year’s Cultural Diversity Week include: and indulge in complimentary Eritrean coffee and multicultural sweets Enjoy a captivating intergenerational shadow puppetry experience suitable for both children and adults Celebrate Cultural Diversity Week with a day of day of games from around the world and celebrate different cultures through play For more information and the full event listing, please visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/culturaldiversityweek This innovative partnership between Maribyrnong City Council and Victoria University supports safe gluten-free dining As the first council to adopt Coeliac Australia’s accreditation program Maribyrnong is setting a national and global standard Local businesses are being guided towards gluten-free accreditation In collaboration with Victoria University’s Dietetics Unit students assist businesses in identifying gluten-containing ingredients to meet accreditation requirements the Coeliac Australia Accreditation Program is now part of the university’s curriculum making it the first in Australia to offer this integration Get your business accredited through this program This program is open to businesses located in the City of Maribyrnong – and is fully funded by Council your business will receive the support needed to gain gluten- free accreditation ensuring that your gluten-free claims meet the highest safety standards For more information, contact Council at foodhealth@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or on 9688 0200 Council has welcomed a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Government to transition Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) from natural gas to electricity The funding will support the replacement of MAC's existing gas infrastructure with a centralised heat pump system reducing 1,220 tonnes of carbon emissions annually which is a key action within Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy and save approximately $400,000 a year on operational energy costs Cr Pradeep Tiwari thanked the Federal Government for their support in helping Council reduce carbon emissions “This grant is a significant step in achieving our goal of zero emissions by 2030 as outlined in the Climate Emergency Strategy we will be vastly improving the energy efficiency of this facility the reduction of 1,220 tonnes of emissions equates to 93 per cent of gas-related emissions for Council and 41 per cent of our total emissions.  The funding announcement is part of the Federal Government's Community Energy Upgrades Fund Program with Maribyrnong City Council being one of 58 local government recipients With protecting and preserving open space a priority Council is beginning master planning conversations at three reserves across the municipality – at Robert Barrett in Maribyrnong and Bell and Beevers in Kingsville – as we continue to plan for a growing population across all four reserves are tired and due for renewal/upgrade works This is also an opportunity for us to consider ways to maximise the use of these reserves for a variety of users This is particularly true of Dobson Reserve which is one of the few large outdoor sporting venues within the central and western areas of the City Already well used by sporting codes its facilities also need upgrading to support the current needs and to help support future demand in the area We’re keen to hear of any upgrades or additional features the community feels could further enhance its value to residents and visitors the conversation is around building a better “backyard” in Kingsville where currently these two reserves make up the one per cent of open space that currently exists in the suburb This includes canvassing views on a larger conjoined open space that would better serve local residents by potentially closing Coronation Street and the potential to accommodate some neighbourhood level facilities a new playground and potentially a new public toilet at Beevers Reserve Recognising the Highpoint Major Activity Centre is expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 dwellings and 32,000 residents by 2041 we also know the increased population will place even more pressure on facilities at Robert Barrett Reserve We’ll be expanding on earlier community conversations to understand the things residents think are working and what could be improved The conversation will also consider options to house Maribyrnong Library once the current lease expires in 2028 Feedback from each conversation will help inform draft Master Plans or draft Concept Plans which will be shared for further feedback in late 2025 Visit yourcityyourvoice.com.au/masterplanning and provide your comments by midnight Sunday 30 March 2025