The City of Whittlesea is inviting randomly selected residents to take part in the latest round of its Community Insights Study - a key initiative that helps shape council plans policies and services with insights from the people who live in our community.  The study is conducted three times each year through surveys that gather valuable feedback on key aspects of living local in the City of Whittlesea The insights gained provide a vital snapshot of residents’ evolving needs and help Council make informed decisions that reflect current community experiences.  The latest survey explores how residents engage in local decision-making what matters most to them and their participation in events completing the survey takes just 12 minutes but your contribution will be long-lasting.  Households randomly selected to take part will receive an invitation via mail or email To learn more or explore past results, visit Community Insights "Listening to our community is not just something we do from time to time it is one of our core values and central to how we lead and serve we believe that the best decisions are made when they are informed by the lived experiences and genuine feedback of our residents.  you are helping us create a completer and more accurate picture of life across our city to how connected and supported they are in their daily lives.  your experiences and insights will help shape the future direction of our city.  Your input is invaluable in helping us build a more inclusive We recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and Taungurung People as the Traditional Owners of lands within the City of Whittlesea More ways to contact us Subscribe to our eNewsletters to stay up to date on what is happening near you Subscribe to eNews Thumbprint artwork by Mandy Nicholson What if you could influence the future of your neighbourhood in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee That’s exactly what Whittlesea is offering– a chance for randomly selected residents to have their voices heard and shape the city’s direction Whittlesea is once again calling on the community to help shape its future– and it’s as easy as completing a short As part of its ongoing Community Insights Study council is inviting randomly selected households to provide feedback on what matters most to them the study provides a vital snapshot of residents’ lived experiences community participation and how people engage with events and entertainment Participants are chosen at random and contacted via mail or email said the study reflects one of council’s core values: listening to the community “Listening to our community is not just something we do from time to time– it’s central to how we lead and serve,” Cr Taylor said your input helps us build a more inclusive Past Community Insights results are available at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/communityinsights. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) The dream of affordable housing in Melbourne’s outer suburbs is slipping further out of reach for many low-income residents according to grim new figures released by Anglicare Victoria The 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot (RAS) part of a national survey assessing rental affordability for minimum wage earners and those on government support has revealed a dramatic five-year decline in access to affordable homes in the Hume and Whittlesea regions “In Hume in 2021 nearly 57 per cent of properties were available to those earning minimum wage in 2025 it’s 36.6 per cent,” Anglicare Victoria North Metro regional director Amanda Stacey said the fall has been even steeper– from almost 70 per cent in 2021 to 46.1 per cent now “It’s important to look at the number of real properties next to the percentage too While two properties were affordable for those on income support in Whittlesea in 2025 those two properties exist in competition with other listed properties Families and individuals on income support are The competition is high for a very scarce resource,” Ms Stacey said the crisis isn’t looming– it’s already here Anglicare is urging both state and federal governments to invest further in social and affordable housing– particularly in growth corridors like Whittlesea and Hume– and to locate these near essential services and public transport The organisation is calling for an increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance which has failed to keep pace with rapidly rising rents “The Albanese Government lifted the maximum rate of Rent Assistance by 27 per cent but the rents paid by Australians who receive Rent Assistance have risen almost 1.5 times faster than the maximum rate of the payment since 2017,” Ms Stacey said “People just aren’t able to keep their head above water when it comes to paying rent alongside all the other costs of living Applications for the City of Whittlesea’s Female Inclusion in Sport Grant Program are now open.  this initiative supports Council’s Fair Access Policy by supporting female participation in our vibrant community's sporting clubs while tackling the underrepresentation of women and girls in sport - as participants Statistics reveal that only half of women in Victoria are getting enough physical activity which shows there's still a big gap when it comes to women and girls being involved in sport That’s why it’s important to create more opportunities that help change this.  Sporting clubs within the City of Whittlesea can apply for financial support of up to $3,000 for initiatives promoting an inclusive environment for women and girls coach development and leadership opportunities that foster the next generation of female sporting role models.  your club could help rewrite the story of women in sport - one inclusive team The City of Whittlesea is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in all areas of sport and encourages local sports clubs to take this step toward a more inclusive future.  For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit Female Inclusion in Sport Grants or sooner if funding is fully allocated.  Head to the website to hear from previous grant recipients including Lalor Tennis Club Thomastown Tennis Club and Mernda Football Club.  Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor "Sport should be a place where everyone feels like they belong and that includes women and girls of all ages This grant is a great opportunity for clubs to create programs that welcome more female players Small changes can lead to big impacts - and it all starts with taking that first step.Local sporting clubs play a big role in shaping a strong and connected community By supporting more women and girls in sport we’re not just creating fairer opportunities - we’re building a future where everyone feels seen I encourage all clubs to apply for this grant and be part of this important change."  Westmeadows has announced two imports for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season Ben Willsdon is a promising young batter from Sussex and a product of the Sussex County pathway Currently training with the county’s under-18 squad Ward is a talented and developing wicket-keeper batsman from England known for his standout performances in both underage county and school cricket A product of the Hampshire and Sussex CCC pathway systems he represented both counties from under-9 to under-18 AFL trial matches for the under-18 Vic Metro side have been held the past two weekends two Vic Metro sides faced Vic Country teams Mitchell Moate and Lewis Houndsome were selected along with the Calder Cannons’ Hussien El Achkar Barber and Adam Sweid were named in the young gun series on the weekend Hume City made it two in a row in the National Premier League on Friday night Hume led 1-0 at half time before increasing the lead to 2-0 not long after half time but it wasn’t enough with Hume winning 2-1 In the Victorian Premier League 2 competition Whittlesea United had a 3-2 win against Box Hill United on Friday night It was contrasting results for the Northern Knights and Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League girls competition on Saturday The Knights had a big win against the Bendigo Pioneers The Cannons on the other hand lost to the GWV Rebels The City of Whittlesea has today been advised by the Minister for Local Government the Hon Nick Staikos that following the receipt of a report by the Municipal Monitors and other information Councillor Aidan McLindon has been suspended as a Councillor at the City of Whittlesea for a period of six months under section 229A (1) of the Local Government Act 2020 The Minister has advised that ‘for the duration of a suspension Councillor McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor delegated committees or attending council premises.’  Council notes the Minister has also announced a Commission of Inquiry into the City of Whittlesea The independent inquiry will allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October 2024.  Council welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the Council and staff.  The City of Whittlesea will continue to deliver the important services programs and facilities its community needs during the Inquiry.  Mr McLindon was elected as the representative for Kirrip Ward in October 2024 and appointed as the Mayor of the City of Whittlesea in November 2024.   As a result of this suspension the position of Mayor becomes vacant In accordance with section 26 of the Local Government Act 2020 Council is required to fill the Mayoral vacancy within one month to serve the remainder of the current mayoral term – until Tuesday 18 November 2025.   Deputy Mayor Cr Daniela Zinni will perform the duties of the Mayor until a new Mayor is elected at a future Council Meeting.  the role of Ward Councillor for Kirrip will remain vacant and Mr McLindon will not receive any allowance.  Residents of Kirrip Ward are advised to direct their enquiries to other ward Councillors during the period of suspension. Contact details for Councillors are available on Council’s website.   Mr McLindon will be eligible to resume his role of Councillor from Friday 17 October 2025.    The Community Insights study collects information about a range of topics through surveys These surveys are designed to help us get a better understanding of what is changing over time to ensure our local communities remain a great place to live Each round of the survey explores different aspects of community life We’re excited to announce that our latest Community Insights study is live now. Participants will receive a letter or email with all the details If you are chosen from our random selection you’ll receive an invitation to take part in a digital survey via email or letter with a unique code to your household Share your experience by completing our user-friendly digital survey Join our Community Insights contact list Contributing to the Community Insights study allows residents to share their experiences of living in the City of Whittlesea Information gathered informs decisions affecting the community It ensures we stay responsive to the needs of our residents Data is collected through the following surveys This round of the study asked questions about local activities and daily life in the City of Whittlesea.  This round of the study asks questions about neighbourhood safety connections and support within the community It also seeks to understand residents' involvement in community activities and decision making This round of the study asks questions about quality of life personal support and knowledge of healthy lifestyle behaviours These surveys aren't about specific programs or policies They're designed to give us a better understanding of the experiences of residents living in the City of Whittlesea Economic growth alone cannot guarantee a good quality of life We use information from the Community Insights study to:   We can't get the type of data collected through Community Insights from other sources we use these surveys to fill in the missing pieces and shed light on how wellbeing liveability and resilience are changing across our municipality Community Insights also gives important information for our planning and reporting. These reports help keep our actions transparent and accountable to the community and other government levels. The data provides meaningful information to achieve the goals in Whittlesea 2040: A place for all Here are some of the insights our residents shared with us in our first year of Community Insights study The survey took place in December 2023 with 1,862 responses from residents across the City of Whittlesea Discover local parks, gardens, trails and reserves via our Local parks and reserves page Find our local sports and leisure facilities via our Sports and leisure page Our libraries are open, accessible, inclusive and free to all residents. To find out more, please visit our libraries page The survey took place in April – May 2024 with 2,634 responses from residents across the City of Whittlesea To connect to others in your area, find a range of local community groups by browsing our community directory Our Community Safety and Crime Prevention Strategy aims to improve safety and minimise crime check GoVolunteer for current volunteering opportunities Visit GoVolunteer Visit Engage Whittlesea website For more information, you can reach out to us on engagement@whittlesea.vic.gov.au The survey took place in July – August 2024 with 1,922 responses from residents across the City of Whittlesea 1 serve of fruit = one medium sized piece of fruit 1 serve of vegetable = one cup of salad or half a cup of cooked vegetables 43% consume fast food at least once a week 45% did not do moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 2.5 hours a week.  41% of residents reported finding it somewhat or very difficult to see a doctor challenges in securing appointments at convenient times and cost as the primary barriers to accessing medical care Access local emergency information for residents via the Emergency page Disclaimer: The data provided by Community Insights is an indicative estimate only and may not fully represent the broader population Residents are randomly selected from our database and invited to take part in the survey by mail or email. Residents may also receive an SMS notification about the survey Each invitation is a unique link to ensure the survey can be completed only once Some residents can also participate by clicking through from an online ad respondents must be 15 years or older and a current resident of the City of Whittlesea If you are selected to take part in the study you will receive a letter or an email with detailed instructions on how to complete the survey You will be requested to click a link in the email or scan a QR code and enter your unique number to access the digital survey you can simply click through to complete the survey.  The survey will take you approximately 12 minutes to complete. You will have three to four weeks to respond to the survey.  Each survey has a different set of questions to help us learn about your experiences living in the City of Whittlesea We are not looking for specific feedback about programs or polices in these surveys instead we want to learn more from our community about changing trends over time The information you provide will be combined with responses from other members of the community to produce statistical data for the City of Whittlesea You can stop at any time without explanation or penalty You are free to withdraw your responses from the study until data analysis has begun all responses will be de-identified and we will no longer be able to identify the responses provided by you.  Your insights help make the community a better place to live It is only through individual contributions that we can track how the community is changing over time This helps us to know what to focus on now and in the future so that we can remain responsive to the needs of our residents.  We recommend you complete the survey using a computer or a tablet While you can do the survey on a mobile phone the question layout may be a little more difficult to navigate.   you don’t need to do the survey all in one go This means you can come back and complete the survey later from where you left off The survey can be completed in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese - Traditional, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Macedonian, Malayalam, Persian, Punjabi, Sinhala, Vietnamese and Turkish. At the beginning of the survey, select your preferred language. To use the free interpreter service, call 131 450 We publish a summary of our findings on our website for the community to view The results will also be published in strategic reports that we are required to deliver to keep information transparent and accountable to the community and other government levels.   The information you share will be combined with other respondents to produce statistical data for the municipality. During the data collection and reporting period (approximately four months) survey responses are stored on a secure server hosted by Australian Survey Research (ASR). Following this the survey data is cleaned and de-identified before being moved to a database on the City of Whittlesea’s cloud server.  You can access the information you provide by contacting us on 03 9217 2170.  You can only do this until it has been de-identified during the data analysis stage we will no longer be able to identify the responses provided by you For more information about the Community Insights study or for assistance in completing the survey, please contact Customer Service on 03 9217 2170 and ask to speak to a member of the Research and Analytics department. If you have a complaint you may call the same number. All complaints are treated confidentially.  Join our Community Insights contact list If you've received a mail invitation to participate Share your insights here Email: info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au Phone: 03 9217 2170 To comply with the Victorian Government’s new standard bin lid colours lids on rubbish bins will be changing from dark green to red across the City of Whittlesea.    this change will bring the City of Whittlesea into alignment with the standardised four bin lids across Victoria and helps everyone know that a red lid means it's the rubbish bin and the contents will go to landfill This means less confusion and more chances to get the right thing in the right bin visiting friends or away on holiday around the state.  The new red lids will be progressively rolled out throughout May and June Residents are asked to place their rubbish bins out as usual on their regular collection day and leave it on the kerb until 6pm Bin lids will be changed on residents’ regular bin collection day residents no longer need to leave their rubbish bin out after it has been emptied.  All old lids will be recycled into new lids For more information, visit Your rubbish bin lid may be changing Quote attributable to City of Whittlesea Director Infrastructure and Environment Debbie Wood:  "Making sure our bin lids comply with the Victorian Government’s four bin system is part of our commitment to improving the way we manage waste at the local level This will help residents and visitors sort their rubbish into the right bin.”  We're changing the lids on rubbish bins from dark green to red to comply with the Victorian Government’s new standard bin lid colours we will replace it with a red lid throughout May and June visiting friends or away on holiday.  continue putting your rubbish bin out on your regular collection day leave your rubbish bin out until 6pm so our teams can change your lid Your bin lid will be changed on your bin day from 1 May onwards you no longer need to leave it out until 6pm If your bin is not out for collection and is missed Rubbish bin collections will continue as normal our teams will visit each area once during May and June.  For more information, refer to the frequently asked questions below or call us on 03 9217 2170 By complying with the Victorian Government's new standard bin lid colours people across the state will be able to sort waste with ease If you're at home or somewhere else in Victoria you will easily know which bin is the right bin to choose.  We are replacing all dark green rubbish bin lids throughout May and June.   Simply put your rubbish bin out on your usual collection day and leave it out until 6pm Place your bin out as you normally would on your usual collection day Leave your rubbish bin out until 6pm.   our teams will replace it with a red one.  The replacement of rubbish bin lids is part of our commitment to meeting the state government’s recycling standards and managing waste in our community The rubbish bin lid replacement won’t change what goes into your bins.   this is a great time to refresh your knowledge of what can and can’t be placed in your rubbish glass recycling and food and garden waste bins.   Before placing an item in the rubbish bin, check that it cannot be recycled or repurposed. You can explore easy, free and local options to dispose of your unwanted items. Visit our A-Z guide to waste and recycling to learn more.  Batteries can cause fires in collection trucks and in landfill gas bottles and e-waste also do not belong in any bin Bin lid standardisation is mandatory under the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Policy.   This policy aims to help everyone manage waste more easily and reduce confusion across the state If your bin is out for collection on your usual day your bin lid will be changed by our teams on the street.  it will be missed and your lid will not be changed.   If you know in advance that you won’t be home you can arrange for someone else to put your bins out for you and leave them out until 6pm We’ll help get this sorted. If your bin doesn't have a red lid yet and your neighbours bin lids have been changed, call us on 03 9217 2170 This is important because almost half of all waste in the rubbish bin is actually food scraps or garden waste that could have been quickly composted This waste instead sometimes spends decades creating harmful gases in landfill.   Get ready for an action-packed autumn break with an incredible line-up of activities for young people grab your friends and make the most of the holidays For the full program details and to secure your spot, visit the Youth Events page Join us for an unforgettable autumn packed with fun The Whittlesea Early Years Partnership (WEYP) meetings connect family services and early childhood professionals to address the evolving needs of children and families in the Whittlesea municipality Facilitated by the City of Whittlesea’s Children and Families Department the WEYP meetings offer a vital opportunity for professionals to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to building more connected and responsive network Participants will play a key role in shaping the future of early years services ensuring that children and families in Whittlesea receive the support they need to thrive.  The meetings will be held at the City of Whittlesea Council from 12-2pm on the following dates: 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 City of Whittlesea’s Art Exhibition showcased the talent of 140 local artists presenting an inspiring collection of works centred around the theme Hope: A Spectrum of Possibility Artists of all ages and diverse backgrounds explored the concept of hope through their creations offering the community a positive and immersive experience and Director Community Wellbeing at City of Whittlesea Agata Chmielewski had the difficult task of selecting eight pieces from all the impressive artworks for recognition.  He stitched it with bald Grandpa and Uncle Steve) City of Whittlesea Annual Art Award Ildiko Kormanyos_ Contemplation Award of Excellence – Use of materials Lucy Cleary_ Ray of Hope Award of Excellence – Originality Anna Vidalis_ The Final Bead of Hope People’s Choice Award Cyndy Broekers_ Shine Your Light Phone: 03 9217 2170 Email: cultural.collection@whittlesea.vic.gov.au the undersigned Councillors of the Whittlesea City Council wish to clarify recent social media commentary regarding Council policies Council policy is adopted collectively by a majority of Councillors sitting as council and not by any one individual Councillor has chosen to stand for a by-election in Werribee This is his democratic right as an elector in the State of Victoria. From 12pm on the 23 January to 11.59pm on the 8 February 2025 Cr McLindon has indicated his intention to take personal leave and Cr Zinni will perform Mayoral duties during this time for the City of Whittlesea Any comments made by Mr McLindon as a candidate during this period are his own personal views and do not represent the position of council councillors and/or the City of Whittlesea.  Only official statements issued by the City of Whittlesea should be regarded as the Council’s official policy position(s).” residents in the City of Whittlesea may be contacted to take part in a Community Satisfaction Survey The survey is conducted by independent research company on behalf of Council as part of the annual Local Government Victoria Community Satisfaction Survey Similar surveys will be undertaken across other Victorian councils This survey gathers feedback from a representative sample of more than 800 residents randomly selected and invited to participate in the online survey It aims to assess the performance of the City of Whittlesea across a range of measures to help with continuous improvement in our service delivery to residents we appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback Please be assured that your details and individual responses are confidential For more information, visit the Community Satisfaction Survey page The Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday 18 March will be held online Members of the public are invited to join the meeting via livestream on our website The meeting will proceed with the full agenda including updates on community grants and the tender evaluation for the main works at the regional sports precinct in Mernda We will also address pre-submitted public questions and petitions We look forward to discussing and debating these important matters View the full agenda here Join the livestream of the Council Meeting at 6pm via our YouTube channel An Unscheduled Council Meeting has been called to consider one item of business: The matter has been designated confidential in accordance with sections 66(5) and 3 (1)(i) of the Local Government Act 2020 therefore the meeting will move into camera once formally opened Please note that public questions and submissions are not permitted at Unscheduled Council Meetings in accordance with Council’s Governance Rules View more details here The City of Whittlesea is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Business Awards recognising local enterprises that have demonstrated exceptional performance across various categories innovation and community spirit of businesses within our municipality Finalists have been announced in the following award categories: The winners will be announced at the awards evening on Thursday 29 May 2025, at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC). Tickets for the event will be available for purchase from Monday, 14 April. For more details and ticket information, please visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/BusinessAwards “The Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the incredible local businesses that contribute so much to our community This year’s finalists showcase the innovation resilience and passion that make our business sector so strong.” “We are proud to support and celebrate businesses that not only provide outstanding products and services but also enrich our community through sustainability diversity and social impact – congratulations to all of our finalists.” This pre-loved clothing market offers a unique shopping experience that combines affordability Get your shopping fix while helping reduce the environmental effects of fast fashion.   there will also be an area where you can donate baby clothes and textiles Bring your own reusable coffee cup to get a free coffee Apply for a stall  A draft 10-year plan outlining how Council will strategically maintain and manage its $4 billion portfolio of community assets such as roads and sporting fields is now open for community feedback.   The draft Asset Plan 2025 - 2034 will be a blueprint for how Council will allocate resources and sustainably manage assets to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our growing community for the long-term.  The draft plan has been developed following extensive community consultation including three community focus groups in which residents were able to provide in-depth feedback to help develop the eight guiding principles that have been incorporated into the plan Residents are now able to review the draft plan and provide their feedback through an online survey or in person at a range of pop-up locations.   Council's assets are classified into 11 broad portfolio categories forecasted spend and key actions required ensure the assets are well-maintained useful and continue to provide value to our community.  Council’s current assets include:  To view the draft Asset Plan and to provide your feedback visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.  Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor “Council manages approximately $4 billion worth of assets and we need to ensure that we efficiently monitor and maintain these assets in line with our community’s expectations.”  “These assets are yours and they support your daily life They provide your community with places to connect opportunities to stay active and infrastructure to help you get around safely and efficiently.”   “It is important that we have a clear and strong plan on how we maintain and manage these assets so that they are sustainable in the future and can continue to help support our growing community.”  The City of Whittlesea’s new Council last night elected Councillor Aidan McLindon as its Mayor and Councillor Daniela Zinni as Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months.   who was recently elected to the Kirrip Ward said he was looking forward to working collaboratively with Council to deliver for the community.  “Tonight marks the start of a new era We have a group of Councillors on board who have been chosen by their communities and who are all keen to roll up their sleeves and get on with the job at hand.”  we are now looking forward to doing the basics brilliantly,” he said.  “We want to focus on delivering the services our community needs as efficiently as we can It is also our duty to make sure we are looking after the most vulnerable people in our community including those without food or shelter.”  “My aim is for the community to restore faith in local government so that we can all be proud to call this city our home.”  said she was humbled and honoured to serve the community as Deputy Mayor.  “I grew up in the municipality and I’m proud to give back.”  Councillor Zinni said she valued informed decision-making and would work to ensure Council continued to be transparent and accountable.  “I’m excited to make my community proud.”  For more information, visit the Councillors page on our website The City of Whittlesea is excited to announce the next round of the Community Insights Study a survey designed to gather important information from residents about their commuting habits A select number of households in the City of Whittlesea have been randomly chosen to participate and the insights gathered from this study will be vital in shaping future decisions and improving services for the local community The Community Insights Study is conducted three times per year and explores various aspects of community life providing a better understanding of residents’ experiences over time and residents may be invited to complete a survey via mail or email.  The deadline for participation in the current survey is Sunday 9 March 2025 The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and the information provided is confidential For more information about the Community Insights Study, and to view past survey results, visit the Community Insights page "By taking part in the Community Insights Study you are playing an important role in building a stronger and safer community it is about listening to our residents and using their insights to make the City of Whittlesea an even better place to live please take part and help shape the future of our city." An Unscheduled Council Meeting has been called to consider the following items of business: The election of a Mayor cannot be safely or conveniently considered at the next Scheduled Council Meeting as a Mayor in accordance with section 26 (6) of the Local Government Act 2020 must be elected within one month after any vacancy in the office of Mayor occurs a Governor in Council Order given to the Council in accordance with section 229A (4) of the Local Government Act 2020 must be tabled and recorded in the minutes of the next Council meeting The Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2020 require a copy of the Election Report for Whittlesea City Council 2024 Local Government Elections must be submitted to the Council at the earliest practicable meeting after the CEO received the report Nominations are now open for the 2024 City of Whittlesea Community Awards The awards are an annual celebration that honours residents who have made an extraordinary impact on the community through their service The 2024 Community Awards will be presented in the following categories: The awards will be presented during the annual City of Whittlesea Community Festival on Sunday Nominations are now open and will close on Wednesday If you know someone who has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the community To learn more about the awards and to nominate, please visit the Whittlesea Community Awards page "The Community Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the important contributions made by people in our community They shine a spotlight on individuals who have gone above and beyond to make the City of Whittlesea a better place for all or working to create positive change.”  “I encourage you to nominate someone who has made a difference so we can come together to celebrate their achievements and continue to build a stronger Quotes attributable to 2023 Young Citizen of the Year recipient "Receiving the award was an incredible honour It has inspired me even more to continue striving for greater contributions to the community." Each year Council appoints representatives to organisations and committees to ensure the City of Whittlesea participates and contributes to local and strategic issues that align to the Council achieving its goals Some of these are Community Advisory Committees others are Standing Committees which are formal committees that advise and recommend to Council The Audit and Risk Committee is Standing Advisory Committee established in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 to monitor and oversee: The CEO Employment Matters Committee (CEMAC) is an Advisory Committee appointed for the purpose of assisting Council in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to CEO employment matters CEMAC must provide for independent professional advice in relation to matters outlined within the CEO Employment and Remuneration Policy The Epping Cemetery Trust has been established as a Community Asset Committee pursuant to s 65 of the Local Government Act 2020 At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 17 December Councillors were appointed to the following committees:  Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)  Australian Local Government Women’s Association   Incorporated (ALGWA)  Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action Executive   (NAGA)  Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA)  Whittlesea Community Futures Partnership  Yarra Plenty Regional Library Board (YPRL)  Municipal Emergency Management Planning   Committee  Whittlesea Multicultural Communities Council   (WMCC)  City of Whittlesea Community Awards Committee  Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (WRG)  Whittlesea Youth Commitment Strategic Advisory   Group  City of Whittlesea Disability Advisory Panel  City of Whittlesea Business Advisory Panel  CEO Employment Matters Advisory Committee   (CEMAC)  (External Independent Chairperson appointed until 28   February 2027)  Hearing of Submissions Committee (HoS)  (appointed for the   4-year Council   term) City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd welcomed the new Council and the return of elected representatives for the City of Whittlesea.   “We are excited to welcome back locally-elected officials who will bring with them a real sense of grass roots community representation from right across our municipality,” Craig said.   “Serving as a Councillor is a unique opportunity to represent the community and we look forward to working with our new Council to continue to deliver important services and build much-needed facilities and infrastructure for our growing community.”  A Council Meeting will be held next Tuesday where the Council will elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.   We are thrilled to present an exciting line-up of activities for young people aged 10-25 during the upcoming summer school holidays From culinary delights to sporting adventures and thrilling excursions For the full program details and to secure your spot, visit the Youth Events page Tune in for this month’s Council meeting from 6:00pm and stay up to date with the latest projects and decisions going on at Council.  Join us in person at Council Chambers, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, or watch the video live stream of the Council meeting via our YouTube channel Please note that ID is required for attendance at Council meetings Agendas and minutes for each meeting are available for online viewing or download View the agenda A new City of Whittlesea Rainbow Advisory Committee will soon be established helping Council better engage with members of the LGBTIQA+ community providing understanding and awareness of their lived experiences and challenges and support the delivery of inclusive activities and programs across the city which was formally endorsed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 February will advocate for the equality and inclusion of LGBTIQA+ people and families in the community and provide advice and recommendations to Council The committee will be made up of up to nine community members and a minimum of two representatives from community organisations agencies or service providers who have a connection with the local LGBTIQA+ community The Council also appointed Councillor David Lenberg to the Committee for a one-year term and Councillor Blair Colwell as proxy An expression of interest process will soon be available where people can submit an application to be part of the Rainbow Advisory Committee The development of the Rainbow Advisory Committee is a key action of the City of Whittlesea Connected Communities Strategy and follows a petition that was received and tabled at the May 2024 Council Meeting Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Cr Lenberg “The establishment of a Rainbow Advisory Committee is an important step forward for our Council enabling us to work proactively with members of our LGBTIQA+ community to understand any barriers they may face when it comes to fully participating in our community “The Rainbow Advisory Committee will provide a conduit between the community sharing information on issues affecting the LGBTIQA+ community and identifying opportunities to promote knowledge and understanding “We are committed to ensuring that the City of Whittlesea is a place for all regardless of their background and identity.” The City of Whittlesea has welcomed a $4.5 million election commitment from the Albanese Labor Government to transform Nick Ascenzo Reserve in Thomastown into a vibrant The funding announcement was made by Andrew Giles and will significantly enhance access to green space and recreational opportunities for the Thomastown community and surrounding suburbs This investment will help unlock the full potential of one of the area's most frequently visited reserves inclusive and welcoming space for all.  The upgrade will enhance the reserve’s character while also improving essential access features.  These include improvements to the entrances fitness stations and a multi-purpose court so more residents can comfortably enjoy the space.  The transformation of Nick Ascenzo Reserve will enable the park to become an exciting destination for families the site will be reimagined to better meet the needs of the growing community and provide more accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces.  For more information on the master plan, visit Nick Ascenzo Reserve Master Plan "This is a huge win for Thomastown and the surrounding areas Nick Ascenzo Reserve is already a valued local space and this investment will help it reach its full potential for the benefit of the whole community. Council has been advocating for these upgrades to enhance access We thank the Federal Government for recognising the importance of this space and committing to its future." The Whittlesea Early Years Partnership (WEYP) is preparing for a series of meetings in 2025 aimed at connecting family services and early childhood professionals to address the evolving needs of children and families in the Whittlesea municipality ensuring that children and families in Whittlesea receive the support they need to thrive By fostering collaboration between schools WEYP aims to address the challenges facing the community while providing a platform for members to exchange insights and identify opportunities for collaboration The partnership will focus on several key priorities in 2025 including strengthening local services and building effective partnerships across the community alongside addressing emerging challenges such as social isolation and the impacts of rapid population growth The meetings will be held at the City of Whittlesea Council from 12-2pm on the following dates: For more information about the WEYP meetings, visit the Whittlesea Early Years Partnership Meetings event page Extreme heat days are becoming more frequent and intense Climate change means that Whittlesea is becoming hotter and drier with prolonged periods of above average temperatures We need to look after each other during heatwaves as they can be extremely dangerous Extreme heat kills more people than any other natural disaster It is important to prepare early and keep yourself cool Below is a map of cool places at the City of Whittlesea Download the cool places map(PDF, 5MB) A heatwave is classified when there are three days of unusually high minimum and maximum temperatures for a location. For more information, visit the Department of Health - Heat health warning page The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues heatwave warnings for severe or extreme heatwave conditions. These let you know when a heatwave is coming, how long it will last, and which areas will be affected. Find more information at Bureau of Meteorology - Heatwave Service for Australia Once the Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe or extreme heatwave warning, the Department of Health will issue a heat health warning. A heat health warning notifies the community of the risk and likely impact on people’s health. Find more information at the Department of Health - Heat health warning page Try to plan stay out of the heat for the hottest part of the day (usually in the mid-late afternoon) Drink lots of water even if you do not feel thirsty If your doctor normally limits your fluids caffeine and sugary drinks – they make dehydration worse towel or scarf on the back of your neck; spraying or splashing your face and the back of your neck often with cold water; putting your feet in cool water; and taking cool (not cold) showers or baths use fans and air conditioning if available Keep windows closed when it's cooler inside and open them when the indoor temperature rises above the outside Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block heat and turn off unnecessary lights and electrical devices to reduce warmth Indoor plants and outdoor trees can also help cool your home by providing shade and promoting evaporation neighbours or family members that are more at risk to suffer heat stress Don’t walk dogs during the hottest part of the day and never leave pets in cars so does the risk of contracting a heat related illness the body works to prevent overheating by sweating and re-directing blood flow to the skin A heat related illness can happen when these changes in the body combined with a person’s actions to stay cool aren’t enough to avoid overheating or dehydration serious complications can occur when organ systems begin to malfunction Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluids than it takes in Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can lead to heatstroke if untreated Seek medical help immediately by calling Nurse on call (1300 60 6024) or visiting the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department Heatstroke occurs when body temperature rises above 40.5°C place them on their side and check their airway The City of Whittlesea Community Awards recognise the outstanding service of residents who have made a valuable contribution to our community These awards provide a special opportunity for our community to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond and to celebrate their achievements and contributions The 2024 Community Awards will be presented at the Community Festival on Sunday and we invite you to be part of this meaningful celebration Save the date and keep an eye out as we finalise the 2025 Community Festival program For more information and to nominate, visit the Whittlesea Community Awards page Expressions of Interest are now open for the City of Whittlesea’s free Community Leadership Program This program helps locals gain the skills and confidence to lead community projects and make a positive impact.   The Community Leadership Program 2025 offers free workshops and training to help people develop leadership skills Participants will learn practical ways to work with their community and create positive change.  Wollert resident Najam UsSaqib is one of many who have benefited from the program He started The Hiking Tribe with his friend Hassan and joined the Community Leadership Program which gave him the skills to lead and grow the group.   and has attracted many migrants looking to explore nature make friends and feel at home in Australia camping trips and rock-climbing activities bringing people together to support each other and improve wellbeing.   Najam says the Community Leadership Program gave him the skills to run the group well “The program helped me learn how to lead a volunteer group create a welcoming community and handle challenges,” Najam said.   The skills you learn can help in all areas of life - whether in the community but most of all it helps you grow as a person.”   The Community Leadership Program is for people who want to start a community group take on a leadership role or learn more about how local government works Expressions of Interest are now open and close on 12 May 2025, with the program starting in early June. To learn more and apply, visit Community Leadership Program The City of Whittlesea encourages people from all backgrounds to apply gender-diverse individuals and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.   Najam’s story shows how one idea and strong leadership can bring people together and create a welcoming community. Hear what previous participants have to say about their experiences at the Community Leadership Program page Quote attributable to City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor “This program empowers people to make a real difference leading local groups or advocating for important causes It is a program that I personally benefited from and enjoyed If you’re looking for ways to give back and grow your leadership skills it’s important to plan for waste and recycling at home household waste can easily increase at this time of year To help keep your home and our community clean take note of the changes below to bin collections and the many ways you can manage your household waste Bins will not be collected on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) or New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1 January) and will be collected a day later All collections will run one day behind schedule for the rest of those weeks To find out when your next bin collection day is or download your print-ready calendar, visit My Neighbourhood We offer a free pine Christmas tree collection to residents as part of our bundled branch service. Pine Christmas trees will be picked up from the kerb on Monday 20 January. To book, call us before Friday 17 January on 03 9217 2170 We offer all residents, including renters, access to free and discounted waste and recycling vouchers to dispose of household, brick and rubble, green and timber waste. For more information, visit the Waste and recycling disposal vouchers page See the holiday opening hours for the tip See the holiday opening hours for the recycling facilities Planning a holiday clear out? Book your hard rubbish collection in advance. You can easily book online or call us to arrange a collection To learn how you can properly dispose of an unwanted item, explore our A-Z guide to waste and recycling If you’re unsure about an item, we are here to help. Call us on 03 9217 2170 or email us at info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au We can provide advice on how you can donate The City of Whittlesea is turning up the fun for Cultural Diversity Week from 17 to 23 March celebrating the theme 'Embrace the Journey Shape our Future.' It’s a week filled with music The highlight of the week is the Cultural Diversity Week Celebration on Wednesday 19 March from 10am to 1.30pm at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre mouth-watering cuisines and the chance to connect with local services Check out some of the other exciting activities on offer during the week:   Cultural Diversity Week coincides with Harmony Day on 21 March mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate!  Spots are limited, visit the Cultural Diversity Week page for more information and booking details or contact our Cultural Diversity team on 03 9217 2170 or email CulturalDiversity@whittlesea.vic.gov.au Quote attributed to the City of Whittlesea Mayor “Cultural Diversity Week is a fantastic opportunity to connect and celebrate the many cultures that make our community so special It’s a time to recognise the traditions that shape us and appreciate the richness of our collective heritage.”  Record ANZAC crowds New Mayor appointed Remembering ANZAC Residents invited for budget feedback Mobile pledge towards Whittlesea Where to vote: Whittlesea CCTV promise for Whittlesea 2026 Prep enrolments now open Magpies record first win Eagles back on track Laurimar powers past Demons Kilmore stay perfect Wallan treks to the coast Kilmore clips Hawks’ wings Len Baker’s Sulky Snippets: April 29, 2025 From the Boundary with Ray Carroll: April 29, 2025 Polling places are open on the final day for voting at the following locations on Saturday Beveridge Primary School (Ambrosia Campus) Early voting places are open at the following locations: Wandong on Monday April 28 to Thursday May 1,8.30am to 5.30pm For voters who require accessibility services including wheelchair access please visit www.aec.gov.au/ and follow the prompts © The North Central Review Pty Ltd The City of Whittlesea’s Proposed Budget 2025-26 outlines Council’s commitment to invest in essential services and infrastructure while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability Council has also developed the Proposed Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and Proposed Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 these documents ensure Council remains financially responsible while meeting the needs of our community now and into the future The $347 million operating budget will enable Council to continue to deliver essential services to the City’s growing population including kerbside bin collections as well as managing spaces and places for our community such as leisure centres The Proposed Budget also includes $117 million for Council’s capital works program to invest in building upgrading or expanding much needed facilities and infrastructure across the municipality Key projects proposed to be delivered in 2025-26 include: Council has also developed the Proposed Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and Proposed Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 All three proposed financial strategic documents have been developed following extensive community consultation gathered last year and early this year Throughout August and September 2024 our community identified their top priorities Financial Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan Close to 900 people shared their thoughts both online and at 13 community-based pop-ups open spaces and community facilities are their top priorities Read the proposed budget here  Read the proposed plan here  Read the proposed plan here  Have your say on the proposed Budget 2025-26 proposed Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and the proposed Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29by answering this short survey submitting budget feedback or come and talk to us in person at one of our pop ups General Feedback is open until 4pm 7 May 2025 Check in with community to ensure what we captured in phase 1 is supported Phase 4 - Broad community consultation on Proposed 2025-26 Budget and Financial Plans Proposed Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and Proposed Rate and Revenue Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 presented for community feedback A Hearing of Submissions Committee of Council will be established to consider submissions received for Budget 2025-26 and hear from members of the public who wish to speak to their submissions Phase 5 - Budget 2025-26 and Financial Plans considered for endorsement by Council Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 is considered for endorsement at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 17 June 2025 Map location Map location Map location Location map Map location Map location Westfield Plenty Valley(community space opposite Coffee Club) Map location Laurimar Shopping Precinct(outside Woolworths) Map Location Sign up today or login and update your details City of Whittlesea Council Homepage Personal information is recorded information or opinion To become a registered user on this Council community engagement site you will be asked to provide the following personal information: We will also collect information that you provide via the Engage City of Whittlesea feedback tools We will only use the personal information you provide for the purposes for which it was collected and any other reasonable secondary purpose The information we collect may also be used for our own planning and research purposes to improve our services to the community We will not disclose your personal information to third parties unless disclosure is required by law We will also protect the quality and integrity of your personal information and will use appropriate technologies and security methods to securely store the information collected to prevent unauthorised access and improper use of the information We will only collect personal information from you with your prior knowledge and consent You can access and browse our website without disclosing personal information our Internet Service Provider makes a record of your visit and logs the following information for statistical purposes: We will make no attempts to identify users or their browsing activities except where a law enforcement agency may exercise a warrant to inspect our Internet Service Provider's logs We will only record your email address if you send us a message It will only be used for Council purposes and will not be disclosed to any third parties without your consent When you sign up for a user account you provide two types of information: Publicly available information is limited to your username and any comments you leave under that name in the forums or other feedback tools on Engage City of Whittlesea Content that you post on the site publicly will be able to be viewed by everyone who uses the site Each post will contain your username and any publicly available reports from consultations and may include quotes from participants in forums Please note that the City of Whittlesea is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) legislation The Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives individuals and corporations a general right of access to documents held by Council This includes documents created by Council documents held by Council from contracted service providers and documents supplied to Council by external organisations or individuals Information available to both City of Whittlesea and Social Pinpoint includes: We may update the content of this Privacy Policy from time to time for any reason The updated version of the Privacy Policy will apply to you as soon as it is posted on the website so we suggest that each time you return to the consultation website you should review the Privacy Policy (and the Terms of Use) If you believe we have handled your personal information inappropriately, please contact the Information Privacy Officer on 03 9217 2223 or email privacy@whittlesea.vic.gov.au Cookies are sent by a website and stored in a user's computer and can contain data such as the parts of a website the user has visited This website uses a cookie that may contain data about your current online session but it is deleted once you close your browser window We record website visitor’s activities for statistical purposes using a third-party product These privacy statements only apply to our website and do not apply to any websites we link to We provide links to other relevant websites in good faith When you click through to one of the linked websites we recommend that you read the privacy statement of that website to familiarise yourself with its privacy policy and practices please send an email to engagement@whittlesea.vic.gov.au If you have any questions about these Terms please contact us at engagement@whittlesea.vic.gov.au Need an account? Sign up today We will send you instructions to reset your password Back to Log in Creating an account helps us better understand your needs and the needs of the community Completing the questions below helps us better understand the diverse range of people who contribute their ideas Would you like to follow this project to receive email updates Would you like to create an account or sign in Have an account? Log in Dog owners and their pets will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of a new off-leash dog park at VR Michael Reserve in Lalor.  The City of Whittlesea has been awarded a $300,000 grant towards the project from the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Park Program.  Council’s VR Michael Reserve Master Plan includes plans for an off-leash dog park in response to feedback from the community during the consultation period.  Off-leash areas provide families and their furry friends with opportunities for physical exercise and social interaction in safe Council will develop a concept plan for the dog park at VR Michael Reserve over the coming months and the community will be invited to provide detailed feedback.  Residents will be able to have their say on elements like the general layout of the park the type and location of furniture to be installed and lighting.  Council received $500,000 to deliver a new dog park in Allumba Park Wollert and $340,000 to upgrade the dog park at Whittlesea Public Gardens Construction works on the Allumba Park and Whittlesea Public Gardens dog parks are entering the final stages and they are expected to be open to the public in the coming weeks.  “The City of Whittlesea is committed to providing residents with the facilities they need in order to live healthy active lives. Taking the dog for a walk down at the local dog park is a great way to get some exercise while having fun and socialising with like-minded pet owners. We’re grateful to the State Government for this $300,000 grant which will allow us to fulfil a key component of our vision for VR Michael Reserve.”  The City of Whittlesea’s updated Election Period Policy was endorsed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 March which was open for community consultation from 26 February to 12 March 2025 was updated in preparation for the upcoming Federal Election Its goal is to ensure that both prospective and nominated candidates whether serving as Councillors or Council officers maintain transparency and integrity throughout the election process The Election Period Policy forms part of the City of Whittlesea Governance Rules To view the Election Policy visit the website. Quotes attributable to the City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor “This policy update provides clarity to both Councillors and Council Officers who may be considering running in the upcoming Federal Election and ensure that integrity and transparency is maintained.”  The City of Whittlesea welcomes the announcement of a $192 million election commitment from the Liberal/Nationals Coalition Government to upgrade Donnybrook Road providing a critical boost to transport infrastructure in Melbourne’s growing north This significant investment will support the rapidly expanding communities in Donnybrook Kalkallo and the surrounding areas by delivering essential road duplications Donnybrook Road services tens of thousands of residents with numbers continuing to rise as more families move into the area but increasing congestion has made travel times unreliable and residents have raised concerns about the impact on emergency response times The City of Whittlesea has been a strong advocate for investment in key transport infrastructure to meet the demands of our growing community reduce congestion and support future development ensuring the region remains well-connected and accessible “This announcement is a game-changer for our community Donnybrook Road is a critical transport link and this investment will make a real difference in easing congestion improving safety and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Our Council has been advocating for these upgrades to ensure our residents have better access to jobs We welcome this commitment and look forward to working with all levels of government to deliver these much-needed improvements.” Construction of the sports courts component of the regional sports precinct in Mernda will soon begin after the awarding of a $42.14 million contract The City of Whittlesea awarded the contract for the second stage of works to its preferred tenderer at the Council Meeting on 18 March 2025 The contract provides for the construction of four indoor and eight outdoor sports courts as well as a range of supporting infrastructure for players and staff This includes facilities such as bathrooms The second stage also includes landscaping car parks and connections between the indoor and outdoor courts The regional sports precinct will allow residents of all ages and abilities the opportunity to play many of the sports they love close to home The project represents Council’s commitment to boosting participation rates by removing common barriers such as access to purpose-built facilities Earthworks to prepare the site for the second stage of works and are well advanced and construction of the Plenty Road-Everton Drive intersection is expected to finish in the coming months The Federal Government has committed $11.5 million towards construction of the indoor stadium and outdoor courts while the State Government has committed $10 million towards transport infrastructure and a further $10 million for the indoor stadium For more information on the project, visit the Regional Sports Precinct in Mernda page “The Regional Sports Precinct is such an exciting project for our community and I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone.These 12 new sports courts will provide all residents with the opportunity to play their favourite sports close to home while fostering important social connections in their local community." The City of Whittlesea will be celebrating the exceptional talent and innovation of its business community at the third annual City of Whittlesea Business Awards Nominations are now open for businesses to be recognised for their achievements The awards offer a platform for entrepreneurs innovators and hardworking operators across the City of Whittlesea to showcase their successes and contributions to the community and industry The City of Whittlesea Business Awards are about recognising excellence and inspiring our business community to strive for a higher standard of innovation we want to highlight the incredible talent and dedication that drive the City of Whittlesea's economic landscape The awards are an opportunity to come together The awards will be open exclusively for members of the City of Whittlesea Business Network to self-nominate and enter one of the seven award categories These categories will be judged by an independent panel and the finalists will be invited to the awards evening where the winners will be announced one business will be awarded the City of Whittlesea Business of the Year The City of Whittlesea Business Awards are a true reflection of the rich and varied stories that make our business community exceptional Nominations for the awards close at 5 pm on Friday 7 March All finalists will be announced on 1 April with winners celebrated at a gala awards evening on Thursday 29 May at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre in South Morang To enter your business for the City of Whittlesea Business Awards, visit the Business Awards page Quotes attributed to the City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor "These awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and achievements of our local businesses showcasing the best of what the City of Whittlesea has to offer Nominate your business and let’s come together to celebrate your success and the vital role businesses play in our community Businesses across the City of Whittlesea support the economic prosperity of the municipality by providing employment opportunities and delivering exceptional products and services We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this contribution at our 2025 Business Awards." Congratulations to the five deserving locals who were recognised for their outstanding contributions to our community.   The annual City of Whittlesea Community Awards were presented at the Community Festival on Sunday celebrating the strong sense of community spirit and honouring the exceptional service leadership and dedication of our residents Among the recipients were a passionate environmental volunteer a local playgroup founder providing a safe space for children with additional needs a driven youth leader with a strong focus on issues facing young people a long-serving local radio volunteer and a champion for inclusivity.   with the winners selected by a committee that included past winners independent community members and a Councillor representative An active member and executive of the Whittlesea Interfaith Network Soni is a strong advocate for inclusivity and community connection promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding to help create a space where people from all backgrounds feel valued Following his participation in the City of Whittlesea Community Leadership Program Soni is also dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering leadership development and has established a nationwide network to help budding entrepreneurs His ongoing efforts and collaborations for community-driven events has helped strengthen social connection within the community Bill has been a volunteer radio presenter with 88.6 Plenty Valley FM for 36 years As one of the station's longest serving and most highly regarded on- air presenters Bill is a role model and mentor for the newer volunteers who have joined the station over the years Bill is the driving force behind all of PVFMs outside broadcasts has served on the Committee of Management as treasurer for many years and is the emergency co-ordinator and liaison with local emergency response teams for PVFM Bill’s selfless contribution to PVFM and community broadcasting is to be commended Zachary is dedicated to creating positive change with a strong focus on issues facing young people safe inclusive sport participation and educating young people on how to honour and support the legacy of our veterans a City of Whittlesea Youth Councillor and the former Youth Mayor and the current Year 12 college captain at his school Zachary has shown leadership across many areas Zachary has led the student representative Council at his school in raising funds to support the local community and was also the mental health and wellbeing ambassador at school promoting the importance of mental health in young people.  As the driving force behind the Free to Be Me playgroup program Zoe has transformed the lives of countless children with additional needs by providing a safe welcoming and engaging environment where they can thrive without barriers Zoe has created a supportive community where parents can connect share experiences and access crucial resources Zoe also provides support and guidance for families as they navigate services accessing early intervention and securing appropriate school placements Jim has been a strong advocate and participant in various conservation projects including the Friends of Plenty River Gorge and is a tireless volunteer with Parks Victoria responds to request for help from local landcare groups and loves sharing his knowledge and deep passion for the Plenty Gorge Park Jim also loves to promote wellness and the benefits of the great outdoors through sharing his stories with others "We received a record number of nominations this year showcasing the many wonderful people in our community who are going above and beyond Congratulations to the deserving recipients You really do reflect the selfless contributions so many people make in our community every day.   thank you for helping to make the City of Whittlesea an even better place for all." Get ready for an epic day at the City of Whittlesea Community Festival The festival is set to be packed with awesome music Headlining the stage is Australian world music star and his version of You're the Voice just hit over one million streams Expect a high-energy show that will have everyone dancing “It’s going to be such a fantastic celebration bringing the community together I can’t wait to share my music with audiences at such a vibrant event and to rock the stage,” Mitch said Their smooth mix of soul and funk has taken them to major festivals and they were named in the Bigsound 150 list in 2020 There’s plenty more local talent hitting the stage The City of Whittlesea Community Festival is a free Enjoy live cooking demonstrations with MasterChef Emilia Jackson For more information and a full list of the program, visit the Community Festival page The City of Whittlesea has resolved to remove the ‘road’ status from a small section of disused land in Sarissa Street This will enable the next step of the endorsed Whittlesea Public Gardens masterplan to be realised including the planning and delivery of a new 25-lot residential subdivision which would overlook and increase the safety of the Gardens A key component of the Whittlesea Public Gardens Master Plan 2018 is to create a residential development facing the gardens to deliver much-needed housing in the area encourage visitation and expand pedestrian links The planning permit application for the proposed residential subdivision is due to be considered at an upcoming Council Meeting Residents were encouraged to have their say on the proposed road discontinuance during a month-long public consultation process held in late 2024 The discontinuance decision will be advertised in the Victoria Government Gazette and Council’s Register of Public Roads amended to reflect the change “Council's decision to remove the ‘road’ status of this part of Sarissa Street is an important step forward in progressing the Whittlesea Public Gardens masterplan.” “Since the master plan was adopted in 2018 the Whittlesea Public Gardens in Lalor has been transformed into a community space that we can all be proud of.” “Council’s investment in the new playground half-court basketball courts and climbing wall has seen the park’s popularity with families increase These are soon to be complemented by upgrades to the car park “The Downs Road residential development is an important part of the master plan’s vision for a safe and accessible public gardens.” Whittlesea council will be investigated by a Commission of Inquiry the state government has announced while mayor Aidan McLindon has been suspended Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced on Wednesday a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea council and the suspension of Cr Lindon for six months Mr Staikos said following a report of receipt from the municipal monitors appointed to the council that he had suspended Cr Lindon under the Local Government Act “I am satisfied this is necessary to protect the health and safety of the councillors and staff at Whittlesea City Council,” he said “This suspension will take effect from today delegated committees or attending council premises.” the inquiry will have broad-ranging powers to address potentially serious and systemic governance issues at the council regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October The minister considered information from the government-appointed municipal monitors and council staff the unanimous call from 10 councillors for an independent investigation and that councillors also called for the mayor to resign from the office of mayor and agreed to a vote of no confidence The inquiry start-date and commissioners to lead the inquiry will be announced soon Whittlesea council will continue to operate as usual while the Commission of Inquiry is underway Mr Staikos said after receiving a letter co-signed by the 10 other councillors requesting urgent intervention he has determined that a Commission of Inquiry is needed “The situation at the City of Whittlesea is unprecedented — including the unanimous no-confidence motion in the mayor and his subsequent ban from council premises for occupational health and safety reasons,” he said “This inquiry will help to identify any changes needed to ensure the council is operating as required and in the best interests of its local community.”