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. 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."  Wins for local members Mitchell Shire Council releases draft Budget Women’s sport grants open Shaping Whittlesea’s future Changes to intersection design a win New look for Bar Landy Clonbinane CFA receives big boost Words of wisdom A vigorous clash Key teams take wins Eagles stay in touch Thrilling weekend for Pacers Rangers’ big weekend Productive Panthers score two wins age 6: Try to learn a lot more than you really should age 11: To be happy and do stuff that you like to do © The North Central Review Pty Ltd The City of Whittlesea Council has elected Councillor Martin Taylor as its new Mayor at an Unscheduled Council Meeting on Thursday 24 April Cr Taylor was elected unopposed to role of Mayor for the remainder of the current Mayoral term Cr Daniela Zinni will remain as Deputy Mayor until this date Thursday night’s meeting was held to elect a new Mayor following the Minister for Local Government’s suspension of Councillor Aidan McLindon last week who was elected to the South Morang ward in 2024 said he was looking forward to the opportunity to serve the community as Mayor “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this Council through what will be no doubt a defining time for our City “I recognise the responsibility that the role carries and I approach it with clear commitment to serve all to unify our diverse voice and to deliver outcomes that strengthen our communities “This city belongs to the people of the City of Whittlesea Our role as your elected Council is to be custodians of your hopes and needs your aspirations and I commit to leading with integrity always placing your interests at the centre of every decision “It’s time for a new beginning A time to rise above the challenges of the last six months and to embrace a shared vision for the future that is inclusive forward thinking and built on a solid foundation and community trust.” APPLICATIONS for the City of Whittlesea’s Female Inclusion in Sport Grant Program are now open the initiative supports Council’s Fair Access Policy by supporting female participation in local sporting clubs as participants coach development and leadership opportunities that foster the next generation of female sporting role models Cr Martin Taylor said that 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 “Sport should be a place where everyone feels like they belong and that includes women and girls of all ages Small changes can lead to big impacts – and it all starts with taking that first step,” Cr Taylor said “Local sporting clubs play a big role in shaping a strong and connected community 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.” The City of Whittlesea has established a new waste taskforce in response to the ongoing problem of managing illegally dumped rubbish The taskforce brings together key teams across Council to focus on three main goals: educating the community on the best options to dispose of waste holding offenders publicly accountable and reducing the cost of clean-ups At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 March Council also resolved to advocate to the State Government to reinvest the Landfill Levy paid by Council to help cover the increased costs associated with illegal dumping The community is encouraged to continue to report illegally dumped rubbish and any identifying information, such as number plates or CCTV, through Snap Send Solve have access to a range of local free and discounted waste disposal options These include two free hard rubbish collections free drop off for e-waste and free recycling stations for batteries A handy guide of waste disposal options is also available on Council’s website to help residents easily find out the best option for their waste – often it’s local and free Visit A-Z guide to waste and recycling Quote attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor “We all know we have been dealing with an increase in dumped rubbish around our neighbourhoods Council has decided to take strong action and invest in prevention support for our community and continuing to enforce the law We are also advocating to the State Government to reinvest the Landfill Levy to help reduce the cost to our community of this ongoing problem.” “Through our new dedicated taskforce we will improve how we support our community so they know how to get their waste to the right place We will also name offenders to make sure anyone out there thinking of dumping knows we are serious about keeping our streets and neighbourhoods beautiful and safe for all.”  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 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 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.    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) 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 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 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 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.   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 this annual event welcomes City of Whittlesea residents to harvest olives and have them pressed communally into delicious A festival to celebrate the harvest is free for anyone to attend you must book a drop-off time and have proof you are a City of Whittlesea resident Each ticket entitles you to bring up to 20kg of olives (equivalent to about 2L of olive oil) and you may book multiple tickets if you have more Book your olive drop-off Secure your free festival ticket For more information and FAQs, visit the CERES website.  Fields marked as 'Required' must be completed Enter your email address or your friend's email addresses all separated by commas 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.”  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." 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." 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 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  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 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 City of Whittlesea is upgrading the Alexander Avenue Shops precinct to make it a more vibrant Improvements will be made to the immediate streetscape around the shopping strip Works are progressing well and are on schedule for completion in late April 2025 The contractor has completed the Alexander Avenue car park and it is now open to the public Minor works to the accessible parking space is ongoing The car park on Boronia Street is complete with line marking Bollards to the accessible parking space are to be installed The concrete footpath in front of the shops is now complete and open to the public Please be aware the contractor is still attending to minor tasks within the area The site will be open to the public for use by the end of April planting to all areas may be completed after the Easter and Anzac Day holidays Planned works to be completed by 25 April 2025: Businesses at the Alexander Avenue Shops Precinct will remain open and operating as normal for the duration of the works City of Whittlesea is upgrading the streetscape and parking along Alexander Avenue to make your visit to the strip shops safer and more convenient businesses at the Alexander Ave Shops Precinct are open and operating as usual The contractor will provide temporary safe access for pedestrians.  There is on street parking available on Boronia Street situated on the west side of the Nick Ascenzo reserve.  speed restrictions may be in place during construction Construction vehicles will be present on Alexander and Boronia Streets the 559 bus route will continue to operate as normal along Alexander Avenue The City of Whittlesea has received a $200,000 Living Local Suburban Grant from the Victorian State Government.  some works may need to be performed out of hours For more information about this project, please send an email to capital.delivery@whittlesea.vic.gov.au 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 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 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.”  Residents of all ages living in the growing suburb of Wollert are a step closer to better health education and wellbeing after the first sod was turned on the West Wollert Community Centre The milestone was marked with a short ceremony held at the Jardin Road site on Friday 4 April to celebrate the official start of the centre’s construction Wollert’s population is expected to grow to more than 33,000 people by 2041 and with it the demand for essential community services The $16.2 million centre will provide a boost to early childhood education through the provision of a three-room kindergarten creating 198 new places Two Maternal and Child Health Services consulting rooms will give parents access to important health checks for their young children without the need to travel activity room and community garden will help Wollert residents to create valuable social connections The centre will house a mini-branch library allowing residents easy access to Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s extensive collection of books There will also be a focus on accessibility to ensure everyone can benefit from the centre including delivery of a Changing Places facility for people with high care needs The centre is expected to be finished in early 2027 Councillor Aidan McLindon was joined at the event by Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing MP and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny MP Council is investing $7.7 million towards the project with the Victorian Government contributing $6.75 million from its Building Blocks Fund and $1.5 million from its Growing Suburbs Fund Melbourne Water is also contributing $168,663 to deliver the integration of permeable paving within the facility’s car park For more information about the project, visit the West Wollert Community Centre page “The West Wollert Community Centre will help to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for residents at all stages of their lives. Wollert’s population has grown – and will continue to grow – rapidly making infrastructure like this community centre vital to meeting the needs and expectations of residents. The City of Whittlesea is committed to ensuring our growth suburbs have access to essential community services and we thank the State Government for its support on this project.” 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: Please select which date you want an invite for A THRILLING men’s game saw Whittlesea hold on to take victory but it was not the same story for the women The Pacers’ men’s team were strong in the early stages of their clash with Craigieburn on Saturday night scoring 27 points to 13 in the opening term as they dominated every aspect of the game it looked as though it would be a story of how much Whittlesea would win by as they extended their lead to 20 points late in the second term en route to a 56-39 lead at the main break The first half of the third term suggested that it would be a cruise for the Pacers as they held station with their lead But a big run for Craigieburn towards the back end of the third term saw the door ever so slightly opened with Whittlesea leading 74-63 at the final change Craigieburn roared into the game in the first half of the last term as they reduced the margin to just four points they were able to find key shots when it mattered most Raheem Anthony was big down the stretch in hitting crucial shots while Angus Fischer and Jason Dirkx scored 15 points apiece and Pat Green scored 14 in an even team performance Whittlesea’s women had a massive assignment in a top of the table clash between themselves and the Eagles But it was the middle two quarters which saw Craigieburn flex their muscle A frenetic start saw both teams put score on the board early with Craigieburn taking a slender lead at the first change Craigieburn dominated the first half of the second term who soon found themselves on the end of a 19-4 run While the Pacers soon battled back with a 10-0 run of their own it was still the Eagles who led at the main break Craigieburn took complete control of the game in the third quarter and it was their run which allowed them to lead by as much as 20 points late in the term eventually turning for home 18 points to the good Whittlesea were unable to mount a fightback in the final term as Craigieburn cruised home to maintain their undefeated run The Eagles lamented being unable to play Tegan Cunningham for more than four minutes with Meg Lucas leading the way with 13 points Whittlesea’s women were productive in the second and final quarters of their game against Wyndham to eventually take a 36-point win Amy Temos was dominant with 24 points and 17 rebounds while Ella Sutherland scored 19 points and Peyton Burns 12 points Whittlesea’s men weren’t able to take their game against Altona with the Gators too strong in the last to eventually score a 95-88 victory Kuir Dhieu led all scorers for the Pacers with 20 points Timothy Halden scored 11 and Griffin Rowe and Joshua Pratt each scored 10 The Pacers’ men’s team hosts Warrnambool this week A MONTH has been completed in the Northern Football Netball League season yet we’re still learning about who might hold the balance of power Whittlesea had their biggest test of the season thus far with a crunch clash against high-flying St Mary’s at Whatmough Park but it was the Eagles who ran away with the contest with the game on the line in the last half kicking six goals to three to turn a three-point deficit at the main break into a 17-point victory Jaron Murphy’s four goals proved to be the difference Riley Carter and Paul Higgins were also named in the best in a game which saw the Eagles remain undefeated alongside pace-setter Diamond Creek Other results around the grounds in division two saw Diamond Creek record a 72-point win over Watsonia Northcote Park took a 21-point win over Panton Hill Lower Plenty proved too good for Thomastown and Macleod took a 95-point win over Old Paradians Mernda are on the board for the 2025 season after doing enough to defeat Ivanhoe at Waterview Recreational Reserve In what could best be described as a scrap the Demons held Ivanhoe goalless until midway through the last quarter the Demons’ 8.14 (62) to 3.17 (35) victory means they keep their finals hopes alive Matthew Campbell continued his brilliant season by nullifying Ivanhoe’s attacking force Josh Mazzarella and Nick Gregson were also named in Rob Fletcher’s best players recording their third win in succession after defeating Old Eltham Collegians by 88 points at Eltham College A six-goal to one behind first term saw the Power burst out of the blocks on Saturday afternoon and they simply did not put their foot off the gas from there Six more goals in the third term meant the Power turned for home with a 68-point lead before adding four goals to one in the last quarter to win 21.13 (139) to 8.3 (51) Thirteen players got in on the action for the Power Micah Vecchio and Ethan Frawley were also named in the best players Other results saw Kilmore roar back from a 26-point three-quarter-time deficit to overrun Kinglake to win by three points Reservoir made it back-to-back wins with a 56-point triumph over Heidelberg West and Epping bounced back in taking an 83-point win over Lalor South Morang welcomed reigning three-time premier Heidelberg to Mill Park Lakes While the assignment was an incredibly tricky one the Lions did well to keep the Tigers honest in their big cat battle throughout much of the day Seven goals in the third quarter did the trick for the Tigers who would eventually go on to win 14.14 (98) to 7.8 (50) Jesse John Christidis and James Traianou were named in the best players for the Lions A key clash with fellow winless team Bundoora is on the horizon for South Morang this week with the winner taking a huge step towards remaining in division one 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 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.” 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 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 This means less confusion and more chances to get the right thing in the right bin 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.   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.” 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 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.”  The City of Whittlesea has welcomed a $3 million federal election commitment from the Liberal Party to improve mobile and broadband coverage in Whittlesea and Beveridge.  Access to reliable mobile coverage is essential for the safety wellbeing and economic participation of our growing community This commitment directly responds to years of advocacy from Council and the community to address ongoing telecommunications issues in the north.  Many parts of our municipality experience poor or non-existent coverage leaving residents and businesses without access to essential services – particularly in emergency situations These black spots pose a serious risk during bushfires and other emergencies especially for communities in semi-rural and high-growth areas.  The announcement is a promising step towards closing the digital divide and improving everyday connectivity across the City of Whittlesea.  Council will continue to work closely with all levels of government and network providers to deliver practical solutions that improve digital infrastructure for residents For more information about Council’s advocacy on telecommunications, visit: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/telco  “This funding commitment is a welcome step towards improving digital equity in our community Reliable mobile coverage isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity “Residents in areas like Whittlesea and Beveridge have told us loud and clear that mobile black spots are affecting their quality of life This commitment brings hope for better safety better business and better connection.”  Explore the resources and guidelines for building Our comprehensive information covers everything from planning and building permits to development contributions and historic dry stone walls Ensure your projects comply with local regulations and contribute to neighbourhood enrichment and sustainable growth of our community 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 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 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Log in I would like to introduce myself as the new Mayor of the City of Whittlesea Cr Daniela Zinni and I are honoured to have been elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months We are pleased to lead a collective of councillors who have been elected to serve the community over the next four years and it is my hope that each of us are able to fulfil our duties without fear or favour Our focus will be to deliver the basic Council services brilliantly and that includes ensuring that everyone in our community is taken care of; including the most vulnerable who are struggling with living in fear It’s been a busy couple of months since Council elections with my fellow councillors and I completing our induction into local government and settling into our new roles Collectively we are passionate about delivering for our community so please have a look at page 6 and 7 to learn a bit more about each of your newly elected representatives This year we will be delivering a new Council Plan which will outline our key priorities for our term in Council Our community has already been given an opportunity for feedback on what their priorities are and many have spoken to us as councillors or candidates and we will be doing further consultation to make sure the needs of our local community have been taken into account in this plan We will also be seeking your feedback on the Draft Budget 2025-26 and key plans such as the Asset Plan We look forward to continuing to meet with residents in the community as we charter an action plan that is able to create opportunities for everyone You are most welcome to come along to our monthly Council Meetings or watch them on Council’s YouTube channel They are at 6pm on the third Tuesday of the month I look forward to serving our City and its 230,000 plus residents over the next four years to the very best of my ability Best wishes to your health and happiness for the year ahead WHITTLESEA has moved into the top four of the Northern Football Netball League division three senior women’s competition after accounting for Heidelberg West in a gritty game The Eagles made a bright start to kick goals in the first and second term to lead by 14 points at the main break Heidelberg West made their move in the second term kicking two goals to hit the front by the last change The Eagles had another gear to move clear when they needed it the most kicking two goals to nil in the last term to take a 4.4 (28) to 2.3 (15) victory in a win which moves them to fourth on the ladder Ashley Fitzpatrick was best on ground for the Eagles who also had good support from Eden Attard remains winless after falling to Macleod at De Winton Reserve The Power were no match for the Kangaroos throughout the balance of the day with the Roos hopping out to a 23-point lead at the first break before extending their lead to 32 points at the main change Laurimar was unable to score for the day as Macleod continued to build their lead extending their cushion to 49 points at the final change before winning 7.16 (58) to 0.0 (0) No best players were selected for Laurimar at the time of production Kilmore maintain top spot after a big win against Epping while Hurstbridge held Wallan scoreless in winning by 51 points Reservoir landed a three-point win over Darebin while North Heidelberg had a comfortable 62-point win over Montmorency a late fightback from South Morang saw them fall just eight points short of Ivanhoe Ivanhoe shot out to a 26-point lead at the first change by kicking four goals to no score but the Lions fought back to trail by seven points at the long break after kicking three goals of their own Ivanhoe extended their lead again to 15 points at the last change before the Lions kicked two of the last three goals to close the gap Rhianna Bennett and Ella Pinney were all named in the Lions’ best players The result sees South Morang stay in fourth in division two with other results seeing West Preston defeat Greensborough by 108 points Diamond Creek defeating Thomastown by 65 points and Panton Hill defeating Fitzroy Stars via forfeit FOLLOWING community feedback and three Listening Tours the Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) has released its Draft Budget for 2025/26 as well as the Draft Revenue and Rating Plan A budget of $224 million is currently slated for the Mitchell Shire which will include a projected surplus of $113 million $18.53 million to maintaining and improving the road network $1.34 million to renewing and extending footpaths $4.08 million for the development of community and recreational facilities $16.14 million for the construction expansion and upgrade of buildings across the Shire said in her summary on the Draft Budget their focus for 2025/26 is clear “Roads remain a major focus for us this year—we know how important they are to everyday life in our Shire This budget continues our strong investment in roads and footpaths while also setting out a clear plan for the next few years It lines up with our 10-year financial plan to make sure we’re building a sustainable future both financially and for our growing community,” she said Members of the community will have an opportunity to give feedback on the draft budget before it is presented for adoption at the May council meeting with the Community Questions and Hearings Committee Meeting to be held at 6 pm on Monday Community members who wish to participate in this meeting can do so by registering their interest by 12 pm tomorrow by calling the MSC Governance team on 5734 6252 MSC Mayor Councillor John Dougall expressed his appreciation for the community giving feedback throughout the Listening Tours and general meetings “We received a wide range of thoughtful and constructive feedback and we truly appreciate the community taking the time to engage with these important documents,” he said “These plans play a big role in shaping how we deliver services and invest in infrastructure across the Shire “Hearing directly from our community helps ensure we’re making decisions that reflect local priorities and needs “I’d encourage anyone who would like to provide feedback in person to attend the Community Questions and Hearings Committee Meeting It’s another great way to stay involved in the process.” Cr Dougall urged patience on his message in the Draft Budget as the MSC continue to navigate extreme growth we’re also grappling with long-term challenges Mitchell is growing rapidly—among the fastest in the state—and that growth brings both opportunity and pressure We’re balancing rising costs and growing demand for services and infrastructure while taking a responsible approach to debt It meets today’s needs while protecting the long-term health of our balance sheet It supports financial sustainability and ensures we can continue to deliver for the future “While our new council plan is still being finalised developing spaces that enrich everyday life ensuring good governance and fostering a strong sense of civic pride This budget is just the beginning of that journey.” 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 More than $450,000 in grants have been allocated to community groups sporting groups and individuals in the latest round of funding through the City of Whittlesea Community Grants Program.   offers grants to support the community to deliver programs activities and events as well as supporting individuals in leadership sports or environmental initiatives.   In the first half of the 2024-25 financial year ten medium grants and three large grants were offered for programs and activities ranging from community Christmas and new year celebrations festivals and support for individuals to attend national and international competitions.   three-year funding agreements have been established to support the Epping RSL deliver the ANZAC Day service and the Whittlesea Chinese Association to deliver their Lunar New Year celebration.   Grants were also provided to 74 senior citizen groups totaling $281,079 supporting the groups to provide activities and social support to older residents across the City of Whittlesea.   To learn more about the City of Whittlesea Community Grants program a free information session will be held on Thursday 8 May from 6pm-7pm at the Miller Community Centre Applications for the next round of medium and large grants will be processed after 31 March 2025 Applications for small and individual grants will reopen on 15 April and continue to be assessed monthly.   A free grant writing workshop will be held on Tuesday 13 May from 6pm-8pm at the Riverside Community Activity Centre South Morang to help applicants prepare their grant applications.   For more information on the Community Grants Program or upcoming information session or grant writing workshops, visit Community grants.  “We are so proud to be able to support our community to deliver events programs and initiatives that bring people together to celebrate learn and get involved.”    “We have so many individuals and groups across the municipality who are working hard to bring these events and programs to life and we look forward to continuing to support our community through our ongoing grants program.”  Upcoming events proudly supported by the City of Whittlesea Community Grants Program: A new policy that aims to keep fees and charges fair transparent and affordable was adopted by the City of Whittlesea Council on Tuesday 18 February.  The Pricing Policy – Fees and Charges responds to growing financial challenges faced by Council where the rising cost of essential service delivery has outpaced fee increases.  The policy commits to balancing affordability while maintaining service quality fees and charges will reflect the actual cost of service delivery while considering affordability The policy has seven guiding principles to determine how Council will set its fees and charges which include financial sustainability recognising the significance of service to the community It will apply to services that have non-statutory fees or changes applied The new policy can be found on the Pricing Policy – Fees and Charges page “Setting fees and charges for service delivery is always a difficult balancing act between the cost of delivering the service and the impact on community.  Council is acutely aware of the cost-of-living pressures that many residents are feeling which we have taken into account in deliberating the new fees and charges structure.  This new policy ensures Council has a framework to apply fees and charges in a consistent fair and transparent way while ensuring we take into consideration community impact.  This is another step towards ensuring transparency and good governance.”  Saturday’s federal election reinforced the strength of sitting members in McEwen and Nicholls with both incumbents securing decisive victories amid a closely watched national contest Rob Mitchell retained the seat with a comfortable margin the Nationals’ Sam Birrell extended his margin significantly Many saw the results reflecting voter confidence in established representation and suggest regional electorates may be favouring stability over change in an increasingly volatile political landscape Rob Mitchell successfully retained the seat of McEwen defeating Liberal challenger Jason McClintock by a margin of 3,345 votes Mitchell secured the seat with a margin of 6,277 votes in a dramatically tightened race this time He has represented McEwen since 2010 and has consistently secured re-election Mr Mitchell described the results as ‘fantastic’ and we’re humbled because of the trust they’ve put in us Australians made a clear choice about optimism and determination trusting our values and backing our people,” Mr Mitchell said In the neighbouring electorate of Nicholls Sam Birrell successfully retained the seat with an impressive 48.63 per cent of the primary vote reflecting a significant swing of 19.44 percentage points compared to the previous election “It’s a great honour to be re-elected as the Federal Member for Nicholls It’s a very humble feeling to have had close to 50 percent of constituents give you their number 1 vote but I commit to being the representative for everyone in our electorate not just the ones who voted for me,” Mr Birrell said “As soon as ministers in portfolios have been appointed they will get letters and visits from me explaining the importance of the projects that I committed to in the campaign and advocating to see how we can work together and get them done I worked collaboratively in the last term with the Labor Government and I achieved significant funding for our region and I will continue to do that this term of Parliament,” he added The election saw a turnout of 13,874 voters in Nicholls with 95.32 per cent of votes deemed formal Nicholls remains a stronghold for the Nationals The Australian Electoral Commission reported a total of 61,066 votes cast in McEwen comprising 58,209 formal and 2,857 informal votes In the weeks leading up to the polls candidates made a range of funding promises should their party win government Rob Mitchell promised $45 million for an Old Sydney Road upgrade $1.5 million for CCTV cameras to improve community security $500,000 to establish a hockey team in Beveridge $185,000 for Whittlesea Football Netball Club Upgrades $7.1 million for Mernda Housing Infrastructure $1.5 Million for Doreen Splash Park and $150 million for the Camerons Lane Interchange All eyes will now be on the outcome and timing of these commitments “We’ve had discussions with the Shire about Old Sydney Road and getting it underway as quick as possible,” Mr Mitchell said “We haven’t had a chance yet to talk to the state government yet about Donnybrook Road—our first conversation will be on Watson Street to get that moving as quick as possible The infrastructure things are also very important and making sure the services we need are still available,” he added KILMORE had an arm wrestle with Kinglake on Saturday at JJ Clancy Reserve in a battle for the Country Cup in round four of the Northern Football Netball League division three competition Kilmore coach Paul Derrick elevated players from the reserves team and Jarvis Sleep and Mitchell O’Dwyer were elevated from the 19s The first-quarter tension was recorded on the scoreboard just one goal and three behinds for the Blues and one each for the Lakers the Blues snuck in two behinds and one goal while the Lakers bagged two goals and four behinds to lead by a narrow six points at half time Across the third term the incumbents of the Country Cup advanced by another 26 points Kilmore hadn’t found a way to wiggle through the sea of yellow and green jumpers until the final huddle when Derrick told the team to believe in themselves—and they did Kilmore played an inspirational brand of football – four majors in under 8 minutes saw them roar back into the contest In the final minutes Ben Schraven kicked a goal from close range before Caleb Newport had ice in his veins to kick the winner helping Kilmore steal a win by three points The Reserves team had a triumphant win against Kinglake Divisional change a sure thing for the Women’s team The women’s team played their home game at Epping on Sunday and finished their grading games on a high with a change of division potentially on the horizon due to their strong form The Blues exploded onto the scoreboard to secure a 31 point lead and were just as composed in the second term to finish with a 62 point lead at half time Midway through the third term the dark Blues celebrated when Cindy Turnbull kicked their only goal The final score shows just how hard the women’s team are training and have quickly bonded The Kilmore Blues are anything but their namesake they had a stable of talent ready and rearing to play The final score was 17.16 (118) to 1.0 (6) Chloe Talbot kicked seven goals and Chiara Nardo three Brielle Kinnear and Chloe Talbot each kicked two and Grace Gerada Shenay Reeves and Emma Pyle piled on with one each Best on ground players were Jenaya Stewart Wallan played away at Hurstbridge and were outclassed by the Bridges Whittlesea played Heidelberg West at Whittlesea and won by 13 points There was exciting matchups across the NFNL Friday night courts with ten awesome Kilmore teams vying for the win Kilmore one played Kinglake two and triumphantly secured the Country Cup by eight goals The U17’s rolled Hazel Glen for an impressive 47-3 victory Next week Kilmore travels to play an improved Reservoir for the first time this season in what’s predicted to be a fiery clash