What I Have Delivered as Your Representative on Local Council

As your advocate and leader, I have successfully delivered on my policies for our community and achieved significant outcomes:

✓ Campaigned successfully to save Preston Market from demolition.

✓ Implemented better traffic management to slow traffic on Boldrewood Parade.

✓ Introduced accessible playgrounds for neurodiverse, sensory, and physically challenged children, ensuring they can attend their local playgrounds.

✓ Introduced the free shower access program in Darebin, providing the homeless with a place to shower and access fresh water.

✓ Led the introduction of Victoria's first purpose-built, council-run animal shelter.

✓ Waived animal registration fees for all pensioners.

Growing up in Darebin and now raising my children here, I am deeply committed to our community. I will continue to fight to protect what we love, build what we need, and create a brighter future—ensuring future generations are inspired to live, work, play, and shop in Darebin.

Our diversity of cultural backgrounds, ages, occupations, and life experiences makes Darebin a unique and vibrant place to live, work, and play. My vision is to foster a more prosperous, vibrant, and sustainable Darebin, and I will continue to advocate for initiatives that promote these values.

I’ve implemented practical climate action, moving the motion to reduce food waste going to landfill by introducing free or affordable composting bins to schools and free bokashi bins to all residents. I have also supported Darebin’s solar power initiatives and the installation of EV chargers in the city, proud to be part of the positive changes benefitting our community.

I secured millions in funding for Reservoir, supporting our most vulnerable and isolated residents, and revitalised some of the bleakest areas. Together with local residents and artists, we transformed Reservoir with colourful murals on footpaths, walls, buildings, and laneways.

On a 1.2km stretch along Cheddar Road’s eastern side, we planted over 10,000 new plants, contributing to the area’s environmental renewal. New benches, fencing, and bike lanes were added to Cheddar Road’s median strip, while additional seating, tables, brightly-coloured bins, and trees were introduced along Spring, Broadway, and Edwards Street shopping strips.

I championed the Homeless Assertive Outreach Program, giving homeless individuals a safe place to shower and access fresh water. I also led the introduction of Victoria's first council-run animal shelter, collaborating with Merri-bek and Whittlesea councils, and waived animal registration fees for all pensioners. I ensured concession card holders receive an increased $200 discount on rates. I successfully advocated for Yarra Trams to reinstate the Tyler Street tram stop, and I’m excited to announce they will be installing a tram stop near Tyler Street—another key win for North Central Ward.

Growing up in Darebin and raising my children here has deepened my commitment to this community. I will continue to protect what we love, build what we need, and create a brighter future for future generations to be inspired to live, work, play, and shop in Darebin.

Our diversity of cultural backgrounds, ages, occupations, and life experiences makes Darebin truly special. My vision is to foster a more prosperous, vibrant, and sustainable Darebin, and I will continue to advocate for initiatives that uphold these values. These efforts will help create a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive Darebin, ensuring our community thrives now and in the future.

I will keep working towards creating a greener, fairer, and more vibrant city that future generations will be proud to call home.

Delivered in North Central Ward

✓ Boldrewood Parade: Installed electronic LED 40 km/h speed zone signs to improve road safety around the school. These high-visibility LED signs help reduce the risk of accidents.

✓ Tyler Street Tram Stop: Yarra Trams has confirmed the reinstatement of a new Tyler Street tram stop—another important win for our community.

✓ 2023: Opened the new Reservoir East Family Centre.

✓ 2023: Created 66 new places with the opening of a Reservoir Kindergarten.

✓ 2023: Expanded Reservoir Maternal and Child Health Services.

✓ Installed high-quality LUX lighting at:

• 2023: JE Moore Park Reserve in Kingsbury.

• 2023: GH Mott Reserve in Preston (north of Bell Street).

✓ BT Connor Reserve Pavilion: $2.7 million project.

✓ 2022: Resurfaced the KP Hardiman Hockey Pitch on Plenty Road, Kingsbury, with recyclable material.

✓ 2021: Added two new netball courts at Darebin Stadium, Reservoir High School, Kingsbury.

✓ 2020: Installed a new athletics track at Edwards Lake.

✓ 2024: Currently scoping the redevelopment of Reservoir Leisure Centre.

✓ 2023: Delivered the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, achieving a 6-Star Green Star rating.

✓ 2024: Continuing and expanding the Homelessness Assertive Outreach Program.

✓ 2023: Opened the new Darebin Intercultural Centre in Preston.

✓ 2023: Upgraded the Crispe Park Pavilion in Reservoir.

✓ 2023: Completed roof upgrades at TW Blake Reserve in Preston, Pitcher Park, and Clyde Community Centre.

✓ 2022: Signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve housing, services, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Revitalising Reservoir: $3.375 million project

As a member of the Reservoir Revitalisation Board, I have worked collaboratively with council on a $3.375 million project that celebrates Reservoir’s diverse community. This project beautifies shopping strips, laneways, and underutilised spaces while focusing on engaging businesses and community members who are less likely to participate.

One of the key projects includes a public art initiative—a participatory story wall that explores the community’s connection to Reservoir. This artwork will link the two laneways between Edwardes Street and Spring Street, further activating the heart of Reservoir.

Public Space Beautification and Safety Enhancements

✓ Cheddar Road Median Beautification

✓ Light Up Rezza

✓ Greening Reservoir

✓ Reservoir Blitz

✓ High on Broadway

✓ Reservoir Streetscape and Laneway Activation

Youth and Community Programs

✓ Technology Upgrades & Youth Social Gamers Groups

✓ Youth Entrepreneurs and Leadership Program

✓ Birds and Beans Community Training Café Extension

✓ Colour My Neighbourhood

✓ 3 Kool ‘N’ Deadly Mobile Broadcasting Van

Employment and Business Development Initiatives

✓ Reservoir Pathways to Employment Program

✓ Reservoir Thrive Program

✓ Reservoir Investment Attraction Plan

✓ Ramp Up Reservoir

✓ Economic Analysis

Cultural and Community Events

✓ Rezza Rocks On

✓ Rezza Rocks (Community Murals and Markets)

✓ #rezzacollab (Recipe Book)

✓ FUSE, Darebin’s Contemporary Multi-Art Festival

Health, Safety, and Social Wellbeing

✓ Your Health Help

✓ A Safer Reservoir

✓ Upgrades for Multi-Purpose Hall (St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church)

✓ Reservoir Splash (Shopfront Improvement Grants)

Active Transport and Accessibility Improvements

✓ Bike it to Rezza

✓ Reservoir Pathways to Employment (Active Transport Link)

Indigenous Housing (MoU with Aboriginal Housing Victoria)

In a significant step for Indigenous housing, I was proud to sign a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV). This important agreement establishes a partnership to improve access to housing, services, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The MoU also explores the possibility of rate concessions on AHV-managed properties in Darebin and works to increase housing stock. This partnership aims to enhance the wellbeing, community participation, and inclusion of AHV residents in council services.

Delivered Since 2012

✓ Casual Childcare: Introduced casual childcare services to support flexible parenting needs.

✓ Cannabis Oil for Medical Use: Advocated for the legalisation of cannabis oil for medical purposes, improving access for those in need.

✓ First Council-Run Animal Shelter: Established Victoria's first council-run animal shelter.

✓ Preston Market Heritage Protection: Successfully advocated for the protection of Preston Market’s heritage status.

✓ Pensioner Discount: Introduced a $150 discount on rates for pensioners, providing financial relief.

✓ Solar Panels & Battery Storage: Championed renewable energy initiatives by promoting solar panels and battery storage within the community.

✓ Darebin Declaring Climate Emergency: Supported Darebin’s leadership as the first council to declare a climate emergency.

✓ Zero-Kill Animal Policy: Introduced a humane, zero-kill policy for animals in the community.

Community Services & Inclusion:

✓ Youth Hubs & Decibel: Created youth hubs such as Decibel, providing resources and opportunities for young people.

✓ Respectful Relationships in Schools: Introduced respectful relationships programs into primary schools, fostering early education on healthy relationships.

✓ Autism-Friendly Spaces: Advocated for autism-friendly spaces in all council buildings, making Preston the first city to receive an award for supporting neurodiverse individuals.

✓ Prayer Room for Council: Introduced a prayer room for staff and visitors, fostering inclusivity.

✓ Silent Room at Northland SC: Advocated for a Silent Room at Northland Shopping Centre for those experiencing sensory overload.

✓ Braille on Banknotes: Supported the introduction of braille on Australian banknotes for the visually impaired.

Environment & Infrastructure:

✓ Graffiti Removal Within 24 Hours: Implemented a policy for rapid graffiti removal, keeping streets clean and welcoming.

✓ Water Fountains with Animal Drinking Bowls: Installed water fountains with overflow drinking bowls for pets.

✓ Cheap Animal Desexing & Free Pet Registration: Introduced affordable desexing services and free pet registration for pensioners.

✓ Local Shopping Strip Upgrades: Led the upgrading of local shopping strips with new signs, seating, and plants.

✓ Trolley Locking Mechanism at Summerhill SC: Advocated for trolley locking systems at Summerhill Shopping Centre to reduce abandoned trolleys.

✓ Northcote Golf Course: Supported enhancements to improve recreational facilities at Northcote Golf Course.

✓ Garden Maintenance & Smoke Detector Battery Replacement: Introduced services to assist vulnerable residents in maintaining their homes safely.

✓ In-House Home Care Services: Advocated for continuing in-house home care services to support independent living for vulnerable residents.

✓ Giant Hanging Swinging Basket in Playgrounds: Introduced innovative playground equipment, including giant hanging swinging baskets, enhancing play spaces for children.

✓ Free Shower Access Program for the Homeless:

I am proud to have championed and introduced the Free Shower Access Program in Darebin. This program provides the homeless with access to showers and fresh water. In the past year, participation has risen by 67%, largely due to increased promotion by referral agencies and community organisations. The expansion of the program to include Narrandjerri Stadium has also contributed to its growth.

Preston Market Advocacy

I have taken strong action to protect Preston Market, advocating on its behalf at Parliament House, leading a public campaign, and submitting a petition with over 20,000 signatures to the Planning Minister. I remain deeply committed to protecting Preston Market and its traders, working closely with the community, the Save the Preston Market group, traders, and shoppers. As Mayor in 2023, I continued this advocacy, speaking on the steps of Parliament and ensuring the market's voice was heard.

Preston Market is more than just a landmark—it is the heart of Preston, the people’s market. It is worth every effort to protect and preserve this community treasure, which is why I have consistently supported the market over the past decade, including advocating for its heritage overlay.

Darebin Intercultural Centre

The opening of the Darebin Intercultural Centre in Preston marks a significant achievement in fostering inclusion and understanding across Darebin's diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious communities. The centre was designed in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Traditional Owners and Darebin's multicultural community. This space is a critical step toward creating a more inclusive and harmonious community.

Age-Centric Services

I have expanded the delivery of high-quality services across all ages, including:

✓ Increasing three-year-old kindergarten places.

✓ Continuing our flagship Age-Friendly Darebin project.

✓ Implementing aged care reforms.

✓ Registering Darebin to become a home care package provider.

Reservoir – Circular Economy Precinct

I officially opened Darebin's first private-run Circular Economy Precinct in Reservoir, which is a social enterprise dedicated to eliminating waste and unlocking human potential. By offering repair, refurbishment, and retail services for high-quality products, Circonomy not only supports sustainability but also provides meaningful employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and other marginalised groups. This business is a cornerstone of Darebin's growing circular economy, mobilising dormant goods for use by consumers, businesses, and schools.

Community Wellbeing and Infrastructure

I have consistently advocated for increased investment in mental health and early intervention services, particularly in the north, which has some of the highest mental health impacts across Victoria. I am committed to advocating for a dedicated health service in the Northern region to better support community wellbeing.

In addition, I have supported upgrades and maintenance of key infrastructure, including playgrounds, parks, and LED lighting for sporting grounds.

Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Darebin

I continue to focus on making Darebin a leader in sustainability and climate action:

✓ Darebin Resource Recovery Centre (Reservoir): After 16 years of external management, we brought operations in-house, improving service delivery and environmental outcomes. Nearly $1 million has been invested in safety, including earthquake-damaged wall repairs, reopening the commercial tipping deck to improve access for recycling and waste management.

✓ Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO): Expanded the FOGO program, diverting 2,000 tonnes of waste from landfill.

✓ Northcote Aquatic Centre: Awarded a 6-Star Green Star rating, setting a new benchmark for environmentally sustainable facilities.

✓ Biodiversity Projects: Launched a rewilding project that saw 70,000 indigenous plants planted to enhance local biodiversity.

Affordable Housing and Social Support

In response to the housing crisis, I have advocated for at least 20% affordable housing in new developments, working closely with Big Housing Build and Homes Victoria to ensure Darebin leads the way in sustainable, energy-efficient housing. Projects like the affordable housing development near the Preston police station are part of my commitment to providing secure housing for all.

Advocacy and Economic Development

✓ Preston Market: Continuing the fight to protect Preston Market from overdevelopment, I have supported public acquisition if feasible, to maintain its cultural and historical significance.

✓ Local Business Support: I am committed to simplifying processes and reducing red tape for local businesses, ensuring shopping strips remain vibrant, clean, and accessible, which will encourage economic growth and community engagement.

Safe Travel Program – Reservoir, Thornbury

I secured $250,000 in funding support from the Traffic Accident Commission Local Government Grant Program for safety upgrades around schools. These upgrades, including a raised intersection at Rayment St. & Hutton St. in Thornbury, encourage sustainable travel and promote road safety around schools.

Road Resurfacing Program

Through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, nearly $1.8 million has been invested to resurface 41 road sections across Darebin. The use of environmentally friendly asphalt with steel slag reflects our commitment to sustainable infrastructure, enhancing safety for all road users.

Public Space Activation – Edwardes Lake Boathouse

Long-standing efforts to repurpose the Edwardes Lake Boathouse for community use are part of my vision for enhancing gathering spaces for education, recreation, and community support. I am committed to preserving the lake’s biodiversity, despite ongoing challenges like pollution and algae blooms, and ensuring Edwardes Lake remains a vibrant part of our community.

Cultural Heritage and Inclusion

✓ Place and Road Naming Policy, reflecting Darebin’s Aboriginal heritage, migrant diversity, and gender inclusivity, ensuring that the community’s rich cultural significance is recognised in every aspect of council’s work.

✓ A significant highlight of being the mayor 2022-23 was the resumption of citizenship ceremonies, which hadn’t been held since 2017. It’s been a privilege and an honour to officiate welcome over #500 new Australian citizens into our growing diverse community. Darebin has over 150,000 residents and speak over 150 different languages Darebin embraces and celebrates people from all walks of life. I’ve enjoyed individually speaking to every one of them.

✓ Female Sports Participation: Increased from 24% in 2021-22 to 42% in 2022-23, with 157,764 female participants out of 376,417 total participants.

✓ First ever council to be award accreditation across 60 standards for Welcoming Cities.

✓ Aboriginal-Owned Businesses in Darebin increased to 19 registered with Kinaway Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce.

✓ New and updated inclusion-Based Action Plans: Developed plans including an Aboriginal Action Plan, Cultural Diversity Action Plan, and Sexuality, Sex, and Gender Diverse Action Plan.

✓ Truth Telling Display: Launched a permanent history display at the Bundoora Homestead Art Centre in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

✓ Collaborative Work: Engaged with the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and local Aboriginal organisations to address the six key requests of DAAC’s Our Black Lives Matter statement.

Prosperous, Liveable and Flourishing

In February 2023, as the Mayor officially opened the Reservoir East Family Centre, which expanded access to kindergarten, maternal and child health services, and other early years programs for families in the area. The centre introduced 66 additional community-managed kindergarten places to meet growing demand. Additionally, the city is developing an Integrated Families, Youth, and Children strategy to improve outcomes for children, young people, and their families. Key design and construction projects are also underway as part of the kindergarten expansion program, addressing the need for three-year-old kindergarten across the city.

ALGA - Australian Local Government Association

As the Mayor I made strong advocacy efforts at the Australian Local Government Association Conference in Canberra. This platform allowed me the opportunity to represent and voice the ongoing concerns the people of Darebin and to help successfully secure more federal funding for our local community-based projects which I am proud of the outcome in leading council in getting great outcomes for our community.

Council established a long-term 10-Year Financial Plan to ensure our continued financial sustainability. This plan is designed to secure the resources needed to maintain essential services and assets that meet the evolving needs of our community, while providing value for money. Throughout this process, we remain dedicated to achieving our strategic goals and realising the community’s vision for the future of our city.

In today’s financially challenging environment, it is essential that we continue to closely monitor the implementation of the plan and our budget. While we’ve made a solid start in improving the Council’s financial outlook, there is still much work ahead.

NARC – Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

2023 Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star design rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, signifying ‘world leadership’ in environmentally sustainable building practices. The facility is designed to handle climate-related risks, such as heatwaves, and operates entirely on renewable energy, minimizing its environmental impact.

✓ In the future, the Centre can also serve as a "cool place" where people can seek refuge during heatwaves, supporting our plan to manage extreme weather.

✓ The fitness and wellness facilities feature versatile spaces and consulting rooms for allied health professionals.

✓ Marks Darebin’s significant commitment to sustainable infrastructure that will benefit our city for decades.

✓ The next goal is achieving the same standard for the facility at RLC to be constructed, which will be a major milestone in sustainability.

Climate, Green and Sustainable

✓ Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service expanded to all kerbside collection recipients, which resulted in diverting 2,000 tons of FOGO from landfill.

✓ The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre was awarded a 6 Star - Green Star - design rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.

✓ Complete the construction of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre and achieve a 6 Star – Green Star – as built rating which will result in an industry leading facility.

Biodiversity

✓ Rewilding Darebin continues to enhance plant biodiversity with 50,000 indigenous tube stock planted during 2022/2023.

✓ This financial year, 70,000 individual Indigenous plants have been planted, plus a further 30,000 planted via direct seeding.

✓ 100% Renewable energy is provided to Council buildings through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) contract.

✓ Install a sustainability trail at Bundoora Park Farm featuring educational displays aimed at fostering awareness, knowledge, and better practices in the community with regard to land, water and waste management, climate change and agriculture.

Financial Plan

Council now has a 10-Year Financial Plan to ensure a level of revenue and expenditure that maintains a balance between service delivery, asset maintenance and renewal, and provides a strong, sustainable base for the future.

Northcote & Thornbury Preston

120 trees planted in High street Northcote, Thornbury, and Preston. New mural added on the Thornbury Telstra mural and civic improvement.

Place and Road Naming Policy

Council adopted the Place and Road Naming Policy in 2023 to better reflect Darebin’s Aboriginal cultural heritage, migrant and cultural diversities and gender diversity in our community.

Planning controls

Council amended the planning scheme 2023 to change planning controls for private land in four areas: Thornbury Park Estate; Heidelberg Road Heritage controls; Higher Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) standards; and the Planning Policy Framework Review.

Improve local business - benefit the community

✓ Simplify Processes: Reducing bureaucracy makes it easier for businesses to grow and innovate.

✓ Invest in Infrastructure: Upgrading transport, digital connectivity, and public facilities helps businesses thrive.

✓ Provide Support: Offering grants, training, and mentorship ensures businesses have the tools to succeed, creating jobs and economic stability.

✓ Stimulate the Economy: A strong business environment boosts local spending and funds community projects.

✓ Foster Community Ties: Encouraging business participation in local events strengthens the connection between businesses and residents.

These strategies create a thriving business ecosystem that enhances both the economy and community well-being.

FUSE Festival

I continue to show strong support for our arts sector by hosting our FUSE Spring and Autumn Festivals in 2023. In what has become one of the pillars of our creative community, the bi-annual events ran across a total of 32 days, 59 events and around 500 local artists, artistic groups and community organisations across the whole of Darebin.