I’m horrified by the news that Federal MP Helen Haines has been injured in Wangaratta today.
We are all entitled to our own views and opinions, and we are entitled to disagree, sometimes strongly. But we must respect the right of others to hold different views.
We all need to dial the temperature down.
Political debate has become increasingly hostile, particularly on social media. We can disagree without being abusive, challenge ideas without attacking people, and debate passionately without losing respect for one another.
There is no place for violence, threats or intimidation in our democracy.
Democracy depends on more than the right to have our say. It depends on our willingness to listen, to respect differences and to resolve disagreements peacefully. These are values we must all stand up for, regardless of our political views. If we lose that respect for one another, we undermine the very democracy we are so fortunate to live in.
My thoughts are with Helen, her family and her staff tonight. I wish her a full and speedy recovery. ... See MoreSee Less
🏆 A fantastic night celebrating our local businesses at the 2026 Monash Business Awards Gala with Deputy Mayor Elisha Lee!
Congratulations to all the category winners and finalists. It’s great to see the hard work, dedication and success of businesses across Monash recognised.
Our local businesses are a huge part of what makes Monash such a great place to live and work. They create jobs, support our local economy and contribute so much to our community.
A big thank you to the Monash Business Association for organising another wonderful evening and for the work they do supporting our local business community.
Congratulations again to everyone recognised! 👏 ... See MoreSee Less
Yesterday I joined Waverley Softball Association for the opening of a time capsule buried back in 2002 during the Melbourne World Masters Games!
The 2002 Games were a massive event for Melbourne, bringing together almost 25,000 athletes competing across 26 sports, including softball.
Deputy Mayor Elisha Lee joined me, along with representatives from Softball Victoria and players and committee members from 2002, to take a trip down memory lane.
It was great to look back at a piece of our local sporting history and reflect on just how much has changed over the past 24 years.
What hasn’t changed is the dedication of the volunteers, players and families who keep community sport alive.
A big thank you to everyone at Waverley Softball for inviting us along and for continuing to build on the association’s proud history.
🚴♂️🌳 Have your say on the future of Stan Riley Reserve in Oakleigh South!
Stan Riley Reserve is home to Monash’s only BMX track, and we’re looking at ways to improve the reserve for riders, young people, families and everyone who uses it.
We’ve released an early concept plan showing what the future of the reserve could look like, including a new BMX/pump track, multipurpose court, ninja course, public toilet, picnic areas, improved pathways and more landscaping.
But these are just early ideas, and we want to hear what YOU think!
Whether you’re a BMX rider, a local resident or someone who enjoys spending time at the reserve, now is your chance to help shape its future.
💬 Have your say online through Shape Monash until Sunday 13 December 2026.
📍 Come and speak with Council officers in person at Stan Riley Reserve, Centre Road, Oakleigh South:
📅 Saturday 24 October, 1pm to 3pm
📅 Sunday 15 November, 1pm to 3pm
🚴 We’re also looking for riders interested in joining a track design focus group.
The plans aren’t final, and your feedback will help determine what the reserve looks like in the future.
I’d encourage everyone who uses the reserve to take a look at the concept plans and share their thoughts.
👇 Link to the plans and consultation in the comments! ... See MoreSee Less
Great to see the Victorian Government commit $200,000 to support KooyongKoot, an important environmental corridor running through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
KooyongKoot, meaning Land of the Waterfowl, is the traditional name for Gardiners Creek. Its catchment covers 112 square kilometres, providing vital habitat for wildlife, green open spaces and recreational opportunities for our communities.
It was great to join Matt Fregon MP, who announced the funding commitment, alongside Boroondara Mayor Wes Gault and Deputy Mayor Cr Shima Ibuki, the Mayor of Whitehorse, Cr Kirsten Langford, and Stonnington Councillor Cr Kate Hely to celebrate this commitment.
🤝 Our environment doesn’t stop at Council boundaries, and neither should our efforts to protect it.
Through the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration, five councils, government agencies, community groups and other organisations are working together to improve water quality, restore native vegetation, protect biodiversity and create healthier waterways.
A great example of regional collaboration delivering better environmental outcomes for our communities. 🌳🦆 ... See MoreSee Less
🚨🇦🇺 Behind the scenes of Australia’s emergency response!
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the National Situation Room at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Canberra, alongside my fellow Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Board members.
The National Situation Room operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, monitoring emergencies and disasters across Australia and internationally, including bushfires, floods, cyclones and other major crises.
🌏 One of the most interesting things I learnt was that NEMA doesn’t have its own geographical jurisdiction when it comes to responding to emergencies.
Unlike our state and territory emergency services, NEMA doesn’t simply take control when a disaster strikes. Its role is to coordinate Commonwealth assistance, generally when requested by a state or territory government.
Internationally, NEMA can only become involved in disaster response efforts when assistance is requested by the affected country. A recent example was the devastating floods in Nepal, where Australians were among those caught up in the disaster, but NEMA had to wait for an official request before becoming involved in the emergency response.
It’s an interesting feature of our federal system. Even during major disasters, responsibility for the response remains with the relevant jurisdiction, with NEMA helping to bring together the resources and capabilities of the Australian Government when needed.
🏘️ For local government, this coordination is particularly important. Councils are often on the frontline of disasters, supporting our communities during emergencies and dealing with the recovery long after the immediate danger has passed.
A fascinating opportunity to see how Australia’s national emergency coordination works and the people and technology behind it.
Did you know that some types of fruit tree netting are actually illegal in Victoria? Older netting with larger holes can trap and seriously injure birds, possums and flying foxes.
♻️ Monash residents can bring their old netting to the Monash Recycling and Waste Centre and swap it for wildlife-safe netting for FREE!
And the old netting won’t go to waste. We’ve organised for it to be recycled into carpet underlay.
Recently I caught up with Kristy, our Manager Sustainable Monash, to see the program in action.
🦇 Protect your fruit, protect our wildlife and keep the old netting out of landfill. Win, win, win! ... See MoreSee Less
I’m horrified by the news that Federal MP Helen Haines has been injured in Wangaratta today.
We are all entitled to our own views and opinions, and we are entitled to disagree, sometimes strongly. But we must respect the right of others to hold different views.
We all need to dial the temperature down.
Political debate has become increasingly hostile, particularly on social media. We can disagree without being abusive, challenge ideas without attacking people, and debate passionately without losing respect for one another.
There is no place for violence, threats or intimidation in our democracy.
Democracy depends on more than the right to have our say. It depends on our willingness to listen, to respect differences and to resolve disagreements peacefully. These are values we must all stand up for, regardless of our political views. If we lose that respect for one another, we undermine the very democracy we are so fortunate to live in.
My thoughts are with Helen, her family and her staff tonight. I wish her a full and speedy recovery. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🏆 A fantastic night celebrating our local businesses at the 2026 Monash Business Awards Gala with Deputy Mayor Elisha Lee!
Congratulations to all the category winners and finalists. It’s great to see the hard work, dedication and success of businesses across Monash recognised.
A special congratulations to this year’s winners:
🏆 Business of the Year: Novotel Glen Waverley
🌟 Rising Star: The Splendor Homes
🏅 The Matt Dunn Award: Mana Fitness Solutions
🍽️ Hospitality: Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley
🩺 Health & Science: Victorian Hearing
🏪 Micro Business: Waverley Gardens Vet
🤝 Not for Profit: Monash Men's Shed
💼 Professional Services: Topmigrationaustralia
Our local businesses are a huge part of what makes Monash such a great place to live and work. They create jobs, support our local economy and contribute so much to our community.
A big thank you to the Monash Business Association for organising another wonderful evening and for the work they do supporting our local business community.
Congratulations again to everyone recognised! 👏 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was great to attend the annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast hosted by Steve Dimopoulos.
I’ve attended every one of these breakfasts over the past decade, apart from when COVID prevented them from going ahead.
It’s always a great event, but behind the pink decorations and delicious food is a very serious message.
💕 1 in 7 Australian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
In Australia, more than 20,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and around 3,300 lose their lives to this disease.
The good news is that early detection and improvements in treatment have made a huge difference, with the five-year survival rate now at 93%.
Ladies, please don’t put off getting checked. Early detection can save your life.
✅ Women aged 50–74 are encouraged to have a FREE breast screen every two years.
✅ Women aged 40–49 and over 74 can also access free screening and should speak with their doctor about whether it’s right for them.
✅ If you notice any unusual changes, don’t wait for your next screening appointment. See your GP.
📞 Book through BreastScreen Victoria on 13 20 50 or visit www.breastscreen.org.au.
A big thank you to Steve Dimopoulos MP for continuing to host this important event and helping keep breast cancer awareness front of mind.
🎀 A few minutes of your time could save your life. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
⏳ 24 years in the making!
Yesterday I joined Waverley Softball Association for the opening of a time capsule buried back in 2002 during the Melbourne World Masters Games!
The 2002 Games were a massive event for Melbourne, bringing together almost 25,000 athletes competing across 26 sports, including softball.
Deputy Mayor Elisha Lee joined me, along with representatives from Softball Victoria and players and committee members from 2002, to take a trip down memory lane.
It was great to look back at a piece of our local sporting history and reflect on just how much has changed over the past 24 years.
What hasn’t changed is the dedication of the volunteers, players and families who keep community sport alive.
A big thank you to everyone at Waverley Softball for inviting us along and for continuing to build on the association’s proud history.
Here’s to the next 24 years! ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🚴♂️🌳 Have your say on the future of Stan Riley Reserve in Oakleigh South!
Stan Riley Reserve is home to Monash’s only BMX track, and we’re looking at ways to improve the reserve for riders, young people, families and everyone who uses it.
We’ve released an early concept plan showing what the future of the reserve could look like, including a new BMX/pump track, multipurpose court, ninja course, public toilet, picnic areas, improved pathways and more landscaping.
But these are just early ideas, and we want to hear what YOU think!
Whether you’re a BMX rider, a local resident or someone who enjoys spending time at the reserve, now is your chance to help shape its future.
💬 Have your say online through Shape Monash until Sunday 13 December 2026.
📍 Come and speak with Council officers in person at Stan Riley Reserve, Centre Road, Oakleigh South:
📅 Saturday 24 October, 1pm to 3pm
📅 Sunday 15 November, 1pm to 3pm
🚴 We’re also looking for riders interested in joining a track design focus group.
The plans aren’t final, and your feedback will help determine what the reserve looks like in the future.
I’d encourage everyone who uses the reserve to take a look at the concept plans and share their thoughts.
👇 Link to the plans and consultation in the comments! ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌿💚 $200,000 for KooyongKoot (Gardiners Creek)!
Great to see the Victorian Government commit $200,000 to support KooyongKoot, an important environmental corridor running through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
KooyongKoot, meaning Land of the Waterfowl, is the traditional name for Gardiners Creek. Its catchment covers 112 square kilometres, providing vital habitat for wildlife, green open spaces and recreational opportunities for our communities.
It was great to join Matt Fregon MP, who announced the funding commitment, alongside Boroondara Mayor Wes Gault and Deputy Mayor Cr Shima Ibuki, the Mayor of Whitehorse, Cr Kirsten Langford, and Stonnington Councillor Cr Kate Hely to celebrate this commitment.
🤝 Our environment doesn’t stop at Council boundaries, and neither should our efforts to protect it.
Through the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration, five councils, government agencies, community groups and other organisations are working together to improve water quality, restore native vegetation, protect biodiversity and create healthier waterways.
A great example of regional collaboration delivering better environmental outcomes for our communities. 🌳🦆 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🚨🇦🇺 Behind the scenes of Australia’s emergency response!
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the National Situation Room at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Canberra, alongside my fellow Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Board members.
The National Situation Room operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, monitoring emergencies and disasters across Australia and internationally, including bushfires, floods, cyclones and other major crises.
🌏 One of the most interesting things I learnt was that NEMA doesn’t have its own geographical jurisdiction when it comes to responding to emergencies.
Unlike our state and territory emergency services, NEMA doesn’t simply take control when a disaster strikes. Its role is to coordinate Commonwealth assistance, generally when requested by a state or territory government.
Internationally, NEMA can only become involved in disaster response efforts when assistance is requested by the affected country. A recent example was the devastating floods in Nepal, where Australians were among those caught up in the disaster, but NEMA had to wait for an official request before becoming involved in the emergency response.
It’s an interesting feature of our federal system. Even during major disasters, responsibility for the response remains with the relevant jurisdiction, with NEMA helping to bring together the resources and capabilities of the Australian Government when needed.
🏘️ For local government, this coordination is particularly important. Councils are often on the frontline of disasters, supporting our communities during emergencies and dealing with the recovery long after the immediate danger has passed.
A fascinating opportunity to see how Australia’s national emergency coordination works and the people and technology behind it.
Thanks to the NEMA team for hosting us! ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
🐦🌳 Got fruit trees at home? Check your netting!
Did you know that some types of fruit tree netting are actually illegal in Victoria? Older netting with larger holes can trap and seriously injure birds, possums and flying foxes.
♻️ Monash residents can bring their old netting to the Monash Recycling and Waste Centre and swap it for wildlife-safe netting for FREE!
And the old netting won’t go to waste. We’ve organised for it to be recycled into carpet underlay.
Recently I caught up with Kristy, our Manager Sustainable Monash, to see the program in action.
🦇 Protect your fruit, protect our wildlife and keep the old netting out of landfill. Win, win, win! ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook