My first 12 months of being the Councillor for Melba Ward has been full of achievements and challenges, and I want to take the opportunity to thank my fellow Councillors, Council staff and CEO Tammi Rose for warmly welcoming me into the role. I have already met so many passionate and wonderful community members and volunteers, who have given me such a sense of pride, purpose and validation.
As a Council Delegate who sits on the Health and Wellbeing Advisory committee, I was so chuffed when I received the opportunity to have breakfast with the Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau, and had the time to address my concerns around mental health and social isolation in Yarra Ranges. These priority areas are part of the Health & Wellbeing action plan, even more so after the pandemic and storm event.
Despite the challenges, 2021 saw community highlights such as the Level Crossing Removal Projects in Lilydale and Mooroolbark, the opening of the first Lilydale Revitalisation Projects, ‘Bloom’ outside Bunnings, the official opening of Esther Park soccer pavilion, the Youth Leadership celebration and being part of the Council Plan and storm recovery workshops.
I am looking forward to what 2022 brings… the opening of the new Council Civic Centre, the rollout of further Lilydale Revitalisation projects, the wonderful initiatives of the new Community Connector project in Mooroolbark based at Mooroolbark Terrace, community feedback on the Lilydale Structure Plan and planning for Lillydale Lake and McDermott Reserve – just to name a few!
I wish everyone a happy and festive time as we draw to the close of the year and let’s ‘Grow Well Together’ in 2022!
