Brimbank Annual Report

2022–2023

2 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Acknowledgement and reconciliation

Contents

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 3

Acknowledgement

of Country and Council

Statement of Commitment

to Reconciliation

Brimbank City Council respectfully

acknowledges and recognises the

Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples as

the Traditional Custodians of the land

and pays respect to their Elders, past,

present and future.

Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Bunurong People as the Traditional

Custodians of the lands where our municipality sits. We recognise their continuing

spiritual connection to this land and renew our commitment to respect Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander beliefs, values and customs.

The Country in which Brimbank is located is under the statutory care of its Traditional

Custodians, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to the south and

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to the north of the

municipality. For the Traditional Custodians, the lands in the City of Brimbank have

always been a significant trading and meeting place.

Aboriginal people lived on these lands for more than 65,000 years before European

settlement. The rich history and continuous culture of our Traditional Custodians

is woven throughout Brimbank, in its people, in significant sites and in murals

recognising this history. Brimbank has about 440 registered sites of significance.

Artefacts found are more than 30,000 years old. Some of these sites are in Brimbank

Park, Sydenham Park and Organ Pipes National Park.

2022–2023 highlights in our reconciliation journey:

• Council resolved to continue raising awareness of what January 26 means to

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Installed artwork by Wurundjeri man, Thomas (Tom) Day, in Council Chambers.

• Conducted staff Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Survey.

• Allocated Romsey Villa, a vacant property located in Sunshine North, as an

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community centre for a five-year pilot.

• Supported Cooinda Community Group to secure State funding for the Cooinda

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Centre for the next two years.

• Acknowledged Council’s support of the Uluru Statement of the Heart through

the Mayor for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement.

• Commenced delivery of Cultural Awareness Training for Council staff.

• Started redevelopment of the third Innovative Reconciliation Action Plan

2024–2026 and re-established a Reconciliation Working Group.

• Provided ongoing support of Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Consultative Committee and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led initiatives

during National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week for Council staff.

• Continued to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and

history via flags, plaques and resources in libraries and neighbourhood houses.

Contents

Purpose of the Annual Report

5

Message from the Mayor

6

CEO’s message

8

About the City of Brimbank

11

Achieving our Community

16

Vision 2040

Key challenges our city faces

19

Engaging with the community

20

FEATURE: The Brimbank

21

Community Voice

Elected Members of Council profiles 22

Our Council

26

Elected Members in our community 27

Volunteering in Brimbank

28

Highlights of the year

29

FEATURE: Brimbank Wellness

33

and Aquatic Centre

Advocacy

34

Awards

38

People of Brimbank

40

Financial summary 2022–2023 42

Capital Works Program 2022–2023 44

Executive Leadership Team

50

management as of 30 June 2023

Major change

52

Organisation structure

53

as of 30 June 2023

Workforce profile

54

‘Together We are Brimbank’

63

— Strategic direction and objectives

Our Goal: People and Community 64

Our Goal: Places and Spaces

76

Our Goal: Opportunity and Prosperity 90

Our Goal: Leadership and Governance 98

Governance and management 111

Governance and Management 112

Checklist

Statutory information

126

Infrastructure and development 130

contributions

2023 Community Satisfaction 132

Survey

Description of municipality

137

Sustainability Capacity Indicators 138

for the year ended 30 June 2023

Service Performance Indicators 139

for the year ended 30 June 2023

Financial Performance Indicators 142

for the year ended 30 June 2023

Certification of the Performance 146

Statement

Independent Auditor’s Report 148

Contents

151

A Plain English Guide to the

152

Annual Financial Report

Certification of the

155

Financial Statements

Victorian Office Audit Report

156

Financial Statements

158

Glossary

210

Acronyms

211

Index

211

4 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Welcome

Welcome

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 5

Purpose of

the Annual Report

The Brimbank City Council Annual Report

2022–2023 examines our strategic,

operational and financial performance

for the financial year 1 July 2022–30

June 2023. Through this report, Council

reviews our performance, achievements

and progress towards strategic

objectives and the strategic directions

set out in our Council Plan 2021–2025 to

remain accountable to our community.

We also provide insights into emerging

challenges facing the organisation and

how we have used public resources

to deliver services, programs and

infrastructure in the interests of our

community.

The Annual Report also aligns with

the principles set through the

and meets

legislative and compliance reporting

requirements for local government in

Victoria.

To obtain a hard copy of this document,

please get in touch with Council’s

Customer Service Centre at

9249 4000

or email

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

01

Welcome

In this report, you will find the following sections:

Here you will find a yearly summary from the Mayor and CEO and a snapshot

of our community.

This section lists key challenges and what matters to Brimbank now and

into the future, our elected Councillors, how we engaged with community

and Council’s significant highlights and achievements of the year.

Outlines our workforce makeup, the people who lead them and our organisation

structure.

Details how we deliver our vision for Brimbank through meeting our Council

Plan 2021–2025 critical strategic objectives: Well-being and Belonging;

Pride and Participation; Liveable and Connected; Sustainable and Green;

Growing and Transforming; Earning and Learning.

Provides information about governance, including council meetings, local laws,

committees and audits, as part of our commitment to providing good governance

and ensuring that our operations are open, transparent and accountable.

Highlights our Performance Statements and the Victorian Auditor-General’s

(VAGO) report on our performance.

Sets out how we have applied the financial management principles in the

, including the audited performance and financial

statements that we are required by law to provide.

6 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Welcome

Welcome

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 7

Message from

the Mayor

The Annual Report signals an

opportunity to reflect and celebrate.

This year, we have much to be proud

of, and I am pleased to showcase

our achievements and report our

performance whilst calling out the

challenges facing Brimbank City Council

and our sector as a whole. Throughout

the year our focus has been on delivering

essential services, completing projects,

and maintaining financial responsibility.

One of the biggest highlights for the

year was the opening of the

Brimbank

Aquatic and Wellness Centre

(BAWC).

Within nine months of opening, the

Centre had been visited more than one

million times. Delivery of this project is

the culmination of years of planning and

working alongside community to ensure

the build and programs respond to the

diverse needs of our local community.

The 6 Star Green Star rating for the

Centre is the first of its kind in Australia,

supporting Council’s commitment to the

climate emergency. I encourage you to

read more about the success of BAWC

on page 33. I look forward to seeing the

impact of BAWC on future generations.

Our ability to raise income in an

environment of increasing costs, has

had a compounding financial impact on

our Council, and all of local government.

Although I am proud to report that this

financial year’s

budget

was balanced,

and our debt ratio remains stable, we

face economic uncertainties caused by

rising living costs, increased labour and

material costs, interest rate rises, and

rate capping. Our 10-year financial plan

includes an underspend in asset renewal

as a mechanism for maintaining financial

sustainability. This is of significant

concern as we strive to maintain

our assets now and into the future.

Although Council remains committed to

ensuring that our community receives

the essential services it needs while

being financially responsible, it would

be remiss of me not to point out the

significant financial challenges faced by

Council.

Through active engagement with

political decision-makers, we have

worked with our community to raise

Brimbank’s priorities in both State and

Federal Parliaments. This has led to

government commitments, including

the construction of a new train station

in Keilor East, a funding commitment

of $80 million to rebuild Albion Station

and the release of the Sunshine

Station Masterplan accompanied by

a $143 million funding commitment

to implement the first stage of this

Masterplan. Since these commitments

were announced, the Federal

government has reviewed its role in

other projects across the State. I remain

confident that these projects will be fully

realised due to the fundamental role

they play in creating opportunity and

prosperity across our community.

Council has also been successful in

advocating for significant reforms to

the operations of electronic gaming

machines, new mental health facilities,

implementation of environmental

projects, a new dog park and upgrades

to sporting facilities, playgrounds

and community infrastructure. I am

particularly proud of our efforts to

secure funding towards planning

at Sydenham Park. This funding

will contribute to implementing the

Masterplan at this significant site.

Throughout the year, Council has

continued to advocate strongly for

our community, including successfully

moving the following four motions

at the Australian Local Government

Association General Assembly:

• Increasing the quantum of financial

assistance grants

• Compensation Scheme for airport

impacted communities

• Voice to Parliament

• Restrictions to gambling advertising

This is a great example of

Leadership

and Governance

in action. We continue

to listen and work hard to represent our

community’s needs and priorities.

During the 2022–2023 financial year,

our whole-of-Council advocacy was

incredibly successful, leading to over

$300 million in government investments

for our community.

During the year, we welcomed a

new

Councillor

, with Cr Thomas O’Reilly

officially joining us following a countback

to replace former Councillor, Trung Luu.

As a council, we understand the

importance of staying connected with

our community. This year, we have

taken steps to enhance our approach by

establishing the

Brimbank Community

Voice panel

. Comprising of residents,

ratepayers, and business owners from

Brimbank, this panel provides a platform

for individuals to share their feedback

and ideas on important issues and

projects that affect our community. See

page 21 for further detail.

We highly value direct engagement

with our community, and our ‘Let’s

Talk Brimbank’ program has been a

great success. Seven sessions were

held in 2022–2023, where community

members had an opportunity to meet

local Councillors, ask questions and

better understand Council’s work.

These, and the many other events, are

of upmost importance as they allow us

to connect directly with the community.

I want to express gratitude to everyone

who participated in our community

engagement activities and advisory

committees throughout the year. Your

input has been invaluable in informing

Council’s decision making.

Our work continues to be guided by the

community-informed

‘Together We are

Brimbank’

plan 2021–2025 that defines

a roadmap for our term.

We remain committed to

People and

Community

, and strive to ensure

Brimbank is a welcoming, inclusive, and

safe place that supports well-being,

belonging, participation and community

pride. Examples of this in action are

Council’s efforts to encourage and

support an increased supply of social and

affordable housing in Brimbank.

Another is the enhancement of safety

and improvements to the overall urban

environment, through installation of

standard and feature lighting fixtures

and CCTV cameras in Sunshine and

other activity centres. And Council

continues to celebrate our community

by facilitating Refugee Week 2023

activities that encourage newly arrived

migrants to participate in Council and

community organised events across the

municipality.

In the areas of

Places and Spaces

, we

progressed work to support liveable

and connected neighbourhoods that

support healthy and sustainable futures

for our community. Council continues to

make significant investment in greening

our municipality, including an ongoing

commitment to increasing tree canopy

coverage. Other examples of our work in

Places and Spaces includes completing

neighbourhood park upgrades and

conducting community conservation

planting days along our key waterways.

Our effort in progressing

Opportunity

and Prosperity

has centred around

creating future-focused opportunities

for learning and earning. We continue to

promote Brimbank as a destination to

build the visitor economy and tourism.

Council is also committed to promoting

Brimbank as an ideal location for

businesses and facilitating development

to drive investment and economic

growth. In 2022–2023, Council revised

the Brimbank Economic Development

Strategy to better support future

opportunities and growth. Campaigns

to support local businesses included

‘Think.Shop.Buy’ Local, which was rolled

out across 18 locations in Brimbank, and

business development programs, which

attracted more than 350 attendees.

Looking ahead, our key priority is to

create a beautiful, thriving, healthy and

connected Brimbank. We will continue

to support well-being, improve our

city and collaborate with all levels of

government to build a better future for

our community.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge

the dedicated and hardworking staff

of Brimbank City Council. Their tireless

efforts are the backbone of our

achievements. Thank you to my fellow

Councillors for their shared commitment

to Brimbank, and to our community for

its passion and ideas for our city. It has

been a remarkable year in Brimbank and

Council has once again shown its agility

and leadership to achieve outstanding

results for our community, both now and

for the future.

Cr Bruce Lancashire

Mayor,

Brimbank City Council

8 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Welcome

Welcome

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 9

CEO’s

message

‘Connect, Collaborate, Make an

Impact’

is the title of our first ever

Organisational Strategy. It strongly

resonates with my focus for this year as

I have worked to improve internal work

practices by investing in people and

improving processes and systems in the

knowledge that this will enhance how

we make an impact in our community.

Our

Organisational Strategy

serves

as a roadmap to achieving our Vision for

the Brimbank community and the Council

Plan. Our goal is to become a progressive,

values-driven, and high-performing

organisation in Brimbank. To achieve

this, we must operate safely, efficiently

and within realistic timeframes. The

Strategy will help us enhance efficiency,

elevate our systems and processes,

foster greater collaboration and

strengthen our connection with the

community.

Our dedicated staff consistently

demonstrate a high level of

engagement, alignment with our vision

and unwavering enthusiasm for their

work at Brimbank City Council. This was

most evident through our recent

staff

engagement

survey results, which

were 10% higher than the public sector

benchmark, including state, federal and

local government. Our engagement

level score of 71% reflects the extent

to which our people are proud to work,

intend to stay and would recommend

Brimbank as a place of work whilst

striving to go above and beyond. With

this steadfast commitment, we are

confident that we are firmly on the path

to achieving our vision.

Staff

safety

is of upmost importance

to me. I am proud that during the past

year, we made significant progress in

achieving 95% of the actions in our

new Occupational Health and Safety

Strategic Plan. Initiatives include the

creation of operational risk registers,

delivering training to leaders and

implementing a risk-based response

to overhead cable incidents. I want

to see staff thrive in a physically and

psychologically safe workplace and will

continue to prioritise this work.

A key highlight was delivering the

$282.3 million

budget, which included

$56.64 million in capital works projects.

Council prioritised funding for essential

services that provide significant value

to our local community, such as facility

upkeep, maternal and child health

services, libraries and road maintenance.

Our commitment to delivering these

services remains strong, and we are

constantly striving to improve to meet

the changing needs of our residents.

Our dedication to

service excellence

is reflected in the positive feedback we

received from our community through

the Community Satisfaction Survey.

Council’s ‘overall performance’ remained

strong and ‘customer service’ was a

high performer, scoring three points

higher than the statewide average. We

are proud to provide public value and

enhance the well-being of Brimbank.

High inflation, staff shortages, cost

shifting, legislation changes, climate

change and rate capping are significant

issues faced by local government. We

continue to focus on the health and

well-being of our community and are

working hard to ensure funding for

important services for the community

and upgrades to our ageing assets, while

also investing in new facilities for the

community.

We successfully secured funding for the

More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West

Program, and were recognised through

awards for developing an exceptional

community facility and environmental

stewardship at the Brimbank Aquatic

and Wellness Centre.

Our commitment to

environmental

sustainability

has been a guiding

principle for our work. The Brimbank

Climate Emergency Plan has had a

significant impact, resulting in reduced

energy consumption and greenhouse

gas emissions from Council operations.

During the year, Council successfully

obtained funding to develop a

community battery in Sunshine, and

supported community groups to deliver

environmental projects through our

Climate Emergency Community Grants

Stream.

We have also focused on

waste

management

by implementing food

waste recycling through our Food

Organic and Green Organic (FOGO)

waste program. This supports residents

to convert unwanted food waste to

commercial compost for use on farms

and parks around Victoria. We also aim

to create a more sustainable future by

reducing waste sent to landfills.

Looking forward, our commitment to

your well-being remains unwavering.

The alignment of our strategies with

community priorities, as captured in

the Council Plan Action Plan and Budget

for 2023–2024, serves as our roadmap

towards a thriving Brimbank.

I want to thank the Brimbank Councillors

for working passionately as elected

community representatives to achieve a

better Brimbank, and to thank staff, who

collectively bring a wide array of skills,

knowledge and commitment to serving

Brimbank.

I encourage you to read this report and

discover the progress made in your

neighbourhood and across Brimbank.

Fiona Blair

Chief Executive Officer,

Brimbank City Council

10 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Introduction

Introduction

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 11

About the

City of Brimbank

By 2040, the Brimbank community

will be healthy and safe, and we will be

united through a sense of belonging and

pride. Our city will be inclusive, resilient,

innovative and vibrant, and our people

will share equally in the city’s prosperity

and opportunity. The environment and

heritage will be protected and enhanced,

and Brimbank’s diverse neighbourhoods

and housing will offer something for

everyone.

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s

west, Brimbank is a thriving and inclusive

community that prides itself on its

diversity. With an estimated population

of 193,146 residents, it is the fifth

most populous municipality in Greater

Melbourne. Our multicultural identity

celebrates the stories and experiences

of people from all over the world, making

Brimbank a welcoming place for all.

“A transformed Brimbank

that is beautiful, thriving,

healthy and connected”

— Together We are Brimbank

Council Plan

02

Introduction

The Wurundjeri and Bunurong People

have been the Traditional Custodians

of the land in the Port Philip Bay region,

including parts of our current City

of Brimbank, for over 65,000 years

before European settlement. For the

Traditional Custodians, the lands in the

City of Brimbank have always been a

signifi cant trading and meeting place.

We recognise the Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander communities continuing

spiritual connection to the land and

renew our commitment to respect

Indigenous beliefs, values and customs

as together we build a cohesive future.

Suburbanisation and population

growth in Melbourne lead to increased

development in Brimbank, including

the establishment of new housing

estates. In the 70s In the 1970s, the

Westgate Freeway was constructed,

connecting Brimbank to the City of

Melbourne. In the 1980s, Brimbank

experienced signifi cant economic

growth, with the establishment of

new industries such as information

technology and fi nancial services.

More than half of our residents

speak a language other than

English at home, with more than

90 languages represented. The top

10 languages other than English are

Vietnamese, Punjabi, Filipino/Tagalog,

Greek, Maltese, Italian, Macedonian,

Arabic, Cantonese and Croatian.

We are proud of our diversity — it

speaks of our acceptance, our desire

for peace and harmony, and our

willingness to give everyone a fair go.

The fi rst European settlements

were established in Keilor in the

late 1840s, Sunshine (then known

as Braybrook Junction) in the

mid-1880s, and St Albans in the

late 1880s. Brimbank has a rich

industrial past, based around the

Sunshine Harvester Works, the

largest industrial enterprise in the

Southern Hemisphere in the 1920s.

Many suburbs grew around the

original settlements after World

War II when migrants from Southern

Europe fl owed into the area. More

recently, newly arrived Asian and

African communities have developed

alongside the more established

European communities and areas that

were once industrial hubs have been

transformed into residential suburbs.

With continued migration and

signifi cant investment in infrastructure

and community services, the City of

Brimbank was established in 1994,

uniting the former Keilor and Sunshine

Councils. It was named after Brimbank

Park in Keilor, which gained its name

from the practice of farmers driving

livestock ‘around the brim of the bank’

of the Maribyrnong River.

The Country in which Brimbank is

located is under the statutory care of

its Traditional Owners, the Bunurong

Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to

the south and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung

Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation

to the north of the municipality.

For the Traditional Owners, the lands in

the City of Brimbank have always been

a significant trading and meeting place.

Aboriginal people lived on these lands

for more than 65,000 years before

European settlement.

Brimbank is also renowned for being

one of Australia’s most culturally

diverse municipalities, with nearly

half its population born outside the

country. Following World War II, many

migrants from Southern Europe

resettled in Brimbank. More recently

we have welcomed Asian and African

communities, who contribute to the rich

cultural fabric of our community

Over half of the people in Brimbank

speak a language other than English at

home, with more than 90 languages

represented, including Vietnamese,

Filipino/Tagalog, Greek, Punjabi, Arabic,

Macedonian, Maltese, Cantonese, Italian

and Croatian, among others.

For further information contact

Brimbank City Council —

Social Policy and Research Unit

www.profile.id.com.au/brimbank

cssp@brimbank.vic.gov.au

(03) 9249 4000

0 to 4 5 to 9

10 to 14

15 to 19

20 to 24

25 to 29

30 to 34

35 to 39

40 to 44

45 to 49

50 to 54

55 to 59

60 to 64

65 to 69

70 to 74

75 to 79

80 to 84

85 and over

Age

(years)

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

Resident number

Male

Female

Speaks English only (70,661 people)

Speaks another language, and English

well or very well (85,676 people)

Speaks another language, and English

not well or not at all (26,513 people)

44%

Not stated (11,764 people)

13.6% 6%

36.3%

of residents

identify with a faith

or religion

compared with

in Greater Melbourne

This snapshot of Brimbank’s community provides demographic analysis of the

City of Brimbank and its suburbs, based on fi rst-release data (June 2022) from the

2021 Census of Population and Housing.

*

196,712

— a decrease of

7,478

from 2016.

*This snapshop will be updated as new data is released in October.

Date of publication August 2022

The largest changes in Brimbank’s age structure between 2016 and 2021 were:

• Seniors (70-84) (+3,881 people)

• Empty nesters and retirees (60-69) (+1,484 people)

• Tertiary education and independence (18-24) (-2,413 people)

• Babies and pre-schoolers (0-4) (-1,958 people)

Number

% of total

population

Change

2016–2021

(persons)

Vietnamese

36,020

18.5



4,567

Filipino/Tagalog

4,939

2.5



377

Greek

4,613

2.4



675

Punjabi

4,370

2.2



1,264

Arabic

4,285

2.2



1

Macedonian

4,237

2.2



396

Maltese

4,061

2.1



995

Cantonese

4,025

2.1



145

Italian

3,868

2.0



1,038

Croatian

2,868

1.5



573

Newer languages that are increasing in number include: Telugu,

Assyrian/Aramaic, Nepali and Urdu.

Number

% of total

population

Change

2016–2021

(persons)

Vietnam

25,391

13



3,686

India

8,209

4.2



1,075

Philippines

5,759

3



13

Malta

4,086

2.1



438

North Macedonia

3,033

1.6



42

Italy

2,819

1.4



372

New Zealand

2,601

1.3



672

China

2,202

1.1



193

Croatia

2,035

1



250

Greece

2,031

1



191

Other countries of birth that have increased since 2016: Iraq (+781

people), Nepal (+498 people) and Burma (Myanmar) (+405 people).

Number

% of total

population

Change

2016–2021

(persons)

Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander population

855

0.4



39

of people in Brimbank

were born overseas

compared with

in Greater Melbourne

One-third of the total area of Brimbank

is Bunurong Land and two-thirds is

Wurundjeri Land. Within these lands are

440 registered Aboriginal archaeological

sites that are over 30,000 years old. In

addition to numerous stone and bone

artefacts, scarred trees and silcrete

quarry sites have been found along the

Maribyrnong River, Taylors Creek and

Steele Creek.

Brimbank is located 11 to 23 kilometres

west and northwest of Melbourne’s

central business district (CBD) and

covers an area of 123 square kilometres.

Around 15% of Brimbank’s total area

is designated as open space, which

includes natural wonders such as the

Organ Pipes National Park, Mount

Derrimut Grasslands, Green Gully

Reserve, Brimbank Park and Iramoo

Wildflower Grassland Reserve.

Brimbank’s five activity centres of

Sunshine, St Albans, Deer Park, Sydenham

and Keilor are all thriving communities

that make Western Melbourne a place of

choice. Each suburb offers a unique set of

attractions and amenities to cater to the

needs of its residents.

Sunshine

is a bustling urban hub with

a multicultural food scene, Victoria

University, Sunshine Hospital, VicRoads

and other community and commercial

services.

St Albans

is a centre of activity, home to a

Victoria University campus, the St Albans

Community Centre, Bowery Theatre, and

a thriving restaurant and retail district.

Deer Park

is a growing and lively

community with great parks and diverse

dining and shopping options.

Sydenham

continues to thrive as a hub

of vibrant activity, with iconic landmarks

like Watergardens Town Centre and the

Calder Park Motorsport Complex.

Keilor

is nestled amidst scenic rolling

hills and several national and state parks,

offering attractions like Organ Pipes

National Park and catering to residents’

needs in several suburbs.

Employment, industry and growth

Located in Melbourne’s west, Brimbank

is rapidly emerging as a key employment

hub, with its primary industries spanning

across manufacturing, retail, healthcare

and social assistance.

Thanks to its strategic location, the

area has seen significant infrastructure

commitments, including Melbourne

Airport Rail. Brimbank witnessed a

median house price of $712,187 in 2021.

Planning to cater for the growing

demands on systems will be essential

due to predicted population increase

from 193,146 now to an estimated

243,386 by 2041.

CALDER PARK

DELAHEY

KEILOR

DOWNS

KEALBA

KINGS PARK

ALBANVALE

CAIRNLEA

SUNSHINE

NORTH

ARDEER

ALBION

DERRIMUT

SUNSHINE WEST

BROOKLYN

KEILOR NORTH

TAYLORS LAKES

KEILOR

LODGE

KEILOR PARK

TULLAMARINE

KEILOR

EAST

HILLSIDE

16 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Introduction

Introduction

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 17

Achieving our

Community Vision 2040

‘Together We are Brimbank’

Our Council Plan, ’Together We are

Brimbank’, is a responsible roadmap for

achieving our community’s vision for

Brimbank and enhancing health and

well-being. ‘Together We are Brimbank’ is

an integrated plan that brings together

the Community Vision 2040, Council

Plan 2021–2025 and the Municipal Public

Health and Well-being Plan.

Integrated planning

and reporting

The

mandates that councils take

an integrated approach to strategic

planning and reporting. This joint

approach brings together our key

strategic documents including our

10-year Financial Plan, Community

Vision, Municipal Public Health and

Well-being Plan, Council Plan, Revenue

and Rating plan, and Annual Budget.

We follow an integrated approach to

planning, monitoring and performance

reporting, as outlined in the diagram

below. For more information about

performance reporting, please visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

Climate emergency

Climate impacts and mitigation strategies are at the forefront of our thinking. Brimbank has excellent rail links and will become a

hub city between Melbourne’s CBD and regional Victoria, intersecting with Melbourne Airport. Our grasslands and watercourses

are valuable assets, and we take pride in our industrial history and related architectural heritage, which we aim to preserve and

reference as we move forward. Given the degree of climate change already happening, urgent efforts are required to minimise

the impacts of climatic disasters on our community.

There is a critical need to engage with local emergency and health services to plan safe responses to extreme weather

events such as heatwaves and to construct early warning systems that are accessible to the community with its diverse

communication needs. Brimbank is well placed to be re-envisioned and co-created. The

Climate Emergency Plan

identifies a

position statement, principles and five themes for action.

The position statement commits Council to:

• Adopt and promote a custodial ethic of Caring for Country

• Acknowledge the 21st century as a period of climate emergency and opportunity for positive social change

• Lead the Brimbank community to net zero emissions in accordance with climate science

• Position the climate emergency as the strategic focus of Council operations

• Advocate for genuine science-based leadership from higher levels of government for decision-making principles to provide

the ‘lens’ to implement this position statement

Transforming Brimbank

Brimbank and Melbourne’s west is about to see billions of dollars of development and infrastructure being delivered over the

coming decade in a way that will transform our city. The majority of investment and transformational change is planned to

occur in the Sunshine Precinct, which may have up to 43,000 additional residents and an additional 29,000 jobs created by

2051. The Transforming Brimbank program aims to leverage this investment to deliver meaningful and generational change for our

community. Brimbank aims to do this by working closely with key stakeholders as well as the community, to ensure that all

investment includes people and place and not just projects.

The Transforming Brimbank program is a key opportunity to deliver positive social justice and climate outcomes of a significant

scale.

Social justice

Council is committed to being a leader in the area of social justice and strives to create a more just society for everyone.

Working in partnership with community, service providers, businesses and other levels of government, Council aims to build a

municipality where community members have equal access to wealth, health, well-being, privileges and opportunity.

The Brimbank Social Justice Charter was updated in 2018 (after being first developed in 2008) and affirms Council’s

commitment to social justice and the principles of access, equity, participation and human rights. The Social Justice Charter is

the guiding document that provides a mandate for Council to embed these principles in all of Council’s policies, strategies, plans,

programs and services.

(10–20 years)

(4 years)

(Annual)

Outcome measures

Community

indicators

Impact measures

Performance

indicators

Output measures

Annual Report

The high cost of housing has resulted

in a significant proportion of the

Brimbank community needing help to

access suitable and affordable housing

options.

1

According to the Victorian

Housing Register, as of June 2022,

there were over 2,500 households on

the waiting list for social housing in

the Brimbank area. This shortage of

affordable housing options has led to

increased homelessness and housing

stress among residents. According to

the Victorian Government’s Housing

Affordability Snapshot, the median

house price in Brimbank increased by

8.2% in the past year, making it difficult

for many residents to afford suitable

housing. This challenge directly impacts

the community’s ability to find affordable

and secure housing.

Another significant challenge in the

Brimbank area is the high levels of

unemployment and underemployment.

According to the Australian Bureau

of Statistics (ABS), Labour Force

Survey and Centrelink data compiled

by the Department of Employment,

the unemployment rate in the City

of Brimbank was 6.3% in the 2023

March quarter. According to the ABS,

the unemployment rate in Victoria

was 3.5% in July 2023. Therefore,

the unemployment rate in Brimbank

is higher than the state average.

Additionally, a significant proportion

of residents are underemployed,

meaning they work part-time or casual

jobs despite preferring full-time

employment. This situation has resulted

in financial strain and limited economic

opportunities for many individuals and

families in our community.

The Brimbank area also faces education

and skills development challenges.

According to the Victorian Department

of Education and Training, there is a

higher proportion of residents in the

area with low educational attainment

compared to the state average. This

education gap limits employment

prospects and opportunities for

many individuals, contributing to the

high levels of unemployment and

underemployment. Addressing this

challenge requires targeted initiatives

to improve access to quality education

and skills training programs within the

community.

Transport infrastructure, including

public transport connectivity, transport

accessibility and road congestion are

key challenges for our community.

According to the Victorian Government’s

Public Transport Victoria Performance

Dashboard, the punctuality of train

services in the area was below the state

average in the past financial year. This

challenge affects the community’s ability

to access employment, education and

other essential services.

Brimbank City Council is faced

with challenges when it comes to

environmental sustainability and

the climate emergency. Council’s

Sustainability Framework emphasises

the importance of addressing waste

management, energy consumption and

climate change to ensure the long

term environmental well-being of the

community.

In 2022, the Maribyrnong River

flood caused significant damage and

disruption to various areas and residents

of Brimbank. This flood was triggered by

heavy rainfall that exceeded the river’s

capacity, leading to flooding in several

regions.

To respond to the emergency,

Council worked alongside emergency

management teams and agencies to

coordinate relief and recovery efforts.

These efforts included evacuations,

infrastructure repairs and cleanup. In

order to mitigate future flood impacts,

Council is working with stakeholders

to improve flood warning systems and

implementing community engagement

programs.

20 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 21

Engaging with

our community

To enhance community connection,

Council adopted a Community

Engagement Policy that empowers

community members to participate

in civic decision making. Since its

adoption in 2021, the Policy has

been implemented through various

strategic community engagements.

Implementation of the Policy included

defining clear engagement objectives

and informative resources on the Your

Say Brimbank website.

In 2022–2023 alone, we conducted 32

consultations, receiving an impressive

1,481 contributions from 25,220 visitors!

These engagements covered a range

of important issues, such as the Draft

Budget and Annual Action Plan for

2023-2024, the Disability Action Plan,

the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan, the Alfrieda

Street Master Plan, Draft Brimbank

Tree Policy, Carer Support Plan and the

creative Brimbank Market research

project, to name a few.

Council’s commitment to community

engagement goes beyond digital

resources. We also held 12 face-to-face

Let’s Talk Brimbank sessions across

the municipality, providing community

members with the opportunity to meet

and talk with their Councillors and

Council officers about local issues and

projects.

Council values the input of its community

members and is dedicated to creating

meaningful and inclusive opportunities

for involvement in decision-making

processes. Council set a standard for

good governance and community

well-being by prioritising genuine and

best-practice community engagement.

We encourage all community members

to participate in our community

engagement activities.

FEATURE:

The Brimbank

Community Voice

The Brimbank Community Voice was established in May 2023

to expand Council’s commitment to undertake best practice

community engagement. With close to 300 members, the

Brimbank Community Voice provides:

• A new avenue for community to provide feedback and help

shape the future of Brimbank

• More opportunities for the community to participate in

focus groups, workshops, committees and more

The group is a great mix of people of different ages, genders,

cultures, identities and abilities, representative of our diverse

community. The panel will commence their collaborative work

in July 2023 by considering:

• The LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2023

• The housing and neighbourhood character workshop

22 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 23

Elected Members

of Council profiles

Cr Victoria Borg

Date elected: 6 November 2020

(returned, previously elected

22 October 2016)

Cr Borg is proud to have grown up

in Brimbank, having lived here since

emigrating from Malta in 1972. She is

committed to building trust between

Council and the community and

representing Brimbank’s people with

fairness and integrity. Cr Borg aims to

increase community involvement with

Council, to support mental health and

improve educational services. As a

former educator, she is passionate about

youth and reaching better education,

training and employment outcomes.

Portfolio

#BrimbankPeople

CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0429 365 527

Cr Sarah Branton

Date elected: 6 November 2020

Cr Branton has been volunteering

and working on native grasslands in

Brimbank for over six years, and now

lives locally so she can work in her

favourite ecosystem. She is committed

to causes including mental health

support, protection of grasslands,

open green spaces and lowering youth

unemployment. Cr Branton aims to

increase Council’s connection with the

community, find ways to engage with

young people in enabling and exciting

ways, create more local job and training

opportunities, and provide mental health

support in multiple languages.

Portfolio

#HealthyBrimbank

CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0407 836 064

Cr Thuy Dang

Date elected: 6 November 2020

(Deputy Mayor, elected 1 July 2022–

17 November 2022)

Cr Dang happily lives in Brimbank and

has been involved with community

events for over a decade, including

White Ribbon Day, Clean Up Australia

Day for Brimbank and other health,

well-being and safety projects. She is

interested in multiculturalism and is

excited by Brimbank’s diversity. Cr Dang

understands the limitations of language

and wants to help break down language

barriers and is committed to bringing

about change in this area.

Portfolio

#BrimbankProud

CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0437 744 803

Cr Sam David JP

Date elected: 6 November 2020

(returned, previously elected

22 October 2016)

Previous terms: March 1997–

September 2009

Cr David is a long-time resident of

Brimbank, former Mayor and Deputy

Mayor, and active member of several

community groups. He believes

Brimbank’s greatest strength is its rich

diversity. Cr David is concerned about

housing availability and affordability,

and employment. He is committed to

assisting senior citizens groups and

supporting young people to get involved

in sport.

Portfolio

#ConnectingBrimbank

CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0429 355 239

Cr Thomas O’Reilly

Date elected: 30 January 2022

(Harvester Ward’s vacancy was filled by

Cr O’Reilly after a countback conducted

by the Victorian Electoral Commission

on 23 January 2023. He replaces former

Councillor, Trung Luu, who was elected

to State Parliament on 14 December

2022) Cr O’Reilly is a third-generation resident

of Brimbank. His earliest connection to

the area began with his grandparents,

who migrated from Malta to Brimbank

in the 1950s. He has served on the

Brimbank Youth Council for two terms,

in 2020 and 2021, and participated in

the Brimbank Community Leadership

Program 2022. He has been a youth

representative on the ‘Empowering

Communities — Project Action Group’ and

was involved in other projects focused

on bridging intergenerational gaps,

community safety, study of languages,

mental health and sustainability. He

has also been involved in initiatives to

improve digital engagement with the

community. Cr O’Reilly’s priorities include

health, transport and education.

Portfolio

#SustainableBrimbank

CrOReilly@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0409 210 431

Cr Jasmine Nguyen

Date elected: 6 November 2020

(Mayor elected 1 July 2022–

17 November 2022)

Cr Nguyen was born and bred in

Brimbank and has lived, worked and

volunteered here for all of her life. She

is passionate about giving back to the

community, and her most pressing

concern is helping Brimbank to recover

from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cr

Nguyen strives to address local youth

engagement and unemployment and

take stronger action on issues such

as climate change and mental health.

Her aims include being a voice for the

youth and culturally and linguistically

diverse communities, and to drive

better sustainable outcomes for future

generations of Brimbank.

Portfolio

#BrimbankInnovation

CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0437 740 042

24 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 25

Elected Members

of Council profiles

(continued)

Cr Jae Papalia

Date elected: 6 November 2020

Cr Papalia is a Brimbank local and has

lived here all of her life. She sees cultural

diversity as Brimbank’s strength and

Brimbank as a place where people

can come from near or far and seize

opportunities and build a life for their

families. Cr Papalia is passionate about

investing in young people including

youth education, jobs and resources.

She wants to see better tree canopy

coverage in Brimbank, which is among

the lowest in Greater Melbourne and

aims to build a cleaner, greener Brimbank

as we move into the future.

Portfolio

#ProsperousBrimbank

CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0437 838 710

Cr Virginia Tachos

Date elected: 6 November 2020

(returned, previously elected

22 October 2016)

Cr Tachos lives and works in Brimbank

and has a proud history of volunteering

and advocating for the community.

Building strong, sustainable

communities, listening to residents’

needs and supporting harm minimisation

through strong advocacy for stricter

gambling controls are important to Cr

Tachos. The COVID-19 pandemic and

the response and recovery phase are at

the forefront of her priorities, and she

would like to advocate for more funds

for this vulnerable community, especially

in mental health, family support, skills

training and digital literacy.

Portfolio

#Tourism

CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0428 915 671

Cr Ranka Rasic

Date elected: 6 November 2020

(Deputy Mayor elected 17 November

2022–30 June 2023)

Brimbank is special to Cr Rasic. It was her

first home when she came to Australia in

the 1990s, and it is the place where she

sent her children to local schools, where

she gained her first job and where she

now runs her small business. Connection

to one another and being included are

standout features of the Brimbank

community. Cr Rasic is a strong advocate,

and she aims to address key issues

including the need for better local roads,

improved community and mental health

services, additional parks and creating a

more sustainable and greener city, while

making sure Brimbank gets its fair share

of funding.

Portfolio

#VibrantBrimbank

CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0437 861 296

Cr Maria Kerr

Date elected: 6 November 2020

As a resident of Brimbank since 1986,

Cr Kerr is determined to make sure the

western suburbs are not neglected

or overlooked, and she is passionate

about the community and motivated to

make Brimbank a better place for all. Cr

Kerr aims to attract more visitors and

investors to experience Brimbank’s rich

and diverse community. She would love

to see more open green spaces, parks

with updated equipment, better services

for the disadvantaged, a focus on youth

and the widening of Taylors Road.

Portfolio

#LiveableBrimbank

CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0437 796 630

Cr Bruce Lancashire

Date elected: 6 November 2020

(returned, previously elected

22 October 2016)

(Mayor elected 17 November 2022–

30 June 2023)

Cr Lancashire is a long-term resident of

Brimbank, and he is passionate about

its diverse people and the vibrant

community networks that make it a

great place to live. He has an ongoing

desire to help make the world better

for future generations. Disengaged

youth, Aboriginal people, health and

well-being, the liveability of places with

population growth and low investment,

education, environment, economy and

jobs are all areas of concern and where

Cr Lancashire is determined to make a

difference.

Portfolio

#Resilient

CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au

0429 637 689

26 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 27

Elected Members

in our community

Councillors enjoy being active in the community and attended a number of community events and initiatives

throughout the year. These activities provide an opportunity for community members to meet Elected Members

face to face and gain insight into those representing them in a local government capacity.

Our Council

The current Brimbank City Council was

elected on 6 November 2020. The

Council was sworn in for a four-year term

and took an oath at an official ceremony

on Tuesday 10 November 2020 that

was live streamed to the public. Thomas

O’Reilly was sworn in as a Councillor for

Harvester Ward on 30 January 2023 to

fill an extraordinary vacancy, following

a countback conducted by the Victorian

Electoral Commission on 23 January

2023. Brimbank Council is comprised of 11

Councillors elected from one two

councillor ward and three wards that are

three-councillor.

The 11 Councillors are the elected

representatives of all residents and

ratepayers across Brimbank. They are

responsible for setting the municipality’s

strategic direction, policy development,

identifying service standards and

monitoring performance across the

organisation.

Brimbank City Council has five libraries

and two customer service centres

located in Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans,

Sunshine and Sydenham. Customer

service centres are open Monday to

Friday. All Brimbank centres are closed

on public holidays.

• Sunshine Customer Service Centre at

Brimbank Community and Civic Centre,

301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine

• Keilor Customer Service Centre at

Keilor Community Hub, 704B Old

Calder Highway, Keilor

• Deer Park Library, 4 Neale Road, Deer

Park

• Keilor Library, 704B Old Calder

Highway, Keilor

• St Albans Library, 71A Alfrieda Street,

St Albans

• Sunshine Library, 301 Hampshire

Road, Sunshine

• Sydenham Library, 1 Station Street,

Taylors Lakes

People and Community

93.3% within the range

expected by Council

33 out of 36 actions

completed

22

$24,345

Places and Spaces

90.47% within the range

expected by Council

33 out of 34 actions

completed

27

$70,258

Opportunity and Prosperity

100% within the range

expected by Council

25 out of 26 actions

completed

9

$13,538

Leadership and Governance

93.33% within the range

expected by council

All 23 actions completed

25

$35,135

30 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 31

Highlights

of the year

(continued)

Strategic Direction — People and Community

• Secured $65,425 in funding for a new Mental Health and

Well-being Partnerships Officer.

• Increased swim school members to over 4,500 people.

• Delivered Dynamic Young Citizens sessions to 10 primary

schools.

• Delivered 10 outreach shopping centre playgroup sessions to

121 families.

• Installed 34 CCTV cameras throughout the Sunshine Activity

Centre.

• Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre achieved membership

of over 10,000 people.

• Assisted the community in delivering six community-led

festivals supported by the Community Grants program.

Strategic Direction — Places and Spaces

• Implemented the Local Cycle Route Connection Program,

extending the path along Colby Link to the Deer Park Bypass

shared user path.

• Completed neighbourhood park upgrades at Diamond

Avenue Reserve, Albanvale; Monash/Pizzey Street Reserve

and Pintail Park, Taylors Lakes.

• Completed the Brimbank Sports Facility Development Plan

with improved facilities like Keilor Lodge Pitch 3, Green Gully

Reserve Car Park, and lighting and irrigation for Keilor Park

Ovals 2 and 4 and athletics track irrigation.

• Participated in the Heat Safe Spaces project to assess six

facilities for heatwave resilience. Council received $5,000 for

developing cool packs for community members who access

the facilities’ ‘cooler spaces’ during heat events.

• Conducted four community conservation restoration

(planting) days along the Maribyrnong River, Taylors Creek

and Kororoit Creek.

• Offered a multitude of climate change initiatives, including

the Seedlings in Schools program, benefiting 35 schools and

early learning centres.

• Desexed over 100 cats through the Cat Desexing program.

• Diverted 20% of recyclable metals, plastics, and mattresses

through the hard waste collection service.

Strategic Direction — Opportunity and Prosperity

• Facilitated business development programs attracting more

than 350 attendees.

• Continued delivery of the ‘Enjoy Local’ Activation Program in

Keilor, St Albans, Sunshine West, St Albans Town Centre and

the Sunshine Town Centre.

• Installed footpath, bin and door decals promoting Council’s

‘Think.Shop.Buy’ Local campaign in 18 locations across

Brimbank.

• Delivered the Jobs Victoria Advocates program across

Brimbank Libraries, schools, shopping centres, markets and

community centres, engaging with over 300 job seekers.

• Delivered a barista training program across three Council

sites in Sydenham, Sunshine and St Albans.

• Further implemented the ‘Local Jobs for Local People’

program, which saw Council connect with education and

employment stakeholders to support a career exploration

event, the Melbourne Airport Jobs expo and the Brimbank

Learning Futures expo.

• Coordinated intergenerational digital literacy sessions

attended by over 700 people.

Strategic Direction – Leadership and Governance

• Recognised exceptional contributions to our community at

the ‘We are Brimbank’ Awards.

• Advocated for funding for upgrades to sporting facilities,

train stations, environmental projects and a new dog park.

• Live streamed each Council meeting through Council’s

YouTube channel.

• Offered different ways for residents to access information,

such as through in-person customer service centres, phone,

email, LiveChat and a Virtual Assistant named Brimby.

• Completed Council’s 2023-2024 Annual Budget and Year 3

Council Plan Action Plan.

32 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 33

Highlights

of the year

(continued)

By 30 June 2023, five Council Plan annual actions were incomplete.

Complete female sports facilities

upgrades at Keilor Park Oval 2

sports change rooms to increase

equity, access and opportunities

for existing and emerging female

participants and officials in sport

and active recreation.

Tender responses received to complete the female sports facilities upgrades at Keilor

Park Oval 2 sports change rooms exceeded the budgeted amount. Council will consider

budgeting options to progress this work in 2023–2024.

Evaluate the Brimbank Age Friendly

City Plan 2018–2022 to inform the

development of the future plan

(2023–2027).

Development of the future plan (2023–2027) has been delayed as it is proposed to

form part of an integrated all-life stage strategy to be scoped in 2023–2024. Older

residents continue to be supported through the implementation of adopted plans and

strategies, including the Brimbank Carers Support Plan.

Finalise development of an updated

Innovate Reconciliation Action

Plan (RAP) in collaboration with

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

residents, the Brimbank community

and Council employees.

Finalising the updated RAP was delayed. The Reconciliation Australia process, which

emphasises inclusive engagement, has necessitated an extension of timelines

until the 2023–2024 financial year. This extension will ensure that Council’s RAP

can be implemented effectively and built on the pillars of relationships, respect and

opportunity.

Complete the path network to

Sydenham Park to enable public

access as part of the Sydenham Park

Master Plan.

Delay in works experienced due to the discovery of cultural artefacts and significant

fauna when clearing the site. This has been successfully managed and Stage 1 works

are scheduled for completion during July and August 2023.

Evaluate the Brimbank Volunteer

Strategy 2018–2022 and develop

a new strategy for volunteering in

Brimbank.

The assessment of Brimbank's Volunteer Strategy and the creation of a new one has

been delayed as Council is exploring the delivery of the volunteer model. A consultant

has been hired to evaluate and create a plan, expected by the end of 2023, guided by

the National Volunteer Strategy.

FEATURE:

Brimbank Aquatic

and Wellness Centre

The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness

Centre has been a huge success,

surpassing all expectations in its

first nine months. Since its opening

in September 2022, the Centre has

attracted a record number of visitors

and memberships, making it a popular

destination for families and fitness

enthusiasts.

Brimbank Mayor, Cr Bruce Lancashire, is

thrilled with the success of the project,

saying that Council invested a lot to get

it up and running, and it’s paying off in

spades. The Centre provides health and

recreation benefits to the community

including other health and well-being

services on its first floor, including

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand,

CommUnity+ and Distinctive Options.

With around 11,000 members and

2,500 swim school students, the

Centre has exceeded its original

target of 2,500 members. The Centre

has recruited 63 new swim teachers

through its Swim Teacher Employment

Pathway program. The group fitness

classes have increased from 90 to

over 200 weekly classes to meet the

growing demand. The Centre has been

successful in responding to the needs

and expectations of the Brimbank

community.

Recognising that Brimbank is one of

Australia’s most culturally diverse

areas, with many people coming

from culturally diverse, immigrant

and refugee backgrounds, Council is

exploring innovative approaches to

educate the community about water

safety. This is especially important for

those who may not have any water

safety experience. The Centre provides

an exciting insight into a future model

of enhanced community outcomes

that address the social determinants

of health. The Centre’s health, well

being, social and economic benefits are

already being felt and will positively

impact future generations.

34 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 35

Advocacy

Council’s advocacy is focused on

representing our community’s needs

and achieving outcomes that align with

the priorities identified in the ‘Together

We are Brimbank’ Plan and the Brimbank

Advocacy Plan 2022. In 2022–2023, our

whole-of-council advocacy was very

successful, securing over $300 million in

government investments for

our community.

Council has continued to focus on

engagement with political decision

makers and a diverse range of peak

bodies and community groups.

Community campaigns and events

have also been key components of our

advocacy efforts. Current Mayor, Cr

Bruce Lancashire, and former Mayor, Cr

Jasmine Nguyen, held a total of 24 formal

meetings with Members of Parliament,

in some instances being accompanied

by fellow Councillors. These included

meetings at both the state and federal

levels, across various political parties

and with numerous Ministers whose

portfolio responsibilities are a priority

for Brimbank. In addition, and in the lead

up to the 2022 Victorian State Election,

Cr Nguyen met with eight State Election

candidates, excluding those who were

sitting Members.

The Mayors, Councillors and Council

Executives also engaged with Members

of Parliament at multiple events and

forums as well as with representatives

from partner organisations such as

government department officials,

LeadWest, Victoria University, WoMEDA,

Western Health, the Australian Local

Government Association, the Municipal

Association of Victoria, the Alliance for

Gambling Reform and the No 3rd Tulla

Runway coalition.

Council’s partnerships and advocacy

have effectively communicated

Brimbank’s priorities. State and federal

parliaments have been paying attention

through Questions without Notice,

Questions on Notice and Adjournment

Debates. The 2022–2023 Senate

Estimates hearings also highlighted

Brimbank’s concerns about the

Melbourne Airport Rail, the Calder

Freeway upgrade and the proposed

third runway.

Most importantly, our whole-of-council

advocacy led to many highlights in

2022–2023, including significant State

Government announcements and

investments, a high percentage of

successful grant applications (86%) and

a raft of election commitments by both

major parties ahead of the November

2022 State polls.

During 2022–2023, Council focused

our advocacy campaigns on the

Transforming Brimbank program

and on our opposition to Melbourne

Airport’s proposed third runway. These

campaigns, along with a number of our

major initiatives, are detailed on the

next page.

“The environment and

heritage will be protected

and enhanced and

Brimbank’s diverse

neighbourhoods and

housing will offer

something for everyone”

— Brimbank Community Vision 2040

Improved transport

•

Removal of level crossings:

Three level crossing removal projects are underway: Fitzgerald Rd (Ardeer), Robinsons Rd

(Deer Park) and Mt Derrimut Rd (Deer Park).

•

New train station in Keilor East:

Making commuting easier for the local community.

•

Station upgrades and extensions:

Albion Station and Ardeer Station are currently being upgraded, and the Melton line will

have an increased capacity of up to 50%.

Community health services

•

Orange Door Network launch:

A no-charge service for people who need support for family violence across

Brimbank-Melton.

•

New mental health and well-being service:

A new service that specifically helps adults over 26 years.

•

Embedded youth outreach program:

A program specifically designed to assist vulnerable young people aged 10–24 at risk

of long-term involvement with the criminal justice system.

Education and schools

•

Sacred Heart Primary School expansion:

A $2 million funding initiative to expand and renovate Sacred Heart

Primary School in St Albans.

•

University Park Primary School upgrade:

A $7.4 million expansion and upgrade to existing facilities has begun

at University Park Primary School in St Albans.

•

Sydenham Hillside Primary School upgrade:

A $9.5 million upgrade is set for both Sydenham Hillside Primary School

campuses, with new fencing and synthetic turf upgrades to the soccer pitch.

•

Building four early-learning centres:

A funding commitment of $9.3 million under the Building Block Partnerships

was made to Council for the construction of four new centres.

Health and well-being

•

Comprehensive women’s health clinic:

A new clinic has been established at Sunshine Hospital.

•

New mental health hub for children and families:

A one-stop hub is now available specifically catering to children

and families.

•

Expansion of alcohol and other drugs treatment centre:

An additional $876,000 for expansion in St Albans after

successful rehabilitation treatments.

(continued)

36 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 37

Advocacy

(continued)

Environmental improvements

•

More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West Program:

Phase 2 of the program is now launched, with a funding commitment

of $296,000 to Council for Phase 3.

•

Clean air for western suburbs initiative:

A $15 million fund of grants for truck drivers to upgrade their vehicles,

and another $5 million fund for grants for local governments to seal roads.

Investing in community

•

New Croatian community centre:

A new Croatian community centre is currently under construction in Sunshine North.

•

Planning for Sydenham Park Sporting Precinct:

Funding of $500,000 has been provided for planning a sporting precinct

at Sydenham Park.

•

Keilor Sports Club upgrade:

An $800,000 funding initiative for upgrading the kitchens and bathrooms at the Keilor

Sports Club.

Funding initiatives

•

More funding for St Paul’s Primary School upgrade:

An additional $1.8 million has been granted for refurbishment

at St Paul’s Primary School in Kealba.

•

Funding for Brimbank Park pump storage expansion:

A $9.7 million funding initiative by Brimbank City Council is now

available for expansion at Brimbank Park.

Transforming Brimbank Campaign

In 2022, Brimbank City Council

campaigned for the rebuild of Albion

Station and funding for nine key projects

in the Sunshine Precinct Masterplan.

The State Government committed $80

million for Albion Station and $143 million

for the first stage of the Masterplan.

The six key projects in the Masterplan

include transforming the Hampshire

Road Bridge, developing a new bus

interchange and creating public open

space. Stage 1 includes a new station

plaza and entrance, shared user paths,

a new bus interchange and intersection

upgrades.

’Know the Facts on the Third

Runway‘ Campaign

Council launched the ’Know the Facts

on the Third Runway‘ Campaign to call

for an independent health assessment

of Melbourne Airport’s third runway

proposal. The campaign included

media releases, mail drops, meetings

with decision makers, social media

videos, billboards and a community

event with over 150 attendees. Over

500 residents wrote to the Federal

Minister responsible for Transport,

expressing their concerns. The Minister

has acknowledged the community’s

concerns and is considering noise

sharing and mitigation arrangements.

The Major Development Plan is pending,

and Council continues to advocate for

affected residents.

Memorandum of Understanding

with Victoria University

Brimbank City Council and Victoria

University extended their Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU) with Victoria

University for three years, with a signing

event attended by guests including

Councillors and Members of Parliament.

The MOU focuses on collaboration

in areas such as learning, research,

mental health, climate action and the

development of the Sunshine Precinct.

The Victorian Government has

confirmed that a new Centre of

Excellence in Paramedicine will be based

at Victoria University’s Sunshine Campus

in Brimbank, advancing one of the areas

of collaboration.

Australian Local Government

Association National General

Assembly

The 29th National General Assembly

(NGA) of the Australian Local

Government Association (ALGA) was

held in Canberra’s National Convention

Centre from 13–16 June 2023.

Brimbank City Council was represented

at the NGA by six Councillors, including

the Mayor Cr Lancashire and Deputy

Mayor Cr Rasic. The NGA was an

important opportunity for Councillors to:

• Ensure that ALGA continues to

advocate to the Federal Government

on matters that are important to our

community.

• Provide an opportunity to learn

best practices on a range of issues

through listening to a range of expert

presentations.

• Continue to enhance networks within

the local government sector.

• Meet with federal parliamentarians

in Canberra’s Parliament House

and advocate directly for Council’s

priorities.

At the NGA, Brimbank submitted motions

to advocate for our major priorities that

are of national significance. The topics

of our four motions, all of which were

carried, are listed below:

• Increasing the quantum of financial

assistance grants.

• Compensation scheme for airport

impacted communities.

• Voice to Parliament.

• Restrictions to gambling advertising.

While in Canberra, Councillors also met

with four Federal Parliamentarians

representing both Government and

Opposition parties and discussed a range

of advocacy matters.

LeadWest initiatives

LeadWest is an advocacy alliance of five

western metropolitan municipalities:

Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong,

Melton and Wyndham.

Councils work together to advocate for

support and funding from the State and

Federal Governments to strengthen

the local economies, improve transport

connectivity and increase community

services to meet the current and future

needs of the area. In 2022, six key

projects were identified as advocacy

priorities, including a dedicated mental

health program for young people and

construction of the Melbourne Airport

Rail.

In October 2022, LeadWest launched an

advocacy brochure highlighting these

projects. In April 2023, they restructured

and appointed a new Executive Officer.

In June 2023, they hosted a showcase

event at Parliament House to connect

with Members of Parliament and launch

a new advocacy video.

Advocacy Plan refresh

Following a very successful year in

advocacy, with many of our priorities

being achieved or promised, Council is

currently working on refreshing our

Advocacy Plan. The new advocacy plan

will consider the change in Federal

Government in Canberra as well as the

changing political and social landscape

following the pandemic state of

emergency during which the previous

plan was conceived. The updated plan is

expected to be published in late 2023.

38 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 39

Awards

Innovative Management Award

for the Child Safe E-learn Module

Development project

The LGPro Awards for Excellence

recognises the exceptional efforts

of individuals and teams in local

government in Victoria. In partnership

with Glen Eira City Council and Casey

City Council, Brimbank City Council won

the Innovative Management Initiative

category for their Child Safe E-learn

Module Development project.

A coalition of 22 councils collaborated

to create and implement a child

safeguarding e-learn module for

staff and volunteers in response to

the Victorian Child Safe Standards,

which became effective on July 1 2022.

Brimbank City Council played a key

role in converting the material into an

eLearning format suitable for multiple

platforms. We would like to express

our gratitude to the City of Casey for

spearheading this initiative.

Brimbank leisure team wins four

Aquatic and Recreation Victoria

Industry Awards

The leisure centre team received

recognition at the Aquatic and

Recreation Victoria Industry Awards.

Brimbank City Council staff were

awarded in various categories, including

Membership Sales, Course Instructor/

Presenter and Emerging Leader.

The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness

Centre, which has a 6-star green star

energy rating, was also honoured with

the Sustainability Award. This award

adds to the sustainability program of

Sunshine Leisure Centre, which has

received the same recognition for the

past few years.

Brimbank wins at the Parks and

Leisure Australia Awards of

Excellence

The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness

Centre won two awards at the Parks

and Leisure Australia Awards of

Excellence: Community Facility of the

Year and Environmental Stewardship.

The Centre’s design and environmental

features make it exceptional.

The Centre is Australia’s first 6 Star

Green Star, 100% renewable energy

powered, zero greenhouse gas

emissions aquatic centre and home

to one of the largest rooftop solar PV

systems on an Australian aquatic centre.

Hampshire Road Civic Green

— 2022 Australian Good Design

Awards Recognition

The Civic Green in Hampshire Road

was recognised as a Good Design

Award Winner under the category of

Architectural Design and Place Design.

The Australian Good Design Awards

showcase the very best in design and

innovation to a global audience. This is

great recognition of design services that

create great places for the community.

Victorian Energy Collaboration

(VECO) wins the LG Pro National

Federation Environmental

Leadership and Sustainability Award

Brimbank is a proud member of

VECO, which was recently awarded

the Environmental Leadership and

Sustainability Award at the LG Pro National

Federation Awards. This prestigious

award was shared with local government

professionals from across Australia,

including Darebin City Council, which played

a key role in spearheading VECO.

VECO is an ambitious project that aims

to reduce emissions by pooling the

electricity needs of 51 Victorian councils

into a single long-term contract for

100% renewable energy. This makes it

the largest emissions reduction project

ever undertaken by local governments in

Australia.

“Reward a culture of

high performance that

demonstrates commitment

to community.”

— Together We are Brimbank

Council Plan

40 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 41

Sunshine Library learner, Aklilu

For the past 15 years, Aklilu has been a

regular at Sunshine Library. He sought

assistance with his English skills by

attending resume sessions and availing

other learning opportunities. Currently,

he is pursuing a Certificate IV in Disability

and aspires to acquire management

skills. The library staff have been

helpful in guiding him through online

applications.

Overcoming language barriers was not

easy, but Aklilu considers it a rewarding

experience. He remains dedicated

to improving his English language

proficiency to achieve his career and life

goals.

Men’s Shed member, Terry

Terry from St Albans has lived in

Brimbank most of his life. He always had

a keen interest in woodworking but was

time-poor during his working life and

did not have much of an opportunity to

pursue it as a hobby.

After his retirement, Terry and a

neighbour decided to visit the Westvale

Men’s Shed where he found a welcoming

community of like-minded people,

learning practical skills and safety.

“There’s a great bunch of blokes and

some very knowledgeable woodworkers

in the group, who continually help me

and others learn skills from where we

are at. I am proud to say I’ve not just had

the opportunity to learn these skills but

also made new friends and have a good

social outlet. I really, really enjoy it.”

Terry’s connection with Westvale’s

Men’s Shed has also opened him up to

other learning opportunities at Westvale

Community Centre. He has also taken

computer and cooking classes. Terry and

the other Men’s Shed members have also

supported intergenerational learning,

where they have mentored groups

of young people from neighbouring

primary schools who regularly visit and

undertake woodworking activities with

members of the Men’s Shed.

Brimbank took part in the

Midsumma Pride March

in support of LGBTQIA+

identifying people and the

community.

This was the first time that

Brimbank has marched

independently with over

30 staff, family, friends and

community members joining

in the fun. There were many

cheers for Brimbank as the

group paraded down Fitzroy

Street, St Kilda with pride. The

day was full of excitement,

laughter and colour for all

involved.

People

of Brimbank

Winner of the Neighbour Day

competition, Lisha (left) and her

incredible neighbour, Krystal (right)

We moved into our house in the midst

of lockdowns in 2020. Unfortunately,

we didn’t get the chance to meet our

neighbours and explore our community

right away.

With parks and playgrounds opening

up, we had a chance encounter with

our neighbours. Their two kids became

friends with our son, Max, who was

wearing a full Spider-Man costume at the

time. We discovered our boys were the

same age, so we exchanged numbers

and a friendship quickly formed. Krystal

and her family moved to the area much

like us because it was affordable, allowed

our kids to play in bigger backyards, have

access to green space, explore the creek

and learn from the diverse community

around us.

Since we first met, we now have

two kids each and have celebrated

milestones together, shared the ups and

downs of parenting through a pandemic,

and tried to be safe places for each

other’s children and one another. Our

boys attended the same kinder and now

Max attends the same school as Krystal’s

kids. They have supported all the big

transitions, help out with pick-ups and

drop-offs, share bike rides to and from

school and host after-school play dates.

We try to support each other’s self-care

and recognise that mums are often

last on the priority list. I have really

appreciated a neighbour like Krystal who

will watch over my kids and share this

motherhood journey with me.

Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness

Centre millionth visitor, Effie

In June 2023, the Brimbank Aquatic and

Wellness Centre celebrated a remarkable

milestone as it welcomed its one

millionth visitor, Effie, through its doors.

Effie has been a valued member of

the leisure centre since 2007 when it

was located at the former St Albans

Leisure Centre. She has formed

meaningful connections with staff

and fellow members and enjoys the

state-of-the-art facilities. To mark this

special occasion, Effie was awarded a

complimentary 12-month full-access

membership to continue enjoying the

Centre.

Program leader and lifelong learner,

Marcela

Learning new skills is top of mind for

Marcela who proves that being taught

new skills can occur at any age. Marcela

enjoys attending Sydenham Library’s

monthly book group, weekly Coffee

& Chat and she assists other learners

during Create & Chat sessions where

crafts are produced that are sent to

a charity in the Philippines. She also

facilitates bingo for seniors at the

Sydenham Neighbourhood House. With

support from Brimbank council, Marcela

is in the process of applying to become a

Justice of the Peace in Victoria.

Marcela overcame challenges with

modern technology by embracing

online learning and tools like Zoom. She

feels accomplished and proud of her

newfound knowledge.

Marcela completed her Certificate in

Childcare and is eager to continue her

studies and explore new and unknown

subjects. She believes that there is an

abundance of knowledge to acquire to

nourish oneself in all aspects - morally,

mentally, physically, socially and

financially.

“Continue to model

a safe, healthy,

diverse and equitable

organisation”

— Together We are Brimbank

Council Plan

42 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 43

Council aims to ensure that it is able to

maintain its infrastructure assets at

the expected levels, while at the same

time continuing to deliver the services

needed by the community.

At the end of the 2022–2023 year,

Council’s debt ratio, which is measured

by comparing interest bearing loans and

borrowings to rate revenue, was 51%.

The 2022–2023 result is in line with last

year as borrowings have been similar

to repayments which was within the

expected target band of 0–70%.

Council’s asset renewal and upgrade

ratio, which is measured by comparing

asset renewal and upgrade expenditure

to depreciation, was 72.24%, which is in

the expected target band of 40–130%.

Council raises a wide range of revenues

including rates, user fees, fines, grants

and contributions. Despite this, Council’s

rates concentration, which compares

rate revenue to adjusted underlying

revenue, was 72% for the 2022–2023

year, which is towards the top end of the

expected target band of 30–80%. The

average residential rate per residential

assessment was $1,718, which compares

favourably to similar councils in the outer

metropolitan area.

Rate capping

The Victorian Government imposed

a rate cap on all Victorian councils of

1.75% for the 2022–2023 year.

State Government waste levy

The State Government waste levy

increased by 19% in 2022–2023.

Labour cost increases

Wage inflation rates for the 2022–2023

year were as per the Council Enterprise

Bargaining Agreement (EBA 9).

Financial summary

2022–2023

The 2022–2023 financial year results

reflect Council’s ongoing commitment

to financial and infrastructure

sustainability as outlined in Council’s

Long Term Financial Plan.

Council’s financial position continues

to remain sound. Detailed information

relating to Council’s financial

performance is included within the

Financial Statements and Performance

Statement sections of this report.

Council manages over $2.61 billion

dollars in assets. These comprise land,

building and other infrastructure assets

such as roads, footpaths and bike paths,

and drainage.

Council achieved a surplus of $31.69

million in 2022–2023. This surplus

compares favourably to the budgeted

surplus of $9.41 million. The adjusted

underlying surplus of Council, after

removing non-recurrent capital grants,

cash capital contributions and non

monetary capital contributions, is

$11.7 million. Sustaining an adjusted

underlying surplus is a critical financial

strategy that provides capacity to renew

the $2.61 billion of community assets

under Council’s control and build new

infrastructure to meet the expectations

of our growing community.

The working capital ratio, which

assesses Council’s ability to meet

current commitments, is calculated by

measuring Council’s current assets as a

percentage of current liabilities. Council’s

result of 206.14% is an indicator of a

satisfactory financial position and is in

line with the expected target band of

100–400%.

0

5000

2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22

2022–23

10000

15000

20000

11,713

16,375

4,626 4,872

19,607

0 10

20 30

40 50

60

2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22

2022–23

51

55

55

40

40

0 50

100 150

200 250

2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22

2022–23

206.14

174.23 175.65

182.94

161.79

0 20

40 60

80 100

120

2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22

2022–23

72

112

107

103

66

70 72

74 76

78 80

2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22

2022–23

72

74

78

76

73

44 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 45

Capital Works Program

2022–2023

There were a total of 250 projects

funded by an adopted budget of $70.7

million in the 2022–2023 Capital Works

Program.

This financial year, Council completed

198 capital works projects with a total

value of $60.0 million. This represents

85% by value of the total 2022–2023

program.

There continued to have significant

impact on the delivery of projects as a

result of supply chain issues on vehicles,

delays in obtaining approvals from

external authorities for cycle paths, and

protracted delays in securing relevant

approvals for native grasses and cultural

heritage protections.

The Capital Works Program represents

a major investment in providing

the Brimbank community with new

infrastructure and renewal of existing

infrastructure.

The following table provides a summary

of the total expenditure for each asset

class.

Capital works

Sports facilities

14,952

Community facilities

1,777

Playground, parks and gardens

7,527

Bike paths and shared paths

2,345

Town centres

1,629

Land rehabilitation

170

Road works

21,324

Footpaths

3,370

Traffic management

1,260

Stormwater drainage

1,125

Municipal facilities

83

Plant and equipment

4,679

Sports facilities

Keilor Lodge Reserve, Taylors Lakes:

Sportsground reconstruction of Pitch No. 3 including drainage works,

irrigation, players’ benches, goal posts, on-site storage, fencing and surface works.

1,316

More Park, Ardeer:

Redevelopment of the softball sports pavilion and upgrade of the existing car park and

upgrade of the sportsground.

1,021

Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, Keilor Park:

Installation of new sportsground lighting at Ovals No.2 and 4.

953

Delahey Recreation Reserve, Delahey:

Development of a new sports pavilion to cater for cricket,

football and soccer.

243

Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, Keilor Park:

Installation of a new irrigation system at the athletics field

as part of an annual rolling program.

110

Community facilities

Kitchen upgrades in community facilities:

Keilor Park Playgroup, Keilor Park; Duke Street Community

House, Sunshine; Westvale Community Centre, Kings Park; and Deer Park Hall, Deer Park.

270

Toilet upgrades in community facilities:

Deer Park Playgroup, Deer Park and

Overnewton Gatehouse Hall, Keilor.

231

Remus Way Kindergarten, Taylors Lakes:

Building blocks improvements, including toilets and installation

of a new nappy change station.

54

(continued)

46 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

A year in review

A year in review

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 47

Capital Works Program

2022–2023

(continued)

Playgrounds, parks and gardens

Rose Hedge Reserve Ninja Warrior Course:

Construction of a new ninja warrior course to enhance

play opportunities.

100

Neighbourhood park upgrades:

Diamond Avenue Reserve, Albanvale; Clarian Reserve, Cairnlea; and Capri

Porter Reserve, Deer Park.

472

Suburban park upgrade:

St Andrews Park, Deer Park.

467

Sports facilities in parks:

Construction of new physical activity facilities at Overton Lea Boulevard,

Sydenham and Whitely Parade, Taylors Lakes.

366

Local parks:

Renewal of Bennet Roberts Reserve, Sunshine West.

180

Bike paths and shared paths

Debenham Drive, St Albans:

Construction of on-road and off-road cycling paths.

459

Taylors Creek Recreational Trail:

Construction of final trail from the bridge to Rowell Place, including

new creek crossing to link with path at Rowlandson Place.

256

Lloyd Reserve, Sunshine North:

Construction of circuit path, including installation of a 2.5 metre concrete

circuit path and line marking.

236

Simmie Street, Sunshine West:

Construction of a new shared user path and landscaping to improve

pedestrian and cycling connections.

206

Duke Street Reserve, Sunshine North:

Construction of circuit path, including installation of a 2.5 metre

concrete circuit path and line marking.

185

(continued)

Town centres

Suffolk Road, Sunshine North:

Placed based shopping strip upgrades to support local retailing and

reinforce local identity.

597

St Albans Town Centre, St Albans:

Construction of at-grade car parking facility to provide additional

car parking spaces.

548

St Albans Town Centre, St Albans:

Upgrade of the St Albans streetscapes to improve pedestrian

accessibility and create a consistent pavement finish throughout the activity centre.

118

48 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our people

Our people

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 49

04

Our people

We are

respectful

I value diversity, fairness

and equity.

I demonstrate empathy

and compassion.

We find

better ways

I am committed to the safety and

well-being of myself, my co-workers

and our community.

I strive to achieve the best outcomes

for our community.

I am open and curious about new ideas

and ways of working.

We act with

integrity

I take pride in my work and commit

to serving our community.

I am honest, transparent and

accountable in all that I do.

We work

together

I support and encourage others.

I find opportunities to connect with

others and celebrate wins.

50 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our people

Our people

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 51

Executive Leadership Team

management as of 30 June 2023

CEO

Fiona was appointed CEO

of Brimbank City Council in

January 2022. She is a highly

regarded leader in local

and state government with

18 years’ experience as a

senior executive. Her skills

and experience span across

a range of areas including

community, infrastructure,

transport, enforcement and

operations services.

Fiona is committed to making

a difference, developing

people and delivering

high-quality services

and infrastructure to the

Brimbank community. She is

passionate about building a

customer-focused culture

that will serve the Brimbank

community now and into the

future.

Director City Futures

Kelvin is an experienced

director, who has worked

in fields including planning,

urban design, business

development and place

making in Australia and

overseas. He has varied

experience in local and state

government and the private

sector.

Kelvin commenced with

Brimbank City Council in May

2018 and his brief is to create

a great place where people

want to live, raise their

families and participate in

active community life. Kelvin

has a passion for the west,

particularly Brimbank and its

exciting transformation.

Director Community

Wellbeing

Lynley is an experienced local

government professional

who has worked in

Melbourne’s west for over

20 years. Her areas of focus

have included social policy

analysis and development,

public health research,

community engagement,

strategic advocacy,

community infrastructure

planning, family, youth

and children services, arts

and cultural development,

stakeholder management

and community capacity

building programs.

Lynley commenced with

Brimbank City Council in

August 2016. In April 2020,

Lynley was appointed

Acting Director Community

Wellbeing and appointed in

December 2020.

Chief Financial Officer

Shane is an experienced

director with over 30 years of

experience in the public and

private sectors, leading in a

number of areas including

finance, governance, human

resources and information

technology.

Shane has previously

worked as General Manager

Corporate Services at

Moorabool Shire Council

and Director Organisational

Excellence at Brimbank City

Council before commencing

as Chief Financial Officer in

May 2023.

Director, People

Partnerships and

Performance

Georgie is passionate

about making a difference

for communities across

Melbourne’s west. With over

two decades of leadership

experience in local and

state governments and

not-for-profit sectors,

Georgie has worked across

various portfolios focusing

on policy development and

implementation, program

delivery, service and

infrastructure planning,

relationship and stakeholder

management, governance

and change management.

Georgie leads the Council’s

strategic advocacy,

communications, community

engagement, governance

and risk, customer

experience, corporate

performance and people

culture and well-being

departments.

Georgie commenced at

Brimbank Council in July

2022 as Director Advocacy,

Partnership and Community

Engagement.

Executive Manager

Organisational Strategy

and Change

Rebecca is a highly-regarded

senior leader with extensive

experience and a record

of success across strategy

development and delivery,

business transformation,

ICT, customer experience,

advocacy, events and

communications, and

community engagement.

At Brimbank City Council,

Rebecca has delivered

significant innovation and

service improvements

including moving a range of

services and payments online

and increasing community

participation in decision

making.

Rebecca has qualifications in

Journalism and Marketing and

over 20 years’ experience in

local and state government

and the private sector.

Rebecca commenced at

Brimbank City Council in July

2012 as the Communications

and Technology Manager and

has held a number of roles

within Council prior to her

current role.

Director, Infrastructure

and City Services

Chris is an experienced

leader in community

services, infrastructure,

and major projects. He has

held senior roles in local

government for over 20

years, including Interim

CEO at Yarra City Council,

Director of Infrastructure and

Environment and Director

Community Wellbeing.

Chris commenced at Brimbank

Council in May 2023, previously

working at various councils,

including Merri-bek and

Maribyrnong Councils. Chris

leads the Infrastructure and

City Services Division, which

is responsible for providing

facilities and services that

maintain Brimbank’s safety

and amenity. The division

manages assets worth

approximately $2.7 billion,

such as buildings, streets,

footpaths, drains, other civil

infrastructure, parks, and

equipment.

The Strategy outlines a whole-of-council

approach to create a respectful, gender

equitable and violence-free organisation

and municipality in partnership with

community organisations and the

broader community.

Key achievements included:

• Completing a number of gender

impact assessments on policies,

programs and services that directly

impact the community. These included

Brimbank’s Housing Strategy, the

Community Capacity Building Program,

the Sports Facility Development Plan

and the Lifelong Learning Strategy.

• Establishing the Brimbank Primary

Prevention Community Network to

strengthen and support work in the

municipality on preventing gender

based violence. Organisations involved

in the Network include MiCare, the

Orange Door, GenWest, the Salvation

Army, Action on Disability in Ethnic

Communities and Good Shepherd.

• Partnering with Watergardens

Shopping Centre to host an

International Women’s Day breakfast,

with inspirational speakers, including

Minister Natalie Hutchins, Member

for Sydenham, and Dale Wakefield,

CEO of GenWest. They were joined by

partners representing First Nations,

culturally diverse, youth, business and

sporting communities.

• Celebrating International Women’s

Day in the community with a program

of events for all ages, including a

library program for toddlers and

primary school children, a social media

panel for young content creators,

a women’s wellness retreat and

strength-training classes for women

at the leisure centres.

• Partnering with the Western Bulldogs

Community Foundation to support the

Daughters of the West and Sons of

the West programs. These programs

aim to educate participants on ways

to improve their health and well-being

and include discussion about gender

equality.

At Council, we believe that developing

our employees is essential to achieving

high performance and accountability.

Hybrid working arrangements and

eLearning accessibility have led to

an increase in demand for eLearning

opportunities over the past year.

This year, Council also introduced a new

learning management system, which

is expected to be fully utilised in the

coming months. Orientation has been

refreshed to ensure that new employees

have all the necessary tools and

information to succeed in their roles.

In total, we coordinated 100 training

sessions in 2022–2023, with 1,103

participants attending programs.

Additionally, 1,181 staff members

completed 27 online training modules,

resulting in 6,118 completions.

From 2022–2023, Brimbank City

Council has successfully created and

implemented its initial Occupational

Health & Safety (OHS) Strategic Plan

for the years 2022–2026. The Plan aims

to enhance health and safety maturity

throughout the entire organisation by

prioritising five key areas of action.

Over the past year, we have made

significant progress in achieving the

goals of the OHS Strategic Action

Plan. We successfully completed 95%

of the 37 identified activities. Our

achievements included:

• Reviewing and updating the

procedures for the OHS Management

System

• Developing and executing annual

departmental OHS management plans

• Introducing an OHS business partner

model

• Delivering training on OHS roles and

responsibilities to leadership roles

(with 87% attendance)

• Enhancing our safety performance

reporting capability

• Creating operational OHS risk registers

• Implementing a risk-based response to

overhead cable incidents.

2022–2023

27

12

1045

2021–2022

19

9

381

2020–2021

18

24

957

2019–2020

19

14

779

2018–2019

12

18

713

2017–2018

8

13

574

2016–2017

13

14

1,163

2015–2016

15

27

1,443

2014–2015

21

34

986

2013–2014

24

37

973

2012–2013

18

30

1,568

2011–2012

31

46

1,346

2010–2011

21

34

1,302

2009–2010

28

53

1,481

2008–2009

25

36

1,942

City Development

0

Community Well-being

99

Infrastructure and City Services

946

Advocacy, Partnerships and Community

0

Organisational Excellence

0

*Note: Divisions relate to the former organisational structure (prior to 30 May 2023). Refer to the section

Organisational Realignment on page 52 for changes.

Workforce

profile

(continued)

62 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 63

05

Our performance

‘Together We are Brimbank’

— Strategic directions

and objectives

‘Together We are Brimbank’

includes strategic directions and objectives that describe what Brimbank City Council is aiming

for to achieve the Vision for Brimbank.

People and Community

A welcoming, safe and supported

community — an inclusive place for

all.

Well-being and Belonging:

Responsive services that support mental and

physical well-being.

Pride and Participation:

Community and cultural connections built through social

and artistic expression.

Places and Spaces

Liveable and connected

neighbourhoods that support

healthy and sustainable futures — a

green place for all.

Liveable and Connected:

Inviting and liveable spaces and facilities, connected so

people can get around.

Sustainable and Green:

Protect natural environments for current and future

generations.

Opportunity and Prosperity

A future focused, transforming city

where all have opportunities to

learn and earn — a prosperous place

for all.

Growing and Transforming:

Optimise community opportunities through

infrastructure innovation and investment.

Earning and Learning:

Everyone has access to education, training and lifelong

learning to support their aspirations.

Leadership and Governance

A high-performing organisation

that enacts the vision and decisions

of Council through the delivery of

quality and innovative services — a

fairer place for all.

Engaged and Responsive:

Community insights are valued to enhance connection

and engagement with Council.

High Performing and Accountable:

Our workforce strives to enhance services and

liveability for the Brimbank community.

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 65

Strategic Direction: People and Community

64 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our Goal:

People & Community

Strategic Direction:

People & Community

A welcoming, safe and supported community

— an inclusive place for all.

Brimbank City Council’s performance for the 2022–2023 year has been reported against each goal to demonstrate how Council

is performing in achieving the Brimbank Council Plan 2021–2025.

Performance has been measured as follows:

• Results achieved in relation to the strategic indicators in the Council Plan

• Progress in relation to the major initiatives identified in the Budget

• Results against the prescribed service performance indicators and measures

The following statement reviews the performance of Council against the Council Plan including results achieved in relation to the

strategic indicators included in the Brimbank Council Plan.

Support improved mental well-being*

Percentage of adults

with high or very high

psychological distress

25.3%

Just over one quarter of Brimbank residents (25.3%) experienced high

or very high psychological distress in 2020. This is slightly higher than

corresponding levels for the Western Region (23.4%) and statewide

at 23.5%. The Victorian Population Health Survey provides data at the

Local Government Area level every three years. The data from the next

collection should be available for the 2024 Annual Report.

Increase healthy eating, active living and physical activity*

Utilisation of aquatic

facilities

7.6

The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre (BAWC) opened on 12

September 2022. This resulted in a significant increase in visits to

Brimbank aquatic centres as this facility proved very popular, particularly

in the first four months of operation (warmer spring and summer

months). Sunshine Leisure Centre also experienced a significant increase

as there were no facility closures caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, which

had significantly impacted prior years. Swim school member numbers

also grew to over 4,500 across the two facilities by the end of financial

year 2022–2023. BAWC achieved membership numbers of over 10,000

by the end of the 2022 calendar year, with consistently high daily

visitation numbers. This result is within the range expected by Council.

Find out more about our leisure centres at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/

leisure-parks-and-facilities

Percentage of adults

rating their health

as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very

Good’

29%

Almost one-third of Brimbank residents (29%) rated their health as

‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ in 2020. This is lower than corresponding levels

for the Western Region (38.9%) and statewide at 40.5%. The Victorian

Population Health Survey provides data at the Local Government Area

level every three years. The data from the next collection should be

available for the 2024 Annual Report.

Resident perception

of performance in

providing recreational

facilities

68

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is one point higher than

the score in 2022, lower by two points than the metro region and the

same as the state average.

*Indicates Municipal Health and Plan Priority.

(continued)

66 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 67

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Our Goal:

People & Community

(continued)

Support increased gender equality and reduce gender-based violence*

Number of family

violence incidents per

100,000 residents

1,449

There were 1,449 family violence incidents (per 100,000 residents)

in Brimbank in the year leading up to March 2023. This is an increase

of 3.8% from the previous year. This rate is higher than the Victorian

average of 1,377. Crime statistics are updated quarterly, and Council is

able to monitor trends from this data set.

Provide community health and well-being services across the lifespan of residents

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in delivering family

support services

64

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is one point lower than

the score in 2022, lower by one point than the metro region and higher

by one point than the state average.

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in delivering elderly

support services

61

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is two points lower than

the score in 2022, lower by three points than the metro region and two

points lower than the state average.

Participation in first

Maternal Child Health

(MCH) home visit

94%

Brimbank City Council recorded an attendance rate of 94% for infants at

the four-week Key Age and Stage Visit in the 2022–2023 financial year.

This result is within the range set by Council. Find out more about the

MCH service at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/health-family-and-support/

maternal-and-child-health

Infant enrolments in

the MCH service

99%

Brimbank City Council has consistently achieved more than 100% infant

enrolments in the MCH service, maintaining a high level of community

engagement with the service for the past seven years. This result is

within the range expected by Council. More information about the MCH

service can be found at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/health-family-and

support/maternal-and-child-health

Participation in

the MCH service by

Aboriginal children

77.6%

Brimbank City Council is committed to providing high quality MCH

services to Brimbank’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who

attended MCH services in 2022–2023 increased. This result is within

the range set by Council. More information about the MCH service can

be found at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/health-family-and-support/

maternal-and-child-health

*Indicates Municipal Health and Plan Priority.

(continued)

Support safe and inclusive communities

Percentage of adults

who feel safe walking

alone down their

street after dark

N/A

The Victorian Population Health Survey no longer collects data about the

percentage of adults who feel safe walking alone down their street after

dark. For this report, however, there is one localised indicator which can

be used. In 2023, surveys were conducted in Sunshine and St Albans to

understand community perceptions of safety:

• In St Albans, 58% of people surveyed felt somewhat or completely

safe visiting central St Albans at night (from 235 surveys conducted in

May 2023). This has increased from 38% in 2021.

• In Sunshine, 31% of people surveyed felt somewhat or completely

safe visiting central Sunshine at night (from 103 surveys conducted in

March and April 2023). This has increased from 20% in 2021.

The surveys followed targeted initiatives to improve community

perceptions of safety in both locations. Initiatives included installation

of CCTV and community infrastructure, landscaping and lighting

improvement, and place activations.

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in enforcement of

local laws

61

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is one point lower than

the score in 2022, lower by one point than the metro region and the

same as the state average.

Support and advocate to reduce risk factors impacting vulnerable communities

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in delivering

disadvantaged

support services

62

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is two points lower

than the score in 2022. However, it is higher by one point than the metro

region and three points higher than the state average.

Number of community

grants distributed

136

The 2022–2023 Brimbank Community Grants Program was designed

to continue to assist the community to implement innovative local

recovery solutions to respond to ongoing and emerging challenges

and to strengthen community resilience. Grants were allocated across

the following categories: Community Strengthening Grants, Climate

Emergency Grants, Establishment Grants, Mental Health and Well-being

Grants Young People’s Ideas Grants, Community Festival and Event

Grants, Major Festival and Event Grants, and Seniors Operational Grants.

(continued)

68 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 69

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Our Goal:

People & Community

(continued)

Enable social, cultural and artistic expression

Resident perception

of Council’s

performance in

providing art centres

and libraries

71

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is one point higher

than the score in 2022, lower by four points than the metro region and

two points lower than the state average.

Number of attendees

at arts and cultural

activities

210,401

210,401 individuals attended a range of arts and cultural activities

that were delivered in Brimbank. This included online and physical

performances at Bowery Theatre, exhibitions, festivals, events and

cultural development activities.

Continue our commitment to respecting and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture

Number of known

sites of Aboriginal

Cultural Heritage

440

The Brimbank municipality contains 440 registered Aboriginal

archaeological sites.

Deliver a range of initiatives that celebrate diversity and intercultural sharing

Resident satisfaction

with community and

cultural activities

66

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is four points higher

than the score in 2002, lower by one point for the metro region and the

same as the state average.

Encourage vibrant community events and activities

Resident satisfaction

with community and

cultural activities

66

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is four points higher

than the score in 2002, lower by one point for the metro region and the

same as the state average.

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives in 2022–2023.

Commence delivery of

the Mental Well-being

Implementation Plan,

focusing on primary

prevention activities

including awareness

raising, information

provision and community

partnerships.

Council delivered several mental well-being initiatives and programs across 2022–2023.

These included:

• Approved eight community grant funding applications totalling $53,920 for mental

well-being initiatives.

• Approved funding for two new Youth Well-being positions.

• Delivered youth mental health first aid training to St Albans Secondary College and a body

image program to female students in two primary schools.

• Supported 54 young people through individual counselling.

• Delivered the Tuning in to Teens program to 13 parents.

• Launched the Men’s Health Mental Health Campaign with five ‘well-being tips’ videos.

• Delivered two Mental Health and Well-being 101 volunteer workshops

during National Volunteer Week.

• Completed the first phase of ‘Inclusive Communities at Brimbank Aquatic and

Wellness Centre’ program, with tenant partners, to engage carers in health

and well-being activities.

Advance the LGBTQIA+

action plan by embedding

inclusive practices into

identified priority Council

services and programs.

In 2022–2023, Council:

• Endorsed the Draft LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2023-2027 for four weeks of community

consultation in 29 June-27 July 2023.

• Delivered two pronoun training sessions for volunteers during National Volunteer Week.

• Hosted the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia flag

raising event. Over 80 staff, community organisation representatives, Social Justice Coalition

members and Victoria Police attended the event that included a panel discussion and the

launch of the Ida the Hobbit and the Crystal Queer Deers podcast — a collaboration with

Duke Street Community House and the Crystal Queer Network.

• Included the LGBTQIA+ Progress Pride flag on materials showing support for

the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Hosted a short film gala at the Bowery Theatre during Trans Awareness Week.

Continue to install standard

and feature lighting as

part of public amenity in

activity centres to improve

perceptions of safety and

to add to urban amenity.

In 2022–2023, Council delivered feature lighting works in the shared user path along

Mt Derrimut Road. The design of feature lighting for Princess Lane, St Albans is complete

with this work planned for completion later in 2023.

(continued)

70 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 71

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Our Goal:

People & Community

(continued)

Finalise development of

an updated Reconciliation

Action Plan (RAP) in

collaboration with

Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander residents, the

Brimbank community and

Council employees.

The Reconciliation Australia process, including a commitment to broad and deep engagement,

means that timelines for completion have been extended to the 2023–2024 financial year.

This project is progressing well, with the following achievements made in developing the new

Innovative RAP 2024–2026:

• Consulted with internal staff and leadership team to confirm key achievements from the

previous RAP 2019–2022 and proposed action plans for the new RAP 2024–2026.

• Developed a Draft RAP 2024–2026.

• Commenced consultation with Traditional Custodians, Wurundjeri and Bunurong people.

• Re-established Council’s reconciliation working group, consisting of key managers and

staff. The internal RAP Working Group met with members of the Brimbank and Torres Strait

Islander Consultative Committee to exchange knowledge and share information.

Develop and commence

an updated Homelessness

Implementation Plan that

reflects the impact of

the COVID-19 pandemic

and other changing

circumstances, including by:

• Embedding partnerships

with local agencies

to support improved

coordination of

homelessness outreach

services

• Finalising and

embedding the Brimbank

Homelessness Protocol

across Council

Council updated the Homelessness Implementation Plan and undertook a series of related

activities across 2022–2023:

• Developed a Homelessness Protocol and created an online training module which was

completed by 106 Council staff and Councillors.

• Provided outreach monthly drop-in emergency relief sessions at the Tin Shed in St Albans.

• Established the Brimbank Hotspots Working Group to:

— Work with homeless support services.

— Identify people sleeping rough in the Brimbank community.

— Coordinate an approach for identifying support for individuals.

Evaluate the Brimbank

Cultural Strategy

2018–2022 to inform the

development of the future

Strategy (2023–2027).

The evaluation of the Strategy was completed in November 2022. Development of the

new Strategy will be informed by consultation with the Brimbank Arts Advisory Committee

and community.

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2022–2023 Budget and the persons

or sections of the community who are provided the service.

Ageing and Inclusion:

Supports people with disability and carers. For example,

delivered meals and community transport.

7,404 7,074 (330)

Families and Early Years:

Includes maternal and child health in eight locations,

information and supported access, playgroups and preschool services.

7,021 7,743 722

Community Projects:

Builds internal capacity by implementing service planning

and project management frameworks, through the application of evidence that will

improve service and project delivery across the Community Well-being Directorate,

resulting in better outcomes for the community.

237 336 128

Youth Services:

Provides counselling, support for young parents and other groups,

and support for the participation of young people in Council life.

1,230 1,111 (119)

Arts and Culture:

Operates the St Albans Community Centre (including the Bowery

Theatre) and manages public art and spaces, Council’s visual art collection and

exhibitions, and the festival and arts grants program.

2,046 2,035 (57)

Strengthening Communities:

Coordinates specific strategies and implementation

plans relating to children, disability, volunteers, seniors, carers and emergency

management.

632 686 55

Connected Communities:

Coordinates community leadership and governance

training, and community grants. Promote social inclusion of our Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people, the cultural and linguistically diverse community, and refugee

and asylum seeker communities through language services and a range of other

cultural awareness programs and activities.

1,507 1,450 (57)

Policy Advocacy and Research:

Works to address key issues such as social justice,

safety, gambling harm and housing stress, men’s violence against women and

gender equity.

802 803 1

(continued)

72 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 73

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Our Goal:

People & Community

(continued)

Utilisation

of aquatic

facilities

2.83

1.98

0.81

1.48

7.6

The BAWC opened on 12 September 2022. This resulted

in a significant increase in visits to Brimbank aquatic

centres as this facility proved very popular, particularly in

the first four months of operation (partly due to warmer

spring and summer months). Sunshine Leisure Centre

also experienced a significant increase as there were no

facility closures caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, which had

significantly impacted prior years. Swim school member

numbers also grew to over 4,500 across the two facilities

by the end of financial year 2022–2023. BAWC achieved

membership numbers of over 10,000 by the end of

calendar year 2022, with consistently high daily visitation

numbers. This result is within the range expected by

Council. Find out more about our leisure centres at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/leisure-parks-and-facilities

Time

taken to

action food

complaints

1.13

1.14

1.15

1.20

1.16

Council places a strong emphasis on food safety and public

health. Reports of food complaints and related requests

are promptly responded to, with the majority of complaints

investigated within one to two days of receipt. This

ensures a high level of food safety monitoring. The result is

within the range expected by Council. Find out more about

food safety at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/business/types

businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Food safety

assessments

101.07% 100.45% 101.19% 103.6%

101.92%

Council places a strong emphasis on food safety and

ensures that assessments have been conducted on

all premises that are required to have one completed.

Through the 2022–2023 reporting period, some premises

received an additional assessment as a means to assist

and educate new proprietors regarding the preparation

and sale of safe food. This result is within the range

expected by Council. Find out more about food safety at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/business/types-businesses/

food-premises-and-safety

Cost of

food safety

service

$253.93 $241.26 $260.90 $271

$340.96

Council places a strong emphasis on the delivery of an

effective food safety service. Until mid-2022, all classes of

food traders were inspected. From 1 July 2022, a decision

was made to no longer re-inspect Class 4 businesses

annually, resulting in a decrease in the number of premises

inspected for this dataset. Note: 50 new Class 4 premises

were inspected. Council also maintains a database that

includes all Class 4 premises and will continue to respond

to related complaints. This result is within the range

expected by Council. Find out more about food safety at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/business/types-businesses/

food-premises-and-safety

(continued)

Sport and Recreation:

Delivers a range of projects, programs and events, and

supports sporting and recreation clubs in capacity building, business planning and

funding applications.

779 583 (196)

Leisure and Community Facilities:

Manages bookings at Council’s halls and meeting

rooms, supports and develops community groups, and oversees four major leisure

facilities in Brimbank — the Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium, the St Albans Leisure

Centre, the Sunshine Leisure Centre and the Keilor Public Golf Course.

(575) 3,439 4,014

Building Services and Environmental Health:

Implements legislation through

education, advice and enforcement to ensure a safe and high standard of public

health is maintained across the city.

1.396 944 (452)

City Compliance:

Enforces local laws, which are important for residents and

businesses to enjoy a safe, clean, well-functioning living and working environment.

1,866 634 (1,232)

The following statement provides the result of the prescribed service performance indicators and measures including explanation

of material variations.

Cost of

indoor

aquatic

facilities

$3.32 $9.49 $10.11 $8.22

($0.62)

The opening of the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness

Centre (BAWC) saw a significant increase in aquatic

centre visitors and income generated. This income,

from the first year of BAWC operations, offset

the annual aquatic centre investment, resulting

in a substantial reduction in the cost per visit. The

substantial decrease in cost per visit to aquatic centres

is not anticipated to persist as a long-term trend.

The introduction of the new facility initially sparked

considerable community interest, but we expect this

to level off over time. The cost per visit is currently

outside the range expected by Brimbank City Council.

Find out more about our leisure centres at

brimbank.

vic.gov.au/leisure-parks-and-facilities

(continued)

74 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 75

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Our Goal:

People & Community

(continued)

Participation

in first

Maternal

and Child

Health

(MCH) home

visit

99.55% 97.27% 98.04% 98.11%

94%

Council recorded an attendance rate of 94% for

infants at the 4-week Key Age and Stage Visit in the

2022–2023 financial year. This result is within the range

set by Council. Find out more about the MCH service at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/health-family-and-support/

maternal-and-child-health

Infant

enrolments

in the MCH

service

100% 101.42% 101.21% 101.18%

99%

Council has consistently achieved more than 100%

infant enrolments in the MCH service, maintaining a

high level of community engagement with the service

for the past seven years. This result is within the range

expected by Council. More information about the MCH

service can be found at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/health

family-and-support/maternal-and-child-health

Cost of the

MCH service

$81.10 $82.24 $74.04 $77.45

$77.14

Council places a strong emphasis on delivering

services in a cost-efficient manner. The 2022–2023

cost of service result highlights Council’s continued

commitment to delivering the MCH service within

budget and other requirements. This result is within the

range set by Council. More information about the MCH

service can be found at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/health

family-and-support/maternal-and-child-health

Participation

in the MCH

service

70.49% 68.92% 63.05% 61.37%

66.4%

Council is committed to providing high quality MCH

services. The 2022–2023 participation result is

lower than the expected range due to the impacts

of maternity leave, other staff leave and the lack

of available MCH staff to provide backfill. Available

appointments were also prioritised for Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander clients and clients identified as

vulnerable. This result is outside the range expected by

Council. More information about the MCH service can be

found at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/health-family-and

support/maternal-and-child-health

Participation

in the MCH

service by

Aboriginal

children

55.26% 70.00% 71.72% 76.76%

77.5%

Council is committed to providing high quality MCH

services to Brimbank’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander community. The number of Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander children who attended MCH

services in 2022–2023 increased. This result is within

the range set by Council. More information about the

MCH service can be found at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/

health-family-and-support/maternal-and-child

health

Critical and

major non

compliance

outcome

notifications

100% 100% 100% 100%

96%

Council prioritises the delivery of a risk based food safety

service. All premises with major or critical non-compliance

notifications are routinely followed up. This result is within

the range expected by Council. Find out more about

food safety at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/business/types

businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Library

collection

usage

5.48

3.90

3.75

3.42

3.59

Council’s library collection is utilised by community, with

members accessing both printed and digital materials

at our five library branches and via the home library

service. Usage is continuing to grow after the ceasing

of COVID-19 pandemic closures. This result is within the

range expected by Council. Find out more about Brimbank

Libraries at

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Standard

of library

collection

64.38% 67.66% 78.54 79.42%

82.63%

Council’s library collection continues to be reflective of

community needs and demands for a quality collection.

Brimbank Libraries continues to meet public libraries best

practice of 80% of the library collection being under five

years of age. This result is within the range expected by

Council and is reflective of the continuous improvement

of resource management, purchasing and maintenance

practices. Find out more about Brimbank Libraries at

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Cost of

library

service per

population

$36.00 $34.36 $33.38 $37.72

$40.65

Council places a strong emphasis on delivering services in

a cost-efficient manner. Council maintained a stable library

service cost across 2022–2023 whilst reopening libraries

to pre-pandemic operations. Our libraries continue to

support the community by providing learning and leisure

resources and opportunities, a social collection, literacy

development and English proficiency, job seeking and

support to access services. This result is within the result

set by Council. Find out more about Brimbank Libraries at

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Active

library

members

12.01% 20.27% 11.97% 11.69%

12.7%

Council remains committed to the delivery of accessible

library services. The increase of the number of active

borrowers in 2022–2023 can be attributed to the

community returning to public facilities after the disruption

and closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response

to community feedback, our libraries also increased the

number of items a member can borrow from 30 to 80.

This has increased the number of items borrowed. Council

continues to provide the library collection via alternative

service models and has noticed an increase in residents

taking up digital access options. This result is within the

range expected by Council. Find out more about Brimbank

Libraries at

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

(continued)

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 77

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

76 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our Goal:

Places & Spaces

Strategic Direction:

Places & Spaces

Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support healthy and sustainable futures

— a green place for all.

The following statement reviews the performance of Brimbank City Council against the Council Plan including results achieved in

relation to the strategic indicators included in the Plan.

Contribute to the transformation of the transport network to be active, sustainable,

connected and equitable

Kilometres of walking

and cycling trails

1,721.25 km

All footpaths, including the off-road bicycle shared paths: 1635.49 km.

On-road bicycle network: 85.76 km.

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in managing condition

of local streets and

footpaths

54

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is five points lower than

the score in 2022, lower by three points for the metro region and higher

by two points than the state average.

Percentage of

households living

within 400 metres

of a bus stop or 800

metres of a train

station

Percentage of

households living

within 400m of a bus

stop: 93.56%

Households living

within 800m of a train

station: 13.60%

These are the baseline estimates for July 2023. Using Council’s

property base information, 93.5% of all Brimbank residents (usual place

of residence) are households living within 400 metres of a bus stop or

800 metres of a train station.

Resident perception

of importance and

Council’s performance

in traffic management

59

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is six points lower than

the score in 2022, and higher by two points for both the metro region

and the state average.

Number of sealed local

road requests

96.69

Council handles all requests for sealed local roads according to the

approved requirements outlined in Council's Road Management Plan.

During the 2022–2023 period, the road network faced challenges

from heavy vehicles associated with level crossing removal projects.

This, combined with an increase in vehicles on the road since the

end of the COVID- 19 pandemic, has led to an increase in requests.

Negative weather events, such as flooding in October 2022, likely

contributed to the formation of potholes and more requests. Despite

these various challenges, Council has maintained a result that is

within the expected range.

Sealed local roads

maintained to

condition standards

93.26%

Council is committed to maintenance of the local road network

and investment in road rehabilitation in order to ensure the road

network does not deteriorate. This result is within the range

expected by Council.

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in managing the

condition of sealed

local roads

60

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is two points lower

than the score in 2022, lower by one point for the metro region and

higher by 12 points than the state average.

(continued)

78 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 79

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Our Goal:

Places & Spaces

(continued)

Showcase and provide quality public spaces and streetscapes where people can connect and recreate

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in managing the

appearance of public

areas

61

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is two points lower

than the score in 2022, lower by seven points for the metro region and

lower by six points than the state average.

Provide community facilities that are responsive and adaptable to community needs

Community

satisfaction with

the performance of

Council in maintaining

local infrastructure

57

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is three points lower

than the score in 2022, higher by one point for the metro region and

higher by eight points than the state average.

Maximise urban greening through increased tree canopy cover and integrated water management

Percentage of tree

canopy cover (public

and private trees) in

Brimbank

8.5%

The Brimbank Tree Policy has set a goal to raise the percentage of

canopy cover in streets to 30% and in parks and open spaces to 50%

by 2046. Currently, the canopy cover stands at 8.5% as of 2018, which

is lower than most other areas in greater Melbourne. An evaluation is

scheduled for 2024, and it is expected that the coverage will increase

to 10%.

Take action on climate emergency by working towards a carbon neutral Brimbank

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in environmental

sustainability

62

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is the same as the

score in 2022, the same as the metro score and higher by 1 point than

the state score.

Reduction in

greenhouse gas

emissions from

Council operations

— Tonnes of carbon

dioxide (CO2) emitted

5,869 tonnes

Council’s greenhouse gas emissions increased slightly from the

previous year due to lower energy and fuel use during the pandemic

lockdowns in 2021–2022. However, greenhouse gas emissions have

reduced significantly (approximately 80%) since 2011. A large part of

this decrease is due to the installation of rooftop solar panels and the

purchase of 100% renewable electricity.

(continued)

Collaborate with community in addressing climate change and its impacts on health*

Number of

participants in Council

led conservation

activities

573

In 2022–2023, 573 people participated in Council-led conservation

activities. Activities included Clean Up Australia Day, community planting

days including World Environment Day and National Tree Day (with more

than 2,000 plants planted) and working bees on conservation sites.

Increase the extent and condition of natural habitats through restoration and prevention of threats

Reintroduction of

grassland species

into Council grassland

reserves

15 different grassland

species

In 2022–2023, 14 sites had different grassland species planted as part of

a restoration program. Fifteen different species of grasses, wildflowers

and herbs were planted into conservation sites across the municipality,

including the planting of sun orchids (thelymitra), the third conservation

asset to be reintroduced. A total of 8,000 native grasses and wildflowers

were planted. Supply of wildflowers was impacted by La Niña weather

conditions.

High threat invasive

species managed in

conservation reserves

46 conservation

assets managed

In 2022–2023, high threat weeds were controlled in all of Council’s

46 conservation assets. Native grass seed harvesting is planned for

2023–2024 from Pioneer Park as it is now considered clean of high threat

weeds.

Reintroduce structural

elements to increase

habitat values along

Kororoit Creek and

within conservation

reserves

Supported internal

teams to keep and

create structural

habitat elements

In 2022–2023, the Environment team worked with the Parks team to

retain habitat trees and habitat logs and branches in conservation areas.

Training about habitat hollow creation was completed for the Parks

team.

*Indicates Municipal Health and Plan Priority.

(continued)

80 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 81

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Our Goal:

Places & Spaces

(continued)

Invest in circular economy and improve waste management systems to increase recycling and reduce

waste to landfill

Resident perception

of Council’s

performance in waste

management

66

The 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey result is two points lower

than the score in 2022, lower by two points for the metro region and

the same as the state average.

Kerbside bin collection

requests

135.97

Council continues to deliver an effective, cost-efficient bin collection

service for the community. The bin collection service includes

replacement of damaged bins, repair of broken bins and the

collection and disposal of missed bins from residential properties

within the municipality. There was a reduction in bin requests in

2022–2023. This result is within the range set by Council. Find out

more about waste services at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/rubbish

recycling-and-waste

Kerbside collection

bins missed

9.36

Council seeks to deliver an effective and efficient kerbside collection

service for the community and has seen a small decrease in the numbers

of kerbside collection bins missed. This result is within the range set by

Council. Find out more about waste services at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/

rubbish-recycling-and-waste

Kerbside collection

waste diverted from

landfill

42.22%

Council continues to provide an efficient kerbside recyclables collection

service for our community, with Council’s waste diversion rate from

landfill increasing slightly when compared to last year’s figure. This result

is within the range expected by Council. Find out more about waste

services at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/rubbish-recycling-and-waste

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives in 2022–2023.

Implement actions in

the Brimbank Climate

Emergency Plan.

In 2022–2023, Council delivered several initiatives to take action on climate change.

These included:

• Obtaining a $500,000 federal government grant from the ‘Community Batteries for

Household Solar Program’ for the development of a community battery in Sunshine.

• Awarding funding to community groups for environmental projects through the Climate

Emergency Community Grants Stream.

• An ‘Electrify Everything’ campaign to encourage homeowners to consider switching

to energy efficient electric fixed appliances. A Go Electric Plan is now available through

the 100% Renewable Brimbank page as a guide.

Partner with the health

and community sector to

champion action to address

the health impacts of

climate changes, such as

heatwaves, and promote

co-benefits such as reduced

energy bills.

In 2022–2023, Council provided community grants totalling $35,835 to increase vegetation,

reduce urban heat, reduce waste, increase recycling and develop ‘climate adaptive’ school

grounds. Council also obtained a $5,000 grant from the Victorian Department of Energy,

Environment and Climate Action as part of the Heat Safe Spaces Project. The funding will be

used to develop over 3,000 ‘Heatwave Safe Kits’ to be distributed through neighbourhood

houses and libraries during extreme heat events.

Continue implementation

of the Cycling and Walking

Strategy to provide a

network that supports

active transport.

2022–2023 saw the delivery of:

• The Local Cycle Route Connection Program extending the path along Colby Link to the

Deer Park Bypass shared user path.

• Consultation for the Taylors Lakes Easement shared user path with works scheduled

to begin in 2024.

• A concept design for the Sydenham rail corridor bicycle track.

Continue implementation

of the Creating Better Parks

Policy and Plan to create

attractive, integrated,

accessible open space

through flagship, suburban,

neighbourhood and local

park upgrades.

Council implemented the following in 2022–2023:

• Park Upgrades — Andrews Park and Noble Park (suburban parks) and the Bennett/

Roberts local reserve in Sunshine West.

• Design, consultation and permits for Pintail Park and Lipton Street in Taylors Lakes,

Diamond Avenue Reserve in Albanvale, Monash/Pizzey Street in Sunshine and Odessa

Reserve in Keilor Downs. Works are scheduled for 2023–2024.

Continue to activate

informal Youth ‘pop up’

spaces.

Through 2022–2023, Council staff delivered 17 youth space ‘pop-ups’ that engaged with and

provided support to a diverse range of young people.

(continued)

82 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 83

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Our Goal:

Places & Spaces

(continued)

Implement facility improvement projects identified in

the Sports Facility Development Plan (2018) including:

• Lionheart Reserve new tennis pavilion

• Lloyd Reserve new sports pavilion

• Design J.R. Parsons Reserve multisport pavilion

• Design J.R. Parsons Reserve tennis pavilion

• Keilor Lodge Pitch 3 reconstruction

• Green Gully Reserve front car park upgrade

• Keilor Park Oval 4 sportsground lighting upgrade

• Keilor Park Athletics Track inside track irrigation

Council delivered the following facility improvement projects:

• Reconstruction of Keilor Lodge Pitch 3.

• Green Gully Reserve car park.

• Keilor Park Ovals 2 and 4 sportsground lighting.

• Keilor Park Athletics Track irrigation.

Tenders received for the Lionheart Reserve tennis and

Lloyd Reserve pavilions projects were above available budget.

Council is considering options for completion in 2024.

The J.R. Parsons Reserve football/cricket and tennis pavilion

detailed design process was commenced.

Continue to conduct park and street tree planting

programs to increase Brimbank’s tree canopy

coverage as per the Urban Forest Strategy.

The 2022 tree planting season saw Council plant 276 semi-mature

trees in streets and 22,258 tube stock plants in various locations.

In 2023, there were approximately 3,500 semi-mature trees planted

in four locations across Kings Park, Deer Park and St Albans.

Deliver road safety improvements as part of Council’s

2022–2023 Capital Works Program.

Council delivered the following road safety improvement projects:

• Road humps at various locations.

• Construction of traffic islands and kerb modifications at Strzelecki

Avenue, Sunshine West and Eliza Street and Erebus Street,

Keilor Park.

• Upgraded Council’s traffic signal sites to LED lanterns.

• Intersection realignment treatments.

• Indented bus parking bay at Pecks Road.

• Various local area traffic management treatments

across Brimbank.

Implement Creating Streets for People program

to support active transport movement to local

destinations and to support social connectivity.

Council selected the Derrimut Street, Albion Road rehabilitation

project as the case study for 2022–2023 as part of the Creating

Streets for People program. A concept plan was developed and a

community consultation process received input from 183 people.

Construction was completed in August 2023.

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2022–2023 Budget and the persons or

sections of the community who are provided the service.

Environment:

Engages with Council and the community to work towards an

environmentally sustainable city. We coordinate a whole-of-council response to the

declaration of a climate emergency and engage with and encourage the community

to value Brimbank’s outstanding and unique natural areas. This service is achieved by

providing leadership and education as well as direction and coordination in resource

efficiency measures including:

• Integrated water management

• Energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies

• Waste minimisation and education

• Community engagement in the conservation

• Management and restoration of Brimbank’s natural areas including grasslands,

waterways and rocky escarpments

• Managing contaminated land

4,126 4,644 518

Urban Design:

Provides a landscape, architectural and urban design service

delivering public realm projects that create attractive, safe, connected and

sustainable urban places which supports community well-being, social connectedness

and fosters civic pride. Project delivery includes park upgrades, streetscape upgrades,

tree planting and shared user paths in addition to advocating for good urban design

outcomes for all major infrastructure projects and private developments.

3,804 3,202 (602)

City Planning:

Is responsible for administering the Brimbank Planning Scheme and

providing planning services to Council, the community and the development industry.

(3,008) (1,805) 1,203

Planning Compliance:

Administers planning regulations and permit conditions and

responds to customer requests regarding planning matters.

285 543 258

Engineering:

Manages Council’s Capital Works Program and is responsible for the

planning, design, construction, maintenance and renewal/disposal of local roads,

drainage systems and other vital infrastructure in addition to transport planning.

3,797 5,094 1,297

(continued)

84 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 85

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Our Goal:

Places & Spaces

(continued)

Assets and Property Services:

Is responsible for developing, implementing and

coordinating policies, strategies, plans, tools, information, analytics, procedures and

operational practices to ensure all infrastructure assets are maintained, controlled

and monitored. This is carried out in accordance with laws and regulations, and

pursuant to the National Asset Management and Assessment Framework.

387 593 206

Facilities and Major Projects:

Is responsible for the delivery of Council’s Facilities

Asset Management Plan and major projects including ongoing maintenance of

Council’s facilities and buildings.

10,848 11,934 1,086

Operations:

Consists of fleet, parks, roads and cleansing, waste, pedestrian

facilities and emergency management. The team also manages Council’s Resource

Recovery Centre.

50,019 52,660 2,641

The following statement provides the result of the prescribed service performance indicators and measures including explanation

of material variations.

Time taken to

action animal

management

requests

1.32 days 0.88 days 1.39 days 2.07 days

2.11 days

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on

responsible pet ownership and community safety,

with the majority of animal requests followed up

within two days from receipt of request. This indicator

has seen a slight increase in time taken to respond

due to introduction of further programs, facilitated

by our Animal Management staff, to assist residents

with the costs of pet desexing. The result is within

the range expected by Council. Find out more about

animal management at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/pets

and-animals

(continued)

Animals

reclaimed

22.11% 64.10% 33.61% 29.20%

28%

Council places a strong emphasis on responsible pet

ownership and community safety. A primary objective

of the Brimbank Domestic Animal Plan is to reduce

the euthanasia rate of domestic pets. The Animal

Management service saw a significant increase (51%)

in the number of animals collected by our animal

management staff over the year. 2,093 animals were

collected by Council in 2022–2023 compared to 1,394

in 2021–2022. The number of animals reclaimed is

similar for both years, but this percentage remains low.

Many Brimbank residents are experiencing financial

difficulties and are unable to pay the costs of animal

collection and longer-term animal care. This result sits

outside the range expected by Council. Find out more

about animal management at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/

pets-and-animals

Cost of animal

management

service per

population

$8.36 $6.99 $7.88 $9.86

$9.86

Council continues to prioritise the delivery of services

in a cost-efficient manner. The 2022–2023 cost of

the Animal Management service remains within the

range set by Council. Find out more about animal

management at

brimbank.vic.gov.au/pets-and

animals

Animal

management

prosecutions

100% 100% 100% 75%

100%

Council investigates all issues under the Domestic

Animals Act 1994 and, where supporting evidence

is available, actively prosecutes these matters. This

result is within the range expected by Council. Find out

more about animal management at

brimbank.vic.gov.

au/pets-and-animals

Sealed local

road requests

51.70 60.84 58.56 53.48

96.69

Council handles all requests for sealed local roads

according to the approved requirements outlined in

Council’s Road Management Plan. During the 2022–

2023 period, the road network faced challenges from

heavy vehicles associated with level crossing removal

projects. This, combined with an increase in vehicles

on the road following the COVID-19 pandemic, has led

to an increase in requests. Negative weather events,

such as flooding in October 2022, likely contributed to

the formation of potholes and more requests. Despite

these various challenges, Council has maintained a

result that is within the expected range.

Sealed

local roads

maintained

to condition

standards

87.75% 89.22% 91.49% 92.82%

93.26%

Council is committed to maintenance of the local road

network and investment in road rehabilitation in order

to ensure the road network does not deteriorate. This

result is within the range expected by Council.

(continued)

86 Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023

Our performance

Our performance

Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2022–2023 87

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces