ISSUE #16 • 2024

news

New Council

Brimbank’s new Council is elected.

Find out how to contact your

ward Councillor.

New Brimbank Mayor

and Deputy Mayor

Cr Thuy Dang is the new Mayor

and Cr Victoria Borg is the Deputy

Mayor. More information inside.

Planning our future

Thank you for your input so far.

More opportunities are coming

to share your ideas.

(L to R): Cr Virginia Tachos, Cr Katharine Nikolic,

Cr Duyen Anh Pham, Cr Ranka Rasic,

Brimbank Mayor Cr Thuy Dang, Cr Daniel Kruk,

Cr Kim Thien Truong, Cr Joh Bauch, Cr Lucy Nguyen,

Cr Maria Kerr and Deputy Mayor Cr Victoria Borg

The newly elected Brimbank Council was sworn in for a four-year

term, in a ceremony on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

The 11-member Council took their oaths and affirmations of office

in front of Council’s Chief Executive Officer Fiona Blair and signed a

declaration to abide by the Model Councillor Code of Conduct.

The new Brimbank Council comprises:

Cr Victoria Borg

Cr Kim Thien Truong

Cr Maria Kerr

Cr Katharine Nikolic

Cr Thuy Dang

Cr Daniel Kruk

Cr Virginia Tachos

Cr Lucy Nguyen

Cr Joh Bauch

Cr Ranka Rasic

Cr Duyen Anh Pham

Albanvale Ward

0429 365 527

crborg@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cherry Creek Ward

0438 280 358

crtruong@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Copernicus Ward

0437 796 630

crkerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Delahey Ward

0438 018 111

crnikolic@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Grasslands Ward

0437 744 803

crdang@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Harvester Ward

0438 208 359

crkruk@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Horseshoe Bend Ward

0428 915 671

crtachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Kororoit Creek Ward

0408 850 416

crlnguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Mount Derrimut Ward

0488 797 553

crbauch@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Organ Pipes Ward

0437 861 296

crrasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au

St Albans East Ward

0428 348 559

crpham@brimbank.vic.gov.au

2

New Council

3

Brimbank’s new Mayor

and Deputy Mayor

4

New Council out and about

5

Brimbank’s 11 wards

6

Planning our future

Apply for In2Sport

7

Young leaders needed

First Steps New Parent Group

8

Enjoy Brimbank’s parks

9

Pet reunion

Closure of 3G mobile network

10

Reduce holiday waste

Brimbank Community Fund

11

Greening Brimbank

Giving Tree

12

Stay cool in the heat

New walking and cycling paths

13

Visit HV McKay Gardens

Sign up for Brimbank News Monthly

14

Your questions answered

Quick Response Grants

15-16

What's on

School holiday fun

The Council includes five returning councillors, Cr Victoria Borg,

Cr Thuy Dang, Cr Maria Kerr, Cr Ranka Rasic and Cr Virginia Tachos.

Cr Duyen Anh Pham and Cr Kim Thien Truong have served an earlier

term on Council.

Elected for the first time to Brimbank Council are Cr Joh Bauch,

Cr Daniel Kruk, Cr Lucy Nguyen and Cr Katharine Nikolic.

Information on how to contact Brimbank Councillors may be found on this page.

Contact us

Telephone

9249 4000

Use Brimby

, our online virtual

assistant brimbank.vic.gov.au

131 450

Local call costs apply

Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples

as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and future.

Cr Thuy Dang will lead the municipality for the next 12 months after being elected by her fellow

Councillors at a Council Meeting on 20 November 2024 that was livestreamed to the public.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the exciting array of Christmas

celebrations held so far! See page 15 for details on how

you can take a photo with Santa.

(R to L) Brimbank Mayor Cr Thuy Dang and

Brimbank Deputy Mayor Cr Victoria Borg

This is Cr Dang’s first time as Mayor. She had previously

been elected to Council in 2020 and had served as

Deputy Mayor in 2022.

Cr Dang said she was honoured to be elected Mayor,

and thanked everyone who had supported her, as well

as her fellow Councillors for voting her in as Mayor.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent

our vibrant, multicultural, and growing City. As Mayor

of Brimbank I look forward to leading Council in

carrying out the important role our community

has entrusted us with.

“As a refugee growing up in Australia, I have felt

incredibly fortunate to call Australia home and always

do my best to give back to my country.

“I am committed to working hard with my fellow

Councillors to address the needs and concerns of all

our residents and to make our City the best it can be.

“My goals include youth and women empowerment,

multicultural engagement, mental health, climate

change and sustainability – so that we can create

an inclusive, thriving, and vibrant Brimbank.

“Together let’s work to transform Brimbank, to

ensure it offers the best outcomes and experience

for everyone who lives, works and visits our City.

“I will continue to build strong partnerships with

Federal and State governments and stakeholders,

to deliver benefits for Brimbank, and I am committed

to good governance, kindness and inclusion as I lead

our Council in working to make Brimbank a better

place for all,” the Mayor said.

Brimbank’s Deputy Mayor

Cr Victoria Borg was elected Deputy Mayor. She had

previously been elected to Council in 2016 and 2020.

This is her first time as Deputy Mayor.

A recording of the meeting is available on Council’s

website. For more information on Brimbank’s new

Council visit

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Your new Brimbank Council out and about

After the election for Mayor and Deputy Mayor: (L to R): Cr Kim Thien Truong, Cr Katharine Nikolic, Cr Duyen Anh Pham, Cr Daniel Kruk,

Deputy Mayor Cr Victoria Borg, Brimbank Mayor Cr Thuy Dang, Cr Joh Bauch, Cr Virginia Tachos, Cr Ranka Rasic, and Cr Lucy Nguyen.

Touring the Keilor Public Golf Course

Visiting key sites in Brimbank

Supporting the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

At Council's Operations Centre at Stadium Drive, Keilor Park

In the Council Chamber

•

– in the west,

covering Albanvale and parts

of Deer Park and Kings Park.

•

– in the

south, covering Ardeer and

parts of Cairnlea, Derrimut

and Sunshine West.

•

– in the north,

covering parts of Keilor

Downs and Taylors Lakes.

•

– in the north

west, covering Delahey and

parts of Kings Park

and Sydenham.

•

– in the centre,

covering parts of Cairnlea

and St Albans.

•

– in the east,

covering Sunshine North and

parts of Sunshine.

•

– in the

north-east, covering Keilor,

Keilor Park, Tullamarine,

Kealba and parts of

Keilor Downs.

•

– in the

south-east, covering Albion,

Brooklyn and parts of

Sunshine and Sunshine West.

•

– in the

south-west, covering parts

of Deer Park and Derrimut.

•

– in the north,

covering Calder Park, Keilor

North and parts of Keilor

Lodge and Sydenham.

•

– in the

centre, covering parts of

St Albans.

To check which ward you're in:

Use the online tool on the My

Street page of Council's website

brimbank.vic.gov.au

For information on how to contact your Ward Councillor, see page 2.

Brimbank now has 11 wards, each represented by a single councillor.

The change to the electoral structure took place before the October

2024 local government general elections.

This is a result of the Victoria Government putting into effect the

recommendations from electoral structure reviews for 39 councils

to comply with the

.

KEILOR NORTH

KEILOR

PARK

HILLSIDE

SYDENHAM

TAYLORS LAKES

KEILOR PARK

KEILOR

TULLAMARINE

DELAHEY

KINGS PARK

ALBANVALE

ST ALBANS

CAIRNLEA

KEALBA

KEILOR EAST

SUNSHINE NORTH

SUNSHINE

BROOKLYN

DERRIMUT

DEER PARK

ARDEER

ALBION

LODGE

KEILOR

DOWNS

SUNSHINE

WEST

CALDER

The development of our next ‘We are Brimbank’ Council Plan for 2025-2029 is underway.

This process involves multiple stages and is grounded

in community engagement and feedback. The Plan and

actions will be informed by community priorities, needs

and values.

We’ve begun this journey and sincerely thank our

community for participating in the first stage of

engagement held earlier this year.

Over 100 people shared their thoughts on whether the

current Council Vision still reflects community needs

and aspirations. You expressed what you love about

Brimbank, your vision for the future, and the areas

you want us to focus on over the next four years.

You told us that the community values

Brimbank’s diversity and inclusivity, natural

beauty and green spaces, cultural events

and social spaces, community connection,

recreational and leisure facilities, and a

commitment to healthy and active living.

More opportunities coming

There are still plenty of opportunities to get involved

and share your ideas for a better Brimbank!

In the coming months, we’ll be holding workshops with

the Brimbank Community Voice panel and collaborating

with our newly elected Councillors to set Council

priorities and focus areas.

Next year, from March to April, we’ll seek further

community feedback on our draft Annual Budget

Action Plan and Financial Plan. Then, in July to August,

you’ll have another chance to share your thoughts on

the draft four-year Council Plan and 10-year Asset Plan.

Keep an eye out for further details closer to the time at

www.yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Applications are opening soon for the In2Sport

assistance program.

In2Sport Brimbank is a subsidy program to help children

living in Brimbank take part in community sport,

regardless of financial circumstances.

Children aged six to 18 years may be eligible for financial

assistance for club membership fees. The program aims to

fund 75 per cent, or up to $200 of club membership fees.

In2Sport is an inclusive program for people from

all walks of life. People living with a disability are

encouraged to apply.

When do applications open?

•

– 27 January 2025

(open to first time applications, females and people

with a disability only)

•

– 17 February 2025

Closing date is subject to funding availability.

Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

and search ‘In2Sport’

In2Sport means more kids can have a go at sport

for more information or to apply.

We welcome you and your family

to be part of the program.

This free, facilitated seven-week

program is for new parents with

babies aged between six weeks

and four months. Groups are run

in English, Vietnamese and

Burmese and held in several

locations across Brimbank.

Joining a supportive new parent

group is a great way to meet and

socialise with other new parents

in your area.

The program covers a range of

topics including:

• getting to know each other

and getting to know your baby

• being a parent in Australia

• helping your baby sleep

and settle

• food, your baby and the family

• looking after yourself

• play, more than fun and games

In 2024, 343 new parents and 344

babies took part in the program.

If you’re interested, speak to your

Maternal & Child Health nurse, or

email

firststeps@brimbank.vic.

gov.au

or visit

www.brimbank.

vic.gov.au/mch

Applications are open for the Brimbank Youth Council 2025.

Young people aged 12-25 who

live, work, study or have a strong

connection to Brimbank can apply.

As a member you will represent

local young people, inspire

positive change, network,

develop important skills, and

gain leadership experience.

Between March and November,

the Brimbank Youth Council

members meet regularly, help

design and lead a project of

their choice, and attend some

formal committee meetings

with Councillors.

Making a difference

Last year, the Brimbank Youth

Council launched a project

themed Student Wellbeing. You

can check out the resource they

created here:

brimbankyouth.

com/programs/brimbank

youth-council-youth-voice/

You can also learn more about

how you can become part of the

Brimbank Youth Council.

Brimbank Youth Council of 2024

Summer is the perfect time to explore Brimbank’s beautiful parks and playgrounds.

Since 2008, we’ve invested over $50 million to build and upgrade 151 parks and playgrounds.

Here are a few of the recently upgraded parks and open spaces.

yaluk barring park

(formerly Sydenham Park)

Experience one of Brimbank’s largest open spaces

at yaluk barring park, with its river valleys and vistas

across the Maribyrnong Valley.

What’s special?

• 231 hectares of grassland and unique flora and fauna

• Home to kangaroos, wallabies, birdlife, river animals

and native plants

• Steeped in environmental, ecological and cultural

heritage values

The newly opened $2.4 million walking trail offers

a 2km journey through the grasslands, a viewing

platform over Jacksons Creek and picnic facilities.

Access the trail from the Keilor Public Golf Course

car park on Turnley Parkway.

yaluk barring park hours

April–September: 7am-6pm daily

October-March: 6am–7pm daily

Car park closes after hours

Green Gully Reserve

This popular park has a newly extended shared use path,

connecting to Denbigh Court and Taylors Creek shared

use path. There’s a fantastic playground with a landmark

tower and slides, nature play areas, picnic and fitness

facilities, and a combined basketball and netball court.

St Andrews Park

The upgraded park includes a new playground,

swings, slides and nature play space. There is a new

sheltered picnic area with BBQ facilities and seating,

more gardens and better footpaths.

Keilor Downs Recreation Reserve

A $250,000 upgrade includes a new concrete

circuit path with bench seating, fitness equipment

and shady trees.

Castley Reserve neighbourhood park

A new playground combines nature play elements and

play equipment, bench seats, bicycle hoops, fencing

and greenery.

Brimbank is home to 1204 hectares of parks, gardens, playgrounds, dog parks and skate parks.

To find your nearest location visit

and search ‘parks and nature’.

Gloria, a brave chihuahua from Bacchus Marsh

had been missing for six months before she was

reunited with her owners, who had feared she

might never return.

This tale unfolded when Council received an animal

registration application which sparked some questions

around the dog's ownership. On checking the microchip

against the Central Animal Records database, we found

Gloria was flagged as 'suspected stolen'.

We turned to social media to find multiple 'missing dog'

posts by the owners on Facebook, and learned that the

chihuahua was likely stolen during a house break-in.

Our Animal Management Officers investigated further

with VicPol and established that the dog was indeed

stolen, and that she was now in Derrimut!

How Gloria was reunited

Our Officers Liv and Laura attended the Derrimut

premises, where residents had attempted to register

Gloria, and were able to negotiate for her to be taken

into Council’s care.

Gloria was then reunited with her rightful owners,

who were grateful and incredibly relieved.

Gloria's story shows just how important it is to

microchip your pets. It would not have been possible

to track her down without it.

For information about how to register your

pet in Brimbank, visit

www.brimbank.vic.

gov.au/animal-registration-application

or scan the QR code.

Is your mobile phone or device no longer working?

On 28 October 2024 the national 3G mobile phone

network was set to close. Telstra and Optus networks

should now be closed or finalising closure of the older

3G network. If this took place as planned and your

mobile phone no longer works, it is likely to be because

your phone doesn’t contain the technology needed to

work on the newer, more capable 4G or 5G network.

My 3G phone, older phone/device

is still working, why?

If you have an older mobile phone or network

connected device that is still working, it could be

due to delays in switching off the 3G network in your

area or your phone/device might actually be 4G or

5G capable. You can check your phone or network

connected device by using the following instructions.

Visit:

www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles

devices/3g-closure

or call:

or

SMS '3'

to

3498

for an automatic response on your device's 4G

network compatibility.

Visit:

www.optus.com.au/3g

or call:

or

SMS '3'

to

3498

for an automatic response on your

device's 4G network compatibility.

What if I can’t afford a new phone?

If you cannot afford to replace your mobile phone,

call your network provider on the number above and

inform them of this. You may be eligible for a free

replacement phone.

Gloria reunited with her owner

The Brimbank Community Charitable Fund

celebrates 15 years of supporting the community.

The Brimbank Community Fund, located in the west

and northwest of Melbourne, supports projects that

provide grassroot solutions to challenges faced by

Brimbank’s most vulnerable residents.

The most recent grants focus on health and wellbeing

and life-long learning programs largely facilitated

through neighbourhood houses,

community houses and youth clubs.

The funding of defibrillators at four sites will improve

the heart safety of the community and help save lives.

Another grant addresses the physical and mental

wellbeing of culturally diverse and disadvantaged

groups within the community.

For more information email

bcf@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Did you know the amount of waste ending up in our

bins jumps by about 30 per cent around Christmas?

A few simple things that can

help cut waste

Ordering a food and garden organics bin – with the

bright green lid - can help reduce the amount of food

scraps going to landfill by 50 per cent. Food waste gets

converted into nutrient rich compost for farms and

gardens. Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au/greenwaste

for

more information on how to order a food and garden

organics bin.

You can drop off small batteries, globes, and mobile

phones at our E-waste Hubs at your local Brimbank

Library. Visit

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

for the

address of your nearest library.

Remember - do not put batteries in your kerbside bins.

They contain flammable substances that can cause

fires in bins and waste trucks.

You can drop off small electrical items at Brimbank’s

Resource Recovery Hubs, located at the Brimbank

Aquatic and Wellness Centre, Brimbank Community

and Civic Centre, Westvale Community Centre and

West Sunshine Community Centre.

Accepted electric items include toasters, kettles,

mobile phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops,

digital cameras, charging cables, CDs, DVDs.

We host two events each year in partnership with local

charities. Residents can donate clothing, furniture and

household items which are in good condition. The next

Brimbank Reusable Goods Drop-off Day will be Saturday

29 March 2025 at the Delahey Community Centre.

Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au/living-here/my-home/

rubbish-and-recycling/reusable-goods-drop-day

to learn more.

The Brimbank Resource Recovery Centre at Stadium

Drive, Keilor Park is a one-stop spot where you can drop

off items you no longer need. Items accepted include

electronic waste like televisions, computers, printers,

all types of batteries, and more.

Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

for opening hours and

information about accepted items.

Theia drops off some batteries at the Sunshine branch

of one of our libraries

Donate to help people who are struggling in our community.

You can donate non-perishable food and household necessities

to our 2024 Giving Tree program, which is delivered in partnership

with local charities, businesses and community organisations.

For a list of suggested items, dates and drop-off locations, visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au/giving-tree

The program runs until Friday 20 December.

Special thanks to everyone who donates, and to our charity partners

who are distributing these items to people in need.

Thank you to the Calder Park Drive Level Crossing Removal Project team for planting native

grasses at yaluk barring park, in Keilor North

A big thank you to everyone who took part in tree planting days.

You’re helping achieve an important

vision – of making Brimbank

greener, cooler and with more

shady spaces for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s planting season

wrapped up in late winter. 36,000

wildflowers, ground covers, shrubs

and trees were planted in our

conservation reserves, many with

community help.

Volunteers from IPC Health recently

helped plant 300 native wildflowers

in grasslands at Howardson Circuit,

St Albans. Council and ‘Friends

of yaluk barring’ hosted 12 Level

Crossing Removal Project members

at yaluk barring park, in Keilor North,

planting 550 native grasses.

We also planted 2,423 semi

mature trees in streets and

reserves across Brimbank.

To increase biodiversity and tree

canopy coverage, 5,000 native

trees and shrubs (tubestock)

were planted across eight

locations. This work was funded

by Council and the Department

of Energy, Environment and

Climate and Climate Action under

the ‘More Trees for a Cooler

Greener West’ program.

Why do we need

more trees?

More trees will create cooler,

greener suburbs, and a home for

birds, butterflies, pollinators and

other native species.

We are committed to increasing

Brimbank’s tree canopy through

the actions of our Urban Forest

Strategy (2016).

How can you help?

Plant more trees and plants

in your garden or join one of

our community planting days.

Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

to learn more.

The West Gate Tunnel Project’s new pedestrian and bike paths are now open offering Brimbank cyclists,

runners and walkers even better connectivity.

This new walking and cycling path

runs along Kororoit Creek in Altona

North between Grieve Parade and

Geelong Road.

The popular Federation Trail

section between Millers Road

and Fogarty Avenue, closed

while West Gate Freeway

widening work was underway,

has now reopened.

The West Gate Tunnel project

team is currently resurfacing

the Federation Trail between

Millers Road and Little Boundary

Road, which is due to open in late

December, upon completion of

these work. Signed detours are

in place.

It’s going to be a scorching summer.

Temperatures are set to soar

this summer, and it’s going to be

especially hot in the west. Make

sure you carefully manage your

daily activity during extremely hot

days and heatwaves.

Staying cool during

extreme heat

• Check the weather forecast so

you can be prepared.

• Stay hydrated, carry a full drink

bottle with you, and take small

sips frequently (don’t forget to

give your pets plenty of fresh

water to drink too).

• Never leave kids, adults,

or pets in cars.

• Seek out air-conditioned

buildings to spend your time

in on hot days – places like

shopping centres, libraries,

cinemas, or family and

friends’ homes.

• Plan ahead by cancelling non

essential outings and scheduling

essential activities for the

coolest part of the day.

• Keep your home cool by

closing the blinds and curtains.

• Use an electric fan, ice and/or

cold water to help lower body

temperature.

Call or visit vulnerable family and

friends to check if they are okay.

Heatwaves and what to do

A heatwave is three or more very

hot days when the day and night

temperature averages 30 degrees

Celsius or more.

Heatwaves in Brimbank are

particularly severe due to the

‘Urban Heat Island Effect’ since

our city has less tree coverage and

more paved surfaces compared to

other parts of greater Melbourne.

So staying heatwave safe is very

important.

If you're feeling affected by the

heat, or you believe someone

you know may be affected by the

heat, call Nurse-on-Call on

. For life threatening

emergencies, call

.

Important information

To find out what to do in a

heatwave emergency, visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

and

search for ‘heatwaves ’.

To check heat alerts, download

the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

app or go to

www.bom.gov.au

- or download the VIC Emergency

app or go to

emergency.vic.gov.

au/respond

For more resources on staying

heatwave safe, visit the

Department of Health’s website

www.health.vic.gov.au

and

search for ‘heatwaves and

extreme heat’.

HV McKay Memorial Gardens in Sunshine is a great spot to visit.

The Victorian heritage listed

garden was created in 1909 for

the Sunshine Harvester Works

workers and their families. Back

then it manufactured agricultural

equipment, including the famous

Sunshine Harvester which

revolutionised wheat harvesting

around the world. At its peak, its

Sunshine base was the largest

manufacturing plant in Australia.

Sunshine is named after the

Sunshine Harvester Works plant.

Friends make a difference

The Friends of HV McKay Gardens,

formed in 2007, play an important

role in ensuring the park’s rich

history is remembered. Their

advocacy and efforts have

encouraged Council to undertake

restoration works, which include

reinstating paths, planting trees

and colourful garden beds to

reflect its original character, and

installing signboards telling the

story of its history.

Maintaining this

historic gem

Council’s Parks Maintenance Unit

is committed to maintaining and

enhancing the garden’s grounds.

Work is carried out under the strict

guidelines set by Heritage Victoria,

as outlined in the HV McKay

Management Plan, which ensures

all improvements honour the site’s

historical importance.

Some notable projects

completed include restoration

of the northern end of the

park, and rejuvenation of the

Quince Walk, both of which

have successfully revitalised

these areas and restored their

historical significance.

Get involved

The Friends of HV McKay Gardens

hold regular events to raise

awareness about the gardens.

This includes the popular McKay

Gardens Community Festival,

held every March. Visit them on

Facebook or

mckaygardens.

com.au

to learn more about the

group and its activities. Even

better, check out the gardens, just

a short stroll from Sunshine train

station via a pedestrian bridge

that links to Sunshine’s CBD.

Families love the annual McKay Gardens Community Festival, celebrated in March

Did you know, in addition to our quarterly print edition of Brimbank News, we also have a

digital newsletter? To sign up to our monthly enewsletter, get the latest Council news and

reminders delivered to your inbox, visit

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/news/

newsletters

or scan the QR code. You can also read the latest Brimbank news from Council

and more, on our news site

https://news.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

We answer the top five questions our Customer

Service officers receive over summer.

Will Council’s Customer Service Centres

operate over Christmas and New Year?

Our Keilor and Sunshine Customer Service Centres

will be open to assist on regular business days and

closed on public holidays.

My bin collection day falls on Christmas Day,

will my rubbish be collected?

There is no collection of waste or recyclables on

Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Collections will occur the next day for the remainder

of the week. For example, Christmas falls on

Wednesday this year, so Wednesday collections

will be on Thursday, Thursday collections on Friday

and Friday collections on Saturday.

If you’re not sure when your bin day is, visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

I have so much waste from Christmas,

what can I do with it all?

For old Christmas decorations that are too good to

throw out, try donating them to local community

groups or charity organisations.

If your natural or plastic Christmas tree is looking a

bit worse for wear, our At Call Hard Waste Collection

service can take them for you. Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.

au

and search for ‘At Call Hard Waste’.

For answers to your waste queries and to find out

how to dispose of items correctly, visit

brimbank.vic.

gov.au

and search for ‘A to Z recycling guide’.

How do I report illegal fireworks in my

neighbourhood over the festive season?

The use of fireworks by the public is banned in Victoria,

yet, in the summer months we see a spike in fireworks

and firework related injuries. To report the use of illegal

fireworks, please contact the Victoria Police Assistance

Line on

.

What’s on in Brimbank over summer?

Are there any programs my family or I can join?

A guide to low cost and free classes, courses and

programs can be found at

brimbank.vic.gov.au

Pick from art and craft classes, social activities,

cooking and so much more.

Our libraries also offer lots of regular programs and

special events. Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

to see

what is happening at your library this summer.

If you’re looking for a show, a festival or a group to join,

visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

to see what’s on.

Applications are open all year round for Quick

Response Community Grants.

These can assist not-for-profit community groups

or organisations to meet emerging or unexpected

community needs and opportunities.

Applications can be made year

round and will be assessed three

times during the year in August,

November and February.

For information on how to apply and eligibility, visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au/quick-response-grants

or

call the Grants Hotline on

.

grants

Santa photos

…

Saturday 14 December 2025,

11am-2pm

Y

St Albans Town Centre,

Library Reserve, opposite

65 Alfrieda Street

Come take a photo with Santa!

(at the front

of my house) Exhibition by

Liên Ta

…

Wednesday 1 January

Thursday 20 March 2025

Y

Brimbank and Sunshine

Projection Galleries

301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine

Liên Ta’s Lunar New Year commission

(at the front of

my house) captures the nuances of

love between an immigrant mother

and daughter that, rather than

surpassing language and physical

barriers, flows through them with

extreme tenderness and gentle care.

St Albans Lunar Festival

…

Sunday 19 January 2025,

10am-10pm

Y

Alfrieda Street, St Albans

Soak up the atmosphere, the

food, the culture, entertainment

and finishing with its signature

fireworks display!

More information:

www.

stalbanstowncentre.com.au/

lunarfestival

Sunshine Lunar New Year

Festival

…

Sunday 26 January 2025,

12noon-10pm

Y

Hampshire Road, Sunshine

A huge day of family fun including

children’s rides, street food and

market stalls. There will be live

entertainment, street performers,

music, face-painting, magical lion

and dragon dancing, red-pockets

and firecrackers at the stage area.

More information:

www.

sunshinebusiness.com.au/

events/sunshine-lunar-new

year-festival-2025/

Brimbank Women in Business

Lunch – Jelena Dokic

…

Thursday 6 March 2025,

11.30am-2.30pm

Y

Lakeside Banquet and Convention

Centre, 65 Melton Highway,

Taylors Lakes

Tennis champion Jelena Dokic

joins us for a special International

Women’s Day edition of the

Brimbank Women in Business

Lunch. An enormous talent that

rocketed to fourth in the world

in women’s tennis by the age of

19, Jelena is now a popular sports

commentator with two best-seller

books about her remarkable life.

Jelena will share her incredible

journey of survival on and off the

court at this event. Booking is

essential and tickets cost $75.

Visit

events.brimbank.vic.gov.au

to book.

CUL-TI-VATE Program 2025

…

One evening per week for six

weeks, starting March 2025

Y

iHarvest Coworking, Level 4/

301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine

Our 2025 CUL-TI-VATE start-up

program supports aspiring

entrepreneurs to bring their ideas

to market.

Business experts in

will share their knowledge via

a mix of online and in-person

masterclasses, networking

opportunities and special events to

help you test and launch your new

business, product, or service.

These Council subsidised places are

limited, and participation is subject

to a thorough assessment process.

Visit

brimbank.vic.gov.au

and

search ‘cultivate' to learn more.

commercialisation

For more events visit

events.brimbank.vic.gov.au