This is the new web feature I am using – in addition to my Community Updates, Twitter and Facebook – to keep the community informed about local news and events. If you would like to subscribe to my Community Updates, simply click here.
Nominate for Citizen of the Year!
Residents and community groups have until Wednesday 30 November to get applications in for the annual Hobsons Bay awards to publicly recognise local community members or groups who have made a substantial and outstanding contribution to life in Hobsons Bay, including involvement in local community groups, arts and cultural organisations, sporting clubs, schools and volunteer organisations. The council acknowledges both a Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. For more details visit this link...
read moreManaging seaweed to become more effective and environmentally friendly
I’ve been working with council officers to find better ways of collecting and disposing of the seaweed on Altona Beach since being elected to council. After a number of trials a company has developed a machine that helps remove the sand from the seaweed when its collected so that it can be used to make liquid fertiliser. Thus, we will be recycling 100% of our seaweed in the near future. The machine will cost the council just under $88,000 (with the state government contributing 50% of the cost) and this new process will save the...
read moreReinvent or Retire – Community Forum and Information Expo
Early this year I successfully moved that the council conduct a forum for our senior citizens. This forum is taking place on thursday 13th October 2011 at the Newport Substation from 6pm. It is called the “Reinvent or Retire – Community Forum and Information Expo” and will feature MC Jane Clifton and panelists Dr Sally “Feelgood” Cockburn, Tommy Hafey (AFL legend), Betty Bobbitt (Actor and former “Prisoner cast member), and Dominic Alafaci (3AW Finance Expert). It is a free community event and will include...
read moreLocal Fundraiser for Royal Children’s Hospital
Please support Pat Byrne who is running the 250 km from Echuca to Altona from 1-16 October to raise money for the Neurology Department of the Royal Children’s Hospital. The fundraiser is in memory of her grandson Luke who suffered a brain tumour resulting his death at only 20 months old. I encourage everyone to donate to this worthy cause – I have! For more info – http://rchfoundation.com.au/lukesrun Donations over $2 are tax deductible. I will be welcoming Pat back to Hobsons Bay at the Bayfit Leisure Centre at 10am on...
read moreAltona Life Saving Club wants YOU!
Altona Life Saving Club Sign-up Day The Altona Life Saving Club (ALSC) is holding their annual sign up day on Sunday 16th October 2011 from 10am -12noon at their club rooms (127 The Esplanade Altona). The ALSC is a volunteer run organisation that offers the community a patrolled beach every weekend from November to April. ALSC also provides a chance for all members to be involved in the Nipper/Cadet programme, Surf Boat training and a variety of courses including the Bronze medallion. By becoming a member you not only have the chance to be...
read moreMobil “shut down” for maintenance
Mobil Shut Down for Maintenance Mobil’s Altona Refinery will be temporarily shut down from October to November 2011 to allow the plant to undergo maintenance including inspections and some equipment upgrades. The maintenance work is likely to produce increased flaring, noise, odours and steam. Let’s hope the EPA will monitor the process carefully to ensure the local environment and community aren’t adversely affected. The council has also been advised that residents are likely to notice an increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic...
read moreHospital Services in the Western Suburbs
Call for Improved Hospital Services in Melbourne’s West At the council meeting on 17 May 2011 I successfully raised a motion seeking the details of annual state government funding for the Williamstown Hospital. The report was presented at tonight’s council meeting, and shows the following funding for infrastructure for Western Health (Footscray, Sunshine, Sunbury and Williamstown campuses) since 2007: Sunshine – $233.6 million Footscray – $24.8 million Sunbury – $21.6 million Williamstown – $4...
read moreAltona Loop
Minister still not listening – refuses to meet residents I have continued to lobby the state government for improvements to the train services to and from the Altona, Seaholme and Westona Train Stations, but they are continuing to deny a problem exists following their reduction of services since May this year. For further information on what I have done to advocate for residents, click here. The Minister’s latest letter to the council is provided...
read moreSeniors Week Forum
Seniors Week Community Forum and Expo Last year I successfully raised a motion in the chambers for the council to run a series of community forums. The first of three will be held on Thursday 13th October at the Substation in Newport and is specifically for baby boomers! The information expo and entertainment will start at 6pm, and the forum will start at 7pm and conclude at around 8.30pm. Refreshments will also be provided. This is a FREE EVENT. Jane Clifton will MC the night where I will also speak. Panels guests and speakers...
read moreNew Toilet at Frazer Reserve
New Toilet at Frazer Reserve Shortly after being elected in 2008 I was approached by a number of residents who complained the council had removed the public toilet on Frazer Reserve (the corner of Millers Road and The Esplanade) in 2007. I have been lobbying to have the toilet rebuilt and am pleased to announce the new toilet will be constructed in the next few months and will be operational for...
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