After a period of super high temperatures in Melbourne, I’d like to thank our many team members who undertake their roles outdoors, rain, hail or shine. Thank you for keeping our vital services running despite our many seasons in one day.
I'd also like to take a moment to emphasise the importance of safety in our workplace, while acknowledging that 'our workplace' reaches well beyond the walls of our various office locations. We work in a complex environment, with our frontline teams particularly experiencing first-hand the many challenges being faced by our community. Please continue to report hazards and incidents, allowing us a better understand the challenges being faced and ways we can work together to prevent harm. It's also important to look out for each other, offering assistance if you see someone in need and working together is key to creating a safe and supportive work environment.
On behalf of Community Strengthening, I hope you enjoy learning about some of our recent highlights. Have a fantastic week!
2025 Community Grant Funding Overview
The Community Funding team will be running all three Community Grant rounds this year. These grants provide crucial financial assistance to support community groups and individuals to undertake impactful projects in our community.
We thank every team whose support and contributions make the grants program possible and ask that you share the grant opportunities with community members and networks.
Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Success for Community Amenity
The Community Amenity department has experienced remarkable growth and achievements throughout 2024, showcasing the dedication of our team and the community’s commitment to shared goals. As we step into 2025, it's worth reflecting on the strides we’ve made and the momentum we carry into the new year.
- Record-breaking pet registrations - With the introduction of our first-ever $5 Pet Registration Initiative, 2024 marked a milestone with the highest number of pet registrations ever recorded with a 50% increase in registrations during a two-week period.
- Significant growth in permit issuance - The volume of permits issued soared in 2024, with numbers increasing from 246 in 2023 to an impressive 406. These results reflect the growing demand for permits and the efficiency improvements within our processes.
- Community education and new Local Laws - In line with our focus on community engagement and an enhanced emphasis on education initiatives, we delivered informative presentations at neighbourhood houses and Council events, fostering stronger connections with residents and raising awareness about important topics. We also introduced two new Local Laws, the Cat Curfew and the Tree Protection on Private Land. These laws underline our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our shared spaces.
The momentum has carried into 2025 with an outstanding outcome from the Department of Transport’s annual audit. For the first time, we exceeded expectations to such an extent that our audit schedule has shifted to a bi-annual basis - a significant achievement for the organisation.
Festivals and Events
Our Festivals and Events team have been busy over the summer period, holding a number of events across Greater Dandenong.
- New Years Eve Fireworks - 20,000 community members of all ages gathered for an evening of celebration, culture and entertainment at Wilson Oval.
- Greater Dandenong Fun Run, Walk and Roll - Hosting 200 registered participants, a 25% increase from the previous year. Dandenong Little Athletics Centre treated participants with a free sausage sizzle at the conclusion of the 5km course.
- Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards Ceremony - A list of award winners is available on our website, and the winners’ videos, developed in collaboration with Media and Communications are available on our Facebook page.
Community Arts, Culture and Libraries
These teams have had a great 2024 with many proud achievements, including:
- The Arts and Cultural Development team honored with the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in Arts. The award celebrates not just the artistic vision but also dedication to build a connected inclusive community.
- The Heritage team held many outstanding programs and exhibitions in 2024 which were well received by the participants and community, We Built This City is just one of them.
- The libraries have had great partnerships with many organisations to provide the community with different services, including a partnership with South East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) to provide accessible legal assistance.
- Our facilities and community hubs hosted hundreds of events throughout the year.
- The Drum Theatre hosted 281 events and activities, including 119 performances and 64,119 visitors.
Council’s Volunteer Program
We have a fantastic volunteer program available for teams to utilise. These volunteers can provide extra support for programs or projects, with our program offering a comprehensive pathway to recruit, train and retain volunteers, ensuring compliance and providing the support you need.
How we can help:
- Expert guidance - Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, from recruitment to training and retention.
- Diverse volunteer pool - With 130 volunteers across various programs, you can find the right match for your specific needs.
- Comprehensive support - We ensure all volunteers are well-trained and compliant with regulations, providing you with reliable and dedicated support.
- Community impact - By working with volunteers, you contribute to the community and help create a positive impact.
Get in touch with the Council Volunteer Program to learn more and start benefiting from the dedication and skills of our volunteers – Lynne Curtis on 8571 5335 or Michelle Slavin on 8571 5125 or via email volunteers@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Peta Gillies, Executive Director Community Strengthening