A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Welcome to the Spring edition of Maribyrnong Messenger.
I want to acknowledge the hundreds of tributes received from our community following the sudden passing of our respected colleague and community advocate, Cr Sarah Carter.
It is heartening to read the many positive comments praising her dedication and commitment to the City of Maribyrnong, her passion for the community, and her drive for creating positive change.
You will find a special tribute to Sarah also on page 3.
We know our community values open space, and are keen to see Council invest in improving our current spaces, but also find ways to create new ones. This has been a big focus for Council over the recent months, with the improvement works on Footscray Park’s Western Lawn, and the construction of the new Lilardia Park now complete. I know these community spaces will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come. You can read more on page 14.
As we come into the warmer months, we will also begin work on preparing our reserves for activity over the Summer. If you should find your local oval closed for maintenance please adhere to the signage to ensure these works can be carried out smoothly with minimal disruption to users. Head to page 6 for further details.
Another area we know our community wants to see improvement is in transportation. Our existing network is under significant pressure, and we are often faced with complex and competing transport needs. This is why we have started a conversation with our community to support the development of a draft Integrated Transport Strategy – find out more on page 8.
In October this year, Victoria’s local government elections will be held and seven Councillors will be elected to govern our City over the next four years. I encourage you get involved, register on the roll, put your name in the hat, learn about those who are standing, and most importantly cast your vote.
Council will enter an election period from Tuesday 17 September until Saturday 26 October.
Our Election Period Policy ensures Council business continues throughout this period in a responsible and transparent manner. You can find it on Council’s website.
As such, this will be my last Mayor's Message. It has been a privilege to be your Mayor and advocating for the needs of our community.
Thank you for all of your support.
Councillor
Cuc Lam Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong
Helping residents to ‘Bin it Better’ 12 Illuminate Footscray: Striking light-based artwork debuts on Hopkins Street 13 Street libraries: Your neighbourhood bookshelf
Upgraded and new open spaces open for community use
Sweet success: Tom's Confectionery Warehouse
COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The meetings will be held at the Braybrook Community Hub, 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook.
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday 10 September, 6.30pm: Council
Wednesday 11 September, 6.30pm: City Development Delegated Committee
OCTOBER
Tuesday 15 October, 6.30pm: Council
NOVEMBER
Tuesday 19 November, 6.30pm: Council (Election of the Mayor)
Meetings are live streamed via Council’s YouTube channel, and community members can submit questions for public question time online before the Meeting commences.
Please note the meeting schedule is current at the time of printing. Visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/meetings or phone 9688 0200 for more information.
VALE CR SARAH CARTER
JOINING WITH OUR COMMUNITY IN MARKING THE SUDDEN PASSING OF LONG-STANDING COUNCILLOR, AND FORMER MAYOR, SARAH CARTER.
Councillor Carter was a trusted and valued colleague, whose sudden passing has shocked and saddened staff and councillors.
Councillor Carter was only the second Mayor in our municipality’s history, and the only female Mayor, to achieve Emeritus status – the highest recognition for distinguished service in local government leadership.
First elected in 2008, Councillor Carter was serving her 16th consecutive year on Council, which included mayoral terms in 2011, 2020 and 2023.
She achieved the remarkable feat of being the first thirdterm female Mayor in 163 years of civic administration, not just in the history of Maribyrnong but also its predecessor, the City of Footscray, for which she was extremely proud. Her priorities were community wellbeing, youth services, community support, infrastructure, economic development, arts and culture, and gender equity. She had been leading Council’s advocacy for the Creative West performing arts initiative, and was Council’s inaugural Gender Equity Ambassador.
Her passing is an enormous loss to our community who she has worked tirelessly to support.
We extend our deepest condolences to Councillor Carter’s partner, family, friends and all who knew and worked alongside her.
She will be greatly missed.
TRIBUTES FOR COUNCILLOR SARAH CARTER
We are hearing wonderful things from our community recognising Councillor Sarah Carter’s contribution to our City during her 16 years of public service with Council.
If you would like to formalise your tribute, you can do so on a memorial page on our website: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/valesarahcarter
We will collate and share with Councillor Carter’s family.
SINGING SCIENTIST:
BRINGING FUN AND MUSIC TO HER LOVE OF SCIENCE
CATRIONA NGUYEN-ROBERTSON IS A WOMAN OF MANY TALENTS AND SHE IS USING THOSE TALENTS TO BRING SCIENCE TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
Alove of science and a desire to bring science to the community is what drives Dr Catriona Nguyen-Robertson.
Award-winning and multi-talented, Catriona is a scientist, a musician, and educator - all of which she has brought into her love of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and it’s a passion she tries to bring to as many people as possible in various ways. This has included her work at Scienceworks, teaching Science Communication to university students, chairing the National Science Week Coordinating Committee in Victoria, and more.
Coming from a family that valued science, Catriona – West Footscray born and bred – knew from a young age that she would be in a STEM field. First, she thought she would be a doctor, and then when she did not get into medicine or biomedicine after high school, she completed a Diploma of Science, and a Diploma of Languages. From the “blow” of not making it into medicine, she found a sense of flexibility and freedom from her new path.
“In my second to third year, I did a stint at a hospital – at Western – and that was really fun to go into a lab every day for the holidays and work. I decided I would do Honours, which was a one-year research degree, and then thought I couldn’t imagine not going into a lab every day, which is why I decided to do my PhD,” Catriona said.
While fascinated by everything, her specialty – “my deepdive” – is immunology, to do with the immune system. “I was really curious as to how we fight off different infections. For me, I was studying Tuberculosis (TB), and trying to improve the vaccine, especially for adults. Even though we don’t think of it as a really big problem here, it still is. Before COVID came along, TB was the top infectious killer, worldwide.”
From science in a lab, to science in the community, Catriona has also been an active science educator and communicator, mentoring students while studying for her PhD. During this period, she was also working at the Gene Technology Access Centre, a place where students from around Victoria could come and get hands-on experience in a lab. This passion and excitability for science is what led to her role at Scienceworks. Due to her varied work history, including working with school children, everything fell into place.
“For the job interview you had to do a five-minute demonstration, and I sang it, and they said they’d never had anyone sing at them before,” she said.
The role has been a culmination of all her passions. During high school, a lot of her days were about music – band, orchestra and choir. While music had fallen to one side while she was at university she found a new place for it at Scienceworks.
It also stood her in good stead for her entry into FameLab in 2019 - a live science communication competition that aims
to discover early career scientists who can inspire people to see the world from new perspectives. It is run annually in Australia and in over 22 countries across the world. She topped and tailed her three-minute presentation with music singing her way through an explanation of the way exercise impacts our immune system in the finals.
“That was scary – on a stage, singing in front of people. But people connected with my story and my music so much. Those two words – Singing Scientist – encapsulates my approach to science. I want to share science, but in a really bubbly and different way.”
In June 2024, Cartriona won Young Achiever Awards Victoria’s Career Achievement Award, for her dedication to fostering a love of science in people of all ages.
“I was really, really surprised because I read the bios of everyone else in my category and they were all doing such great things. I think that everyone there, in all the categories, are fabulous people. What was really surprising was, a week later, I went to a conference for science communicators, and my boss had secretly nominated me for the Unsung Hero in Science Communication, and I won that as well. So both of those awards were massive surprises,” Catriona said. Her successes and passion for science don’t end there, as she also supports women in STEM and volunteers for Queers in Science, to make STEM a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
Catriona also has a radio show called Science Queeries, to help share stories and science of different people in STEM. You can listen at joy.org.au/sciencequeeries
A NOVEL NIGHT
CELEBRATING MARIBYRNONG’S
YOUNG WRITERS
MARIBYRNONG LIBRARIES RECENTLY CELEBRATED THE CREATIVE TALENTS OF LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE ANNUAL YOUNG WRITERS AWARDS NIGHT, SHOWCASING OVER 70 ENTRIES FROM BUDDING WRITERS ACROSS VARIOUS CATEGORIES.
The awards ceremony not only recognised outstanding creativity but also underscored Maribyrnong’s commitment to nurturing literary talent among its young residents. The depth and quality of entries reflect the vibrant imagination and storytelling prowess within our community.
Aiding the success of the Young Writers Awards was the Young Writers Festival, which provided an opportunity for young people ages 6-16 to refine their literary skills under the guidance of published authors. Participants learned techniques and received tips to enhance their writing, preparing them to craft their entries for the annual Young Writers Competition.
Congratulations to all participants and winners of the Young Writers Awards.
YOUNG WRITERS AWARDS WINNERS
6-8 SHORT STORY CATEGORY:
Winning entry: The Monkey that saw a Girl by Lhamo, age 6 Highly commended: Dinosaur Court by Louie, age 8
6-8 GRAPHIC NOVEL CATEGORY
Winning entry: The Life of Yo Mama by Jude, age 7
9-12 SHORT STORY CATEGORY
Winning entry: The Worm Friend: Dawn of the Moles by Harvey, age 9
Highly commended: Lost by Sydney, age 11
9-12 GRAPHIC NOVEL CATEGORY
Winning entry: Unlucky Steve Goes Skydiving by Enjay, age 11
13-16 SHORT STORY CATEGORY
Winning entry: Radiant Rebirth by Taihan, age 14 Highly commended: Glass Skin Girl by Ava, age 15
An anthology has been compiled of all submitted stories – now available for borrowing from all library branches. It not only showcases the winners’ stories, but also highlights the diverse voices and imaginative stories crafted by our young writers.
GREENING MARIBYRNONG
THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY AND COUNCIL
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO ENHANCE OUR NATURE AREAS AND COMBAT TREE VANDALISM
Withthe rise in population and urban density throughout Maribyrnong, coupled with the increasing impacts of climate change, there is also a growing need for a resilient tree network and canopy cover.
Unfortunately, tree vandalism has been affecting the beauty and health of our environment. It not only undermines the work of Council and ‘Friends of’ Groups, but also impacts the ecological health of the targeted areas.
Council is committed to ensuring a greener Maribyrnong through the Urban Forest Strategy, which supports our vision for a greener, more liveable city. As a community, we encourage all residents to take care of trees that live in the area and report acts of vandalism to the Police.
Alongside ‘Friends of’ Groups, Council plants thousands of trees each year, and in July, Council surpassed previous records by planting 4,000 trees during National Tree Day. This yearly event is an opportunity to maintain and enhance our environment while learning about the local wildlife and how to protect it.
We thank Melbourne Water Community Grants (River Health Incentives Program), Working Heritage Victoria and the Friends of Maribyrnong Valley for funding this year's plant stock.
‘Friends of’ Groups continue to support Council with community planting days year-round. Their role becomes even more crucial as we work towards our tree planting goals in 2024. These groups, including Friends of Cruickshank Park, Friends of Footscray Park, Friends of Maribyrnong Valley, Friends of Newells Paddock and Friends of Stony Creek, dedicate their time to preserving our parks, conservation reserves, and native species. They also organise regular activities like rubbish collecting to keep our City clean. To get involved in community planting days, rubbish collection, or to join a Friends of Group, visit maribyrnong.vic. gov.au/volunteering
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UPDATE
BE PART OF THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNITY
WE’RE BROADENING THE CONVERSATION TO CAPTURE THE THOUGHTS AND IDEAS FROM OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COMMUNITY VISION, ALONG WITH THE COUNCIL, ASSET AND FINANCIAL PLANS - KEY STRATEGIC PLANNING DOCUMENTS CURRENTLY UP FOR REVIEW.
Over the past few months we’ve sought your initial feedback through our online digital engagement tool, Your City Your Voice, and the new Hello LampPost tool, on how you would like to be involved in these important opportunities to influence council decision-making. You’ve told us while your preference is online, you’d still like us to include some hard copy and in-person opportunities. To support this we are planning some group discussions for November - both online and face-to-
face. We are keen to have as many people who wish to, participate. You’ve also told us you think the current Community Vision - while okay - could do with some work, and you have started to share your initial thinking on the strategic direction you would like Council to take in the next four years as part of the delivery of a new Council Plan.
The conversation is ongoing, but we now want to dive deeper with some specific questions regarding your thoughts on the Asset, Financial, and Health and Wellbeing plans.
UPCOMING CARETAKER PERIOD DURING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION
W ith the 2024 Local Government election drawing closer, we will be making some changes to how we do business to ensure it is conducted in a fair, transparent and equitable manner.
As per Council’s Election Period Policy, Council will not make any major decisions, and will limit public consultation, public meetings, civic and ceremonial events and Advisory Committee meetings during the election period which takes place
This includes: your satisfaction with maintenance and expenditure on the transport network, open space, drainage system, and community buildings and any areas you would like to see improvements; the top three things you’d like to see Council focus on to support community health and wellbeing; and whether you would support reduced spending on some services if we could still maintain the same range albeit with less provision or availability.
As we have done previously on the Annual Budget, we’re also asking you to identify where you would like us to focus future spending - but over the next 10 years.
You can answer these questions and more, find out about in person opportunities to talk directly with us, and express your interest in group discussions at yourcityyourvoice.com. au/communityplan
Group discussions, planned for later this year and early in 2025, will unpack some of the things we have learnt, and build on what we are hearing from our community.
The Community Vision, Council Plan, Asset, Financial, and Health and Wellbeing plans play an important part in how Council operates which is why it is important for our community to be part of the conversation on changes they would like to see made.
between 12pm Tuesday 17 September to 6pm Saturday 26 October 2024.
For more information and to view the Election Period Policy, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/About/2024Council-Elections
DRIVING
FOR LONGTERM CHANGE IN OUR TRANSPORT NETWORK
There are many ways we travel and commute within Maribyrnong – some of us make trips in cars, some like to get on their bike or walk, others catch public transport, and some rely on mobility scooters.
We know the existing transport network is under significant pressure – much of the arterial road system is congested, the rail system has been struggling to meet demand, and tram and bus networks are slow and crowded – exacerbated by the need to share road space with heavy commuter traffic. Recognising our future transport choices can directly impact the liveability of our municipality and contribute to our efforts in addressing climate change, we’re working on a new Integrated
CRAFTING A NEW STRATEGY FOR ARTS, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY
THE CITY OF MARIBYRNONG HAS A VIBRANT ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES SECTOR AND IT IS IMPORTANT WE HAVE A ROBUST STRATEGY TO SUPPORT IT AND OUR RICH, DIVERSE CULTURAL IDENTITY.
The Arts and Culture Strategy 2018-23 was designed to encourage community participation, celebration and creative expression and to support the local creative sector by providing funding and brokering opportunities. As we look to the future, we want to continue to harness Maribyrnong’s diverse cultural identity and emerging creative energies to position the City as a leading cultural hub in Melbourne’s west.
Transport Strategy to help guide Council’s transport planning and our sustainability and advocacy priorities.
We’ve started an early conversation with our community to understand your thinking around how you think we should be managing the complex – and at times competing –transport needs in our municipality.
To help inform this, we’ve shared a discussion paper capturing current challenges and opportunities, along with six proposed directions for your feedback:
– Maximise the Benefits of Active Transport
– Adopt a Movement and Place Approach
– Improve Mode Choice and Accessibility
– Focus on Sustainable Development
– Become a Transport Innovation and Change Leader
– Move Towards a Safe System.
In line with Council’s commitment at its October 2023 meeting to engage its community before progressing further, we’re also seeking feedback on a north/south cycling corridor to connect Footscray to Maribyrnong. We want to understand whether you think it is needed and, if so, where, and what are the key elements we need to consider in delivering it.
You can learn more, provide feedback on the six strategic directions and share your thoughts on a north/south cycling corridor online at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ integrated-transport
Feedback closes midnight Sunday 15 September 2024
A new five-year strategy for arts, culture and creativity will explore ways to advance local creative industries, provide strategic direction for arts and culture programs, support economic and cultural growth, and foster community connectedness.
Recognising the need to adapt and innovate, Council is aiming to build on work already done to meet evolving community needs and continue the work that art, culture and creativity play in promoting wellbeing and prosperity for the whole community.
Share your thoughts on ways we can continue to enjoy the artistic and cultural aspects of our community by describing your vision for arts and culture in the City of Maribyrnong. Whether you are an artist, member of an arts or creative organisation, or simply passionate about our City’s creative and cultural life, your feedback is important. Visit yourcityyourvoice.com.au/artstrategy to share your vision and learn about upcoming in-person events. Feedback closes midnight Monday 16 September 2024.
ECO-FRIENDLY FUN
MARIBYRNONG’S
CHILDREN’S WEEK CELEBRATES CLEAN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
Activities this year include Art and Nature, which will provide an opportunity for younger and older people to come together to create a painting with the help of elements found in nature. Facilitated by Council’s Park Ranger, attendees will walk along the Maribyrnong River, while learning more about local plants and connecting to the environment.
Another activity to get the grandparents involved is Butterfly House, a chance to get up-close to these delicate creatures, and enjoy some open ended play activities. Sculpting with Unconventional Materials invites children to repurpose everyday materials by turning them into an artistic masterpiece. Older
DEVELOPING A
PMARIBYRNONG’S YOUNGEST RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S WEEK, FROM 19 TO 27 OCTOBER 2024, WITH AN EXCITING RANGE OF FREE ACTIVITIES THAT REPRESENT THIS YEAR’S THEME OF ‘CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO A CLEAN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT’ – AS OUTLINED BY THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD.
children can also sign up to the Junior Bike Safety Skills workshop, which aims to make children aware of road safety, the safe use of helmets, and how to react to challenges on the road – all in a traffic school set-up environment. During a review of the Children, Young People and their Families Strategy 2030, our community identified free activities, events and programs were key to supporting connection and highly sought-after – this is why all Children’s Week activities will be free for our community. You can learn more about engagement on the Strategy review at: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ cypf-strategy-2030
Also during Children’s Week, Council will be launching a new gender equality resource for parents of children from birth to twelve years on
the importance of equal parenting offering ways to model and talk about this with children. This resource reinforces Council’s commitment to gender equity and how nurturing positive attitudes about different genders in the early years supports learning and development from childhood onwards.
Our Children’s Week activities are supported by the State Government. For more details on events and activities, please visit maribyrnong.vic. gov.au/childrensweek
Council is a child safe organisation committed to child safety and supporting the best interests of children in all its operations. Council actively promotes the safety, participation and empowerment of all children, with a zero tolerance to child abuse.
STRATEGY FOR COUNCIL-OWNED PLAY SPACES
lay is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
When children are asked about what they think is important in their lives, playing and friends is usually at the top of the list.
Recognising the importance of play in childhood development, and population increases placing further pressure on places to play, we’re developing a new
Play Strategy to consider how Councilowned infrastructure can support every child’s right to play.
We are not just talking about playgrounds, but also parks, sports facilities and things like skate parks, half basketball/netball courts, pump tracks, street play, and outdoor fitness equipment.
We want to understand from our community, including our youngest members, what is working well and what is not – what are the spaces you
love, which spaces could do with some TLC, and what we need to consider for the future.
Your feedback, along with a review of existing spaces and an understanding of trends in play, will help inform the development of a draft Play Strategy, which we will share back with you for further comment in early 2025. For further information, go to yourcityyourvoice.com.au/play. Feedback closes midnight Sunday 15 September 2024
HELPING RESIDENTS TO ‘BIN IT BETTER’
IN AN EFFORT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND RESIDENTS’ RECYCLING HABITS, WE ASKED THE COMMUNITY TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH US THROUGH THE ‘BIN IT BETTER’ SURVEY.
Atotal of 636 local residents responded to the survey providing valuable insight into household recycling habits.
Results indicated there was confusion about items that can be recycled or belong in the Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) green bin.
Close to ten per cent of people believe batteries can be disposed of in the general waste bin (red bin), however, household batteries cannot be disposed of in any kerbside bin. They contain toxic metals and can overheat or become punctured, causing rubbish loads to catch fire in trucks or at the sorting facility.
There are many places in and close to the City of Maribyrnong where you can drop off old household rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries for free, so that they can be recycled safely. For more information, visit maribyrnong. vic.gov.au/safe-battery-disposal
Other notable items being incorrectly disposed of include kitty litter and plastic ‘compostable’ caddy bags – both were found to be the most common contaminant in FOGO bins. Kitty litter and caddy bags (even compostable ones) belong in the general waste bin (red bin).
To maximise recycling efforts, it is crucial to know what goes in each bin. We encourage residents to familiarise themselves with simple guidelines to clear up any confusion about waste disposal. Knowing what belongs in the recycling, general waste, and FOGO bins ensures efforts are not wasted and that each item is processed correctly.
For more information about how to Bin it Better, visit: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ bins-and-recycling
THE ADAPTATION GAME
SIMULATING CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN MARIBYRNONG
In the heart of Maribyrnong, a unique tabletop experience is transforming how residents perceive and prepare for climate change. The Adaptation Game (TAG) invites players to simulate climate shocks and strategise their responses over the next decade. This immersive game encourages participants to play as themselves within their own homes and communities, facing realistic scenarios such as heatwaves, floods, and storms.
TAG stands out by emphasising the critical role of community collaboration in building resilience. Guided by experienced facilitators, players learn to create robust community networks, develop personal adaptation strategies, and navigate the complexities of a changing climate. Each game is three to four hours long and presents players with choices that reflect real-life challenges, from prioritising energy and resources to working with local organisations and bringing neighbours together.
The game is more than a simulation –it’s a practical exercise in fostering a supportive, resilient community ready to tackle climate impacts. It’s tailored for adults, though younger participants can join with parental consent due to the intensity of the topics discussed. By engaging with TAG, Maribyrnong residents not only gain insights into climate adaptation but also strengthen their communal bonds, making the city more resilient and proactive in the face of climate adversity.
For more information and to register your interest in playing TAG, visit: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/TAG
ILLUMINATE FOOTSCRAY: STRIKING LIGHT-BASED ARTWORK DEBUTS ON HOPKINS STREET
A NEW PUBLIC ARTWORK IS ILLUMINATING THE NIGHT SKY IN THE CITY OF MARIBYRNONG
Abold new artwork on the facade of 88 Hopkins Street serves as a striking gateway to the Footscray Central Business District reflecting the spatial synergy and ever-shifting essence of its vibrant community.
Welcome to Footscray, has been created by acclaimed Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal artist and long-time Footscray resident, Brook Andrew, through a partnership between Council and the State Government.
“The coloured lights and shapes enhance an optical black and white pattern, acting as a metaphor for the cultural and linguistic diversity in its inspiring space. The changing aspects of this work through day and night will act as way-finder for locals or visitors who love our Footscray,” the artist said.
Brook Andrew is recognised nationally and internationally for his work as an artist and curator having exhibited in the United Kingdom, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, and in major galleries and museums across Australia, including as former Artistic Director of the Sydney Biennale.
Wiradjuri language and the striking black and white pattern inspired by traditions of wood carving have been a constant in his work for over 20 years, with his studio located in Footscray on the lands of the Kulin Nations.
Welcome to Footscray is part of a joint effort to invest in artworks within the Footscray CBD to enliven community spaces, foster creativity, and deter vandalism.
A new StreetWORKS Walking Map for Footscray has also been created as part of the State and Council collaboration. It features 26 works by various artists including nine new murals by Katherine Gailer, Tom Civil, Hayden Dewar, Justine McAllister, Liv McCarten, Madi Mercer, Abbey Rich & Olana Janfa, Eric Sesto, and Daniel van de Wiel.
StreetWORKS Walking Map of Footscray is available free from Council libraries and community centres or download a copy here: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/streetworks
WHAT IS A STREET LIBRARY?
Street Libraries are small book exchanges located in neighbourhoods on local streets, often hosted by individual households to encourage a love of books and reading. They are a wonderful way to connect and share with neighbours, fostering a sense of community through the shared joy of reading. The Street Libraries in our community are more than just a source of free books. They are a testament to our community’s spirit, encouraging residents to engage with one another through the shared joy of reading. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new read, swap a book you’ve finished, or donate a book you love, these libraries are here for you.
STREET LIBRARIES: YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD BOOKSHELF
HAVE YOU NOTICED THE NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR CITY?
Maribyrnong is now home to several new Street Libraries, newly installed by Council at Mappin Reserve, McNish Reserve, and the Clarke St pop-up park. These inviting little libraries are brimming with books supplied by our library service - though no membership is required to take a book!
What makes these new Street Libraries even more innovative is the smart technology integrated into them. Equipped with sensors to monitor usage, these libraries provide valuable data that will help determine their usage. If they prove to be a hit with the community, we can look forward to seeing even more Street Libraries popping up across the City.
There are now more than 20 Street Libraries in Maribyrnong. You can find the full list of registered local Street Libraries online at the Street Library Australia website. We invite you to visit one of our Street Libraries today. Enjoy the pleasure of finding a new book, sharing your favourites with neighbours, and being part of a growing movement to make reading accessible to everyone. For more information and to find a Street Library near you, please visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/street-libraries
MARIBYRNONG COMMUNITY CENTRE RENOVATION UPDATE
The construction of Randall Street Kindergarten and the refurbishment of Maribyrnong Community Centre has been further delayed.
Council is currently progressing opportunities to enable the construction works to be finalised as soon as possible, but this could be as late as 2025. It is expected the kindergarten will be operational in Term 1, 2025, therefore registrations to enrol for next year are open. For more information on kindergarten enrolment, please visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/CRS Maribyrnong Community Centre will continue to remain open, with no interruption to programs delivered.
WESTERN LAWN OPEN FOR COMMUNITY USE, AS WORKS CONTINUE IN FOOTSCRAY PARK
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE NEWLY REDEVELOPED WESTERN LAWN AFTER ITS OFFICIAL OPENING IN JUNE.
The $8.1 million project, part of the Footscray Park Master Plan, included new turf, irrigation, and drainage systems, transforming the area into a versatile green space for events, recreation, and sports.
Council has now turned its focus to the Thomson Water Gardens landscaping works and the removal of the Playspace – in line with a decision made by Council in December 2023.
Following approval from Heritage Victoria, enhancement works to the Thomson Water Gardens will feature an expanded pond edge, garden beds, new fencing, signage, water aeration devices, and conservation efforts for the Platypus Fountain.
The Playspace, closed since the October 2022 floods, will be removed, with future relocation options under review. Council will explore alternative sites for the Playspace, with community input planned as part of a 2024 review of the Footscray Park Master Plan. The original site of the Playspace will be returned to the community as a newly refreshed open space.
QUARRY PARK CAPPING WORKS TO PAVE THE WAY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
A SECOND ROUND OF SOIL CAPPING WORKS IS BEING UNDERTAKEN AT QUARRY PARK IN COMING MONTHS, TO SUPPORT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE LARGE POPULAR PARKLAND.
Recognising the former uses of the open space as a quarry and landfill, the Environmental Protection Agency requires Council to undertake a capping process – involving more layers of compacted earth to be added on top of the existing landscape – before further developing the land.
The first round of capping, completed in 2019, was focused on the western side of Quarry Park, including the Oval and northern edge of the Park. This enabled construction of the Korean War Memorial, the first erected anywhere in Australia.
The second stage will involve adding around 50 centimetres of a new top layer of compacted earth over approximately 3.25 hectares in the eastern part of the park, to establish suitable ground conditions for future park improvements.
This is the area backing onto Farnsworth Avenue that borders Footscray High School on one side, the bike park on another and sits between the open lawn and Merv Hughes Oval.
The works will begin later in 2024, and take approximately six months to complete.
For more information, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ quarrypark
CIVIC PRECINCT AND COMMUNITY
HUB A STEP CLOSER TO THE FINISH LINE
THE UPGRADE OF THE FOOTSCRAY TOWN HALL, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW COMMUNITY PARK AND CIVIC ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IS NOW ON THE HOME STRETCH, WITH THE COMPLETION DATE SET FOR THE END OF THE YEAR.
As part of Council’s commitment to preserving the heritage of the Town Hall, extensive restoration work has been carried out to retain its rich character, while incorporating modern services to continue its life for future decades.
During the restoration process, gentle cleaning or replacement of the bricks, repairs to mortar joints, and filling in of gaps will enhance the appearance of the landmark. Meticulous attention has also been given to conserve the south façade, windows, ceilings and to help revitalise the iconic building and safeguard our connection to the past.
Surrounding the Footscray Town Hall and new administration building is a community park which will include extensive plantings of 150 trees and native plants.
As part of the open space, an accessible walking path, stairs and a ramp will be installed, making it safer and easier for pedestrians to move through the Precinct and to get to the nearby railway and schools.
Sustainable features have also been included in the park design, including a 60 kilolitre rainwater tank to store stormwater, which will be recycled for purposes like irrigating gardens or flushing toilets.
At the base of the park, a rain garden is being constructed to help collect stormwater runoff and filter out pollutants before they flow into our rivers.
We are also commissioning a First Nations artist to create artwork on the park's retaining wall, and a gathering circle will be included, supporting Council’s commitment to celebrating Country.
We will continue to carry out finishing touches on the Civic Precinct and Community Hub, and look forward to welcoming the community in 2025.
FOOTSCRAY NOW HOME TO A NEW OPEN SPACE
LILARDIA PARK, WHICH IS NAMED IN HONOUR OF PIONEERING FEMALE ABORIGINAL ACTIVIST MARGARET (LILARDIA) TUCKER MBE, IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
The new passive open space in the Joseph Road Precinct, which features garden beds, tree planting, seating areas and a sheltered picnic space, was officially opened in early August.
The Park also includes a public artwork commission, titled Loving Lilardia. Created by Bitja (Dixon Patten), a Yorta Yorta, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Dhudhuroa Jaithmathang artist and graphic designer, the piece is a series of artworks sandblasted into the surface of concrete seating in the park.
The artworks utilise symbols that explore the themes of Margaret Lilardia Tucker’s activism to create a more equitable society. Lilardia Park was jointly funded by Council and the State Government.
TOM’S CONFECTIONERY WAREHOUSE
THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO INDULGE YOUR SWEET TOOTH
When Adiel BenKarmona, the owner of Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse, decided to open a new location in Melbourne, there was only one place that fit the bill – Highpoint Shopping Centre. Known for their grand ideas, Adiel and his team wanted a large space to create a unique confectionery buying experience, unlike anything in Australia or the world. Coming from a warehouse layout in Brisbane, Queensland, they sought to go big in Melbourne.
Their vision brought the human candy claw machine to life. In this fun setup, customers act as the claw, diving into the candy and taking home as many sweets as they can carry. This interactive feature has quickly become a standout attraction, adding to the unique shopping experience at Tom’s.
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR COUNCILLOR
Adding to the excitement, Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse holds the Guinness World Record for the largest pick ‘n’ mix aisle in the world, boasting an impressive 947 varieties of lollies. Whether you crave something sour, fruity, minty, chocolaty or liquorice-flavoured, Tom’s is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth.
To keep the experience fresh and exciting, Tom’s regularly rotates new products into their pick ‘n’ mix selection, ensuring that each visit offers something new. This dedication to variety and innovation makes this store a must-visit destination for sweet lovers in Melbourne and beyond.
Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse Level 2, Highpoint Shopping Centre confectionerywarehouse. com.au
For requests, comments and questions about Council services and programs, go to maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or call Customer Service on 9688 0200
Disclaimer: Although all due care has been taken in the preparation of the Maribyrnong Messenger and its contents, Maribyrnong City Council does not accept any liability for any statement, opinions, errors or omissions contained herein. Fees quoted are subject to change without notice. Event details are subject to change without notice. All information has been collected according to privacy information guidelines.
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STONY CREEK WARD
CR CUC LAM
MAYOR
E: cr.lam@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Ph: 0429 383 099
CR BERNADETTE THOMAS
E: cr.thomas@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Ph: 0407 599 698
RIVER WARD
CR SARAH CARTER
CR ANTHONY TRAN
E: cr.tran@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Ph: 0400 359 984
YARRAVILLE WARD
CR MICHAEL CLARKE
DEPUTY MAYOR
E: cr.clarke@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Ph: 0435 340 699
CR SIMON CRAWFORD
E: cr.crawford@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Ph: 0429 388 196
CR JORGE JORQUERA
E: cr.jorquera@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Ph: 0416 200 922
You can also write to your Ward Councillor: c/- Maribyrnong City Council, PO Box 58, West Footscray 3012. If you don’t know who your Ward Councillor is, please contact Customer Service on 9688 0200.
MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL
Postal Address: PO Box 58, West Footscray, Victoria 3012
Phone: 9688 0200 Fax: 9687 7793
After Hours/Emergency: 9688 0200
Email: email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
TIS: 131 450
NRS: 133 677 OR 1300 555 727 www.relayservice.com.au