Following community feedback for the Railway Parade shopping strip, final design plans have been created and money has been committed by Council to carry out the upgrades this financial year. Stage 1 works include new having, new shade trees, garden beds, seating, bicycle hoops and the relocation of the bus stop. Works are set to begin in early 2023.
In March 2021, after extensive community consultation, Council adopted an action plan to address safety concerns in the Hemmings Street Precinct. Two initiatives to come out of the focus on this precinct included the Culture, Safety and Your Place minibus tours through Dandenong and Dandenong West, and the Coffee with local Police and Councillors’ events. Throughout August and September these events were held to give participants a chance to connect and discuss issues of local concern.
October is a busy month and two important weeks will be recognised, including Anti-Poverty Week and Mental Health Week.
This year Council will mark Anti-Poverty Week (16–22 October) by releasing its first Anti-Poverty Strategy. The strategy will help Council find ways to support some of our most vulnerable residents and recognises that poverty is not always caused by individual circumstances. Structural inequalities, including access to work and income, education, housing, health and services are main contributors to poverty. Council worked with more than 100 people with lived experience to create the strategy.
World Mental Health Week runs from 9–17 October and is a great opportunity to check in with others and support your own self-care. Every year our Youth and Family Services team run an event for local secondary school students to promote self-care and encourage access to local support services. Our Youth and Family Services always work so hard to support the mental and physical health of our young residents and are to be commended.
If you wish to discuss any Council matters, you can contact me via email at eden.foster@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 0435 202 645.