As Mayor of our great city, it is my responsibility to advocate for all members of our diverse community.
In the lead up to the recent federal election, I travelled to Canberra with Keysborough South Ward Councillor Rhonda Garad and a delegation of councillors from other local governments, to highlight the dire situation facing people seeking asylum in Australia.
We represented the Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum and urged our politicians to get behind the Back Your Neighbour Campaign, seeking urgent support for thousands of people living in limbo. We will continue to seek better support for this vulnerable group and will call on all Australians to ‘Back Your Neighbour’.
Last month, Council called for community feedback on a number of projects and plans for the future of our city. These key strategic documents included:
- Community Engagement Framework
- Revised Council Plan and Annual Plan
- Proposed Budget, Long-Term Financial Plan and Asset Plan
- Arts and Cultural Heritage Strategy
- Libraries Strategy.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to these consultations. Over the past two years Council has been working to capture our community’s vision for Greater Dandenong, and this has helped influence the four-year Council Plan and other strategies and plans to ensure we are working to make our city a home for all.
It is important for Council to empower every member of our community to play more of a role in civic life. At times this includes the opportunity to have a say on our projects and plans. You can visit Council’s website at any time and find the ‘Have Your Say’ section to see what we are consulting on.
If you would like to talk to me about any Council issues, please phone me on 0434 560 239 or email jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au
