Deputy Speaker, it’s been busy in Northcote!
At Bracken Creek I joined the Merri Creek Management Committee and Friends of Bracken Creek, where fourteen of us collected 40 kilograms of litter in just a couple of hours. Hands-on, environmental care that makes a real difference of our local waterways.
Alongside the Members for Cooper and Preston, we held a Community Safety Forum with Victoria Police and residents. Thank you to Acting Inspector Michael Pope and Senior Constable Peta Williams for leading a discussion around issues from graffiti to personal safety.
On Oakover Road, I welcomed new neighbours over coffee in a transformed precinct – once 26 dilapidated houses, now 296 modern, energy-efficient homes and open spaces right on the Mernda.
With the Minister for Climate Action we kicked off more Solar for Apartments rebates in Alphington, to cut bills and modernise home energy.
Door knocking, at meetings and in the drop-in session, I’ve spoken with dozens of residents about proposed planning changes in Thornbury.
Locals tell me we need more homes close to transport – but they want local nuance and that’s the detail I’m taking back.
I visited Thornbury High with the Deputy Premier to see their outstanding STEAM building, built by our Labor Government.
At Melbourne Polytechnic in Preston with Minister Pearson, we saw the Skills and Jobs Centre in action – delivering real pathways to employment.
Local Pick My Park ideas have been released – a brilliant opportunity for local government to access state grants to improve our open spaces.
And in huge news, Tweddle will deliver Northcote’s new Early Parenting Centre – bringing over 100 years of expertise to our community!
The inner north is strong – and I’ll keep fighting to make it even better!
