Cr Kim Ross. Casuarina Ward, City of Casey.

🌿 Grants now open to support Casey’s environment 🌿

Council’s Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grant is now open, helping local landowners and community groups take action to care for Casey’s unique plants and wildlife.

Eligible residents can apply for up to $2,000 for conservation projects or receive indigenous plants to help restore native vegetation. Funding can support practical projects like planting native species, controlling weeds and pests, or protecting important habitat areas.

👉 Applications close 30 June – don’t miss out!

Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grant now open to protect and enhance Casey’s natural environment | City of Casey The City of Casey is encouraging local landowners and those who volunteer on public land to play an active role in protecting and enhancing our City’s natural environment, with applications now open for Council’s Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grant.Casey is home to a significant range of plants ...

QUICK UPDATE
Here are some of the things I've been up to this week.

IN YOUR WARD: If you live in Narre Warren South, it's possible you use one or both of the Reserve Spaces that are currently open for consultation - The Common Reserve and nearby Trenton Court basketball court (link in comments).

Consultation is open until the 10th.

AT Bunjil Place
Last night I attended the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra event. Everyone I spoke to loved the venue and the event and asked for more. It was wonderful to see multi generation attending and enjoying all the original compositions, including those developed through MSO’s First Voices program.

REGARDING COUNCIL DECISIONS
Regular Tuesday briefings were had on a range of topics. It's a time to ask questions, digest information and encourage deeper thinking.

FAMILY VIOLENCE
Discussion about the wicked nature of this problem and what we can do about it as a Council came up in a number of events I attended this week. Including:

On Monday night, City of Casey Youth Services held a get together for All In - Reconciliation Week, at the Youth Hub at 52 Webb Street on Monday night. Whilst in attendance I spoke to Officers present regarding a range of topics, including family violence.

On Tuesday I attended the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Forum in Melbourne. It was hosted by Celebrate Ageing and Elder Rights Australia and they launched the BluePrint on Respect for Older Women, in Victoria (link in comments).

We also talked about the stereotypes of wearing cardigans and having grey hair....

I went in by train - with all this now entails - with Cr Gary Rowe.

And then Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther and I met with CEO, Dr Dalal Elhage Smiley from Wellsprings for Women Inc. who share our concern about the impact of Family Violence in Casey.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Speaking of public transport, on Wednesday night I attended the monthly zoom meeting of the Metropolitan Transport Forum as one of your Councilor representatives.

And, of course, in between there has been time responding to resident emails, discussions on a variety of topics with Councillors and residents and beginning to read for next week's briefings.

And coffee....

always coffee.....

If you have something that matters to you that you would like to discuss, or you'd like me to attend your community event, simply email [email protected].

What’s better than a workout for health and wellbeing?

Coffee after with friends, in a non-disposable mug (good initiative Casey ARC).

Last night was 'All In' at Bunjil Place. Start of Reconciliation Week.

Highlights were the Djarlo Dance Group with world-renowned yidaki player Ganga Giri, and Uncle Lionel from Living Culture.

His words of the plants being our brothers and sisters and the symbiotic relationship we share are powerful.

As was the reminder that too often we look and don't see.

It's crucial we open our eyes and hearts to our common humanity and our interdependence on each other and our living world.

He fought so hard.
I found his courage so inspirational.
RIP

Thirteen years into his terminal MND diagnosis, Neale Daniher could no longer speak. But months before his passing, he had a loud message about the importance of choice, and enjoying the best of life. Read his full message: https://bit.ly/48PLnHW

Councillors work includes advocating on your behalf for those who have no voice. This includes the environment and protecting the Green Wedges.

We are unable to comment on matters that may be coming to us for decision.

My request is that even when you feel your one voice doesn't matter, and that it's like banging your head against a brick wall, to keep speaking up for what matters to you.

Submissions are open until the 1st June 2026 through the official planning process for application PA25-0374. Make yours soon.

I’ve been contacted by members of the community about a current planning permit application for a place of worship in the Western Port Green Wedge.

Community submissions are an important part of the process. If you’d like to have your say, the best way to do this is by making a submission (by the 1st June 2026) through the official planning process for application PA25-0374

This ensures your feedback is considered as part of Council’s decision-making.

Once the advertising period closes, Council will assess the application against the Casey Planning Scheme, including traffic and access, environmental impacts, neighbourhood amenity, relevant policy and the appropriateness of the development within the Western Port Green Wedge, along with all submissions received.

While I can’t comment on the specifics of this application, I will continue to advocate for appropriate development and the protection of our Green Wedge areas, including with the State Government which oversees planning policy in these zones.

Active After Dark. Starts tonight.

WHEN: From 13th May until the end of September,
TIME: Monday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Wednesday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm (excluding occasional club use)

WHERE: Max Pawsey Reserve (east oval)

And at 11 other venues across Casey - see below

This is an extension on last year's trial. I encourage you to take advantage of the reserve/oval closest to you and take a walk, have a kick, go for a run - whatever way you like to move.

Moving and being around community - they matter. Not just for your physical health, but both are crucial to your mental health.

Does your favourite spot miss out? Let us know. If the program continues to be successful there is room for growth.

OTHER VENUES ACTIVATED

Berwick Springs Recreation Reserve
Monday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Edwin Flack Reserve (athletics track)
Monday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Tuesday, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Wednesday, 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Thursday, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Friday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Timbarra School Oval
Tuesday, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Friday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Reid Oval
Monday to Friday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Booring Recreation Reserve (netball)
Monday to Friday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Cairns Road Reserve (oval)
Monday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Wednesday, 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Carlisle Park Reserve (oval)
Friday and Sunday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre
Friday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Hunt Club Reserve (oval)
Monday and Wednesday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

J&P Cam Reserve (east oval)
Monday and Wednesday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Mick Morland Recreation Reserve (oval)
Wednesday, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Friday and Sunday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Chalcot Lodge Reserve (junior pitch)
Monday to Thursday 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Friday, 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. You are also welcome to contact me directly.