Welcome to an exciting edition of all things Community Strengthening.
Recently, our leadership team had the privilege of attending the HOME 25 – Invisible Cities exhibition during a lunchtime tour. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience this remarkable exhibition and to witness the dedication and passion that brought it to life. This exhibition is a testament to the incredible achievements that can be realised through collaboration.
I am immensely proud of the many teams that contributed to this success, including Experience and Partnerships, Creative City Promotion, Libraries, Cultural and Community Hubs, Festival and Events, Placemaking and Revitalisation, Parks Services, Infrastructure Services – Operation Centre, Community Partnerships and Volunteers, Community Advocacy, and Governance, Legal and Risk teams. Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and commitment.
I encourage you all to take advantage of the upcoming lunchtime tours to experience this inspiring exhibition for yourselves. Book a Lunchtime tour here.
Additionally, I would like to extend my congratulations to Mel White on her appointment as Manager, Community Amenity. We are also in the final stages of recruiting for our new Manager, Safe, Active and Connected Communities, and will soon begin the recruitment process for our new Manager of Community Care, as Mandy Gatliff prepares for retirement.
Happy reading and have a fantastic week ahead.
Southeast Homelessness and Housing Alliance (SEHHA) Launch
As part of Homelessness Week 2025, SEHHA was formally launched at Cardinia Cultural Centre on 31 July 2025. The newly formed alliance is a partnership between Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong LGAs, as well as key sector agencies, including:
- Eastern Region Mental Health Association
- Casey Community Information and Support Services
- Launch Housing
- South East Community Links
- Windermere
- Wayss
- Southern Homelessness Network
SEEHA is advocating for the unique needs of the southeast region, and for greater support and housing options that meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Youth Summit - Your Voice, Your Future
On Wednesday 6 August, Youth and Family Services alongside 22 Young Leaders hosted Your Voice, Your Future - Council’s Youth Summit at Springvale City Hall. The event brought together 140 Year 9 and 10 students from eight secondary schools in Greater Dandenong to explore the issues that matter most to young people.
With the theme of finding and using your voice woven throughout the day’s workshops and group discussions, students reflected on what they believed to be the key issues of concern for young people at the beginning of the day.
The top three priority issues identified by students included mental health (anxiety), stress (school/study) and education (motivation). Young people brainstormed possible solutions to these issues that will assist Youth and Family Services in focusing on supports young people may need.
Held every two to three years, the Youth Summit is a vital opportunity for Council to hear directly from young people, supporting their leadership, ideas and active involvement in shaping our community.
A summary report of key findings from students’ contributions and feedback will be collated and distributed to schools and available for the community to view.
Peta Gillies, Executive Director Community Strengthening