Published on 07 February 2025
Council met on 4 February 2025 and considered eight reports.
We explain some of the highlights from the meeting below.
In preparation for the 2025 federal election, Council has endorsed federal election advocacy priorities for the electorates of Hotham, Macnamara and Goldstein.
Federal election campaigns are an important opportunity for us to advocate on behalf of the community. The community will also have a chance to support our advocacy initiatives in a variety of ways.
Some examples of our initiatives include:
Revitalising these community spaces means more than just new facilities — it’s about creating hubs that promote good quality of life, encourage safe and welcoming places and enable strong social connection.
Council endorsed the Our Place, Our Plan community engagement program which launches this week. The program will be a vital step to ensuring our long-term priorities are guided by the community.
We have a legislative responsibility to develop with our community several plans that will outline our objectives and strategic directions.
During the Our Place, Our Plan engagement program we will be asking the community to share with us their ideas, needs and aspirations on areas including:
Council also endorsed a multi-year community engagement program which focuses on the repurposing of the Elsternwick Club site in Sandham Street, Elsternwick.
From this month onwards, we will be involving the community in co-designing the new public open space. Residents will have the opportunity to shape, inform and then review the concept designs.
We will also be recruiting for members of a Community Reference Group who will ensure the design addresses the diverse needs of the community and act as ambassadors for the transformation throughout the life of the project.
As part of the community engagement program, we will hold a community open day inviting members of the community to see the site and think about how the site might be developed in the future.
From reimagining the heritage building to designing the surrounding green spaces, this community engagement program seeks to ensure all voices are heard. By working together with the community, we aim to create a space that not only honours the history of Elsternwick but also provides a place for social connection for current and future generations to enjoy.
In response to recent incidents of antisemitism and increasing safety concerns within Glen Eira, a report was requested at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 17 December 2024 to outline potential actions we could take to strengthen community cohesion and promote a safe and inclusive environment.
The report presented in this week’s meeting was recognised by Council and focuses on identifying both short-term and long-term actions to support the community, such as designing and implementing public space improvements like lighting and becoming a member of Welcoming Cities which is designed to help local councils create inclusive, equitable and welcoming communities for migrants, refugees and other diverse groups.
Planning is also underway for an Inter-Council Social Cohesion Forum, with participation from Stonnington, Port Phillip, Kingston, Bayside, and Monash Councils. A Cross-Council Multicultural Network is also proposed focusing on anti-racism and anti-discrimination. We will explore how each Council can work together more effectively on these pressing issues and develop actionable strategies to address community safety concerns.
For more information and all the reports from the meeting, visit our Council meeting page.
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