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Road safety issues – who’s responsible?

    When I was running for Council last year, I researched like a madman to figure out which roads were managed by Council and which were the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) because management responsibilities can change! Roads can be reclassified from local to arterial, transferring management from the Council to State Government. Why does this matter though? Depending on who manages the road, your approach to addressing issues can vary. If… Read More »Road safety issues – who’s responsible?

    2025 Victorian Convention of Councillors

      This past weekend, I attended the inaugural Victorian Convention of Councillors. I met with Mayors and Councillors from all over Victoria to explore the theme of the weekend ‘The Future of Local Government’. As a young woman of colour, I am already a minority due to my age itself and having this opportunity to connect with Councillors outside of the City of Greater Dandenong was so helpful in thinking of how to tackle challenges, strategise… Read More »2025 Victorian Convention of Councillors

      Small wonders play the Drum | Star Journal

        Excerpt: Greater Dandenong’s unique annual 9 by 5 exhibition was officially opened at Drum Theatre on Saturday 15 February. For the 17th year, the event showcases miniature art works confined to 9 x 5 inches (about 23 centimetres x 13 centimetres)… Greater Dandenong councillor Isabella Do as well as Adam Arness from sponsor Bendigo Bank Dingley Village were also at the event.

        Councillor update | Monday 18 Feb

          It feels like this month has just flown by so quickly. In reflecting over the past few weeks, I thought I would share an excerpt from an update I shared at the Council Meeting that occurred on the 28th of January, in relation to Australia Day: Another major event was the Lunar New Year Celebrations this past weekend, organised by Springvale Asian Business Association and strongly supported by Council. As always, it was a fantastic… Read More »Councillor update | Monday 18 Feb

          New shade sails at Pencil Park

            I’m excited to share that our new shade sails at Pencil Park has been fully installed as of 13 February, 2025. It is currently being thoroughly enjoyed by the community, providing shade on warm days and shelter from the rain – all in one day sometimes, thanks Melbourne! I would like to give a massive thank you to to Cr Rhonda Garad for pushing this through in her term as Keysborough South Ward’s Councillor (see… Read More »New shade sails at Pencil Park

            Councillor update | Friday 17 Jan

              I hope everyone is having a safe and happy start to the new year. I attended a few end-of-year events in 2024 and was even able to make it to the New Years Eve celebration at Dandenong, coming from a VICSES deployment in Ballarat, assisting with base camp operations. It’s not great to think that this was my second year in a row being deployed over the Christmas and/or New Year break due to extreme… Read More »Councillor update | Friday 17 Jan

              Councillor update | Monday 9 Dec

                It’s that time of year where things start ramping up and ramping down in the lead up to Christmas. It’s been a hectic couple of weeks with onboarding and going through required training while also being present to attend community gatherings.

                Councillor update | Friday 22 Nov

                  As your Councillor, I want to hold myself accountable to you, the residents of Keysborough South Ward and the wider Greater Dandenong community. My goal is to be an active and engaged Councillor – to me, this includes attending local workshops that are relevant to our community as a participant and the more ‘official’ duties like Council meetings. My aim is to provide fortnightly or monthly updates outside of Facebook and Instagram. I’m also considering… Read More »Councillor update | Friday 22 Nov

                  Five in favour of in-house aged care | Star Journal

                    Excerpt: Blades led a campaign during last month’s council elections to help residents identify which candidates support keeping council-run services beyond 2027, such as meals on wheels, personal care, home repairs and home-cleaning help. She says she “did well” with the survey, sent to all 43 candidates. But now that the councillors are onboard, Blades is keen on working with everyone on council not just those who responded positively to the survey. As reported previously,… Read More »Five in favour of in-house aged care | Star Journal

                    New EPA notice at Green Wedge soilyard | Star Journal

                      Excerpt: A new demolition waste pile has been detected at an allegedly illegally contaminated soil works site in Bangholme’s Green Wedge. Environment Protection Authority and Greater Dandenong officers launched a joint inspection of paddocks at 576 Frankston-Dandenong Road late last month after neighbours reported a dump of suspicious soil. The site’s operator was recently put on notice for allegedly breaching its EPA licence to accept clean-fill soil only.

                      School Crossing Supervisor @ Mt Hira | Update 10/10/2024

                        Cr Rhonda Garad requested a school crossing supervisor to be enlisted for the section of Hutton and Perry Rd for Mt Hira students. An October update from Council is that they are currently conducting a survey to justify this request.

                        Candidates divided on SESH | Star Journal

                          EXCERPT: Developer Intrapac and Keysborough Golf Club have proposed the 71-hectare SESH, which controversially hinges on rezoning the Green Wedge golf course at Hutton Road for a housing estate of up to 1100 dwellings. Greens Party endorsed candidate Isabella Do says the council has acknowledged that there is no data on the availability of sporting facilities. “I would request a report to clarify the situation and find out if there are shortages of sporting facilities… Read More »Candidates divided on SESH | Star Journal

                          Greens councillor Garad steps aside | Star Journal

                            EXCERPT: Ahead of the October council elections, she endorsed a Greens “new generation” candidate Isabella Do, who is standing in Keysborough South Ward. “She’s a really good fit in that community with strong local ties and business skills,” Cr Garad told Star Journal. “I think it’s good to have fresh energy. To have councillors sit there for 20 to 30 years really is not in the interests of the community.