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Cover photo: Mountain Road Recreation Reserve shines brighter with lighting upgrades! Read more here.
(L- R: Central Ward Councillor, Collin Ross, Cardinia Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brett Owen, State Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino MP and Gembrook Cockatoo Football Netball Club President, Darren Petrie)
Message from your Mayor
February is always a wonderful time to reconnect as a community, and across Cardinia Shire there is plenty happening as we settle into the new year.
Major projects continue to progress, including the new Upper Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve pavilion, playground renewals, the Pakenham Revitalisation project and several important road sealing projects.
I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the new toilets at the Cockatoo Little Athletics Club, along with the unveiling of the new sports lighting at Mountain Road Recreation Reserve.
As we look ahead to the year, we remain committed to enhancing community facilities and local services in a responsible, strategic and sustainable way that supports the wellbeing of residents of all ages.
It's fantastic to see our local events calendar back in full swing, with festivals, markets and neighbourhood celebrations bringing people together in every corner of the shire. These moments remind us of the strength, creativity and resilience that define our community.
It was great to see such strong community participation at recent events, including the much‑loved Yakkerboo Festival and Upper Beaconsfield Festival. I'm also hoping to see many of you at the upcoming Pakenham Show.
This week, we kicked off our first Council Meeting for the year, and there’s lots to share with our community! Catch the quick highlights in the video above, or visit our website to watch the full meeting and read the minutes.
Thank you for your ongoing involvement and support in making Cardinia Shire such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
Warm regards,
Cr Brett Owen
Mayor
Latest news
Long‑term waste strategy unveiled and glass‑only bin rollout delayed
Council has voted to delay the rollout of the Victorian Government’s proposed glass‑only bin,. Council is calling for more time, information and support before moving ahead.
The decision aligns with Council’s new draft Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2026–36, which focuses on reducing landfill while ensuring services remain practical, cost‑effective and aligned with community needs.
Listen to Mayor Cr Brett Owen on ABC Radio!
Mayor Cr Brett Owen was live on ABC’s Meet The Mayor with Raf Epstein on Thursday 19 February.
Mayor Owen answered questions from locals and gave an update about what’s happening across Cardinia Shire.
Listen to Mayor Owen's segment from 1:09–1:20
We’re here to support you - 2026-27 Wellbeing Support Grants now open
We’re inviting local community groups, not‑for‑profit organisations and volunteer-led initiatives to apply for our 2026–27 Wellbeing Support Grants to help fund projects that improve the health, wellbeing, resilience and social connection of Cardinia Shire residents.
Calls for government support to deliver critical projects
We're stepping up our advocacy efforts, calling for urgent investment in the infrastructure and services needed to support our rapidly growing community.
With the Advocacy Agenda 2025–29 now in place, Council has submitted its priority projects for consideration in the 2026–27 Federal Budget.
Discover jobs, skills and career pathways at the 2026 Jobs and Skills Showcase
Join us on Wednesday 18 March, 9:15am–12pm at the Cardinia Cultural Centre. Explore current job vacancies, meet local employers and learn about training and career pathways—all in one place.
For the latest Council news, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/news
What's on
Registrations open for the Gumbuya World Running Festival
Choose between a 10km, 5km or 2km (Family Dash) course. All courses finish inside Gumbuya World where runners can enjoy unlimited access to water slides, rides, wildlife and more.
Clean Up Australia Day is back — and it’s time to get involved!
Let’s work together to help keep Cardinia Shire clean, green and litter‑free in 2026! Gather your friends, family and neighbours to clean up your local area and sign up for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March.
Upcoming Solar Savers information sessions
Solar Savers is a local government initiative helping you move towards clean renewable energy by making quality rooftop solar and energy efficient product installation easy.
Did you know you can promote your not-for-profit or low-cost community event on Council’s website? Events or activities must be held in Cardinia Shire and be open and relevant to the broader community.
Head to our events page for submission guidelines and to submit your event.
Building a Better Cardinia
Revitalising Pakenham Main Street
Streetscape upgrade works are now underway on Main Street, near the Railway Hotel.
Major construction is now complete along Drake Place, with final landscaping, lighting and street furniture installations to be scheduled in the coming months.
These upgrades are part of the phased works included in Stage 1 of the Pakenham Revitalisation project.
The new Upper Beaconsfield Reserve Pavilion is taking shape
The brand new two‑storey pavilion for Upper Beaconsfield is one step closer, with demolition works now complete.
The modular building is currently being built offsite, and will feature upgraded change rooms, improved accessibility, modern amenities, a new Scouts Hall and a community meeting room.
Under construction: Huxtable Road
We’re working to seal the entire length of Huxtable Road in Pakenham Upper.
Construction is now underway as part of our Strategic Sealed Roads program.
Revamp in progress: Garfield park now under construction
Construction is now underway to transform the Greenland Court Reserve playground in Garfield, delivering a fresh, fun and inclusive space for local families to enjoy.
Building better local roads in Mount Burnett
We’re working to seal Mt Burnett Rd to improve road safety, dust, drainage, maintenance costs, access and connectivity throughout the Hills region.
For more projects happening near you, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/majorprojects
Have your say
Plans to reimagine Officer’s iconic kiln site are now on public exhibition
An amendment and the proposed redevelopment plans for the historic James Hicks pottery site are open for public exhibition.
If approved, the proposal would convert the unused heritage site into a commercial hub with an office, cafe, restaurant/wine bar, and car park.
Closing the gap on service needs
We’re undertaking an Education and Health Services Gap Analysis to understand which education, health and social services are not keeping up with demand and where improvements are needed most. We want hear from you to make sure our community has what it needs close to home.
Annual Community Satisfaction Survey begins soon across the shire
A random selection of residents will be invited to share their feedback throughout March and April.
Feedback guides how we can improve the services and facilities we provide.
To help shape our shire, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Contact your Councillor
Cardinia Shire has nine Councillors who represent nine wards. Learn more about your local councillor or access their contact details on Council's website.
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Questions? Feedback?
We'd love to hear from you! Send an email to mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au,
call 1300 787 624 or visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au
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