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Cover photo: The weather is warming up! Check out what's happening across the shire this spring.
A message from the Mayor
Welcome to the October edition of Connect+!
I’m excited to share that the Stage 1 tender for the Pakenham Revitalisation project has been endorsed, and I can’t wait to see how this project will reimagine the town centre. I’m looking forward to seeing our collective vision of creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive precinct come to life, as well as giving our beloved town centre some much needed uplift!
Nominations are now open for our 2026 Australia Day Awards. If you know an individual or community event that has made an important contribution to the local community, be sure to nominate them for one of the award categories.
As always, there’s a range of activities and events happening this month, and with the weather warming up it’s a great time to get out and about and explore all that our wonderful shire has to offer.
Until next time,
Cr Jack Kowarzik
Mayor
Latest news
Welcome to our new CEO
Cardinia Shire Council's new Chief Executive Officer, James Collins, started in his new role this week. James brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in local government, having held senior roles at councils including City of Casey, Yarra Ranges Shire Council, City of Monash and Banyule City Council.
Stage 1 of Pakenham Revitalisation greenlit
We’re pleased to announce that the Stage 1 tender for the Pakenham Revitalisation project has been successfully endorsed, and a contractor has been appointed.
Australia Day Award nominations open
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, which recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of citizens and community events that made an important contribution to the local community.
Celebrating good choices
We’re thrilled to share the outstanding success of the 2025 Good Choice Awards that celebrated young people aged 12–24, paying tribute to their resilience, kindness, and strength in decision-making. Congratulations to all the outstanding young people in our community who received an award!
Clean out unwanted household chemicals
Safely dispose of your unwanted household chemicals for FREE at our Detox Your Home event, to be held Saturday 18 October at the Cardinia Shire Council depot in Pakenham.
Pet registration door knocking
Licensed Regi-Check ambassadors will be door knocking households reminding residents about the importance and benefits of registering their pets. Regi-Check ambassadors will not ask residents for money or issue fines.
Secondary school catch-up immunisations
Did your child miss their school immunisation? A free catch-up program is available in November for year 7 and year 10 students who missed their Secondary School Immunisation Program (SSIP) vaccine at school.
Join our Jobs and Skills Showcase
Cardinia businesses are encouraged to register their interest to exhibit at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Showcase. Exhibitor pricing starts at $30 per table as part of an early bird offer, available until 28 November 2025.
Corridors for Wildlife program
Applications are invited for our new Corridors for Wildlife program. Landowners with properties that are one hectare (2.47 acres) or larger can apply for free plants to revegetate their property and help restore native habitat. Applications close Friday
31 October.
For the latest Council news, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/news
What's on
Seniors Festival
The Victorian Seniors Festival is here! With more than 30 local activities taking place across the shire during October, there’s something for everyone. All events in Cardinia Shire are free or low-cost, and some may require booking in advance.
What’s on at CCC: Stickybeak by The Beaks Theatre
A hilarious physical comedy about the neighbours you know and love to hate. Stickybeak is multi-character, expertly observed, laugh-out-loud physical comedy set on a street everyone will recognise.
Solar Savers information session
Whether you're interested in getting solar for your household, a home battery, or insulation and draught proofing, learn more at the upcoming information session.
Disability at Dusk
Join us for Disability at Dusk, a free and inclusive community celebration at Myuna Farm. This event encourages people with disability, their families, carers and supporters to come together in a welcoming, accessible and inclusive way.
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
Sealed and delivered
Sealing works are now complete on the First Grenville catchment in Cockatoo – the largest Sealing the Hills project to be delivered within the program.
Path forward
Works are now underway to build four missing footpath links across three established townships, as part of our annual footpath program.
Vervale’s new bridge complete
Upgrade works are now complete on the Simpson Road bridge, as part of Council’s annual bridge renewal program.
For more projects happening near you, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/bettercardinia
Have your say
Get involved in Creating Cardinia
Help shape the future of our community by sharing your thoughts and ideas on a range of projects open for community consultation.
Cardinia Planning Scheme Review 2026
We’re reviewing the Cardinia Planning scheme and we’re seeking your thoughts on how we can improve our planning scheme to help our shire thrive.
To help shape our shire, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Meet your Councillors
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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