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Cover photo: Come along to our upcoming Trees for Weeds event in Pakenham. Find out more below.
Message from your Mayor
May has been another busy and exciting month for our shire, with Council progressing several important initiatives, that will shape how we grow, connect and celebrate as a community.
We’ve taken key steps forward on projects that will enhance our places and services, including endorsing the next stages of the Pakenham Revitalisation Project, adopting a new Public Art Policy, approving a Costco development in Pakenham and launching our new advocacy campaign (watch our video above).
Public consultation is now open on the draft Festival and Events Policy, so I encourage you all to have your say and help shape how local events are supported and brought to life across the shire.
This week, we proudly marked National Volunteer Week, recognising the incredible contribution volunteers make every day. Our volunteers are the heart of our community, giving their time, care and energy to support others and strengthen local connections.
We also celebrated the Stan Henwood Awards and Mayor's Volunteer Reception on Thursday, honouring outstanding community service. A special congratulations to Noelene (Non) Blair, whose more than 30 years of dedication to the Hills region is a remarkable example of commitment and community spirit. Thank you to Non, and to all our volunteers, for everything you do for our communities.
To catch quick highlights from our recent Council Meeting, you can watch our wrap-up video, or visit our website to view the full meeting and read the minutes.
Warm regards,
Cr Brett Owen
Mayor
Latest news
Together we rise: calling for investment in our future
We’re calling for greater investment to support our growing communities ahead of the State election.
Our shared priorities focus on infrastructure, services and projects that will help people across Cardinia Shire live, connect and thrive now and into the future.
Celebrating our volunteers!
The 2026 Stan Henwood Award has been awarded to Noelene (Non) Blair, who has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Hills community. To coincide with National Volunteer Week, we hosted our annual Stan Henwood Awards at the Cardinia Cultural Centre. These awards recognise the invaluable efforts and contributions of our volunteers across the shire.
Costco is coming to Pakenham!
A new Costco is coming to Pakenham, with Council approving plans for a warehouse, fuel station and supporting infrastructure.
Located on the corner of Greenhills Road and Koo Wee Rup Road, the 6.2-hectare site will support future local jobs and economic growth.
Our vision for the future of Drake Place and John Street
We’re thrilled to share what’s ahead for the Pakenham Revitalisation project!
Council awarded the tender for Stages 2 and 3, which will include streetscape upgrades to the Drake Place and John Street precincts. Construction is expected to start from July 2026.
Book your FREE hard waste collections!
Clear out any unwanted household items and bulky green waste by booking one of your two free annual hard waste collections.
Don't forget that your entitlements reset on 1 July, so book now!
Applications now open for our Festival and Events Grants!
Have an idea that brings people together through art or events?
Our Festival and Events Grants support local artists, community groups and event organisers to deliver projects and events that enrich the cultural and social life of our community.
For the latest Council news, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/news
What's on
All In for Reconciliation
Join us for two free community events this Reconciliation Week to celebrate culture, connection and our shared commitment to reconciliation.
Hosted on both Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country, the events will reflect the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘All In’, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
Got weeds in your garden? Let’s swap them for something better!
Turn garden weeds into something positive by swapping them for free local native plants at the Trees for Weeds event in Pakenham.
Speak up!
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is about recognising the signs of elder abuse and knowing how to respond.
Join our Speak Up information session to learn how we can all help keep older people safe and respected.
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
Under construction: Pakenham Revitalisation
Streetscape upgrades along Station Street are progressing, with temporary footpath and road closures in place. Local businesses remain open, with traffic management onsite to help you get around.
Final Stage 1 works are expected to start in the coming weeks.
Lighting the way: upgrades delivered at Toomuc Recreation Reserve
Toomuc Recreation Reserve is brighter and more accessible with the completion of major lighting upgrades and the oval scoreboard relocation.
Framework to improve unsealed roads
We've introduced the Local Street Sealing Initiative to guide how residential unsealed roads may be considered through Special Charge Schemes into the future.
You can now check our website to see whether your street may be eligible for future consideration.
To see what projects we're delivering, head to cardinia.vic.gov.au/majorprojects
Get involved!
Help shape the future of festivals and events
We want your feedback on our draft Festival and Events Policy. This policy will guide how we support and invest in vibrant, inclusive events, that bring our townships and public spaces to life.
Your voice can help create more vibrant, welcoming events for everyone. Have your say before Wednesday 10 June 2026.
Nominate a young person for a Good Choice Award!
Do you know an outstanding young person in Cardinia Shire who has shown resilience, kindness and strength in their decision-making in 2026?
Nominate them for a Cardinia Shire Good Choice Award!
Have your say on the future of Emerald and Gembrook town centres
We’re inviting the community to share what they value most about Emerald and Gembrook and how they could evolve in the future.
Help build Koo Wee Rup’s new tennis club!
In partnership with Tennis Victoria, we're inviting the Koo Wee Rup community to be part of an exciting new chapter in local sport, with the establishment of a new tennis club at the Koo Wee Rup Tennis Centre.
Share your feedback and help shape our shire: 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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