Cardinia Life Creche to remain open

After careful consideration and in response to community feedback, Council has voted to keep the Cardinia Life creche open. Council recognises that the creche is valued by families who use Cardinia Life and has resolved to continue the service, while further work is undertaken to review its operation and explore opportunities to offset future costs.

Residents reject costly glass recycling bin

Nearly 25,000 Victorians have spoken, and the message is loud and clear: they don’t want a costly fourth bin for glass recycling, with 83% of respondents against its introduction. The survey also found that 91% support expanding the Victorian Government's Container Deposit Scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles. 

Listen to Mayor Cr Brett Owen on ABC Radio! 

Mayor Cr Brett Owen went live on ABC’s Meet The Mayor with Raf Epstein this week, to chat about what’s happening across Cardinia Shire and to answer questions from locals.

Building a stronger community through safe and affordable housing

Our 2018-25 Social and Affordable Housing Strategy has helped create more housing opportunities for residents across Cardinia Shire to support those who need it most. A recent review found strong progress over the past seven years, including increased social and affordable housing options, greater housing diversity, and improved community awareness of housing challenges.

Bringing community projects to life!

We're proud to be supporting 62 local projects through our grants program, helping community groups turn great ideas into reality. Discover how we're working together to strengthen connections, celebrate community and create positive change across Cardinia Shire.

Securing a greener future for our growing suburbs 

We’ve secured an additional 5.5 hectares of bushland to expand the Hillview Nature Reserve in Pakenham, ensuring this natural space can be preserved and enjoyed by the community for generations to come. 

Catchment to Coast

From 23 July to 31 August 2026, Catchment to Coast will be on display at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.

Our new exhibition explores the flow on effect of water across the shire, linking landscapes, ecosystems, communities and the important role that waterways play through art. Come along and let our exhibition wash over you.

Coffee with Community

As part of our Safer Communities Partnership Committee, Victoria Police and Council are hosting our upcoming ‘Coffee with Community and Safe Plate Day’ pop-up event in Beaconsfield!
 
Come down for a free coffee and talk to us about how we can all work together to make a safer community. 

Ready, set, ride: Bunyip’s upgraded BMX track is now open 

The upgraded Bunyip Sanctuary BMX track is now open, with local riders already putting the new jumps, berms and pump track to the test.

Built for all ages and abilities, it's the perfect place to build confidence, learn new tricks and enjoy a ride.

Upgrading Pakenham's town centre

Final lighting, electrical, concreting and planting works are scheduled to take place over the coming weeks around the Main Street Gateway precinct. 

Construction is underway on Stages 2 and 3 of the Pakenham Revitalisation project, with works starting in the eastern car park in Drake Place. While upgrades are being delivered, some parking may be temporarily unavailable in the area, however, alternate parking can be found on Station Street and Henty Street.

Play, explore… and find the bandicoot at Lauriston Estate Park! 

As part of our annual Playground Renewals program, we’ve upgraded the Lauriston Estate Park play space in Koo Wee Rup, and there’s now more to discover than ever before! 

The road ahead is smoother for Pakenham Upper residents 

As part of our Strategic Sealed Roads program, we’ve sealed the entire 3.3km length of Huxtable Road in Pakenham Upper. These upgrades have delivered safer, smoother and more reliable travel, reduced dust and improved year-round access for the Pakenham Upper community. 

Renewed playground offering new ways to play 

Families in Pakenham can now enjoy an upgraded playground at Ron Andrews Park, with renewal works now complete! 

With new play features and improved spaces to gather and connect, it's the perfect spot for a family outing, playdate or outdoor adventure.

Driving positive change in Mount Burnett

We’ve completed road sealing upgrades on Mt Burnett Road in Mount Burnett, transforming the previously unsealed road into a safer and more resilient connection for the local community. 

Do you want to host this year's Christmas Carols?

We're inviting expressions of interest from local community groups and organisations interested in delivering a community carols event in Pakenham in 2026. As the event transitions to a community-led model, this is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in delivering a much-loved local tradition. 

Have your say!

Whether it's improving local places, planning for growth or delivering community projects, your feedback helps ensure Council decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. Current consultations include:

• Temporary Community Advertising Signage Policy
• Naming of Pakenham East

Nominate a young person for a Good Choice Award!

Great choices deserve to be celebrated! If you know a young person in Cardinia Shire who has shown resilience, kindness and strength of character in 2026, nominate them for a Cardinia Shire Good Choice Award. Nominations close on 3 August 2026.

Apply now for second and third round 2027 kinder offers!

There’s still time to register your child for one of our community kindergarten programs for 2027.

Register now to be included in second and third round kindergarten offers.