Better leisure and recreational services

✓ Invest In Public Services

As a candidate running for Mayor of Darebin, I am committed to investing in public services to enhance our community's quality of life.

Parks as Playgrounds

We need to make better use of open space environments by adding more park benches, seating, rubbish bins, pathways, and water fountains. This will ensure residents can enjoy their time in the parks. It is also essential to maintain lawns and gardens and install extra barbecues in parks to encourage community gatherings and family outings. When planting additional trees, we should prioritise Australian native trees over European trees in parks and nature strips. Beautifying walking and bike trails, such as adding more vegetation along the Merri Creek, is also crucial.

Pavilions and Ovals

Our pavilions and ovals need significant repairs and upgrades, including new toilets, fencing, repainting, and refurnishing. These facilities should be cleaned, appealing, and accessible to all community groups, not just footy, cricket, and tennis clubs. For example, the toilets at my son's Auskick footy room had three toilets, but only one was usable, and the area was often flooded due to poor drainage and an overflowing gutter drain.

Streetscapes

Our streetscapes need to be beautified with high-quality footpaths, additional greenery, extra seating, more pedestrian shelters, additional bins, public art, and drinking water fountains on main shopping strips. To revitalise a successful street strip, we need trendy streetscapes with attractive shop fronts, good cafes, bars, and venues offering alfresco seating and dining areas. This will create a visually exciting environment that encourages people to stop and dine. Given Darebin's diversity, there is also a need for more picture signage.

Childcare

Darebin Council needs to provide more childcare centres and make occasional childcare places more readily available. Older citizens can volunteer to read books and sing songs as part of community services, fostering a connection with younger people at the childcare centre (after a police check). The older generation has many skills and knowledge to pass on to the younger generation. I propose a trial period for a toy library where toys can be borrowed free of charge, linked to your library card. There will be penalties for overdue, broken, damaged, or lost toys, and borrowing privileges will be suspended until the matter is resolved.

✓ Disability Support

As a candidate running for Mayor of Darebin, I am committed to supporting residents with disabilities by promoting inclusivity and accessibility throughout our community.

Inclusive Housing Developments

New developments with multiple apartments should include a quota for apartments that allow easier access and an Inclusion Plan for disability. This plan should accommodate scooters or wheelchairs, ensuring that residents can easily enter and exit their homes.

Accessible Businesses

Residents with disabilities often face difficulties accessing businesses due to inaccessible shopfronts and infrastructure. This affects where they, along with their friends and family, choose to spend their money. Making businesses more accessible will encourage patronage from this group, fostering a more inclusive community.

Celebrating Diversity and Participation

Darebin needs to demonstrate that it has no barriers and celebrates diversity, connectedness, and participation. This includes ensuring that all community members, regardless of ability, feel welcomed and valued.

Increased Disabled Parking

More disabled parking spaces should be made available, especially on both sides of the road and at venues frequented by residents with disabilities. This includes community centres, communal recreation areas, and neighbourhood houses, where accessible parking will facilitate attendance and participation.

✓ Autism Support

We need to expand and improve support services for families with autistic children and autistic adults. This includes providing more help and establishing support groups that empower individuals to live independently without assistance.