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Wednesday 1 July 2026
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First Nations art showcase AN exhibition showcasing First Peoples’ art is opening at the Kingston Arts Precinct for NAIDOC Week. The Water Bodies exhibition will showcase pieces exploring the significance of water, climate change, Country and culture. Artists featured in the exhibition include Nici Cumpston (2019 artwork Oh my Murray Darling pictured left), Mandy Quadrio, Auntie Netty Shaw, Aunty Dyan Summers, Judy Watson, and Lisa Waup. NAIDOC Week runs from 5 July to 12 July, with this year’s theme “50 Years of Deadly”. See story page 2. Picture: Supplied
Council calls for rail trench review Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au KINGSTON Council is leading renewed calls to rework a planned level crossing removal on the Frankston line. The state government is planning to remove the Groves Street, Aspendale level crossing by building a rail trench. At their most recent meeting,
Kingston councillors voted to call on the state government to reconsider the rail-under-road plan. Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said that building rail-over-road to replace the level crossing instead would “deliver better outcomes for the Aspendale community, local businesses and the environment.” “Our role is to speak up for our community and advocate for the best possible outcome for Aspendale,” Cr
Oxley said. “Since this project was first announced, we’ve had the benefit of seeing how other level crossing removals have transformed neighbouring communities and we’ve heard overwhelmingly from local residents about what matters most to them. That’s why we’re calling on the Victorian Government to collaborate with council and reconsider the current approach, and seriously examine a rail-over-road solution that
would better connect our community, create valuable public space and deliver lasting benefits for Aspendale.” Level crossing works have been a frequent fixture along the Frankston line, with the state government planning to make the railway line level crossing-free by 2032. Most recently trains began running to a newly opened Mordialloc Station via the rail bridges over McDonald Street in Mordialloc, and Station Street in As-
pendale. Cr Oxley said “having experienced more level crossing removals than any other council we know they are about much more than transport infrastructure. They are once-in-ageneration opportunities to improve how people move through a neighbourhood, strengthen local shopping areas and create better public spaces for the community to enjoy.” Continued page 3
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LEADING WITH CONVICTION, SERVING WITH COMPASSION
Ann-Marie Hermans MP Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Shadow Assistant Minister for Community Safety
Suite 1 / 31 Princes Highwy, Dandenong VIC 3175 ann-marie.hermans@parliament.vic.gov.au 03 9794 7667 Ann-MarieHermans.com.au AnnMarieHermansMP Authorised by Ann-Marie Hermans MP, 1/31 Princes Highway, Dandenong VIC 3175