MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Hello and welcome to our Autumn edition of the Casey Catch Up. It’s certainly been a busy time in Casey.
In April we celebrated our annual Casey Community Awards, recognising some inspiring individuals and groups who have made a real difference to our community. I was blown away by the passion and dedication shown by all the nominees – huge congratulations to them all.
Earlier this year, we heard from the community their concerns and frustrations around our Local Law, particularly how it relates to use of private land. At our March Council meeting, we unanimously decided to undertake a full review of our Local Law. This is your chance to have your say. I encourage all residents to visit Casey Conversations and share your thoughts before consultation closes on 1 June.
A big thank you to all the residents who took the time to provide feedback on our Draft Updated Community Vision, Council Plan 2025-29, Budget and key documents. These documents are the result of extensive work by Councillors with Officers and meaningful input from the community. I want to sincerely thank everyone involved in shaping these plans and I look forward to sharing next steps with you in the coming months.
And finally, there are some fantastic opportunities to enjoy events and activities across Casey. Why not try something new or visit a part of the city you haven’t explored before. I’m looking forward to taking my family to Wilson Goes Wild in July. It promises to be a great day out. You can find out more about this family friendly event on page 6.
Enjoy and take care.
Cr Stefan Koomen
YOUR CASEY COUNCILLORS
MAYOR
Cr. Stefan Koomen (Waratah Ward) 0403 033 243 skoomen@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Dave Perry (Grevillia Ward) 0499 693 503 dperry@casey.vic.gov.au
DEPUTY MAYOR Cr. Melinda Ambros (Kalora Ward) 0499 797 393 mambros@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Shane Taylor (Kowan Ward) 0428 980 109 shtaylor@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Scott Dowling (Akoonah Ward) 0436 961 267 sdowling@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Carolyn Eaves (Quarters Ward) 0476 650 052 ceaves@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Kim Ross (Casuarina Ward) 0428 522 174 kiross@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Lynette Pereira (River Gum Ward) 0400 334 591 lpereira@casey.vic.gov.au
To learn more about our new councillors and wards, visit Council’s website.
Cr. Gary Rowe (Correa Ward) 0475 414 224 garowe@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Jennifer Dizon (Tooradin Ward) 0497 109 542 jdizon@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Michelle Crowther (Cranbourne Gardens Ward) 0428 403 907 mcrowther@casey.vic.gov.au
Elected Candidate Anthony Walter (Dillwynia Ward) 0459 148 431 awalter@casey.vic.gov.au
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
CASEY COMMUNITY AWARDS 2025
The winners of the 2025 Casey Community Awards were announced at a gala celebration event at Bunjil Place on Friday 11 April.
This year, due to the high calibre of the nominees, two residents took out the top honour of Citizen of Year.
Anthony Hanna and Antonia Arfaras were named joint Citizens of the Year. Both have contributed greatly to Casey through their volunteering efforts.
The annual awards have celebrated community contributions for over two decades by recognising the outstanding individuals and groups in the community in eight categories: Casey Citizen of the Year, Casey Senior of the Year, Casey Young Citizen of the Year, Casey Equity and Inclusion Award, Casey Woman of the Year, Casey Community Group of the Year, Casey Community Group of the Year, Casey Environment and Sustainability Champion Award and the Lindsay King Art Award.
Image: Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Deputy Mayor Cr Melinda Ambrose with the 2025 Casey Community Awards winners.
CLYDE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE
The new Clyde Township Community Centre is officially open.
There are multi-purpose spaces where the community can come together for a variety of activities and programs, and a large community room can also be hired for programs, activities and private celebrations.
STUNNING NEW PAVILION AND NETBALL COURTS NOW OPEN IN PEARCEDALE
Pearcedale Recreation Reserve is now home to a new pavilion and netball courts, following an extensive redevelopment project.
The old pavilion was demolished and redeveloped into a new, contemporary building with a community room, kitchen, four changerooms with unisex amenities, a first-aid room and umpires’ rooms and storage space. Outside, the existing netball courts were transformed, with two new courts installed, as well as players shelters and lighting.
Image: The Hon. Harriet
Image: Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale; and Cr Jennifer Dizon at the opening of Clyde Township Community Centre.
Shing MP; Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP; Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Cr Michelle Crowther.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
COUNCIL INSTALLS LIFESAVING DEFIBRILLATORS
New emergency defibrillators have been installed at the following locations:
· Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park (accessible inside)
· Bayview Reserve Car Park 1001 Steps, Narre Warren North (accessible outdoors, halfway)
· Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre, Cranbourne East (accessible outdoors, under roofline stadium)
· Connected Library, Endeavour Hills, (accessible inside)
· Cranbourne Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside) Doveton Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside)
· Endeavour Hills Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside)
· Hallam Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside)
· Marriot Waters Family and Community Centre, Lyndhurst (accessible inside)
· Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick (accessible outdoors, café)
By installing these defibrillators, Council is taking a proactive step to protect its residents. It’s not just about the equipment; it’s about giving people the confidence to participate in community activities, knowing that emergency support is readily available.
Image: Cr Dave Perry and Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen at 1001 steps in Narre Warren North.
BREAKING GROUND ON 300 LOCAL JOBS
On a prominent road in the heart of our city’s growth corridor, City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Cr Anthony Walter broke ground on a brand-new business precinct, Wilmac Clyde North.
The $70 million development is anticipated to create more than 150 jobs during construction and more than 300 ongoing jobs once the 25 expected businesses move into the precinct.
They are joined by numerous other businesses that are equally optimistic about our city’s future and attracted by our ideal location, genuine partnerships, and robust growth. Companies large and small are making significant investments to boost our economy, while creating hundreds of new local jobs.
Find out more about locating your business in our city at www.choosecasey.com.au
Image: Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Cr Anthony Walter joined the team behind Wilmac Clyde North at their cultural induction and ground breaking event in March 2025.
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Council offers free assessments to help improve your business’s energy efficiency and reduce costs and emissions. Casey has free Business Energy Efficiency kits for local business owners to help reduce utility bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Business Energy Savers program helps businesses to upgrade inefficient appliances and lights with Government subsidies. Visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/sustainability-your-business
WE’RE GOING ON A TREE HUNT
Embrace the lovely, crisp weather and enjoy our beautiful reserves, parks and botanic gardens.
Both Brookland Greens Reserve in Botanic Ridge and Morning Mist Bushland Reserve in Cranbourne South have had autumn glow-ups.
Say goodbye to soggy socks at Morning Mist! We’ve added a boardwalk that crosses a swampy area, and there’s a new, safer entry point for pedestrians that connects to our existing trails.
At Brookland Greens, new tracks now form a complete loop. Plus, fresh plantings have created a habitat link to ensure our local wildlife stays happy and safe.
If you want to further explore our many walking and riding routes, let our interactive online map be your guide.
Visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/walk-ride-map
COMPOSTING IN COOLER MONTHS
If you’re keeping your food waste out of landfill via home composting, make sure you’re adding plenty of fallen autumn leaves! Browned-off deciduous leaves help bulk up your compost as the weather cools, preventing it getting soggy and smelly. You can also shred up some newspaper, cardboard or egg cartons. Stir them in with a fork or aerator to ensure a well-mixed batch.
STAYING TOASTY
Council can also help you stay warm indoors and save money as the weather cools. First, borrow an energy and water efficiency home audit kit from Connected Libraries to see where your house may be losing heat. Then you can apply for a rebate of up to $200 to draught proof your home! It can be as simple as a door sausage draft excluder or sealing up gaps with spackle or perhaps some new, insulating curtains.
Visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/home-energy-rebate
HARD WASTE AND E-WASTE COLLECTION
Got old furniture, appliances, or mattresses? Take advantage of Council’s hard waste collection services. Book online for a pickup at www.casey.vic.gov.au/hard-waste-collections
You can also drop-off e-waste at designated facilities to keep harmful materials out of landfill.
WHAT’S ON
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
Thursday 29 May, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Bunjil Place Plaza
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, is a call for all Australians to reflect on our shared history and work towards stronger connections. Join us at Bunjil Place for a free community event celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The event will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, a Flag Raising Ceremony at 4:45 pm, live music by Charlie Needs Braces, storytime at Bunjil Place Library (bookings required), a screening of The Last Daughter at 6:45 pm (bookings required), and a variety of hands-on cultural activities. Everyone is welcome. We invite you to come together, connect, and celebrate. Visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/events/ national-reconciliation-week-free-community-event
FLORIBUNDA
Open until Sunday 20 July
Drop in to the Bunjil Place Gallery and enjoy the stunning gallery exhibition – Floribunda, an intoxicating larger-than-life mashup of floral imagery, design and motif drawn exclusively from the National Gallery of Victoria Collection. And the floral exploration doesn’t stop at Bunjil Place — across the City of Casey there are a number of programs, activities and events that will immerse you in the natural world. From garden walks, to drawing activities, crafts and more, the region is full of blooms and life to explore. Visit the Bunjil Place website to find out more.
Image: The Netherlands, Flowerpiece late 17th century, oil on canvas, 70.4 × 54.6 cm, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.
KIDS PAINT A POT SESSION
Wednesday 8 July, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Old Cheese Factory
Come along and paint your very own garden pot. Paints and supplies all provided. Kids must be supervised during session. BYO smock or shirt that you are happy to get paint on. Suitable for kids aged 5 to 10 years. Cost is $5.00. Tickets available at https://events.humanitix.com/old-cheese-factory-paint-a-pot
WILSON GOES WILD!
4 – 13 July
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick
Go on a wild adventure these July school holidays at Wilson Goes Wild! Wilson Botanic Park Berwick will be home to a playful safari experience, perfect for families with children aged 1–10 years. Stroll around Basalt Lake and spot larger-than-life animal sculptures (don’t worry – they’re not real!), then let the kids get creative with fun and colourful craft activities. It’s a roaring good time for little explorers!
Tickets on sale from 2 June.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.
Help shape our new Casey Community Local Law
We are reviewing our Local Law, and you’re invited to have your say and help shape what a new Local Law looks like. Share your views online and go in the draw to win one of five $200 Westfield vouchers. Share your feedback online via our Casey Conversation website before Sunday 1 June.
IN BRIEF
JUMP ONLINE, SAVE TIME
Need to contact us? The online forms on our website make it easier than ever.
Avoid the phone queue and jump online at a time that suits you to manage your bins or hard garbage collection, report a missed bin collection, apply to share the cost of a new fence, register your pet, request a copy of your rates notice, apply for a rates payment plan, or report an issue.
AGEING POSITIVELY NEWSLETTER
Sign up to the Ageing Positively in Casey newsletter to stay up to date with the latest information on age services, health information, age-friendly programs and events in your area and more.
To subscribe, visit the ‘Events for seniors’ page on our website. Email positiveageing@casey.vic.gov.au or contact the Ageing Positive Team on 9705 5200.
CASEY CATCH UP
In May and June, we are also seeking feedback on the following:
· Sports and Physical Activity Framework
· Grants Policy
Sweeney Reserve Dog Park
Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.
BECOME A LEARNER DRIVER MENTOR
The TAC L2P Program helps learner drivers aged between 16 and 23 who don’t have access to a supervising driver or vehicle to get the driving experience they need to get a probationary license. The program could not run without the ongoing support and commitment of our volunteer mentors. Due to high demand, the Casey L2P program needs even more volunteer support. If you can spare two to three hours a week, then please consider joining us to support disadvantaged youth in Casey.
Visit our website to learn more or scan the QR code.
To keep up with to date with events and updates on all things City of Casey subscribe to our email newsletter.
You can get ‘Casey Catch Up’, our monthly email newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now and:
– Get all the latest on local events, sport and entertainment
– Find out about Council-run programs and services
For more information and to subscribe, visit Council’s website.
FROM PAGE TO STAGE
Your favourite stories brought to life! May - August 2025 Bunjil Place Theatre & Studio
THE PRINCESS, THE PEA (AND THE BRAVE ESCAPEE)
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Friday 23 May, 10.00 am & 11.30 am
Saturday 24 May, 10.00 am & 11.30 am
There is the fairytale you know and love. But what isn’t known, what no book has ever recorded, is why exactly the princess was out in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a night, at the end of an adventure. This story is that story.
This stunning theatrical production comes alive with classical music performed live by ACO musicians.
Saturday 24 May, 11.30 am session
Relaxed Performance & AUSLAN Interpreted For children aged 3-10 years old.
YONG
Monkey Baa Theatre Company
Monday 18 August, 6.00 pm
Tuesday 19 August, 10.00 am & 1.00 pm
Explore Chinese-Australian history through a timeless coming-of-age story.
Set against the backdrop of the Australian Goldrush of 1857, Yong is an Australian play written by Jenevieve Chang, based on the book ‘Yong: The Journey of an Unworthy Son’ by Janeen Brian. Mixing historical fact and narrative fiction, Yong takes us on a journey across land and sea, from China to the goldfields of Australia.
For children aged 10 -13 years old.
This offering is on the VCE Theatre Studies Playlist.
DAVID WALLIAMS’ RATBURGER
CDP Kids
Tuesday 24 June, 6.00 pm
Wednesday 25 June, 10.30 am & 1.00 pm
Join Zoe in this hilarious, action packed and touching adventure, as she sets out to save her pet rat Dapper from the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers.
David Walliams’ number one bestselling book comes to life on stage with visually stunning sets and charming puppetry. For children aged 7-12 years old.
IMAGINE LIVE NCM
Thursday 17 July, 10.00 am & 12.00 pm
Magical and meaningful, IMAGINE LIVE is a celebration of creativity, friendship and our precious natural world.
With the help of the audience, performers play and sing their way through the pages of Alison Lester’s iconic best-selling book, and quickly discover there is WAY more to these pages than they first thought.
Spot a leopard, dive with a dolphin or dig up a dinosaur as this iconic book springs into life before your eyes.
For children aged 4 -12 years old.
Thursday 17 July, 10.00 am session
Relaxed Performance & AUSLAN Interpreted
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Bloomshed
Friday 22 August, 1.00 pm & 7.30 pm
Saturday 23 August, 7.30 pm
A bold new take on Pride and Prejudice created by the award-winning theatre team, Bloomshed. Built from the depths of the housing crisis, this adaptation sees Austen’s classic re-imagined for 2025. It’s fierce. It’s funny. It’s all about fortune. Pride and Prejudice is a hilarious romp through the plush halls of the filthy rich.
Content Warning: This production contains coarse language, smoke and haze effects, strobe effects and loud noises.
Recommended for 16 years +
This offering is on the VCE Theatre Studies Playlist.
See the program and book at bunjilplace.com.au/events, call 03 9709 9700 or visit the Bunjil Place Box Office.
Service fees may apply to phone and online bookings.
2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren
03 9709 9700
bunjilplace.com.au
Photo by Maria Boyadgis
Photo By Tiffany Garvie, Featuring Wern Mak
Photo by Cameron Grant