CITY OF CASEY ELECTS MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR
FOOD
Waratah Ward Councillor, Stefan Koomen was unanimously re-elected as Mayor at a Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 November. Cranbourne Gardens Ward Councillor, Michelle Crowther was elected Deputy Mayor.
Mayor Koomen says “I’m honoured and humbled to be re-elected as your Mayor. I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for their continued support and trust. This past year has been both challenging and rewarding and it’s a privilege to once again lead our Council group.”
Deputy Mayor Michelle Crowther says “It’s an honour to be elected to serve as your Deputy Mayor, I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for their support and trust in me. I promise to continue to work hard and support the Councillor group to achieve great outcomes for the Casey community.”
Each year, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by Councillors for a one-year term. This annual process keeps local leadership transparent, fair and responsive, ensuring shared leadership, fresh perspectives and the opportunity for all Councillors to undertake a leadership position.
Council congratulates both Cr Koomen and Cr Crowther.
SECURITY IN CASEY
Food relief has been one of Council’s top priorities in 2025. In October, Council brought together emergency food relief providers to network, build relationships and be recognised for their invaluable contribution to the Casey community.
The event also marked the launch of Council’s new Food Security Advocacy Program, which calls for increased government funding and support for food relief services. This initiative responds to concerning findings from the 2024 Annual Household Survey, which revealed that 40 per cent of Casey residents experienced food insecurity in the previous 12 months.
As part of the event, Helen Small from Casey North CISS, Christine Crowley from OzHarvest and Michelle Pinxt from Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support shared their insights on what collaboration could look like for food relief organisations in Casey. Looking ahead, Council plans to host two roundtable events in 2026 to bring food relief providers together to collectively problem-solve and strengthen partnerships across the sector.
Image: Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther; Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; and CEO Glenn Patterson.
Image: Volunteer Lisa; Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; Michelle Pinxt; Cr Kim Ross; and Pastor Keith Vethaak.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
I am honoured to share my first message since being re-elected as your Mayor for another year. It’s a privilege to continue serving our wonderful community, and I’m truly grateful for the trust placed in me.
I’m also delighted to be working alongside our new Deputy Mayor, Cr Michelle Crowther. Michelle is incredibly hardworking and dedicated to our community. Together, we look forward to building on the foundations laid in our first year as a new Council, continuing to listen to our residents and strengthening Casey for the future.
It’s been a busy last quarter, with some exciting milestones including the opening of the new pavilion at Strathaird Reserve in Narre Warren South, progressing with works at Springleaf Recreation Reserve in Clyde North, celebrating Lynbrook Community Centre’s 10-year anniversary and the 2025 Casey Business Awards. You can read about
this year’s outstanding winners on page five. Our local businesses play a vital role in our community, so with Christmas just around the corner, I encourage everyone to Shop Local and support our local businesses.
This Christmas I hope everyone, like me, takes a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate what truly matters — family, friends and the wonderful communities we call home. Across Casey there are many events planned to help us celebrate together, and with the warmer weather there’s no better time to join in and celebrate.
Visit our website for more details and I hope to see you out and about this festive season.
Cr Stefan Koomen City of Casey Mayor
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. Michelle Crowther (Cranbourne Gardens Ward) 0428 403 907 mcrowther@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. Melinda Ambros (Kalora Ward) 0499 797 393 mambros@casey.vic.gov.au
Cr. Anthony Walters (Dillwynia Ward) 0459 148 431 awalter@casey.vic.gov.au
BUILDING CASEY’S FUTURE
NEW PAVILION AT STRATHAIRD RESERVE
Home to Narre South Cricket Club, Narre South Football Netball Club and Narre South Junior Football Club, the existing pavilion was extended and upgraded to include female-friendly and accessible amenities, a new servery and a covered spectator area. There is also a dedicated social room space, allowing clubs to hold functions, team dinners and fundraisers.
BLIND BIGHT BASKETBALL AND FITNESS STATION
A new fitness station beside the playground has been installed. The basketball court is also being renewed with a fresh blue surface, new rings and line markings. Plus, new picnic tables, extra seating and a water fountain will complete the project by December.
STORMWATER HARVESTING UPGRADES AT MYUNA FARM
Upgrades at Myuna Farm include a stormwater harvesting system to irrigate paddocks and nearby sports fields, reducing reliance on drinking water and cleaning water before it goes into Dandenong Creek. Electrical infrastructure will also be improved. Construction is expected to be finished in early 2026.
MAX PAWSEY OVAL LIGHTING UPGRADE
Lighting has been installed at the main ground at Max Pawsey Reserve in Narre Warren, allowing our community to enjoy evening activities.
EDEY’S RUN PLAYGROUND RENEWAL HAMPTON PARK
Playground upgrades at Edey’s Run in Hampton Park are now complete. Upgrade works include drainage and furniture upgrades, as well as playground equipment.
ASPHALT WORKS COMPLETED AT TOULOUSE TERRACE, NARRE WARREN SOUTH
Road resurfacing works have been completed at Toulouse Terrace, improving the surface quality and the overall amenity for the local area.
CASEY BUSINESS AWARDS 2025
The City of Casey celebrated the winners of the Casey Business Awards 2025 at a gala evening on Friday 14 November.
Doogood Australia claimed the coveted Casey Business of the Year award and also won the Excellence in Innovation category. City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen praised the achievements of all finalists and winners, noting their leadership and creativity are shape a bright future for the city.
Other category winners included:
The Casey Business Awards 2025 are proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor: Zeemo; Gold Sponsors: Casey Leisure, Five Farms by Fraser Property, St John of God Berwick Hospital, and Ventra IP; and Silver Sponsors: Atura Dandenong, Chisholm Institute, and Recovery In Mind Occupational Therapy. Learn more at www.businessincasey.com.au or scan the QR code.
Excellence in Community and Customer Support — My Expert.
Excellence in Innovation — Doogood Australia.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year — Lachie Fyfe, Thirty Eight 0 Six Brewing.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion — Best of Home Care.
Best Micro Business — L’ada Soaps & Scents
Excellence in Environmental Sustainability — Berwick Twinklestar Early Learning Centre.
Best New Business — Boutique Hearing Clinic.
Image: Cr Gary Rowe; Cr Jennifer Dizon; Cr Melinda Ambros; Cr Shane Taylor; Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; Cr Kim Ross; and Cr Anthony Walter with representatives from Doogood Australia, Business of the Year winner.
WHAT’S ON
CAROLS BY TWILIGHT
Wednesday 24 December, 7:00 pm – 9:20 pm, Max Pawsey Reserve, Narre Warren
Council is excited to announce the return of Carols by Twilight at Max Pawsey Reserve. There will be a fireworks display at 9.15 pm and a visit from Santa, as well as rides and food trucks. Everyone is welcome. For more Carols across Casey, visit our website.
Image: Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Cr Kim Ross at Max Pawsey Reserve.
FAIRYTALE PICNIC
Wednesday 21 January, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Old Cheese Factory
Step into a world of magic and make-believe! Families are invited to bring their picnic baskets, dress in favourite fairytale costumes and enjoy an enchanting outdoor adventure.
Cost: $7 per child (targeted for pre-school and primary schoolaged children). Free entry for adults and children under 12 months.
For more information and to book tickets, visit events.humanitix. com/old-cheese-factory-fairytale-picnic-jan-2026
A-LEAGUE WOMEN’S MATCHES AT CASEY FIELDS
Elite women’s football returns to Casey Fields, with Melbourne City FC playing at ctrl:cyber Pitch at the City Football Academy throughout the 2025/26 season. Come along and watch City’s stars chase glory on home turf.
To find out more, scan the QR code.
LAKESIDE PADDLEBOATS
Until Saturday 31 January, multiple sessions daily, Wilson Botanic Park
Come experience a new perspective of Wilson Botanic Park on Anniversary Lake while paddling an aqua bike! Fun for the whole family.
Cost: $30 for 15 minutes or $50 for 30 minutes.
For more information and to book tickets, www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1497516
CASEY CATCH UP
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.
KEEPING GREEN IN CASEY
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RODENT CONTROL — KEEP OUR BACKYARDS SAFE
Summer often means more sneaky rodents — like brown and black rats — trying to get indoors. But before reaching for the rat poison, remember — it doesn’t just harm pests. It can hurt and even kill owls, birds of prey, lizards, snakes, frogs, possums, bandicoots and family pets.
Let’s keep Casey rat poison free this summer. Try these wildlife-friendly tips instead:
· Seal up gaps and holes with steel wool or metal mesh — pests can squeeze through tiny spaces.
· Keep food sealed and tidy — pick up fallen fruit, secure pet food, and keep compost heaps rat-proof.
Use traps, not poison — snap traps or live traps are much safer for wildlife.
Encourage natural predators — install nest boxes for owls and plant native trees to attract birds of prey.
· Keep gardens tidy — clear away clutter and garden waste that could shelter rodents.
EASY, WASTE-WISE GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS
With Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to unleash your creativity with some spectacular gift wrapping.
· Got a pillowcase? Pop your present inside and tie it up — so simple!
· Try wrapping with a scarf, tea towel or any fabric you’ve got lying around. Just knot it and you’re done.
· Uncoated brown paper is classic — add a pinecone, some greenery, or a dried orange for a festive touch.
· Old maps, newspapers, or calendars make fun, quirky wraps. Use a ribbon or clip to keep it together.
· Reusable bags or totes are perfect — your gift wrap becomes a bonus gift!
· For small things, use a jar or tin. It’s cute and cuts out waste.
Give these ago and make your holiday wrapping kinder to the planet.
For more ideas, scan the QR code.
2026 YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
Are you aged 15 to 25 and passionate about the environment? Live, work or study in Casey? Want to build your leadership skills and connect with like-minded people
Then why not join the Youth Climate Action Committee.
You will have the opportunity to make an impact and lead projects that educate the Casey community to reduce waste and emissions, live sustainably and be climate change ready.
Applications are open now. For more information and to apply, scan the QR code.
Image: Members of the Youth Climate Action Committee helped establish a Youth Community Garden at the Narre Warren Youth Information Centre.
Image: Local barking owl by S. Charles.
FREE OUTDOOR LIVE MUSIC MOVIES AND MORE
7 FEB – 21 MAR 2026
SATURDAYS 6.00 PM