MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Hello and welcome to our Winter edition of the Casey Catch Up. It’s been another busy and exciting time in our city.
At the June Council meeting, we proudly endorsed our Updated Long Term Community Vision 2025-2035, Council Plan 2025-29, Budget 2025-26 and other key documents, an important milestone for our new council group. A heartfelt thank you to the 4,600 residents who shared their thoughts through the Shape Your City engagement. Your feedback helped shape these documents and guide us forward. You can check out some of our Budget 2025/26 highlights and initiatives on the next page.
After years of strong advocacy, we’re excited that work will soon begin on the upgrade of the Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection. This long-awaited project will help ease traffic congestion and improve safety for all road users.
In other exciting news, it was fantastic that so many people participated in our tree planting event as part of National Tree Day in July, with over 7,000 trees planted! Planting trees creates valuable habitat for wildlife. This planting will also contribute to our goal of achieving 30% tree canopy cover by 2050.
It was also great to see so many families, brave the cold and visit the Bunjil Place Plaza over the Winter school holidays to experience the enchanting art installation LOST, which features on the cover of this edition. With Christmas just around the corner, I hope you can all join me and my fellow Councillors once again in the Plaza for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and Christmas Makers Market. Details are on the back page of this edition. I look forward to seeing you there!
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. 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
Cr. Anthony Walters (Dillwynia Ward) 0459 148 431 awalter@casey.vic.gov.au
On behalf of the new Council group, I’m proud to share how your rates will be spent this year, and the key factors that shaped our 2025/26 Budget.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN CASEY
Since being elected in November 2024, our priority has been to keep rates as constrained as possible. We have worked to keep Casey’s rate rise to three per cent - in line with the State Government’s cap. This is while still delivering the services and projects you told us matter most through the Shape Your City engagement program. Balancing this has been challenging, especially as Casey continues to grow rapidly and demand for services and infrastructure increases, but I’m confident we’ve struck the right balance.
We’ve allocated $125.8 million to our capital works program to reflect our Council group’s desire to build better public spaces. This includes funds to upgrade 21 playgrounds across Casey - our biggest playground renewal program ever.
COUNCIL PLAN AND BUDGET SET THE COURSE FOR CASEY’S FUTURE
We understand many of you are under pressure due to the rising cost of living. That’s why the new Councillors have ensured that this year’s Budget includes more than $500,000 in extra support for those facing financial hardship, including additional funding for support services such as financial counselling and food relief.
The City of Casey has endorsed its Council Plan 2025–29, Long-Term Community Vision 2025–35, and Budget 2025–26 – marking a key milestone for the new council group.
We’ve also boosted funding for MCH services and introduced Saturday sessions for 2 and 3-year-olds.
These are just some of the ways your rates help make Casey a better place for everyone.
The Budget includes a $540.2 million operating spend and a further $125.8 million for infrastructure and community spaces. Major investments include Springleaf Recreation Reserve ($11.8M), Doveton Pool in the Park ($9.8M), and Hampton Park Netball court upgrades.
Other highlights include $3.1M for tree planting, $5.1M for the Ballarto Road Family and Community Centre, expanded Maternal Child Health Services, and upgrades to 21 playgrounds.
You can find out more about our plans and budget from our website casey.vic.gov.au
Investment will also be made in roads, footpaths, and open spaces to support a safe, connected and active city, including $1.6 million for new recreational trails between Eumemmerring Creek and Lysterfield.
Supporting our community
Every dollar collected is invested to improve our community’s way of life, below are just some of the ways:
$3.1M Planting trees across Casey
$3.5M Increasing community grants
$5.15M Upgrading over 21 playgrounds across Casey
Investing in
TRANSIT AWARDED $400,000 GRANT
We are thrilled to announce that Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support has been awarded a $400,000 grant via our Community Service Organisation Growth and Attraction Fund 2025-2027. The grant is the largest ever awarded by the City of Casey and will be used to establish a Support and Skills Hub at Transits’ existing facility in Narre Warren. The planned Hub will provide Casey residents access to much needed outreach support services, on-site in a trusted and safe space. Congratulations to Transit and their 120 volunteers who provide a fantastic service and do wonderful work in our community.
Image: Michael and Lisa; Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; Michelle Pinxt; Cr Kim Ross; and Pastor Keith Vethaak.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN CASEY
BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE CASEY: DISABILITY AND INCLUSION ACTION PLAN ENDORSED
The City of Casey has endorsed the Disability and Inclusion Action Plan 2025–2029 (DIAP), setting a strong foundation for a more inclusive future.
The four-year plan outlines Council’s commitment to ensuring people with disability, their families, and carers can fully participate in community life. It provides a roadmap for embedding inclusive practices across services, facilities, employment, communication, and engagement.
With over 70 actions, the DIAP aims to improve access, create more employment opportunities, and strengthen representation in decision-making. Implementation begins in Year One, with long-term actions rolled out over time.
The plan will help build a more inclusive and equitable Casey for all.
Learn more or get involved: casey.vic.gov.au/ disability-inclusion-action-plan-2025–2029
Image: City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, Cr Carolyn Eaves, Cr Kim Ross, CEO Glenn Patterson, Disability Inclusion Advisor Alexandra Bignell, Council staff and Members of the Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Group (DAIAG) )
ADDITIONAL MCH SATURDAY SESSIONS NOW AVAILABLE
Our Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of all children and families across Casey. To ensure all children receive essential health, development and wellbeing checks, additional MCH sessions are now available for children who have missed their scheduled 2-year-old or 3.5-year-old assessment. The sessions are held fortnightly on Saturdays at various locations across Casey. To make an appointment, contact 9705 5590, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30pm.
Image: MCH Nurse Claudia and Maya.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AND VOLUNTEERS FUND
From 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government has replaced the Fire Services Property Levy with the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
This levy appears on your rates notice as a separate charge and will support a range of emergency services. Council only collects this levy on behalf of the Victorian Government and every dollar collected goes directly to the Victorian State Government.
For more information about the Levy, visit the Department of Treasury and Finance’s website.
SUSTAINABILITY
YOUR NEW WASTE GUIDE AND APP ARE HERE
We’re excited to announce that the 2025–2026 Waste Guide is now available! You can download a digital copy or request a printed version to be mailed to your home via www.casey.vic.gov.au/waste.
Even better, we’ve launched the BIN IT RIGHT waste app – your all-in-one hub for managing waste services in Casey.
The new BIN IT RIGHT app helps you stay on top of waste services. Get bin day reminders, look up how to dispose of items, download a personalised bin calendar, and receive updates about service changes all is on place.
RECYCLE RIGHT THIS NATIONAL RECYCLING WEEK
Saturday 22 November 2025
9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Narre Warren
Got old clothes, soft plastics, or unwanted electronics?
The City of Casey is hosting a free recycling drop-off event in partnership with Textile Recyclers Australia, E-waste, and APR Plastics.
Casey residents can book a one-hour timeslot to drop off household quantities of textiles, e-waste, and soft plastics. Location details will be provided upon booking.
Bookings are essential. Learn more and secure your spot via the City of Casey website.
SOLAR SAVERS EXPANSION
CASEY’S BIN LIDS ARE GETTING A MAKEOVER
Until 12 December, Council is updating bin lids to align with Victoria’s statewide standard. General waste bins will receive red lids, and recycling bins will be fitted with yellow lids - ensuring consistency across all households.
The process is simple: just place your bin on the nature strip on your usual collection day and leave it out until 5:00 pm, even if it’s already been emptied. Our contractor will handle the rest, replacing your lid with the new standard colour.
For full details on the bin lid changes, visit casey.vic.gov.au/kerbside-bin-changes
Solar savers now provide quotes from a range of certified installers for hot water heat pumps, induction cooktops, split system air conditioning, insulation, draught-proofing and more! Register – Casey | Solar Savers
WHAT’S ON
SPRING INTO PLAY – FREE CHILDREN’S WEEK EVENT
Thursday 23 October 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Old Cheese Factory
Families with children aged 0 to 6 years are invited to celebrate Children’s Week at ‘Spring into Play’ in the beautiful grounds of the Old Cheese Factory!
Families can enjoy a free morning of fun, play, music, physical and interactive activities, entertainment and much more.
Bring along a picnic and help us celebrate children in Casey.
Find out more: www.casey.vic.gov.au/playgroups
DOVETON SHOW IS MAKING IT’S RETURN IN SEPTEMBER
Sunday 21 September 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Myuna Farm
The Doveton Show is one of the biggest events on the Doveton calendar. The community event is organised and run solely by volunteers, and aims to showcase and support the local community of Doveton and other community groups located in the City of Casey.
Expect a range of thrill and family rides, showbags, market and food stalls, stage and farm entertainment, kids’ activities, animal displays and community stalls.
Find out more: dovetonshow.org.au
HALLOWEEN AT THE OLD CHEESE FACTORY
Friday 31 October 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Old Cheese Factory
Get your scariest costumes ready and come along to the Old Cheese Factory for a night of spooky fun.
One of Casey’s oldest sites will become a Halloween playground for kids and families to enjoy a range of activities and entertainment.
Cost: $7 Adults / $17 Child 2 – 15 / Child Under 2: Free
For more information and ticketing visit: https://tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/10752
HAVE YOUR SAY
Join Casey Conversations Today!
Stay informed, share your voice, and help guide Council decisions in the City of Casey.
Want to help shape the future of your neighbourhood? Join Casey Conversations, the City of Casey’s official community engagement platform, and be part of the decisions that matter most to you.
Whether it’s a new park in Berwick, new community centre in Cranbourne, or a Casey wife plan, Casey Conversations keeps you informed, involved, and empowered. By signing up, you’ll receive updates on projects happening in the
IN BRIEF
KEEP CASEY CLEAN: FREE GRAFFITI REMOVAL SERVICE
Did you know? Casey removes 35,000m² of graffiti each year - that’s like repainting the MCG almost twice!
Our free graffiti removal service targets homes, parks, businesses, and more –offensive graffiti is removed within 1 day. Let’s keep Casey clean and welcoming. Report graffiti via the City of Casey website, scan the QR code to find out more
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.
CASEY CATCH UP
suburbs you care about, and you can follow specific initiatives to stay in the loop every step of the way.
Stay informed about local projects, share your feedback directly with Council, and follow topics that matter to you, all on your terms. Your insights help shape real change in Casey, making it easier to get involved and make a difference where you live.
Visit conversations.casey.vic.gov.au today and start making a difference where you live!
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.
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For more information and to subscribe, visit Council’s website.
Kick off the holiday season at our annual Twilight Christmas Makers Market & Lighting of the Tree at Bunjil Place.
Saturday 29 November 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Lighting of the tree at 8.00 pm Bunjil Place Plaza
