Brimbank City Council

17/09/2026

💚💛 Today marks Australian Citizenship Day and we're proud to welcome our newest Australian citizens to Brimbank. 💚💛

We warmly welcome 40 new Australians from 10 different countries.

Today's citizenship ceremony was officiated by Brimbank Mayor, Cr Virginia Tachos and attended by Cr Kim Thien Truong, Cr Joh Bauch, and Uncle Shane Charles.

Our community is richer because of the traditions and experiences our new residents bring.

We're stronger when we stand together.

Welcome to Brimbank!

16/09/2026

We've created a draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and we want to know what you think.

The plan outlines our commitment to creating an inclusive Brimbank where people with disability feel valued and safe, and diversity is respected and celebrated.

The draft has been shaped through extensive consultation with the Brimbank community.

You have until Wednesday 7 October to read the plan and fill out the survey: https://yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au/disability-access-and-inclusion-plan

Need help with your survey? Find out more about our drop-in sessions in the link above.

16/09/2026

A statement attributed to Brimbank Mayor, Cr Virginia Tachos.

Council has become aware of incorrect information circulating about why the after-hours Women's Only Swimming Sessions at Sunshine Leisure Centre have been temporarily paused.

To be clear, this pause is NOT due to a protest against the Women's Only Swim Session by men, nor is it because of a transgender woman allegedly being refused entry. These claims are entirely false.

The sessions have been paused following a serious safety incident that occurred on Sunday 13 September, where participants and Brimbank Leisure Centre staff were exposed to unruly behaviour that occurred amongst a number of attending patrons.

Brimbank City Council does not tolerate violence or unsafe behaviour. The health and safety of our patrons, our staff and the broader community is our absolute priority.

Council is undertaking a full investigation into the incident and a comprehensive risk and safety assessment to determine whether this program can be delivered safely in the future.

We know these sessions are important to many women in our community, providing an opportunity to exercise and connect with others in a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment. Council has an obligation to ensure they are delivered in a way that is safe for everyone – including the Brimbank Leisure Centre employees who support and deliver the program.

We understand this pause will be disappointing for regular participants and we thank the community for its patience and understanding.

Council will provide a further update once the investigation and safety assessment have been completed.

15/09/2026

📣 COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE:
Due to unexpected technical difficulties we are unable to live stream tonight’s Council Meeting.

A recording will be posted to our YouTube channel tomorrow.

15/09/2026

Join the MRWA Litter Blitz Team this Sunday, 20 September at Howardson Cct, St Albans! 🌊

Coordinated by the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association and supported by Council, come enjoy the creek surrounds, spot some wildlife, and make a positive difference.

✅ Everyone welcome (pets on leads too!)

👟 Wear enclosed shoes

🧤 BYO gloves & water bottle (we provide grabbers, bags & collection)

Want to organise a clean-up with your own group? We would love to hear from you.

Can’t attend? Keep an eye out for future MRWA Litter Blitz events or host your own for Clean Up Australia’s Great Spring Clean Up. 🌿

14/09/2026

Our next Council Meeting is tonight, Tuesday 15 September at 7pm.

On the agenda:
🛡️ Petitions regarding community safety and cleaning up Stony Creek
🏗️ Planning activity and scheme amendments update
🌱 Final Draft Life Stages Framework
🤝 Draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2027 to 2029
📊 Financial Hardship Policy and 2025/26 Financial Statements
And more!

You can watch at home on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4A9krQe

Want to attend the Council Chamber in person? There's still time to register. To join us in person, register online https://bit.ly/3UOQ7uk or call 03 9249 9000.

Please note that a photo ID is required for entry into the Council Chamber.

14/09/2026

🍳 News Breakfast brought Your Say to Sunshine last week to find out:

☀️ What our traders love about working in Brimbank
🥔 The issues that are important to people in Melbourne's west.

📺 Missed it? Catch up on the video now.

14/09/2026

In partnership with 6 Councils in the north-west, Brimbank has been advocating for the urgent establishment of a police training academy in Melbourne’s north-west.

It was encouraging to see Premier Ben Carroll MP and Paul Edbrooke MP announce that the State Government would open a permanent police academy in Melbourne's western suburbs if re-elected.

While both major parties have pledged to increase police numbers, this training academy is the single initiative that will break the back of the systemic police workforce shortage in the west, where we have a long-term vacancy rate of 20%.

But one promise isn't enough.

No matter who takes leadership in Victoria in November, we urgently need to tackle the intolerable crime crisis the west is enduring.

Our communities deserve to feel safe and our government needs to deliver.

Find out more: https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/more-police-melbournes-west

12/09/2026

📬 Waiting for your rates notice?

Some rates notices are taking a little longer to arrive in the mail due to postal delays — so we’ve extended the payment period without penalty for everyone.

🗓️THE NEW DUE DATE IS THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER, 2026.

⏰ Need a little longer?
Our Rates team can help arrange a payment plan.

🧐 Why is my rates amount is different?

Your rates amount is affected by your property value, service charges, the State’s ESVF charges, concessions and any outstanding balance —that means your rates can go up even if your property value has gone down.

The Victorian Government’s rate cap limits how much rates increase. For most Brimbank properties the 2026 rates increase was less than $55. Rates decreased for 12% of Brimbank properties.

🙋🏽MORE QUESTIONS?  
Our rates team is here to help.
☎️ 03 9249 4000
📧[email protected]

10/09/2026

Join us for the next Brimbank Council Meeting on Tuesday 15 September at 7pm.
The Council Chamber is open for members of the public to attend the meeting in person. If you'd like to join us, call on 9249 9000 or register online: https://bit.ly/4igB3z7
Note: Photo ID will need to be shown before entering the Council Chamber.
Got a question? Submit it ahead of the meeting here: https://bit.ly/4xST2AG

09/09/2026

Are you a recycling sceptic? Come join us for a tour of Cleanaway’s Material Recovery Facility!

🚌 Tuesday 20 October the tour will depart from the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre at 9:30am. We will travel by bus to the facility, see the sorting process in action, and return by 12:30pm.

You will learn the real impact of contamination and get practical tips to recycle right at home.
Book your spot here: https://bit.ly/4dng3mS

⚠️ Please wear flat, closed-toe shoes (required). This event is for people 16 years and older. Bus transport, safety gear (PPE), and a light morning tea are included. Don't forget your water bottle!

07/09/2026

Happy International Literacy Day! 🌍📚

To celebrate, we’re looking at the stories and topics that captivated our community this year. From Bluey keeping the little ones entertained to Freida McFadden’s gripping thrillers keeping us up at night, these are the most borrowed titles from our shelves (and screens!) in 2026.

A massive thank you to our amazing community for keeping the love of reading alive. ❤️

07/09/2026

Are you passionate about access, equity and inclusion? Brimbank City Council is now seeking Expressions of Interest for our Disability Advisory Committee (DAC)!

We are looking for community members with disability and carers of people with disability who live, work, study or socialise in Brimbank to join the committee.

The DAC plays a vital role in providing meaningful input and advice on matters impacting people with disability in our community. We welcome diverse representation and strongly encourage young people and First Nations People to apply.

Applications are open until Sunday 27 September 2026.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/3U8WkRr

04/09/2026

🚨 Big news for Brimbank yesterday with Premier Ben Carroll MP announcing the State Government's commitment of $170m to fix Taylors Road if re-elected in November.

They will deliver on our ask to declare Taylors Road a state-owned arterial road and duplicate it between Kings Road and Kurung Drive.

We’ve been campaigning to fix Taylors Road since February and this wouldn’t have happened without our community's support. Thank you.

No matter who wins in November, Taylors Road must be declared, duplicated and delivered.

Will Jess Wilson MP and the other parties step up too?

Show your support at fixtaylorsroad.com.au

03/09/2026

This week on ABC Melbourne‘s ’Meet the Mayor’ segment, Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos talked with Waleed Aly about some of our community’s most important issues ahead of the State election, like:

👮🏽‍♂️ Community Safety
🛣️ Fix Taylors Road
🚊Melbourne Airport Rail
☀️ Sunshine - the C*D of the west
🏢 Better controls around data centres

It rounded off on most controversial topic of all—where to find the best cup of coffee☕️
(🚨Spoiler Alert: It’s Sunshine for the win!)

To listen, visit:

www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/mornings/107096144?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared

(Skip to 1:13:33)

02/09/2026

Tune in this morning! 🎧

Brimbank Mayor Cr Virginia Tachos is joining ABC Radio Melbourne 774 for Meet the Mayor from 9.30am today.

Listen in to hear what’s happening across Brimbank: https://ab.co/4cUOxgo

02/09/2026

You have until next week to let Melbourne Water know what you think of their Brimbank Flood Maps.

If you're a Brimbank resident, property owner or business, you can:

💧 View the draft flood maps and search for your property
💧 Learn more about potential flood risk in your area
💧 Share your thoughts with Melbourne Water before the maps are finalised.

For more information, to view the draft maps and to have your say, visit:
https://letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/flood-information/brimbank

02/09/2026

🟡🟡 Be Bold is back! 🟡🟡

01/09/2026

Great news for Melbourne's West!
We have officially renewed our partnership with Victoria University, Melbourne Australia (VU) through to 2030. 🎓🤝

This agreement is all about creating better outcomes for our community, focusing on local employment, education, health and wellbeing, climate action, and caring for Country.

Since 2023, our collaboration has been delivering life changing results, including free TAFE courses at the St Albans Community Centre, career counselling at our libraries, and vital advocacy for youth mental health.

Over the next four years, we are excited to work together on the development of the Sunshine precinct and bring even more cutting-edge learning opportunities to Brimbank.

Read more about the renewed partnership here: https://bit.ly/4qKGLLI

01/09/2026

Emergencies can strike at any time, anywhere and without warning.

Thanks to Australian Red Cross, preparing for emergencies just got easier.

Use their new RediPlan app and website to:
- Create an emergency plan for your household to protect what matters most
- Build and keep your emergency plan close at hand with the app
- Download your emergency pack list
- Find an EmergencyRedi workshop near you www.eventbrite.com.au/o/121470684100

📚 You can also pick up a paper copy of the RediPlan from Brimbank Libraries.

Learn more at the link below 👇

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere - often without warning. Find resources to help you prepare for disasters, including information in Auslan and community languages and resources for children and carers.

28/08/2026

Spotted a dead or sick bird?

While no cases of bird flu have currently been reported in Brimbank, it’s good to know what to do if you come across a sick or dead bird:

👉 Don’t touch or move it
👉 Keep children and pets away
👉 Avoid contact with bird droppings, feathers or other material around the bird.

👷‍♂️ If the bird is on Council-managed land:
Please report it using our ‘Report It – Dead animal’ form:
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/reportit_dead_animal
Include the exact location, number and type of birds (if known). You can also include a photo if it’s safe to take one. Council will assess the situation and notify DEECA where required. Alternatively you can call us on 03 9249 4000.

🏠 If the bird is on private property:
Follow DEECA’s current advice for reporting, safely handling and disposing of sick or dead birds: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

For further advice, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Taking these simple precautions can help protect our community, pets and local wildlife.

27/08/2026

It's that time again... YOUTH FEST IN THE WEST IS HERE! 🥳

For the whole month of September, we're celebrating young people in Brimbank aged 10 to 25.

Brimbank Youth Services have organised heaps of events from Sunshine to Sydenham that support young people to make social connections, learn new skills, and have your say.

Get registering and make the most of the September holidays!

Find out more: https://brimbankyouth.com/youth-fest-2026

26/08/2026

Happy International Dog Day! 🐕

Got a pup named Charlie? You are in good company! Charlie officially takes the top spot as Brimbank's most popular dog name.

We would love to hear from the rest of the pack. Drop your dog's name in the comments below! 👇

20/08/2026

We’ve created a new concept design for Copernicus Way Reserve in Keilor Downs.

The new concept celebrates the natural landscape and aims to create a special nature‑based place for learning, play and community connection.

The new concept includes:

🌿 Nature play areas
🛝 Play equipment such as swings, climbing, balancing, rocking, spinning and imaginative play for different ages
🥪 Picnic spaces for families and groups.
🌳 Shade trees and landscaping to improve comfort and the environment.
➕ And more!

We want to hear what you think about the concept design. There's even a design competition to get kids involved!

Let us know what you think before Monday 5 October: https://yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au/copernicus-way-reserve

20/08/2026

How great does this look? 🤩

Thank you to Lukas Kasper who painted this stunning mural for our Sydenham Basin Reserve restoration.

Our new dog park is set to open later next month, which will include improved pathways, dog play elements, picnic settings and more!