WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:03.016 Good evening. Welcome. Hello everyone. 00:00:03.040 --> 00:00:06.040 My name is Andy Diamond and I am CEO. On 00:00:06.400 --> 00:00:08.216 behalf of Monash City Council, I 00:00:08.240 --> 00:00:09.896 acknowledge the traditional owners of 00:00:09.920 --> 00:00:12.296 the land, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and 00:00:12.320 --> 00:00:14.695 Bunurong people and recognize their 00:00:14.719 --> 00:00:16.376 continuing connection to the land and 00:00:16.400 --> 00:00:19.015 waterways. I pay my respects to the 00:00:19.039 --> 00:00:21.496 Elders past, present, and emerging and 00:00:21.520 --> 00:00:23.255 extend this to all Aboriginal and 00:00:23.279 --> 00:00:25.816 Torres Strait Islander people. The 00:00:25.840 --> 00:00:27.495 purpose of this meeting, as you well 00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:29.335 know, is for the election of Mayor and 00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:31.736 Deputy Mayor. In accordance with the 00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:34.375 Local Government Act 2020 and the 00:00:34.399 --> 00:00:36.215 provisions of the council's governance 00:00:36.239 --> 00:00:39.176 rules, as the CEO, I will be tasked with 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:42.200 conducting the election of the Mayor. 00:00:42.399 --> 00:00:44.776 We have a number of apologies tonight. 00:00:44.800 --> 00:00:47.800 Councelor Fergeus and Councelor De Silva. I 00:00:48.320 --> 00:00:49.816 don't believe we have any other 00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:52.055 apologies. 00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:54.375 The first report for consideration 00:00:54.399 --> 00:00:56.375 tonight is the term of office of the 00:00:56.399 --> 00:00:58.375 Mayor and Deputy Mayor and the 00:00:58.399 --> 00:01:00.535 establishment of the office of Deputy 00:01:00.559 --> 00:01:03.335 Mayor. Council is required under section 00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:06.359 263 and 272 of the local government act 00:01:07.200 --> 00:01:10.200 2020 to determine by resolution the term 00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:13.016 of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and under 00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:16.040 se and do this under section 28. I now 00:01:16.479 --> 00:01:18.376 ask that council move a motion to 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:20.775 establish the office of Deputy Mayor and 00:01:20.799 --> 00:01:23.016 appoint a Deputy Mayor for one-year 00:01:23.040 --> 00:01:26.040 term. Do I have a mover? 00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:29.016 Councelor Klisaris. Thank you very much. 00:01:29.040 --> 00:01:32.040 Do I have a seconder? 00:01:33.040 --> 00:01:36.040 Councelor Little. Thank you. All those 00:01:36.079 --> 00:01:38.616 in favor? 00:01:38.640 --> 00:01:41.640 All those against? That is carried. 00:01:42.479 --> 00:01:44.216 The next item on the agenda is the 00:01:44.240 --> 00:01:46.696 election of the Mayor. Section 25 of the 00:01:46.720 --> 00:01:49.496 Local Government Act 2020 states the 00:01:49.520 --> 00:01:51.496 Mayor must be elected by an absolute 00:01:51.520 --> 00:01:54.520 majority of the councilors at Monash City 00:01:54.640 --> 00:01:57.336 council. That is six councilors. If an 00:01:57.360 --> 00:01:59.016 absolute majority of the counselors 00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:01.176 cannot be obtained at the meeting 00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:03.095 tonight, the council may resolve to 00:02:03.119 --> 00:02:05.016 conduct a new election at a later 00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:08.040 specified time and date. I will soon 00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:10.455 call for nominations for the position of 00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:13.096 Mayor. A nomination does not require 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:15.656 seconder and a counselor may nominate 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:17.736 themselves. If there's only one 00:02:17.760 --> 00:02:19.736 counselor who's nominated as candidate 00:02:19.760 --> 00:02:22.056 for Mayor, that council will be duly 00:02:22.080 --> 00:02:24.136 elected as Mayor. If there's more than 00:02:24.160 --> 00:02:26.295 one counselor nominated as the candidate 00:02:26.319 --> 00:02:29.176 for Mayor, I will ask counselors to 00:02:29.200 --> 00:02:31.176 vote for nominated counselor in the 00:02:31.200 --> 00:02:33.896 order in which they were nominated. I 00:02:33.920 --> 00:02:36.920 now call for nominations for Mayor. Any 00:02:38.800 --> 00:02:40.935 nominations for Mayor? 00:02:40.959 --> 00:02:42.776 Councilor Little, 00:02:42.800 --> 00:02:45.575 I would like to nominate Stuart James. 00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:48.056 a nomination for councelor James. Do 00:02:48.080 --> 00:02:50.536 you accept that nomination? Are there 00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:53.560 any further nominations? 00:02:55.599 --> 00:02:57.575 As there is only one nomination 00:02:57.599 --> 00:03:00.056 received, Councelor James is declared 00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:02.456 Mayor. Please join me in congratulating 00:03:02.480 --> 00:03:05.480 our new Mayor. 00:03:09.360 --> 00:03:11.495 This is yours. Congratulations. Thank 00:03:11.519 --> 00:03:13.016 you. 00:03:13.040 --> 00:03:13.896 It was mine. 00:03:13.920 --> 00:03:16.920 It was yours. It still is. 00:03:17.920 --> 00:03:20.376 Thank you, Andy. I know how much Andy 00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:22.295 doesn't like chairing meetings, so I 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:25.319 appreciate that. 00:03:37.760 --> 00:03:39.976 I too begin by acknowledging the 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:41.176 traditional owners of the lands that 00:03:41.200 --> 00:03:43.176 make up Monash, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong 00:03:43.200 --> 00:03:45.256 peoples of the Kulin nation and pay my 00:03:45.280 --> 00:03:46.696 respect to their Elders past and 00:03:46.720 --> 00:03:49.096 present. I extend that to respect to any 00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:51.176 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people 00:03:51.200 --> 00:03:53.656 who are with us today. Before I 00:03:53.680 --> 00:03:55.336 commence, I would like to pause and 00:03:55.360 --> 00:03:57.256 acknowledge the significance of this day 00:03:57.280 --> 00:03:59.896 Remembrance Day. It is a solemn occasion 00:03:59.920 --> 00:04:02.295 not to celebrate war, but to honor the 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:04.616 courage, sacrifice, and unwavering 00:04:04.640 --> 00:04:06.295 service of those who have defended our 00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:08.376 freedoms and those who continue to serve 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:11.096 with dedication. We not only recognize 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:12.295 those who have paid the ultimate 00:04:12.319 --> 00:04:14.536 sacrifice, but those whose lives were 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:16.536 changed forever through injury or the 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:18.775 invisible scars of service along with 00:04:18.799 --> 00:04:20.935 those currently on active duty. Their 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:22.936 legacy remind us reminds us of 00:04:22.960 --> 00:04:25.960 sacrifice, resilience, unity, and peace. 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:28.296 Lest we forget. 00:04:28.320 --> 00:04:30.296 I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to 00:04:30.320 --> 00:04:32.376 my fellow councilors for their trust and 00:04:32.400 --> 00:04:33.816 for your support that you've shown in 00:04:33.840 --> 00:04:35.175 electing me Mayor of this remarkable 00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:37.735 city. Your vote of confidence is deeply 00:04:37.759 --> 00:04:39.416 humbling and I am committed to repaying 00:04:39.440 --> 00:04:40.856 that trust through integrity, 00:04:40.880 --> 00:04:43.496 collaboration, and purpose. I'd like to 00:04:43.520 --> 00:04:45.256 acknowledge the outgoing Mayor, council 00:04:45.280 --> 00:04:47.336 Paul Klisaris, for his leadership and 00:04:47.360 --> 00:04:49.656 dedication to our community. Councelor 00:04:49.680 --> 00:04:51.976 Klisaris brought over two decades of 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:54.615 role to the experience to the term and 00:04:54.639 --> 00:04:56.216 council delivered several landmark 00:04:56.240 --> 00:04:58.216 projects. Among them was the completion 00:04:58.240 --> 00:04:59.816 of the new grand standard facilities at 00:04:59.840 --> 00:05:02.615 Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh, a 14.7 00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:05.175 million investment delivering me's first 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:06.776 national Premier League standard soccer 00:05:06.800 --> 00:05:09.256 venue. This long-awaited project, which 00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:11.096 Councilor Klisaris has worked on for more 00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:13.576 than 25 years, now provides a home for 00:05:13.600 --> 00:05:15.416 the Oakleigh Cannons and opens new 00:05:15.440 --> 00:05:17.175 pathways for women and girls teams 00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:19.895 across the region. It is a truly lasting 00:05:19.919 --> 00:05:21.976 legacy that reflects his deep deep 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:23.496 commitment to the people of Monash and the 00:05:23.520 --> 00:05:26.520 future of our city. 00:05:26.800 --> 00:05:28.455 I'm trying to find you councelor Little. 00:05:28.479 --> 00:05:30.216 I also want to thank our outgoing 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:32.136 Deputy Mayor councelor Brian Little for 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:34.216 his leadership over the past year. In 00:05:34.240 --> 00:05:36.536 the last 5 years, Councilor Little has 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:38.455 been the Mayor and twice the Deputy 00:05:38.479 --> 00:05:41.015 Mayor. And I think that speaks volumes 00:05:41.039 --> 00:05:42.536 for the regard of which you are held 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:44.856 around this table. His strong experience 00:05:44.880 --> 00:05:47.496 and tenacity is unparalleled and I'm 00:05:47.520 --> 00:05:49.175 constantly impressed by his attention to 00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:50.936 detail, particularly when it comes to 00:05:50.960 --> 00:05:53.960 planning applications. 00:05:54.479 --> 00:05:55.976 Reflecting on my previous terms as 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:57.976 Mayor, I am reminded of the resilience 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:00.296 and the unity to define our city. 00:06:00.320 --> 00:06:02.056 Together, we faced unprecedented 00:06:02.080 --> 00:06:04.455 challenges, none greater than the co9 00:06:04.479 --> 00:06:06.936 pandemic. It was a time that tested our 00:06:06.960 --> 00:06:08.696 strength, compassion, and community 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:10.856 spirit. I'm proud of the way MES 00:06:10.880 --> 00:06:12.536 responded from delivering meals to 00:06:12.560 --> 00:06:14.615 vulnerable residents, supporting local 00:06:14.639 --> 00:06:16.455 businesses, and checking in on the 00:06:16.479 --> 00:06:18.295 elderly to ensuring that our children 00:06:18.319 --> 00:06:20.856 could return to playground safely. We 00:06:20.880 --> 00:06:23.015 didn't just survive. We adapted, 00:06:23.039 --> 00:06:24.776 supported one another, and grew stronger 00:06:24.800 --> 00:06:27.656 together. We also made bold strides in 00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:29.656 sustainability. On the back of an 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:31.336 ambitious goal to be net zero by the end 00:06:31.360 --> 00:06:34.360 of 2025, which we have done, we rolled 00:06:34.400 --> 00:06:36.295 out our food and organics recycling 00:06:36.319 --> 00:06:38.615 program during hard lockdown, shifted 00:06:38.639 --> 00:06:40.295 landfill collection to fortnightly 00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:42.295 cycle, and began reshaping our waste 00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:44.136 strategy to reflect the values of a 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:46.936 modern, environmentally conscious city. 00:06:46.960 --> 00:06:48.936 These weren't just operational changes. 00:06:48.960 --> 00:06:50.455 They were bold statements about the 00:06:50.479 --> 00:06:51.976 intent of the kind of future that we 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:54.295 want for me. They laid the foundation 00:06:54.319 --> 00:06:55.976 for a future where sustainability is 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:58.056 central to everything we do and will 00:06:58.080 --> 00:06:59.496 continue working with our community to 00:06:59.520 --> 00:07:01.735 go even further. 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:03.175 Having led our community through a 00:07:03.199 --> 00:07:04.696 period defined by sustainability and 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:06.536 resilience through the pandemic, I'm 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:08.056 proud that as an organization, we've 00:07:08.080 --> 00:07:09.496 carried the same purpose into other 00:07:09.520 --> 00:07:11.575 areas of community well-being, 00:07:11.599 --> 00:07:13.256 addressing gambling harm and pushing for 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:15.895 fairer, more connected transport. Our 00:07:15.919 --> 00:07:18.696 stance on on gambling reform remains 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:21.175 firm and uncompromising because the harm 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:22.856 caused by gambling particularly from 00:07:22.880 --> 00:07:25.336 electronic gaming machines is real, 00:07:25.360 --> 00:07:27.735 widespread and deeply damaging to 00:07:27.759 --> 00:07:29.096 individuals and families in our 00:07:29.120 --> 00:07:32.120 community. In 2024 25 alone, over $126 00:07:33.840 --> 00:07:36.696 million was lost in to poke and me. 00:07:36.720 --> 00:07:39.256 That's more than $345,000 00:07:39.280 --> 00:07:41.735 every single day. These losses aren't 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:43.656 just numbers. They represent rent 00:07:43.680 --> 00:07:45.735 unpaid, groceries foregone, 00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:47.816 relationships strained, mental health 00:07:47.840 --> 00:07:50.295 impacted, and in some cases, family and 00:07:50.319 --> 00:07:51.895 domestic violence, violence, and 00:07:51.919 --> 00:07:54.536 suicide. And deliberately, it's often 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:55.976 our most vulnerable residents who are 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:59.000 the hardest hit. Our public approach to 00:07:59.120 --> 00:08:01.015 gambling harm policy, which received the 00:08:01.039 --> 00:08:02.776 overwhelming support of our community 00:08:02.800 --> 00:08:05.015 with over 80% backing, is one of the 00:08:05.039 --> 00:08:07.096 most comprehensive in the state. It 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:09.175 guides our decisions, our advocacy, and 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:11.256 our partnerships, and it's grounded in a 00:08:11.280 --> 00:08:13.575 simple but powerful belief that gambling 00:08:13.599 --> 00:08:15.496 harm is a public health issue and not a 00:08:15.520 --> 00:08:17.575 personal failing. If our state and 00:08:17.599 --> 00:08:18.936 federal governments adopted the same 00:08:18.960 --> 00:08:20.776 evidence-based community-led approach 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:22.776 that we've taken in MES, we'd see a 00:08:22.800 --> 00:08:24.295 significant reduction in gambling harm 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:26.776 across the country. But too often, 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:28.136 meaningful reform is deliberately 00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:30.376 stalled. Not because the evidence isn't 00:08:30.400 --> 00:08:32.216 clear or because the community doesn't 00:08:32.240 --> 00:08:33.976 back change, but because governments 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:36.135 remain entangled in the tax revenue and 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:37.736 political donations that flow from the 00:08:37.760 --> 00:08:40.056 gambling industry. Government should be 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:41.895 about protecting people, not protecting 00:08:41.919 --> 00:08:43.815 profits. It should be about putting the 00:08:43.839 --> 00:08:45.416 welfare of communities ahead of vested 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:47.416 interests. And until that changes, it 00:08:47.440 --> 00:08:48.696 will be up to local governments like 00:08:48.720 --> 00:08:51.656 ours to lead the way. Our commitment to 00:08:51.680 --> 00:08:53.576 reducing gambling harm reflects a broad 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:55.896 vision for a fairer, healthier meache. 00:08:55.920 --> 00:08:57.255 One where everyone has access to 00:08:57.279 --> 00:08:59.576 opportunity and support. The same vision 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:01.016 drives our advocacy for better 00:09:01.040 --> 00:09:02.696 transport. 00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:03.976 I've worked closely with the Eastern 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:05.495 Transport Coalition and the Public 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:07.976 Transport Users Association to champion 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:09.976 smarter, more connected infrastructure. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:11.255 We've consistently pushed for 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:13.016 improvements to our bus networks, 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:14.856 advocated for mass transit solutions to 00:09:14.880 --> 00:09:17.176 Rowville , 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:18.856 and called for meaningful outcomes from 00:09:18.880 --> 00:09:21.096 the suburban rail project. Not just for 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:24.120 me, but for our entire region. Transport 00:09:24.160 --> 00:09:25.896 isn't just about movement. It's about 00:09:25.920 --> 00:09:28.056 creating opportunity, promoting equity, 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:30.056 and shaping the future of our city. 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:31.495 That's why we've consistently 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:33.336 highlighted how strategic investment in 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:35.255 transport can help address the housing 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:37.336 crisis by unlocking new areas for 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:39.096 sustainable development, improving 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:40.935 access to affordable housing, and 00:09:40.959 --> 00:09:42.935 ensuring that growth is inclusive and 00:09:42.959 --> 00:09:45.096 well-connected. These are the kind of 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:46.696 investments that make our city more 00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:48.776 livable, equitable, and ready for the 00:09:48.800 --> 00:09:51.800 future. 00:09:54.160 --> 00:09:55.576 Looking ahead, we face another 00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:57.336 transformative year. We'll be 00:09:57.360 --> 00:09:58.935 introducing a separate waste charge, 00:09:58.959 --> 00:10:01.016 navigating major planning reforms, 00:10:01.040 --> 00:10:02.696 awarding the tender for the Glen Waverley 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:04.935 Library and Civic Center project, begin 00:10:04.959 --> 00:10:06.776 planning a major upgrade of Mark, and 00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:08.935 continue our advocacy to ensure that the 00:10:08.959 --> 00:10:10.776 SRL delivers real benefits to our 00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:12.456 community. 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:14.616 And as projects close to my heart, we'll 00:10:14.640 --> 00:10:17.096 also complete the long planned key 00:10:17.120 --> 00:10:18.696 cycling routes, one through the middle 00:10:18.720 --> 00:10:20.296 of the Oakleigh Activity Center and the 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:22.696 Waverley Rail Trail. 00:10:22.720 --> 00:10:24.456 Sustainability will be a central focus 00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:26.856 of my Mayoral term over the next 12 months. 00:10:26.880 --> 00:10:28.616 As a council, we have a responsibility 00:10:28.640 --> 00:10:30.776 to lead by example, reducing our 00:10:30.800 --> 00:10:32.616 environmental footprint, supporting a 00:10:32.640 --> 00:10:34.456 transition to a circular economy, and 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:35.896 helping our community adapt to the 00:10:35.920 --> 00:10:38.536 challenges of a changing climate. A key 00:10:38.560 --> 00:10:40.296 part of this will be shifting our focus 00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:42.935 from offsets to insets, prioritizing 00:10:42.959 --> 00:10:44.616 local tangible actions to reduce 00:10:44.640 --> 00:10:46.856 emissions at the source. We work closely 00:10:46.880 --> 00:10:48.776 with our community to support behavioral 00:10:48.800 --> 00:10:51.016 change, improve energy efficiency, and 00:10:51.040 --> 00:10:53.336 invest in initiatives that deliver real, 00:10:53.360 --> 00:10:55.096 measurable environmental outcomes right 00:10:55.120 --> 00:10:57.176 here in Monash. 00:10:57.200 --> 00:10:58.776 Just as importantly, we'll be working 00:10:58.800 --> 00:11:00.375 alongside our community, supporting 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:02.456 households, businesses, and local groups 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:04.296 to reduce their own emissions through 00:11:04.320 --> 00:11:06.055 education, incentives, and practical 00:11:06.079 --> 00:11:08.296 tools. Because real climate action 00:11:08.320 --> 00:11:10.216 happens not just in policy but in 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:12.375 partnership by focusing on what we can 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:14.536 do locally on our streets and in our 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:16.935 homes and through our shared spaces. We 00:11:16.959 --> 00:11:18.616 can build a more sustainable resilient 00:11:18.640 --> 00:11:21.416 me for generations to come. I'm deeply 00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:23.416 honored again to serve as Mayor. I love 00:11:23.440 --> 00:11:25.336 this city. It's where I live where my 00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:27.416 children go to school and where I've 00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:29.815 seen first how the power of community. I 00:11:29.839 --> 00:11:31.176 promise to lead with integrity, 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:33.336 transparency and a relentless focus on 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:36.360 delivering for the people of me. 00:11:36.800 --> 00:11:38.536 While public's here, we going to tear up 00:11:38.560 --> 00:11:40.296 here. But when public service is a 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:42.296 privilege and an honor, it is my family 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:45.096 who remind me of what deeply matters. 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:47.736 Tamara, what an incredible young lady 00:11:47.760 --> 00:11:50.216 you have grown into. Loving, caring, and 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:51.815 deeply considerate of the world that 00:11:51.839 --> 00:11:54.136 we're creating and leaving behind. I 00:11:54.160 --> 00:11:55.336 have thoroughly enjoyed watching you 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:57.336 mature over the years and love the place 00:11:57.360 --> 00:12:00.216 that you finally find yourself in. 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:02.616 April, your continuous quest for 00:12:02.640 --> 00:12:05.640 knowledge, inquisitive mind, energy, and 00:12:05.680 --> 00:12:07.576 hunger to always question the status quo 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:09.976 is truly inspiring. You developed a 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:11.656 strong sense of empathy from a very 00:12:11.680 --> 00:12:13.495 young age, which has seen you understand 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:15.736 the world better than most. Your unique 00:12:15.760 --> 00:12:18.375 set of qualities does and will make you 00:12:18.399 --> 00:12:21.399 a great adult and a great leader. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:24.519 Zoe, I am constantly amazed at the way 00:12:24.560 --> 00:12:26.536 your mind works. You're incredibly 00:12:26.560 --> 00:12:28.216 intelligent, passionate about the things 00:12:28.240 --> 00:12:30.456 you love, and always find a quirky way 00:12:30.480 --> 00:12:32.615 to make me laugh and smile. Your 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:34.935 creativity, creativity, and imagination 00:12:34.959 --> 00:12:36.536 bring so much color and wonder into 00:12:36.560 --> 00:12:38.456 everything you do. Life with you is 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:40.375 never boring, and I love being part of 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:43.399 your world. Lachlan, not old enough to 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:45.576 know what I'm about to say, but maybe 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:47.255 the the webcast in a couple of years 00:12:47.279 --> 00:12:50.279 you'll look back on. , you remind me 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:52.055 so much of what I was like as a little 00:12:52.079 --> 00:12:54.456 boy. Your fun, quirky nature, 00:12:54.480 --> 00:12:56.375 infectious. And I love the fact that 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:59.399 your favorite color is red and blue, 00:12:59.680 --> 00:13:01.016 even though I try and tell you it's 00:13:01.040 --> 00:13:03.576 green. You have a strong character, a 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:05.255 sharp wit, and a heart that's just as 00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:08.055 bold. You challenge me, you inspire me, 00:13:08.079 --> 00:13:09.736 and you make every day feel like an 00:13:09.760 --> 00:13:12.375 adventure. 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:15.399 Donna, here we go. 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:19.016 How did we get so lucky? The Smurfet 00:13:19.040 --> 00:13:21.815 spam changed everything. It marked the 00:13:21.839 --> 00:13:23.815 beginning of a journey that reshaped my 00:13:23.839 --> 00:13:25.736 world in ways that I would never could 00:13:25.760 --> 00:13:28.296 have imagined. When I reflect on life 15 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:30.456 years ago, I'm struck by how far we've 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:32.055 come. And how much of that is because of 00:13:32.079 --> 00:13:34.776 you. Your unwavering support, your 00:13:34.800 --> 00:13:36.615 encouragement, and your belief in me 00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:37.976 have been the constant that's helped me 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:40.216 to grow, to lead, and to believe in 00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:42.296 what's possible. You've been my anchor, 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:43.815 my inspiration, and my greatest 00:13:43.839 --> 00:13:45.976 champion. Without you, I truly don't 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:48.136 know where I would be. You rock my world 00:13:48.160 --> 00:13:50.536 and I love you more than words can ever 00:13:50.560 --> 00:13:53.560 express. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:58.935 Mach is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, 00:13:58.959 --> 00:14:01.096 languages, and traditions. A community 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:02.856 where people from all walks of life come 00:14:02.880 --> 00:14:04.296 together to create something truly 00:14:04.320 --> 00:14:06.536 special. From our local festivals and 00:14:06.560 --> 00:14:08.456 places of worship to our schools, 00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:09.815 sporting clubs, and neighborhood 00:14:09.839 --> 00:14:12.055 gatherings, the spirit of inclusion and 00:14:12.079 --> 00:14:14.776 mutual respect runs deep. Our diversity 00:14:14.800 --> 00:14:16.216 isn't just something we acknowledge. 00:14:16.240 --> 00:14:18.696 It's something we celebrate. 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:20.615 It enriches our lives, broadens our 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:22.296 perspectives, and strengthens the bonds 00:14:22.320 --> 00:14:24.216 that connect us. I remain deeply 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:25.736 committed to ensuring that every voice 00:14:25.760 --> 00:14:28.136 is heard, every culture is valued, and 00:14:28.160 --> 00:14:29.495 every resident, regardless of 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:31.736 backgrounds, beliefs, or sexuality, 00:14:31.760 --> 00:14:33.495 feels welcome, respected, and at home in 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:35.495 me. 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:37.656 Leadership is never a solo journey. It's 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:39.736 a shared commitment. To our incredible 00:14:39.760 --> 00:14:41.815 team here at Monash, so capably led by the 00:14:41.839 --> 00:14:44.055 immittable Andy Diamond, and to our 00:14:44.079 --> 00:14:46.136 wider community, these past five years 00:14:46.160 --> 00:14:47.976 have tested us in ways we could never 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:50.375 anticipated. We've faced challenges that 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:52.696 at times felt instruments, but together 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:55.255 we've always found a way forward. 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:57.016 For me, the pandemic was a crash course 00:14:57.040 --> 00:14:59.336 in leadership, fast, intense, 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:01.815 unpredictable, and yet deeply humbling. 00:15:01.839 --> 00:15:03.656 It forced me to learn on the run, to 00:15:03.680 --> 00:15:05.495 make decisions under pressure, and to 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:07.576 lead through uncertainty. But more than 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:09.175 anything, it reminded me that leadership 00:15:09.199 --> 00:15:11.815 is about people. About showing up, 00:15:11.839 --> 00:15:13.416 staying connected, and leading with 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:16.216 conviction, purpose, and care. It's not 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:18.216 about having all the answers. It's about 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:20.055 listening, adapting, and staying 00:15:20.079 --> 00:15:22.935 grounded in empathy, trust, and honesty. 00:15:22.959 --> 00:15:24.776 Taking on this role, I'm reminded of the 00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:26.375 privilege it is to serve a community 00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:28.456 like ours, one that is diverse, 00:15:28.480 --> 00:15:30.696 resilient, and deeply engaged. I'm 00:15:30.720 --> 00:15:32.935 excited and deeply honored to serve this 00:15:32.959 --> 00:15:34.696 remarkable organization and community as 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:37.416 Mayor over the next 12 months. Together, 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:39.416 we will continue to shape me into a city 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:41.736 that reflects the best of who we are, 00:15:41.760 --> 00:15:44.456 inclusive, innovative, and united. I'm 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:46.696 looking forward to the journey ahead. 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:48.186 Thank you. 00:15:48.210 --> 00:15:51.210 [Applause] 00:15:54.160 --> 00:15:56.136 we will now move into the election 00:15:56.160 --> 00:15:58.055 of the Deputy Mayor and the rules 00:15:58.079 --> 00:16:00.856 of engagement are as outlined by our CEO 00:16:00.880 --> 00:16:03.096 earlier are there any nominations 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.375 for that of Deputy Mayor? 00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:06.296 Yes, Mayor. I'd like to elect Councelor 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:08.296 Elisha Lee nominate. Sorry. 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:09.576 Council Lee, do you accept that 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:10.216 nomination? 00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:12.055 Yes, I accept the nomination. 00:16:12.079 --> 00:16:13.255 Thank you. Are there any further 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:14.856 nominations for the role of Deputy 00:16:14.880 --> 00:16:17.880 Mayor? 00:16:18.079 --> 00:16:19.896 There being none, I duly announce that 00:16:19.920 --> 00:16:21.416 councilor Lee, congratulations. You are 00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:24.440 our new Deputy Mayor. 00:16:25.040 --> 00:16:28.040 Would 00:16:28.079 --> 00:16:30.696 you like to you can start? 00:16:30.720 --> 00:16:33.720 Sure. 00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:45.320 Thank youI am deeply humbled and 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:47.495 privileged to be elected as Deputy Mayor 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:50.519 for council year 202526. 00:16:50.560 --> 00:16:53.016 But before I share a few words, I would 00:16:53.040 --> 00:16:54.935 too like to acknowledge the traditional 00:16:54.959 --> 00:16:57.735 owners of Monash the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:59.495 Bunurung people of Kulin nation and 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:01.336 pay my respects to their Elders present, 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:03.656 past and emerging. And I also recognize 00:17:03.680 --> 00:17:06.456 that today is Remembrance Day and 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:08.055 acknowledge that we remember with 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:10.775 gratitude all those that have served 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:13.256 and sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy 00:17:13.280 --> 00:17:16.280 today firstly, I'd like to extend 00:17:17.120 --> 00:17:19.175 my warmest congratulations to our new 00:17:19.199 --> 00:17:22.199 Mayor, Councelor Stuart James. You've 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:24.376 been a passionate community leader and 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:26.856 always outspoken on matters that shape 00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:28.775 our city's vision, be it our 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:31.176 sustainability issues, infrastructure. I 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:33.336 know you're a transport nerd. You're you 00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:36.056 always say that you love planning and 00:17:36.080 --> 00:17:38.456 you deeply care about inclusivity and 00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:40.616 you've led me through the darkest times 00:17:40.640 --> 00:17:43.640 of co. So, we all know how um well you 00:17:43.679 --> 00:17:45.496 lead the organization. So, I really look 00:17:45.520 --> 00:17:47.895 forward to working with you. Um and I'd 00:17:47.919 --> 00:17:49.736 also like to thank our outgoing Mayor, 00:17:49.760 --> 00:17:51.895 councelor Paul Klisaris, and our Deputy 00:17:51.919 --> 00:17:54.856 Mayor, councelor Brian Little. 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:56.696 Councelor Paul Klisaris, you've been an 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:58.936 excellent leader, setting the tone right 00:17:58.960 --> 00:18:00.936 for the first year of our term. 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:02.376 you're very passionate. You've turned up 00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:04.296 to so many events to listen to our 00:18:04.320 --> 00:18:06.616 community. you've chaired and 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:08.535 facilitated so many meetings. you've 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:11.336 been one of the most efficient and fair 00:18:11.360 --> 00:18:13.976 leader um always bringing us together as 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:17.000 a collective of counselors um and just 00:18:17.120 --> 00:18:19.096 the intellectual property you hold as 00:18:19.120 --> 00:18:21.416 seasoned counselor as well as Deputy 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:23.416 Mayor counselor Brian Little as well. 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:25.576 You've got great insights and all the 00:18:25.600 --> 00:18:27.655 historical context that you're always 00:18:27.679 --> 00:18:29.416 generously sharing with the rest of the 00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:32.440 counselors as well as new counselors. Um 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:34.775 myself being myself and counselor 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:37.096 Cameron Little so really thank you 00:18:37.120 --> 00:18:39.736 for the level of professionalism and 00:18:39.760 --> 00:18:41.496 collegiality you've set and I really 00:18:41.520 --> 00:18:43.015 look forward to carrying that forward. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:45.895 Um, and to my fellow counselors, thank 00:18:45.919 --> 00:18:48.296 you so much for the guidance and the 00:18:48.320 --> 00:18:50.296 friendship you've shown me in my first 00:18:50.320 --> 00:18:52.535 year as counselor. And I really thank 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:54.616 you for the confidence you have in me 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:57.096 um, in electing me to this role. And of 00:18:57.120 --> 00:18:59.256 course, I can't go without saying a 00:18:59.280 --> 00:19:01.496 great thanks to our wonderful Dr. Andy 00:19:01.520 --> 00:19:04.216 Diamond, CEO of our organization and her 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:06.376 amazing executive leadership team as 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:08.376 well as um all the dedicated council 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:10.696 officers who offer that steadfast 00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:12.616 support that we need behind all the 00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:15.496 changing leadership. you just give us 00:19:15.520 --> 00:19:18.520 so much highquality advice from um 00:19:19.280 --> 00:19:22.136 analyzing and reading copious amount of 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:25.160 information and data. Um, and we we just 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:27.096 can't thank you enough for the 00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:29.096 highquality advice you always give us to 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:32.120 ensure that we um decide with s make 00:19:33.120 --> 00:19:35.895 sound decisions and have clarity for our 00:19:35.919 --> 00:19:38.919 community as well. Um 00:19:39.280 --> 00:19:42.280 I think this time exactly last year I 00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:44.456 was sworn in as the first counselor for 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:47.416 Jells Ward as the Victoria's first Korean 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:50.296 Australian elect as well I think I 00:19:50.320 --> 00:19:52.296 shared my excitement to serve our 00:19:52.320 --> 00:19:55.320 vibrant and diverse Monash community and I 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:57.096 shared that representation matters 00:19:57.120 --> 00:19:59.096 because representation not only reflects 00:19:59.120 --> 00:20:01.655 reality but shapes it. And as a woman of 00:20:01.679 --> 00:20:03.655 color, I committed to working hard to 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:06.616 bridge any fragmented access to council 00:20:06.640 --> 00:20:09.096 information or council services for one 00:20:09.120 --> 00:20:11.416 of the most marginalized communities 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:14.440 here in Monash. And over the past year as a 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:16.535 chair of multicultural advisory 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:19.559 committee attending around 70 council 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:22.936 and community events um and hosting my 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:25.336 own counselor coffee with your 00:20:25.360 --> 00:20:27.736 counselor catchup as well as 00:20:27.760 --> 00:20:30.056 welcoming thousands of new Australian 00:20:30.080 --> 00:20:32.616 citizens in our ceremonies. I've never 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:34.936 felt more convicted in my vision to 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:37.960 create a more inclusive me. So, um, one 00:20:39.360 --> 00:20:41.096 of the mottos I live by is that you 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:42.936 can't be what you can't say. And I've 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:45.960 made it my utmost priority to show up to 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:48.535 to listen to people, to connect, and to 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:51.559 advocate. And I commit to continuing 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:54.056 that um, and and really championing 00:20:54.080 --> 00:20:56.376 those values as a counselor and as a 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:58.535 Deputy Mayor in this role. So, thank 00:20:58.559 --> 00:21:01.336 you. And lastly, on a personal note, I'd 00:21:01.360 --> 00:21:03.256 like to thank my partner, Shu, who's 00:21:03.280 --> 00:21:05.416 been by my side all the time and 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:08.440 doubling up as my free very patient 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:11.576 Chinese translator at many of my events. 00:21:11.600 --> 00:21:14.600 Um, and of course, my family for your 00:21:15.840 --> 00:21:18.840 love and unwavering support. My parents 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:20.856 are live streaming this meeting all the 00:21:20.880 --> 00:21:23.576 way from Korea. They they live in Bish, 00:21:23.600 --> 00:21:26.296 but they're just holidays. Um, and thank 00:21:26.320 --> 00:21:28.616 you to my friends and wonderful church 00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:31.256 community that continue to pray and 00:21:31.280 --> 00:21:32.936 encourage me and that really helped me 00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:34.696 stay grounded. So, thank you and I look 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:37.256 forward to working with you, our new 00:21:37.280 --> 00:21:38.856 Mayor, councelor Stewart James, as well 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:41.880 as our colleagues. Thank you. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:48.535 I'll now open up to the floor if anyone 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:51.559 wants to speak. 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:56.600 Councelor Brian Little. 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:59.096 Congratulations, 00:21:59.120 --> 00:22:01.496 new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and well 00:22:01.520 --> 00:22:04.520 deserved and look forward to your reign 00:22:04.559 --> 00:22:06.376 as it goes forward I was just going 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:07.976 to reflect a little bit on the past 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:10.456 year, seeing as I'm no longer the Deputy 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:12.696 Mayor and probably not quite so active 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:14.616 in this space, but um, it's been an 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:17.640 amazing 12 months. Um I mean if you go 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:21.720 back to the carols 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:25.400 um last December which was on a knife 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:27.096 edge as to whether it would actually 00:22:27.120 --> 00:22:29.015 happen but it did and it was incredibly 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:31.336 successful and really the best fireworks 00:22:31.360 --> 00:22:33.096 I think I've ever seen. It's just 00:22:33.120 --> 00:22:36.120 astonishing. Um but we did an amazing 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:38.456 amount of work this council has managed 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:40.696 to achieve in that 12 months. And just a 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:42.456 very quick list of just the things that 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:44.856 we've opened which is astonishing. 00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:46.936 the Dorrington Family Hub, the Dovet 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:48.775 Street preschool, the Ward Avenue 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:51.576 preschool. We put the extension on the 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:54.600 Bogan car park. Um we opened the 00:22:55.120 --> 00:22:57.736 Waverley Reserve Pavilion, which is just 00:22:57.760 --> 00:23:00.296 an enormous I was there the other day, 00:23:00.320 --> 00:23:03.320 an incredible structure. Um, we opened a 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:06.616 a magnificent play space on the 00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:09.096 Mulgrave Reserve and of course the Jack 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:11.895 Edwards, the pride and joy of our 00:23:11.919 --> 00:23:14.535 previous Mayor was open just a few 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:17.559 weeks back. and my own personal 00:23:17.600 --> 00:23:19.256 little project that was to get the Essex 00:23:19.280 --> 00:23:21.096 Heights tennis courts refurbished which 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:24.120 we managed to do which was great. So 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:26.535 incredibly productive 12 months and it's 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:28.696 a tribute to the officers that all make 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:31.176 this happen and I won't go around and 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:33.576 name them but I probably could. But what 00:23:33.600 --> 00:23:36.456 is amazing in this council is the way we 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.895 see the collaboration between the 00:23:37.919 --> 00:23:39.655 different divisions. 00:23:39.679 --> 00:23:42.679 So we get we get our planners, we get 00:23:43.360 --> 00:23:45.096 our 00:23:45.120 --> 00:23:47.895 community support people looking at it 00:23:47.919 --> 00:23:49.976 from a functional point of view and then 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:53.000 we get our civil people to actually 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:57.400 make it happen. Um I could name quite a 00:23:57.440 --> 00:23:59.416 few people but astonishing what we've 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:01.976 managed to achieve in that 12 months. 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:04.296 So, so personally and and the the Mayor 00:24:04.320 --> 00:24:07.256 alluded to multiculturalism and the fact 00:24:07.280 --> 00:24:10.280 that we have a a thriving and vibrant 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:12.535 multicultural life and I can certainly 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:15.559 attest to that. Um, you know, starts off 00:24:15.679 --> 00:24:17.416 with Luna New Year and then we get 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:19.736 Ramadan and then we get Diwali and then 00:24:19.760 --> 00:24:22.456 it's NOK week and then, you know, I also 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:25.255 got invited to a couple of music events. 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:28.279 um the Cathara music school anniversary 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:31.015 which was quite amazing you know 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:34.039 traditional Indian music um I opened the 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:36.696 the Melbourne International Music 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:39.255 Festival at MES University that that was 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:42.056 quite thing so 00:24:42.080 --> 00:24:44.856 lot of lot of things go on of a 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:47.880 multicultural nature in MES and what 00:24:48.320 --> 00:24:51.320 astonishes me is is the commitment of 00:24:51.600 --> 00:24:52.936 the groups that make those things 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:55.015 happen. Um it's nearly all run by 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:57.736 volunteers. Um and they make these 00:24:57.760 --> 00:25:00.296 events very special events. There is 00:25:00.320 --> 00:25:02.936 food, there is dancing, there is music. 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:05.960 Um and I'm particularly blown away. I 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:09.255 went to I went to an event a couple of 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:11.655 months ago hosted by the friends of 00:25:11.679 --> 00:25:14.135 the children and and Sashi and I think 00:25:14.159 --> 00:25:15.655 everybody around well a lot of people 00:25:15.679 --> 00:25:18.535 would know Sashi and what he'd organized 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:20.936 was a Diwali festival which was focused 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:23.960 on kids and they had kids from three 00:25:24.080 --> 00:25:26.056 different ethnic communities there was 00:25:26.080 --> 00:25:28.616 Chinese there was Filipino and there was 00:25:28.640 --> 00:25:31.640 Indian and aged from two two and a half 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:35.255 three years old up to about 13 14 and 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.535 they came on and they did their 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:38.535 traditional dancing, 00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:41.559 you know, in their own type, you know, 00:25:41.760 --> 00:25:43.736 whether it was Filipino, whether it was 00:25:43.760 --> 00:25:46.456 Chinese, whether it was Indian. Um, and 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:49.480 those kids were amazing. I mean, the 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:53.000 spellbinding, the the level of 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:55.015 expertise that they'd achieved in such 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:58.039 such a young age. Um, and all behind 00:25:58.240 --> 00:26:00.056 those of course are the parents and the 00:26:00.080 --> 00:26:01.655 teachers and things. So, it was really 00:26:01.679 --> 00:26:03.496 good. 00:26:03.520 --> 00:26:05.895 I wanted to make a special note though 00:26:05.919 --> 00:26:08.919 of one particular event which you might 00:26:09.840 --> 00:26:12.296 everybody remembers 13th of February 00:26:12.320 --> 00:26:15.320 this year a storm hit me. It was 00:26:17.520 --> 00:26:20.520 horrendous. I don't think MES has 00:26:21.520 --> 00:26:24.520 witnessed anything quite as violent as 00:26:24.640 --> 00:26:26.376 that event. 00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:29.400 It came like hurricane levels that 00:26:29.760 --> 00:26:32.696 seemed to target Ferntree Gully Road in 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:35.096 particular and blew away. I think we 00:26:35.120 --> 00:26:38.120 lost 75 trees at the Oakleigh golf course. 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:40.376 There were trees down absolutely 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:41.496 everywhere. Where there weren't trees 00:26:41.520 --> 00:26:44.520 down, there were branches down. Um Monash 00:26:44.640 --> 00:26:47.640 was a horrendous mess. And our officers 00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:51.816 across the board were amazing. 00:26:51.840 --> 00:26:54.696 everybody rallied to the cause. 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:57.496 Everybody was there working long hours 00:26:57.520 --> 00:26:59.576 doing the initial cleanup with help from 00:26:59.600 --> 00:27:02.600 the SCES. Um but everybody pitched in. 00:27:03.120 --> 00:27:06.120 Everybody made the the place Louisville 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:08.775 again. And then we had the job of 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:11.799 cleaning up which fell to our director 00:27:11.919 --> 00:27:14.919 for I guess title right. Um, 00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:19.880 so we had branches and debris all the 00:27:20.080 --> 00:27:21.895 way around Vanish and I believe we had 00:27:21.919 --> 00:27:24.919 something like 11 or 12 trucks operating 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:27.960 for weeks and even months afterwards 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:30.056 collecting that debris and and 00:27:30.080 --> 00:27:32.376 turning it into mulch and we had piles 00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:34.936 of mulch which I don't think we've got 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:37.096 rid of them yet. There were mountains of 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:40.120 mulch all around council, but it it just 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:43.480 demonstrated how, you know, this council 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:46.936 the morale here is excellent and 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:48.696 everybody's willing to pitch in when 00:27:48.720 --> 00:27:51.720 when those sort of events happen. and 00:27:51.760 --> 00:27:54.760 one last event which I I will mention a 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:57.960 a few months ago. Um the Mayor was asked 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:01.960 to partake in a charity event which was 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:04.856 hosted by the all abilities demons 00:28:04.880 --> 00:28:07.880 football team and it was in the aid of 00:28:08.080 --> 00:28:11.080 M&D thing there and it was an ice bucket 00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:15.399 challenge. So our Mayor 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:19.736 sat out in the out in the field in 00:28:19.760 --> 00:28:22.760 Jordanville and got dumped with not one, 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:25.336 not two, not three, but about four 00:28:25.360 --> 00:28:27.576 buckets of ice water. It was a it was a 00:28:27.600 --> 00:28:30.216 courageous thing to do and a noble 00:28:30.240 --> 00:28:32.456 effort and if nothing else I should 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:34.936 remember Paul for for his things his 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:36.775 humility and ability to take that 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:39.799 punishment. So thank you very much. 00:28:40.550 --> 00:28:43.550 [Applause] 00:28:47.840 --> 00:28:50.840 Anyone else? 00:28:52.820 --> 00:28:55.820 [Laughter] 00:28:57.279 --> 00:29:00.279 Mayor James, congratulations, buddy. I 00:29:00.399 --> 00:29:01.895 will confess that this has been the 00:29:01.919 --> 00:29:04.135 hardest meal ship that I I don't didn't 00:29:04.159 --> 00:29:06.216 want to give up. I've enjoyed the year, 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:08.696 but I um I understand that the keys to 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:11.255 the city are going to someone of good 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:14.135 experience and um good status um that 00:29:14.159 --> 00:29:16.056 you have and and I'm sure you do an 00:29:16.080 --> 00:29:17.976 amazing job, Stuart, and um I look 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:20.056 forward to supporting you in any which 00:29:20.080 --> 00:29:23.080 way I can. Um as I said, the city's in 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:25.176 great hands. We are a great city and a 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:27.816 great organization, and you've you've um 00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:29.496 echoed those in your thoughts. So, well 00:29:29.520 --> 00:29:31.496 done to you. I wanted to save the 00:29:31.520 --> 00:29:33.655 majority of my contribution for our new 00:29:33.679 --> 00:29:36.679 Deputy. Um I have marveled Alicia in you 00:29:37.919 --> 00:29:40.616 from day one. You just gave us a speech 00:29:40.640 --> 00:29:43.096 which is off the cuff pretty much. Very 00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:46.056 impressive. You and your family and your 00:29:46.080 --> 00:29:47.576 partner should be very proud of you, 00:29:47.600 --> 00:29:49.655 young lady. And I and I can't wait to 00:29:49.679 --> 00:29:52.679 see you really excel at this role um and 00:29:53.840 --> 00:29:56.216 grow. And I look forward to one day you 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:57.816 being the Mayor of this city. I may not 00:29:57.840 --> 00:30:00.056 be around, but you will you will do an 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:01.736 amazing job. So, congratulations to you 00:30:01.760 --> 00:30:03.976 and to Stuart. And finally, what I 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:06.456 didn't do at the last meeting, which was 00:30:06.480 --> 00:30:08.216 foolishly on my part, and I apologize. 00:30:08.240 --> 00:30:11.176 And um is acknowledge the contribution 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:13.576 that our outgoing Deputy made over the 00:30:13.600 --> 00:30:15.096 last 12 months. Brian, you were 00:30:15.120 --> 00:30:18.120 everywhere and anywhere. Um you you 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:20.456 filled in where where I couldn't and you 00:30:20.480 --> 00:30:23.096 did an amazing job. Um your passion, 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:24.775 your experience, and and your love for 00:30:24.799 --> 00:30:27.176 our community is um second to none. So, 00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:29.976 thank you and I really was pleased to 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:31.576 share the platform with you throughout 00:30:31.600 --> 00:30:33.255 the last 12 months. So, well done, 00:30:33.279 --> 00:30:35.015 Stuart. Well done, Alicia. The the 00:30:35.039 --> 00:30:36.296 city's in great hands. You're going to 00:30:36.320 --> 00:30:38.616 do an amazing job and we can't all wait 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:41.640 to see you guys shine. Thank you, 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:50.535 Councelor Cameron. Little 00:30:50.559 --> 00:30:53.255 I'll have a go. Um 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:56.279 well first off um I want to thank 00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:58.616 the or congratulate um the outgoing 00:30:58.640 --> 00:31:01.640 Mayor and Deputy Mayor um councelor 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:05.576 Gasarus and um councelor Brian Little. 00:31:05.600 --> 00:31:08.600 Um Paul um under your guidance we've had 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:11.736 a unified council group. Um it's 00:31:11.760 --> 00:31:13.576 delivered meaningful results and I think 00:31:13.600 --> 00:31:15.096 you guys have all just talked about all 00:31:15.120 --> 00:31:16.456 the amazing things that council have 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:18.535 achieved in the last um 12 months which 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:20.535 has been fantastic. 00:31:20.559 --> 00:31:23.559 um the hard work that um has been put in 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:27.255 has definitely set the foundation for 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:30.279 the next year and the amazing um you 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:32.535 know group and possibilities that the 00:31:32.559 --> 00:31:34.135 city of ME have and all the incredible 00:31:34.159 --> 00:31:36.535 things that we're about to do. Um I just 00:31:36.559 --> 00:31:38.856 want to actually just take a moment to 00:31:38.880 --> 00:31:41.880 um congratulate the Deputy Mayor um 00:31:42.320 --> 00:31:44.216 outgoing council Brian Little, my 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:47.240 father. Um your dedication to um service 00:31:50.320 --> 00:31:53.320 and the community um is immense. It's 00:31:53.840 --> 00:31:55.895 not just, you know, the all the 00:31:55.919 --> 00:31:57.336 incredible speeches you do all the times 00:31:57.360 --> 00:31:59.015 that you go out of your way and get 00:31:59.039 --> 00:32:02.039 heavily involved in um the nitty-gritty 00:32:03.440 --> 00:32:05.736 of, you know, potentially hundreds of 00:32:05.760 --> 00:32:06.936 pages worth of things and planning 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:08.616 applications and trying the absolute 00:32:08.640 --> 00:32:10.135 best you can to make sure that 00:32:10.159 --> 00:32:12.296 everything in the community is going to 00:32:12.320 --> 00:32:15.320 its optimal level. It's um it's 00:32:15.600 --> 00:32:17.015 everything else you do. I know what you 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:18.936 do behind the scenes and um I just 00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:21.736 consider myself very lucky to have a 00:32:21.760 --> 00:32:24.760 a role model um such as you. Um you not 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:29.240 only um led with wisdom, integrity, but 00:32:30.880 --> 00:32:33.576 um just the dedication to the role that 00:32:33.600 --> 00:32:36.456 you've shown and your family is is um 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:39.480 quite admirable. So um I just want to 00:32:40.640 --> 00:32:42.216 just personally just you know 00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:43.976 congratulate you on everything you've 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:47.000 done um in the city of ME and you know 00:32:47.600 --> 00:32:50.600 um I think MES is um very lucky um and 00:32:51.279 --> 00:32:53.336 you'll continue to serve them for years 00:32:53.360 --> 00:32:56.360 years to come. Um Stuart, sorry. Um 00:32:58.159 --> 00:33:00.775 Mayor James, 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:03.799 um just yeah, congratulations. Um you've 00:33:03.840 --> 00:33:06.840 got a amazing experience. Um you also 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:11.320 really show up um for the council. Um 00:33:11.679 --> 00:33:14.616 you understand what's going on at a at a 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:16.375 deep level. Um I think you're going to 00:33:16.399 --> 00:33:18.535 be amazing at this role. Um from what 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:21.015 everyone said, you did a incredible job 00:33:21.039 --> 00:33:23.976 the last time. um you were in CO last 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:25.336 time, so now you've have an opportunity 00:33:25.360 --> 00:33:27.895 to really step out and flourish 00:33:27.919 --> 00:33:30.919 hopefully not in such a challenging um 00:33:31.039 --> 00:33:32.696 environment. 00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:35.720 Um and yeah, Deputy Mayor um Alicia, 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:39.480 obviously um you've got such an crazy 00:33:39.519 --> 00:33:42.519 amazing story um being the first Korean 00:33:42.880 --> 00:33:45.096 Australian and now um in a leadership 00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:48.120 position. Um it's great for me council, 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:50.216 great for residences and um yeah you're 00:33:50.240 --> 00:33:53.240 providing a sense of um also role model 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:56.056 and leadership which um is amazing for 00:33:56.080 --> 00:33:58.135 our community. So congratulations and I 00:33:58.159 --> 00:34:00.696 wish you both yeah the very best for 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:03.720 this coming year. 00:34:06.480 --> 00:34:08.135 Thank you councelor. Hopefully April was 00:34:08.159 --> 00:34:09.815 taking notes on how you speak about your 00:34:09.839 --> 00:34:12.456 dad. That was fantastic. 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:15.256 Council McCluskey. Thanks, Mayor. And 00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:17.736 can I begin by congratulating the duo 00:34:17.760 --> 00:34:19.895 either side of me in um former Mayor 00:34:19.919 --> 00:34:22.919 Clasarus and Deputy Mayor Little um both 00:34:23.040 --> 00:34:24.936 you and I Mayor and when we joined 00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:27.960 council I think we both enjoyed not only 00:34:28.240 --> 00:34:30.216 this council but indeed the council of 00:34:30.240 --> 00:34:31.736 both these gentlemen and they've 00:34:31.760 --> 00:34:34.135 provided great experience support for us 00:34:34.159 --> 00:34:36.855 both and I think in partnership they've 00:34:36.879 --> 00:34:38.696 done a great job in the last 12 months. 00:34:38.720 --> 00:34:41.655 Um there's no there's no question around 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:43.895 the experience that that council Kazarus 00:34:43.919 --> 00:34:45.496 has not only brought to the role as 00:34:45.520 --> 00:34:46.936 council but also Mayor on a number of 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:49.815 occasions and um enjoy a great 00:34:49.839 --> 00:34:51.335 relationship with him and both the 00:34:51.359 --> 00:34:54.135 Deputy and Brian's um or sorry Deputy 00:34:54.159 --> 00:34:56.135 council little has done an amazing job 00:34:56.159 --> 00:34:58.536 as well. um he's had a couple of stints 00:34:58.560 --> 00:35:00.856 at it and both times he's done a amazing 00:35:00.880 --> 00:35:03.095 job and I've had the joy of being in the 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:05.176 leadership partnership with um council 00:35:05.200 --> 00:35:07.416 little and I think everything that 00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:09.416 councelor Cameron Little said I can 00:35:09.440 --> 00:35:10.856 probably reiterate but he has a 00:35:10.880 --> 00:35:12.216 different perspective and a unique 00:35:12.240 --> 00:35:14.776 perspective but we share some of that 00:35:14.800 --> 00:35:17.800 because whilst he's your father he's um 00:35:17.920 --> 00:35:20.456 a great bloke to all of us so we shared 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:23.480 that um to you I I think last time we 00:35:23.760 --> 00:35:25.736 described that in your last multi the 00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:27.815 hardest working counselor in the place 00:35:27.839 --> 00:35:30.839 and I think um that stands true. You've 00:35:31.280 --> 00:35:33.176 always been in our time together, we 00:35:33.200 --> 00:35:35.095 were fortunate to join council together. 00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:36.696 Um you've always been a passionate, 00:35:36.720 --> 00:35:39.720 invested and hardworking counselor and 00:35:39.760 --> 00:35:41.335 um it's evident you're a family person 00:35:41.359 --> 00:35:43.256 that shines out in the way you approach 00:35:43.280 --> 00:35:45.095 issues, the way you approach life and I 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:47.335 think you approach a role. Um your 00:35:47.359 --> 00:35:48.776 community is proud of you. We are too. 00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:51.095 your families obviously is too and we 00:35:51.119 --> 00:35:52.616 have a great working relationship and a 00:35:52.640 --> 00:35:54.296 great friendship and I value that and I 00:35:54.320 --> 00:35:56.136 wish you all the best in this role and 00:35:56.160 --> 00:35:57.656 whilst I have always said you're the 00:35:57.680 --> 00:35:59.736 hardest working counselor I'll move on 00:35:59.760 --> 00:36:01.575 to your new Deputy who I think you have 00:36:01.599 --> 00:36:03.656 some competition now because in the 00:36:03.680 --> 00:36:05.976 short time councelor Lee and now Deputy 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:08.456 has been in this place I think she's 00:36:08.480 --> 00:36:10.936 already left a indelible mark and a 00:36:10.960 --> 00:36:13.416 positive mark I had the joy of listening 00:36:13.440 --> 00:36:16.440 to the Deputy as I'm going to say 00:36:16.560 --> 00:36:18.616 keynote speaker in a fun room next door 00:36:18.640 --> 00:36:21.640 before she joined council and it was 00:36:22.000 --> 00:36:24.696 evident very early that not only your 00:36:24.720 --> 00:36:27.176 intellect but your passion but what your 00:36:27.200 --> 00:36:29.016 drive and what you want to achieve and 00:36:29.040 --> 00:36:30.936 what you give to your community in lots 00:36:30.960 --> 00:36:33.016 of different ways has been really 00:36:33.040 --> 00:36:35.095 evident and really obvious in this short 00:36:35.119 --> 00:36:37.496 period this 12 months and it's no 00:36:37.520 --> 00:36:39.496 surprise to me or I guess anybody here 00:36:39.520 --> 00:36:41.575 that you've already elevated to a 00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:43.656 position of leadership and I'm sure you 00:36:43.680 --> 00:36:46.376 will not only embrace it but excel at 00:36:46.400 --> 00:36:47.656 that leadership position. And I 00:36:47.680 --> 00:36:49.335 congratulate you wholeheartedly, both of 00:36:49.359 --> 00:36:51.496 you. And I know you're supported well by 00:36:51.520 --> 00:36:53.095 you, your family, and your church in 00:36:53.119 --> 00:36:55.896 your community. And um and I know from 00:36:55.920 --> 00:36:57.656 her firsthand experience being one of 00:36:57.680 --> 00:37:00.216 your constituents living your ward and 00:37:00.240 --> 00:37:02.296 proudly having your photo in my front 00:37:02.320 --> 00:37:05.016 garden during election time. Um I know 00:37:05.040 --> 00:37:06.696 I'm very well represented. I know the 00:37:06.720 --> 00:37:08.296 community will be too. And I know you're 00:37:08.320 --> 00:37:11.320 going to be a a fantastic support for um 00:37:11.359 --> 00:37:13.656 Mayor James in his in his new term. And 00:37:13.680 --> 00:37:16.055 I know you're going to be a a formidable 00:37:16.079 --> 00:37:17.896 duo. and I'm sure provide great 00:37:17.920 --> 00:37:19.496 leadership not only for our community, 00:37:19.520 --> 00:37:21.736 not only for council, but ELT, the 00:37:21.760 --> 00:37:23.176 organization and the community more 00:37:23.200 --> 00:37:24.776 broadly. So, congratulations to you 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:26.716 both. 00:37:26.740 --> 00:37:29.740 [Applause] 00:37:30.079 --> 00:37:32.296 Um, I've move online given everyone 00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:34.856 spoken in the chamber. Councilors, um, L 00:37:34.880 --> 00:37:36.456 Patterson or Lake, did you want to make 00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:39.480 a contribution or were you comfortable? 00:37:41.359 --> 00:37:44.359 , councelor Patterson. 00:37:44.560 --> 00:37:47.560 Thanks. Just a really 00:37:48.800 --> 00:37:51.736 um just a really quick thank you 00:37:51.760 --> 00:37:54.216 to councelor Klisaris and and councelor 00:37:54.240 --> 00:37:57.016 Little for their fantastic um leadership 00:37:57.040 --> 00:37:59.335 and dedication over the 12 last 12 00:37:59.359 --> 00:38:02.359 months. And um congratulations to both 00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:05.480 councelor James um and councelor Lee. 00:38:06.720 --> 00:38:08.696 Um it's really exciting to see what the 00:38:08.720 --> 00:38:11.720 next 12 months will hold. Um certainly 00:38:12.079 --> 00:38:14.776 from your speech councelor James 00:38:14.800 --> 00:38:17.656 there's a a lot ahead of us over the 00:38:17.680 --> 00:38:20.680 next 12 months. Um so um just want to 00:38:21.440 --> 00:38:24.440 congratulate everyone um and um yeah we 00:38:27.440 --> 00:38:29.496 um you have a lot of support around the 00:38:29.520 --> 00:38:32.376 room. Thanks. 00:38:32.400 --> 00:38:34.296 Thank you council person. Just before we 00:38:34.320 --> 00:38:36.216 wrap up given the way things work I 00:38:36.240 --> 00:38:37.656 haven't had a chance to congratulate the 00:38:37.680 --> 00:38:39.815 Deputy so I also add my congratulations. 00:38:39.839 --> 00:38:41.976 I think um people have spoken very 00:38:42.000 --> 00:38:43.815 passionately about what you bring to the 00:38:43.839 --> 00:38:45.815 table. Um I haven't known you for too 00:38:45.839 --> 00:38:47.575 long, only a year um but you certainly 00:38:47.599 --> 00:38:49.095 bring a hell of a lot of passion to the 00:38:49.119 --> 00:38:51.095 role and you've got um some areas in 00:38:51.119 --> 00:38:52.456 which you focused over the last 12 00:38:52.480 --> 00:38:53.176 months, particularly around 00:38:53.200 --> 00:38:55.656 multicultural inclusion. Um and I think 00:38:55.680 --> 00:38:56.696 that's really important that we have 00:38:56.720 --> 00:38:58.616 that at the table. I have absolutely no 00:38:58.640 --> 00:39:00.216 doubt that you will do a fantastic job 00:39:00.240 --> 00:39:01.736 over the next 12 months and I'm really 00:39:01.760 --> 00:39:03.256 looking forward to spending 12 months 00:39:03.280 --> 00:39:04.776 getting to know you better um and 00:39:04.800 --> 00:39:06.055 working hard to deliver for the people 00:39:06.079 --> 00:39:07.815 of ME. So thank you and congratulations 00:39:07.839 --> 00:39:10.616 as well. , with that done, we will 00:39:10.640 --> 00:39:12.055 wrap up the meeting. For those in the 00:39:12.079 --> 00:39:13.256 gallery, thank you very much for coming 00:39:13.280 --> 00:39:15.016 along and showing your support. Um, to 00:39:15.040 --> 00:39:16.856 all of us here today, we'll have 00:39:16.880 --> 00:39:18.696 refreshments in the next room as well. 00:39:18.720 --> 00:39:21.720 Thank you very much.