A Day of Insight, Learning, and Deep Respect for Our Council Officers in the Fight Against Illegal Rubbish Dumping.

Yesterday was an exceptional day of learning, insight, and appreciation. Beginning at 7:00 am at the Council offices and heading into the field by 8:00 am, I was privileged to join one of our Council Directors on a day full of operational development experience focused on illegal rubbish dumping across the City of Whittlesea.

The purpose of the day was to deepen my understanding of how our Council identifies, investigates, and responds to illegal rubbish dumping. What I witnessed was a coordinated, highly professional, and intelligence led approach carried out by some of the most dedicated and skilled Council officers.

Our teams are not only technically proficient, but also passionate about protecting our environment and community. Their work is methodical, discreet, and often underappreciated yet it plays a critical role in keeping our municipality clean, safe, and respected. While I won’t disclose specific investigative techniques to protect operational integrity, I can assure the community that we have robust strategies and enforcement mechanisms in place. The offences we are dealing with are often not accidental they’re repeated, calculated acts, sometimes by individuals or businesses from outside our city boundaries.

One of the highlights of the day was a comprehensive tour of the Council’s Epping Works Depot, where I had the opportunity to meet and speak individually with every staff member on site. Each of them plays a vital role in the smooth and effective operation of our city. The pride they take in their work was evident, and I left with a much greater appreciation of how our internal systems, staff deployment, fleet, and technologies all come together in service of our community.

While my core focus was on illegal rubbish dumping, the experience provided broader operational insights. As Mayor, it is critical I remain well informed and capable of answering community concerns with both confidence and clarity. This experience has significantly enhanced my knowledge of Council processes and strengthened my ability to advocate for effective policy and responsive action.

To every Council officer who gave their time to share their expertise and showcase our operational capabilities I thank you. Your professionalism, generosity, and dedication to public service are deeply valued and widely respected. This experience, coupled with my background in policing, investigations, law, and leadership, will support my continued efforts to combat illegal rubbish dumping and strengthen our city’s enforcement and environmental strategies. However, we cannot do this alone.

But let me be clear, effectively addressing illegal rubbish dumping requires more than just Council effort. It demands a coordinated, multifaceted response that involves our community, neighbouring councils, the Victorian and Federal Governments, Victoria Police, the EPA, and relevant industry stakeholders. We must stand together to protect the beauty, health, and integrity of the City of Whittlesea, our home. Together, with determination, knowledge, and joint support, we will continue to act and make a difference. We are done cleaning up after the selfish few. This is our home. Our environment. Our community. And we are taking it back.