Another Full Day Serving Our Great City of Whittlesea.

Another “normal” day as Mayor of our wonderful City of Whittlesea, I started at  9:00 am and finished after 9:30 pm and what a truly rewarding day it was. This morning I had the privilege of joining our dedicated Council staff at the Westfield Plenty Valley Shopping Centre for a community pop up. These sessions are such a fantastic way to connect directly with residents, hear your concerns and ideas, and share how Council is working alongside them.

I personally spoke with more than 30 residents from Mill Park and South Morang, and I genuinely valued every single conversation. A huge thank you to George and his outstanding team of Council staff who engaged so warmly and professionally your efforts always ensure that community voices are always heard and respected.

While at Westfield, I was also delighted to meet Dr Jaldi Bendaj from All Ability Dental, one of only a few specialist clinics in Victoria dedicated to caring for patients with, physical and intellectual disabilities, complex health conditions and mental health challenges.

What impressed me most was their commitment to breaking down barriers to care. From wheelchair accessibility and sensory friendly adjustments to behavioural support and sedation where needed, their approach ensures every patient receives compassionate, personalised treatment whether in residential care, hospital, or at their clinic.

This service I am in no doubt is truly life changing for many families in our community, and I am proud that Whittlesea is home to such a vital and inclusive health provider. Days like today remind me why I feel so privileged to serve as Mayor listening to residents, celebrating the dedication of our Council staff, and connecting with outstanding providers like All Ability Dental in Wollert. Together, we are building a city that is inclusive, compassionate, and future focused. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings as we continue working side by side to shape the future of our great City of Whittlesea.