Tonight’s Council Meeting (and the first I chaired as Mayor) including the adoption of Council’s updated Waste and Recycling Strategy (2025-28) and the adoption of our committee framework refreshing Council’s advisory committees.

Waste and Recycling Strategy

The adoption of Council’s Waste and Recycling Strategy seeks to improve Port Phillip’s low diversion rates from landfill and will need to accommodate glass recycling after being mandated by the State Government. Importantly, the strategy supports community based educational campaigns to support recycling, alongside greater engagement with property managers to engage renters as well as homeowners across Port Phillip.

Council Committee Framework and Committee Model

Tonight Council endorsed an updated committee framework which means we will be seeking nominations for an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, Multicultural Advisory Committee, Older Persons Advisory Committee, Youth Advisory Committee and the creation of a newly formed Disability Advisory Committee.

These Committees will guide Council on the progression of the Council Plan.

Recognising the Victorian Interfaith Network

Tonight we also recognised the City of Port Phillip as the host of the 2026 Victorian Interfaith Network Conference.

Last Sunday I received the Victorian Interfaith Network message stick from the 2025 hosts the City of Hume. At our Council meeting we handed the message stick to our Multifaith Network.

Both Cr Serge Thomann (who was a Councillor at the City of Port Phillip in 2011 when Port Phillip hosted the first conference) and Cr Libby Buckingham, City of Port Phillip (who was an integral champion for this conference returned to Port Phillip) reinforced the importance of this conference.

Bringing faiths together and learning from each other is how we work together to foster dialogue and unity.

Agenda and minutes of the Port Phillip Council meetings are available at Meetings and Agendas – City of Port Phillip