My regular column in Southbank and Montague Local News has returned for the new year. In this edition I shared how we worked across Victoria to respond to the events of Bondi, heatwaves, bushfires, and flooding.

Over two days, I contacted Mayors across Victoria to secure support for this combined statement, standing in support of our Jewish community and against hatred. Despite many councils already being in recess due to the end-of-year break, the response was unequivocal. More than 85 per cent of Victoria’s 79 councils signed the joint Statement of Solidarity, including the Municipal Association of Victoria, the peak body for local government.

As we enter February, we also celebrate the diversity of Port Phillip, including Midsumma Festival and Pride March. The City of Port Phillip remains a proud supporter of Midsumma, as both a major sponsor and contributor to events.

One of the greatest celebrations of our diversity is Midsumma Festival. I accepted an invitation to participate in Plunge for Pride, where I abseiled down multiple storeys of the Victorian Pride Centre to reinforce our support for our LGBTQIA+ communities.

You can read the full column at: From solidarity to celebration: a busy summer for Port Phillip