DAREBIN COUNCIL ELECTION

It’s now almost two years since multiple businesses at the Melbourne Innovation Centre (MIC), now just known as 2 Wingrove Street Alphington, were unjustly evicted with an hour’s notice and their equipment, personal belongings and memories held / confiscated by the Darebin Council. The reasoning given: Asbestos. These actions were taken without a peer review of the consultant’s findings and later proven false via a VCAT hearing. Still to this day there has never been an apology from the majority of councillors or ANY valid answers given as to why these actions took place and why so many businesses that were part of a vibrant community, were devastated. The true 20-minute neighbourhood ruined. The businesses at MIC had no chance to communicate with the councillors at this time due to a gag order being placed upon them. Our own democratically appointed representatives couldn’t hear our plea to rectify the problem, nor consult with the community.

Last year the council kindergartens were faced with a similar problem, being offered only a 2-year lease extension. An account of unnecessary stress placed upon teachers, families and the most vulnerable, THE CHILDREN.

Now the Darebin Parklands rangers are faced with uncertainty over job security. This park and rangers were a lifeline for the public during Covid lockdowns, providing people with an outlet from the anxiety caused through isolation (how people forget!). The park, a former waste site, is now natural-looking bushland promoting biodiversity, native flora and fauna, with some long-gone fauna now re-habituating the area and endangered flora being saved.

This petition supporting the EV Hub that you and over 1400 people signed (online or on paper) was dismissed as not being considered deliberative democracy. It was an opportunity that the GREENS should have embraced and assisted.

ALL of these issues have arisen whilst under the watch of a council consisting of a majority GREENS and GREEN-aligned representatives. These are the same people who are now asking to be re-elected and have you elect more GREENS, thus giving them further power and numbers to continue to neglect their community.

Only two current councillors took up the fight for myself and others affected through these actions: Cr Emily Dimitriadis and Cr Gaetano Greco. I appeal to you before voting to consider the effect your vote will have. Do you want another FOUR years of this treatment? I really hope not, as I’ve seen too many proud and strong people, including my own children, in tears over the mismanagement of Darebin. Please support the candidates that supported the community and stop the destruction of this municipality.

Thank you.

Regards,

Craig Bishop