Thursday, 29 January, 2026
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Dedication recognised Australia Day celebrations in La Trobe shone a spotlight on local community heroes, recognising individuals and organisations who have made a real difference across the region. Many loved ones flocked to Officer Public Hall on January 26, where Jason Wood MP hosted the awards ceremony. Mr Wood said the ceremony was his way of thanking recipients for their contributions, emphasizing that Australia Day celebrates outstanding local efforts as well as national achievements. See more award winners on Page 4
Cr Jack Kowarzik and MP Jason Wood. (Supplied)
Waste headache Even though the state government is boosting plastic recycling capacity in areas such as Pakenham, a new report has found that plastic waste is still increasing, placing further burden on councils and ratepayers. The report Securing Australia’s Plastic Recycling Future by the Australian Council of Recyclers and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, released last week, found that plastic waste is increasing and that the majority is still
going to landfill, despite commitments by both state and federal governments to reform the distribution and use of plastics. Of the 4.2 million tonnes of plastic currently used in Australia, 1.3 million tonnes are accounted for by packaging. The report calls for national packaging reform to divert industry away from cheaper plastic imports and towards domestic recyclable initiatives.
The Australian Local Government Association said plastic waste will continue to become an increasing burden, with the report finding that plastic waste in landfill could grow from 2.7 million tonnes to 4.9 million tonnes. Cardinia Shire Council said the biggest contributor to litter in the local area is smaller packaging used for direct consumption, such as shopping bags.
Council Manager of Infrastructure and Environment Peter Benazic said reforming the use of such items in industry would be supported by the council. “Soft plastics such as shopping bags and chip packets are the largest contaminant in Cardinia Shire Council recycling bins and a major contributor to environmental litter,” Mr Benazic said. FULL STORY PAGE 2 51 James Street Pakenham VIC 3810 renee.heath@ parliament.vic.gov.au
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reneeheathmp Renee’s message to Pakenham residents
Renee HEATH MP 12805175-MS46-25
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