Your Yarra Ranges - Autumn 2026

Your Yarra Ranges – Autumn 2026

A word from our Mayor

Welcome to the autumn edition of Your Yarra Ranges.

We recently launched our advocacy agenda for 2025-2027, which is linked to our Council Plan for 2025-29. Essentially, our advocacy agenda lists priorities in our local area that we need to work on with others outside of Yarra Ranges Council to achieve, like other government departments, other Councils, or other funding bodies.

Sometimes it’s about securing funding for large-scale projects Council can’t afford on our own, and other times it’s about getting action on projects or issues that are important to our community but outside Council’s remit.

We want better, more sustainable public transport. We’re calling on the State Government to strategically review key public transport projects, and provide funding, so community members in the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs can have services that are easy to access, connected to other forms of transport and reliable for their day-to-day lives.

We need safe pedestrian crossings with lights in high-risk areas. Nobody should have to risk their life getting home from school or work and we have significant areas that are well visited but lack crossings across major roadways such as the Warburton Highway.

We’re asking for funding to connect the Yarra Valley Trail to Yarra Glen, with a bridge to cross the Birrarung | Yarra River. This infrastructure is expensive and crucial to complete this stage of the project.

We want to deliver a state-of-the-art aquatic and leisure centre. We’re going to need significant funding from the State and Federal Governments to make this happen.

We need better funding for services for young people, housing, better funding support for local animal habitats and better access to funding grants in the aftermath of the Growing Suburbs Fund being cut.

Ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election, we’ll be highlighting our advocacy priorities to local representatives with the data and community feedback that proves they’re all worthwhile initiatives.

I, and other Council representatives, will continue meeting regularly with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and contribute to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) push for these issues to get national attention.

We will also continue meeting with, and writing to, ministers to highlight local issues.

We will be encouraging the community – locals, businesses and community groups alike – to do the same and join with us on this cause.

You can visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/advocacy to find out more about our priorities and why they matter.

Cr Richard Higgins,

Mayor of Yarra Ranges

Sign up to have your say

Shaping Yarra Ranges is Council’s one-stop webpage for community engagements.

By signing up, you can be notified directly when new engagements open, for everything from playground

designs to pavilions, master plans through to Council’s annual budget.

You can choose what projects you’re interested in hearing about, and find out more about pop ups, information sessions and other in-person events.

We’d love to hear from you. Find out more and sign up at shaping. yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Yarra Valley Trailconstruction to river begins

Construction has begun on the next 1.5km stretch of the Yarra Valley Trail, which will extend to the Birrarung | Yarra River (known as Stage 1B.2). It is anticipated that this new section will open mid-year.

Excitingly, this stretch includes four creek crossings, including a restored heritage rail bridge. These bridge components are currently being fabricated off-site.

Cr Fiona McAllister, Ryrie Ward Councillor said:

“Yarra Ranges Council is committed to delivering this iconic community asset, and advocating for additional funding remains a top priority as we head into the 2026 State Election,” said Cr McAllister.

Cyclists and pedestrians have been enjoying the section stretching north of McIntyre

Lane, Yering, since July last year. This extension of the trail includes the first two of the heritage rail bridges. These bridges have been beautifully restored to preserve their historic character while meeting modern safety standards.

“With these iconic heritage bridges, the trail is set to become a popular and standout feature of the Yarra Valley. Once completed to Yarra Glen, the trail is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors annually, supporting recreation and generating approximately $8.3 million in regional spending each year,” said Cr McAllister.

It is important to note that the current end of the trail does not connect to Melba Highway. Trail users will need to turn around, as the rail corridor beyond is part of the Stage 1B.2 construction site.

Once the trail reaches the river later this year, a major bridge and elevated boardwalk will be required to cross the Birrarung | Yarra River and its floodplain to Yarra Glen. Current funding, provided by the Federal and State Governments and Council, does not cover this final section.

Securing funding for this critical link remains a key advocacy priority for Council in the lead up to the 2026 State Election and through future grant opportunities.

“Yarra Ranges Council is committed to delivering this iconic community asset, and advocating for additional funding remains a top priority as we head into the 2026 State Election,” said Cr McAllister.

Environmental report published

Council has released its annual Climate Resilience and Sustainability Report, highlighting progress toward our key environmental and sustainability goals.

The report outlines achievements across areas including emissions reduction, climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and waste and resource recovery. It also shows that Council is tracking positively against several long term sustainability targets, reflecting our ongoing commitment to caring for Country and supporting a healthy environment for our community. View the full report at yarraranges.vic. gov.au/crsr2025

Lifetimes of achievement rewarded in Australia Day Civic Awards

Volunteers striving to improve the world around them have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Civic Awards, with nominees awarded in a ceremony on Monday, 26 January.

The awards, presented each year on Australia Day, recognise community members who, in the last year, have excelled in making the Yarra Ranges a better place to live.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, congratulated this year’s winners.

“We have an exceptional community, full of people willing to put their hand up and help others, to build resilience, to protect the things we love and grow this beautiful area we call home,” Cr Higgins said.

“These people don’t volunteer for the recognition, but we also know that most volunteers don’t get the recognition they deserve. That’s where these awards come in.

“This year’s awards help celebrate people working tirelessly to help animals, to raise awareness of men’s mental health, to reduce stigma, to eliminate food waste and to educate others in the community about how we can all do our bit.

“Our recipients come from different walks of life, united under the banner of community

spirit. I think that’s a tremendous thing, and I’m proud of these awards and this year’s group of winners.”

The awards were presented following Council’s Citizenship Ceremony at the Lilydale Civic Centre, where 60 community members from across 24 different countries formally became Australian citizens.

“This is an incredible country, largely because of the people who call it home,” Cr Higgins said.

“It’s heartening to see so many people wishing to become Australian citizens and to call the Yarra Ranges home. It’s also a personal privilege that, as Mayor, I get to be the first person to welcome them as our newest Australians.

“Congratulations to all of our new citizens – I know you’ll make us proud, and we’re proud to have you here.”

The winners of the 2026 Australia Day Civic Awards are:

Award Winner

Citizen of the Year

Mayor’s Lifetime Achiever

Community Group

Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership

Buller

Pawley

Environmental Achiever of the Year Patrick Natoli

Young Environmental Achiever of the Year

Award winners

Citizen of the Year

Emma Sullivan

Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Gordon Buller

Community Group of the Year Montrose Township

Emma has run the Wattle Wildlife Shelter in the Dandenong Ranges for many years, providing a safe space for animals of all types, from the Yarra Ranges and beyond.

An experienced vet nurse, she also works for Vets for Compassion and has a vibrant community of animals at her property – from frogs and dogs, to snakes and gliders and everything in between.

Thanks to Emma, there are places for injured wildlife to go, and certainty for others wanting to help animals that there is a community to assist.

The Yarra Ranges – and its biodiversity – is better for having community members like Emma. She is a worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award.

Gordon Buller has volunteered for most of his life, with dedication to ensuring the Yarra River flourishes as it flows through our community.

He has spent more than 50 years as the Chair of the Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management, had been a member of the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Bank Board for several years, and volunteered as part of the Warburton Emergency Planning Group for more than 13 years.

Starting his volunteer journey at 20, Gordon has been a tireless advocate for conserving the natural environment along the river reserve in Warburton, work that the community has benefitted greatly from. The reserve’s vibrant natural environment and care taken in its management is, in no small part, because of the work of Gordon.

The Montrose Township Group has helped to lead the community, ensuring the area retains its unique village character in the face of changing infrastructure.

The group, according to their nominator, embodies the true spirit of community, with compassion, collaboration and commitment to making Montrose a better place for everyone. Led by passionate volunteers, they bring positive change to their communities by standing together with a shared purpose: to care for their town.

From organising Clean Up Montrose Day, presenting on local history at the library, facilitating craft events and supporting ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services, bolstering community resilience through locally-made videos and countless other projects, the Montrose Township Group has achieved more than many groups hope to. Their continued success benefits us all, and the group deserves this accolade as our Community Group of the Year.

Award winners

Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership

Heath Pawley

Environmental Achiever of the Year

Patrick Natoli

Young Environmental Achiever of the Year

Coen Pearson

Heath Pawley, as secretary of Mountain Men, has been instrumental in helping foster community connection, resilience and wellbeing across the Dandenong Ranges.

Helping to head up the volunteer-run group, Heath’s work has ensured that men of all ages and backgrounds have a trustworthy and welcoming place to go, particularly when faced with isolation or loneliness.

The group was established in 2018 to help men get involved with their communities, engage socially and have conversations about positive mental health. Since then, according to Heath’s nominator, the group has become a cornerstone of the Yarra Ranges community – particularly following the 2021 storms in the Dandenongs, where the group was recognised as a key community partner to be activated in Council’s Municipal Recovery Plan.

In 2025, Mountain Men co-hosted a sold-out community seminar on positive parenting and raising resilient children, with Mums of the Hills (MotH) and Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre.

Heath has been an integral part of this work from the group’s inception, and has led by example with compassion, collaboration and action. The end result is a movement that challenges stigma, builds resilience and, most of all, restores hope.

Countless community members have benefitted from Patrick’s work who may never know it. As President and co-founder of the Montrose Community Cupboard Inc, his group in 2025 helped save and redistribute more than 200 tonnes of food that otherwise would have ended up in landfill.

He has helped the group expand its reach and impact, with two community cupboards now available in Montrose and Kilsyth. With this, and Saturday and Monday markets, the group not only helps to prevent incredible quantities of good food going to waste, but they have helped to provide accessible food without stigma to hundreds of local households.

Pat is an inspirational role model, leading with humility, compassion and purpose, and has helped to create and drive a movement that helps our environment, and the families that call the Yarra Ranges home.

Thank you, and congratulations, Pat.

Coen, at 13, is already showing leadership well being his age. Serving as a Platypus Education Group ambassador for more than five years, he has contributed to environmental clean ups at Belgrave’s main carpark, engaged in a variety of nature programs and surveys, and is continually working to expand his knowledge of the world around him.

He is an active member of the Friends of Hughes Creek, where he volunteers to help maintain the forest through weeding and planting. He conducts citizen science bird surveys in the area, submitting his observations to various platforms. This work helps to contribute valuable data to ongoing research, and is highlighted on the Friends of Hughes Creek website.

Coen’s latest collaborative initiative, the NextGen Hills Naturalists, continues his commitment to environmental conservation and engaging with his community. The group is dedicated to educating and inspiring young people who want to understand more about the environment and the wildlife that calls it home. With engaging podcasts, informative newsletter and resources readily available, the website offers incredible opportunities for young people – and anyone in the community – to learn, connect and take action.

Trash with a Porpoise Mukhauta Toshi Singh

Wed 15 Apr, 11am

The Memo Healesville

$24 Full/$16 Youth (16yrs under)

Join us as we navigate the depths of our waterways–battling whirlpools, cracking jokes with a walrus and learning how we can reduce our impact through everyday actions!

This fun, new sketch comedy show for children and families is a thrilling journey full of puppetry, clowning, song and of course, plenty of Trash!

COMEDY

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Sat 9 May, 7:30pm

Arts Centre Warburton

$43 Full / $39 Conc

$36 4+ Group / $20 26yrs under

Australia’s biggest comedy festival is hitting the road and bringing the laughs to you!

With a curated line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces from Australia and beyond, the Roadshow has all your comedy bases covered (no joke) – all in one side-splitting show!

30 Apr – 16 Aug 2026

Arts Centre Warburton Free Entry

Mukhauta is a series of papier-mâché masks that explore memory, materiality, and the beauty of imperfection. Inspired by traditional Indian masks seen throughout Singh’s childhood in India, these pieces are created from discarded cardboard, egg cartons, and scrap paper.

Blake Pavey A Bit Scared

Fri 15 May, 7:30pm

The Memo Healesville

$44.90

After racking up over a million followers online and making audiences across the globe laugh until they cry, Blake Pavey is touring Australia with his brand new hour of stand-up ‘A Bit Scared’!

COMEDY

Movies in and

Healesville Warburton

The best of cinema, close to home Quality films

Affordable prices

Accessible screenings SCAN FOR SESSIONS

Double J Presents Josh Pyke

Thur 26 Mar, 7:30pm

The Memo Healesville

$67.50

Following a sold-out national tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of his landmark debut Feeding the Wolves, beloved singer-songwriter Josh Pyke is heading back out on the road.

MUSIC

A Night with Tina

Sat 18 Apr, 7:30pm

The Memo Healesville

$65 Full / $55 Conc / $45 Under 15

$200 Family of 4 / $55 Group 10+

Tina Turner is rolling into Healesville... drag style!

A NIGHT WITH TINA is a fun, action-packed and loving Drag tribute to R&B, rock and pop icon Tina Turner.

Theatre at Healesville and Warburton

A

Sat 21 Mar, 8:00pm

Night with Tina

The Memo Healesville

$64 Full / $59 Conc

$59 Group 6+

Sat 18 Apr, 7:30pm

The Memo Healesville

$65 Full / $55 Conc / $45 Under 15

$200 Family of 4 / $55 Group 10+

A celebration of the iconic American rock band, The Eagles. With incredible attention to detail, the performers bring the band’s legendary music to life in a way that is both authentic and electrifying.

Tina Turner is rolling into Healesville... drag style!

A NIGHT WITH TINA is a fun, action-packed and loving Drag tribute to R&B, rock and pop icon Tina Turner.

Theatre at Healesville and Warburton

Lloyd Spiegel Trio

The Memo Healesville and Arts Centre Warburton

In May, the Memo Healesville will host Drama Turkeys debut with Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and local Hills Act Theatre return with classic Australian play Away by Michael Gow.

Sat 28 Feb, 7:30pm

Arts Centre Warburton

$40

MISFIT Theatre kick off their 2026 performance program with musical The Lightning Thief at Arts Centre Warburton in March! Visit the website for more info and to secure your ticket.

Join us for a special live filming event where The Lloyd Spiegel Trio capture their new show.

CYR_a3-a4_brochure_Jan26_singlepages.indd 3

Seeking Photos of the Iconic Cuckoo Restaurant

THEATRE

The Memo Healesville and Arts Centre Warburton

In May, the Memo Healesville will host Drama Turkeys debut with Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and local Hills Act Theatre return with classic Australian play Away by Michael Gow.

MISFIT Theatre kick off their 2026 performance program with musical

The Lightning Thief at Arts Centre Warburton in March!

The museum recently acquired some wonderful objects from the iconic Cuckoo restaurant in Olinda. We are now on the look out for photos to help capture this story in the YRRM collection and are hoping you can help. If you have any photos of the Cuckoo, taken inside or out, we would love to hear from you. If you have any digital photos please email them to museumcollections@ yarraranges.vic.gov.au. If you have any prints, please let us know as we can scan them for you.

Visit the website for more info and to secure your ticket.

Sun 29 Mar, from 10:00am

The Memo Healesville

$15 per film, $39 Festival Pass (all 3 films)

With a spotlight on British Cinema, Yarra Ranges Film Society have selected a gripping thriller, classic drama and modernistic comedy for you

Tina Turner is rolling into Healesville... drag style!

8 Jan – 29 Mar 2026

The Memo Healesville Free entry

NIGHT WITH TINA is a fun, action-packed and loving tribute to R&B, rock and pop icon Tina Turner.

Theatre at Healesville and Warburton

Memo Healesville and Arts Centre Warburton

Cloud Time

May, the Memo Healesville will host Drama Turkeys debut with Shakespeare’s Tempest, and local Hills Act Theatre return with classic Australian play Away Michael Gow.

Amanda Ruck & Mandy Pickett

MISFIT Theatre kick off their 2026 performance program with musical Lightning Thief at Arts Centre Warburton in March! the website for more info and to secure your ticket.

Sat 28 Feb, 7:30pm

Arts Centre Warburton

$40

Join us for a special live filming event where The Lloyd Spiegel Trio capture their new show.

THEATRE

Healesville Mini Film Festival

Healesville artists Amanda Ruck and Mandy Pickett come together in a collaborative exploration of nature and community. Combining performance, projection, and painting, the exhibition creates a dynamic space where ideas converge. Conceived as an extended artist residency, Cloud Time will grow and transform over time as both artists inhabit the gallery encouraging it to become a site of ongoing creation and exchange.

5 Feb – 26 Apr 2026

Arts Centre Warburton Free entry

Pause in Transition: The Elderhood Project

Pause in Transition: The Elderhood Project brings together artworks shaped by change, reflection and becoming. This is not an exhibition about endings, but about what opens when roles loosen and attention turns elsewhere. A time when care responsibilities change, work falls away, bodies shift, and experience begins to reorganise itself as knowing.

Sun 29 Mar, from 10:00am

The Memo Healesville

$15 per film, $39 Festival Pass (all 3 films)

ON AIR celebrates the proud history of community radio 3MDR, Mountain District Radio. 3MDR was founded in 1983 after the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires – with members of the community coming together through adversity. Since receiving their full broadcasting license in 1985, this volunteer-powered station has been championing local artists, community groups, and voices that are underrepresented in mainstream media.

With a spotlight on British Cinema, Yarra Ranges Film Society have selected a gripping thriller, classic drama and modernistic comdey for you to enjoy!

ON AIR is presented in partnership with 3MDR 97.1fm, Burrinja Cultural Centre and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

With a spotlight on British Cinema, Yarra Ranges Film Society have selected a gripping thriller, classic drama and modernistic comedy for you to enjoy!

3 4/3/2026 11:53 am

EXHIBITION EXHIBITION

Beneath Roads

ngurrak barring

Sherbrooke Forest

Explore the trails of ngurrak barring and discover why some of Australia’s most significant artists, activists, writers and creatives have drawn inspiration from the landscape and communities of the Dandenong Ranges. Nine permanent artworks have been installed, including Thrivance: Then, Now, Next, 2025, by Tiriki Onus, Lin Onus and Bill Onus with Jenna Lee and Jamie Ferguson. Start your journey at ngurrakbarring.com.au

7 Mar – 5 Jul 2026

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Free entry

From Mad Max to The Man from Snowy River, road movies define Australian cinema. But beneath these roads are Indigenous walking paths and trading routes. Beneath Roads is a three channel new media work that reinserts First Peoples knowledge legacies and representation by recontextualising our understanding of history, culture and Country. An ACMI Production, developed by Jenna Rain Warwick.

Sustainable transport for connected communities

Getting around Yarra Ranges shouldn’t be hard.

Yet for many people in our community, limited public transport options make everyday activities more challenging than they should be.

We consistently hear from residents that transport is a key issue. Yarra Ranges has some of the highest car dependence in metropolitan Melbourne, with more than 90 per cent of residents commuting to work by car, compared to 68 per cent in Greater Melbourne.

Only 41 per cent of our households are within walking distance of public transport, compared with 74 per cent across Greater Melbourne.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said this distance makes it harder for people to access the community.

“For many people, this makes it harder to get to work, school and limits access to health services, particularly for young people, older residents and those on lower incomes,” he said.

“It also adds pressure to our roads, increases emissions and can leave people feeling isolated.

“These challenges are set to grow as areas including Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park continue to develop, with more than 20,000 new residents expected by 2041. Without improvements to public transport, congestion and accessibility issues will worsen.”

Cr Higgins said that in regions of the Yarra Ranges, such as the Dandenongs and the Upper Yarra area, bus services don’t connect well, are infrequent and miss crucial areas.

“Better bus services would also support tourists and visitors to our area to access our major attractions without travelling by car,” Cr Higgins said.

“While public transport planning and funding sit with the Victorian Government, Yarra Ranges Council plays an important role in advocating for better outcomes on behalf of the community.

“Council is calling on the Victorian Government to prioritise funding and review key transport projects that improve connectivity, safety and service reliability across the region.”

These projects include improvements to bus services, including better connections to trains and between key townships, increasing service frequency and hours, and expanding on-demand services.

“We’re also advocating for the duplication of the Lilydale rail line and for major upgrades to the Belgrave Station. Together, these projects will help create a more connected and sustainable transport network for Yarra Ranges,” Cr Higgins said.

“As we approach the Victorian State Election, Council is outlining its key advocacy priorities on behalf of the Yarra Ranges community.”

Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/ Advocacy to learn more about the issues Council si advocating for, why they matter, and how you can add your voice.

Councillors’ Corner

Regeneration, the new artwork installed as part of ngurrak barring

Peter McIlwain Lyster Ward

Lyster continues to shine as one of our region’s most creative and welcoming arts hubs, where music, colour, and performance naturally spill into everyday life. Local venues are buzzing with activity, and it’s easy to stumble upon a street performance or an impromptu musical moment that brings neighbours together. Whether it’s a weekend market, a gig in a cosy bar, or artists sharing their latest work in public spaces, the arts here feel alive, accessible, and joyfully woven into the fabric of the community.

One of the things that makes Lyster especially vibrant is the strong connection between its arts community and commercial precincts. Our cafés, shops, and local traders actively embrace creativity, hosting artworks, live sets, and community events that encourage people to wander and discover something new.

Council recognises the strong economic and social benefits of this creative energy, and quietly works behind the scenes to support the placemaking that allows it to flourish.

Cr Richard Higgins

Chirnside Ward - Mayor

It’s been a summer of extreme weather - from blistering heat and prolonged dry spells to short but intense rain events. On that note, I’d like to sincerely thank our emergency services agencies, volunteers and Council staff for their hard work over summer. It is a privilege to serve in local government during times of crisis, when we have the opportunity to directly support communities and help those who need it most.

Our community has once again shown its strong spirit of helping others. The outpouring of support for neighbouring communities affected by bushfires, including Council opening an Emergency Relief Centre for evacuees and hundreds of offers of assistance and donations from our community, was truly heartening. It’s reassuring to know that when disaster strikes, we are in such capable and compassionate hands.

Cr Mitch Mazzarella

Melba Ward

Lillydale Lake is one of the best-loved public spaces not only in Yarra Ranges, but across Melbourne, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to serve our community for years to come.

Our teams are currently progressing the redevelopment of the recreation space at Lillydale Lake, which will include a new multisports area, fitness equipment, climbing elements and welcoming social spaces.

From mid-February to mid-March, we invited community members to share their thoughts on the concept designs for the fitness area. These designs featured rope climbing structures, a multi-purpose half court, and other exercise features.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up to shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au, where you’ll receive updates and notifications when other community engagement opportunities open up.

Cr Gareth Ward

Chandler Ward - Deputy Mayor

As we farewell summer, we also conclude another outstanding season at the Olinda Community Pool. This season, the Olinda Community Pool again brought together locals and visitors, whether it was early-morning lap swimming, toddlers in the splash park or friends enjoying long afternoons in the sun.

The success of the OIinda Community Pool is testament to the strength of communityCouncil partnerships and what we can achieve when we collaborate together to support local facilities, and I would like to thank the Olinda Community Pool Committee for their tireless work and dedication in delivering another bumper season.

Also up in the Hills area of Chandler ward, Council has also recently unveiled ‘Regeneration – the Listening Place’ at Kalorama Five Ways, an important new art installation as part of the ngurrak barring project. Whilst you’re in Kalorama for the Chestnut Festival on Sunday 3rd May, I encourage you to swing by for a visit!

Cr Fiona McAllister

Ryrie Ward

Across Yarra Ranges, we’re fortunate to have such a vibrant network of township groups, where residents and traders come together, share ideas, and collaborate to shape their communities.

After the well-attended community engagement for the Yarra Glen Township Plan, it’s been great to see a new township group form. I’m looking forward to meeting them and continuing to work closely with all our groups to help our region thrive. Also in Ryrie, construction has begun on the next stage of the Yarra Valley Trail, which will extend the existing section to the Yarra River. We expect this new stretch to open mid year, and my fellow Councillors and I will continue advocating for the funding needed to build the bridge that will finally connect the trail through to Yarra Glen.

In Healesville, we’ve been partnering with community groups and local sporting clubs on the design of a new Don Road Pavilion. Our goal is to create a flexible, welcoming space for many groups to enjoy while making the most of its wonderful location.

Cr Tim Heenan

Billanook Ward

I’m honoured to serve as an appointed member of the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Trust. Our museum is an extraordinary local venue, showcasing world class exhibitions that celebrate our region and broader Australian stories.

The museum is currently hosting ACMI’s Beneath Roads, exploring iconic road movies and highlighting the deep connections First Nations people have with the Country they traverse. Running from 7 March to 5 July, it’s well worth a visit along with other engaging displays.

After several years of passionate community advocacy, I’m pleased to share that construction of the York Road footpath extension between Tramway Road and View Street will soon commence — a great outcome for our community.

Construction is also underway on a new bike park at Morrisons Reserve in Mount Evelyn. Designed as a vibrant community hub, it will cater to riders of all ages and skill levels. Connected to the playground and close to the Warburton Trail, the park will help riders build confidence and prepare for the incredible trail network across our region.

Cr Jeff Marriott

There is a lot of exciting activity in Streeton Ward, with Council working with community across a wide range of transformational projects.

I’m pleased to share that the Township Plan for Upwey has been updated based on community feedback and will come back to Council soon seeking adoption. The plan reflect months of collaboration and community input and will guide improvements that strengthen the unique character, accessibility and vitality of the township. Council has secured State Government funding to progress a pedestrian crossing near the CFA roundabout, currently being designed.

In Olinda, community consultation for the township planning process will commence once the Sassafras Streetscape design is complete. This will be a valuable opportunity for residents and business owners to help shape the long-term vision for their village. In the meantime Council are about to go out for tender for the renewal of the public toilet to bring a fresh and clean presentation.

I look forward to working with our community over these and many projects soon to come.

Cr Jim Child

O’Shannassy Ward

I’m pleased to share that the next stage of the Warburton Bike Park will open on 4 April, with shuttle services ready to take riders to the best spots across the trail network.

This project has been many years in the making, and it’s been fantastic to see both locals and visitors already embracing the first 30 kilometres of trails. I’m looking forward to the positive flow-on effects this next stage will bring to the region, as even more people come to get active and enjoy our stunning natural environment.

As the main tourist season winds down, we’re still expecting strong visitation through the autumn months. A reminder that there are plenty of parking spots available – including behind Warburton Hardware – and we encourage locals and visitors to familiarise themselves with all the parking available around town, especially during busy periods.

Cr Len Cox

Walling Ward

I’m proud to see works continuing at 150 Cambridge Road in Kilsyth, a site we purchased following an inspirational community campaign.

Our teams have been working to install a pathway network through the site, with improved drainage, garden beds, and areas for tree planting. The fencing to the site will also be redone through these works.

These are some of the earliest works identified in our 10-15 year Master Plan for the site, which was created using community feedback.

This is a site that the community cherishes, and we all want it to flourish. These works will improve the look and walkability of the park, and will set the scene for things to come.

We’ll be seeking funding for other projects in the Master Plan in coming years, and I look forward to seeing 150 Cambridge Road grow.

ngurrak barring

Explore the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges in autumn along the trails of ngurrak barring (mountain paths in Wurundjeri Woiwurrung).

ngurrak barring is 39 km of interconnected trails through towering forests and the vibrant villages of the Dandenong Ranges. You’ll discover eleven permanent artworks and storytelling signage connecting a rich creative heritage to a thriving contemporary culture.

We’ve upgraded more than 14km of trails, and installed all the artworks in the project.

What’s Next

• The ‘Community’ architectural node in Sassafras Village Green has now been installed.

• Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd and Sherbrooke Rd pedestrian construction has commenced.

• Kalorama Five Ways has received DTP permit approval, and construction will begin in mid-year.

Official launch – keep an eye out for community events and activations that will take place from April to celebrate the opening of ngurrak barring.

www.ngurrakbarring.com.au

Warburton Bike Park

– Official Opening April 2026

After the success of the first 30kms of trails, Warburton Bike Park is gearing up to go bigger. New trails will be opened from April 4, 2026 –more than doubling the network of purpose-built mountain bike trails.

Along with more terrain to explore, the highly anticipated shuttle uplift services will also commence.

After welcoming predominately Melbournebased riders for the first 30kms, the new trails are expected to attract experienced riders from interstate and beyond.

Warburton Bike Park ambassador, cross country mountain bike World Champion Paul van der Ploeg, is excited to show off the new trails:

‘It’s super exciting to be part of the Warburton Bike Park team as an ambassador for the new trails. The area has an incredibly diverse landscape and all on Melbourne’s doorstep. It’s one of the most anticipated mountain bike trail networks in Australia and in April there are some amazing trails opening. It’s going to be a massive year for Warburton and the area.”

More trails and features will continue to open over the course of the year, with the full 125km Southern Network expected to be completed by 2027.

www.warburtonbikepark.com.au

Buy local

With the change of seasons, our region flourishes in the autumn months.

Shop local to find hidden gems and make the most of our fantastic local produce, all the while supporting your local economy and community to thrive.

It’s a great time to explore your own backyard, visit a new part of the region and buy a local treat.

Follow us on Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and other Kulin Nation peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waterways. We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present, and emerging, who have been, and always will be, integral to the story of our region. We proudly share custodianship to care for Country together.