Councillor Column – Cr Tony Briffa

Cr Tony Briffa on the rainbow painting outside the Altona Theatre. (Supplied)

With rising COVID numbers and many residents in isolation, it hasn’t been the start of 2022 that many of us hoped for. If you need assistance, there’s lots of help available to get you through it, including food relief, medication, counselling, and crisis intervention support. Please email communityconnector@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or phone our Customer Service team on 1300 179 944 and ask for Community Connector.

Support is also available for ratepayers financially impacted by the pandemic. Visit our website to see if you’re eligible for 25 per cent off your 2021-22 rates notice (maximum $10,000) at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/financialassistance.

To keep spirits high, Council is continuing to support COVID-safe outdoor arts and culture events. Keep an eye out for Live and Local performances happening near you, the program is released each Wednesday for the upcoming weekend at linktr.ee/liveandlocalhobsonsbay

Local company Industrial Art has transformed the Altona Theatre forecourt into a stunning rainbow. Head down and take a walk along the rainbow and learn about Council’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community and upcoming Midsumma events which run from 23 January until 13 February 2022.

Altona Beach is also brimming with colour with the beach boxes returning for another season. While enjoying a day at the beach, if the bins are full, please take your rubbish with you so it doesn’t end up in the bay.

Speaking of enjoying the outdoors, there’s still time to have your say on the Hobsons Bay has Heart Outdoors – Future Program. During the pandemic we saw many traders embrace extended trading. Council is excited to look at how businesses might be able to transition to a permanent or seasonal (e.g. during summer) outdoor program. Visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/hobsons-bay-has-heart-outdoors-trading-program

Don’t forget to check out the building and landscape final concept designs for Brooklyn Community Hall at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/brooklyn-community-hall-redevelopment.

As always, connect with me via briffa.org/ or www.facebook.com/CrTonyBriffa