By Diana Grima
In 2012, I watched my father John Hogg serve as the Deputy Mayor of Hobsons Bay and now I am honoured to follow in his footsteps having been elected Deputy Mayor on Friday 12 November. I am looking forward to continuing to help our community rebuild and adapt to COVID-normal life in the year ahead.
As a passionate environmentalist and Wetlands Ward Councillor, I am a big advocate for the proposed Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre. The centre is one of Council’s top advocacy priorities and we are working with Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Inc and project partners in seeking $16 million in state government funding to see the centre become a reality
The centre would help visitors from across Melbourne enjoy and learn about the internationally-recognised RAMSAR-listed Cheetham wetlands, which provides an important feeding and breeding ground for up to 65,000 migratory shore birds each year. It will also be a premier destination for teaching and learning, include leading environmental research facilities, provide opportunities for people to connect with nature and be a great destination for ecotourism. Keep an eye out for calls for the community to join us in this important advocacy work. For details, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/advocacy
Speaking of state-of-the-art infrastructure projects in the Wetlands Ward, I was proud to attend the opening of the newly renovated Altona Sports Centre last month. The $17 million redevelopment is the culmination of five years of hard work and includes four new indoor multi-sport courts, a show court with seating for 1,000 people, two new outdoor courts with lighting, a multi-purpose room, cafe and new change facilities. The ASC is the home of netball and basketball in the western suburbs and until now has been struggling to keep up with the demand for these popular sports.
Finally, Council is partnering with Councils, sporting groups and sporting associations across the west for All Abilities Regional Inclusion Week this week. The initiative is a week of inclusive sports that provide people of all ages and abilities with an encouraging and welcoming environment to try out a range of sports and find their perfect fit. For details, visit www.dsr.org.au/post/all-abilities-regional-inclusion-week
If you are a resident and would like to chat with me about a Council issue, I can be contacted on 0499 600 476 or dgrima@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
