Merri-bek City Council

Last night, our Community Connectors came together at Moomba Park Wetlands in Fawkner to learn about water management in Merri-bek 💧 Our Conservation Programs Officer ran an engaging session about how the Moomba Park Wetland improves waterway health by capturing and treating stormwater before it flows into Merri Creek. The Connectors also learned about the rare and threatened Growling Grass Frog, which the wetland provides a habitat for 🐸 The Community Connectors will now be able to share key insights with their communities, helping to raise awareness about wetlands, stormwater, and local ecosystems in a way that resonates with diverse groups. Moomba Park Wetland is a key part of Council’s Integrated Water Management Strategy 2040, reflecting our commitment to healthy waterways and sustainable habitats. You can find more information about the wetland here: https://bit.ly/41x1nfs Image description: image 1 is of a group of people from diverse backgrounds smile and pose in front of the Moomba Park Wetlands. Images 2 and 3 are of a diverse group of people standing along the Merri Creek bike path and learning about the wetlands.

Merri-bek’s International Womens Day Event is fast approaching! Join our Mayor Cr Helen Davidson, and the Advancing Womens Sport and Participation Network, in a conversation with Chyloe Kurdas. When: Wednesday 5 March, 6pm - 8pm Where: Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg Chyloe is a highly regarded leader with significant expertise in inclusion, belonging, high performance and transformative change and celebrated for her contributions to the inception and execution of the AFLW, the regeneration of Australian women’s golf, and inclusive sporting communities. Celebrate community sport in Merri-bek, hear from local clubs on success stories and ways we can continue to support each other towards growth and inclusion. Book now for this FREE event here: https://lnkd.in/g7KQBxF3

Exciting News - Balam Balam Place opens next week! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that Balam Balam Place will open for business on Monday, 3 March 2025! The $30 million transformation has created a state-of-the-art cultural and creative hub, providing welcoming, affordable spaces for artists, creatives, and the Brunswick community. With Maternal and Child Health services, the incredible First Nations art space Blak Dot Gallery, lots of welcoming outdoor spaces and a cozy café, there is something for everyone! Managed by These Are The Projects We Do Together on behalf of Council, the hub spans 3,000sqm of space designed to support creative industries and host inclusive, accessible events. Register to be part of Balam Balam Place this year and you will receive an information pack with spaces to rent. Or plan your visit to be the first community members to experience the beautiful open spaces at the hub. Find everything you need to know, and plan your visit at: www.balambalamplace.com.au We’ll be celebrating this exciting milestone with a special community launch event—stay tuned for the official announcement! 🎊 IC: Abstract images of parts of new and old buildings. A selection of doorways, corners of external walls, balustrades, parts of facades, all in contracting materials and colours.

Happy International Mother Language Day! This day is celebrated every year on 21 February to commemorate the Bengali Language Movement of 1952, highlighting the importance of preserving and protecting all languages spoken by people around the world. Today, we’re celebrating the many mother languages spoken in our vibrant community. Did you know that in Merri-bek: - There are over 95 different languages spoken. - 1 in 3 people speak a language other than English at home with their families and friends. - The traditional language of Merri-bek is Woi-wurrung. To acknowledge this day, we asked some of our staff and community members what it means to speak their mother language. Watch our Mother Language Day video to hear their inspiring stories. Discover books, magazines, CDs, and Storytime in your language at Merri-bek Libraries.

Coburg, we are getting a new library and piazza! The multi-storey library will be a place of connection, life-long learning and cultural expression. The current Coburg Library was originally constructed in the 1960s as a supermarket and is no longer fit-for-purpose. The new library is proposed to be delivered as a 3000m2 (total gross floor area), multi-storey building located adjacent to a new piazza. The piazza or central open space will be created to provide essential gathering spaces and increased tree canopy coverage.  Our community deserves quality infrastructure and excellent services. This is why we are making this investment to support current and future opportunities for people to connect, engage, learn and thrive in the heart of Coburg. We have now commenced work on how to best place these new facilities to ensure they provide great access and services for our community. This work will be delivered as part of our Central Coburg Program. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gNx7FUWR

Celebrating Peace and Unity for World Interfaith Harmony Week 🌿 On Sunday 9 February, the Merri-bek Interfaith Network celebrated World Interfaith Harmony Week at Glenroy Community Hub. The event was filled with prayers, songs, poems, and heartfelt messages of peace, creating a truly healing and unifying atmosphere. It was inspiring to see faith groups of all generations come together, with incredible performances from local children and youth showcasing the rich talent and diversity of our community. The Merri-bek Interfaith Network is supported by Council’s Human Rights Policy and Social Cohesion Plan. It works to foster dialogue, inclusivity, and respect between different faith communities. Together, we build bridges, celebrate our shared values, and create a more connected Merri-bek.

Strengthen your business, finance, and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, and connect with other local businesses at our 4 business events: 🔸Practical AI for Business – 12 February (waitlist now open) 🔸Crafting a Winning Strategic Business Plan – 27 February 🔸Merri-bek Business Women’s Network (International Women’s Day edition) – 4 March 🔸Mastering Business Numbers and Strategic Planning – 12 March Spots are filling fast, register here: https://bit.ly/415EHTx

Last night, we celebrated the first citizenship ceremony of 2025 at Coburg Town Hall. Surrounded by smiles, proud families, and heartfelt moments, we witnessed 140 locals take the pledge and officially become Australian citizens. Welcome to our new citizens who will bring their unique experiences, cultures, and commitment to enrich our vibrant community here in Merri-bek. We are so proud to call you part of our diverse and welcoming community. Welcome home!

Today, we reflect on survival, resilience, and the journey of healing. As a Council, we stand in solidarity with First Nations people, advocating for a National Day of Celebration that brings all Australians together on a more inclusive date. We remain committed to listening, learning, and working alongside the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways now known as Merri-bek, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, as well as all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to foster reconciliation and unity across our shared community.

Find a space at Balam Balam Place!🏢 Are you an artist or community group looking for an affordable space in Merri-bek to gather and create in?👩🎨 Registrations are now open to be a part of Balam Balam Place in Brunswick this year. The state-of-the-art cultural, creative and accessible hub is undergoing a significant $30 million redevelopment to provide welcoming and affordable spaces for creatives, artists and the Brunswick community.🎨 Managed by These Are The Projects We Do Together on behalf of Council, Balam Balam Place will feature approximately 3,500sqm of floorspace to nurture creative activities and host inclusive and accessible events.🎫 Find out more and register your interest ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g2ZnX9kr ID: A multi-story, unfinished building at Balam Balam Place featuring angled panels, a black circular design and a vertical-shaped window. The building is surrounded by construction materials, barriers and trees. A clear, blue sky is visible in the background.