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We’re taking action to reduce the harm, waste and pollution caused by single-use plastic items. We are also encouraging everyone in the community, including our residents and businesses, to make a commitment to eliminating single-use plastics.

Council endorsed a new policy on 26 February 2018 to eliminate the single-use plastic products at festivals and events located at Council venues and properties. The policy, which applies to all council owned buildings and venues, aims to reduce the alarming damage single-use plastic products are causing. 

Single-use plastic products have serious environmental, social and economic impacts. Eight million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in freshwater and marine environments every year and this plastic breaks down into tiny pieces which are increasingly being found in food consumed by humans and animals.

We also need to work hard to reduce our use of single-use plastics as recent overseas import bans on certain recycled products means that we need to address the waste in our own backyard.

The policy is committed to:

  • Eliminate single-use plastic bags
  • Eliminate single-use plastic plates, bowls, cups, straws, cutlery and take away food - containers
  • Eliminate bottled water, and provide alternative, free access to water
  • Avoid plastic packaging
  • Eliminate balloons at events
  • Reuse event materials where possible
  • Educate and guide event staff and audience on single-use plastic free practices
See Plastic Free Darebin for further details.

We are thrilled to announce our 2018 Speakeasy contemporary performance program, packed with incredible artistic experiences reflecting our diverse cultures.

Program highlights include the return of Australia’s multi award-winning choreographer Stephanie Lake; five Next Wave Festival productions; La Boite’s critically acclaimed refugee battle, Prize Fighter; an innovative and unpredictable dinner party; and inspiring explorations of social issues from feminism, motherhood and mental health, to Indigenous story-telling, children’s entertainment and politically charged contemporary theatre.

Speakeasy 2018 Program

Be inspired by the wisdom of people of all ages through their postcard messages to their younger, older of present selves. Messages to Myself has been part of Council's Lifelong Learning for Wellbeing program, which affirmed and celebrated the idea that learning is a lifelong experience and part of our individual and collective journeys.

People shared things they wish they knew when they were younger, affirmations and things they have learnt and want to remember. Many Darebin people across six Council and community events participated - here are some of their messages to all of us.

Explore the Messages to Myself Booklet.

Free public WiFi is now available in our major shopping strips. Next time you’re out and about you will be able to browse social media, webpages, search for local businesses and read your emails.

Free Wi-Fi is now fully operational in the following shopping centres:

  • High Street, Preston
  • Station Street, Fairfield
  • Broadway, Reservoir
  • High Street, Northcote and Westgarth
  • Edwardes Street, Reservoir
  • Spring Street, Reservoir

For more detail on coverage areas please see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

How do I access the Free Wi-Fi service?

  • Turn on Wi-Fi
  • Select “Free Darebin Wi-Fi” (in Preston, Fairfield and Reservoir) or “Darebin Free Wi-Fi” (in Northcote and Westgarth) and connect
  • Click on your internet browser from your menu page and select “sign in to Wi-Fi” when prompted
  • Accept the terms and conditions
  • Enjoy free Wi-Fi!

Problems?

If you have problems accessing the service and need help, there are service technicians available, at portal@infrastructurelogic.net.au or by calling:

  • Ph: 1300 765 543 for Preston, Reservoir, Fairfield
  • Ph: 1300 135 249 for Northcote and Westgarth

This free Wi-Fi service has been made available to you by Darebin City Council with the assistance of business owners and operators in the coverage areas and with the assistance of our industry partners Infrastructure Logic and Easyweb Digital.

Opportunities for Business

Businesses in Preston, Reservoir and Fairfield will be able to list and promote their businesses on a marketing portal (coming soon), this is already available in Northcote and Westgarth. 

If you would like to know how you can use the services to market your business products and services, please contact us.

Business Development

Ph: 8470 8344