Highlights 2024-2025

Highlights of our service to the Darebin community for the 2024-2025 financial year.

Strategic direction 1: Vibrant, Respectful and Connected

In conjunction with Darebin Creek Management Committee, Council had the honour of hosting the Ceremonial Opening of Treaty Negotiations on 21November 2024 for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government. This was an historic event as Victoria is leading the nation in Treaty discussions. We are incredibly proud that the Darebin Parklands were chosen as the site for this historic moment.
Darebin was successful as part of a consortium of six community health and local government organisations (led by DPV Health) in a tender bid for the Single Assessment Service for aged care until 30 June 2027.
In September 2024, Council received confirmation that three services in the Community Services and Development Department were successful in achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation: Youth Services (Northland Youth Hub, Decibels and Outreach), Toy Library, and Early Years Professional Development and Resources (Early Years Resource Van, Darebin NE Community Hub). The journey of Rainbow Tick accreditation is a significant undertaking and achievement, strengthening and embedding LGBTIQA+ safety and inclusion in our services for the benefit of staff, volunteers, clients, customers and community members.

Darebin continued to progress its partnerships with Wurundjeri, who have been consulted to give advice and feedback on several Council initiatives. Work continued on the Bundoora Park Truth-Telling display in consultation with the Elders.
Participation with Darebin sports clubs increased by 9% in 2024/25. Women’s and girls’ participation increased by 18%, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ participation by 9.8%, those from culturally diverse backgrounds by 4.6%, and those from a low socio-economic background by 7.1%

Council delivered 10,120m2 of new footpaths and resolved more than 37,000 service requests, reinforcing Council’s commitment to safer, more accessible public spaces and responsive community service.
Darebin’s Creative Culture team supported events attended by more than 161,000 people. This included 418 public performances, exhibitions or events involving 1,069 artists.
Several kindergarten infrastructure expansion projects were delivered in partnership with the State Government. Together, these projects will increase local kindergarten capacity by 65 places.

Construction started on Maryborough Avenue Kindergarten, which will increase the capacity of the centre by 38 places. Works were scheduled to be completed by early 2026.
Works started on the construction of the new KP Hardiman Pavilion and were progressing per the construction program. Estimated completion date was December 2025.
Construction of the John Hall Reserve Pavilion was completed. The new pavilion was fully operational, with tenant clubs having taken possession and started use of the facility.

Around 32,000 indigenous plants were planted within our parks and reserves as part of the Rewilding Darebin Program. The program involves establishing 50,000 plants from previous years.
Council’s new fleet of waste service vehicles feature lower emissions, advanced safety systems, increased capacity, and a compact design, improving environmental outcomes and service delivery with less disruption to communities.
Council transitioned all pool passenger vehicles to electric vehicles, reducing emissions and supporting sustainability.

Monitoring of water quality continued throughout the year through the Darebin Waterwatch Program, facilitated by the Merri Creek Management Committee. New rewilding was established along the creek corridor and throughout Edwardes Lake in partnership with environmental community groups.
250 people were directly supported to manage heat stress as part of Council’s renewed Climate Emergency Plan.

An extensive, in-depth community engagement and communications campaign was designed and delivered to ensure widespread participation from across the community for our new Council Plan.
Work started to improve Council’s digital systems and processes. The program aims to make connecting and communicating with Council easier and simpler. Streamlined processes and increased access to information will help Council to better monitor and respond to enquiries from community members.
83% of all pools within the municipality have been registered, up from roughly 6% at the start of 2024.

Council renewed its 10 Year Asset Plan and 10 Year Financial Plan. These important documents were adopted at Council on 30 June 2025.
Darebin continued drainage asset condition inspections to support the early detection of damage and deterioration. All the field data collection work planned for the year was completed.