Melbourne has proved itself as one of the most resilient cities in the world as businesses and residents worked tirelessly to reopen and reignite the city three times this year.
There is no better way to wrap up the year than to reflect upon and celebrate our achievements from 2021.
In November, the City of Melbourne kicked off the biggest Christmas Festival the city has ever seen – and celebrations continued into the New Year with localised fireworks shows at celebration zones, and the return of the city’s much-loved New Year Street Feasts.
Around 80,000 people flocked to the city last night, with the vast majority of revellers celebrating safely.
Council also handed down its biggest ever budget – with $4.8 million in rates relief, and record spending on capital works, including delivering new green neighbourhood parks in Southbank, continuing work to revitalise the Queen Victoria Market precinct and making the Melbourne City Baths sparkle once more.
Other notable achievements from the 2021 highlight reel included:
- 11,000 jabs administered at the Town Hall vaccination hub, supporting the most vulnerable people in the municipality
- More than 19,000 conversations between the Business Concierge team and city businesses
- More than $61 million flowing back into hospitality businesses thanks to two serves of Melbourne Money
- Nearly $1 million in waived outdoor dining fees, supporting more than 1,500 city business owners
- Over 600 tonnes of organic waste diverted from landfill and made into compost, as part of the new Food Organics and Garden Organics waste service
- Signing the Declaration of Recognition and Commitment to advance the city’s reconciliation journey with Aboriginal peoples
- Game-changing plans revealed for the city-shaping Greenline project – running along the north bank of the river, from the MCG to the Bolte Bridge
- 37 laneways transformed with three more on their way, and over 165 jobs created through the Flash Forward initiative
- 15,000 hot meals delivered to City of Melbourne residents in COVID-19 isolation
- 870 planning permits approved
- Plans revealed for a leading Power Melbourne community battery project
- Tens of thousands of attendees welcomed back to the city for exciting events, including Melbourne Fashion Week and Melbourne Music Week
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“The way we all worked together and continued delivering for our community during the most challenging and testing times is something every Victorian can be incredibly proud of. To every worker, business owner and volunteer – thank you.
“We have an ambitious agenda to get on with in 2022, and our highlight reel demonstrates that we can and will thrive no matter what comes our way.
“We were thrilled to ring in the New Year with tens-of-thousands of revellers who enjoyed localised fireworks and live entertainment from our Celebration Zones, and a spectacular dining experience at our New Year Street Feasts.”
