Creating a more inclusive, cleaner and greener Hobsons Bay, where there are greater opportunities, particularly for people facing disadvantage, are among the highlights of Cr Matt Tyler’s mayoral program.
Cr Tyler, who was elected as mayor by his peers in November, announced his mayoral program at Tuesday night’s Council meeting. It is focused on six themes:
1. Enabling greater opportunities, particularly for people facing disadvantage
Cr Tyler intends to host the inaugural Hobsons Bay Youth Employment and Engagement Fair to help young people find work. He will also continue to advocate for improved youth mental health services in the west and increasing the supply of affordable housing.
2. Pursuing a cleaner and greener Hobsons Bay
Cr Tyler aims to implement several improvements to neighbourhood amenity, including a cleaning blitz for Seabrook and Altona Meadows, as well as prioritising the beautification of selected municipal roundabouts. There will also be a focus on adapting to climate change and advocating for the proposed Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre.
3. Building inclusion, cohesion, and connection
Cr Tyler will seek to engage leaders of Hobsons Bay religious groups to promote connection and shared understanding. He will also continue to support our LGBTQIA+ community, including through the Hobsons Bay Pride Community Liaison Group, and will engage the community on how we can improve inclusion and accessibility for people with a disability.
4. Progressing reconciliation with First Nations people
Cr Tyler will take action to strengthen the relationship with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. He will also aim to celebrate First Nations people’s histories and cultures by increasing the books, art, and education and awareness programs available through our libraries and programs.
5. Promoting Hobsons Bay as a tourism destination and facilitating activation of key trading strips
Under Cr Tyler’s leadership, a winter activation program will be promoted in key entertainment precincts, and he will seek to increase residents’ and visitors’ awareness of and ability to navigate our bike paths and shared trails.
6. Making ongoing improvements to customer service and raising awareness of Council services
Cr Tyler will support the launch of Council’s new community relationship management system, which will increase public transparency about the progress of enquiries. He will also launch Hobsons Bay 360 – a social media campaign that will give the community an in-depth understanding of the more than 100 vital services Council offers.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Matt Tyler:
“It’s an absolute privilege to be Mayor of this great community. I’m looking forward to meeting, recognising and working with so many great people who make Hobsons Bay an incredible place to live and visit.
“Like many of us, I want to be part of a community where we continue to look after each other, maintain great connections right across our community, and make the most of the opportunities we have in front of us so that Hobsons Bay is a more connected, inclusive and resilient place that we all take pride in.”
