Mayor Paige Kennett - Knox Chandler Ward Councillor

30/08/2026

This weekend, something special happened.

(Trigger warning, this post discusses DV and the death of a local resident).

Two football teams came together, as rivals, but joined in a tribute, with the aim to raise awareness to the 46th woman lost to DV this year. Each small step towards awareness, opens up an important conversation.

Our community is absolutely devastated to hear that Knox resident and mother, Annmarie O’Reilly was tragically killed in her home Friday 21 August.

Every person has a right to safe and respectful relationships, that are free from violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, help is available. Contact 000 if in immediate danger, or contact:

1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732 the National DV counselling service.

Safe Steps - 1800 015 188 - 24/7 specialist support.

The Orange Door - 1800 271 150 - a service for adults, children and young people who are or have experienced DV.

MensLine Australia- 1300 78 99 78 - a free phone and online counselling service for men.

I send my deepest condolences to those knew and loved Annmarie.

Upper Ferntree Gully Football Netball Club
The Basin Football & Netball Club
Ferntree Gully Eagles Football & Netball Club - Senior Division

19/08/2026

We continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our residents to the State, for the expansion of the Container Deposit Scheme as an alternative to the proposed glass bin.

In Knox each month, residents deposit an average of 2.3million containers into the Container Deposit Scheme, and expanding this successful program is what 88% of respondents to a State wide survey said they want. We know that residents don’t want a fourth bin, we hear you. We have a working and successful alternative to the glass bin, that returns money to residents and communities, it makes sense to expand the program to get bigger benefits.

86% of Knox respondents have said no to a fourth household bin for glass recycling. The results are in from a statewide community survey on the Victorian Government’s proposed introduction of a separate purple glass recycling bin.

In Knox:
🟣 Nearly 86% of respondents opposed introducing a fourth household bin for glass
♻️ Nearly 88% supported expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles

Under current Victorian Government policy, councils are required to introduce a separate glass recycling bin to households by mid-2027. Independent modelling indicates this would cost approximately $27 per household each year.

Knox is one of 39 Victorian councils calling on the State Government to pause the requirement and further investigate expanding the Container Deposit Scheme as an alternative to a fourth household bin.

Knox residents are already recycling an average of 2.3 million eligible containers through the scheme each month.

The survey received more than 25,000 responses across Victoria, and the results have now been shared with the Victorian Government for consideration.

Read more about the results and Council’s advocacy: https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/news/community-council-oppose-costly-glass-bin

14/08/2026

Two important conversations are happening in Knox, and we want to hear from you.

Council is inviting residents to help shape our 2027/28 Annual Budget and our Open Space Strategy.

27/28 Annual Budget: What should Council prioritise? Where should we invest, and what services and projects matter most to you? Before we start drafting the 27/28 budget we’re asking you, what we should be prioritising. See us at Knox Library, tomorrow, Saturday 15th August 1030-1230pm.

Open Space Strategy: How should we plan for and invest in our parks, reserves and open spaces as Knox grows and changes? See us at State Basketball Centre, tomorrow, Saturday 15th August, 2-4pm.

Community consultation is important because these decisions affect where Council invests your rates and how we plan for the future.

If you have an idea, a priority or something you think we could do better, this is your opportunity to have your say.

See you there tomorrow!

12/08/2026

Meet the Mayor session - today between 1-3pm at the Civic Centre.

Come visit, have a cup of tea, share your thoughts.

You can also contact me on:
email at [email protected] or
phone/text on 0498-880-807

09/08/2026

Knox Advocacy - many of the biggest issues affecting Knox, including major roads, public transport, policing, planning and funding for community facilities, are decided by State or Federal Governments.

That’s why Council advocates on behalf of our community, through meetings, letters, partnerships and clear proposals for what Knox needs, all driven by what our residents tell us is important.

Now residents can see this work for themselves. Knox’s advocacy page includes our priorities, letters sent to government and the responses received.

It’s a useful way to see what Council is asking for, why it matters and how governments are responding.

🔗

Advocacy is a key responsibility of local government in today’s highly competitive environment for limited funds and resources.

06/08/2026

On Sunday, 3,500 plants and trees were planted at Lewis Park!

In it’s 30th year, National Tree Planting Day is Australia’s largest community nature-care event, with nearly 26 million trees and plants planted.

With help from 200 residents we got to planting while the Lions Club of Wantirna cooked up a storm of a sausage sizzle. Those 3,500 plants were planted within 45 minutes!

Next time you’re looking for somewhere to walk, check out the award winning Lewis Park creek walk, now with artwork, a habitat crossing and growing trees!

Interested in attending a future tree planting event? Keep an eye on the council events page. Free and welcome to all, we’d love to see you.

05/08/2026

This week, I joined Radio Eastern FM 98.1, for our regular interview segment.

We spoke about:
• Consultation on the 27/28 Annual Plan and Budget which is happening now (early and before the budget is drafted to genuinely include resident feedback);
• Advocacy leading up to the State Election (the council website has been updated with current advocacy items, including glass, safety and crime, library funding, Knox Historical Society, sports grounds/pavillions);
• Leisure Minor Capital Works Grants are currently open, so clubs and groups in Knox in a council building are encouraged to apply for capital items to improve their spaces);
• Info on the bin lid replacement program;
• Upcoming Business Networking Events (more info on the website); and
• Consultation on Knox’s Open Space Strategy, what do we want our open space to be.

I’ll be back on the radio in September, please let me know if any questions you have that you’d like me to answer.

04/08/2026

The She Connects Program, running with thanks to Coonara Community House, is hosting its 7th session, Positive Ageing, on Monday 24th August, all welcome. Book using info below.

This series of sessions are proudly supported through the Knox Council Grants Program.

02/08/2026

What should Knox parks look like in the future?

Yep, it’s a big question. We want to plan for our playgrounds, parks and reserves in the future, so we need to hear what is your wish for these spaces in the future.

I’ve attended 3 engagements and ideas I’ve heard so far include a yoga space, intergenerational playgrounds, reading nooks, bike tracks, fenced dog parks, and a giant slide! Tell us your ideas - open till 16 August.

Share your bold ideas for the future of parks, reserves, playgrounds and open spaces you love in Knox.

01/08/2026

The upgraded Tormore Pavilion is now open!

The original pavilion was built in 1976, prior to that it was a market garden, before turning into a reserve. Today it’s home to the Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club and the Boronia Cricket Club.

Projects like this are only possible through partnerships, so thanks to:
Mary Doyle MP and the Federal Government for the $5million contribution,
Jackson Taylor MP and the State Government for the $1.2million contribution.
Council also contributed over $180k and delivered the project.
We appreciate the investment in our local community.

The Boronia Football Netball and Cricket Clubs advocated to all 3 levels of government over several years; your efforts are acknowledged in the upgrades now delivered, so well done! The club also ran a ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign so members and supporters could contribute the project.

Congratulations to all involved. Great to see investment like this in our community.