http://www.martinjohntaylor.com/

Cr Martin John Taylor, Councillor & Former Mayor for the City of Whittlesea, PO Box 550, South Morang (2026)

07/09/2026

Today, I have commenced writing to State Government representatives and endorsed candidates contesting the upcoming Victorian Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council elections for electorates and regions that include the South Morang Ward and surrounding communities.

I am doing so in my individual capacity as your Councillor for the South Morang Ward, directly raising the concerns, priorities and issues that residents across our Ward continue to bring to me.

Community safety matters. Residents want stronger action on rising categories of crime, more visible policing, adequate frontline police resources, police station watch houses and public counters open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, appropriate law reform, safer streets and public spaces, and a much stronger response to the continuing problem of illegal rubbish dumping.

These concerns are being raised with me by residents, families, community organisations and local businesses across the South Morang Ward.

Our community is growing rapidly. With that growth comes a clear responsibility to ensure policing, community safety resources, environmental enforcement capability, infrastructure and essential government services keep pace with the needs of our growing population.

I will continue this advocacy and correspondence to ensure that relevant State Government representatives and candidates are directly informed of the priorities, concerns and expectations being raised by residents across the South Morang Ward.

The South Morang Ward deserves services, infrastructure and resources that keep pace with the growth and changing needs of our community.

As your Councillor, I will continue to listen, represent your concerns and advocate for practical action that strengthens community safety, protects local amenity and supports the future of the South Morang Ward and the broader City of Whittlesea.

06/09/2026

Community connections are built through respect, service and genuine engagement.

Recently at Council, I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives of the North Victorian Sri Lankan Association, NVSLA, an active organisation doing valuable work supporting seniors and strengthening connections within our Sri Lankan community.

I was honoured to receive a copy of the commemorative book produced for the NVSLA Dinner Dance in August. It is a wonderful record of the Association, its people, culture and contribution to our wider community.

I was particularly humbled to discover that comments I had previously written to my friends at NVSLA had been published in the book. Those words reflected my genuine appreciation for the diversity, goodwill and community spirit that NVSLA represents.

We spoke for more than an hour about supporting seniors, preserving cultural connections, strengthening community participation and the important contribution the North Victorian Sri Lankan Association community continues to make across our great he City of Whittlesea and Melbourne’s north.

My sincere thanks to the NVSLA committee and members for their warm welcome, goodwill and dedicated voluntary service.

I greatly value our continuing friendship and look forward to joining the NVSLA community again at their next function.

06/09/2026

To me, it doesn’t matter which role I’m stepping into on any particular day, whether serving as your Councillor for the South Morang Ward, working as a Barrister and Solicitor, or fulfilling my responsibilities as a General Counsel.

Each role brings different challenges, responsibilities and expectations.

But my mindset remains the same.

Every morning is a sunny morning.

A new day is another opportunity to turn up, do the work, solve problems, serve others and make a positive difference.

The title may change.

The work may change.

The responsibility may change.

The attitude does not.

And on this Father’s Day, I extend my best wishes to all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, father figures and those who provide guidance, support and leadership within their families and communities.

Happy Father’s Day to all.

05/09/2026

What a fantastic day for our local kids at Mill Park Leisure Centre - Today I attended the Spin for the Kids 12 Hour Spinathon, and the energy, enthusiasm and community spirit throughout the centre were outstanding.

Running from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm, this important fundraiser is helping local children experiencing financial disadvantage gain access to fully funded Learn to Swim lessons and essential water safety education.

This is about far more than just a day of cycling. It is about giving children confidence in the water, helping families who may otherwise struggle with the cost of lessons, and making sure more young people in our community have the opportunity to learn skills that can genuinely save lives.

It was terrific to catch up with Ryan, Venue Manager, and Emilia, Assistant Manager, together with the hardworking Mill Park Leisure staff team who had the centre absolutely pumping.

I also enjoyed speaking with riders taking on the challenge, families cheering them on and community members coming through the doors specifically to donate and support this very important cause.

I was honoured to address the large crowd in attendance, draw the winning raffle ticket and share the fantastic news that, through everyone’s hard work and generosity, the fundraising target had not only been achieved, but exceeded.

That result says a great deal about the generosity, commitment and community spirit of the people who supported this event.

A special congratulations to Ryan, Emilia and the entire Mill Park Leisure team, along with every rider, donor, sponsor, volunteer and supporter who helped make the Spin for the Kids fundraiser such a success.

The Spinathon continues until 8:00 pm tonight. Please come down to Mill Park Leisure Centre and support Spin for the Kids. Every contribution helps provide local children with greater access to swimming lessons, water safety education, confidence and skills that can last a lifetime.

A great community, backing a great cause and delivering a great result for our local kids.

04/09/2026

As your Councillor for the South Morang Ward, I hear your concerns. Residents are telling me that they are frustrated and tired of seeing rubbish illegally dumped along our roadsides, in parks, beside waterways, across rural areas and throughout our public spaces.

I share those concerns and I'm taking action.

I continue to raise this issue directly with Council, government representatives, enforcement agencies and industry leaders because South Morang deserves continued, sustained, practical action.

I continue to advocate for a stronger approach to illegal rubbish dumping, one based on prevention, detection, enforcement, deterrence and accountability. advocating for a stronger approach to illegal rubbish dumping, one based on prevention, detection, enforcement, deterrence and accountability.

That means much needed law reform, investment in innovative technology that delivers measurable results, stronger investigation and enforcement capability, and intelligence led tri-council waste taskforce operations targeting known hotspots, organised crime dumping activity and repeat offenders.

It also means better use of modern surveillance and detection technology, tougher penalties, more prosecutions, full recovery of clean up and remediation costs from offenders, stronger corporate and director accountability, and affordable lawful waste disposal options for residents.

Cleaning up dumped rubbish after the damage has been done is not enough.

We must identify offenders, disrupt repeat offending, remove the financial incentive to dump illegally and ensure that those responsible, not our law abiding ratepayers, bear the financial consequences.

As your Councillor for the South Morang Ward, I will continue advocating for stronger laws, stronger enforcement and practical solutions.

I hear your concerns. I am continuing to take action. The City of Whittlesea is not a dumping ground.

I also welcome continued invitations to speak with local community groups, organisations and businesses about stronger environmental protection, effective waste management and the ongoing fight against illegal rubbish dumping. Contact me on: [email protected]

No more excuses. No more delay. No more illegal rubbish dumping.

Enough is enough.

Paid for, self-funded, produced and authorised by Martin John Taylor.

03/09/2026

Northern Business Achievement Awards Breakfast - Yesterday morning started early, with a 4:30 am rise and preparations for a busy day of Council duties before heading to the Northern Business Achievement Awards (NBAA) Breakfast at Novotel Melbourne Preston, commencing at 7:00 am.

The breakfast was hosted by the City of Whittlesea and Banyule City Council and, as always, was magnificently coordinated by NORTH Link, working in partnership with Melbourne’s northern councils, industry, education providers and government.

The NBAA continues to provide an important regional platform for recognising business excellence, celebrating innovation and achievement, and strengthening the relationships that support economic development and employment across Melbourne’s north.

Once again, the breakfast demonstrated the real value of bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, councils, educators, government representatives and community organisations from across our northern region. It creates an environment where ideas can be exchanged, achievements recognised, new relationships established and existing partnerships strengthened.

Importantly, the NBAA is about much more than presenting awards. It provides businesses with greater regional exposure, gives emerging and established business leaders an opportunity to share their experiences and creates meaningful connections between the private sector, local government, education and other organisations that can contribute to economic growth.

For me, these conversations are particularly valuable because they provide direct insight into the opportunities, challenges and emerging issues confronting businesses throughout the City of Whittlesea and Melbourne’s north.

That knowledge directly informs my role as your Councillor for the South Morang Ward and the City of Whittlesea, particularly when considering economic development, employment, infrastructure, investment, planning and the practical ways Council can better support our local business community.

The strength of the NBAA lies in bringing some of our region’s great business minds together in the same room to share knowledge, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and build the relationships necessary to create a stronger, more innovative and prosperous northern region.

I always look forward to attending each NBAA event because I invariably leave better informed, having gained new perspectives, strengthened important relationships and engaged with people who are helping shape the future of business and economic development across Melbourne’s north.

03/09/2026

The prestigious Mary Rogers Award provides an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding leadership in Victorian local government.

True leadership is not only measured by what we achieve ourselves. It is also demonstrated by our willingness to recognise excellence, acknowledge the contribution and skills of others and celebrate those whose service, commitment and leadership make a meaningful difference to their councils and communities.

Today, I attended Parliament House by invitation for the presentation of the Victorian Local Governance Association Mary Rogers Awards, where I had the opportunity to speak with the Minister for Local Government, Councillors and Mayors from across Victoria, and the Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, Dr Niki Vincent.

The Mary Rogers Award recognises outstanding women Councillors for their civic leadership, resilience, courage and commitment to serving their communities. It honours the legacy of Mary Rogers, the first woman elected to a Victorian municipal council in 1920 and celebrates the continuing contribution of women to local government, community representation and public service across Victoria.

Several months ago, I nominated Cr Christine Stow in recognition of her contribution to effective governance at the City of Whittlesea and her longstanding advocacy for women, carers and people whose lived experiences are too often underrepresented in council and civic decision making.

Today, Cr Stow made history for the City of Whittlesea as the first Councillor from Whittlesea City Council to be a nominee finalist for the prestigious Mary Rogers Award, presented by the Minister for Local Government and the President of the Victorian Local Governance Association.

That is a significant achievement and one worthy of genuine recognition. To be selected as a nominee finalist among outstanding women Councillors from across Victoria reflects not only Cr Stow’s individual contribution, but also the strength of her advocacy, her commitment to public service and the positive impact she has made through her work in local government.

My congratulations also go to Cr Melina Sehr of the City of Stonnington Council, the worthy recipient of the 2026 Mary Rogers Award, in recognition of her leadership, service and contribution to local government.

Today was a proud celebration of leadership, service and the significant contribution women continue to make to local government across Victoria. I was honoured to have been present and to witness that recognition firsthand.

02/09/2026

Growing plants. Building friendships. Developing tomorrow’s leaders - Since being elected to Council, visiting schools and speaking with students from primary school through to Year 12 has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

Today, I had the privilege of participating as a mentor in “Growing Leaders Together”, a three day program developed by the school for students in Years 5 and 6.

Through team challenges, shared responsibility and guided reflection, students learn to build trust, resolve disagreements respectfully and become positive young leaders.

On our first day, gardening provided the practical foundation. Repotting large plants meant sharing tasks, solving problems together and learning to listen to one another. Along the way, students developed gardening skills and explored sustainability and caring for our environment.

Each shared challenge created an opportunity to practise patience, cooperation and responsibility, and recognise the value of everyone’s contribution.

A highly successful first day of a school initiative that brings teamwork, friendship and leadership to life. Thank you to the staff and students for inviting me to play a part of and contribute to this wonderful program. It is a privilege to support our young people as they learn, grow, achieve and work together.

When we help young people grow in confidence, respect and leadership, we help build a stronger, more connected community.

01/09/2026

Nothing changes if we keep doing exactly what we have always done - Illegal rubbish dumping is a deliberate environmental crime, and our community and hard working ratepayers should not be forced to keep paying for the actions of crime offenders.

As your Councillor for South Morang Ward and the City of Whittlesea, I am advocating and calling for stronger action.

We need Tri Council Waste Management Taskforces with stronger investigative and enforcement powers. We need intelligence led operations targeting repeat offenders. We need modern technology including CCTV analytics, automatic number plate recognition, drones, satellite imagery, hotspot mapping, geospatial analysis and artificial intelligence to identify offenders and build evidence.

We need substantially stronger penalties, consistent prosecution, full cost recovery and court ordered remediation.

We also need law reform so company directors and responsible officers can be held personally accountable where they knowingly facilitate serious environmental crime. Vehicles, machinery and equipment used in serious or repeated offending should be liable to seizure, forfeiture and, where ordered by a court, destruction; and affordable lawful disposal options must also be available.

The message is simple.

The City of Whittlesea is not a dumping ground.

I believe that those who deliberately dump rubbish and waste must face real consequences.

Because enough is enough.

01/09/2026

Enough Is Enough - The Illegal Rubbish Dumping Must Stop. Our community is telling me, loudly and clearly, that they are sick and tired of rubbish being illegally dumped along our roadsides, throughout our parks, beside our waterways, across rural areas and in public spaces and I share that frustration.

Illegal rubbish dumping is deliberate environmental offending that damages our natural environment, threatens wildlife and public health, destroys community amenity and undermines confidence in our public spaces. It also consumes substantial Council resources and forces law abiding ratepayers to pay the cost of removing waste deliberately abandoned by irresponsible offenders.

Those who illegally dump rubbish must be identified, prosecuted and held financially responsible for the damage they cause to our community.

“I will not accept this becoming normal”.

As your Councillor for the South Morang Ward and the City of Whittlesea, I am confronting this issue directly. I continue to write to, meet with and press government representatives, enforcement agencies and industry leaders for decisive action consistent with Council’s endorsed Advocacy Prospectus 2025–29.

I am also demanding for my community:

1. Stronger investigative and enforcement powers including the formation of Tri Council Waste Management Taskforces in Victoria;

2. Intelligence led operations targeting repeat offenders;

3. Greater investment in cost saving and coordinated use of modern detection, intelligence and enforcement technologies, including geospatial analysis, spatiotemporal modelling, artificial intelligence assisted analysis, geographic information systems, hotspot mapping, satellite imagery, drones, mobile surveillance systems, CCTV analytics and automatic number plate recognition. These technologies should be used to identify dumping patterns, predict high risk locations, detect repeat offending, link vehicles and equipment to environmental crime scenes, preserve admissible evidence and support timely, intelligence led investigations and enforcement.

4. Substantially stronger penalties for illegal rubbish dumping, supported by consistent prosecution. Courts should have effective powers to order offenders to remediate the environmental damage they cause and repay the full costs of investigation, removal, transportation, clean up, rehabilitation and lawful waste disposal. The financial burden must fall on offenders not responsible ratepayers or the broader community;

5. Law Reform including relevant corporations and environmental protection laws to ensure that company directors and responsible officers can be held personally liable where they knowingly authorise, facilitate, conceal, or fail to take reasonable steps to prevent corporate involvement in serious environmental crime, including illegal rubbish dumping. Law reforms should also provide for the seizure, forfeiture and, where ordered by a court, destruction or crushing of vehicles, machinery and other equipment used in committing serious or repeated environmental crime illegal rubbish dumping offences; and

6. Affordable, lawful waste disposal alternatives that remove excuses for illegal rubbish dumping.

Those who deliberately dump waste must understand one thing, our City of Whittlesea municipality is not their dumping ground.

I believe offenders must be identified, held accountable and made to pay for the damage they cause. Government agencies, industry and councils must also work together instead of shifting responsibility while the problem grows as I have seen in other states of Australia.

I welcome continued invitations to address local groups, organisations and businesses about stronger environmental protection, effective waste management and the fight against illegal rubbish dumping. Contact me at [email protected].

No more excuses. No more delay. No more illegal rubbish dumping.

Because enough is enough.

Cr Martin John Taylor, Councillor & Former Mayor for the City of Whittlesea

07/09/2026

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