Learn about how our services did and how the community used them in the 2023-24 financial year.

Our vision represents our commitment to the community outlined in our Boroondara Community Plan 2021-31.

Our purpose and values describe how we'll work together to achieve our goals for the community.

Vision

A sustainable and inclusive community.

Purpose

We work together to deliver the community priorities and place our customers at the centre of everything we do.

Values

Our 6 values support our vision and purpose. They’re shown in everything we do, including how we talk to each other and how we show up for our customers. You can read about these values on Our values page.

Our role as a council

The City of Boroondara is established through and governed by the Local Government Act 2020 and is committed to our community’s vision to create ‘a sustainable and inclusive community’. 

Planning

Working directly with the community to ensure community needs are anticipated and met, now and into the future.

Delivering

Directly delivering services, programs or facilities at the local level.

Partnering

Working collaboratively with residents, community groups, the State and Federal Governments and other stakeholders to facilitate desired outcomes and build community capacity.

Advocating

Taking into account the diverse needs of our community and representing community interests to influence industry, peak bodies, associations​ and State and Federal government decision-making.

City profile

Boroondara has an estimated residential population of 174,537 people (as of 30 June 2023). Our residents were born in more than 150 countries and speak more than 120 languages. Boroondara has one of the highest concentrations of schools of all Victorian local government areas.

You can find out more about our demographics in the City of Boroondara Community Profile on the id Community website.

We have 53 shopping centres and strips, with the main shopping strips located at:

• Camberwell Junction
• Glenferrie Road
• Hawthorn
• Kew Junction.

In 2021, a quarter of our residents earned $2,000 or more per week and 19% of our residents were volunteers.

Council wards and councillors

The City of Boroondara has 11 Council wards. Individual councillors, elected by community members for a 4-year term of office, represent them. Our wards and councillors are:

• Lynden Ward - Cr Lisa Hollingsworth (Mayor) 
• Cotham Ward - Cr Felicity Sinfield (Deputy Mayor) 
• Bellevue Ward - Cr Jim Parke
• Gardiner Ward - Cr Victor Franco
• Glenferrie Ward - Cr Wes Gault
• Junction Ward - Cr Di Gillies
• Maling Ward - Cr Jane Addis
• Maranoa Ward - Cr Cynthia Watson
• Riversdale Ward - Cr Susan Biggar
• Solway Ward - Cr Garry Thompson
• Studley Ward - Cr Nick Stavrou.

You can find out more on our Mayor and councillors page.

Our organisational structure

Our Executive Leadership Team includes our CEO, 4 directors and 3 senior leaders. The team members are:

• Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Storer
• Director Community Support, Kate McCaughey
• Director Urban Living, Scott Walker
• Director Places and Spaces, Daniel Freer
• Director Customer and Transformation, Mans Bassi (July 2023–January 2024)
• Executive Manager People, Culture and Development, Mary-Anne Palatsides
• Chief Financial Officer (Acting), Sapphire Allan
• Manager Governance and Legal, Bryan Wee.

You can find out more about our current Executive Leadership Team on our CEO and executive team page.

This is a summary of our performance for the FY2023-24. You can find more information in our Financial Report and Performance Statement from our Independent Auditor in the full annual report.

Obligations

Council ensures it maintains infrastructure assets at expected levels while continuing to deliver the services needed by the community. We invested $50.24 million in renewal works including the renewal of buildings ($15.80 million), roads ($13 million) and drainage ($6.22 million) during 2023-24. This was funded from capital grants of $7.6 million and cash flow from operations of $42.64 million. At the end of 2023-24, Council’s loans and borrowings repayment ratio — measured by comparing interest-bearing loans and borrowing repayments to rate revenue — was 5.45%. This decreased significantly to the prior year value of 14.75%. The increased percentage in 2022-23 is due to the full repayment of the NAB loan balance. All existing borrowings are projected to be repaid by 2033.

Asset renewal ratio is measured by comparing asset renewal and upgrade expenditure to depreciation and was 134% in 2023-24. This is an increase on previous years due to a review of the timing of planned renewal projects, resulting in some planned works being deferred to be undertaken in future years.

This section is our primary means of advising the Boroondara community about our operations and performance during the financial year. For further detail, download the full Annual Report. 

Economic factors

The Council is currently dealing with a tough economic situation, with rising costs due to high inflation affecting everything from construction to everyday services. This means things are getting more expensive so we've had to adjust our budget and financial plans accordingly. Residents might be feeling the pinch too, with higher living costs impacting household budgets and spending.

Despite these challenges, we've managed our finances well and ended the year positively. This is crucial as it helps us keep up with the need to update and maintain our community facilities.

In the construction sector, costs have gone up since COVID-19, which affects our infrastructure projects and maintenance work. We're also facing a shortage of skilled workers, which, along with the rising costs of materials, makes it tough to keep up with the demand for new housing and other essential services.

Our leisure and aquatic facilities are slowly seeing more people come back after COVID-19, but numbers are still not as high as they were before the pandemic. We're working hard to boost community involvement and make the most of these spaces. Also, the roof collapse at the Kew Recreation Centre has delayed its reopening, which affects our income.

The Victorian State Government has big plans to build 2 million new homes by 2051 to provide affordable housing and manage the growing population. This will increase the demand for our parks, sports facilities, and other infrastructure, requiring careful planning and resources.

On a positive note, higher interest rates mean we're earning more from our cash reserves, and our fixed-rate loans give us stability in our repayments.

In short, Boroondara is facing increased costs that are putting pressure on our services and facilities. At the same time, we need to keep our assets in good shape. The challenge is even greater because of the revenue cap imposed by the State Government, a cap that doesn't apply to them.

Major projects

Our major projects included:

• Kew Recreation Centre redevelopment ($1.5 million in FY2023-24)
• Tuck Stand ($1.29 million in FY2023-24)
• Kew Library Redevelopment ($423k in FY2023-24)
• Canterbury Community Precinct ($924k in in FY2023-24).

Performance by priority themes

The Boroondara Community Plan 2021–31 (the Plan) outlines 7 themes our community told us were important in 2017. In 2020-21, our community told us these themes still represent what they want us to focus on over the next 10 years.

Highlights of our FY2023-24 performance are on the following pages. 

At the heart of our community, we value safe, clean public spaces where everyone can come together, learn​ and enjoy activities. We appreciate having facilities and events that cater to all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of connection and harmony. We also value health and wellbeing services that support every member of our community, especially those who need it most. Our strategic objective is to ensure that our community services and facilities are high quality, sustainable, inclusive and strengthen our collective resilience.

Major achievement

Through major initiative 1.4, we improved community spaces by demolishing the Ferguson Stand to make it easier to see and move between Glenferrie Precinct and Grace Park.

Glenferrie Oval in Hawthorn project

Glenferrie Oval in Hawthorn is one of Boroondara's most loved sporting and community precincts. We’re investing in several upgrades across the precinct to bring new life back to its community spaces and facilities.

One of the upgrades included the creation of a new open space. The old Ferguson Stand was demolished in mid-2023. It now has 500 square metres of new open space for the community. 

A landscape design plan for the new open space was made in consultation with the community to make sure it meets their needs now and in the future. The new space is now open to the community to enjoy. 

Highlights for the year

• Completed the Canterbury Community Precinct, including the Maling Heritage Centre, Lewin Reserve Pavilion in Glen Iris and Anderson Park Community Centre in Hawthorn East.
• Lewin Reserve Pavilion won silver in the Melbourne Design Award 2024 for Architecture - Public and Institutional. The building includes sustainable elements such as solar panels, all-electric heat pumps and underground rainwater tanks, and is used by sports clubs and U3A.
• Awarded construction contracts for the Willsmere Park Pavilion in Kew East, Canterbury Sportsground Pavilion in Surry Hills and JJ McMahon Kindergarten in Balwyn.
• Adopted and launched the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024-28.
• Conducted the first 2 LGBTQIA+ community roundtables to gather insights on how to make Boroondara more welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Completed the Sport and Recreation Inclusion Guide. The guide gives advice, resources, and practical ways for clubs to help everyone join.
• The Sport and Youth Awards were held to honour the important work of local sports clubs and the important roles of young people in the Boroondara community.
• Boroondara libraries attracted over 800,000 visitors and recorded more than 6 million interactions, including visits, loans, and program attendance, during the reporting period.
• Boroondara Arts successfully concluded its 2024 season of 'Summer in the Park', receiving widespread community acclaim. Spanning 6 weekends from 3 February to 10 March, the series featured:
  • Boroondara’s picturesque parks and gardens held 16 free events, drawing a total of 5,300 attendees. Notably, ‘Jazz in the Park’ in St James Park, Hawthorn, achieved a record-breaking attendance of over 1,300 people, more than double the previous year.
  • Performances such as the opera 'L’Elisir d’amore' (The Elixir of Love) at Canterbury Gardens, the Boroondara Seniors Film Festival and a screening of 'ET: The Extra-Terrestrial' at Riversdale Park. Additionally, the Hawthorn Pipe Band performed at Fairview Park, a Guzheng concert was held at Read Gardens and a theatrical production 'Not Another Shakespeare in the Park' by the Arts ETC Collective was featured at Summerhill Park.
  • An increase in community satisfaction from 94% to 96% in 2024. Attendees' satisfaction rate for our park and garden venues reached an impressive 95%, reflecting high praise for event settings and the overall organisation.

In Boroondara, we're proud of our beautiful parks and open spaces and we're committed to protecting them. Seating, playgrounds, toilets, shade​ and recreation facilities make these spaces even more enjoyable for everyone. It's where we connect, exercise, relax​ and appreciate nature. Our strategic objective is to ensure these green and open spaces are available, well-used​ and continually enhanced for the benefit of all.

Major achievement

Through major initiative 2.2, we improved recreational opportunities for children and families by finishing construction of the Hays Paddock regional playground.

Hays Paddock playground upgrade project

Hays Paddock regional playground opened in 1998 as one of Australia’s first inclusive playgrounds and remains one of Boroondara’s most popular. Located in Kew East, the playground was recently upgraded due to its age and condition. 

Following extensive consultation with the original playground founders, leaders and experts in the disability sector, and our community during 2021 and 2022, a design for the new playground was finalised. The new playground design continues to prioritise inclusion and ‘side-by-side’ play for children of all abilities. 

Construction of the new playground began in mid-2023 and will be completed in July 2024.

Highlights for the year

• Successful completion of sportsground reconstructions at: Lynden Park East, Dorothy Laver Reserve West, Ashburton Park, and Victoria Road.
• Adoption and endorsement of the Koonung Creek Reserve Master Plan design in February 2024.
• Successful delivery of our extensive capital works program, encompassing a variety of projects such as roads, drainage systems, playgrounds, streetscapes, sports pavilions​ and community facilities.

In our community, we're passionate about being leaders in environmental sustainability and preparing for the impacts of climate change. We’re eager to embrace new recycling and waste management practices to honour our commitment to the environment. Protecting our natural surroundings is a top priority, to ensure they stay healthy and resilient for generations to come. Our strategic objective is to keep the environment at the centre of every decision we make.

Major achievement

Through major initiative 3.2, we have actioned the 2023-24 targets of the Climate Action Plan Implementation Plan to reduce Council and community emissions.

Climate Action Plan Implementation Plan

We’ve made significant progress towards our Climate Action Plan targets of 61 actions in the 2023-24 Implementation Plan. Our aims include:

• achieving carbon neutrality for the Council
• reducing community emissions
• supporting the liveability of our City
• informing and encouraging residents to take action.

We completed 55 actions and started on the remaining 6, with key achievements including:

• installing the first Council-owned EV (electric vehicle) charging stations
• purchasing 100% renewable energy for all Council-owned facilities and lighting
• hosting 79 community sustainability events
• planting over 2,000 trees
• installing solar panels on 22 Council-owned community buildings.

Highlights for the year

• In September 2023, Council adopted the second Climate Action Plan implementation plan.
• The Heavy Leaf program successfully collected and recycled approximately 1,400 tonnes of autumn leaves.
• The introduction of the Bin Maintenance Application has provided multiple community benefits, including time savings for staff and faster response times for residents, while also supporting environmental sustainability through paperless operations.
• In May 2024, Council approved the Boroondara Tree Protection Local Law, enhancing the protection of the area’s tree canopy and introducing stricter penalties for violations.
• The launch of a new fortnightly e-newsletter, the ‘Fortnightly Feed’, aims to keep the community informed about local news and events.

In Boroondara, we cherish our local heritage and appreciate efforts to preserve the unique character of our neighbourhoods. We value careful regulation of new development and diversity in housing size and affordability. These aspects contribute to Boroondara's charm, making it a wonderful place to live, work​ and play. Our strategic objective is to protect our heritage and respect Boroondara's character while encouraging well-designed, appropriate development.

Major achievement

Through major initiative 4.3, we started a Community Heritage Nomination Process to assist with protecting and celebrating Boroondara’s heritage.

Community Heritage Nomination Process implementation

The Municipal Wide Heritage Gap Study was finished in 2022. It protected an extra 5,000 of Boroondara’s heritage places, making the total number of places with heritage protection over 14,629.

We understand how important Boroondara’s heritage is to our community and that you might want to suggest potential properties for heritage consideration. So, we created a new way to let our community nominate places for heritage assessment. 

In May 2023, we launched this new process which formalises how we receive and consider community heritage nominations, while ensuring greater visibility. 

Highlights for the year

• Implementation of a new Tree Protection Local Law to improve landscaping outcomes on development sites and maintain neighbourhood character and amenity across the municipality.
• The Boroondara Design Excellence Guide was released in October 2023 to communicate the City of Boroondara’s expectations for high design standards for new developments, places and spaces in the municipality.
• The level crossing removal works at Union Road, Surrey Hills were completed by the Level Crossing Removal Project in late 2023, with the train line put in a trench under Union Road. The removal of the dangerous level crossing, the site of a tragic double fatality, has improved road safety for all users of Union Road. The new Union Station, which replaced both the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert train stations, and new open space at Union Road, funded by both the Council and State Government, was opened on 12 November 2023. Vibrant landscaping extends along the rail corridor and into the pocket park at Montrose Street.

In Boroondara, we appreciate having a variety of public, private and active transport options to get around. We value initiatives that help reduce traffic congestion and provide safe, connected routes for cycling and walking, including well-maintained footpaths. These measures make life easier, save time​ and help the environment. They improve our quality of life at every stage. Our strategic objective is to ensure that travel options are safe, efficient​ and accessible, with a focus on encouraging active and public transport.

Major achievement

Through major initiative 5.3, we have made our integrated bicycle network better by progressively implementing a range of on-road infrastructure initiatives.

Integrated bicycle network project

We upgraded the existing on-road bike lanes and installed safer intersection treatments along Willsmere Road and Kilby Road (between Earl Street and Burke Road) in Kew and Kew East.

The project has made roads safer by making it harder for cars and bicycle riders to get into each other’s way. Different traffic treatments are used for each section. These include green-painted bicycle lanes, edge line markings, extended ‘No Stopping’ zones, low-profile concrete kerbs, and double chevrons. We continue to gather feedback from bicycle user groups and stakeholders, with similar improvements proposed at other locations in Boroondara (pending budget approval).

Highlights of the year

• Replaced the northern land bridge section of the Walmer Street Bridge, which opened on 21 December 2023. 
• Energy-efficient lighting was put in along the Anniversary Trail between Whitehorse Road and Mont Albert Road. This will make it easier to use and safer for people who use it.

In our community, we love our shopping strips​ — places where we can shop, catch up with friends​ and enjoy a meal close to home. We love supporting local businesses and would like to see more diverse shops open in our neighbourhoods. This lets us live locally and helps create a bustling local economy. Our strategic objective is to support local businesses and make our shopping precincts even more vibrant and welcoming for everyone.

Major achievement

Through major initiative 6.3, we presented the Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan to Council for endorsement, commencement of work on associated planning scheme amendments and implementation of short-term initiatives to increase the vibrancy of the Camberwell Junction precinct.

Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan

The Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan is our guide to uplift Camberwell Junction to be more vibrant, inspiring and community focused. Camberwell Junction is a vital activity centre for Melbourne’s eastern suburbs — for shopping, employment, public transport, services and housing. 

The popularity of the centre as a shopping, working and living destination is expected to continue growing. Census data from 2021 showed that Camberwell Junction was home to 2,500 residents in 1,200 homes — this is projected to increase to 5,800 residents and an additional 1,500 homes by 2051. 

The Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide future private development proposals and public realm upgrades in Camberwell Junction. It details improvements across the centre, including along Burke Road and public spaces outside the fresh food market. Implementation will occur over the next few years.

Highlights for the year

• The Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan was adopted by Council in early 2024. The planning scheme amendments related to this plan are currently with the Victorian Minister for Planning for authorisation.
• The Glenferrie Place Plan was adopted by Council in late 2023, with implementation on key projects now underway.
• The Economic Development Strategy was successfully adopted on 26 February 2024.

In Boroondara, we appreciate having strong, respectful leaders in Council who make transparent decisions and manage resources carefully. We like to be involved and informed about Council services and facilities to ensure everyone benefits and has a say. We also value Council advocating for community priorities and keeping us in the loop. Our strategic objective is to ensure that all decisions are financially and socially responsible, made through transparent and ethical processes.

Major achievement

Through major initiative 7.4, we started building our new Strategic Asset management system to enable effective strategic management of Council assets.

Strategic asset management system

In 2023, we introduced new online software to improve our financial management of assets across Boroondara. 

The software uses predictive modelling, which helps our team understand and plan for more effective asset renewal or maintenance for a variety of Council managed assets. 

The predictive modelling helps to guide financial decisions on when is the best time to invest in repairing an asset to extend the life of our infrastructure and avoid costly replacements. These assets include:

• roads and footpaths
• bridges
• traffic management devices (such as speed humps)
• buildings
• storm water drains
• open space assets (such as playgrounds, pavilions and sportsgrounds).

By including data in our decision making, we can ensure that funds are allocated in a socially responsible way across Boroondara. 

The ultimate benefit is to our community who will have infrastructure that'll meet your expectations and remain fit for purpose for longer. 

Highlights for the year

• Council has strengthened its strategic partnership with Swinburne University of Technology through its 3-year Memorandum of Understanding.
• Improvements were made to Council’s website, including the enhancement and streamlining of e-forms, making it easier for the community to find necessary information.
• Promotion of consultations increased to improve the way Council consults and engages. Community members were encouraged to sign up for email alerts about new consultations on the Your Say website as well as trialling a new translation tool.
• The target average speed of customer calls answered of 45 seconds was achieved for the financial year, surpassing the performance of other councils, according to the Australian Customer Experience Professionals Association.
• Significant navigational and structural improvements were made to the Council website to align with customer needs and facilitate more effective pathways for information and service discovery. This resulted in increased online engagement, reduced bounce rates​ and reduced usage of the ‘Contact us’ feature.
• Council’s long-term infrastructure renewal program was developed, including the use of specialist software to forecast future asset condition and performance based on given investments.
• The implementation of the upgraded Asset Management software, Conquest 4, has enabled field-based officers to record asset data, address customer requests and fulfill work orders in real time.

We provide leadership and good governance to the municipal district and the local community.

Our role includes:

• taking into account the diverse needs of our community in decision-making
• providing leadership by establishing strategic objectives and monitoring achievements
• ensuring resources are managed in a responsible and accountable manner
• advocating the interests of our community to other communities and governments
• fostering community cohesion and encouraging active participation in civic life.

We maintain strong relationships with other tiers of government, neighbouring councils, and organisations such as electricity and water distributors.

Council meetings and delegated committees

Attendance

Council meetings are open to the public and usually scheduled on the fourth Monday of each month. In accordance with the requirements of the Governance Rules, additional, unscheduled Council meetings may be called when required.

In FY2023-24, we held 18 Council meetings. The table below shows how many Council meetings each councillor attended. It also shows the Council meetings where councillors had leave of absence from the Council and were not present at the meeting.

Conflicts of interest

We require conflicts of interest to be disclosed by councillors, members of delegated committees, Council officers and contractors. The procedures for making disclosures vary depending on the role and circumstances, but they generally involve disclosing the relevant interest in accordance with the Governance Rules and then stepping aside from the relevant decision-making process or from the exercise of the public duty.

During FY2023-24, 17 conflicts of interest were declared at Council and Delegated Committee meetings.

Councillor allowances and expenses

Allowances paid to each councillor during the year are in the table below, along with councillor expenses for FY2023-24.

Councillors are reimbursed for expenses incurred while performing their duties. Expenses can be broken down into the following categories:

• Information and communication
• Accommodation and travel
• Professional development
• Other expenses (including levies and charges, membership fees, minor equipment purchases, general administration​ and childcare expenses).

A breakdown of these expenses is available in the complete Annual report.

This section provides an update on work undertaken by Council's external advisory committees. 

Audit and risk committee

The Audit and Risk Committee oversees and monitors the effectiveness of Council in carrying out its responsibilities for accountable financial management, good corporate governance, maintaining an effective system of internal control and risk management and fostering an ethical environment.

The committee meets 4 times a year. Recommendations from each Audit and Risk Committee meeting are subsequently reported to and considered by Council.

Internal audit

The following internal audit reviews were conducted as part of the internal audit plan for FY2023-24:

• follow up review
• privacy and third-party management of information
• Special Rate and Charge Schemes
• Road Management Plan
• rates management
• cyber security maturity assessment
• contract management
• management of contaminated land
• Major Project management
• immunisation management.

External audit

We are audited externally by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO).

Council external advisory committees

Arts and Culture

Boroondara Arts Advisory Committee update

The Boroondara Arts Advisory Committee met twice this year, in March and June. Items considered by the councillor committee members included:

• committee purpose and objectives
• deaccession items for Town Hall Gallery collection
• acquisition items via donation for Town Hall Gallery collection.

Boroondara Eisteddfod Advisory Committee update

The Eisteddfod Advisory Committee met twice this year, in March and May. Items considered by the committee included:

• final preparations and confirmation of details for the start of the 2024 Boroondara Eisteddfod
• future consideration for entry scholarships or hardship funding for people who aren’t able to enter the competition due to financial barriers.

Community Planning and Development

Boroondara Community Safety Advisory Committee update

The Boroondara Community Safety Advisory Committee (BCSAC) met twice this year, in February and May. The following agenda items were discussed at the most recent meeting:

• a presentation from the Department of Justice and Community Safety and Department of Families, Fairness and Housing on community safety and social connection at the Markham Avenue Public Housing Estate 
• a presentation on the renewal of the Boroondara Community Plan
• an update on Council's activities related to graffiti management 
• an update from Victoria Police about current crime and safety issues in Boroondara.

Boroondara Community Strengthening Grants Assessment Panel update 

The Community Strengthening Grants Review Panel met in April and twice in May to review the Small Grant applications.‌ The recommended funding allocations were presented to Council on 24 June 2024 for endorsement. 

Applications for the 2024-25 Annual Community Strengthening Grants are being assessed in late 2024.

Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee update

The Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee met twice this year, in March and June. The following agenda items were discussed at the most recent meeting:

• a presentation on healthy eating, food systems and the environment
• a presentation and discussion on the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan renewal and relevant data
• a presentation on the Boroondara Community Plan renewal.

Community Disability Advisory Committee

The Boroondara Community Disability Advisory Committee met twice this year, in February and May. The following agenda items were discussed at the most recent meeting:

• an update on the Disability Inclusion Employment Program
• a presentation of the new website pages for Boroondara disability access and inclusion
• a presentation on the renewal of the Boroondara Community Plan.

Health and Wellbeing Services

Liveable Communities

Marketplace Development Fund (MDF) update

The MDF meets regularly to decide on expenditure to promote Camberwell on Sundays. This year they met 7 times, in July, September, October, November, February, April and June. They successfully delivered high-profile events and activities including:

• Jazz at Camberwell Sunday Market, July 2023
• Kylie and Dannii Appreciation Day, October 2023
• Santa at Camberwell Sunday Market, December 2023
• Easter Bunny at Camberwell Sunday Market, April 2024.