As part of the new Local Government Act 2020 all Victorian Councils are required to have a long-term vision developed by their community. Although Greater Dandenong City Council already had a vision in place for 2030 that states “Greater Dandenong is a safe and vibrant city of opportunity for all – to visit, work, live and play”, the development of the new Council Plan and the requirements of the Act provided the perfect opportunity to review this vision and create a new one for 2040.
This project became the focus for a group of community members called the Greater Dandenong People’s Panel.
Who is the Greater Dandenong People’s Panel?
8,000 community members were randomly invited to register their interest for a community panel to develop a new vision and provide recommendations to Council on community priorities. Of the 157 registrations received, a group of 31 residents and business owners were selected to take part. This group was representative of the diversity in our city in many categories including age, gender, household type and country of birth.
The panel spent four days discussing the future vision for our city and how Council can balance the community's diverse needs. They reviewed community engagement responses, read reports about Council’s ongoing challenges and commitments and heard from experts in a number of key areas relevant to our city. After many discussions and debates the panel members then agreed on a vision and presented this to Councillors in May.
Greater Dandenong’s new Community Vision
The new community vision as created by the panel is:
The City of Greater Dandenong is a home to all. It’s a city where you can enjoy and embrace life through celebration and equal opportunity.
We harmonise the community by valuing multiculturalism and the individual. Our community is healthy, vibrant, innovative and creative.
Our growing city is committed to environmental sustainability.
Welcome to our exciting and peaceful community.
The vision captures the hopes and aspirations of the panel and our broader community. It will influence Council’s decision making and its priorities for the next Council Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan.
As part of the process the panel also developed six key principles which support this vision:
- Safe and peaceful community
- Education, training, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities
- Sustainable environment
- Embrace diversity and multiculturalism
- Mind, Body and Spirit
- Art and Culture
To read more about this process and the key principles visit Council Plan 2021-25.
