Cerini Centre Social Housing Project.

Once again the Warburton Advancement League puts its case to Council. .... Yarra Ranges Council meeting 28th July 2026.

I sincerely thank WAL for their presentation, strong commitment both in advocacy and financially to the proposed Cerini Centre Social Housing Project.

What the Cerini Centre project has achieved:
The League has been trying to progress their Cerini Centre Project since 2021.
In practical terms, this isn’t just an idea on a whiteboard. The WAL task force has already :
· secured preliminary bushfire and arboricultural assessments;
· undertaken Quantity Surveyed development cost analysis;
· prepared concept designs for over 19 modular homes, ranging from one to four bedrooms;
· negotiated in-principle land sale arrangements with both the Victorian School Building Authority and the Catholic Archdiocese, which involved independent and government valuations; and
· raised $110,000 in community funding commitments towards planning and approval costs.

What WAL is asking of Council:
"The Cerini Centre project is financially viable and represents a responsible reuse of a derelict site.
We also believe it could serve as a model for how other regional communities can help address the housing crisis in their own towns.
Tonight, beyond asking for a renewed priority to address homelessness issues, I am asking Council to do two specific things:
1. Formally acknowledge the Cerini Centre Project as a priority social housing initiative for Warburton and the Upper Yarra in line with the previously documented Council reports.
2. Advocate through your networks with State agencies and registered housing providers for our project, or, at the very least, partner with us to help us by advocating with the one housing provider lead we have who has shown some preliminary interest."
As the O'Shannassy Ward Councillor I wholeheartedly support the the Warburton Advancement League request to Council, and will strive to formalise the request through the Yarra Ranges Council Chamber.
You can view the Warburton Advancement League presentation to Council @
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbLnyl_0Vif6IzerSpAVUp33vRzeA48b/view?usp=sharing

Great news for the Warburton Bike Park

Council meeting 14 July 29026 - Agenda Item 10.5
Yarra Ranges Council Warburton Bike Park
​ SOUTHERN NETWORK COMPLETION: UNANIMOUS COUNCIL SUPPORT! ​Huge news for the Warburton Bike Park tonight! ​

A crucial motion was moved by Cr Jim Child, seconded by Cr Fiona McAllister and supported unanimously by all councillors to approve a key $1,622,736.29 contract variation with the legendary trail-building team at World Trail. ​
What does this mean? 
It officially clears the way to complete the Southern Section of the bike park!
​This decision ensures World Trail can maintain their momentum on-site, pushing ahead to deliver the remaining trails across Mt Tugwell and Mt Little Joe, and bringing the fully realised southern trail network to life.
#Warburton #WarburtonBikePark #mttugwell #RideWarby #wesburnpark #itswarbytime

Warburton Bike Park Shuttles

Many have asked about Council's Warburton Bike Park Shuttle Operation. ....

Yarra Ranges Council is the master manager and caretaker of the Warburton Bike Park trails, the physical shuttle operation runs as a single, coordinated framework (under official permits from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Council).

​Rather than allowing a free-for-all of private vehicles or multiple uncoordinated tour vans, having Council oversee a single, authorized shuttle model is driven by four primary reasons:

​1. Reinvesting in Trail Maintenance. 

​Running the park requires significant, ongoing upkeep. Council Shuttle fees don't just pay for the fuel and drivers; the revenue goes directly back into caring for the trails, improving amenities, and funding future stages of the network. This keeps the park financially sustainable without placing the entire maintenance burden on ratepayer funds. 

​2. Environmental Protection and Road Safety. 

​The gravity trails on Mt Tugwell and Mt Bride require moving riders up narrow, unsealed mountain roads. Allowing hundreds of private cars or multiple private operators to constantly "self-shuttle" would create:

*** ​Severe traffic congestion on local roads. ​Accelerated erosion and dust issues in sensitive forest environments. ​Major safety hazards for riders using the climbing trails. 

*** ​By restricting operations to a single, authorised shuttle system with a permanent boom gate installed on key access tracks, vehicle numbers are strictly controlled. 

​3. Emergency Management and Radio Coordination.

​Mountain bike gravity parks carry inherent risks. The Council's authorised shuttle fleet operates on a unified, continuous radio network. In the event of a rider injury or severe weather, the shuttle operators can instantly communicate, clear the roads, and coordinate directly with emergency services and Council trail crews. 

​4. Community and Township Impact.

​Warburton and Wesburn are vibrant residential communities. Centralising the primary day-visitor shuttle hub at Wesburn Park—complete with a pump track, bike wash, and proper facilities—allows Council to manage visitor flow. 

​In short, it’s about balancing a world-class riding experience with community safety, environmental responsibility, and long-term financial viability.

#WarburtonBikePark #RideWarby #wesburnpark #itswarbytime #Warburton #mttugwell

Before You Visit a Justice of the Peace JP

 Before You Visit a Justice of the Peace JP - Check this video:

DEE ROAD TOILET STAYS

At last night's Yarra Ranges Council meeting, Councillors unanimously supported my motion to retain the toilet block at Dee Road, Millgrove.

Many thanks to Millgrove Residents Action Group President, Maureen Halit, for her passionate presentation to Council on behalf of the Millgrove community, to retain the Dee Rd toilet block.

Motion:
'That Council endorses the list of 11 buildings and structures proposed for demolition as per Attachment 1 of this report with the exception of the toilet block at Dee Road, Millgrove.' - Cr Jim Child.

Link to MRAG correspondence to Cr Jim Child:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DPZjHbi2ky6Btm-GXzHtKcodd7b4nN3D/view?usp=sharing

Link to Council meeting Agenda Item 10.3 with Council Officer's report and recommendation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lXkcZxTpT0UjxIE8I7jYc_Wy4Gj7fX5X/view

WAL - Community Bus

 *** Warburton Advancement League COMMUNITY BUS FOR HIRE ***

Do you need to hire a small bus for an outing?

Funded by the Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction, the Warburton Advancement League (WAL) have a 24-seater, turbo diesel bus available at very good rates.

Available for your community group, school or private functions.

All you need is a “Light Rigid (LR)” endorsed licence or alternatively a driver can be arranged.

For information and bookings contact the WAL Booking Coordinator – Mobile 0437 095 327

Early booking is essential so you and your group are not disappointed!

Millgrove Market - Saturday

 

Open Door @ Yarra Junction Link

 Monday 23rd March, 9am - 12noon @ Yarra Ranges Council Yarra Junction Community Link, Cnr Warburton Hwy & Hoddle Street.

Shuttle Tickets Go Live Tomorrow 5 March, on sale @ 10am.

Yarra Ranges Council Warburton Bike Park 

Shuttle Tickets Go Live Tomorrow 5 March, on sale @ 10am.

Go to www.warburtonbikepark.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CF1TCxuzN/

#RideWarby #ItsWarbyTime #WarburtonBikePark 

Help The Egg Farm.

 

Passionate public service recognised with OAM

Passionate public service recognised with OAM

O’Shannassy Ward Councillor and four-time Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, has been recognised for his work in local government, receiving an OAM in the 2026 Australia Day Honours. 

Cr Child was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Monday as part of the annual honours, where people are recommended to the Governor-General for recognition. 

Serving as the Shire President for the Shire of Upper Yarra in 1985, Cr Child was elected to Yarra Ranges Council in 2012,  becoming Mayor for the first time in the same year.  

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that Cr Child had continually served his community with integrity, purpose and care. 

“We’ve been truly privileged at Yarra Ranges to have a Councillor as committed and dedicated to the community as Cr Child,” Cr Higgins said. 

“From driving major initiatives across the municipality, to providing calm, consistent leadership during times of crisis such as COVID or natural disasters, Cr Child has been a passionate and unwavering advocate for his community.   

“From championing the ongoing delivery of local services and projects to responsible financial management and engaging directly with residents to understand their needs, Cr Child always brings a thoughtful and community-minded approach to his role as Councillor. 

“When we recently welcomed four new Councillors to Yarra Ranges following the 2024 elections, Cr Child set a clear example of what it means to serve in elected office for the benefit of the community.   

“While our Councillor group naturally brings a diversity of views, it is undeniable that Cr Child is someone we all respect.  The community has truly benefited from his steady leadership and passion for Yarra Ranges. 

Cr Higgins said that projects such as the Warburton Bike Park (formerly Warburton Mountain Bike Destination) wouldn’t have progressed without Cr Child. 

“The community may not always know, but the role of Mayor requires a lot of advocacy to the State and Federal Governments – representing the views of the community and projects across our region, to try and help put the Yarra Ranges on the map,” Cr Higgins said. 

“The Warburton Bike Park has been more than a decade in the making, and Cr Child has championed not just the project, but the many side conversations about community infrastructure, support for local business and the local environment. 

“We’ve been very successful in receiving State and Federal funding for this project, thanks to tireless work from our project staff alongside advocacy from Cr Child. 

“Congratulations, Jim, on a very well-deserved award.” 

Cr Child joins Cr Len Cox OAM as the second serving Yarra Ranges Councillor to be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.