Lilydale is a major activity centre located 34km to the north-east of the CBD within the Yarra Ranges Council area. Not only one of the largest and fastest growing towns in the Yarra Ranges, but it is also the gateway to the state significant tourism region of the lush Yarra Valley.
The population of Lilydale is growing and aging, with an estimated doubling of the current population by 2041 to over 31,000 people, of which 35% will be over 60 years old. This growth is being supported by major infrastructure projects including the Lilydale Station Level Crossing Removal, quarry site redevelopment and investment in education, health and community facilities.
Lilydale Suburban Revitalisation Board
Established in 2021, the Board provides a local voice to the Victorian Government's Suburban Revitalisation program, working with communities to identify opportunities for locally-led projects to help Lilydale thrive.
Questions, ideas and feedback for the Board are encouraged and welcome. You can get in touch with the Board by emailing suburban.revitalisation@ecodev.vic.gov.au.
Tom McIntosh has represented Eastern Victoria in the Legislative Council since August 2022.
The electorate is the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Gunaikurnai people – reaching from Mornington Peninsula, through Lilydale and Gippsland as far as the state border. Tom believes in an equitable society with a sustainable environmental and economic future. This equity in practice is well paid jobs, affordable housing, accessible education and training, quality physical and mental health services, and public infrastructure that enables healthy, happy, and connected communities
Before entering Parliament, Tom grew up the son of a shearer and teacher on the family farm. He completed his electrical apprenticeship at Ballarat TAFE, and worked the following decade as an electrician.
Cr Sophie Todorov is Mayor of Yarra Ranges for the 2023-24 term.
In her Mayoral acceptance speech, Cr Todorov covered themes of fostering opportunities for growing communities, celebrating what the Yarra Ranges community and Council do well, and listening to the region's smaller voices. She expressed respect for 'the uniqueness of the Yarra Ranges and the connection to indigenous history and culture.'
As Mayor of Yarra Ranges, Cr Todorov is automatically appointed to the Lilydale Suburban Revitalisation Board.
As CEO of Yarra Ranges Council, Tammi Rose is an accomplished public purpose executive with over 20 years of experience working in Local Government. A strategic, influential, and engaging leader, with innate energy for driving innovative solutions to complex challenges, Tammi is known for putting the community at the heart of all decision-making to deliver quality services and infrastructure.
Tammi holds a degree in Commerce, is a qualified CPA and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
David Plunkett has many years of executive and senior management experience in both the Public and Private Health Sectors.
David commenced his health career as a Registered Nurse. He joined Eastern Health in 2002 and held various roles, including Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer and Executive Director Acute Health, all leading to his current role of Eastern Health Chief Executive which he has held since September 2016.
Sue has been CEO at Inspiro for over three years. She has more than 20 years of experience in executive management and significant knowledge of public and not-for-profit healthcare.
Michael Smith is the CEO of Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) and has been leading the organisation since 2004. In this time, the service has grown and developed to better serve the region’s communities with strategic priorities of addressing family violence, seniors’ rights, cultural diversity and young people, as well as developing partnerships in these areas.
Grant Radford is the CEO and Managing Director at Box Hill Institute (BHI).
Grant has spent more than 25 years in the public sector including executive and management roles at the Department of Defence, Department of Education and Training, and the Department of Treasury and Finance. His experience in the vocational education sector includes appointments at Chisholm Institute as Chief Operating Officer and as the CEO of TAFE Gippsland for four years.
Grant is a passionate believer in the transformative power of secondary, vocational and higher education; particularly the role organisations like BHI play in enriching the life and career prospects of learners and building closer ties with industry and the communities we serve.
Grant holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Deakin University), is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Sharyn is actively involved in and passionate about all things Lilydale and its community.
She is currently the president of the Lilydale Business & Traders Group, Secretary of the Lilydale Township Action Group, as well as a Member of the Lilydale Main Street Beautification Group.
Her involvement in these groups bring a strong community and business voice to the Lilydale Suburban Revitalisation Board. Sharyn is also on the Lilydale Community House steering committee.
Our vision for Lilydale
A vibrant community to live well, learn and thrive. A diverse and inclusive place for everyone!
You can download a copy of our vision statement in PDF or accessible Word formats.
Key themes in our vision for Lilydale
Objectives
- Encourage a civic heart and well-defined precincts focused on health, education, retail and hospitality
- Build a wayfinding system focused on each precinct’s role/function, using landmarks and creating a sense of differentiation between places
- Provide active transport links between Lilydale’s various precincts, connecting people to jobs and services
Objectives
- Provide regional-scale health and education services, to promote local living
- Provide diverse employment opportunities for all
- Work with Box Hill Institute, health and education services to create a pipeline between education and local jobs
- Expand diverse employment and vocational training opportunities
Objectives
- Support local businesses to grow, and connect into local networks and regional supply chains
- Provide access for businesses to innovation through strong partnerships with Box Hill Institute and other local agencies
- Provide access for businesses in Lilydale to a highly skilled workforce that is well connected to them via public and active transport links
- Leverage local knowledge, build partnerships between businesses and anchor institutions/major employers, strengthening local supply chains
- Work with landowners and local businesses to incentivize re-investment in buildings, connecting to incentives and funding support
Objectives
- Establish Lilydale’s identity as a ‘place to breathe on the edge of the city,’ with access to local produce in a landscape setting
- Promote connections and wayfinding throughout Lilydale’s town centre and into the Yarra Valley (e.g., via the Warburton trail) that enhances and builds on the town’s country feel
- Offer high quality public realm and open spaces throughout the town centre to attract people and promote vibrancy
Download the Lilydale Suburban Revitalisation Report 2021-22: PDF or accessible Word format.
Projects funded in Lilydale
This project activated the façade of a multi-use building by engaging an artist to work with the local community to create a series of mosaic panels. Six workshops provided feedback on community members' vision, and their involvement in creating that vision, while learning to mosaic.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $12,000 in funding for the project, which was completed in late 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with Lilydale Community House.
This program is offering a series of hands-on craft learning sessions provided by professional crafters over the year to community members engaging with the Community House. The program responds to participant feedback from the Soup and Stories program for a desire to continue learning new skills, connect to the community, make friends and socialise through creative activities.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $5,000 for the project which is anticipated to be completed in mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Lilydale Community House.
This project produced a cookbook of soups made by participants, including their own life stories. This cookbook was gifted to participants and used as a fundraiser to cover costs to continue the program and extend the project for other community members.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $8,000 for the project which was completed early 2024. The project was delivered in partnership with Lilydale Community House.
| In a series of accessible community events including Christmas Carols in the Park and Big Day at the Lake, the project drew people to Lilydale, showcased and promoted Lilydale and its attractions, and connected the community, participating business and traders. In addition, the events were inclusive and accessible for diverse community groups to attend in ways that met their needs and set individuals and families up for success. The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $22,200 for the project which was completed in completed in early 2024. The project was delivered in partnership with Lilydale Township Action Group. |
| To enhance the visual appeal of Lilydale Main Street, attracting locals and visitors to stop, shop and look around, this project installed planters along the pathway, adding greenery and colour. The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $42,152 for the project which was completed in late 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with Lilydale Township Action Group. |
| The Lilydale Showgrounds Future Vision Strategy will engage an external consultant to work with the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Show committee, to create a future vision and location planning report, review the strategic direction for the show, undertake location analysis and review relocation opportunities. The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $45,000 for the project which is anticipated to be completed in mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council. |
| An experienced community artist will lead the delivery of four pop-up installations to engage the community through fun, interactive moments to provide opportunities for community story-telling and connection. Activities will include a letter-writing activity, a treasure hunt, a story-time event, and a recipe swap and community dining experience. The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $120,000 for the project which is anticipated to be completed in mid-2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Eastern Community Legal Centre. |
The project seeks to build on the Lilydale Wayfinding Strategy project currently underway. The strategy provides the framework for the design and delivery of town centre information through a suite of high-quality signage aligned to the recommendations of the strategy. This project involves the manufacture and installation of a set of signs, maps and other wayfinding tools that will improve the navigation and interpretation experience of the town centre.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $105,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
The Lilydale Main Street (Maroondah Hwy) bridge does not have a footpath on the north side, creating a barrier between the two halves of the main street. This project will introduce a footpath to connect more directly the existing footpath on the east and future footpath on the north-east bank of the Olinda Creek. The scope also includes a path, a feature stone wall and the relocation of seating benches, bin enclosures and a power pole.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $60,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
This project includes the development of an Investment Prospectus that will seek to attract investment for key development sites and underdeveloped strategic locations that work towards the Lilydale vision in the recently adopted Lilydale Structure Plan.
It aligns closely with a key action in the Yarra Ranges Draft Economic Development Strategy currently on public exhibition.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $50,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in mid to late 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
The project intends to respond to the community vision established in the Lilydale Place Plan by investigating site feasibility, developing a precinct design framework, cost estimates and delivery priorities for community infrastructure and public spaces that will provide a community heart in Lilydale.
The scope includes a site investigation, a 3D digital twin for the precinct (DELWP integration), a precinct design framework, architectural test concepts for individual components and quantity surveyor cost estimates.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $255,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in mid to late 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
This project delivered a series of community inclusion and development events in partnership with local businesses and services to support neurodiverse people, their family members and carers to participate in Lilydale community services and cultural, recreational and educational activities.
The program created local jobs and skill development including recruiting, training and mentoring carers, plus offering training and consultancy supports to businesses within Lilydale in meeting the needs of the neurodiverse community.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $94,648 in funding for the project, which was completed in late 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with Different Journeys.
| Yarra Ranges Tourism has a range of digital tourism information kiosks across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. This project involved installing one of these displays adjacent to the heritage railway station and installing a kiosk supplied by Yarra Ranges Tourism with a pad footing and electrical/comms connections. The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $7,000 in funding for the project, which was completed in late 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council. |
This business case builds on the recent health needs assessment undertaken by the Board that has broadly identified the community's health needs. The project will deliver a comprehensive plan to meet the future health needs of the growing population of Lilydale, which is informed by data analysis, lived experience, health expertise and a shared vision.
The plan will identify the volume, nature and mix of health and related services required in the future, enabling health service providers to deliver new, connected and innovative services, utilising best practices and a collaborative approach to health and wellbeing.
It will provide a roadmap for future health service development that will best meet the health needs of the residents of Lilydale and surrounds.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $180,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Eastern Health.
To boost the recreational tourist experience along the Warburton and Yarra Valley shared trails a range of crossing safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists were proposed at the Beresford Road section. These included traffic-calming pavement treatments, lighting, signage and landscaping to better signify the crossing point.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $250,000 in funding for the project which was completed in late 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with the Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
Improvements to the streetscape in Castella Street will attract more customers to Lilydale's cafes and restaurants to enjoy the atmosphere of alfresco dining. This project will improve the experience of the street, support the recovery of local businesses and bring people back to the heart of Lilydale. All planning will be complementary to the Lilydale Precinct Structure Plan.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $165,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
This pilot program will deliver convenient cycling infrastructure on major tourist trails to get more visitors on their bikes and on their way. The creation of a recognisable cycle centre branding icon for activity centres in the Yarra Ranges supports cycling through the provision of infrastructure such as cycle repair and maintenance stations, drinking fountains, shelter, toilets, bike parking, charging points for electric bikes and mobile devices.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $390,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in late 2023. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council.
This project will undertake a social planning assessment of future community needs to shape a clear program of uses in the proposed integrated community facility in Lilydale. The study will inform the architectural design brief and costings for the new community facility.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $230,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
Stage 2 of Lions Park improvements will deliver additional landscape, public realm and infrastructure improvements to the northern section of the Olinda Creek corridor.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $260,000 in funding for the project which is under way and anticipated to be completed mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
This project focused on rejuvenating Lions Park to improve both the safety and appeal of its use. Stage 1 included a visible pedestrian thoroughfare connecting both sides of Maroondah Highway and the creation of a peaceful, revegetated resting place to enjoy nature on the southern section of Olinda Creek.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $325,000 in funding for the project which is underway and anticipated to be completed mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
The project undertook an audit of existing signage within Lilydale and developed a consolidated wayfinding strategy.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided over $230,000 in funding for the project which was completed in late 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
This project will establish baseline requirements and test ideas to help facilitate a successful community focused service from the building.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $170,000 in funding for the project that is currently underway and is expected to be complete in mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
A steering committee of Aboriginal and young people will identify and collate both historical and contemporary stories of the Lilydale area, communicating principles of self-determination.
The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $110,000 in funding for the project that is currently underway and expected to be completed by mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
| The Club's boat storage shed was extended to accommodate growing participant numbers. Upgrades also created a safe path of travel for members to move their boats from the shed to the launching ramp. The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $150,000 in funding for the project which was completed late 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council. |
Diverse community members shared their stories in their own voices through a series of events designed to foster conversations that challenged stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. Participants received training and support as part of the project.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $55,000 in funding for the project which was completed in September 2022. The project was delivered in partnership with Eastern Community Legal Centre.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $55,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
A Lilydale Community Garden and gathering space is located on Main Street, adjacent Bunnings. This project establishes a new community garden and gathering space, including a vegetable garden, fruit trees, seating, work bench, storage areas, water supply and public art. It has been delivered in partnership with Bunnings and the council is exploring options to include ECOSS to support environmental education.
The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $55,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
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Page last updated: 26/03/24