Revitalising Reservoir

Nathan Lambert is the Labor member representing Preston and Reservoir. He lives in Preston with his partner and two daughters.

Prior to entering Parliament, Nathan was a Victorian public servant. He worked on the forestry, energy and climate change portfolios. He grew up in regional Victoria and studied at the University of Melbourne.

Julie is the Mayor of Darebin 2022-23 and is passionate about the area. She is a lifelong resident of Darebin and has lived, worked and played in this vibrant community for many years.

Her primary goal is to see Darebin thrive by building appropriate development, protecting sensitive interfaces, managing parking, and preserving local amenities, striving to be a champion for those who are often underrepresented, including individuals with disabilities, aging populations and animals.

Peter has over 25 years experience working in the public sector at all three levels of Government in Australia where he has held senior management roles in the Federal Government, NSW and SA State Governments and in Local Government in both Adelaide and now at the City of Port Phillip in Melbourne, Victoria.

He has also worked as an adjunct professor where he has spent over ten years teaching MBA students strategy and leadership in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Peter has considerable experience as a Board Director on Government and NFP Boards and is a current Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Peter is passionate about community engagement and building community capacity and resilience through co-creation with Governments and has a relentless focus on achieving better outcomes for the communities that he works with and on providing better value for customers and recipients of Government services. He has spent many years reforming Government services to deliver better value and is a leading advocate of place based approaches to achieve this.

His strengths include strategy, governance, placemaking , housing and urban development, leadership development and organisational change.

Kent brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience within the health and community sectors.

He is the CEO at Your Community Health and local resident of Darebin.

Kent brings expertise in community health and development, population health, social connectedness, community engagement and vulnerable communities.

Paddy McVeigh has been the Executive Officer at PRACE for over 10 years.

Having worked in the community services and education and training sectors for the last 35 years, Paddy has extensive management experience and knowledge related to both community services and education in a not-for-profit environment.

Angie is the Executive Officer at the Reservoir Neighbourhood House.

She has taken the Reservoir Neighbourhood House from an auspicing model to being an independent registered charity. She has a long history in community development and engagement.

She believes in cohesion, inclusion and promoting a strong positive culture within the workplace and community where people feel valued, engaged and have continual opportunities to have their say and determine their community life.

Victoria Penko brings 22 years of leadership in water, sustainability and climate adaptation across Australia, including the delivery of the first bi-cultural strategy for the Yarra River - Burndap Birrarung burndap unmarkoo.

Victoria currently drives Resilience and Sustainability at Melbourne Water, aiming to enhance life and livability across the Greater Melbourne. Victoria has a strong family connection to Reservoir.

Penny Jamieson is Principal for Meandah P/L leveraging 27 years of expertise and specialization in managing, consulting, and marketing Melbourne's vibrant Main Street precincts.

Ashley is a Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Management executive at La Trobe University with extensive experience across the economic, education, justice and health sectors. He is a current board member of NORTH Link and the Victorian Government’s Northern Metropolitan Partnership.

Objectives

• Entice community life into the streets and public spaces through enhanced streetscape amenity
• Celebrate Reservoir’s reputation as a cultural destination through cultural art installations and events
• Attract visitation through a regular program of events and activations during the day and night
• Grow a local culture of active citizenship and volunteerism through capacity building and resourcing

Objectives

• Establish partnerships and collaboration on programs to address antisocial behaviour in streets
• Light up the streets at night to attract evening visitation to enhance perceptions of safety
• Enhance active transport options, local connections and wayfinding to connect Edwardes, Broadway and other Reservoir destinations
• Advocate for better local public transport options and connections

Objectives

• Expand the Reservoir Village network to include the Broadway precinct and enhance its profile through place branding, new website, business directories and curated place management to attract visitation to shopping precincts
• Undertake research and develop strategies to enhance shopping precincts, and attract cultural diverse business investment and large scale employers
• Grow ‘jobs ready’ skills for disengaged youth and retain employment
  talent within Reservoir

Cheddar Road is one of the main roads in East Reservoir, in one of the most disadvantaged areas in the suburb.

The Cheddar Road Median Beautification and Improvements project will deliver improvement works including additional tree planting and seating at more regular intervals. The project aims to improve the amenity along this wide median that is commonly used for passive recreation (walking, jogging dog walking, bike riding) and is a direct active transport link to the Reservoir Centre.

The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $55,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in mid 2024. The project is being delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The Pathways to Employment Program is aimed at providing a “one-stop shop” to working with the most chronically disadvantaged in the Reservoir community, many of whom are from families that have experienced inter-generational under unemployment, to prepare them for post COVID-19 career and employment opportunities.

Targeting skill shortage areas, training will be made available,  including  tailored and individualised training, employment placement, and support services for those who have significant barriers to employment.

The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $230,800 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in late 2023. The project is being delivered in partnership with PRACE Inc.

The Your Health Help project has enhanced public safety and amenity by building access to health and wellbeing services through assertive outreach and activating and enhancing public and community spaces within Reservoir.

Your Health Help has:

• Undertaken community skills building through door-knocking, street presence and attending places where people congregate.
• Proactively engaging with residents to understand their needs and improve access to health and social services.
• Set-up ‘shop’ to access health services in spaces regarded as familiar and safe i.e., Reservoir Neighbourhood House.
• Steering committee to engage the community with lived experience in the design and delivery of the project.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $265,000 in funding for the project, which was completed in 2023. The project was delivered in partnership with Your Community Health.

This project will continue to deliver community events and activations in the centre to build on the Rezza Rocks program of 2021-22. This will include applying learnings and feedback from events delivered in 2021-22 to improve the program.

Examples of proposed activations events include:

• Pop Up markets – expanding into trash and treasure markets, suitcase rummage, and young makers market.
• Musical activations using local Reservoir performers from the Creatives database compiled in 2021/22 and explore partnerships with Decibels.

The Suburban Revitalisation program is providing $70,000 in funding for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in late 2023. The project is being delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The project developed a branding and marketing program to deliver a unified brand for Reservoir, with branded wayfinding, signage, flags and banners close to the new train station. This included working with businesses to deliver branding activities, integrating the branding into their promotional materials, building their capacity to be part of the activity centre and assisting with uniting businesses on both sides of the strip. Outcomes include promoting the centre, supporting and celebrating businesses and enhancing the centre's identity.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $150,000 in funding for the project, which is now complete. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The project delivered a multi-faceted program to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve community safety in the centre including:

• a program that aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, particularly drug and alcohol consumption in the activity centre
• drug and alcohol outreach workers to engage with and support individuals struggling with substance abuse problems
• crime prevention activities with businesses.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $155,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The Reservoir Investment Attraction Plan complements and builds on the outcomes of the Economic Analysis study for Reservoir. The plan  engaged with local and potential future businesses, investment partners, landowners, State and Federal Governments and Darebin Council to identify catalyst projects that will intensify Reservoir’s role as a growing and liveable activity centre that provides a diverse range of local jobs, activities and services.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $85,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The Youth Entrepreneurs and Leadership Program focused on building the entrepreneurial and leadership skills of young people in Reservoir. The program focused on Aboriginal, CALD and LGBTIQA+ youth and gained participation from local businesses and partners to be mentors. The program covered leadership, start-up businesses, and digital and tech information. The project created local opportunities and enhanced youth connections to Reservoir, local businesses and youth services, as well as built youth capacity.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $80,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The project enabled the purchasing and fitting out of a van for 3KnD’s mobile broadcasting across the Darebin community, specifically targeting outreach to the Reservoir and East Reservoir Aboriginal community and activating the business areas in Broadway and Edwardes Street. This included the delivery of ‘live-to-air’ broadcasting events across East Reservoir/Reservoir.

The project supported greater inclusion of First Nations peoples and their sense of being valued, supported community connections through broadcast media and promoted Reservoir to the broader community as a lively and inclusive suburb.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $125,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with 3 Kool ‘N’ Deadly.

This project included the construction of a pedestrian crossing, with art activations, a new footpath and a roadside kerb and channel at the intersection of Olive and Edwardes streets. The laneways off Edwardes St and Broadway were also revitalised with new artistic line marking and temporary artwork, delivered in partnership with local young people. Additional temporary artworks and lighting installations were completed in laneways, streets and pedestrian spaces, developed and implemented by artists.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $80,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The project delivered an extension to the training café at the Reservoir Neighbourhood House to further support community training activities and increase opening hours to include weekends. The project included various minor infrastructure upgrades, an expansion of existing programs and activities, and the development of new training programs for local youth and community members experiencing disadvantage and isolation.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $50,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Reservoir Neighbourhood House.

Local community and businesses worked together to create a Reservoir flavoured recipe book - showcasing local businesses and community recipes. The launch event was held to bring people together to share and promote their achievements. Project outcomes included better connections and collaboration between businesses and stakeholders on both sides of the shopping strip, celebration of community and business voices, and the attraction of new customers to Reservoir.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $50,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

This project involved undertaking an economic, place-based analysis of Reservoir. This included customer loyalty assessments and a workshop with Reservoir businesses to assist them in understanding the research. The outcomes of this work will inform future planning, with an evidence-based approach to determining future works in Reservoir, as well as appropriate investment attraction strategies to stimulate revitalisation in Reservoir.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $50,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The Reservoir Splash project provided shopfront improvement grants to local businesses to improve the visual appeal of their shopfronts. Outcomes of this project include enhanced amenity to match the structural improvements across Reservoir, enhanced pride of place, as well as increased visitation and the attraction/retention of customers.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $150,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

This business development and training program supported the growth of local retail, hospitality, and other small businesses in Reservoir. It offered one-on-one coaching, improving their online presence and developing sales, marketing and communication strategies. Additionally, it facilitated peer-to-peer networking with other small business owners and local groups.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $127,100 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with La Trobe University.

The project delivered on-road bike lanes (green surface treatment) and kerb installations along Edwardes Street and Broadway. Outcomes of this project include enhanced active transport connections throughout Reservoir and greater safety.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $110,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The project delivered streetscape and footpath improvements focussing on High Street and Broadway, with some improvements along Spring Street as well. Improvements included creating a strong sense of arrival and an entrance to the centre at Broadway (similar new entrance delivered at Edwardes Street). These streets will benefit from new street furniture, bike hoops and new trees. These improvements complement works completed along segments of Broadway and Edwardes Street.

Outcomes include improving the look and feel of the centre, which will encourage visitation to and use of public spaces, increased 'pride of place' by the local community, visitors and businesses, increased satisfaction and reinvigoration of the centre.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $575,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

A program of weekend pop-up makers markets and the delivery of six community murals. The events and murals celebrated Reservoir’s multicultural communities, encouraged visitation and spend in the activity centre and beautified the area.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $148,000 in funding for the project which was delivered from May to August 2022, in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The Colour My Neighbourhood project delivered murals at the public housing estate in East Reservoir. This project was done in collaboration with eight local artists who had lost work due to COVID-19, as well as engaging with and involving residents from beginning to end to determine the concept, designs, and creative implementation of the murals.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $247,800 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Reservoir Neighbourhood House.

The project delivered new plantings throughout Reservoir's activity centre, giving it a refresh. Increasing planting will help cool the area, encourage the use of public space and improve the look and feel of the activity centre.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $75,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The Suburban Revitalisation program funded various events as part of the Autumn edition of FUSE, Darebin’s Contemporary Multi-Art Festival, including:

• Out of the Park, a multicultural music event at Edwardes Park Lake
• Live in Hi Rez, pop-up performances featuring local musicians and curated by young emerging producers
• Made in Rezza, featuring and promoting Reservoir makers.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $184,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.

The Reservoir Blitz project revitalised the central shopping precincts of Reservoir by undertaking minor works on both sides of the centre. The project enabled the centre to have a refresh, which encourage the use of public space and improve the look and feel of the centre, while addressing issues raised by customers, businesses and the community.

Benefits will include increased pride of place from community members, visitors and business owners; increased satisfaction and the reinvigoration of activity in the centre.

The Suburban Revitalisation program provided $35,000 in funding for the project, which has now been completed. The project was delivered in partnership with Darebin City Council.