2013/14 Moonee Valley Councillors- (From left) Cr Narelle Sharpe, Cr Paul Giuliano, Cr Shirley Cornish, Cr John Sipek, Mayor Jan Chantry, Cr John Cusack, Cr Nicole Marshall, Cr Cam Nation and Cr Andrea Surace.

It is a true privilege to serve the people of Moonee Valley as their Mayor for a second term (I previously served as Mayor in 2005-06).

Moonee Valley is wonderful city with its gorgeous parks, vibrant shopping areas, state of the art leisure facilities, a fruitful arts program and a rich heritage. We believe we provide a ‘world class local’ experience to all those who visit.

My passion and dedication towards this great city has been reflected through my service as a Councillor over the past 11 years. As the longest serving current Councillor, each year I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that come with working to improve the everyday lives of our community – the 118,000 residents who call Moonee Valley home, as well as those who frequent here to work, study and recreate.

I am very proud of the role Council plays in providing quality, vital services to our community – whether it be our fantastic libraries which provide informal learning spaces to some 59,000 members, our aged and disability services that help out many of our most vulnerable residents, or the services we provide to families and their children – services which are key to the early development of young people.

Council also hosts dozens of large community events throughout the year including our annual Moonee Valley Festival which attracts over 30,000 people, our month-long Leisure Challenge, assorted Youth events/festivals, and the annual Spirit of Moonee Valley Awards, where we celebrate and acknowledge our local community heroes.

Part of my role as Councillor is being the portfolio holder for Arts and Culture.

I have always had a passion for the arts, believing self expression through art is a vital and necessary part of a vibrant, functioning society. Moonee Valley hosts an eclectic arts and culture program where there is truly something for everyone.

Moonee Valley is a city in transition – Melbourne’s population is growing at a rapid rate and the State Government is looking to us and neighbouring councils to help facilitate this growth. The challenge for us right now is to develop a strong and sustainable future for our city.

I am committed to representing and advocating on behalf of residents as we tackle big planning issues affecting Moonee Valley’s future. These include the State Government’s Plan Melbourne, Essendon Airport’s Master Plan, the East West Link proposal, Moonee Valley Racecourse Master Plan and Flemington Racecourse development proposal.

Together with my fellow passionate Councillors, I look forward to continuing to work hard to provide the best outcomes for the diverse Moonee Valley community.

Photos below – captions:

1) 22nd February at the Moonee Valley Festival – our biggest community celebration!

2) 16th March at our Colour-Fest Run at the Moonee Valley Athletics Centre.

3) 11th February with the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Hon. Wendy Lovell, MLC; and Minister for Education, Hon. Martin Dixon, MP.

4) 18th March at the official opening of the Avondale Heights Community Precinct Early Years Centre with The Hon Wendy Lovell MLC, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development and Mr Andrew Elsbury MLC, Western Metropolitan Region.

5) Cr Jan Chantry being sworn in as Mayor by our Chief Executive Neville Smith in October 2013.

6) 19th March at Essendon Airport with Planning Minister Matthew Guy and Essendon Fields CEO Chris Cowan.