Tonight, I was back in Ringwood reflecting on Maroondah City Council as it celebrated its 30th anniversary since its formation from the former Cities of Ringwood and Croydon (plus part of the former Shire of Lilydale).

The anniversary event was held in heart of Ringwood in the Civic and Community Centre known as Ringwood Realm, which formed part of the Ringwood Town Centre development in conjunction with Eastland Shopping Centre.

Both of these developments were the result of years of planning and advocacy, catalysed through the community and Maroondah Council securing a State Government commitment to redevelop Ringwood Station into a modem, safe and accessible transport interchange.

Securing the future of Ringwood, was one of my proudest moments in 2010, when I served as Mayor of Maroondah City Council. During this year, I also delivered a financial surplus that was reinvested into much needed community facilities, including the redeveloped Ringwood Aquatic Centre and North Ringwood Community House.

I was first elected to Maroondah City Council at the age of 25, in 2005 facing incumbent Councillors who were not always welcoming of a community based independent voice. Despite these challenges, I was able to successfully secure a commitment to water and energy conservation, bolster our actions on public transport advocacy, as well as preserving several playgrounds and pocket parks that were under threat of sale by Council.

Furthermore, I worked with the community to address noise pollution caused by businesses along Heatherdale Road that were adversely impacting the amenity of nearby residents.

Fellow Councillors Jo-anne Taylor and Maureen Naylor became great support during this time and encouraged me to renominate in 2008.

Following the 2008 Council elections, Maroondah transitioned from seven to nine Councillors, representing the generational change Maroondah desperately needed. My second term on Maroondah City Council, culminated in my election as Mayor in the 2009/2010 Council Year where I reinforced Ringwood Station, and the Ringwood Town Centre as key priorities.

We worked with the community to secure the Ringwood Station redevelopment which served as the catalyst for the Ringwood Town Centre redevelopment and Ringwood Realm.

Ringwood today is a modern urban centre, located in the heart of a thriving transport interchange and retail and residential precinct. After two terms I chose not to nominate the 2012 Council elections, due in part due to exhaustion and in wanting to re-prioritise my career and consulting business. A decision that ultimately led Natalia and I to the City of Port Phillip.

I firmly believe that local government is about creating positive change for our communities, I have been fortunate to not only have that opportunity on the City of Maroondah, but now at the City of Port Phillip as well.