Joseph Haweil | Politician
Joseph Haweil
Reviews
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23.01.2022 From September 2019, dozens of Hume residents have contacted me to express their concerns about the proposal for a waste to energy facility (incinerator) at Amaroo Road, Craigieburn. At this evening's Council meeting, Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application. In my remarks I noted my concern that the proposal was characterized by limited, patchy, undetailed and inadequate information. ... Council expects that such applications provide detailed information and analysis on the environmental, economic and community impacts of the facility. This is something we did not see in the application. In deciding on how to cast my vote, I was particularly concerned about having such a facility so close to the homes of our residents. I could not accept that it would not have a visible and detrimental impact on their lives. Craigieburn and Hume should not be the dumping ground for Australia’s waste processing problems. I thank our residents who worked hard to ensure their voices were heard, particularly through the 190 submissions made and 1333-signature-petition received. An active and informed citizenry is vital to such processes and our community demonstrated their passion and strength. A waste incinerator was a completely inappropriate proposal for Craigieburn and I am proud to have cast my vote against it.
23.01.2022 Hume’s Sri Lankan community celebrated the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year 2021 in Craigieburn today. Congratulations the the Lak Medura Foundation for the great work they do in keeping Sri Lankan culture and heritage thriving here in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Special appreciation to thr Foundation and its members for laying the groundwork for the future Sri Lankan Cultural Centre in Craigieburn. I look forward to this facility coming to fruition in the years ahead.
22.01.2022 Although Stage 4 restrictions sadly mean that Council parks and facilities are not available for community use right now, Council is ensuring signage in multiple community languages is displayed to help people understand the rules.
21.01.2022 With lots of worrying news lately, here’s a good news story to lighten the mood. 99-year-old Edna is our much loved Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre member of 40-years standing. She attends 6-8 classes per week including aerobics and zumba. I enjoyed being on The Project this week to share Edna's story and capture the great birthday party given by Hume City Council in her honour.
21.01.2022 ***CENSUS JOBS AVAILABLE*** The Australian Bureau of Statistics is hiring 2600 Field Managers across Australia for the 2021 Census. These short-term roles are the perfect opportunity to earn extra income while helping your community. ... No resume required and positions are filling fast. Apply now at www.censusjobs.adecco.com.au
20.01.2022 Our institutions of higher learning should be supporting community language education. I'm very disappointed in La Trobe University's decision to fast-track an end to the Greek language programme as well as other programmes including Hindi and Indonesian studies. La Trobe University’s Greek programme is the only tertiary course of its kind in Victoria. With Victoria's large Greek population, such programmes should be supported. The current Victorian Government has been a st...rong supporter of community languages and I look forward to their intervention in this matter. As a supporter of community language education and proudly being of Greek ancestry, I lend my voice in opposition to this decision and call on La Trobe University to reverse it.
19.01.2022 Last night we kicked off our series of Outdoor Movies and Music events at Newbury Park in Craigieburn. Congratulations to last night’s lucky resident who won the door prize, a hamper of local products. More prizes will be on offer at other events. Thank you to all who came out to watch Sonic the Hedgehog and I can’t wait to see you all at the other screenings throughout Hume. ... For further information and to book into remaining screenings, visit: https://www.hume.vic.gov.au//Even/Outdoor-Movies-and-Music
19.01.2022 By now all voters should have received their ballot pack in the mail. If you have not received your ballot pack please call the Hume Election Office on 8619 1433. For a valid vote, please remember to number every box on the ballot paper.... Authorised: D. Samaan, 121 Dunfermline Avenue, Greenvale VIC 3059
19.01.2022 Thank you to my friends at Not too young to for this feature. They are doing an amazing job encouraging young people to get involved in politics and local communities.
17.01.2022 Hume City Council's Mural Program seeks to create a more vibrant city and to use public art to advance a strong sense of community ownership, wellbeing, and safety. Thank you to the Northern Star Weekly for covering Council's most recent mural project ‘Harmony’ at 413 Barry Road, Dallas which was completed in early March by talented artist Hayden Dewar. Learn more about the artwork here: https://www.hume.vic.gov.au//Media-Releas/A-Colourful-Hume
17.01.2022 Over the last 4 years I’ve worked hard to address Hume’s narrow streets problem. Fixing this problem also means we reduce the number of residents receiving fines for parking on nature strips. I’ll keep fighting to ensure indented parking remains a top Council priority in Roxburgh Park, Craigieburn and throughout Hume. ... #haweilforhume
17.01.2022 Want to avoid an $83 fine? Want to make your vote count? Join the 22,000 Aitken Ward residents who have already done so by returning your completed Hume Council election ballot by 6pm this Friday 23 October.... Authorised: D. Samaan, 121 Dunfermline Avenue, Greenvale VIC 3059
17.01.2022 Last night Hume City Council formally resolved to note its concern and sorrow at the massive blasts that occurred in Beirut last week. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and prayers for the recovery of the wounded. The Lebanese people are rightly on the streets today, calling for revolutionary change in their country. The looting of the country’s resources must end, cronyism and nepotism should be a thing of the past and those in government sh...ould remember that they must be servants of the people; not of their own interests. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hume and Australia's Lebanese community.
16.01.2022 Council-owned facilities are ratepayer’s assets. They should be available to non-profit groups for low/no-fee access. For years I have raised the lack of accessibility and underutilisation of community facilities. Our community facilities should not be sitting empty. Earlier this year I secured a review of Council’s approach to make facilities easier and cheaper to access. If re-elected, I will ensure Council delivers on a new and more community-focused approach. ... #haweilforhume
16.01.2022 Council's horticulture team has been busy planting these beautiful floral displays throughout the City - this time at Craigieburn ANZAC Park.
15.01.2022 This week we mark Gambling Harm Awareness Week. As a Councillor, I’ve fought the powerful pokies industry which rips $110 million from the Hume community each year, much coming from those suffering addiction. Unfortunately Hume still has the 5th highest pokies expenditure in Victoria. Through my strong and vocal leadership and Council’s support over the last 4 years, we have :... Secured a permanent cap on pokies in Hume at 851 machines. Reformed Council’s approach to a harm-minimisation focus through a strong new ‘Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy’. Joined the Alliance for Gambling Reform as a leading member. Continued a Council ban on new pokies venues on Council land. Sadly, gambling has been proven to be a cause of suicide, homelessness and family breakdown. Authourised: D. Samaan, 121 Dunfermline Avenue, Greenvale VIC 3059
15.01.2022 Thank you to Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Josh Bull MP for Sunbury, Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commissioner and the Victorian Multicultural Commission for hosting an excellent COVID-19 roundtable meeting with representatives of Assyrian Chaldean Syriac religious and community groups today. Mr Bull represented The Hon. Ros Spence MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs. The VMC recognised the work of volunteers from across the community in supporting the COVID-19 response. Community representatives in turn thanked the State Government for its support in combatting the pandemic. The Government's commitment to engaging with key communities directly is commendable and I thank all participants for a robust and productive discussion.
15.01.2022 These Christmas decorations have recently been put up around Hume with more coming over the next couple of weeks. Our Christmas in Hume Advent Calendar is full of free activities and entertainment from 23 November to 25 December with lots to enjoy, including: Pop up gardens and decorations ... Food trucks, prizes and giveaways A community Christmas lights competition Christmas Carols livestreamed to your home on 5 December Visit www.hume.gov.au/christmas for all the details
14.01.2022 Posted my completed Hume City Council Election ballot back today. As of today, 22,661 of 58,710 Aitken Ward ballots have been returned to the VEC. Please make sure you post back your ballot by 6pm this Friday 23 October and if you have not yet received your ballot, call the Hume Election Office on (03) 8619 1433.... Authorised: D. Samaan, 121 Dunfermline Avenue, Greenvale VIC 3059
13.01.2022 Despite the election being close, the work of Council continues and I’ve joined tonight’s Town Planning meeting virtually from home. Many important reports will be considered for the future of our City, including Council’s ‘Parking on Narrow Streets Policy’ which I look forward to discussing. Residents can tune in online at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=SHSFAcISutg
13.01.2022 A big congratulations to all of our creative Easter colouring competition winners
11.01.2022 Every citizen has a right to hold and voice their views. They do not however have a right to vandalise our schools and other community spaces. This vandalism at Newbury Primary School and elsewhere in Craigieburn today is totally unacceptable.
11.01.2022 THANK YOU! I'm honoured to announce that earlier this morning I was re-elected to a second term on Hume City Council. I am especially pleased to have secured a 24% increase on my 2016 primary vote. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate my colleagues who were also successful: Carly Moore, Jodi Jackson and Jim Overend in Aitken Ward, Chris Hollow, Karen Sherry, Naim Kurt and Sam Misho in Meadow Valley Ward and Jack Medcraft, Jarrod Bell and Trevor Dance in Jackson...'s Creek Ward. My immense appreciation to all those who supported my campaign not only by voting for me but also by calling friends and family, making a campaign contribution, putting up corflutes and posters and getting the word out through social media. I owe this success to you all. I'd particularly like to thank my beautiful wife and family for their endless encouragement and support. This would not have been possible without you. Finally, I congratulate all candidates who nominated. It is never easy and requires much work and dedication. Well done on giving it your best. I'm eagerly looking forward to working with all colleagues and delivering for the great people of Hume.
10.01.2022 Condolences on the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
08.01.2022 Last year I raised the crime, antisocial behavior and drug use around Lakeside Drive Reserve, home of the Roxburgh Park Football Club. But raising it was not enough. I committed to do something about it. Through my advocacy and with the support of Council, new lockable gates have now been installed around the site’s car park which I hope will reduce crime. These upgrades add to the other items secured for the site over the last 4 years including a new scoreboard, coaches boxes and a new pavilion delivered in 2018.
08.01.2022 We are delivering on our promised illegal dumping crackdown: Dumping site cleared Infringement issued Surveillance camera installed ... Also on the way is an educational campaign to inform our community of the services already available, including bookable at-home hard waste collections, free tip passes, unlimited e-waste recycling, Hume Clean Days and more. If you see illegal dumping in Hume City, please report it to us: http://request.hume.vic.gov.au/home/new
08.01.2022 Today is United Nations International Mother Language Day which promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Here in Hume City we are proud of our cultural diversity and believe that education must begin from the early years as early childhood care and include learning in the mother tongue. As a child I was raised speaking Assyrian and Greek as my mother tongues before learning English and know just how valuable and important language learning is. ... In 2019 I first introduced the celebration of this important international day to Hume City through a Council resolution and am happy to note a number of events were organised this year to mark the occasion. Because 43% of the 6000 languages in the world are endangered and a language disappears every 2 weeks, it is critical that we maintain more closely than ever traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression before they are also lost. Learn more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day
08.01.2022 Coronavirus is not simply an old person’s illness. Over 5000 Victorians under 30 have contracted it. Protect yourself, your family and your friends. ... Follow the restrictions. Get tested. Stay home. Wash your hands. Wear your mask.
08.01.2022 The pokies industry rips $100 million+ from the Hume community each year. Addiction to pokies causes mental health, family violence and financial issues. I’ve been the strongest voice on Hume Council fighting the harm caused by this industry and working in collaboration with Pokies Play You (Alliance for Gambling Reform). We don’t need any more pokies in Hume and I’ll fight to keep it that way.
07.01.2022 Wishing all of Hume’s Indian-Australian community a very happy Independence Day!
06.01.2022 Great news for Aitken Hill Primary School in Craigieburn which will benefit from new shade sails funded by the State Government.
06.01.2022 I am excited to announce that I will be seeking re-election to Hume City Council in the October 2020 elections. It has been an honour and privilege to serve the residents of Hume over the last four years. I am confident that my experience will help me to provide strong leadership during these challenging times. I am committed to steering Hume through the COVID-19 recovery through record Council investment in community facilities, preschools, neighbourhood houses, reconstr...ucted roads, footpaths, walking and cycling paths and bridges and upgraded reserves, parks and playgrounds. I will fight every day to re-build our local businesses and attract jobs for Hume’s people. If you are a resident or ratepayer in Roxburgh Park, Craigieburn, Mickleham, Kalkallo, Yuroke or Oaklands Junction, I seek your support. Thank you for sharing this post and please contact me for any further information.
04.01.2022 Thank you to the Syro-Malabar Catholic community of Hume and the northern suburbs and Vicar Fr Mathew Kochupurakal for inviting me to launch their 2021 calendar last Sunday. I'm honoured to have a longstanding friendship with this growing and successful community of migrants from Kerala, south India who are actively contributing to various fields in Australian society. I wish the parish and Syro-Malabar community every success for the future.
03.01.2022 WATER SAFETY WARNING Yarra Valley Water has issued a contaminated water notice for suburbs across Melbourne following storms last night. HUME SUBURBS IMPACTED: Attwood, Craigieburn, Greenvale, Roxburgh Park, Westmeadows, Broadmeadows, Coolaroo, Campbellfield, Somerton, and Meadow Heights.... DO NOT drink tap water or use it for food preparation unless it is boiled first. OFFICIAL ADVICE: https://www.yvw.com.au/drinking-water-advice
03.01.2022 For years residents have urged Council not to support massive housing expansions in Hume's north without critical infrastructure being upgraded. While Council welcomes new and affordable housing, its support does not come without expectations and priorities. Hearing the voice of the community, I'm pleased to advise that Council last night formally resolved not to support the proposed fast-tracking of the Craigieburn West Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) without a commitment to... duplicate Mickleham Rd. The proposed plan would add 8000 new dwellings between Mickleham Road to the west and developed areas of Craigieburn to the east. I know first hand that Mickleham Road simply cannot support the pressure that 8000 new dwellings will bring once this PSP is completed. Thank you to the Greenvale Residents Association and the Support duplication of Mickleham & Somerton Roads group who have strongly advocated and engaged with local and state representatives on this issue for many years.
