Karen Vernon, Mayor of Victoria Park | Public & government service

Karen Vernon, Mayor of Victoria Park

Phone: +61 407 448 336

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24.01.2022 Yesterday I had footy fever! After visiting the Raiders Junior Football Club in the morning, the afternoon was spent at Lathlain Park watching Perth Football Club take their second win of the season over East Perth. Great job Demons! As matches go, it was a really good contest, and I bumped into some old faces and made some new acquaintances.... Thanks to Club President Bob Shields and the Board for the invitation. It gave us a good chance to talk about the future redevelopment of the zone occupied by the club. #lovevicpark

24.01.2022 Tonight I joined the lovely members of the ESL Reading Circle at the Town of Victoria Park Library and we had an absolute ball! The countries represented by the group tonight were Vietnam, Colombia, Bangladesh, China and Chile. In anticipation of my visit, the group have been reading about the different levels of government. Tonight we read about the Australian Constitution. Although that’s not the most exciting stuff to read , there were plenty of discussions about pron...unciation and some curly questions about our democratic processes. What a fantastic local initiative. Thanks to the members for making me feel so welcome #LoveVicPark

24.01.2022 Yesterday I was invited to attend the opening of the City of Cannings Wharf St Basin next generation community park, complete with return and release of the long neck turtles The transformation of this disused Water Corp sump basin into a technologically innovative public open space will be a great addition for our neighbours in Canning. Thanks to Mayor Patrick Hall - City of Canning and Canning City Council for the invitation. Very jealous now!!

23.01.2022 Citizenship ceremonies are such special moments for everyone involved. At tonights cosy ceremony I introduced 12 new citizens from 10 countries who have made their home in our Town. We also had another family attend to enjoy the experience after a previous online ceremony for their father. As always local elder Shaun Nannup did a great Welcome to Country, and we had a super duo of Auslan interpreters ... Thanks to Steve Irons MP, Federal Member for Swan who joined us as a special guest representing the Minister for Immigration. Thanks also to Deputy Mayor Cr Bronwyn Ife Town of Victoria Park and Cr Wilf Hendriks for helping out. Congratulations to our newest Australian citizens! #LoveVicPark

23.01.2022 GETTING ON THE SAME PAGE What began as a zoom chat during COVID-19 last year culminated yesterday at a meeting of the South East Corridor Councils Alliance (SECCA), when the Mayors and CEOs of the Cities of Armadale, Canning, Gosnells and the Town of Victoria Park signed the Memorandum of Understanding for our new alliance, following the adoption of the MOU by all member councils. This is a significant occasion in our histories as local governments as we forge a unified grou...p to advocate for integrated regional planning for transport, social infrastructure, housing etc. We have already collaborated on a simplified trading permit, an apprenticeship and trainee program together, and we’re planning new projects to create greater policy consistency across our region of almost 400,000 people. Special thanks to all the Councils for supporting this alliance, and to my fellow Mayors for their enthusiasm and commitment - Mayor Patrick Hall - City of Canning, Mayor David Goode JP - City of Gosnells and Mayor Ruth Butterfield - City of Armadale Councillor - River Ward

22.01.2022 Rates relief for Vic Park! Last night Council adopted the 2020-21 Annual Budget including a 7.88% reduction in rate revenue from last year, and no increase in the majority of fees and charges. The reduction in rate revenue was achieved through several amendments during the meeting to draw down from reserves to fund capital works and expenditure, together with some savings. This way Council has ensured that the Town can continue to deliver its services and capital works prog...rams without interruption. COVID-19 was a key factor in ensuring that there was no increase in rate revenue this year. We know that the financial impact of COVID-19 is being felt by residential and business ratepayers, and the full extent of that impact is unknown. The final 7.88% reduction in rate revenue will reduce the overall burden on our ratepayers, and that's important now more than ever.

22.01.2022 Three quarter time 39 - 29 This is a thriller

21.01.2022 TOWN WINS ANOTHER STATEWIDE AWARD! Last night the Town of Victoria Park won the Community Based Initiative of the Year at the 2020 Parks & Leisure Australia WA Regional Awards of Excellence!! The Town's Community Benefits Strategy in partnership with the West Coast Eagles. Wirrpanda Foundation, and Perth Football Club took out the honours ahead of a hotly contested field from the Cities of Cockburn, Fremantle, Perth, Melville, Wanneroo and the Public Silo Trail. ... The Community Benefits Strategy was launched last December and is a great collaborative partnership between council, our community, and key Lathlain Precinct stakeholders. Congratulations to all past and present Councillors involved in decision-making over the years - your strong leadership has combined to ensure this strategy would become a reality. Thanks and congratulations to all the Town staff involved in the development of this strategy from start to finish - this award is a fantastic recognition for all their hard work and enthusiasm for the project. I acknowledge the commitment of our key partners, and thank them for working with the Town in the development stages, and for delivering the outcomes in this strategy for the benefit of our community. And finally, the most important acknowledgement of all. This strategy would not have been possible were it not for the amazing contributions of our community benefits panel. 30 randomly chosen members of our community came together, received training and worked together over months to select the focus areas and outcomes. In short, you brought this strategy to life for us all. #LoveVicPark #plawa20

21.01.2022 Natures beauty and fury was on display today at our Jirdarup Bushland Precinct for the launch of the new interpretative signage and improved bird waterers. Just as we were about to start the formalities, the rain came in a downpour. A quick relocation undercover and we were underway. The signs are a wonderful collaboration between our community and the Town of Victoria Park thats been a couple of years in the making. Research, data collection, creative inputs from local p...hotographers and artists have made it come to life. Great work local photographer Kat Wray of Red Eclectic for the graphic design and photography on the signage, and aboriginal artist Darryl Bellotti for the Whadjuk inspired laser cut panels. The improved bird waterers are the engineering design of our Town staff. Today there was music, guided bush walks where the sun came out, bee hotel making for the kids, Rex the female white tailed black cockatoo and a fabulous native ingredients afternoon tea from RiverMint Dining Huge thanks to the Friends of Jirdarup Bushland for developing the idea, and working with the Town to complete it. It was their idea to have todays celebration. Great job Special thanks to the Towns Natural Areas Team and Community events team for a great job on today. #LoveVicPark

21.01.2022 Go Demons! The finals series is underway at HBF Arena Joondalup - Perth v West Perth

20.01.2022 I dropped in to the Victoria Park Centre for the Arts this week to have a look at their current members' exhibition "Birds Sing Out of Tune", and to have a chat with General Manager Jeremy Blank, whose own artwork is included in the exhibition. It's on until 12 August so stop by - it's free. It was a hive of activity and I had a lovely chat with participants in a regular oil painting class, and met 2 volunteers who are undertaking a backyard makeover in the garden with nativ...e trees and shrubs. If you're looking for something different and challenging, there's a lot of offerings. #LoveVicPark

19.01.2022 Community Planting day is racing through thousands of plants at Charles Patterson Reserve! Super work Vic Parkians!!

19.01.2022 If youre interested in discussing the issues around the WA governments proposal for elevated rail through Carlisle, East Victoria Park and Welshpool along the Armadale train line, come along to this public meeting tonight!

19.01.2022 Last night I was privileged to attend the Australian of the Year Western Australia 2021 Awards. This event is so inspiring. The 16 WA finalists in 4 categories are an outstanding cohort whose collective contributions to our community are an inspiration to us all. They certainly made me resolve to work harder for my community. The winners, who will go on to represent WA in the Australian of the Year awards are:... Local Hero - Rebecca Prince-Ruiz Young Australian of the Year - Grace Forrest Senior Australian of the Year - Dr Richard Walley Australian of the Year - Professor Helen Milroy Rebecca Prince-Ruiz founded Plastic Free July, a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. The Town of Victoria Park is a proud advocate and supporter of Plastic Free July. Grace Forrest founded Walk Free, an international human rights organisation working to eradicate modern slavery. Dr Richard Walley OAM is a champion of Aboriginal culture who guides people and organisations towards reconciliation through cultural awareness. Professor Helen Milroy was Australia’s first indigenous doctor, and who now specialises in child and adolescent psychiatry. She is a pioneer researcher into Aboriginal and child mental health. She was the first indigenous Commissioner of the AFL, and a Commissioner of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. #AusoftheYear with Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and family

18.01.2022 Yesterday I hosted the quarterly meeting of the Inner City Mayors and CEOs Alliance, comprising the Councils of Perth,South Perth, Vincent, Subiaco and Victoria Park. Some of the topics discussed included our joint initiative to relaunch the Visit Perth website as a showcase for each of our local communities, transport infrastructure priorities, joint support for an indigenous cultural centre in inner Perth and a joint approach to recreational infrastructure needs. We also w...elcomed the new CEO of the City of Perth, Michelle Reynolds, and said farewell to Commissioner Andrew Hammond, who will make way for the new Lord Mayor of Perth after the upcoming election. Andrew has made a valuable contribution to our group from his extensive experience in local government. The day was too good to resist a photo. Joining me are Mayor Greg Milner - City of South Perth, Penny Taylor - Subiaco Mayor and the CEOs of South Perth, Perth, Subiaco and Vincent. Emma Cole, Vincent Mayor was an apology and the Town's CEO had to leave for another meeting before the photo. #LoveVicPark

18.01.2022 Today I had a great meeting with some of the School Principals and educators in the Town of Victoria Park. We discussed the Towns different options for community grants and donations available to schools and students and the plans to develop our first Yourh Action Plan over the next 12 months. We also showcased the exciting proposed McCallum Park Active Park Zone complete with international competition skate park, BMX track and multi use playing courts. We also discussed ...developing a Youth Advisory Council next year and holding a mock Youth Council meeting this year to inspire civic leadership in our youth. Thanks to Kent Street Senior High School, East Victoria Park Primary School, Perth Individual, A progressive Montessori College, Victoria Park Primary School and Lathlain Primary School. #LoveVicPark

17.01.2022 Have you posted on a local neighbourhood crime Facebook page this year? Here is an opportunity to raise your crime and safety issues directly with the Council and WA Police this week! Registration is free but essential due to seating restrictions. ... #LoveVicPark

17.01.2022 HAPPY NATIONAL TREE DAY! We had a fantastic turnout this morning at Charles Paterson Reserve for the Town of Victoria Parks Community Planting Day between 10am and 1pm. Huge thanks to everyone who came to lend a hand to plant 3,500 shrubs grown from endemic seeds from our Jirdarup Bushland Precinct, and a number of Eucalyptus Rudis trees grown from McCallum Park stock. ... I have to make special mention of the lovely Lucy who joined me in planting a eucalyptus tree Special thanks to the Towns amazing staff who co-ordinated everything and answered endless questions, helped out and took photos - David, Pierre, Bushy, Rachel, Locky, Aleisha, Derrin, Tracy - apologies if I forgot anyone. Great job everyone Also additional thanks to members of Vic Park Urban Foresters, Friends of Jirdarup Bushland, Landcare Australia and West Coast Eagles Community Team (Fraser, Jacob and Dana) who joined us to help out! We really appreciate all your support PS Yummy lunch by Vic Park Larder #LoveVicPark #greeningvicpark

17.01.2022 Delighted to have officially launched Connect 60+ yesterday. This wellness program for local over 60s is another great idea by Connect Victoria Park Inc. A COVID-19 Community grant from the Town of Victoria Park is helping with the cost. Well done Connect Victoria Park! Im looking forward to hearing about the progress of all the participants. #LoveVicPark

16.01.2022 Lets Celebrate Jirdarup Bushland - the launch of the Towns new interpretative signage and bird waterers at Jirdarup Bushland - is now finally underway this afternoon with a smoking ceremony!

16.01.2022 The Town will be launching its 2020/21 grant funding program in coming weeks. This is a great opportunity for our community groups, sporting clubs and local businesses to obtain financial assistance from Council to achieve their goals. This program will see us calling for applications for operating subsidies, community grants, business grants over the next few months. To help everyone maximise the opportunities, the Town of Victoria Park is holding a grant writing workshop ...tomorrow night. #LoveVicPark

15.01.2022 LETS GO DEMONS Were raising their flag as a show of support for our Towns home team, the Perth Football Club who this Sunday, after 23 years will hopefully bring home the win to secure a spot in the WAFL Grand Final! #LoveVicPark #GoDemons

15.01.2022 When no one comes to Share with the Mayor

14.01.2022 Today the Town of Victoria Park’s CEO and I had our annual catch up chat with John Hughes who is celebrating 50 years in business in Vic Park John was the first person inducted in the Town’s Business Hall of Fame in 2019, and his insights into our Town are always valuable. #LoveVicPark

14.01.2022 The weather was fine, the grandstand was fairly full and the fans were pretty vocal for todays WAFL NAIDOC round between Perth Football Club and Subiaco at Lathlain Park. The day began with a great Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Aboriginal elder Shaun Nannup. At half time, plenty of spectators flooded onto the oval to hear what the coach would say to inspire the Demons to victory. Sadly it wasnt the home teams day, but they remain in contention

14.01.2022 After 5 months we have finally been able to resume citizenship ceremonies at the Town of Victoria Park. Ive missed these great civic occasions! Tonight I introduced 17 new citizens from 13 countries whove made Australia and our Town their home. Thanks to Cr Bronwyn Ife Town of Victoria Park, Cr Jesvin Karimi Town of Victoria Park and Cr Wilf Hendriks for helping out.... #LoveVicPark

14.01.2022 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT!! The Town of Victoria Park’s Urban Forest Strategy, some of our fantastic local urban forest champions and the Jirdarup Bushland will be featured on Gardening Australia tonight on ABC at 7.30pm. Tune in if you’re free. ... #LoveVicPark Vic Park Urban Foresters Friends of Jirdarup Bushland

14.01.2022 Today is Australian Citizenship Day! What a special privilege to induct 19 new citizens from 13 countries as Australian citizens tonight at the Town of Victoria Park. #LoveVicPark

13.01.2022 It was a resounding No from the community who attended last nights public meeting to discuss the WA Governments proposal for elevated rail to replace level crossings on the Armadale line at Mint/Archer St, Oats St and Welshpool Rd. The meeting was held at the Bowling Club by Community Forum Victoria Park, a local ratepayers and residents association. Almost 70 people attended and when the meeting moderator called for a show of hands of those who supported elevated skyrail..., not a single hand went up. The most common concerns I heard in the room were about the impact on the community, the lack of community consultation prior to the governments announcement, the lack of a business case, and the lack of information being provided by Metronet. I know a lot of people in our community are upset and unhappy with not only the governments preferred skyrail plan for our Town, but also the way the government has treated them in not consulting them before making its position known. In my view, the permanent impact on so many in our community outweighs the impact on transient train commuters and road users so our community should have been consulted first, not given their fate on a plate and be told to rejoice at it. Sadly Metronet refused the organisers invitation to attend last nights public meeting 3 times. Thats a real shame that public servants tasked with delivering this project wouldnt send at least one expert to answer questions. Despite being invited, no one from the WA government attended either. That was disappointing given how important this issue is for our community and the lifelong impact this project will have. Unfortunately my experience attending last Saturdays 11am Metronet drop in information session wasnt a positive one. The Metronet staff were unable to answer most of my questions about those aspects of the project with the biggest impact on the community such as height, length, bulk, width, how many tracks, filled in gradient rises or open, open space, rail reserve corridor, maintenance of open spaces etc. There were only about 15 people at the 11am session, no displayed information other than whats already on the Metronet website, and few people got any certainty. A petition was started last night by the organisers seeking the Premiers attention.

11.01.2022 It was a big day at Carlisle Reserve today for the Inaugural Cougar Cup - a mighty contest between the under 21s (Colts) from the Carlisle Cougars Football Club and the Kalamunda Cougars Football Club. It was a tough match for our local team, and sadly I presented the Cougar Cup to Kalamunda, who also walked away with the Best on Ground. Game on for the rematch I reckon! Great to catch up with Club President Amber Hazell, President of the Life Members Guy Lanza, and Club ma...triarch Mary Sutherland Thanks CFC for the invite - it was a fantastic afternoon.

10.01.2022 IT WAS NOT TO BE FOR THE DEES Great try today Demons. Sadly we lost in the last quarter Still fantastic effort to reach the finals. Better luck next year. Cr Brian Oliver - Town of Victoria Park and I toughed it out today through wind, cold, driving rain, and a hail of expletives from the stands to scream for our team!

10.01.2022 This evening we relaunched the outdoor 50m pool at the Aqualife, after about 4 months for upgrades to the dive blocks, the surrounding swim ledge, the guttering, tiled surrounds and a new submersible pool wall. Special thanks to Steve Irons MP, Federal Member for Swan and the Commonwealth Government for grant funding to contribute towards these valuable upgrades. And further special thanks to Victoria Park Swimming Club and President Jason Frehner for all their hard work hel...ping with the grant application, and lobbying the Commonwealth Government for funding. The pool reopens to the public in about a week when water testing is complete so stay tuned Victoria Park Leisure Centres - Aqualife and Leisurelife #LoveVicPark

10.01.2022 SHARE WITH THE MAYOR is on this week Im available tomorrow (Friday) between 12pm and 2pm at the Towns administration building, and again on Saturday between 1pm and 2pm at the Towns library to chat to ratepayers and residents about local issues without an appointment. Follow the electronic check in details at both venues on arrival.

09.01.2022 Deadly Sista Girlz are doing it for themselves!! The Wirrpanda Foundation Ken Wyatt Cup & Careers Expo at Mineral Resources Park is underway. This wonderful day is a great opportunity for aboriginal high school girls from across Perth to play some footy and find a future career path. Very delighted to be here today.

09.01.2022 The Town of Victoria Park has become the first local government in WA to be part of Plastic Free Places, a national program to encourage and assist businesses to switch from single-use plastics to better alternatives. Together with WA Plastic Free, the 6-month program is an exciting opportunity to support up to 20 local cafes and restaurants to start or enhance their plastic free journey. Participating local businesses are offered expert consultation to identify plastic fre...e barriers, solutions and strategies to reduce costs, and associated promotional support. Last year, I'm proud to say our Council banned single-use plastics and polystyrene at Council buildings, Council events and all market stalls held on Council land to lead a plastic free Vic Park movement. Adopting the Plastic Free Program extends our plastic free commitment and creates local Plastic Free Champions. For more information and to apply to be part of the program, visit victoriapark.wa.gov.au/plasticfreeplaces.

09.01.2022 SHARE WITH THE MAYOR is on again tomorrow (Saturday) at the Town of Victoria Park Library from 1 - 2pm. Todays Share with the Mayor topics included dividing fences, inspecting information from the Towns roll of ratepayers, and the proposed elevated rail between Carlisle and Welshpool. What would you like to share?... #LoveVicPark #ShareWithTheMayor

09.01.2022 Today I was privileged to launch the first Purple Bench outside the Department of Communities, 269 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park. The bench is jointly sponsored by the Town of Victoria Park, the Department of Communities and the Healthy Relationships Strategy Group. The Purple Bench project from the Women's Council for Domestic & Family Violence Services - WA honours those who have lost their lives due to family and domestic violence, and raises awareness of the need to elimin...ate domestic violence against women and children. Our bench is number 88 in WA, but its the first bus stop purple bench and I hope it wont be the last. As we recognise Homelessness Week in WA this week, this bench is a reminder that family and domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness. I hope it serves as a place of rest, reflection and sparks important conversations about the need to put an end to all forms of violence against women and children. #LoveVicPark #homelessnessweekwa

06.01.2022 This ANZAC Day the Town of Victoria Park will be holding its Dawn Service again at Memorial Gardens Vic Park. Be there by 5.45am. Come and join us for the Dawn Service followed by a gunfire breakfast on us! If like me you did Driveways at Dawn last year, that is still a lovely way to reflect and remember. ... #LoveVicPark #ANZACDay2021

06.01.2022 I finished a busy weekend with A Fabulous Xmas in July last night. This fun filled event run by GRAI - GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc and Vic Park Pride in support of our local LGBTIQ community had a quiz, games, singing, dancing, and on our table - lots of laughs! Thanks to our table - Manuao, Sean, Miller, Claire, Jen and Brian for such a great night out. #lovevicpark

05.01.2022 For over 18 months a dedicated group of locals have advised the Town of Victoria Park via our Access & Inclusion Advisory Group and Aboriginal Engagement Advisory Group, whose terms ended on 30 June. Yesterday afternoon we said thank you to those groups with an afternoon tea. The contributions of community representatives are invaluable in helping the Town deliver positive outcomes from our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and Reconciliation Action Plan. Our Council is ...very appreciative of the time and effort of all these volunteers. Although not everyone could join us yesterday, everyone will be recognised. Council recently resolved to re-establish both groups and call for nominations for members. Details available on the Towns website and Facebook. #LoveVicPark

03.01.2022 I highly recommend you check out the amazing Images of Jirdarup 2020 Photography Exhibition at the Victoria Park Centre for the Arts Gallery on Kent Street. Best of all many of the images are for sale at very reasonable prices. I couldn’t resist ... Over 800 photos were submitted to the competition organised by local nature conservation group Friends of Jirdarup Bushland to highlight the flora, fauna and landscape of the Jirdarup Bushland, Kensington. The exhibition comprises the 60 best photos (15 each in 4 categories) and the winners will share in $3,000 in prizes. Visitors to the Gallery can vote for the People’s Choice Award, before all winners are announced on 20 November. The exhibition finishes on 25 November and is open 7 days a week. #LoveVicPark

03.01.2022 Fantastic result for the Demons at Lathlain Park today, making it into the WAFL finals after 23 years!! Some things are worth waiting for Now to make the Grand Final Please get behind our local WAFL team! #Demons2020

02.01.2022 HALF TIME - 21 - 21

02.01.2022 Arts Season is such fun!! Yesterday afternoon I went to Surround Sound, a musical performance by Curate, a collective of local artists, designers and creatives who are bringing passion projects to life. Beautiful European chamber and choral music surrounded the audience who were encouraged to chill out and enjoy the delightful sounds. ... The Victoria Park Community Centre was a cool and quiet location for this free event, one of the many in the Town of Victoria’s Arts Season program. Check out www.curate.org.au #LoveVicPark #ArtsSeason2021

01.01.2022 It was a historic moment in the history of the Victoria Park RSL Sub Branch when they amalgamated with the City of South Perth RSL Sub Branch last month. Today I attended the formal presentation by RSLWA of the new Charter to the newly amalgamated Sub Branch, which will be based at the clubhouse in East Victoria Park.