Councillor Seema Abdullah, Greater Shepparton City Council | Community

Councillor Seema Abdullah, Greater Shepparton City Council

Phone: +61 470 590 681

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Other
• Community

25.01.2022 Happy Diwali to the members of our Sikh and Hindu communities. Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, that usually lasts five days, and symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This year's Diwali celebrations are no doubt going to be different due to many restrictions on social gatherings because of COVID. Thanks to the community for its understanding and caution and I wish you all a safe and joyous Diwali. These pictures are from previous Diwali celebrations in Shepparton - but one reflection of our vibrant, multicultural community.

24.01.2022 We now officially have a new council! I’m very pleased to be kicking off the start of another exciting journey with this new group of councillors.

24.01.2022 Being a councillor is very different in this Covid-area. I miss the opportunity to see so many people and the chance to meet new people, as well as all the fantastic events that usually happen so often in Greater Shepparton. This album of my election campaign in 2016 made me very nostalgic. There were a lot of happy memories right there. Hoping to see you all soon.

22.01.2022 The much anticipated roadmap to reopening was announced today. Here is the link with details of Regional Victoria's reopening roadmap:

21.01.2022 Candidates' profiles have been published in today’s Shepparton News tackling roads, rates, rubbish and, in my case, COVID recovery.

21.01.2022 How exciting to see the redevelopment of Tatura Library!

19.01.2022 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Remembrance Day today reminds us of the value of peace and unity and the sacrifices made by others. Unfortunately services have had to be closed to the public this year, but it's appropriate to pause and reflect on this 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. ... The annual Poppy Appeal is still happening, with funds raised by Shepparton RSL used to support local veterans. Stalls will be set up at sites across Greater Shepparton today and tomorrow, including at main shopping centres. Lest we forget. See more

18.01.2022 It’s been my privilege to lead our council and community during a difficult 2020.

18.01.2022 I'm really pleased to hear from the State Government that Stage 2 of improvements to the Shepparton Line are going ahead, with the announcement of a new contractor. At the end of this stage the VLocity trains will be able to travel between Melbourne and Shepparton for the first time, five times a day. I wrote to the Shepparton News about this issue just a few days ago. I'll be doing all I can to keep improved transport services on the agenda.

16.01.2022 Teaching children to speak in their first language at home when you migrate to another country can be really challenging - I know this because I did it. It takes time, effort and determination. But the rewards are very worthwhile. So it was my pleasure to be involved in the launch of the Languages Remote Learning website yesterday, as a part of the online event ‘Raising bilingual/multilingual children in a multicultural society’. Thanks to the Greater Shepparton Foundation, G...reater Shepparton City Council and the Victorian School of Languages for supporting this important project and to the Goulburn Valley Chinese Association Inc. for developing the website and providing this incredibly beneficial resource to our community. I truly appreciate the significance of this wonderful website resource. Now, through projects like these, parents will be able to get that helping hand in teaching their kids their first language. The website has resources available for 60 languages, including some of our indigenous languages: www.languagesremote.com.au See more

13.01.2022 The highlight of my week was visiting Bree at Murchison to see Spoon Island. There’s nothing much more important than happiness, is there? Thanks Shepparton News

12.01.2022 Thanks to Damian Drum MP and the Federal Government for $1 million in drought funding for Greater Shepparton, announced today. This will fund small town projects such as the Merrigum netball/tennis court redevelopment, a netball court at Katandra West and Tatura and Tallygaroopna cycling and walking paths, etc. This is a result of great advocacy by Merrigum and other communities, working with council to articulate the needs and wants of local residents.

12.01.2022 Congratulations to Mayor Councillor Kim O'Keeffe and Deputy Mayor Councillor Rob Priestly on their election tonight. With that, Greater Shepparton City Council starts a new chapter and we all are looking forward to working shoulder to shoulder to achieve shared goals of making Greater Shepparton a thriving and most liveable region. I am confident that Mayor O'Keeffe will do her best to lead the new Council in building a strong team ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. I am looking forward to making my contribution in shaping a positive culture that sets the tone for a strong and progressive Council, delivering the best outcomes for our community. (Group picture of all councillors taken at Eastbank last week.)

11.01.2022 Having reached a 14-day average of 3.6 and with no mystery cases, regional Victoria has reached the necessary trigger point in the State Government’s roadmap, which means that of 11:59pm today, regional communities, including Greater Shepparton, will progress to the Third Step of our reopening roadmap. A truly amazing effort by our community has contributed to regional Victoria being able to be opened up to Step 3 restrictions and ahead of time. Together we have done the r...ight thing to enable us to once again enjoy experiences that are important to our way of life and our health and wellbeing. With the easing of restrictions and financial support provided for many of our industry sectors supporting re-opening and operate with fewer restrictions, I encourage you all to continue to actively support our businesses in what has been immensely tough times. Council is geared up, ready to support businesses looking to expand their outdoor dining capacity as we work on streamlining processes that will enable our hospitality businesses adapt to the eased restrictions and take advantage of this long awaited reopening as quickly as possible. I recognise and emphasise just how tough this pandemic has been on our hospitality and tourism sectors in particular, and as a start know that welcoming diners back to pubs, restaurants and cafes is also going to have a positive effect on suppliers, products and services within our region. I look forward to our hospitality sector to welcoming back loyal customers and visitors to the dining experiences we all know and love. It is critical that our businesses understand that they are required to operate using a COVIDSafe Plan. This will come into force as of 28 September. If you need assistance with this please contact Council’s Economic Development Team on 58329700. Here's a reminder about COVIDSafe principles for business: Ensure physical distancing (1.5 metres) for staff, patrons and customers. Ensure you, your staff and customers wear a mask or face covering. Practice good hygiene and regularly clean your facilities, shared spaces and provide additional cleaning supplies. Keep contact details of customers of all workers, subcontractors, customers and clients attending the work premises for 15 minutes or longer. Act quickly if staff become unwell, send them home and direct them to be tested. If tested they must stay home until they have their result. Report any positive cases of COVID-19 to DHHS, Worksafe, Health and Safety Representatives, and notify your staff ASAP. If a staff member tests positive undertake a deep cleaning of your businesses. Avoid interactions in close spaces with one worker per foursquare metres of enclosed workspace or in shared areas. Create workforce bubbles Caption: I look forward to attending social events once again. This was one of those functions we took for granted at the time, at the Woolshed Emerald Bank with Peter Sutherland and Rohan Sali. See more

10.01.2022 Warm wishes to all the wonderful men on this Father's Day. It's hard work being a father so be proud of this role! Hope you have a relaxing and joyous day today and everyday.

09.01.2022 It was inspiring to see the optimism of our youth at the Nelson Mandela Youth Leadership Summit, which was hosted from Shepparton this week. I was very happy to make a small contribution to the event. Well done to organisers Future Voices in bringing together young people from refugee, migrant and Australian backgrounds to talk about life beyond the pandemic.

07.01.2022 R U OK Day today is an important reminder to check in on the mental health of your family and friends, as well as taking the time to reflect on your own self care. This year it’s probably more important than ever before. I’m not immune to the pressures of work and family, that’s for sure. At the moment my days are often full of Zoom meeting after Zoom meeting and sometimes it makes my head spin. My go-to self-care measures are going for a walk and really trying to appreciate ...the natural environment while I’m out there. I’ll make a point of stepping away from that computer and phoning a friend or family member. Gardening, cooking and reading (not council papers!) also help me. Looking too far ahead can sometimes be overwhelming, so I really do try to take things one day at a time. I really do hope U R OK. If you’re not, please don’t suffer in silence See more

07.01.2022 Today marks the end of NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week 2020. NAIDOC Week is usually held in the first week of July incorporating ‘National Aboriginal Day'. This year it was postponed taking into account the community safety aspect. This year's theme was 'Always was, always will be'. It recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years (https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2020-the...me). Although the NAIDOC week celebrations end today, let's make sure that beyond this week, we continue to strive to become culturally aware every day of the year, embrace the true history of Australia and acknowledge the First Nations peoples not only with words but with meaningful actions. I am delighted that this year Council marked two major milestones. First is the induction of the first Aboriginal Councillor in the history of Greater Shepparton, Cr. Greg James. We are so proud and pleased to have Cr. James on board. The second is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation to work together and strengthen our relationships with the Yorta Yorta Peoples of the land that now comprises Greater Shepparton. See more

07.01.2022 Seema stands the test of time

06.01.2022 Today members of the new team of councillors did a site tour at the new Shepparton Art Museum site. We were brought up to date on this impressive and spectacular community space in the making. I’m really looking forward to the opening in the new year!

04.01.2022 Our community has long pushed for better rail services between Shepparton and Melbourne (see my earlier post and letter below). Today’s State Government announcement of $80M funding in the 2020-21 State Budget means that the final stage of the Shepparton Passenger Line Upgrade will happen. This Stage 3 includes track and signalling upgrades to enable trains to travel at up to 130km/h, cutting travel times by 20 minutes. It also means nine daily return services between Sheppar...ton and Melbourne (up from the current five). Stage 2 will deliver the infrastructure required to enable modern Vlocity trains to operate to Shepparton for the first time by late 2022. This announcement is the result of years of advocacy and collaboration by council, local individuals and organisations, including Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed. We have been able to demonstrate the significant benefits of upgrading passenger rail services for our community. This infrastructure will allow for even more frequent daily services in the future. Benefits will flow on to businesses, as well as in relation to medical and education services, and employment. It’s great to see we are getting the rail services the region badly need and that Shepparton deserves as a thriving regional city. See more

03.01.2022 Thanks to Peter D at ONE FM Shepparton Radio for my candidate interview! If you didn’t catch it, I’d love you to listen in to the podcast in which I talk about why I’m standing for local government again and some of our community issues.

03.01.2022 I officially nominated at the electoral office this morning You can expect to receive your voting packs in the mail in about 2 weeks

01.01.2022 As a newly re-elected councillor, I recited the following oath, along with other councillors, at a special swearing in ceremony today: "I will undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the municipal community. I will abide by the Councillor Code of Conduct and uphold the standards of conduct set out in the Councillor Code of Conduct. I will faithfully and impartially carry out and exercise the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in me under the Local Government Act 2020 and any other Act to the best of my skill and judgement.". I take the oath very seriously and I'm honoured to have the opportunity. Congratulations to all new and returning councillors.

01.01.2022 Just a reminder about the changes from today. You’ve got this Greater Shepparton.

01.01.2022 Local government has a critical role to play in the management of the resources of the Murray Darling Basin, if we are to ensure the sustainability, vibrancy and prosperity of our community for future generations. It was my pleasure to welcome delegates to the 76th national conference and annual general meeting of the Murray Darling Association Inc (MDA), currently being held online and presented in partnership with Greater Shepparton City Council. We were excited to host the... event in Shepparton this year but obviously we had to change plans to present a fully virtual experience. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack MP gave the opening address to an impressive lineup of speakers, including our own Councillor Dennis Patterson, chair of our region for the MDA. Issues being explored include the impacts of more demand for and less water on the environment, farmers and regional communities like ours. See more