The Voice of Mill Park

In this comeback episode, I share my early thoughts on the coming Mill Park election and why I’m not convinced by the usual party lines from Labor, the Greens or the broader political class. I talk through the uncertainty around the field of candidates, the frustration many locals feel about more of the same from government, and why this campaign matters for the future of Victoria and our community. I also set out what I want this podcast to become from here: a regular local conversation, dropping twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, and a place to help rebuild connection in Mill Park. From chatting with candidates and testing their promises, to encouraging neighbours to meet, hold street barbecues and strengthen community ties, this episode is a reset and an invitation to get involved locally.

In today’s short check‑in from Mill Park, I share a behind‑the‑scenes update on learning Reaper for production at home, wrangling mic gain, managing background noise, and eyeing some sound treatment to keep the cars and creaks at bay. Then I pivot to a serious local issue: the recent vandalism of the accessible public toilets at Mill Park’s much‑loved all‑abilities play space, with damage topping $50,000. I reflect on how we, as a community, can respond, balancing accountability with creating better outlets for young people, and rebuilding a sense of belonging after years of disrupted routines. I also run through what’s on around Whittlesea: tonight’s council meeting livestream; the Belong at the PRACC art exhibition (free entry, closing 27 May); Social Golf Tuesdays for over‑50s; the Food Waste and Garden Service pop‑up sessions rotating through Plenty Valley, Bundoora Square, Lalor, and Mill Park Library; the Young Parents Group on Thursdays at the Y Plenty Valley; and upcoming dates at Mill Park Secondary College, including senior campus tours (20 May, 10 June, 24 June) and the Senior Campus Music Night on Friday 19 June at the Performing Arts Centre. More community spotlights and local business chats are on the way, thanks for tuning in to Voice of Mill Park! ---------------------------------------- Disgraceful behaviour leaves a trail of destruction 2026 Art Exhibition - Belong Mill Park Secondary College - Senior Campus Tours 2026 SNR Campus Music Concert Council Meeting

In this episode, I give a quick local roundup for Mill Park and surrounds while still road‑testing Reaper for the show. On the community calendar: the Men’s Health Forum this Sunday at Whittlesea Masonic Lodge (20 Beech Street, Whittlesea) with morning tea, lunch and arvo tea included; the Belong annual art exhibition in the Blue Gum Room through 27 May; and “Framing Your Artwork,” a hands‑on workshop at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (book via TryBooking). There’s also KPT Community Theatre’s production of Grease on Thursday night, plus a creative writing workshop for the National Australian Heritage Festival at Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden in Thomastown. Closer to home, weekly and monthly favourites continue: Young Parents Group every Thursday at the Y Plenty Valley (10:30–12) Chapter Brunch book club at Against the Grind (Olliena Drive) with The Fourth Wing as the first pick for 25–45s Organic Gardening Workshop at Epping’s Galada Community Centre (bring a small soil sample for free pH testing) Mill Park Library has Side Hustles for Extra Income with Rebecca Sharkey on Wed 27 May (1–2 pm), plus regulars like Chatty Café (Thu 6:30–7:30 pm) LEGO Club (Fri 4–5 pm) English Conversations (Mon 11–12) Sewing Club (next Monday). Whittlesea Probus marks its 20th birthday on 15 May at Whittlesea Bowls Club, the Whittlesea Men’s Shed is open Mon/Thu/Fri 9–2 (30 Whittlesea–Yea Road), and the Thursday AA meeting runs at Miller Community Centre. If you’ve got an event, email [email protected] and I’ll share it on the blog and the show. Men's Health Forum Framing Your Artwork Belong Art Exhibition Grease @ PRACC Creative Writing Workshop Young Parents Group Chapter Brunch Book Club

In this shorter, slightly experimental episode, I fire up some new recording software (hello, Reaper) and share a candid update on the tech side of the show, what’s working, what’s daunting, and whether I’ll stick with it or return to old faithfuls like GarageBand, Audacity, or my first‑gen RODECaster Pro. I also take a lap around local happenings and concerns in and around Mill Park: a call for better upkeep along Plenty Road after spotting a deceased kangaroo on the centre strip, and a broader reflection on how pride in place starts with consistent care from all levels of government. On the community front, I spotlight the Whittlesea Masonic Centre’s Men’s Health Forum (Sun 17 May, 8:30am–5:30pm, 20 Beech Street, Whittlesea) and run through local events including AA meetings at the Mill Park Community Centre (Thursdays 7pm), plus this week’s Yarra Plenty Regional Library sessions (Cutting for Beginners, Relaxed Storytime, Chatty Café, Lego Friday). From council events—youth leadership, over‑50s exercise, learn‑to‑ride, Pricing for Profit, the PRACC exhibition, community playgroup, and a session on managing screen time—to behind‑the‑scenes show prep in Notion, it’s a community‑minded catch‑up and a nudge to be proactive about our health and our neighbourhoods. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1565285 https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/events/?locations=MIL https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendar

In this episode of The Voice of Mill Park, I catch up in the evening to share what’s on around our community and why I started this podcast as a simple, reliable local resource. I spotlight two important supports: the Lalor and District Men’s Shed as a place for connection, purpose and skills after work and retirement, and the Mill Park Alcoholics Anonymous group meeting Thursdays at 7:00 pm at Mill Park’s Miller Community Centre—reminding listeners that help and community are close by if you or someone you love needs it. I also run through upcoming events: at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre—Once Upon a One More Time (Ivanhoe Grammar), an art exhibition on 2 May, Sylvie Paladino, and the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow on 7 May (15+). Around the City of Whittlesea: business mentoring sessions at Janefield Community Centre, parenting workshops including “Parenting Children Who Worry,” a young parents group at The Y at Westfield Plenty Valley, Coffee with Council at Velvet Bean Café (Epping), and ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Epping RSL (prelude 5:00 am, service 6:00 am, gunfire breakfast after). Libraries note: closed on Saturday for the public holiday; highlights include Mindful Doodling with Lou Endicott, Jobs & Careers, Chatty Café, Friday Lego, Knitting Club, and English Conversation. Plus, Mill Park Community House Term 2 programs and St Francis of Assisi Dance Night fundraiser on 27 June. As always, send your local tips to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to cover them—GarageBand hiccups or not! Links: Mill Park AA Group Lalor & District Men’s Shed PRACC - What's On Parenting children who worry Young Parents Group Coffee with Council ANZAC Day dawn service Chatty Cafe Australia