Cr Connie Boglis OAM

16/06/2026

Last night, Darebin Council considered my amendment for a dedicated Mental Health Action Plan. The amendment was unsuccessful, which keeps mental health embedded within the broader Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

I respect the decision of Council. But I remain disappointed.

As a councillor, mental health counsellor and lived experience advocate, I know that local government is often the first place people turn when they are struggling. Our services hear and see loneliness, social isolation, housing stress, cost-of-living pressures and lack of connection long before those issues appear in a report.

And yet the data is already telling us what many residents have been telling me for years.

The Darebin Health and Wellbeing Profile 2025 identifies higher levels of loneliness, social isolation and psychological distress in Darebin compared with the Victorian average. These are not just statistics. They are indicators of a community that is asking us to think differently about prevention, connection and Wellbeing and that evidence is growing across Victoria.

The Municipal Association of Victoria's Belonging Matters report highlights that loneliness, social isolation and exclusion are rising and are contributing to psychological distress, poorer health outcomes and increased community costs.

Through my work on the MAV Health and Wellbeing Committee, and through the motion I am taking to the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly next week in Canberra. I am calling for greater State and Federal investment in the places that sit between crisis and recovery.

These organisations do extraordinary work every day. They reduce isolation, strengthen belonging, support vulnerable residents and create the social infrastructure that helps people stay connected before they reach crisis point.

If councils can lead on climate action, gender equity, accessibility, inclusion and community safety, then we can have a serious conversation about Mental Health. I am proud that this conversation reached the Council chamber. I am proud that mental health was debated and this is just the beginning for me.

Thank you neighbours 🏡

09/06/2026

Thank you for the kind introduction Locale Learning

I'm looking forward to joining the conversation at the Political Wellbeing Lab and sharing insights on wellbeing, resilience, leadership, and the realities of public service.

These discussions are important for everyone involved in public life, and I encourage people to join the conversation and be part of exploring how we can create healthier, more sustainable environments for those serving our communities.
I look forward to connecting with you all.

05/06/2026

As your local Councillor, I encourage all Darebin residents, business owners and community members to complete Victoria Police's 2026 Community Sentiment Survey.

This is an opportunity to have your say on community safety, policing priorities, crime prevention and where Victoria Police should focus its efforts in our neighbourhoods.

Many residents have raised concerns with me about anti-social behaviour, theft, property damage and safety issues in parts of Darebin, including around car parks at night, train stations, the Edwardes Street and Spring Street precincts. Community feedback is critical to ensuring these concerns are heard and considered.

The survey is anonymous and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Every response helps build a clearer picture of the issues affecting our community and can assist Victoria Police in understanding local concerns and improving neighbourhood safety initiatives.

Complete the survey here: https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/vicpol-2026/survey/6585

Let's make sure Darebin's voice is heard.

As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Framework, Victoria Police is...

29/05/2026

How fantastic to have Hands-on Health Australia here on Edwardes St at Reservoir Village 🎉

29/05/2026

Proud to share that my motion - Strengthening Councillor Independence and Protections from Occupational Violence PASSED at the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council with majority support this morning.

This is an important step forward in recognising that councillors must be able to carry out their statutory duties independently, free from coercion, intimidation, bullying, harassment and political interference.

Councillors across Victoria are increasingly facing occupational violence, including online abuse and unsafe pressures that impact both wellbeing and decision-making. Yet significant gaps still exist in protections and accountability frameworks.

I welcome the strong support for this motion and the important leadership the is showing in prioritising councillor health, safety and wellbeing. The MAV’s ongoing work around occupational violence, online harm and strengthening protections for councillors is critical to ensuring local democracy remains safe, respectful and independent.

Thank you to the councils and councillors who supported my motion and important reform agenda. Strong local government depends on councillors being able to serve their communities safely, independently and without fear.

Better Politics Foundation
VLGA - Victorian Local Governance Association Inc

27/05/2026

Yesterday, I was proud to pass an amendment supporting longer-term certainty for our neighbourhood houses across Darebin and it passed unanimously.

This motion delivers: 🏡 A 4-year lease agreement, with the option of an additional 4 years through a council resolution.

That means up to 8 years of stability and security for the incredible organisations that bring people together, support vulnerable residents, create connection, and strengthen our community every single day.

Neighbourhood houses are the heart of Darebin, and they deserve long-term support to continue their amazing work Neighbourhood Houses Victoria Span Community House Reservoir Neighbourhood House Jika Jika Community Centre Alphington Community Centre Bridge Darebin Prace

26/05/2026

Today on National Sorry Day, we pause to reflect on the strength, resilience and courage of the Stolen Generations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were forcibly removed from their families, culture and community.

It is an important day of remembrance, truth-telling and healing. As a community and as Council, we acknowledge the deep and ongoing impacts of these injustices and stand together in the spirit of respect, reconciliation and hope for future generations.

25/05/2026

Edwardes St lunch with Cr Angela Villella 🌯