Introduction
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You've just clicked on Knox Council's annual report. And yes, it really is an annual report even though you may be watching this on YouTube, or our website.
It's the second time we've put together this important report card for the community in an
interactive, online format.
And already we're getting more interest, more readers, and more feedback on what we’ve
delivered than ever before.
Right up front, this report begins by saying that Knox City Council acknowledges the
traditional custodians of the City of Knox, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Kulin
Nation.
And we’re committed to being connected with our community in all its various parts and
forms.
Chief Executive Graeme Emonson – CEO Message
As we look back over the last year, we see many examples where we have connected with
our community like never before.
In fact, presenting this annual report on video is just one example where we've made a
conscious decision to make a link with the community that works both ways.
So, in the spirit of smarter, better communications, I'm happy to present this annual report
without reams of paper and long speeches. What you've got here is something you can read,
listen to, watch, and most importantly — share.
In fact, our vision is something we share with the community.
Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152
Introduction
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ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Knox City Council and the Community: A Partnership in progress; creating a
safe, healthy and connected community with high quality services, transport
options, facilities and culturally rich experiences; committed to protecting our
green, leafy neighbourhoods and natural environment, and enhancing
economic sustainability.
We’ve been working to achieve that vision with a sense of purpose that enhances everyone’s
quality of life.
PURPOSE: To enhance the quality of life of the Knox community.
And we’ve made sure the values we follow guide the way we work, and connect with our
community.
VALUES:
To enhance the quality of life of the Knox community.
Teamwork
Working together to achieve shared objectives
Respecting the knowledge, skills and ideas of others
Innovation
Being creative and open to new ideas and opportunities
Challenging accepted practices and seeking out better ways of doing things
Integrity
Being honest in all dealings to engender trust and respect
Being accountable for our own actions
Being open to feedback from others and honouring commitments
Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152
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Enjoying Work
Displaying a positive attitude
Bringing a sense of enthusiasm and excitement into our workplace
Supporting procedures to ensure a safe, healthy workplace
Service Excellence
Keeping the customer and community in mind in what we do
Aiming to achieve the highest standards in everything we do
Communicating clearly and showing understanding for the views of others
So where are we on the map? What do we look like? Who are we?
25 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD
Abutting the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
One of the most populous and diverse municipalities in Victoria.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:

22 percent of Knox residents are aged 35-49

19 percent of residents are aged over 60

20 percent of residents come from non-English speaking backgrounds

21 percent speak a language other than English at home

In 2006 31 percent of our residents workforce worked in Knox

19 percent of Knox residents are aged under 15

40 percent of Knox households are couples with children
More than 155,000 residents living in 11 main suburbs.
Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152
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ON-SCREEN TEXT:

Suburbs of Bayswater, Boronia, The Basin, Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully,
Knoxfield, Lysterfield, Rowville, Scoresby, Wantirna, Wantirna South and part of
Sassafras.
We’re surrounded by major parks, with five creeks running through the municipality. Our
community celebrates – and protects – its environment.
Knox has a strong and growing business, educational and industrial life. And it’s strategically
located closer than ever to growing markets and transport hubs, thanks to the EastLink
transport corridor.
Over the last year, our Councillors have served as representatives across nine wards in Knox.
Councillor
Mobile
Email
Elected Dates
Adam Gill
0439 650 260
[email protected]
Elected 2003, 2005,
2008
Dinsdale Ward
Mayor from
December 2011
Sue McMillan
0402 780 934
[email protected]
Dobson Ward
Peter Cole
2008
Mayor from
December 2010 to
December 2011
0402 780 932
[email protected]
2008
0402 780 942
[email protected]
2008
0402 780 933
[email protected]
2008
Baird Ward
John Mortimore
Chandler Ward
Joe Cossari
Collier Ward
Mayor from
Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152
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December 2009 to
December 2010
Andrew Walter
0402 780 945
[email protected]
Elected 2008
0407 300 683
[email protected]
Elected 2004, 2005,
2008
Friberg Ward
David Cooper
Scott Ward
Mayor from
December 2005 to
December 2006;
Mayor December
2008 to December
2009
Darren Pearce
0402 780 950
[email protected]
Elected 2008
0438 029 932
[email protected]
Elected 2003, 2005,
2008
Taylor Ward
Mick Van de Vreede
Knox’s executive leadership team is led by Chief Executive Graeme Emonson
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Graeme Emonson, Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has responsibility for
the structure and management of Council, in accordance with the Local
Government Act 1989.
Supported by the Executive Management Team — made up of four directors —
the CEO carries out the decisions of Council and is responsible for the day-today management of Council’s operations.
Graeme has been involved in local government for 31 years. He was appointed
CEO of Knox City Council in February 2002, having previously served in that
leadership role at Wangaratta Rural City Council and Southern Grampians
Shire Council.
Graeme has an MBA in public sector management and a Bachelor of Business.
He is a Fellow of Local Government Professionals and a Victorian Fellow of the
Institute of Public Administration Australia, a member of the International
Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152
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City/Country Management Association and the Australasian Local Government
Chief Officers’ Group. Graeme is also the President of Victoria’s peak local
government professional officer’s body, Local Government Professionals
(LGPro).
Kerry Stubbings — Community Services Directorate
DIRECTOR – COMMUNITY SERVICES
Kerry Stubbings has extensive experience working at a senior level in a wide range of
community service and development programs in local and state government and the
community sector. Kerry’s background encompasses strategic planning, policy
development, project management and facility development, as well as the management
of service delivery.
Kerry has a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma of Education and a Graduate Diploma in
Management. She is a member of Local Government Professionals Association and
the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Family and Children’s Services – Healthy Ageing – Community Wellbeing – Youth,
Leisure and Cultural Services.
Mark Dupé, Corporate Development
Mark Dupe’s background prior to his work in local government was in the private sector —
in Australia and overseas — including senior positions with Telstra Corporation, NCR
Australia (Teradata), Hogan Systems and the ANZ Banking Group.
Mark has an MBA, a Bachelor of Economics and a Graduate Diploma in Applied
Information Systems. He is a Certified Practicing Accountant and a Graduate of the
Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Corporate Communication - Information Management – Finance – Governance - People
Performance – Corporate Planning and Performance.
Angelo Kourambas, City Development
Angelo Kourambas has more than 20 years experience in state and local government,
primarily in land use planning and development. He has also managed diverse portfolios,
Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152
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including open space planning, waste management, economic development, environmental
sustainability, social planning, and place management.
Angelo has a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and a Graduate Diploma in Urban
Planning, and is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia and Local Government
Professionals.
Strategic and Economic Development, Sustainability, City Planning.
And Dr Ian Bell, Engineering and Infrastructure
Dr Ian Bell is the Director of Engineering and Infrastructure at Knox City Council, with
responsibility for Asset Management, Operations and Engineering Services.
Ian was appointed to this position in July 2005.
Over 30 years, Ian has held senior roles in the areas of strategy formulation and
implementation, project and infrastructure management – including his current role as
director for the $32m Knox Regional Sports Park project.
Ian holds a Diploma of Applied Science, a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture and an
MBA. He is also a member of AILA, IPWEA and a fellow of LGPro.
Ian has recently completed a PhD at Latrobe University focusing on Sustainability and
Business Strategy.
And the Program Director of Knox Central — Jason Matthews
Jason Matthews, Program Director Knox Central, leads the team with responsibility for
building the investment partnerships and development agenda to deliver the vision for Knox
Central and the critical role that precinct plays in the economic future of the municipality.
For almost 20 years, Jason has been involved in strategic development, including 5 years as
Head of Research and Strategy for Lend Lease in the UK and senior executive positions with
several international property groups. His emphasis has been on building investment and
development partnerships whose outcomes are firmly rooted within the context of broader
business and social objectives.
Jason’s international experience includes major projects in Europe, North Africa, the Middle
East, Asia and the United States. He holds a PhD in property development and strategic
alliances and is also a member of a number of international professional property institutions.
Written and authorised by Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South 3152