The Voice of Mill Park

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 25–45sOrganic 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 likeChatty 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 ForumFraming Your ArtworkBelong Art ExhibitionGrease @ PRACCCreative Writing WorkshopYoung Parents GroupChapter 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/1565285https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/events/?locations=MILhttps://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

In today’s episode, I kick off the first week of school holidays in Mill Park with a safety reminder for drivers: slow down in our residential streets and drive to the conditions, especially with more kids out and about. I run through what’s on locally, including Mill Park Leisure Centre’s five-day swim and water safety program, La Trobe Sport Bundoora’s high‑energy holiday sports comp for ages 5–12, and a stack of events at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre—Splash Test Dummies, Luke Kidgell’s Good Intentions, and Stephen K Amos—plus free public transport this month to help you get around. I also flag a superhero cartooning workshop with illustrator Mark Guthrie, ongoing Council social sport and activities, and a useful session on navigating food allergies with dietitian Susie from Nutrilicious Dietetics. Beyond events, I touch on recent Victorian rental reforms standardising application forms, the expanded school phone and wearable ban from 28 January next year, and a timely smoke alarm safety check reminder. I give a quick local foodie shout‑out to Moon Slice Pizza in Thomastown, and wrap up with how you can support the show via the value‑for‑value model—time, talent or treasure—and how to get in touch with feedback and tips.Links Mentioned:https://northern.starweekly.com.au/news/test-your-smoke-alarm-when-clocks-turn-back/https://northern.starweekly.com.au/news/school-phone-ban-expanded/https://northern.starweekly.com.au/news/more-rent-reforms-take-effect/https://moonslice-pizza-and-pasta.tuckerfox.com.au/https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/events/?locations=MILhttps://www.pracc.com.au/Whats-On/PRACC-Program/Splash-Test-Dummieshttps://www.pracc.com.au/Whats-On/All-Events/Stephen-K-Amos-Now-Were-Talkinghttps://www.pracc.com.au/Whats-On/All-Events/Luke-Kidgell-Good-Intentionshttps://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendar/Cartooning-and-illustration-workshophttps://collections.humanitix.com/la-trobe-sport-easter-school-holiday-camps-2026-bundoora-campushttps://www.millparkleisure.com.au/

In this short and slightly croaky Tuesday catch‑up, I run through what’s happening around Mill Park this week and share a few thoughts on local issues. With Easter on the doorstep, remember Mill Park Library and most council facilities will be closed on Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April). I touch on this week’s events—Storytime, Chatty Cafe, Walking Football at Mill Park Basketball Stadium, the Cinemagic film screening on 1 April, and a shout‑out to the sold‑out Fast Track Barista course—plus community groups like the young parents program at the Y in Plenty Valley. I also recap Plenty Parklands Primary’s rainy but well‑attended Family Fun Night, note ongoing teacher industrial action and my hope we avoid more disruption, and give an update on our local petitions, including the push for a toilet and bin at Telopea Reserve. I call out some on‑the‑ground wins and worries—like the long grass finally mown along Plenty Road near Childs Road (and that lingering kangaroo carcass), and the need to keep our elected representatives focused on genuine Mill Park issues as election season approaches. There’s a big thank‑you to the Direct to Boot team at Woolies Stables for consistently going above and beyond. If you want more local insights, sign up at millpark.blog for the five‑email Mill Park primer and the Monday newsletter with what’s coming up on the show. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next episode once this cough clears!

In today’s episode, I check in on Mill Park as the teachers’ strike disrupts schooling and share my disappointment with both sides for letting it reach this point.I also update you on local community happenings: my petition for toilets and rubbish bins at Telopea Reserve (I’ll be out collecting signatures and chatting with locals), the upcoming six-month closure of Mill Park’s BlueFit pool from Monday 20 April with lessons relocated to South Morang, and the South Morang Youth Hub funding push highlighted at council.I run through local events and notices, including Thomastown Library’s limited reopening, Mill Park Library’s job skills and story time sessions, Plenty Parklands Primary’s family fun night, and Mill Park Secondary College’s July production of “Once Upon a One More Time,” with tickets on sale in April.I also flag Whittlesea activities like the Know Your City Bus Tour for over-50s, plus various workshops and community listings I’ll link in the show notes.I wrap up with a reminder to send through your community news to feature on the pod and tease next week’s interviews with locals. As always, this is a listener-supported show—your tips, time and local leads keep it going.Links to articles mentioned:https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1558092https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendar?dlv_OC%20CL%20Public%20Events%20Listing=(dd_OC%20Composite%20Date=24%20Mar%202026%7C30%20Mar%202026)https://northern.starweekly.com.au/news/youth-hub-site-chosen/https://www.bluefitswimming.com.au/news/temporary-closurehttps://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/events/?locations=MIL

In this slightly belated Wednesday edition, I shake off a nasty bug and catch you up on what’s happening around Mill Park. I share updates on the petition for toilets and bins at Telopea Reserve (I’ll be out with a clipboard this week—come say hi) and give my take on the Education Union’s planned one‑day stoppage next Tuesday, focusing on the real impact last‑minute decisions have on families and carers. We also look at the welcome revitalisation of Peter Hopper Lake at Redleap Reserve, reflect on a recent troubling incident in Mernda and the role our community can play in setting standards, and note the significant cost of last year’s commission of inquiry into Whittlesea Council. To round things out, I flag a few local happenings at Yarra Plenty Regional Library, including Storytime, Chatty Café, a writers’ group, and an Italian comedy night with James Liotta. I’m still a bit crook but back behind the mic—thanks for sticking with me—and you can stay in the loop at millpark.blog for show updates and neighbourhood news.

In this week’s episode of The Voice of Mill Park, I share an on-the-ground update about the proposed high‑density development at 25 Oleander Drive and why I’m sceptical it will proceed in the current market. I also have a good old-fashioned traffic rant about the Plenty Road/Childs Road bottleneck, blocked intersections, buses stopping short, and those out‑of‑sequence lights near the M80 underpass—along with a plea for everyone to keep intersections clear during peak hour.Closer to home, I touch on SPC’s planned exit from Mill Park and what that could mean for local jobs and businesses, plus my plan to do some “man on the street” chats. I’ve kicked off a petition to get toilets and rubbish bins installed at Telopea Reserve near Plenty Parklands Primary—listen in for how to add your name before the 17 March council meeting. I also flag current City of Whittlesea consultations for Findon Park Recreation Reserve, a local café for sale, and community events at the library and beyond. As always, send your events to [email protected] so we can share them with the neighbourhood.---------------------------SPC Global reshapes manufacturing network to unlock $8 millionPLENTY RD x CHILDS RD INTERSECTIONFindon Recreation Reserve Landscape Improvement PlanCafe In Mill Park For Sale

In today’s episode of The Voice of Mill Park, I encourage parents and community-minded locals to throw their hat in the ring for government school councils—whether as a parent or a community member with skills in governance, finance, or management. I also share an update on the rumoured Mill Park development: while details remain scarce and timelines unclear, I discuss community sentiment, potential traffic bottlenecks on Plenty Road, and how residents might still have opportunities to make submissions when formal notices appear.I flag an unscheduled, closed Whittlesea Council meeting likely concerning the CEO contract, then run through local happenings: kindergarten open days across Bundoora, Donnybrook, Doreen, Epping, Lalor, Mernda, Mill Park, South Morang and Thomastown; a seniors exercise park session in Thomastown; a free online business finance workshop (budgets, P&L, balance sheets and cash flow); a six‑week ‘Tuning in to Teens’ program; Mill Park Library’s one‑on‑one jobs and careers advice plus Chatty Café; and the public opening of Epping’s Melbourne Wholesale Market on Saturdays for bulk produce and flowers. I also explain the show’s Value for Value approach and invite listeners to contribute time, talent or treasure to help grow this community-driven podcast.Links mentioned:Kindergarten Open Dayhttps://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendar/Kindergarten-Open-DaySeniors Exercise Park 50+https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendar/Seniors-Exercise-Park-50Building resilience in children seminarhttps://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendar/Building-resilience-in-children-seminarEvents calendarhttps://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendarMelbourne Market Super Saturdayshttps://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Things-to-see-and-do/Events/Events-calendar/Melbourne-Market-Super-Saturdays

In today’s episode, I unpack last week’s approval of a $155 million mixed‑use development in Mill Park, slated for 18 Bush Boulevard within the Plenty Valley Activity Centre. The proposal features two eight‑storey residential buildings with 254 apartments (110 one‑bed, 125 two‑bed, 19 three‑bed), a standalone six‑storey car park (443 spaces; 273 resident, 153 public), and 324 bike spaces, with 10% flagged as low‑cost homes. I share community feedback and my own concerns around traffic impacts on Plenty Road and Bush Boulevard, construction disruption, and whether high‑density apartments are a good fit for local families—while committing to track planning processes and any council involvement as details emerge.I also flag local happenings at Yarra Plenty Regional Library, including coding for beginners, story time, Chatty Café, and the Mill Park writing group, plus a heads‑up that Thomastown Library is temporarily closed for amenities upgrades through March. If you’ve got information or perspectives on the development, drop me a line at notes(at)millpark.blog, and I’ll bring updates in next Tuesday’s episode.

In today’s episode of Voice of Mill Park, I share a practical, on‑the-ground guide for anyone thinking of moving to Mill Park and surrounds.Drawing on seven years as a local and dad, I walk through how to approach school choices, why it pays to visit campuses and talk with principals and school councils, and what to expect from local parks and playgrounds—great for older kids, but we really need more shade and better facilities for little ones.I also cover everyday living: where to shop (Stables, Rivergum, Plenty Valley, Uni Hill), eat and grab a coffee, plus what getting around looks like via Plenty Road, Childs Road, buses and the tram terminus at Bundoora.We chat community life—sport at Kellynack Reserve, Mill Park Leisure Centre, local running and riding options around Plenty Gorge, and events at Mill Park Library—and why Mill Park gives back what you put into it.I touch on safety and the goal of building a tighter neighbourhood network, from first-aid readiness to looking out for one another.Finally, I explain the show’s value‑for‑value approach and invite you to help shape this growing local resource at millpark.blog and by emailing [email protected].

In episode three of the Mill Park Podcast, I share a candid update on the show’s direction and some local priorities. Rather than rehashing which level of government handles what, I focus on what affects us day‑to‑day: council-managed parks, paths and facilities. I call out simple but meaningful upgrades—like more bins, shade and toilets at local reserves around Plenty Parklands Primary and Kellynack Reserve—and float the idea of widening shared paths along Plenty Road to make family rides safer. I also invite you to send through issues, tips and local events so we can push for practical improvements together.I talk through plans to evolve millpark.blog into a more useful local hub, including police updates and community notices, and explain the value‑for‑value approach: contribute time, talent or treasure if you find the project useful. There’s some behind‑the‑scenes honesty about audio hiccups this week and a promise to keep refining the setup. This podcast is for Mill Park and surrounds—help shape it by telling me what you want to see next.

In this second episode of The Voice of Mill Park, I take you on a practical tour of things to do around Mill Park and nearby. From grabbing a solid coffee at local cafés around The Stables, Rivergum and Mill Park Drive, to catching a movie at Plenty Valley, there’s plenty on offer without straying far from home. I also touch on family‑friendly spots like Kalinac Reserve’s oval, cricket nets and nearby bike trails along the Plenty Gorge side, splash‑pad style play equipment off Childs Road, Mill Park Leisure Centre, tennis courts and more—plus quick escapes to Bundoora Park for farms, playgrounds and a hit of golf.  I share why I love living here—quiet streets, loads to do, and easy ways to get the kids outdoors—and invite you to help shape future episodes with your tips, corrections and local favourites. This project runs on a value‑for‑value approach, so if you get something from it, send through your time or talent, and let’s build a useful local resource together.

Welcome to episode one of The Voice of Mill Park. I’m Cameron Blewett, your host and a five‑year local, kicking off 2026 by sharing why this show exists and how it’ll serve our community. Every Tuesday around 9am, I’ll bring you a short, honest update on what’s happening in and around Mill Park: local news, events, sports, community group activities, and simple explainers on council and state matters that affect us. I’ll also spotlight local businesses I personally use, chat with community groups, and invite respectful listener contributions, no politics, no rage bait, just practical info and conversations that strengthen neighbourhood connections.Think of this podcast and the companion site millpark.blog as a single, spam‑free hub: show notes, transcripts, a growing business directory, and soon, a community events calendar. I’m keen to revive a more connected neighbourhood with initiatives like a local Neighbourhood Watch and exploring community defibrillators, plus petitions on Whittlesea Council matters. The show runs on a Value‑for‑Value model: if you get something from it, you can give back with time, talent, or treasure—send tips, events, corrections, or help with the site and newsletter. Email your ideas or voice notes to [email protected]. See you next Tuesday.

In this relaunch of The Voice of Mill Park, I introduce the refreshed direction for the show, share a quick update on the new feed and branding, and outline what you can expect moving forward.Episodes will come out twice a week.One to wrap up the week and look toward the weekend, and another to preview what’s ahead across Mill Park and nearby suburbs like South Morang, Bundoora, Lalor and Reservoir.I’m aiming to include interviews and ‘man-on-the-street’ chats as the weather improves, plus community notices and anything else that’s useful for local residents.This podcast is for you; the Mill Park community.I’ll steer clear of party politics and keep the focus on what matters locally, holding all sides to account when needed.There’ll be no paywalls or exclusives; it’s all open and run on a value-for-value model.You can subscribe via Fountain at fountain.fm, and keep an eye on the new home at thevoiceofmillpark.com.au.Thanks for joining me as we kick off this relaunched episode and set up the regular schedule ahead.