Cr Pia George

Through its Australia Day awards each year, Mitcham Council recognises members of our community who are actively involved in contributing towards the vibrancy of our community through awards for citizen of the year, young citizen of the year, community event of the year and award for active citizenship.

The eligibility criteria are broad and we encourage nominations from a wide range of groups and committees. Perhaps you know someone who is a regular volunteer at one of our community centre programs; a justice of the peace who has served the community for years or a high school student raising the profile of an outreach service.

Please jump online and nominate someone who deserves to be recognised. There is plenty of time with nominations closing on 20 November 2026. For more information, including the various categories, you can visit: https://citizenoftheyear.com.au/the-awards/

In other news of interest to City of Mitcham residents, bike riding! When I say ‘bike riding’, some of you think of road cyclists and the TDU – and if that’s you, you’ll be pleased to know that the Council continues to progress the Cycling Plan, which has been consulted on and is expected to be endorsed by the end of 2026. From the extensive feedback received, the community want cycling to be a ‘realistic, everyday option’ – suitable for all riders, not just confident ones.

Some priority works that will be required to respond to this feedback include fixing the arterial crossings at Daws Road, Cross Road and Springbank Road, maintaining and upgrading the existing path surfaces, considering 40km/h speed limits on local streets and enhancing the hills to plains connectivity. I expect you will see more of this plan in the coming months, although due to funding and involvement with state government, it is likely to require staggered investment.

For the rest of the community, when I say ‘bike’ you think…`mountain’! Mountain bike riders are regularly seen traversing the hills, as they move downhill towards the Mitcham Railway Station. Many riders are young men, out riding with their friends – and what a great way to spend their weekends! However, we hear regularly from residents who feel intimidated by rider behaviour (speed, aggression and lack of regard for others) on local streets, trails and public spaces.

McLaren Street in Torrens Park is used frequently by riders, with a serious accident already having occurred between a rider and a pedestrian. Although the street is a state government managed road, the Council endorsed funding in September to modify the footpath and streetscape to improve safety for footpath users and deter bike riders from using the path, with the intention of reducing the risk for all involved.

These works should be delivered prior to summer holidays and Council will monitor the effectiveness of these treatments. In respect of other anti-social behaviours, the Council meets with SAPOL, Department for Infrastructure and Transport and local businesses to try and respond to community concerns. Please get in touch with me, or your ward Councillor to discuss this further.

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