The Champion Chat

Alison Champion
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Cr. Alison Champion, the mayor of Banyule Council shares her thoughts and conversations with community leaders and inspiring figures. Alison is committed to the idea that every person’s potential is achievable. Her intention is to be a positive role model and change-maker who empowers others to be the same. 

  1. JAN 4

    #54: Rosanna Library Opening

    Well the excitement is really building now with the grand opening of the new Rosanna Library next month.  Considering the enormous success that the redevelopment of the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub had on the local community in Ivanhoe, I think we can expect similar results in Rosanna and in years to come it will be seen as such an essential part of the community.  In this episode we'll discuss; The journey that has been the new Rosanna Library, from concept to development. The collaboration with private enterprise, while still maintaining council ownership over vital assets. What services will be provided in the new facility, and how will it be staffed. What other improvements have happened in the area. When we will be notified of the opening and who will be there. If you like to know more about Rosanna Library Redevelopment, please visit the links below.    Banyule Council webpage for Redevelopment Project - https://shaping.banyule.vic.gov.au/rosannalibrary Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries - https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/

    19 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    #53 : Christmas 2025

    It's our last podcast of this year 🎉 and what a year it has been! For many of us it is time to take some time off, relax and spend some quality time with those we love. In this Champion Chat Christmas edition, we discuss; What Alison looks forward to at this time year What's on in Banyule, including council initiatives to help spread joy in this festive season, such as; ⭐ Music & art events ⭐ Community events, festivals and celebrations ⭐ Youth & senior events ⭐ Christmas Carols 13th December from 5pm to 9:30pm at Greensborough War Memorial Park ⭐ Christmas Day Lunch at The Harmony Centre in Heidelberg West To book a spot for the Christmas Day Lunch, please call 03 8582 9501 or book in person at The Harmony Centre, 48 The Mall, Heidelberg West 3081 The Champion Chat team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday! 🎄🎅 If you like to know more information about what's on in Banyule, including council festive season events, please visit Alison's website, https://alisonchampion.com.au/, or visit the following links: 5th Dec 2025 Twilight Christmas Market in Greensborough - https://visitgreensborough.com.au/whats-on/twlight-xmas-market-2025/   13th Dec 2025 Banyule Carols By Candlelight - https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Events-activities/Major-events/Carols-by-Candlelight   20th Dec 2025 Macleod Village Christmas Fair and Makers Market - https://www.facebook.com/events/macleod-village/macleod-village-christmas-fair-and-makers-market/1366674351001630/   25th Dec 2025 Banyule Christmas Day Lunch - https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Events-activities/Whats-on/Council-events/Christmas-Day-lunch   Banyule City Council Website - https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Events-activities/Whats-on?dlv_BCC%20CL%20Public%20Events%20Listing%20Full%20Width%20Grid=(pageindex=3)   Use this Google Link “What’s on in Banyule”: https://www.google.com/search?q=whats+on+in+Banyule&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBAU788AU788&oq=Wha&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgAEEUYJxg7MggIABBFGCcYOzIOCAEQRRgnGDsYgAQYigUyBggCEEUYPDIGCAMQRRg8MgYIBBBFGD0yBggFEEUYQTIGCAYQRRhBMgYIBxBFGEHSAQgxNjkyajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&ibp=htl;events&rciv=evn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiyoNaAvOOCAxU3ZmwGHSxtDUgQ5rwDKAJ6BAhhEA0&sxsrf=AM9HkKl19koiYsR74hawI57prE96IlniYg:1701063674932

    19 min

  3. 10/14/2025

    #52: Footpath & Road Maintenance

    This month Carl and I discuss the process for maintenance of our city's roads, parks, footpaths and trails. Whilst roads and footpaths may not seem an exciting topic, it is probably the topic that is most at the top of residents thoughts along with rates and waste. Some of the areas we look at today are: - Which areas of council have responsibility for ongoing maintenance, both reactive and proactive,  - Where does the funding come from (hint: it's not all out of the same bucket)? - What happens when the council inspectors see the need for an emergency rectification.   If you would like to know more about the Banyule's maintenance programs, you can follow the links in the copy below. Banyule Website: https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Home

    36 min

  4. 09/17/2025

    #51: HDH and SCS

    This month Carl and I discuss the Victorian Government's recently introduced planning policies and the resultant High Density Housing.  We will also be talking about the Banyule City Special Charge Scheme Policy.  Some of the topics covered are: - What are the problems associated with the State Government controlling planning and development? - What have been some recent decisions by the State Government on this for Banyule. - Is there a lack of transparency and will these decisions have adverse affects on the environment and infrastructure?  - What is the Special Charge Scheme and how does it work?  - How do we ensure that no-one is adversely affected financially? If you would like to know more about the governments Housing Policy and the Special Charge Scheme Policy, you can follow the links in the copy below.   SCS - https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us/Councillors-and-Council-meetings/Council-meetings/Council-meeting-agendas-and-minutes   Policy reform - https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/about-council/strategies-and-action-plans/advocacy/state-government-planning-reforms     Housing targets - https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planforvictoria/housing-for-all-victorians/housing-targets  Heidelberg Structure Plan -  https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/activity-centres-program/page/heidelberg

    53 min

  5. 08/20/2025

    #50: Banyule Winter Sports

    Community sports clubs are truly the centre around which many of us revolve our social activities and spare time.  Whether as parents ferrying children to their weekend games, or participating in our own sports for exercise and the love of the game.  And then there are the unsung heroes, the Volunteers. This month Alison and Carl chat with Michael Malone the President of Lower Plenty Football Netball Club and Narelle Wilson from the Heidelberg Golf Club Womens Competitions.  Some of the topics covered are: - What are the roles they carry out? - Stories of some special Volunteers, the life-blood of all community sports clubs. - Education and support for ensuring respect for all participants and officials. - Facilities and improvements. - Community support, collaborations and sponsorship. - Government and council support. - Upcoming finals and events. If you would like to know more about these clubs, you can check them out on their websites https://www.heidelberggc.com.au/ and https://www.lowerplentyfnc.com.au/ or on their Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/HeidelbergGolfClub/ and https://www.facebook.com/lowerfc.  And for the ladies who are interested in taking up golf check out Heidelberg's "Let's Golf Girls" program at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZafPoHLdX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    1h 7m

  6. 07/15/2025

    #49: Banyule City 2025 Budget Review

    Welcome to this month's Champion Chat podcast. Last year the podcast looked at what goes into a council budget. This year, Cr Alison Champion and Cr. Rick Garotti will provide insights into the 2025 budget and how it has been constructed,  We will have a look at what services are provided by the budget such as: - The different revenue channels - Roads and drainage and how much they make up of the budget - New infrastructure and capital works that have been put forward and approved under the new council - Balancing the budget and why its important, where possible, to avoid debt If you would like to know more, you can visit https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us/Policies-plans-strategies/Council-Plan-and-Budget, to get the latest information or simply visit https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Home.  You can also get information from your Banyule Banner. If you are a business needing support you can visit https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/For-business/Getting-into-business or contact customer service on 9490 4222 and ask to be transferred to Business Concierge. Or you can reach out and contact Alison, via: Telephone: 0466486593 Email: Alison.Champion@banyule.vic.gov.au or Rick, via Telephone: 0490014965 Email: rick.garotti@banyule.vic.gov.au

    59 min

  7. 06/18/2025

    #48: 6-Month Council Review

    Welcome to this month's Champion Chat podcast. It's now been 7 months since the council elections, and today we are going to review how the first 6 months of the new council have been going.  How have the new faces settled in, and what has been the impact of fresh ideas and insights?  Joining Alison in this episode is newly elected Councillor Mary O'Kane from the Olympia Ward covering the Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West and Bellfield areas. Today, Mary will share how councillors are inducted, what have been the biggest challenges and the biggest surprises so far, and most importantly, what does Mary feel are some of the areas that she feels will need to be focussed on over the next term.  Mary and Alison will also talk about how these focus areas can get traction and move forward, including community engagement, consultation and planning with the council officers. We will also review how the major projects are progressing and do we see any pivot or changes to current council major policies moving forward.   And if you would like to know more about who is who on the council and how to get in touch with your local councillor, check out https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/About-us/Councillors-and-Council-meetings/Councillors.   #CommunitySpirit #BanyuleCouncil #CityofBanyule #BanyuleWatermarc #BuildingBetterCommunities #MakeADifference

    53 min

  8. 05/26/2025

    #47: Your Rates Notice

    🎧 New Podcast Episode Out Now! 🎧 Ever wondered exactly what’s in your council rates notice and why you’re charged for things like the Fire Services Property Levy? Or how those property valuations are calculated? In this episode of Champion Chat, we sat down with Councillor Alison Champion to unpack the details behind your rates notice in Victoria. We cover: ✅ What’s included in your rates notice ✅ Why councils collect some state government levies ✅ How property valuations work (and why they don’t always match the real estate market!) ✅ Tips to understand and review your rates notice more clearly It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to get a handle on what you’re paying for—and why! 💬 Drop a comment or message us if you have questions—we’d love to hear your thoughts! #ChampionChat #BanyuleCouncil #CouncilRates #PropertyValuations #LocalGovernment #CommunityEngagement #RatesExplained #PodcastEpisode

    30 min
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About

Cr. Alison Champion, the mayor of Banyule Council shares her thoughts and conversations with community leaders and inspiring figures. Alison is committed to the idea that every person’s potential is achievable. Her intention is to be a positive role model and change-maker who empowers others to be the same. 

Information

  • Creator
    Alison Champion
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Champion Chat
  • Show Website
    The Champion Chat