Hello, this is the weekly news wrap from Sunbury Life recorded on Friday 16 May 2025 – my name is Steve Hart.
Attracting huge engagement this week across numerous social media groups in Sunbury was our in-depth report showing ambulance response times in Sunbury are getting slower and slower.
In 2019 you could expect a sirens and lights ambulance to arrive within 10 minutes – today the average wait time is more than 17 minutes.
And the longer wait times are not down to population growth in Sunbury.
Since 2019 the town’s population has grown by 14 per cent to an estimated 45,000 people.
But during that same period code 1 ambulance dispatches have risen by almost 50%. Something’s up and ambulance Victoria is playing hard to get when it comes to obtaining that information.
See sunbury life dot au for our deep search into the stats covering both Sunbury and Hume City.
The popular Bulla Hill Miniature Railway, operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, has once again been targeted by vandals, leaving the community-run organisation facing unexpected repairs.
The damage occurred sometime between Saturday 3 May and Tuesday 6 May when volunteers discovered damaged signage, uprooted timber rails, and areas requiring re-cementing.
While the estimated repair cost of around $300 may seem modest, the organisation says the real burden falls on volunteers who must now divert their limited time and resources away from regular upkeep of the track and locomotives.
Sunbury residents are rallying in a push for greater police visibility and resources, amid growing concerns over a rise in local crime.
An online petition addressed to local MP Josh Bull, Hume City Council, and Victoria Police has already attracted more than 500 supporters wanting immediate action to address what many are calling a “crime wave”.
The petition calls for:
- Increased police patrols throughout Sunbury
- More resources for crime prevention and investigation
- Regular community updates and engagement from Victoria Police
Following hearings initiated by Hume City Council, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has issued a series of ‘stop work’ orders to the owner/operator at 370A and 430 Riddell Rd, Sunbury. The orders follow a hearing held in March, but only just released by the council in a social media post.
The Riddell Rd issue was raised by former Sunbury councillor Trevor Dance following community allegations that up to 200 trucks a day were visiting the site. Council began investigating the claims in July last year.
“The owner/operator must stop all works on the site and submit planning applications to council for both the works already carried out and any future works they intend to undertake,” states council.
Hume City Council has released its proposed 2025/26 budget, which includes a 3% increase in general rates – the maximum allowed under the Victorian Government’s rate cap.
It’s now entered a public consultation phase, so it’s time to have your say.
If the budget stands, it means rates bills will increase by an average of $50, although actually bills will vary depending on property valuations. Income generated from rates will total $273 million.
Waste charges are also likely to rise, with the kerbside waste charge increasing to almost $415 for each household.
Sunbury residents could soon be $10,000 richer – just for recycling. Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme has launched a Win a Million! Cents competition, giving five lucky recyclers the chance to each win a $10,000 cash prize.
Running until 15 June 2025, the competition automatically enters anyone who returns 50 or more eligible drink containers in a single transaction.
Hume City Council is moving to restore and showcase the city’s wartime and civic history that’s currently stored – and almost forgotten – in Sunbury.
A motion tabled by Cllr Naim Kurt during a council meeting on Monday 12 May called for the return of several historic honour boards to public view, including the Shire of Broadmeadows World War I honour board, which commemorates soldiers who served and died in the Great War.
Council staff will provide an update on the location and condition of the honour boards. The report will include options for the restoration of items as well as recommendations on opportunities for increased public display and access.
The Albanese Government has appointed Sam Rae as the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, following a ministerial reshuffle.
Mr Rae, who represents the federal electorate of Hawke (which includes Sunbury), will take on the aged care portfolio in an “outer ministry” position, meaning he will not sit in Cabinet.
Advocates for older Australians have expressed concern about the move, arguing that removing aged care from Cabinet could reduce visibility and urgency around ongoing challenges in the sector.
Hume City Council is inviting not-for-profit community groups and organisation to attend its online 2026 community grants Writing workshop on Monday 19 May.
The event, being held via Zoom from 6pm until 8pm, will help non profit groups learn about the 2026 program and how to write a grant application. There is a limit of two people per organisation.
Our what’s on page has had plenty of additions this week, so check out what’s on section at Sunbury over the coming weeks. And if you have an event on the cards then do let us know.
Okay, that’s your news for Sunbury, you’re up to date.
And if you have news to share then let us know, because if it matters to Sunbury it matters to us.
