Issues & Solutions

Post Covid-19 response to build local businesses & community.+

Current Situation:

We are all in this together as we all face unprecedented times and challenges that mankind has never faced impacting lives of everyone beyond age, gender, region, religion, linguistic & ethnic backgrounds impacting not only our socio-economic life but also our mental health.
https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/COVID19

My Take:

I believe the most optimum way to come out of these challenging times is to work together sharing the experience & knowledge and collectively work towards finding solutions. Wyndham council has taken various initiatives to assist the residents in these difficult times. I believe developing a more effective communication plan to communicate the initiatives taken by the council reach the ones who need them the most if they have not reached by identifying the gap and how can we bridge the gap so the help reaches the ones who need it the most when they need it the most.

The Strategy I will work with:

I strongly believe in listening before saying and I will focus on working closely with the community & the council.

  • Lend my full ears to those who are the most vulnerable and impacted with this situation.
  • I will conduct extensive consultations with small businesses, not for profit organisation, subject matter experts, government agencies & seek to find the best possible solution with defined timelines.
  • Develop & work an extensively communication plan to communicate effective & efficiently in a timely manner to those who need it the most.
  • I will work hard with dedication & focus on the agreed strategy by one and all to provide the best assistance.

    Expected Result:

    This collective approach of taking constructive feedback from all who have been impacted and those who have the responsibility & the power to bring constructive changes will result in better outcomes and provide the much needed assistance to all those who need it the most when they need it the most.

    Resident Contribution:

    I strongly believe that they are many unsung heroes who are selflessly working in their own individual capacities to make a difference in our communities.

    If you believe that you want to be part of this discussion & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Curbing hate mongering on various social media platforms.+

    Current Situation:

    Technology has been a boon to mankind in every form and shape while most of us utilise technology to improve our lives, connect & build better world & communities that we live in unfortunately there are a few who abuse the very same.
    https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/communitysafetytipsandresources

    My Take:

    I am a strong believer in the right to freedom of expression and with the advent of technology this has opened up unimaginable reach to mankind, unfortunately it is a shame that under the pretext of freedom of expression many have used technology to monger hate & create divisions.

    As this is a new form of crime and since there are no appropriate legal & legislative checks and balance to curb this nuisance, we all need to come together to develop the necessary checks and balance while respecting everyone’s freedom of speech.

    Spreading hate on the basis of age, gender, race, region, religion has become a new norm now a days which is unacceptable at any cost.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Work closely with community & law enforcement agencies to identify groups & members who constantly spread hate in one form or the other.
  • Work dedicatedly to educate community members & develop counselling & information sessions with community consultation to stop spreading of hate on the name of region, religion or any other form.
  • Develop processes & mechanism to keep a close watch on such offenders & get them to books.
  • Strongly advocate to take strict measures against such offences with senior politicians at both state & federal level.
  • Consult & work in coordination with cybercrime experts & social media giants to block such accounts who spared hate.
  • Expected Result:

    Implementing the above strategy will make each one of us realise & act more responsibly for the words that we speak & actions we take. This will start making its impact slowly & steadily as long we are sticking to core values of freedom of expression & respecting others views & not offending others. Those who are repeat offenders will be cautioned and realise that if they act recklessly spreading hate the law will take its course to get them to justice.

    Resident Contribution:

    I strongly believe that they are many unsung heroes who are selflessly working in their own individual capacities to make a difference in our communities.

    If you believe that you want to be part of this discussion & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Reduced council rates.+

    Current Situation:

    This is an issue that directly impact us all council rate payers. Due to the current Covid-19 Wyndham council has provided council rate payers who have reduced their income by at least 20%, a 6-month deferral for outstanding payments. Wyndham council is also considering individual payment plans on request.
    https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-07/2019%20Rates%20Valuation%20Flyer%20for%20web.pdf

    My Take:

    Striking a balance between reducing council rates & the services we demand from council will be a very challenging & interesting exercise which I still have to learn my way through by getting an in depth understanding with expertise advice.

    I might be not have the expertise at this point in time to put forward my views, but definitely do not lack the interest and zeal to learn and grow on the subject will help from senior members of the council to find an optimum solution.

    As a rate payer I would be highly inclined and supportive to reduce the council rates but at the same time without compromising on the various services that we demand from the council which will come with a cost.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Strongly advocate to extend the deferral of payment period to 12 months.
  • Recommend increasing the number of individual payment plan applications.
  • Communicate effective & efficiently with the community about the initiatives taken by the council in these difficult times and to take advantage of the support schemes.
  • Expected Result:

    Extending the deferral period will provide additional time for struggling families to make the payments but not at the expense of reduced council revenues.

    Resident Contribution:

    I am seeking advice & additional recommendations from the resident to suggest what is the best approach to strike the perfect balance. Your feedback on this simple yet complex issue will be beneficial to one and all.

    If you believe that you want to be part of this discussion & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Safety & Security.+

    Current Situation:

    The below report gives an in-depth analysis of community safety in Wyndham. It is important to note that Council does not have the authority to police crime. Crime is primarily the responsibility of Victoria Police and the State Government.
    https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2017-07/Health%2C%20Wellbeing%20%26%20Safety%20Profiles%20-%20Community%20Safety.pdf

    My Take:

    Having said and understood that crime is primarily the responsibility of Victoria Police and the State Government we still need to do our part in educating & building a community in which all people are feeling safe in the community regardless of their background, age or gender. It’s the sense of having the freedom to participate in our community without fear of harm.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Work closely in partnership with communities & groups in creating safe communities with a shared responsibility to identify what can be done together.
  • Wyndham council has taken various initiatives in this regards already, communicating these initiates at regular intervals to the community effectively & efficiently.
  • Improvements on the safety of Wyndham near shopping centres and train station, especially at night & advocate for additional CCTV coverage.
  • The below report defines the facts in a nutshell, and this will be the reference point & work towards reducing crime in every possible way.
  • https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-05/Community%20Safety%20in%20Wyndham%20Fact%20Sheet%20May%202018_0.pdf
  • Expected Result:

    With a collective community effort & constant feedback we all can make our community safer.

    Resident Contribution:

    I strongly believe that they are many unsung heroes who are selflessly working in their own individual capacities to make a difference in our communities.

    If you believe that you want to be part of this discussion & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Policy to address & curb domestic violence.+

    Current Situation:

    As per the below report in 2017, Wyndham had the fifth highest number of family violence incidents of all Victorian municipalities despite the 2.4% decrease in recorded incidents from previous year. In comparison, other growth areas across Greater Melbourne such as Casey recorded up to a 10% increase in 2016-17.

    Between 2012 and 2017, the number of family violence incidents in Wyndham has almost doubled (48.5%). Compared to Victoria (32%) and the North West Metro area (33%), the percentage increase in recorded incidents is much higher in Wyndham (49%).
    https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2017-07/Health%2C%20Wellbeing%20%26%20Safety%20Profiles%20-%20Community%20Safety.pdf

    My Take:

    Often people affected by family violence feel alone and isolated, perhaps even guilty or feel like they deserve the violence or control put upon them. As a result, many suffer the effects of family violence alone, and instances go unreported.

    Communicating effectively to everyone that help is available if they need & that we as a community are committed and will not tolerate domestic violence in any form or shape and it should be dealt with the highest priority. An environment of family violence is particularly harmful for children, even if they are not directly affected by violence.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Heavy emphasis on educating, counselling & supporting children of the families affected with family violence.
  • Educating & support service for men who want to change their violent behaviour.
  • Work in partnership & coordination with various state & national level, community leaders & group counselling services to build trust & support services for both men & women. and to create awareness that help is available if needed.
  • Wyndham council has taken excellent initiatives to help victims of family violence communicating these initiates at regular intervals to the community effectively & efficiently.
  • Expected Result:

    With a collective community effort & constant feedback we all can make our community safer.

    Resident Contribution:

    If you are aware of anybody who is facing family violence speak them, educate & encourage them to come out and seek help. We can all make a difference together in our communities.

    If you believe that you want to be part of this discussion & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Promoting & empowering women entrepreneurship.+

    Current Situation:

    As per the below report available information shows females in Wyndham enjoy better levels of physical health than males, and that educational qualifications among female adults in Wyndham is higher, but they have lower levels of employment and income than their male counterparts.
    https://wyndham-digital.iconagency.com.au/node/18#education

    Wyndham council has taken excellent initiatives already in this regard with programmes such as building block leadership to motivate women leaders to take it to the next level.
    http://womenofwyndham.org

    My Take:

    The importance of the pivotal role-played by women in the basic life of a child & the society is paramount for any community to nourish & develop both in the short term & long term. Empowerment of women is a not only imperative but also crucial necessity for the all-round development of our community as it brings about a positive attitudinal change crucial for the socio- economic and political progress of the communities we live in.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Consult with various women leaders who are selflessly working for empowering women to work out strategies out on various aspects of women empowerment such as.
  • Social empowerment
  • Educational empowerment
  • Economic empowerment
  • Political empowerment
  • Psychological empowerment
  • Facilitate & support organisations which are specifically working for women empowerment by providing them the required tools, mentoring sessions & infrastructure.
  • Communicate the excellent initiatives taken by Wyndham council at regular intervals to the community effectively & efficiently & work harder to improve them to take it to next level
  • Expected Result:

    Women of Wyndham is working example of women empowerment which is assisted by Wyndham council (http://womenofwyndham.org ). Empowering women in multidimensional approach & providing the required support will build women leaders of par excellence.

    Resident Contribution:

    Women leaders & entrepreneurs willing to add value to this discussion, proposing what needs to be done and when & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Support for small businesses.+

    Current Situation:

    As per the below report Wyndham's Gross Regional Product is estimated at $10.60 billion, which represents 2.39% of the state's GSP (Gross State Product) providing 83,596 jobs from 19,778 by a major contribution from retail trade being the largest industry.

    Due to the current Covid-19 situation business have been hit the hardest and these times have been the most challenging for any business to survive not only in Wyndham council but across the state & nation. (https://economy.id.com.au/wyndham)

    Wyndham council has taken various initiatives to support small business such as business support help, rate deferral for commercial industrial & agricultural businesses. (https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/businesssupport)

    My Take:

    The importance of the small businesses in any economy no matter how big or small is undeniable as they provide opportunities for upcoming entrepreneurs, create local jobs and foster local economies, keeping money close to home and supporting neighbourhoods and communities.

    They are major contributors to the local government in form of taxes contributing to the national economy. Small business form community identities and form strong social bond for community involvement and interactions contributing towards community health, safety & environmental benefits. They also contribute immensely in promoting innovation & sparking competition while surviving on minimal infrastructure & low maintenance.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Consult with local businesses to identify & address the concerns at regular intervals in a timely fashion.
  • Fight in the council for local businesses to increase the period of rate deferral from 6 months to 12 months.
  • Conduct seminars and exhibitions to invite and attract new businesses to invest.
  • Conduct exhibitions, seminars & conduct interactions sessions with industry experts, business investors & to connect with local businesses & talent.
  • Expected Result:

    Regular timely consultation with small business, working with major business, retail giants from across Australia to establish their manufacturing, logistics & service centres by providing them with the required infrastructure should result in new investments in our council resulting in increased employment, better infrastructure benefiting one and all.

    Resident Contribution:

    If you believe that you can contribute & work towards improving the strategy & implementations & want to be part of this discussion and would like to share, propose anything in specific please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Empowering not for profit organisations to work in the community.+

    Current Situation:

    This report describes the 2019-2020 Annual Community Grants awarded by Wyndham Council.

    (https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/2019%202020%20-%20Annual%20Community%20Grants%20Outcomes.pdf)


    Wyndham is one of the largest & fastest growing council is Australia. We just added 18,836 residents in 2018-2019. Just under 99% of migration is from people born overseas.

    With a very dynamic community of around 58% below 35 years of age, from 162 countries the importance of not for profit organizations is even more critical in playing a vital role in building healthy communities contributing to various socio-economic factors. 

    (https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-06/Volunteering%20Brochure%20%27Volunteering%20in%20Wyndham%27.pdf)


    My Take:

    Diverse communities face diverse challenges & need to be understood in the context of each community. Community leaders from these diverse communities are the voice of the people they serve. These organizations often understand better than anyone else their communities’ needs and the best ways to meet them.


    A combination of strong community relationship and intimate local knowledge, strong well-resourced not for profit organisations that are connected to the decision-making infrastructure in their communities can catalyse growth and opportunity.

    The challenges faced by not for profit organisation & the individuals who dedicatedly devote their time, money, efforts & intellectual capital to make a difference in their own individual capacities is truly inspiring. Only those individuals who have worked and contributed to such causes can feel and envision the challenges.

    Some of the challenges faced by such organisations & individuals are

  • Very limited Government Funding.
  • Instable Organisational Income.
  • Community pressure to show Results.
  • Very slow decision-making process as everyone needs to agree.
  • Convincing other community members to contribute and work towards the cause.
  • Balancing between personal & social life.
  • The Strategy I will work with:

  • Empowering not for profit organisations with tools & techniques to implement and work in achieving their desired objectives.
  • Consult & encourage business community to help & support to include capacity-building investments, skills-based volunteerism, and network creation.
  • Engage with these organizations and make the connections they often need to support their mission.
  • Expected Result:

    Not for profit organisations play a major role in identifying social problems and in finding solutions achieving social objectives tailored to diverse community needs in a variety of areas that public administering cannot cover efficiently or not at all.

    Resident Contribution:

    If you run a not for profit organisation or are a part of such group or organisation and want to communicate your vision and need support in achieving your objectives. Please do not hesitate to start a discussion with me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Expanding & building local transportation & infrastructure.+

    Current Situation:

    According to an Annual Community Survey conducted by Wyndham City Council in 2019.

    The most importance issue to the community in Wyndham council is traffic congestions & management of roads. More than half of the respondents again this year nominated one of these two issues. These issues do continue to exert a mildly negative influence on community satisfaction with Council.

    Wyndham City’s top priorities are the establishment of the Wyndham West Link, the Outer Metropolitan Ring, the Geelong-Melbourne rail electrification, the Western Interstate Freight Terminal, the Sunshine and Geelong fast-rail connection, via Wyndham, Energy from Waste, and preschool and secondary school infrastructure in growth areas. (refer from https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/news/wyndham-city-continues-its-advocacy-improved-infrastructure)
    https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-05/Wyndham%20-%202019%20Annual%20Community%20Survey%20Report%20-%20FINAL.pdf

    My Take:

    Wyndham’s rapidly growing population is creating issues for our communities that only major infrastructure projects can solve.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Identify bottle necks in the existing projects, work towards expediting & clearing them to complete the projects on time.
  • Collaborate with all levels of government to help deliver the projects that will reduce traffic congestion.
  • Work with the Department of Transport to improve safety.
  • Identify locations & increase the use of portable traffic lights to reduce the number of crashes at critical intersection to reduce traffic congestions and improve safety along these busy stretches.
  • Work towards developing infrastructure projects that will enhance connectivity between Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and western Victoria utilizing Wyndham’s strategic location.
  • Expected Result:

    Improved road safety, lesser congestions & safer roads with better local transportation.

    Resident Contribution:

    If you believe that you can add value with your valuable suggestions and want to be part of this discussion & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Multi-level car parks at Williams Landing & Tarneit stations.+

    Current Situation:

    If you are working and use public transport in the pre covid-19 era to commute to work to the city you will have faced it.

    The $110 million Williams Landing station opened in April 2012 and is used by commuters in the boom suburbs of Point Cook, Truganina and Williams Landing, which are forecast to collectively house about 90,000 residents by 2030. Yet the station has just 500 parking spaces and is served by buses that run at 20- to 22-minute intervals in the peak along choked arterial roads. The agony of commuters using Tarneit station is no different. (refer https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/williams-landing-commuter-rail-stations-overflow-parkers-risk-daily-fines-20150318-1m251a.html)

    My Take:

    With the current Covid-19 situation and most of the workforce working from home the situation has changed and the car parks have been mostly vacant.

    It will be hard to predict or comment on the post covid-19 situation at this point in time but will need to find optimum solutions to the parking problems as the situation evolves.

    The cost of building car parks at station is very high along with other disadvantages like valuable real estate around railway stations being absorbed for the purpose plus that it is used only for the peak hours and sits ideal for the rest of the day.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Building a more sustainable model which will encourage more and more commuters to find alternatives to park cars at train stations.
  • Develop & improve bus infrastructure & local connectivity & frequency of buses which will encourage less people to take personal cars & more people to use public transport.
  • Build multi storey car parks at stations were the demand is high but will come with the high cost of construction.
  • Expected Result:

    Improved efficiency in utilising public transportation & free parking to commute to work.

    Resident Contribution:

    If you believe that you can add value with your valuable suggestions and want to be part of this discussion & want to share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Increased policing & police stations.+

    Current Situation:

    Wyndham council has currently 2 police stations. One each in Tarneit & Werribee.

    The below report gives an in-depth analysis of community safety in Wyndham. It is important to note that Council does not have the authority to police crime. Crime is primarily the responsibility of Victoria Police and the State Government.


    https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2017-07/Health%2C%20Wellbeing%20%26%20Safety%20Profiles%20-%20Community%20Safety.pdf

    My Take:

    Victoria police is part of the broader department of justice & regulation portfolio. Having said and understood that crime is primarily the responsibility of Victoria Police and the State Government we still need to do our part in educating & building a community in which all people are feeling safe in the community regardless of their background, age or gender. It’s the sense of having the freedom to participate in our community without fear of harm.

    The Strategy I will work with:

  • Advocate to start a new police station in Point Cook as at this point in time for Harrison ward with a population of 120,000 we do not have a single police station.
  • https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-05/Community%20Safety%20in%20Wyndham%20Fact%20Sheet%20May%202018_0.pdf
  • Expected Result:

    Adding an additional police station at Point Cook will ease the burden on the existing police stations.

    Resident Contribution:

    If you live in Point Cook and agree to the proposition of establishing a new police station in Point Cook and are willing to stand for this cause, and want to be part of this discussion & share your thoughts please do not hesitate to contact me on me@sayeedaslam.com.au

    Issues & Solutions PDF

    My understanding of Wyndham community & your opinion
    Empowering Not for Profit Organisations
    Support for Local Small Businesses
    Curbing Domestic Violence
    Safety and Security
    Infrastructure and Local Transportation
    Curb Hate Mongering
    Women Empowerment