Council snapshot

Our vision represents our commitment to the community outlined in our Boroondara Community Plan 2021-31.

Our purpose and values describe how we'll work together to achieve our goals for the community.

Vision

A sustainable and inclusive community.

Purpose

We work together to deliver the community priorities and place our customers at the centre of everything we do.

Values

We'll create a collaborative and customer-centric culture which connects our people to our purpose, inspires them to be their best and provides a great place to work. You can read about these values on Our values page.

Our role as a council

The City of Boroondara is established through and governed by the Local Government Act 2020 and is committed to our community’s vision to create ‘a sustainable and inclusive community’. 

Planning

Working directly with the community to ensure community needs are anticipated and met, now and into the future.

Delivering

Directly delivering services, programs or facilities at the local level.

Partnering

Working collaboratively with residents, community groups, the State and Federal Governments and other stakeholders to facilitate desired outcomes and build community capacity.

Advocating

Taking into account the diverse needs of our community and representing community interests to influence industry, peak bodies, associations​ and State and Federal government decision-making.

History

The area now known as the City of Boroondara is located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people in the inner eastern suburbs of Melbourne and includes the all suburbs of Boroondara. The City of Boroondara’s name is derived from the Woi-wurrung language meaning ‘where the ground is thickly shaded.’

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung community has a strong historical, cultural and spiritual connection to their traditional lands and waterways. They continue to practise the responsibilities bestowed by their ancestors of protecting, preserving and managing the land and waterways in accordance with culture and traditions.

In Boroondara, there are:

• 10 Aboriginal archaeological sites
• 2 Aboriginal historic places that are registered with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.

The locations of the sites are confidential, so they can be properly preserved and protected.

In addition to these sites, Boroondara is home to culturally significant places that support connection to Country, deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and contribute to reconciliation. You can find out more on our  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples page.

City profile

Boroondara has an estimated residential population of 178,008 people (as of 30 June 2024). Our residents were born in more than 150 countries and speak more than 120 languages. Boroondara has one of the highest concentrations of schools of all Victorian local government areas.

You can find out more about our demographics in the City of Boroondara Community Profile on the id Community website.

We have 53 shopping centres and strips, with the main shopping strips located at:

• Camberwell Junction
• Glenferrie Road
• Hawthorn
• Kew Junction.

In 2024, a quarter of our residents earned $2,000 or more per week and 18.6% of our residents were volunteers.

Council wards and councillors

The City of Boroondara has 11 Council wards. Individual councillors, elected by community members for a 4-year term of office, represent them. Our wards and councillors are:

• Studley Ward - Cr Sophie Torney (Mayor)
• Gardiner Ward - Cr Victor Franco (Deputy Mayor)
• Bellevue Ward - Cr Michael Nolan
• Cotham Ward - Cr Felicity Sinfield
• Glenferrie Ward - Cr Wes Gault
• Junction Ward - Cr Mal Osborne-Smith
• Lynden Ward - Cr Lisa Hollingsworth
• Maling Ward - Cr Shima Ibuki
• Maranoa Ward - Cr Chris Pattas
• Riversdale Ward - Cr Rob Baillieu
• Solway Ward - Cr John Friend-Pereira.

You can find out more on our Mayor and councillors page.

Our organisational structure

Our Executive Leadership Team includes our CEO, 4 directors and 3 senior leaders. The team members are:

• Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Storer
• Director Community Support, Kate McCaughey
• Director Urban Living, Scott Walker
• Director Places and Spaces, Daniel Freer
• Director Customer and Transformation, Nigel Morris
• Executive Manager People, Culture and Development, Mary-Anne Palatsides
• Chief Financial Officer (Acting), Sapphire Allan
• Manager Governance and Legal, Bryan Wee.

You can find out more about our current Executive Leadership Team on our CEO and executive team page.