Darebin Council give themselves 120 days to respond to a fine appeal. I moved house in that time frame. Too bad, they were able to find my new address via VIC Roads and summon me to court. When I question why they didn’t find my new address to send reminders to, they demand you tell them why you didn’t advise them you had moved, because telling a council who you appealed a fine to, months ago, that you had moved, is high on your priority list? Forced me to speak to someone initialled Y who severely criticised a young man in their council called H for telling me that they drag people to court once they find your new address so that they don’t run out of time - but then he turned around and said the exact same thing! He then became cold, hard and lied that he couldn’t remove the court costs; which they did in the end, only to reapply penalty reminder costs that they had already removed, and Vic Road fees. Still, I saved about 125 dollars that they probably are out of pocket for doing this kind of stuff. Y had boasted proudly that they had taken thousands of people to court. CEO tried to get him to ring Y again to “remind” me to pay (in other words, strong arm me). This is how little emotional intelligence there is, obviously I was distressed by the man, so why get him to call me. So they tried to get his supervisor V to contact me. She did the same stonewalling, deflecting and threatening court instead of explaining why the raft of new fees were reapplied to the fine, that they had removed. She ignored my question and said “go to court”. Many of their elected councillors sympathised and who told me to fight it. One told me that she had been fined for BFing her newborn baby outside her own house, that this parking fine business was absolute rubbish and an extreme reaction to Greens not wanting people to use their car. I said “look you can fine, but dragging people to court the minute you find their address is just rubbish”. I barely use my car, but punitive and extreme measures are not going to encourage public transport use, they’re just going to encourage resentment. The councillors and the mayor are powerless, don’t think you are paying for the council, they are puppets and the operational people are unelected and run an autocracy. “Must drag as many citizens to court as possible and make their days as painful and difficult as possible and intimidate them as much as we can” Not “we had your wrong address, how do we resolve this in a win-win situation”. Which is still a loss given how high the fines are & how little parking is available in Melbourne

I have been a Darebin rate-payer (currently paying rates on 2 properties) for over 20 years and a resident for even longer. Over that period I have had persistent issues with getting anyone from DCC to return phone calls. On the very rare occasions that you are put through to someone it is always the wrong person - no-one seems to know who is responsible for what in the organisation. Successive iterations of the management team - when you do eventually get through to them after months of persistence - have told me they are working to make things better but nothing ever improves. The current iteration of senior management are by far the worst I have ever attempted to deal with. It's difficult to tell if this failure by DCC senior management to return calls is arrogance or incompetence. However, I have learned that if you call and ask for Manager X to complain about Employee Y your message is sent to Employee Y, the person you are complaining about! This is official DCC policy. After failing to get any response after contacting my local Councillor and the Mayor I have resorted to writing to the Minister for Local Government and the Shadow Minister for Local Government - just to try and get a return phone call from my local council! Only the Shadow Minister's office has responded so far.

I must say that my dealings with the council were not at all agreeable. As a highly educated local woman, a published writer, and a teacher who works in community development, I found the red tape, and the long awaited responses from them neither friendly nor in away open to new suggestions for community projects, ideas, or innovation. It seems to be a rather insidious internal organisation, and judging by some of the other reviewers it must be not only be awfully hard to get a foot in the door there, but it might be incredibly hard to not have one's feet stamped upon once one is working there. I am sure there are lots of lovely individuals trying to do their best, but the council seems more like some 19th Century red-tape, jump through hoops-who you know on the inside- kind of place. This is unfortunate for people in the community who wish to imbue new ideas and new energy and skills into their council. Career opportunities seem almost nigh impossible, and I won't suggest prejudice without proof, but for a council that proclaims an open door to working with People of Colour and other marginalised voices, I feel their open door is rather a form of tokenism at best, and I won't even say at worst the other possibility.

I wanted to arrange a work meeting and bbq at the Darebin Parklands and arranged to make sure both bbq’s and power point was function and it wasn’t. I then phone the council to let them know and given them our dates which was the week after 7 days and requested a confirmation that it was done I went there just before the meeting day only to find out that absolutely nothing was done I called again and they acknowledged that it was sent and assured me that it will be rectified and also with a confirmation call nothing was done I then had to bring take our own bbq’s and organised a generator to get power there in which there was a power outlet right there that was not working and also a bbq that was filthy and not working. If this was private company this will not be tolerated and the people in charge should treat rate payers like customers and listen and follow through, our meeting has been done only because I knew that the council will not follow up, and had a back up plan take a good look at yourselves.

Darebin rarely maintains any of the glorious Palm Trees in Northcote, which are now looking really unhealthy and in some instances are dying (see along St George’s Road). Darebin is also slow to plant new trees across the municipality. I have written to them several times on this matter and never receive a response. The staff that used to work in Darebin’s tree department were great, but they have since left and don’t appear to have been replaced. And don’t even get me started on Darebin’s planning division - applying for planning consents in Darebin is just impossible. Expect unreasonable delays, push-backs on everything and to be treated really poorly. We have just gone through a 2 year planning process to renovate a single dwelling home. During that time, the cost of renovating has absolutely skyrocketed. Overall a complete disaster. Had we any idea about the planning difficulties we would encounter, we would never have purchased the property. And the rates are extortionate.

Fined *hundreds* of dollars for parking 6 minutes past a clearway sign, while buying urgent medical supplies for my partner who had had a serious bike accident that very hour. They never responded to me, after I immediately (that day) asked for an exemption with proof of purchase of urgent medical supplies which is one of the few reasons you CAN park in this manner. Receiving a notice of legal action, SIX MONTHS after the incident with only one 'reminder' (without them ever responding to me) is the kind of empathetic customer service I received. Just one of the many unacceptable interactions with this council, which is well known for it's revenue raising parking scheme.

Spoke to a lovely person at the council as I didn't know what to do as we found a stray cat with kittens at the back of our workplace. Despite how busy everyone must be at this time she organised for the most fantastic, caring just amazing rangers to pick up the kittens and mother cat to care for. I cannot thank the lovely person on the phone and your rangers enough for your compassion and love for the beautiful animals that were taken off the streets to be cared for and ready for a good home later. Thank you so much and keep up the good work and I'm so happy to see there are such good people there who love what they do. Thanks again

WROTE A LETTER TO THE MAYOR REGARDING AN ISSUE I HAD IN DEALING WITH THE COUNCIL AND SHE DID NOT EVEN HAVE THE DECENCY TO SENT A RESPONSE OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE EMAIL, SO MUCH FOR CARING ABOUT THE COMMUNITY. DEFINITELY WONT BE VOTING FOR HER AT NEXT ELECTIONS. EVENTUALLY GOT A REPLY FROM THE "MAYOR" VIA HER SECRETARY, FIRSTLY DID NOT HAVE THE DECENCY TO REPLY PERSONALLY, SECONDLY DID NOT BOTHER TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES BABBLED ABOUT STUFF UNRELATED TO COMPLAINT I MADE. OUT WITH THIS MAYOR, TYPICAL NOT INTERESTED IN COMMUNITY UNTIL ELECTION TIME. WILL BE CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THIS MAYORS RE ELECTION FOR SURE

This is the worst council in Victoria. It’s full of ultra woke activists who pretend to be public servants, whilst only acting in the interest of their individual pet activism projects. This council needs to be permanently disbanded and taken over by the government, as it fails to do anything that is within their mandate to an acceptable level. How these workers look at themselves in the mirror and at their family without shame is beyond me. Focus on roads, rubbish and effectively and efficiently using the exorbitant rates that your residents pay. Enough of the woke identity politics and pet projects.

Absolute rubbish website. You'd think from all the rates Darebin City cashes in on they'd have a decent website with self-serve options that actually work. Any reason why I can't have my rates emailed to me? I know recycling is a business so long as China is buying it but, I do like a PDF over paper. Still waiting for the eNotices email to come through so I can finish setting up with the code it'll provide me before it expires...still waiting on this email (yes I've checked the junk folder, surprised I didn't find Darebin City in there)... Still waiting...

Absolute disgrace this council!!! If you live or have been on victoria road, don’t even bother!!!! Constantly people parking 24/7 where ever they like no consideration for anyone that lives or needs to park there!! Even for disable people!! Constant headache with people who live in apartments no respect for their neighbours. And council say we can’t do anything!!!! Absolute rubbish!!! Getting to the point where people are too scared to even move their car heard it from several people!!!

Phoned up to book a hall yesterday and spoke to Allison who was a great help. Phoned today to confirm booking, someone answered the phone took my number then phoned me back 3 hours later- did not introduce himself told me I could not and if I had a problem I should go talk to the mayor. Extremely unprofessional, the male would not give his name and repeatedly told me to talk the mayor. Which working for local council myself know that is a unacceptable and unprofessional behaviour.

Excessive parking fine, was not clearly marked as parking zone the sign is very high up easy to miss and can see others complaining of the same trap. The amount of very high and they give you only 3 weeks to pay it off, ridiculous. Was for urgent medical matter. Never ever coming back I can’t afford to pay hundreds of dollar for few min parking and the council was refusing to remove the fine. I can’t afford to pay it but still did. Never coming back to this rotten council

They approve building permits at will without notifying the neighbours, without considering the locals and future residents welfare(safety of pedestrians, parking space, waste bins placement..). Because of over development people now park directly on the edge of intersection blocking the incoming car's vision and causing repeated accidents where I live. Do you follow the "road safety act"? Yes the profit made from new perimits is unquestionable, but at what cost!

After moving to Darebin recently I’ve had several dealings with the council in relation to rubbish bins, animal registration, hard waste, planning and parking and I have to say each department has been easy to deal with through all methods of communication including phone email and letter. The online animal registration was so easy and they respond to your calls when you have a car illegally parked blocking your driveway! So happy to be living in this area!

just wanted to express my thanks for your (Darebin) prompt reply and prompt response to my enquiry. Today the bin was exchanged for a new bin. I think council often get complaints so I wish to redress that by telling you all what a great job you are doing for us rate payers Please feel free to pass on my thanks and if you wish, forward this email to your staff, local councillors and the Mayor. A very satisfied member of the Darebin community. Annie

I feel for the other reviewers but I’ve had great interactions with the Darebin Council. I’ve called them on a couple of occasions and the wait wasn’t long. The town planner they connected me to was patient with explaining fence rules and when I had a bin that needed changing, the service was lodged promptly. I’ve also used the snap send solve app where the council has been responsive with dangerous overgrowth of vegetation.

Got a fine for 'parking on a nature strip' out the front of my house when I was parked half on half off the grass which is normally a busy street and I do this to allow cars to pass through. Explained this to the council as well as the fact that I may struggle to pay due to loss of work due to COVID 19 impact. They didn't care one ounce and said to 'park elsewhere', absolute money hungry thieves!!!

I am very disgusted in the way of the hiring the hall in dole ave reservoir, after I said that I have a public liability for 20m, they refused my public liability, and said that we have to use there's,mean while I was made to pay $78.10. unreal? hey! I class this as stand over tactics ?There are a couple of more bad things that happen, that I rather wait to see what happens with this.Paul.

Parked next to a giant P sign on the corner of High St X Elm St for 5 mins only to get fined for parking in a no standing zone whilst I was standing right next to my car. The sign literally serves no other purpose than to deceive innocent citizens. Council did not even bother responding as to what the purpose of the sign is. This council does not act based on logic or empathy.

Absolutely disgraceful! I am not a local and parked in a parking zone in Fairfield which had 3 different parking signs! Extremely confusing especially for someone who does not live in the area! Not impressed at the money hungry council with parking fines that are bigger than what you would pay in the city! $165 later! Thanks for that you theives

I have had two fantastic dealings with the Customer Service Team at Darebin. I emailed them to report dumped rubbish on our nature strip (and IN our bin) on two separate occasions. Both times they were extremely helpful and the problem was resolved promptly. Huge thanks to the lovely staff. Particularly Maria and Melissa.

They fly a giant aboriginal flag on top of the building but no Australian flag, this doesn't make any sense , when you consider their is a war memorial at the front of the building to commemorate the fallen who died under the Australian flag. Which should be respected, but obviously that's too hard for these councillors.

Just moved to Northcote and I have to say that dealing with the council has so far been a great experience. They have been responsive with queries about difference services, especially regarding waste removal. They could be a tiny bit quicker issuing fines to people that Park in our driveway …

Received parking fine at the loading zone due to signage on my car. I'm a full time courier and weren't aware of the rules and regulations. Requested if they could review and cancel my fine as this is my 1st offence. No consideration. Had to pay the fine. Council desperate for funds.

I’ve had to call twice in the past few months for assistance with rubbish that was dumped in front of our place as well as a fallen tree branch. Both times, I spoke to very friendly and pleasant staff, and they were able to send someone out very quickly (same day or within two days).

Certainly lives up to it's rating as one of the WORST councils in Victoria. Full of incompetence from the top down. Don't bother dealing with them go to a higher power if you want to make life easy!!! To busy being woke and attending to the minority than dealing with bigger issues.

I understand the pain of the other reviewers but my experience with them on call has been pleasant, prompt, and courteous. The attendants on call have been patient, and friendly over the phone, hence I have no reason to believe they wouldn’t be the same in person at the office.

Each time I've called Darebin council I've been met with pleasantness and a willing to help. I've reported illegally dumped rubbish at the front of my place and they were straight on to getting it removed. Shout out to Simon who answered my call …

Useless public servants and an office drowning in bureaucracy. Double standards plague this Council. Don´t bother seeking support nor representation - especially in housing & development - because you will find yourself fighting an unwinnable fight.

$93 dollar parking ticket for my car " Not facing direction of travel" if only i knew this was a law. My car was parked up on the curve so other car users can get past. Try and do the right thing and get done for it. We need change not punishment.

I parked my car at Dennis station but due to in rush for catch a train I parked my car driver side to walkaway means they gave me fine your car wasnot parked on facing direction but other car user they can past easily but put fine $93.

Talk about money hungry. No long term parking anywhere near Preston City Oval. Therefore you may as well park miles away. Such a shame they can't give a bit of leeway for NFNL finals games. So glad I don't live in this municipal.

Hey thanks for yet again taking zero care with the bin collection. Do you want residents to just throw their rubbish directly on the road to cut out the middle person? Not the first time...over it. Get your act together.

Very disappointing! Tried to arrange Curbside collection. They said at capacity. Take council fees without providing a service. Not helpful at all! Refuse even collect a rubbish!. Please refund from the rates!!!

Receied a parking fine. Looked for a sign the closest one was 650meters away! I complained and council said that was within regulations. What a joke of a council.

75% of Darebin want Australia Day yet councilors vote not to celebrate it WHY because their green thru and thru Dont worry about ratepayers NO

The way you handle parking fines and the fact that you constantly have ticket inspectors scouting around the university carparks is abysmal.

The place where they'll fine you for donating books to your local salvos. Embarrassing that this town is considered part of Australia.

Council is racist. myh bin were stolen and i have to pay. Spoke to grace on the phon was very rude. called me kebab كيرم تو ريختت

Council's leaders recommending to leave your house with COVID to move your car instead of following the government's guidelines.

Zach handled me very well. I had an annoying question and wasnt sure what service to call, very grateful for helpful service.

No experience at all. No reply. To busy solving world nuclear issues. A new rubbish bin wheel would be a bit of a challenge.

I've found the Planning and Building Depts to be extremely helpful whenever I've called. A great council.

There customer service on call is Attitude talks, there is no one to handle for a purpose …

Really disappointed council has stopped cleaning graffiti sighting budget constraints.

Bad customer service,horrible place need to get training to behave with customers

Terrible experience echoing all the others re fines and strong arming people

$161 for a parking fine, money hungry dogs. $50 would be more than enough.

Most issues I've reported to them have been dealt with in a timely manner

what a disgusting person Alistair Tweety is ! darebin does a good job

better than moreland but still woke havent been fined yet

Very helpful staff. Lots of useful information available.

Spirit-crushing neoliberal ghouls

Missing my gym days here in 2009

Fast responses, very helpful!

Lovely historical building.

A Racist council

The worst

Racist

Gr8