If you are new to Melbourne, the word “council” shows up everywhere: bin days, parking permits, libraries, kindergartens, pet registration, local laws, and planning rules. Knowing your local council saves time because most everyday services are managed at council level.
If you are still choosing where to live, start here first: The Complete Melbourne Suburb & Resource Guide for Newcomers.
What Melbourne Councils Do (In Plain English)
Councils manage local services and rules for their area. The exact services vary, but these are the most common ones families use:
- Waste and recycling (bin days, hard rubbish, drop‑off centres)
- Libraries and community centres
- Local parks, playgrounds, and sport facilities
- Childcare and kindergarten information (and sometimes enrolment links)
- Parking rules, permits, and local fines
- Building, planning, and local development information
- Pet registration and local laws (noise, signage, parking, etc.)
How to Find Your Local Council
- Go to the official “Know Your Council” page.
- Search by suburb or postcode, then open your council website.
Official link: https://www.vic.gov.au/know-your-council
Tip: if you live near a boundary, two nearby suburbs can be in different councils. Always confirm with the official lookup before you rely on a bin schedule or local rule.
What to Check on Your Council Website
Once you know your council, these pages are usually the fastest way to get answers:
- Waste and recycling (bin calendars, hard rubbish bookings)
- Parking and permits (resident permits, visitor permits, street rules)
- Child and family services (maternal health, childcare, kindergarten links)
- Libraries (branches, membership, kids programs)
- Local laws and pets (pet registration, noise rules)
- Planning and building (permits, overlays, works)
- Events and community programs (free local activities)
Melbourne Councils Overview (Full List)
Use this list to explore every council in Melbourne. Each council manages local services, community programs, waste collection, libraries, childcare, parks, and planning. When you know your council, you understand your suburb better.
Central Melbourne
- Melbourne City Council
- Maribyrnong City Council
- Moonee Valley City Council
- Port Phillip City Council
- Stonnington City Council
- Yarra City Council
Southern Melbourne
- Bayside City Council
- Cardinia Shire Council
- Casey City Council
- Frankston City Council
- Greater Dandenong City Council
- Kingston City Council
- Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Eastern Melbourne
- Boroondara City Council
- Glen Eira City Council
- Knox City Council
- Manningham City Council
- Maroondah City Council
- Monash City Council
- Whitehorse City Council
- Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Northern Melbourne
- Banyule City Council
- Darebin City Council
- Hume City Council
- Merri-bek City Council
- Nillumbik Shire Council
- Whittlesea City Council
Western Melbourne
- Brimbank City Council
- Hobsons Bay City Council
- Melton City Council
- Wyndham City Council