Valley View October/November 2016
Message from the Chief ExecutiveOfficer
This section usually sees your Mayor provide an update about things happening in the community, but you will notice this edition is a little bit different because of local council elections.We are looking forward to welcoming the newly elected group of Councillors following the election in October.
Spring gives us renewed motivation to get out in the great outdoors, and we have a number of activities and festivals coming up to encourage you to enjoy our parks and facilities. Active8 kicks off in parks across Moonee Valley throughout October and November and will cater for all ages and abilities, while the Moonee Valley Seniors Festival celebrates our older residents with some great activities such as a Maribyrnong River cruise and a retro games day for grandparents and their grandchildren. Children’s Week will be held from 22 to 30 October and provides an opportunity to celebrate children’s achievements in our local schools, childcare centres, kindergartens and libraries.
Spring also brings sunshine – an essential ingredient to reap the benefits of solar energy. The response to our solar bulk buy program has been extremely pleasing with more than 100 residents able to save on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.It’s not too late to get involved; visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/solar.
The Maribyrnong River is enjoyed by much of the community with its walking tracks and natural beauty.We want to find out more about how you use this great space and how you get there. Your feedback will allow us to improve public space along the river – find out more on page 9.
The winner of the annual Incinerator Art Award will be announced in October, so make sure you visit the gallery to see the resulting exhibition that explores the role of art in creating deep and lasting social change.
It was devastating to see the Moonee Ponds Court House on Mt Alexander Road damaged by fire recently.Home of the Essendon Historical Society, the building had recently been restored and is home to many significant historical documents and photographs. In August, Essendon Historical Society member Mary Cahill was announced winner of a Spirit of Moonee Valley Award. Read more about her story on page 4.
It is pleasing to see an improvement in our results in the Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey, with Moonee Valley scoring very favourably when compared to other metropolitan councils. Of particular note this year is the significant improvement in community satisfaction with our family and elderly support services. As is the case across many metropolitan areas, our community has told us we need to improve in the areas of planning permits and parking facilities. Following a thorough review, we have recently made organisational changes at Council to improve the service level provided to residents in these vital areas.
Bryan Lancaster
Chief Executive Officer
Council meeting dates
Ordinary Council Meeting
Tuesday, 22 November
Public Forum
Tuesday, 8 November
Public Forums start at 6pm. Ordinary Council Meetings start at 7pm.
Public Forums and Council Meetings take place at the Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds. Access is through the Pascoe Vale Road entrance.
Moonee Valley City Council • 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds Victoria 3039 • PO Box 126, Moonee Ponds Victoria 3039
Telephone 03 9243 8888 • Facsimile 03 9377 2100 • Website mvcc.vic.gov.au • Email
Walk to school this October
We are supporting VicHealth’s Walk to School by challenging all children in Moonee Valley to walk to school in October.
Last year more than 2000 students from 27 primary schools in Moonee Valley took part in Walk to School.
It’s a free, easy and fun way for kids to get active. Walking to school helps children get the physical activity they need each day to be healthy and is a great way for families to enjoy more time together on the way to school.
Part way is okay! If you can’t walk all the way, park the car a few blocks from school and walk, ride or scoot the rest of the way. Participating is a great way to kick-start healthy walking habits that can lead to good health for life.
Walking to school also helps reduce traffic congestion, parking difficulties and the associated environmental impacts.
Children who register receive a ruler or wristband and a bingo card to track their walking to school progress. Complete the bingo cards throughout the month of October and send them in for a chance to win a sports store voucher valued at $150.
The two schools with the highest participation rate win a big day out for the whole school at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre with pool activities and inflatables, group fitness activities such as zumba and boxing, and novelty races and games. For schools that have not participated before, the first to register will receive a free family swim pass for each family at the school.
So why not join the fun? Grab your friend, your mum, dad, brother or sister and walk to school throughout October!
A VicHealth initiative, Walk to School is an annual event, which highlights the benefits of walking to school such as improving fitness, friendships, confidence and the environment.
For more information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/walktoschool or call 9243 8888
Active8
Join in to get active!
Have you signed up for Active8 yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
Active8 is a free program designed to get you active this spring. Through the program you’ll get a taste of the many health and wellbeing activities available across Moonee Valley.
During the eight week program there’ll be plenty for you to choose from – and best of all, it’s free!
What’s included
Our event guide has a full list of all the perks and activities on offer. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/active8 to view the guide.
Here’s a sample of free activities included:
-activities at our local leisure centres
-group fitness sessions
-Pilates and meditation classes
-Essendon Traffic School sessions
-fun family activities
-health and wellbeing seminars
-offers from local health and wellness providers
Join in
Simply register at mvcc.vic.gov.au/active8 and we’ll do the rest!
To keep up to date on all the free activities happening across the program be sure to like our Facebook page - facebook.com/mvactive8
Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards
Council held its annual Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards on Saturday, 13 August, at the Clocktower Centre to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of some of our most generous community members.
Each of the winners received $250, and the Citizen of the Year awarded $3,000, to donate towards their chosen charity or community group.
Thank you to our generous sponsors: Moonee Valley Leader, Nelson Alexander, and Dwyer’s Painting and Maintenance Service.
Citizen of the Year and Contribution by Business to the Community
Jonathon Tarascio
Congratulations to Jonathon Tarascio, Moonee Valley’s 2016 Citizen of the Year. Jonathon also won the Contribution by Business to the Community Award.
Jonathon Tarascio was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma four years ago, months after marrying his high school sweetheart Liza. Jonathon established the Green Button Foundation from his hospital bed to support other people with Lymphoma and other blood cancers.
The foundation provides funds for patients and their families to pay for bills and other immediate life expenses while they may be unable to work. The Foundation also provides iPads for patients at the Alfred Hospital with free Netflix subscriptions so patients can watch movies free of charge during tedious and worrying hospital stays.
Jonathan's vision is to care for the day-to-day needs of cancer patients, to alleviate and remove unnecessary stress. The Green Button Foundation is run by Jonathon, his wife Liza and a committee of dedicated volunteers.
Contribution to Arts and Culture
Mary Cahill
Congratulations to Mary Cahill, our award winner for Contribution to Arts and Culture.
Mary’s dedication to Moonee Valley can be seen in her longstanding contribution to the Essendon Historical Society where she has served as secretary and Chair of the Publications Committee. Mary took a leadership role in the recent Courthouse Restoration Project. Sadly the courthouse has since been damaged by a fire.
Contribution to Environment
Helen van den Berg
Congratulations to Helen van den Berg, our award winner for Contribution to Environment.
Helen was a founding member of the Friends of Steele Creek and, for more than 20 years, has been an outstanding advocate for our local environment and waterways, standing up for its protection when under threat. She is dedicated to community education and teaching children the value of our natural world.
Contribution to Family
Ruth Cook
Congratulations to Ruth Cook, our award winner for Contribution to Family.
Ruth is a leader at Canterbury Street Stables Playgroup, creating a friendly and supportive community that welcomes first time parents.
Ruth also started Moonee Valley Playgroup Leaders Facebook page to unify and support playgroup leaders and maximise the positive impact of their work in our communities.
Contribution to Neighbourhood
Farah Warsame
Congratulations to Farah Warsame, our award winner for Contribution to Neighbourhood.
Farah is a leader within the Somali Community of Victoria. He serves as President of the Flemington Eagles Soccer club and works with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to help people of all ages to plant their feet firmly on Australian ground through sport.
Contribution to Older Persons
Elizabeth Vescio
Congratulations to Elizabeth Vescio, our award winner for Contribution to Older Persons.
Elizabeth’s leadership of the Avondale Heights Grandparent’s Playgroup provides a fun, friendly and supportive environment for grandparents caring for grandchildren.
With more grandparents regularly looking after grandchildren, the group provides an opportunity for them to get out in the community in their caring role and feel valued.
Contribution to Sport
Russell Mogg
Congratulations to Russell Mogg, our award winner for Contribution to Sport.
Russell has provided decades of support to local sporting groups. He is a dedicated member of the St Monica’s Tennis Club, acting as President for 30 years. He has also been an active committee member of the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club for 25 years.
Contribution by Youth
Adrian Salvatore
Congratulations to Adrian Salvatore, our award winner for Contribution by Youth.
As an ambassador for the Ascot Vale Special School, Adrian works to create a positive impact on young people with a disability.
An athlete with Special Olympics Australia Victoria Melbourne West, he volunteers as an assistant coach to primary school students at Kelly Sports.
Business networking at the Boathouse
The hugely popular Business Networking evening is designed for small business owners and professionals in Moonee Valley who want to grow their networks and generate new business.
The event is a really valuable experience with 58 per cent of attendees at last year’s event saying they would do business with someone new that they met during the night while a further 39 per cent thought it was likely that they would win new business from the event.
Attendees have the opportunity to build professional relationships and give their business exposure to a likeminded audience through a fun and engaging networking event.
Join us for an evening of great conversation and delicious food at one of Moonee Valley’s premier venues.
When: Thursday, 10 November, 6pm-8.30pm
Where: The Boathouse Restaurant, 7 The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds.
Cost: $85
Attendance at this event is capped to ensure an intimate event and facilitate meaningful professional partnerships. Book your place now to avoid missing out.
Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/bussinessevents or call 9243 8866.
New Transport Safety Strategy
In August Council endorsed its new Transport Safety Strategy, a 10 year plan to guide safe travel for the whole community and work towards achieving a goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries within Moonee Valley.
The strategy was developed after extensive community consultation with over 400 community members, VicRoads, Victoria Police and other key stakeholders.
It will adopt the Safe System approach, used by Sweden and the Netherlands - countries which consistently perform the best in road safety. The strategy recognises that our community will grow and strives to make this happen safely, embracing sustainable transport and providing safe facilities.
To view the Transport Safety Strategy 2016-26, visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/tss
Supporting children’s transitions
The transition from kindergarten to school is an important milestone and involves a great deal of change, including big playgrounds, more teachers and different rules.
Children who make a comfortable transition are more likely to feel relaxed, valued, excited, motivated to learn, build good relationships with others, and develop a sense of belonging within the school community.
Council’s early childhood educators develop individual transition statements for all kindergarten children transitioning to primary school. They work with children to build their social and emotional skills to help them have a positive start to school. Through play, children learn skills such as working collaboratively with others, being persistent and managing changes of routine with confidence. Families are also encouraged to share information as part of this process.
Remember, starting school is not just about the first day. The process begins in the final year of kindergarten and continues well after they have started school.
To help with the transition, here are some tips from our early childhood educators:
- Practice leaving your child happily!
- Read stories together
- Get the kids to carry their own bag to kindergarten
- Visit the school playground on the holidays
- Try to have a regular bed time
- Attend orientation programs
Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/kinder for more information on kindergartens in Moonee Valley and Council’s early childhood educators. Alternatively, talk directly with your child’s educator or teacher or visit kidsmatter.edu.au/families/starting-school
Families news in brief
Long day careat Hopetoun
The newly revamped Hopetoun Early Years Centre provides safe, family-centred learning programs for children aged 0-6 years.
We recognise children’s current capacity and abilities and support them to thrive and learn in a nurturing, respectful environment.
Places are now available for 2017 sessional kindergarten, integrated kindergarten and 3-year-old kindergarten.
For more information on programs and availability, contact the Centre Coordinator on 9243 1681.
Families can stay connected
Moonee Valley parents and carers have been keeping up-to-date with the new Maternal and Child Health Facebook page, making it easier tostay connected in between appointments.
The page features a broad range of articles, videos, key health messages and current news items, along with information on local community services.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. You can stay connected by liking our page at fb.com/mchmvcc
Children’s Week 2016
Kicking off from Saturday, 22 October to Sunday, 30 October, this year’s Children’s Week events will celebrate children’s rights, talents and citizenship.
A diverse range of events and activities are being organised across the state, focusing on children’s needs and achievements.
We encourage children, families and community members to get involved by visiting local services and schools during Children’s Week.
Stay tuned for events and activities happening in Moonee Valley at mvcc.vic.gov.au/childrensweek
Moonee Valley Seniors Festival
Celebrating active ageing
Join us for free and low cost events and activities throughout the month of October as we celebrate our annual Seniors Festival.
The festival celebrates a positive ageing experience for older residents, with all events aimed at keeping seniors in Moonee Valley active and connected to their communities.
Events include:
Maribyrnong River Cruise
When: Tuesday, 11 October and Thursday, 27 October, 10am-1.30pm
Where: Meeting point - The Boathouse Restaurant, 7 The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds
Cruise along the Maribyrnong River and enjoy the riverside scenery and informative commentary, followed by Devonshire Tea at the Boathouse Restaurant. Places are limited so book early on 9243 8748 to avoid disappointment.
Moving and Grooving by the Maribyrnong
When: Thursday, 13 October, 10am-3pm
Where: multiple sites, starting at Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club, 195 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds
A fun-filled jam-packed day of performances by local seniors. Come and try dancing, singing, music, bowling, tai chi, walking, fishing, rowing, tennis and trugo set along the Maribyrnong River. The community bus will be available to move people between venues. Various lunch options will be available at a small cost. All welcome! No bookings required.