Eastern FM – 4 April 2017 – Rob Steane
Russ:
It’s just after 16 minutes past 12 on Thursday Around Noon with our regular City of Maroondah segment and in the studio with us today (is) councillor Rob Steane. With lots of information for all of our Maroondah listeners out there, as to whats happening in and around our city. So back to you Rob.
Rob:
Russ, I gotta ask you; can take a guess at how many births there are in Maroondah every week?
Russ:
No, I wouldn't even.. Be even.
Rob:
I’m not responsible for any of them.
Russ:
Neither am I, nowadays.
Rob:
On average there’s 35 births each week.
And Russ, this leads me to talk about the amazing Maternal and Child Health Service (MCH) that is celebrating 100 years this year!
I was thrilled to attend the International Women’s Day event last month that recognised this century of service.
We had former and current Maternal and Child Health Service nurses talk about the changes they’ve observed over the years, and it was a very interesting display of literature and equipment.
These days, Maroondah’s, Maroondah Maternal and Child Health services are ready to assist families with a wide range of programs and support initiatives.
Our nurses want families and children to thrive and they have a passion for assisting each family and child with individual care and attention.
Health and developmental checks are crucial for children from birth up to six years of age.
The health checks combined with the regular information sessions offered by the nurses provide vital support for parents, carers and children.
That’s why in addition to having qualifications as a general nurse and midwife, each nurse has completed further studies in Maternal & Child Health.
Their knowledge and skills are constantly updated as they work to offer support and advice atMaroondah’s seven Maternal & Child Health centres.
There are also regular workshop sessions for parents regarding First Food for Babies, Baby Settling Talks and the Terrific Toddler Talks.
Russ:
I was just having a bit of a think Rob and it would have been 55 years ago, so about half way, was when my wife and kids were indulging in attending the centres that the council provided. So it’s a long time ago.
Rob:
Absolutely, its a great service that we hold and I'm sure that the new parents, especially the new first time parents are grateful for it.
Sessions are held monthly and provide parents, grandparents and carers with the tools and information they need to navigate the often confusing and tiring early years of parenthood and raising children.
And I would encourage your listeners, Russ, to visit Council’s website or call Maternal & Child Health on 9294 5777 between 9am and 5pm.
Ah Russ, as Norm mentioned before about how many people are up here at Wyreena are the moment, plenty of kids running around.
Russ:
We have problem finding parking for presenters I tell you we’re lucky we’ve got two spots reserved here but its always a bit of a problem because as you can see theres more than two people here.
Rob:
Absolutely
Russ:
Its interesting that you've discovered that but the new playground is laden with fellas and girls and boys and of course the mums can go into the conservatory and have a coffee while they're looking out over the kids so its a great set up it really is.
Rob:
We’re actually in the middle of a master plan for Wyreena to move forward and it will continue to grow we hope, I think everybody needs more space, Eastern FM not withstanding, needs more space all the time try to provide that if we can.
But maybe its because its school holidays and thats what i wan too talk about Russ.
Our School Holiday programs are on around again around Maroondah
and of course this week is the first week of the Term One school holidays, which will obviously include Easter, and we know that means some families are looking for affordable things to do.
Council’s Youth, Arts and Leisure Services have a great range of programs that are underway.
If you’re looking for free and low cost fun, Council-run school holiday programs are a great place to find ways to stay healthy, active and connected.
Council’s Youth Services team are hosting two free parkour trial days over the school holidays for young people aged 8 to 18.
Parkour is a great agility sport that incorporates balance and concentration while navigating obstacles.
Sessions will be led by qualified instructors at YSpace in Croydon on today and next Thursday 13 April from 4pm to 5pm.
If you like to shoot hoops, the courts at The Rings in Ringwood offer casual playing hours during the school holidays.
Take advantage of some free time on the courts, again today from 4pm to 6pm and also next week from Monday 10 April through Wednesday 12 April from 4pm to 6pm.
There are also school holiday programs at Wyreena which is obviously why we cant find any parking space, Russ. Its so popular.
And these are, offer a range of low cost art and craft sessions will be running until Thursday 13 April.
Children ages 5 to 12 can choose from a great range of classes including painting, pottery and drawing.
Or you can grab a copy of Council’s Parks and Paths brochure and discover our beautiful green spaces.
As you know Russ Maroondah is home to many parks and reserves with playgrounds, walking trails, bike paths and more so take the time these holidays to get out and experience all they have to offer. Especially when its own a day like today where the wethers so fine, 25 degrees its beautiful.
Russ:
I couldn't argue with that Rob, you were waiting for a reply there but yeah no we've been very fortunate and it looks like the best part of the school holidays we’ll be in reasonable weather for the folks to indulge.
Rob:
Perfect, Puss I’d also like to talk about the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place with has Cultural Connections.
There’s an excellent opportunity coming up to experience some truly impressive local, indigenous art.
The Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, is launching their very first art exhibition entitled Cultural Connections.
I encourage the community to experience first hand the artwork of artists Aunty Daphne Milward, Aunty Irene Norman and emerging artist Amanda Wright
The Cultural Connections exhibition showcases traditional painting, weaving, language and other cultural practices while also displaying contemporary artistic vision
The exhibition is on at Maroondah Access Gallery, which is in Maroondah Federation Estate, at 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.
Viewing is available Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.
And there is also a website Russ you can go to for more information.
Russ:
No its a terrific set up and we’ve actually been reading that information in our community services announcements. its been done once this morning
Rub:
I’m heading down there myself later this afternoon to see it, i haven't been down there yet but I’ll be there later on today.
Russ:
Its a very nice set up down there.
Rob:
Barngeong Reserve Playspace currently works are Underway. I’m happy to report that works are underway to upgrade the playspace at Barngeong Reserve on Bambra Street in Croydon.
We’re spending 110,000 of our lovely rate payers money to improve works will include the full replacement of the existing playspace equipment.
Barngeong Reserve playspace is enjoyed by residents as well as families associated with the reserve’s sporting groups and so the play equipment receives a high level of use.
My kids are turning 20 this month Russ, my son used to play football down at the croydon junior football club down there many years ago. And its always well attended down there so I’ll be glad when its all up and running.
And children and visitors to the playspace will love the new equipment which will include a spinning rope, climb unit, track slide, elevated platform with slides and a hexagon shaped six-way swing station.
There’ll also be rock seating as well as new timber seating that takes advantage of the existing shade trees in the reserve.
And hese works are expected to be completed in late this month, hopefully subject to weather. so with a bit of luck we can get a few things done down there.
Russ:
that’d be good, yeah really good.
Rob:
Last Chance for a splash at Croydon Memorial Pool for the season Russ, so I would encourage your listeners not to miss their last chance to enjoy all Croydon Memorial Pool has to offer before it closes this weekend on Sunday 9 April.
We’ve experienced some fantastic weather this summer, which has seen thousands of people visit the pool.
And as your probably know Russ, people love to swim laps, cool off from the heat or simply have some fun in the water.
However, with Autumn in the air, the summer season is coming to an end.
But Russ, residents can still continuing swimming and enjoying aquatic fun over the colder months.
We’ve got 2 other aquatic facilities as you would know, Aquahub in Croydon and Aquanation in Ringwood.
Russ:
Yes I’m down at Aquanation once a week myself.
Rob:
and how do you find the facilities down there?
Russ:
Its a very fantastic set up. For anybody that hasn't been there it really is one of the best set up, probably in Australia at least. Fantastic.
Rob:
I think I’ve been on council for 8 years Russ, and i think its one of our greatest achievements to my time that we managed to get that together and it wasn't just the council it was the state and the federal government that contributed money.
Russ:
Its certainly a great set up it covers al most every possible activity that one ming need to look after ones health.
Rob:
the thing thats pleasing to me about Aquanation is that its predecessor the old Ringwood Pool in its death throws was attracting 200 people a day and Aquanation is currently tracking at 2000 people a day. Its the old adage I suppose “build it and they will come”.
Russ:
As we were just mentioning theres just so many different aspects of that place you can cover just about anything that you might need to look after your own health and the pools are just magnificent its just a very pleasant place to visit.
Rob:
Have you been down the waterslides Russ?
Russ:
no that one of the things thats not on my bucket list.
Rob:
Well I have the privilege, apart from being the staff trialling it and making sure its working properly, I have the distinction of being the first one down the drop slide. Which is which is the one where you stand in the booth and the floor drops out from underneath you. Down you go down the water slide, heres some one in their 50s who can get away with it so I’d like to invite all the listeners who might be in their 50s to experience one of our waterslides there very prod of them down there.
And as you know Russ both Aquanation and Aquahub operate year-round and offer a fantastic range of aquatic and leisure programs for everyone
For opening hours or more information visit But I can tell our listeners Russ that the pools both Aquanation and Aquahub are open at 5:30am so those people who want to get out and do some laps before they head off to work it is open from first light, in fact at the moment its even before that so get on down.
Of course not withstanding Aquanation and Aqua hub listeners can find out more information on other activities as well on Council’s websites, as well as across a range of social media channels. If listeners haven’t already done so, I encourage them to like Council on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest news.
And thats it for this week.
Russ:
You've done very well. you've certainly packed in some information there and I'm sure listeners will take advantage of the chances to enjoy some of the terrific education and health and leisure actives available in the city of Maroondah.