Maroondah in Focus – August to November 2016
Mayor’s message
Welcome to the August edition of Maroondah in Focus, my final edition as Mayor before the Council Election, which will be conducted by postal ballot from 4 to 6 October 2016. (Find out more about the election on page 3).
While my term as Mayor seems to be flying by, I am very pleased and proud of how much has been achieved in Maroondah during this time. There is absolutely no doubt this progress simply would not have been possible without the support of so many people across our City – thank you to everyone who has helped make so many great things happen.
A highlight for me personally has been getting out and about, meeting – and getting to know better – more members of the community. I have attended schools, visited kindergartens and many community groups and have enjoyed every minute of it.
Before I do sign-off there is one last thing, I’d like to thank everyone who supported the annual Maroondah Mayoral Charity Raffle.
This year I chose to support Eastern Volunteers, and funds raised through the raffle will assist the group to purchase a new vehicle to support their transport services.
These vital transport services enable people to attend health care and medical appointments; undertake shopping requirements; visit family and friends; attend activity groups; and generally participate in social and recreational activities. Importantly this service assists people to remain independent and live in their own homes for as long as they are able and willing to.
There were some amazing prizes up for grabs through the raffle, including first prize – a $3,000 Eastland Gift Card and a $2,000 Yarra Ranges Tourism Gift Voucher.
Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket. Your contribution has helped to support a local charity to continue the wonderful work they do for our community.
Nominate now
Do you know someone who is making outstanding contributions to the Maroondah community?
Then nominate them for a Maroondah Australia Day Award. The closing date for nominations is Friday 11 November.
Nominations can be for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year and for Community Event of the Year. Visit Council’s website for more information on the categories, criteria and to download a nomination form.
Improving Maroondah
The previous issue of Maroondah in Focus detailed the many services and planned projects in the proposed Budget for 2016/17. This issue details the $24.553 million capital works projects that will be rolled out over the next 12 months, across each Council Ward. Read on to see what is happening near you.
A celebration in their honour
In July, Council honoured Anne Hubbard and Brian Coopersmith with a special celebration at Karralyka, where they were formally presented in front of Council, family and friends as Freemen of the City of Maroondah.
As detailed in the last edition of Maroondah in Focus, both Anne and Brian have given countless hours and have been major contributors to the Maroondah community through their dedication to numerous local sporting clubs and community organisations over decades of time.
The tradition of Freeman of the City dates back to medieval times and an ancient English custom, where Freeman paid fees to local boroughs, to allow them to trade in the City. As well as the right to trade, Freeman were also allowed other special privileges, including the right to sit on town councils and to elect parliamentary representatives.
Anne and Brian now join Bill Wilkins as the City of Maroondah’s living Honorary Freeman of the City.
New faces join disability committee
The Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee recently welcomed seven new members.
The new members will join the community representative committee for a period of two years, and bring a broad range of experience and skills.
The Committee was formed in 2010 to assist Council to improve and promote the social inclusion and participation of people with a disability in the Maroondah community.
Since its establishment the Committee has played a critical role in local disabilityadvocacy and the development of policies and programs across all areas of Council. The Committee helped guide the development and review of the
Disability Policy and Action Plan, which provides a framework for Council to help address the aspirations and priorities of people with disabilities and their families. The Plan aims to remove barriers to ensure people with disabilities are equal members of the community.
Council thanks the community
As this is the final edition of Maroondah in Focus for this term of Council, Mayor Natalie Thomas, on behalf of all Councillors, would like to thank the Maroondah community for their support over the past four years.
A lot has been achieved during this period and we have seen positive changes and developments right across the municipality. The Councillors – as community representatives – have played a key role in decision making and countless projects.
We thank them for their contribution. Good luck to all candidates in the upcoming Council elections.
Upcoming Council elections
The 2016 Council election for the City of Maroondah will be held on Saturday 22 October.
Our Council consists of nine Councillor positions, three across each ward – Arrabri, Mullum and Wyreena. Councillors are elected for a four year term. The 2016 Council elections will be run by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC). Nominations to stand as a Councillor open on Thursday 15 September and close on Tuesday 20 September.
The election is conducted by postal ballot, which will be mailed by the VEC to all voters between Tuesday 4 and Thursday 6 October. Included within each ballot pack will be information on each candidate, a ballot paper and a return envelope. To find out more visit vec.vic.gov.au
Garden volunteers wanted
Got a green thumb? Or looking to start a new hobby and meet new people in your spare time?
Then the Glen Park Oaks Community Garden is just the thing for you!
Council is currently looking for volunteers to help operate and maintain the garden, which was officially opened in November 2013.
The garden features raised planter beds with a variety of vegetables and ornamental plants. Volunteers will enjoy being part of something that contributes to the local community and can also enjoy the produce – a tasty benefit.
To find out more about this wonderful volunteering opportunity or request a Volunteer Application Form please contact Council’s Community Development team on 9294 5748.
Your Arrabri Councillors
Cr Tony Dib JP Mobile 0438 515 089
Users of the Glen Park Community Shed are thrilled with the news they will soon have even more space to get creative, with an expansion planned for later this year.
The project will be funded through Council’s Capital Works Community Facilities Improvement Program at a cost of$150,000. It will include more workspace, a kitchenette, accessible ramp access and bathroom, and a new storage area.
While a traditional Men’s Shed is part of the program at the Glen Park Community Shed at other times the shed is open to all genders, ages and abilities. It is a great place for people to develop basic woodwork skills and get involved in the local community.
If you like to use your hands and have some spare time or even some skills to share I’d encourage you to find out more about the Glen Park Community Shed by calling 9720 5097.
Glen Park will see additional improvements in 2016/17, with the existing gravel car park to be resurfaced at the end of the year.
Cr Christina Gleeson Mobile 0418 548 994
More than 20 new bench seats with armrests have now been installed across Maroondah, and 12 existing seats have been replaced, to better suit our older residents.
This project came about following extensive community feedback received as part of the Maroondah Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative, of which I am an Age-friendly Champion.
Many residents provided feedback on the need for more seating along trails and in parks, so walkers can take a rest or enjoy scenery. They also told us that seating with armrests was needed to assist those with mobility limitations.
Initiatives like these are increasingly important when you consider that our population aged 60 plus is higher than the national average. Maroondah is recognised by the World Health Organisation as an Age-friendly City and Council’s Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative helps ensure we continue to create an accessible and inclusive community where people feel safe as they age.
Cr Natalie Thomas Mobile 0400 560 253
Council has updated its Parks & Paths brochure in time for the warmer weather. This is a great guide for all locals and tells you all you need to know when planning a visit to one of our gorgeous parks or reserves, or a walk or ride with friends or family.
The brochure includes a map and details of the five trails travelling through Maroondah. One of my favourites is the Ringwood-Belgrave Rail Trail, sometimes referred to locally as the Heathmont Rail Trail. I love to take my puppy for a walk along this picturesque shared path.
The handy guide also provides useful cycling tips and information on sharing the road, and has a legend that lists park features. This includes details on whether or not dogs are allowed “on or off leash”, if there is shelter, toilets, onsite parking and other key features, such as accessibility.
There are more than 400 parks and reserves across Maroondah and 123 playgrounds, so get yourself a copy of the latest Parks & Paths brochure and get out, explore and enjoy!
What’s coming up in Arrabri Ward?
In Council’s 2016/17 Budget there are a number of capital works projects funded in the Arrabri Ward. Below is a sample of some of the major projects that will be undertaken this financial year.
- Knaith Road reconstruction ($1.5 million)
- Belmont Park sportsfield resurfacing ($440,000)
- Wenwood Street kerb renewal and road resurfacing ($390,000)
- Eastfield Park toilet facilities redevelopment ($250,000)
- Heathmont Rail Trail renewal ($250,000)
- Eastfield dog park development ($200,000)
- Scenic Avenue drainage improvement works ($200,000)
- Glen Park Community Shed expansion ($150,000)
- Knaith Road Childcare Centre accessibility improvement works ($110,000)
- Glen Park Community Centre carpark construction ($100,000)
- Trawalla Road Aged Care (Abbeyfield House) carpark construction ($80,000)
- Glen Park Community Centre security upgrade ($25,000)
- Dorset Golf toilet renewal works ($20,000)
- East Ringwood Senior Citizens Centre roof renewal works ($65,000)
- HE Parker Reserve sporting pavilion redevelopment concept design ($15,000)
Ready, set, go, it’s Run Maroondah!
Runners and walkers get set for Run Maroondah, which is coming up on Sunday 25 September at HE Parker Reserve.
Run Maroondah is open to all ages and abilities. Individuals and families can take part in the 10km run and the 5km walk, and children aged 14 and under can register for the first ever Run Maroondah children’s race, which is 1.2km.
For those who want to do some training and learn the best running technique, feel free to attend the free coaching and training sessions on offer as part of the Maroondah Runners Club, which meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Croydon Athletics Track. (Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult).
Community Directory update
If you belong to a community group or sporting organisation, then it’s time to update your entry in the Maroondah Community Directory. The Directory aims to include as many groups, organisations and sporting clubs in Maroondah as possible.
You can visit Council’s website to update your organisation’s information, or if your organisation is not already listed, simply register it online, or contact Council on 9298 4390.
Improvements to Knaith Road
The Knaith Road, Ringwood East, road rehabilitation and improvement works program has now commenced.
The substantial works, between Dublin Road and Victoria Street, include road resurfacing and the reconstruction of existing kerb and channel along both sides of the road. This work is being undertaken in a way to ensure the preservation and protection of several large, mature naturestrip trees along the stretch of road.
A shared footpath along the northern side of Knaith Road will improve bicycle access, whilst raised pavements and a pedestrian refuge island will also help to control vehicle speed and improve pedestrian crossing opportunities. Indented off-street parking will also be created as part of the program of works.
Ride2Work Day expands
This year cyclists will be spoilt for choice on National Ride2Work Day, Wednesday 12 October, with Council offering not one but two special breakfast events.
That’s right, people who give riding to work a go on the day can choose to attend the long running event at HE Parker Reserve, Heathmont, or if it suits their travel route better, the inaugural Ride2Work event at Ringwood Town Square.
Riding to work is a wonderful way to stay fit and increase your daily activity levels. This is particularly important when you consider research that suggests 60 per cent of Australian adults do less than the recommended 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per day (Australian Health Survey 2011-12).
Make sure you aren’t a part of this statistic, give cycling a go and be a part of the 2016 Ride2Work Day. Bicycle Network’s Start Riding website is a perfect resource for new cyclists (startriding.com.au).
Council’s Parks & Paths brochure – which shows Maroondah’s cycling network – can help you plan your journey to work.
To find out more about Council’s Ride2Work community events call 9298 4452 or visit Council’s website.
A game for a good cause
The White Ribbon Awareness Day is just a few months away, and with winter almost over its time to dust off the clubs and hit the course to practice your swing ahead of the fundraiser.
The 2016 White Ribbon Awareness Day will take place on Friday 25 November, from 8am to 1pm at both Ringwood and Dorset Golf. This charity event, run by Council, will raise funds for White Ribbon – the national campaign to prevent men’s violence against women.
This year’s event provides a great opportunity for friends, family or colleagues to get together for a round of golf, and participate in the charity target hole and other competitions along the way, to help raise important funds.
To find out more, visit maroondahleisure.com.au.
Fundraiser set to break $1million mark
Since 2010 the Maroondah Relay for Life has been committed to raising critical funds for the Cancer Council to support research, education programs and support services.
This year is the seventh relay and the event team is aiming to break the one million dollar mark for its cumulative fundraising. This is an outstanding achievement and Council is pleased to again be supporting this wonderful cause in a variety of ways.
On Saturday 8 October, Council will join with other organisations and businesses in the Paint the Town Purple campaign, to raise awareness of the Relay for Life fundraiser event. On the same day, the best dressed shop front, using purple as the theme, will be judged in Croydon Main Street.
Council will then participate in the overnight relay event with a team of representatives on 12 to 13 November.
Want to show your support? Get a team together and register at relayforlife.org.au. To find out more about Maroondah Relay for Life and how you can show your support email or visit facebook.com/ maroondahrelayforlifeaustralia.
Pavilion work sprints ahead
Since our last update in the June edition of Maroondah in Focus there has been plenty of activity onsite at the Ringwood Athletics Pavilion, despite the wet weather.
Over recent weeks the concrete floor slabs have been poured and now the steel frame is being erected, so you can start to see the building take shape.
The project also includes a variety of Environmentally Sustainable Design initiatives, among them a 20,000 litre water tank, which will collect and re-use rainwater to flush toilets, double glazed windows and a solar panel system.
With the precinct now closed to the public, work on the track upgrade has commenced. The project is progressing well and is still ‘on track’ for completion in December this year.
Your Mullum Councillors
Cr Nora Lamont Mobile 0428 394 581
During the consultation period that took place as part of the development of the Maroondah Housing Strategy, Council heard from the Jubilee Park Residents’ Action Group. The group expressed its concerns around the impact of residential developments in the area, and how this might affect the neighbourhood character and its heritage value in the future.
Council took this feedback on board and has added an action in the Housing Strategy ‘to review neighbourhood character elements, including heritage, of the Jubilee Park area’.
Council is currently in the process of conducting this review, which will help to determine whether or not additional planning controls should be introduced in this area.