Archive for May 30th, 2007

Media Release: Report vindicates public transport campaign

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 30th of May, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE – Wednesday, 30 May 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Report vindicates public transport campaign

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called on the Government to present a new vision for Melbourne’s public transport network amid an independent report citing concern over urban sustainability.

“The report commissioned by the independent Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability has exposed the Government’s failure to satisfactorily address Melbourne’s public transport needs,” said PTUA Vice-President Alex Makin. “It has been made quite clear that Meeting Our Transport Challenges is sorely underwhelming.”

The State Government’s Transport Strategy, dubbed Meeting Our Transport Challenges, was released in May 2006 and resulted in community disgust over the postponement of new train and tram extensions and the failure to radically improve the bus network.

“For someone who is internal to Government to paint such an honest and bleak picture clearly demonstrates how the Government has lost the plot,” said Mr. Makin. “The Government’s plan provides nothing more than overcrowded trains, slow trams and infrequent buses. Petrol prices are continuing to increase and the Minister must present a new vision for Melbourne’s public transport system.”

The PTUA has renewed calls for the Government to commence works on the Rowville rail line and the Knox tram extension and to ensure that public transport services are provided simultaneously with urban growth and urban renewal.

“The Commissioner’s report has vindicated the PTUA’s concerns over the State Government’s poor handling of public transport. We call on Minister Kosky to start afresh and work on a new vision separated from the failings, cost blowouts and broken promises of her predecessor,” concluded Mr. Makin.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEX MAKIN ON 0409 136 213

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Croydon Community School Charter Signing Ceremony

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 30th of May, 2007

The Croydon Community School is a government secondary school located along Mount Dandenong Road, which provides an alternate secondary education for students who have experienced difficulties other more traditional schools.

The school focuses strongly on the capabilities of the individual student and also offers accredited programs in VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning). As part of its approach the Croydon Community School held a charter signing ceremony where VCAL and Year 10 pledged to commit themselves to finding further education, training or employment by March 31st 2008.

The Charter Signing is a significant event and reflects the importance that both the school and students place on future pathways to ensure a successful future for graduates of the Croydon Community School. The event was held at EV’s, Maroondah’s Youth Centre and hosted by Maroondah City Council.

For further details on the Croydon Community School please visit www.croydoncs.vic.edu.au.

Media Release: Putting the kids through the hoops

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 30th of May, 2007

Family members were put through the hoops – literally – at a recent Aussie Hoops basketball training session at Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre.

Councillor Alex Makin said the Aussie Hoops program is for boys and girls from five to ten years of age, but this session also had mums, dads, older siblings and grandparents out on the court too.

“The Council run program is a Basketball Australia initiative and is a fantastic learn to play program for budding basketball players. This session gave the youngsters a chance to pit their new found skills against other members of the family, with no concern for a final score,” said Cr Makin.

“The coaches tailored the lesson to allow family members to participate in all aspects – including drills, skills and mini-matches. It was great to see the children assist and interact with their family,” said Cr Makin.

Aussie Hoops is for boys and girls aged 5 to 10 years of age and is held on a Thursday after school during school terms. This skill based program is the stepping stone to the Biddy Ball program, where children put their basketball skills to use in unscored, actual games of basketball. Biddy Ball is for boys and girls aged 5 to 9 years of age and is played on a Friday after school during school terms.

For more information about basketball or netball programs at Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre please contact Council on 9298 4487, pick up a brochure from one of Council’s Customer Service Centres, or visit the website at www.maroondahleisure.com.au.

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