Archive for September, 2009

Media Release: New resource for stroke survivors and carers

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 16th of September, 2009

Maroondah City Council is preparing to release a new publication aimed at stroke survivors and carers.

The publication, A Guide to Services for Stroke Survivors and Carers, was produced by Council’s Metro Access Project workers with assistance from the Croydon Stroke Support Group.

Councillor Alex Makin said the guide took a holistic approach to providing information for people who suffer stroke and those who care for them.

“The beauty of the guide is that it provides information on a number of agencies and support services in one handy package,” Cr Makin said.

“It was produced in response to anecdotal evidence that indicated many people had encountered a lack of information on stroke once they had left hospital,” Cr Makin said.

“The guide contains a range of useful information including web links, phone numbers, email and street addresses, and background information on stroke-related support services and agencies,” Cr Makin said.

The guide covers topics including rehabilitation and therapy, employment, recreation, equipment, stroke risk factors and how to reduce them, hospital stroke support, legal issues, community services, transport, advocacy and life after stroke.

Free copies of the guide will be available at the publication’s launch this Friday 18 September from 10 to 11.30am at the Karralyka Centre, Mines Road, East Ringwood.

Guest speakers Esselina Shergis (Maroondah Hospital) and Wendy Lyon (stroke survivor and Croydon Stroke Support Group member) will address the gathering.

Copies of the annual Croydon Stroke Support Group calendar will also be on sale, all proceeds of which return to the group. The calendars contain artwork produced by group members.

For more information, or to obtain a copy of A Guide to Services for Stroke Survivors and Carers, phone Council’s Metro Access Officer Jack Mulholland on 9294 5750 or email jack.mulholland@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Croydon Football Club – entering the EFL Grand Finals

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 11th of September, 2009

Croydon Football Club, is division one club based at Croydon Park. The Croydon Blues have had a tremendous season this year and will be competing the grand finals on Saturday the 19th of September.

This evening, the Croydon Football Club held an informal celebration to celebrate its success as the club enters the Grand Finals. Croydon is currently at the top of the Eastern Football League division one ladder and I wish the team the best of success for the Finals.

For further information on Croydon Football Club please visit www.croydonfootballclub.com.au.

Heatherdale Community Action Group 2009 AGM

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 9th of September, 2009

The Heatherdale Community Action Group is a community based organisation that exists to protect the amenity of Heatherdale and surrounding localities.

Tonight’s meeting elected office bearers for the next twelve months, with the group discussing its activities over the past year, including the successful celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of Heatherdale Station.

Tonight’s guest speaker was from Whitehorse Community Health Service, who discussed the range of health services and programs provided by the organisation for the Whitehorse community.

The organisation delivers health services for people that may otherwise not be able to afford healthcare and has a focus on preventative health, through working in partnership with other organisations.

While Whitehorse Community Health Service is based in the City of Whitehorse, organisations such as Eastern Access Community Health provide a similar service for residents within Maroondah.

Media Release: Seniors Festival offers something for everyone

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 9th of September, 2009

October is a great time to be an older person in Maroondah! It’s the time when you can enjoy the fabulous range of activities held during the annual Seniors Festival celebrations.

The Victorian Seniors Festival, now in its 27th year, is held throughout the state between 4 and 12 October. Once again, Maroondah has a line-up of wonderful activities planned for residents.

Councillor Alex Makin is encouraging older people in Maroondah to get out and have a go at some of the events organised by Council as well as a number of other community organisations.

“The Victorian Seniors Festival in Maroondah is a chance to celebrate the achievements and contributions of older people within our community by offering a diverse, exciting and enjoyable program of events,” Cr Makin said.

“All you need is your Victorian Seniors Card, the program of events, and a willingness to get involved,” Cr Makin said.

“Two day-trips have been planned by Council, which will give people a chance to explore Hanging Rock (Tuesday 6 October) and Daylesford (Thursday 8 October),” Cr Makin said.

Also featuring during the Maroondah Seniors Festival is a series of free classes and activities at Croydon Leisure and Aquatic Centre. Older residents can also swim free at CLAC throughout the week upon presentation of a Seniors Card.

To find out more about the activities on offer or to book your place, phone Anne-Marie on 9294 5508.

The Maroondah Seniors Festival program includes a range of workshops, exercise and recreation sessions, morning and afternoon teas and day trips organised by many community groups and neighbourhood houses in Maroondah.

A detailed program of all events in Maroondah is available from Council’s Service Centres, the Ringwood and Croydon libraries, or by phoning 1300 88 22 33.

Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committe – Discussing the Community Wellbeing Plan

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 7th of September, 2009

The development of Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan has been priority of the Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee. The plan, has been formulated through input from the members that are part of the committee, including the Primary Care Partnerships, Eastern Access Community Health, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Victoria Police.

Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan is a high level strategic documentation that aims to improve health, safety and wellbeing within our municipality. The document will be accompanied by an implementation plan, which includes a whole of council approach to ensure consistency across policy and departmental areas.

The plan is nearing draft status and will be shortly be considered for public exhibition, where the community will have a fruther opportunity to comment on the content of the Community Wellbeing Plan.

EV’s FReeZA Information Night

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 4th of September, 2009

EV’s is Maroondah’s Youth Centre and is located at 212 Mount Dandenong Road in Croydon.

This evening I attended the Parent Information Night, which is designed to inform parents of the programs youth based programs offered at EV’s. The evening also coincided with EV’s Battle of the Bands, organised by the Stuff Your Stereo, EV’s current FReeZA group.

FReeZA is a joint State and Local Government initiative which provides the opportunity for young people to organise music events. The FReeZA group organises, promotes, manages and delivers a range of musical events throughout the twelve month program

Tonight’s Battle of the Bands provides an opportunity for local bands to perform within their local community and to showcase their musical talent.

FReeZA is one example of the range of programs offered at EV’s Youth Centre, for further information please visit www.evsyouthcentre.com.

Opening the Leadership Plus Workshop – Leadership Skills for People with Disabilities

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 1st of September, 2009

This morning I was invited to officially open the Leadership Plus Workshop, a program designed to encourage leadership among people with disabilities and supported by Maroondah City Council.

The workshop examined leadership styles and the concept of over-strengths, whereby someone over-uses their strengths, which may cause difficulties in a team or group environment.

I opened the workshop with council’s Acknowledgement of Country to recognise the Wurundjeri, as traditional custodians of Maroondah:

Maroondah City Council, in the spirit of reconciliation, acknowledges that we are meeting on the land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.

We accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome.

The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality, to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.

The acknowledgement reflects on the diversity of our community and that all people possess leadership qualities. Leadership can take many forms and I am sure that the participants from today’s workshop will gain insight into leadership and strengthening their own skills and abilities.

North Ringwood Community House 2009 Committee of Management meeting

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 14th of May, 2009

The North Ringwood Community House, located at 120 Oban Road, Ringwood North, is a community owned and managed centre which provides a diverse range of courses and educational opportunities for our community.

One of the strengths of the house is the provision of accredited TAFE courses within a supportive, friendly and nurturing environment. The community house also provides a creche and occasional care.

The Committee of Management oversees the development of the community house and establishes a strategic direction for the facility. I have been a member of the committee since 2007.

The main priority for the committee and staff is to find a new location so that the community house can continue to provide a range of courses and services for the local community.

Scoot Wheel n Move meeting

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 1st of May, 2009

Scoot Wheel n Move is a community organisation, which is operating under the auspice of Eastern Access Community Health (EACH).

The group aims to improve accessibility for residents within Maroondah and Melbourne’s outer east, particularly for people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and motorised scooters.

Scoot Wheel n Move works closely with Maroondah City Council to achieve these aims and has organised events such as a mobility expo and forum to encourage wider community participation.

Maroondah Partners Health, Safety and Wellbeing committee

Published by Alex Makin on Sunday 15th of February, 2009

The Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee provides an opportunity to address issues relating to the safety of the Maroondah community. The committee includes representation from council, as well as external agencies and service providers, including the Department of Human Services, Victoria Police, Connex and Eastern Volunteers, providing a wealth of knowledge in projects required to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of our community.

There are three councillors included on the committee. For the 2009 year the councillor representatives are Cr. Nora Lamont, Cr Rob Steane and myself. I will be chairing the committee throughout 2009.