Archive for November, 2009

Ringwood Uniting Preschool – 50th anniversary

Published by Alex Makin on Saturday 7th of November, 2009

The Ringwood Uniting Preschool is located in Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood near Bedford Road and was opened as an approved centre in February 1959.

The work, however, began in 1957 when a Committee of Parents and Friends discussed the possibility of starting a kindergarten to reduce the large waiting lists that existed at the time.

Today’s event included past and present staff, committee members and families, who all shared in the celebrations. I was invited to speak as part of the celebrations, where I discussed the commitment of the many people involved within the organisation and the increasing emphasis on early childhood education.

The Ringwood Uniting Church has a strong history of community involvement, through its founding of Ringwood Biala, the Ringwood Uniting Adult Daycare Service and the Ringwood Uniting Preschool.

These organisations contribute immensely to the wellbeing of local residents, through providing a range of much needed services for our community.

Eastern FM Annual General Meeting 2009

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 5th of November, 2009

After the EV’s Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening I attended the 2009 Annual General Meeting of Eastern FM, a community radio station that broadcasts on 98.1 FM.

Like many community based organisations, Eastern FM has been undertaking strategic planning for the future, particularly in regard to the introduction of Digital Radio and encouraging new audiences through web-based streaming.

Over the past twelve months, Eastern FM has expanded its outside broadcasting schedule to ensure a visible presence in the community and is looking to further expand this initiative.

Eastern FM continues to enjoy strong growth and a loyal listening base. The organisation and its studios are based at the Wyreena Community Arts Centre in Croydon. For further information please visit www.www.easternfm.com.au.

2009 Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 5th of November, 2009

The Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening provides an opportunity to acknowledge young volunteers within our community and is organised through the EV’s Youth Centre in Croydon.

Tonight’s event acknowledged a wide cross-section of young volunteers, who have assisted a variety of community causes, including St John’s Ambulance, the Scouts and Guides and welfare based organisations.

The vibrancy and strength of a municipality can be measured by the contribution of people that volunteer and it is great to see so many younger people actively participating our community.

For further information on EV’s Youth Centre please visit www.evsyouthcentre.com

Media Release: Local artists Moving into central Ringwood

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 4th of November, 2009

A staggering response has been received to Council’s call for artists to exhibit works in the vacant shop windows of central Ringwood as part of an exciting new art project.

The Moving project aims to transform these shop windows into works of art as Ringwood makes its transformation into a vibrant Central Activities District (CAD).

Councillor Alex Makin said 54 entries had been received by artists eager to exhibit and produce a work reflecting the theme of change in Ringwood.

“This massive show of interest means there will now be more than one set of artworks exhibited during the coming months,” Cr Makin said.

“The first exhibition will feature the works of 14 artists and will be gradually installed throughout central Ringwood in November,” Cr Makin said.

“It’s expected than a second exhibition of another 14 works will go on display some time in the new year,” Cr Makin said.

“The enormous response reflects the health of the arts community in Maroondah and the interest generated by the changes about to take place in central Ringwood,” Cr Makin said.

“The Moving art installation aims to ensure these vacant shop fronts become eye-catching attractions while development work begins in the area,” Cr Makin said.

The $40,000 project, funded by the Department of Planning and Community Development and managed by Council, aims to improve the amenity of the area in the lead-up to major works in central Ringwood. Exhibition space in the shop windows has been provided by QIC.

Background on Ringwood Central Activities District

The State Government has committed $39 million to transform Ringwood into a CAD. Funding will go towards construction of a new town square on the station side of Maroondah Highway, improved safety and amenity works around the highway, a new bus interchange, and other works to foster investment opportunities.

“This will ensure the Maroondah community will soon enjoy a completely revitalised Ringwood town centre – one that offers a modern, attractive and pedestrian friendly community space,” Cr Makin said.

“The works will provide an upgraded Maroondah Highway and reinstate its role as Ringwood’s main street,” Cr Makin said.

“We will also see an upgrade to the public transport facilities, which will ensure the provision of a safe, high quality space for public transport users and other members of the community. At the same time it will make public transport a key focus for the Ringwood town centre,” Cr Makin said.

Ringwood has been classified as a CAD under the Melbourne 2030 Update: Melbourne @ 5 million. This policy update responds to higher-than-anticipated population growth and requires a change to the structure of metropolitan Melbourne from its reliance on one major centre towards multiple major centres to reduce congestion and maintain Melbourne’s liveability.

Ringwood Historical Society meeting

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 21st of September, 2009

The Ringwood Historical Society aims to collect, promote, preserve and document the history of Ringwood, from its early origins in antimony mining and orchards through to its suburban expansion and beyond. As Ringwood undergoes another transformation the importance in documenting its history cannot be underestimated.

The Ringwood Historical Society meets ten times a year at Maroondah Federation Estate on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings often include guest speakers who are available to discuss prominent people, families or events that helped shape the history of Ringwood. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and share any knowledge they have on Ringwood’s history.

For further details on the Ringwood Historical Society please visit www.rhs.org.au.

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.

Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting 2009

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 9th of February, 2009

The Heatherdale Community Action Group exists to preserve, protect and enhance the amenity of Heatherdale Road and neighbouring areas. Heatherdale is in a unique situation where the locality is divided between Maroondah (the eastern side of Heatherdale Road) and Whitehorse (the western side of Heatherdale Road).

The Action Group is able to provide a voice for Heatherdale residents to ensure that the two councils are aware of their concerns.

The Heatherdale Community Action Group often includes an impressive range of speakers covering topics such as planning, transport, the environment as well as health and safety issues.

Croydon Conservation Society meeting

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 9th of February, 2009

The Croydon Conservation Society (CCS) is a conservation and environmental group that is dedicated to improving the sustainability of the urban and natural environments within Maroondah. Focal points include canopy tree coverage, remnant bushland, sustainable transport, planning outcomes and anti-graffiti measures.

The CCS is particularly focused on policy development to ensure that all tiers of government, including Maroondah City Council, encourage urban sustainability.

The Croydon Conservation Society meets on the second Thursday of each month. For details please visit www.croydonconservation.org.au