The Ringwood Croquet Club is located in Greenwood Avenue and forms part of the Jubilee Park Sporting Precinct in Ringwood. Like many other sporting clubs, the Ringwood Croquet Club has invested in upgrades to its grounds to reduce watering requirements.
This morning I was invited to launch the 2010 Croquet Season and participated in several rounds of croquet with the members. Maroondah is fortunate to be able to offer a range of sporting opportunities for our residents and it is great to see the ongoing interest and participation in croquet.
Category: Community Engagement,Maroondah,Social Sustainability
Heathmont Inter Church Help is a combined ministry of several churches in Heathmont, including the Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian and Uniting Churches, which work together to provide relief services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This evening I joined Cr. Natalie Thomas in attending the 2010 Annual General Meeting, where the officebearers for the next twelve months were nominated and members could discuss the past twelve months
Tonight’s annual meeting highlighted the ongoing need for emergency relief, in the form of food, travel assistance and support. In addition, the Heathmont Inter Church Help operates an Op Shop providing a range of clothes and an opportunity to raise funds to complement the emergency relief services provided by the organisation.
Heathmont Inter Church Help is supported through volunteers who ensure that our most vulnerable members of our community are able receive food and assistance when needed.
Category: Community Engagement,Maroondah,Social Sustainability,Urban Sustainability
The State Government’s Planning at 5 Million Policy envisaged a network of Central Activities Districts throughout Metropolitan Melbourne, with these centres offering a range of employment, housing and community facilities.
These Central Activities Districts include:
While Local Government has largely supported this direction through developing masterplans to create a vision for these areas, there is a need for a State Government to assist in the implementation. This afternoon I joined the Mayors of Melbourne’s five other Central Activities District to discuss our priorities and a common approach to advocacy.
These six Central Activities Districts are required to provide a sustainable population and employment base for Metropolitan Melbourne. The ongoing cooperation between the Mayors and Councils of each Central Activities District will assist in underlining the importance of these centres to future of Melbourne.
Category: Accessibility,Environment,Maroondah,Social Sustainability,Sustainable Transport,Urban Sustainability
This morning I was invited to speak to approximately 100 grade three and four students at Heathmont East Primary, located in Louis Street, near Canterbury Road in Heathmont.
One of the roles of being Mayor is to explain how Councils function and to discuss the role of being a Councillor and Mayor. This morning I spoke about the ward structure of Maroondah and helped clarify the responsibilities of local councils, compared to State and Federal governments.
I also spoke about growing up in Heathmont, where I was a student of Marlborough Primary, a school in close proximity to Heathmont East. It was great to see the students taking part in the discussion and asking many questions, ranging from the services Council provides to how decisions are made by Councillors.
Australia’s system of governance, with Local, State and Federal Governments, can seem overtly complex at times and it was great to provide an opportunity to discuss the role of Council and the importance of our local community.
Category: Community Engagement,Maroondah,Social Sustainability,Urban Sustainability
| September 15, 2010 | ||
| 7:30 am | to | 9:00 am |
Eastern Volunteers would like to invite you to our Business Booster Breakfast at Club Ringwood on 15th September, to launch our new business network, Friends of EV.
Our Business Booster Breakfast will offer the chance to:
all while enjoying a cooked breakfast at Club Ringwood!
We will also discuss some of the synergies available and benefits to you of partnering with Eastern Volunteers and our networks. We are keen to hear your questions and needs and we encourage you to bring your thoughts to share in the discussion.
For further information please visit www.easternvolunteers.org.au/boosterbreakfast.php
Category: Community Engagement,Events and Functions,Maroondah
The Heatherdale Community Action Group was formed as a residents based group to preserve and enhance the amenity of Heatherdale, a locality located within the municipalities of Whitehorse and Maroondah.
This evening I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Heatherdale Community Action Group, where committee members were elected for the upcoming year. In addition, the evening featured a presentation from EACH a community based health provider located within the eastern region of Melbourne and beyond.
EACH, which was formally known as Eastern Access Community Health, has grown extensively since its formation over 30 years ago and now includes over 600 staff who deliver a range of health and community support services. In addition to its active presence in Maroondah, Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, EACH also covers most of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, as well as having a presence in regional Victoria and Western Sydney.
EACH has a focus on preventive health and provides services covering dental care, mental health, disability assistance, gambling assistance, counselling and career assistance. For further information on EACH please visit www.each.com.au.
Category: Accessibility,Community Engagement,Environment,Maroondah,Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee,Urban Sustainability
One of council’s responsibilities is the administration and enforcement of local laws, including responsible pet ownership. Maroondah has requirements in regard to the amount and types of pets that can be kept without a permit.
While many residents understand the Council requirements, there are unfortunately instances when these are not complied with.
The Maroondah Leader has reported on a recent incident where a resident was fined for keeping more than 50 hens and roosters on their property.
Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said it was important that people be aware of pet permit requirements. “It is imperative that residents do cooperate with council so that we can ensure our community lives in harmony with pets,” he said.
Details on Council’s requirements regarding pets is available from www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/KeepingAnimals.aspx or contact 1300 882 233
Category: Community Engagement,Environment,Maroondah,Urban Sustainability,Useful Legislation and By-Laws
The provision of sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport and cycling, is required to ensure alternatives to car travel, thereby mitigating traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse emissions.
Whitehorse Cyclists have launched a proposal for Box Hill to Ringwood cycling trail adjacent to the existing rail corridor. This would provide a safe and direct cycling route connecting the Box Hill and Ringwood Central Activities Districts, connecting the two municipalities to jobs and community facilities.
The Maroondah Leader has reported on the launch of the proposal:
Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the council also backed the plan, and wanted to work with Whitehorse Council, and the state and federal governments on the project.
Maroondah Council welcomes the proposal as this is a project that aims to strengthen the linkages between Box Hill and Ringwood. For further details on the Box Hill to Ringwood Rail Trail Project please visit www.bhrrt.org.
Category: Environment,Maroondah,Social Sustainability,Sustainable Transport
The Maroondah Disability Action Group was formed to provide a community based advocacy group for people with disabilities. This morning the group was addressed by Senator Mitch Fifield, the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Carers and the Voluntary Sector.
The Senator discussed the Coalition’s policies for people with disabilities and carers, including the need for streamlining the provision of services between all levels of government and an emphasis on individual based care packages.
The Maroondah Disability Action Group meets on a monthly basis and includes a range of guest speakers to advocate on behalf of its members and people with disabilities.
Category: Accessibility,Community Engagement,Maroondah,Social Sustainability,Urban Sustainability
Norwood Football CLub, based at Mullum Reserve in Ringwood, is a division one football club and one of the largest within the Eastern Football League.
This afternoon I attended the presidents luncheon, where the club thanks its supporters, committee and past players for their dedication to the club. While Norwood had a mixed start to the season, it is now competing strongly and this is reinforced through its strong committee of management and vision for the future.
Norwood Football Club has a unique location, being located at the edge of the Mullum Creek Trail and it is great to see the club appreciate the efforts of the bushcare group that preserves the unique biodiversity of the trail. I wish Norwood the best of luck as it approaches the 2010 EFL Finals.
Category: Community Engagement,Environment,Maroondah,Social Sustainability,Urban Sustainability
Alex Makin is a councillor for the Mullum Ward in the City of Maroondah. Alex has been a councillor since 2005, representing ratepayers, businesses, community groups and residents.
I aim to continue making a difference and welcome any thoughts you may have in regard to life, community and business in Maroondah.
Phone: (03) 9870 8202 or 0408 311 645
Email: alex@alexmakin.com.au
