Archive for December 12th, 2006

Ringwood Chamber of Commerce: End of year function for 2006

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 12th of December, 2006

The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce held its end of year function at O’Connors Restaurant in Ringwood North.

Throughout this year the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce has been actively involved in the planning for the Ringwood Transit City and it is encouraging to see that businesses in Ringwood want the best possible outcome for Ringwood.

2007 should mark the beginnings of the physical transformation of Ringwood into a vibrant community supported by a range of business and recreational opportunities. Community engagement is critical to ensuring the success of Ringwood and as such the involvement of the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce will continue to be welcomed.

Enjoying Planned Retirement (EPR) End of Year Celebrations

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 12th of December, 2006

Enjoying Planned Retirement (EPR) is a vibrant community group based at the North Ringwood Senior Citizens Centre at Norwood Park. EPR aims to provide a range of activities for senior citizens and retirees.

To celebrate the end of 2006 EPR provided a barbeque as well as a game of bocce. With 490 members, EPR is one of Maroondah’s largest senior citizens groups and provides a diverse range of activities ranging from theatre, music, craft, sports and day trips.

What makes EPR remarkable is that a significant proportion of its membership base is actively involved within the organisation. This means that a wide variety of activities can be supported and that the burden of planning events does not rest with just a few committee members.

The cooperation and dedication of EPR’s membership base distinguish it from many other organisations. With such a vibrant membership, EPR is bound to flourish in 2007.

Maroondah Leader: basic skills at clinic for skaters

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 12th of December, 2006

The Ringwood Skatepark has been an overwhelming success and as a result Maroondah City Council is providing free skate clinics designed to teach 12 to 16 year olds the skills necessary to safety enjoy skateboarding.

Councillor Alex Makin said an accredited skateboard coach would help those looking to start skating or others wanting to brush up on the fundamentals.

“Safety is a big issue, so learning the correct stance on the board and . . . the correct way to fall and stepping off the skateboard is very important,” Cr Makin said. “Once these are mastered, then they can move onto some exciting elements such as turning, transition skills and an introduction to ollies.”

It is also imperative that all users of the Ringwood skatepark treat the surrounding community with courtesy and avoid using skateboards in areas other than the Ringwood Skatepark.

For details on the clinic contact Youth Services on 1300 882 233.

Maroondah Journal: Expo takes mobility issues to next level

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 12th of December, 2006

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the success of Maroondah’s inaugural mobility expo, which attracted well over 300 attendees, and exceeded all expectations.

Maroondah councillor Alex Makin said mobility and accessibility were huge issues facing local government.

“It was encouraging people were now feeling empowered to speak out and better services. Many people got so much out of these sessions. It is important they can participate in society with confidence.”

Maroondah’s Mobility Expo and the Scoot Wheel ‘N’ Move working group have provided a model for strengthening community engagement and encouraging to speak out of issues of concern.

Strengthening community engagement and participation in council decisions will result in better outcomes that reflect genuine community needs.

Maroondah Journal: Mayoral flap - Peter Gurr voted in as leader at ‘open’ election

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 12th of December, 2006

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the events surrounding Maroondah’s mayoral election, where for the first time in Maroondah’s history there was an open process for the position of mayor.

A dispute about the openness and accountability of Maroondah Council spilled into the council chamber last week as two councillors battled for the mayoral position.

Newly elected Mayor Peter Gurr needs to be commended for understanding the reasons behind Councillor Maureen Naylor’s nomination for mayor within the council chambers. Public debate and openness is the key to ensuring wider community participation and engagement within council decisions.

The council chamber since it is viewable by the public must become the forum for open debate rather than simply being a rubber stamp for decisions.

First-term councillor Alex Makin thought it was good to see some openness and transparency in the council chamber. “This acknowledges that there could be more discussion in the main chamber. Maureen needs to be congratulated but this is not about dividing a council, it is about having a difference of opinion and working together as a unified group.”