Archive for September 5th, 2007

Media Release: Brush strokes - artworks by stroke survivors

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 5th of September, 2007

The latest exhibition in the Foyer of the Maroondah Art Gallery proves that there really is life after having a stroke - just a different one to what was had before.

Councillor Alex Makin opened the exhibition Brush Strokes - artworks by stroke survivors last week amidst an array of brightly coloured canvases, pottery and other handcrafts.

“The array of works on exhibition are the creation of members of the Croydon Stroke Support Group - a self-help group of volunteers who are either stroke survivors or their carers,” said Cr Makin.

The Group has been operating for over sixteen years and was instigated by Gillian Simons, a stroke survivor, who saw the need for a support group to assist stroke survivors come to terms with the devastating effects of stroke on themselves and families.

“Three years ago painting was introduced as an activity to the group with truly amazing results - and not just in the artwork!” said Cr Makin.

“Last year the group received funding from Council through the Cultural Development Grants to assist with the preparation and setting up of this exhibition,” said Cr Makin.

“Some of the collaborative pieces had up to forty people contributing to the overall work, creating a very unique piece of art,” said Cr Makin.

The groups motto: And it only takes one stroke (of a pen) to turn a negative (-) into a positive (+).

Brush Strokes - artworks by stroke survivors will be on show in the Foyer of the Maroondah Art Gallery until Saturday 29 September.

Maroondah Art Gallery is located at Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday 12pm to 4pm. For further information telephone the Maroondah Art Gallery Curator on 9298 4542.

Public Transport for Melbourne’s Southeast

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 5th of September, 2007

This evening I was invited by Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia residents to discuss public transport issues in Melbourne’s southeast.

While the meeting was planned to proceed through the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), the committee was unable to provide a speaker, leaving local residents in the lurch. At the request of the then PTUA Southeast branch, I attended the meeting to answer questions and to reinforce the need for outer suburban residents to speak up about the transport woes they are facing.

While it would appear that the PTUA Southeast Branch has been disbanded due to a lack of support from the PTUA, local residents are keen to establish their own organisation to ensure an ongoing presence for public transport advocacy.

Terry Hornbuckle, June Whitton both formerly from the PTUA Southeast Branch must be congratulated for their ongoing efforts and for engaging the local community to ensure a solid attendance at the meeting. Cr. Steve Beardon, a Councillor for the City of Casey, must also be congratulated for providing a meeting venue and for his support in promoting the meeting.

Melbourne’s growth suburbs should be the frontline for public transport advocacy as it is imperative that public transport in new areas is provided at the onset of new development. Failure to deliver such public transport, will only result in a similar situation to Rowville, where transport advocates are on the backfoot calling for investment in established areas, and provide major difficulties in future years.

I look forward to working with residents as they find their voices in the call for public transport advocacy.