Archive for February 26th, 2008

Maroondah Journal: Cr stripped of duties ‘hurts community’

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 26th of February, 2008

Divisions within Maroondah City Council are clearly apparent with four councillors (Les Willmott, Peter Gurr, Tony Dib and Natalie Thomas) continuing to deny Cr. Jo-anne Taylor from council’s committee appointments.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on this abhorrent act and the lack of debate that surrounded the motion to review:

Cr Alex Makin called for a review of Cr Taylor’s committee list for the council’s first meeting this year. Last Monday, the council maintained its decision to revoke Cr Taylor’s role on five committees

It is unfortunate that some councillors have denigrated Maroondah City Council through launching blatant personal attacks against other councillors and denying them the ability to represent council on committees.

Cr Makin said it was a “blatant personal attack on the councillor”.

The motion to review sought to reverse the decision made at last year’s council meeting to remove Cr. Jo-anne Taylor from representing council on the Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Well-being committee, Road Safe - Melbourne Eastern Ranges and the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Unfortunately the gang of four, consisting of Les Willmott, Peter Gurr, Tony Dib and Natalie Thomas, used their numbers to block this motion and any corresponding debate.

“I always saw the role of being a councillor as one where we build and support our communities so that we nurture a municipality that is filled with, as the new council slogan suggests, community lifestyle and opportunity.”

This action, led by those four councillors has confirmed that Maroondah City Council is currently divided, with several councillors more intent on protecting their own self interests and attacking others, than caring for the communities they are supposed to represent.

“The actions to strip Cr Taylor from the council’s delegated committees and boards results in the exact opposite. It simply tears down our communities as it denies them the opportunity through Cr Taylor to represent their concerns.”

I can only hope that the gang of four will represent Maroondah on these committees with as much vigour and passion as Cr. Jo-anne Taylor holds for her community.

The full transcript of the speech I delivered in support of the motion to review is as follows:

(Read more…)

Maroondah Journal: Council backs current set-up

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 26th of February, 2008

The Victorian Electoral Commission is currently undertaking a representation review into the ward structure and number of councillors within Maroondah.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on this review, amid the official council submission calling for the retention of the status quo:

Maroondah councillors have urged the electoral commission to retain seven councillors in seven wards. Cr Alex Makin disagrees.

Council’s submission was on the agenda for February’s council meeting and was passed five to two, with myself and Cr. Maureen Naylor voting against the council’s defence of the status quo.

“I am not in favour of the council’s current representation. If it continues down the path of having seven I think it ward boundaries will continue to be confusing for the public. What we need is a simple ward structure”.

The current ward structure within Maroondah divides a number of communities making it difficult for community members to ascertain who their ward councillor is. As an example, it is quite common for me to receive calls from Ringwood residents living in Clocktower Ward since the current structure divides Ringwood.

Cr Makin said he would advocate for three wards and three councillors on the basis it was consistent with what the community desired.

Consultation undertaken by Maroondah City Council, through a series of workshops, confirmed that the community favoured reform through a structure with three wards electing three councillors each. It is disappointing that the council has chosen to disregard the views of the community simply to try and protect the status quo.

Furthermore the current ward boundaries perpetuate a division between Ringwood and Croydon rather than ensuring that council decisions are made with a holistic approach. It is time for the ward structure to be modified to reflect a cohesive Maroondah community.

Given that Council has chosen to ignore the community I will be authoring an individual submission to the Victorian Electoral Commission’s review into Maroondah. Submissions are due by the 4th of March.

Maroondah Journal: One and all urged to roll up their sleeves

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 26th of February, 2008

Clean Up Australia Day will be held on Sunday the 2nd of March, with Ringwood Lake, HE Parker Reserve and the Dandenong Creek being nominated sites in Maroondah. The Maroondah Journal has reported on the call for volunteers.

Maroondah councillor Alex Makin urged residents to join the clean-up.

Volunteers are welcome for Clean Up Australia Day and should bring sturdy footwear, gloves, sunscreen and a hat.

“The Maroondah community gets behind Clean Up Australia Day every year, and we value the many volunteers who keep coming back to help clean up our parks, reserves and roadsides. It would be great to see new faces this year, helping to make our community even more enjoyable to live in - you’ll be warmly welcomed.”

Nominated sites are:

• Dandenong Creek footbridge, at the end of Marlborough Road, 9 am - 12 noon
• HE Parker Reserve, Heathmont 10 am - 12 noon
• Ringwood Lake, 10 am - 12 noon
• Ringwood Lake Scout Hall, Bedford Park, 11:30 am - 1 pm.

Ringwood Jewellers Australia’s Best Jewellery Store Celebration

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 26th of February, 2008

This evening I attended a function celebrating the awarding of best Jewellery Store to Ringwood Jewellers in the 2007 National Small Business Champion Awards. Ringwood Jewellers is a family business spanning four generations and is located in Ringwood Centro.

I would like to congratulate Ringwood Jewellers, as a local Ringwood family business, for receiving this distinguished honour. It is great to see local Maroondah businesses being recognised Australia-wide.

For more information on Ringwood Jewellers please visit www.yourjeweller.com.au.

North Ringwood Community House Committee meeting

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 5th of February, 2008

Tuesday, 26 February 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am
Friday, 5 September 2008
12:30 pm	to	1:30 pm
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
9:30 am	to	11:30 am

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.