My Internet Journal is designed to provide details on my work as a councillor for the City of Maroondah and also my involvement within a variety of community organisations.
You can also subscribe to updates to stay informed in regard to community and council activities and how I am making a difference for the Maroondah community.
The following article was written by a journalism student who asked Cr. Jo-anne Taylor and myself about the challenges experienced within local government:
While some Maroondah citizens would not know who these individuals are, it’s highly likely that the residents, ratepayers, business owners and community groups of Maroondah have witnessed the outcome of their hard work on a daily basis.
These photos are of Alex Makin and Joanne Taylor, two local councillors who are dong it tough for Maroondah. They spend up to 30 hours a week on council duties yet face daily obstacles from their colleagues and receive little recognition from the community.
Representing residents and ratepayers is an overwhelming commitment which requires intense passion and impacts on the lives of councillors, including their family and friends. As Cr Alex Makin stated, “council, has made it difficult to balance a career outside of council, as well as other commitments.”
Privacy or the lack of it, is another issue faced by councillors “apparently I don’t have a private life anymore. My family, including my children know what has been put in the paper about me,” Cr Joanne Taylor added.
With council elections looming over Maroondah, it appears that political rivalry is rife. “The gang of four have made it difficult to encourage public discussion and debate, but it has been possible to work around such difficulties, through local community groups and supportive council officers,” Cr Alex Makin stated.
Despite these obstacles Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor are running for the upcoming council election because both believe there is still work to be done. “I am standing so I can continue to make a difference to Maroondah, particularly in regards to improved accessibility, sustainability and the accountability of council,” Cr Alex Makin commented.
“I particularly want to see council meetings conducted in the view of the public, so that debates occur in the open. This would prevent the current political divisions since the public can see the discussion,” Cr Alex Makin added.
“I have survived two terms - despite some councillor’s best effort to have me removed, this has only made me more determined, and I now know enough to make change happen,” Cr Joanne Taylor said.
Both councillors are excited with the prospect of the new council structure which will introduce a new generation of local councillors to Maroondah. “Prior to this structure being in place Maroondah councillors were being elected unopposed, which weakened local democracy,” Cr Alex Makin stated.
The last three years have laid numerous foundations for Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor. Both are thrilled with their achievements to date, which have included the prevention of the sale of parkland and the removal of zone three, through advocacy that involved local council.
With it being compulsory for residents and ratepayers over the age of 18 to vote from Wednesday 12 November to Sunday 29 November, it is important that Maroondah is represented by councillors that are committed to making a difference.
For further information on Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor please visit their websites at www.alexmakin.com.au and www.jo-annetaylor.com.au.
Located at 28 Warrandyte Road in Ringwood, Women’s Health East is a community based women’s health agency. The organisation aims to lead, promote and supports health initiatives for women within Melbourne’s eastern region.
Today’s annual general meeting discussed the Health Promotion Plan, which identified the key priorities over the next three years. The plan includes a focus on violence against women, reproductive health and mental health and wellbeing.
Women’s Health East has an emphasis on advocacy, as well as health promotion and the organisation’s first factsheet assists in both of these aims. The factsheet, which is on violence against women, identifies the reported cases of violence and ongoing concerns over the under-reporting of such crimes.
Local government has the potential to promote health and wellbeing and encourage gender equity. As a candidate in the council elections I recently signed my commitment to the Action Plan for Women’s Health 2008-2012 and Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan will be able to assist in implementing these aims.
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Safe, Well and Connected: Action Plan for Women’s Health 2008-2012 , Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee - defining the wellbeing of Maroondah , Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee - final meeting for 2008 , Enjoying Planned Retirement Annual General Meeting , Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation
Category: Accessibility, Community Engagement, Maroondah, Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee, Urban Sustainability
Volunteers form the lifeblood of any society through the time and dedication they provide to assist the wider community. Today’s Volunteer Recognition Function provided an opportunity to thank the many volunteers that devote their time to creating a better Maroondah.
Whether its people providing Meals on Wheels, advocacy on behalf of their community, assisting in causes such as Red Cross, or delivering services through community houses and other facilities, volunteers are essential to any municipality. One of the key challenges facing our society is the need to encourage additional volunteers so that the spirit of our community can continue to flourish.
I would like to thank the many volunteers within Maroondah and the many community groups that I have met over the past three years. I thank you for the time you have provided to the many causes and services that exist within Maroondah.
The Maroondah Journal, as part of its election coverage has examined the issues relevant to the new Mullum Ward.
Cr Alex Makin said the Government commitments must go further to ensure accessible public transport. “The ramps at Ringwood Station fail disability compliance standards,” he said.
While the State Government announced $39 million to redevelop the station forecourt and bus interchange, it has failed to deliver the funding necessary to create an accessible station that can be used by all people within our community.
Advocacy for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station so it becomes a safe and accessible transport interchange is one of my priorities over the next four years. In addition the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, Ringwood Aquatic Centre and improving the accountability and sustainability of council are also my priorities should I be re-elected.
We need to continue making a difference and ensure that Maroondah becomes an accessible and sustainable municipality.
I would like to thank you, for the opportunity you have given me over the past three years to be your
elected councillor.
This section of my website provides an overview of some of the work I have undertaken as a Councillor and our vision for the future. Together we can continue making a difference and ensure an accessible and sustainable municipality through a council that is accountable to the public.
I will not take your vote for granted.
Maroondah needs to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Achievements over the past three years include:
Our vision
The Ringwood redevelopment means we can create an accessible, inclusive and vibrant town centre.
We can create opportunities for all; our youth, families, elderly and people with disabilities, by providing
safe and accessible communities.
I support the construction of footpaths and will advocate for an accessible and safe Ringwood Station, as well as further transport improvements.
We need to protect our environment and improve our community facilities.
Achievements include:
Our vision
Council must become an environmental leader and reduce its impact on the environment.
We need to hold regular workshops and forums to assist our community and businesses to improve their
environmental sustainability.
I support a new community centre for Ringwood North and upgraded facilities for Ringwood Aquatic Centre.
Local council must be accountable to the community.
Achievements include:
Our vision
Improvements to open meetings to ensure that council is accountable. I will continue to provide ongoing updates to my website and blog to keep you informed, as well as meeting the community groups, residents, businesses and ratepayers that are within Maroondah.
Visit my Internet Journal and read about the activities, achievements and projects I have undertaken as a member of the community and a councillor for the City of Maroondah.
Alternatively please contact me on 9812 2337 or 0409 136 213, or email alex@alexmakin.com.au.
Alex Makin is a candidate for Mullum Ward in Maroondah City Council. Alex has been a councillor since 2005, representing ratepayers, businesses, community groups and residents.
I aim to provide an active voice for the community and welcome any thoughts you may have in regard to life and business in Maroondah.
Phone: (03) 9812 2337 or 0409 136 213
Email: alex@alexmakin.com.au
