Posts related to 'business'

Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau - 2008 end of year function

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 21st of November, 2008

The Maroondah Citizen’s Advice Bureau provides emergency relief and referral services for some of Maroondah’s most vulnerable residents. The Bureau is staffed almost entirely by volunteers and today’s end of year luncheon provided an opportunity to thank the committed individuals who dedicate their time to assist other people in need.

This year has seen a number of significant changes within the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau, including the adoption of a new business plan and the creation of a new office manager position. This position will manage both the Ringwood and Croydon offices and will have an emphasis on securing additional funding and volunteer recruitment.

Applications for the position have now closed and the committee of management is currently considering applicants for this position. The appointment of a new office manager will help ensure the sustainability of a service that has existed since 1967 and has a long history within Maroondah.

Thank you to all our volunteers for their dedication and commitment over the past year.

Maroondah Journal: Councillor answers the call

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

Any resident, community group, ratepayer or business that has contacted me over the past three years, will have noticed that I promptly return calls and do not abruptly rush people who make the effort to contact me about their concerns.

Unfortunately one of the other candidates running in Mullum Ward has decided to attack me over my council mobile phone usage. This candidate has no connection with the community and is instead relying on the preferences of dummy candidates to help her get elected.

“My bill is typically higher than the others because it shows the volume of work I do for the council,” Cr Makin said. “I also get back to people who leave messages. There are a lot of councillors who don’t return calls and as a result I get a lot of frustrated people calling me.”

I use a separate mobile for personal use and my personal mobile phone, 0409 136 213, is the number I am using during the election period to ensure that council equipment is not being used for electoral purposes. In addition, since I have always been employed within small business, I do not have the luxury of using work phones for council purposes.

Many of Maroondah’s residents are reluctant to ring mobiles and often I will provide the opportunity for people; such as pensioners, senior citizens and people with disabilities, the option of calling them back so that they do not face the burden of mobile call costs.

Councillors need to be accessible to the community and take the time to listen to people. Baseless attacks by candidates who have a lack of community involvement, unfortunately demonstrates yet another low within this council election.

Doing it tough for the community

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

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.

Ambleside Tours 10th Anniversary

Published by Alex Makin on Saturday 15th of November, 2008

Ambleside Tours, based in Heathmont, provides holidays and day tours for people with disabilities. Each trip includes drivers, carers and other helpers to ensure that assistance is available if required.

Ambleside Tours, which began as a day trip for three people with disabilities, has grown over the 10 years to provide a range of travel destinations for all people of all abilities. Ambleside Tours promotes the abilities of each individual and its senior management are heavily involved with community advocacy for people with disabilities.

It is great to see business success stories such as Ambleside Tours, particularly when they assist people that are often marginalised within our communities. Businesses like Ambleside Tours help ensure social inclusion so that all people in our community can participate in recreational opportunities.

Policies

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 10th of November, 2008

Lets continue making a difference

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.

Accessibility

Maroondah needs to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Achievements over the past three years include:

• Increased funding for accessibility works making it easier for people to get around.
• Upgrades to council facilities, such as Karralyka, to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

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.

Sustainability

We need to protect our environment and improve our community facilities.

Achievements include:

• $1 million water fund used to reduce water usage and install water tanks for sporting grounds
  and council buildings.
• Council sustainability fund to reduce energy consumption and minimise council electricity costs.
• Public transport advocacy resulting in more bus services and the removal of zone three.

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.

Accountability

Local council must be accountable to the community.

Achievements include:

• Standing up for the community and successfully preventing the sale of public parkland.
• Preventing inappropriate development and ensuring higher planning standards.
• Organising resident meetings so people can voice their opinions in order to deliver better outcomes.

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.

Find out more

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.