Posts related to 'mayor'

Maroondah Council celebrates NAIDOC week

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 11th of July, 2008

NAIDOC is an acronym for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, in recognition of the initial committee that organised the week, which aims to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians.

NAIDOC Week for 2008 is between the 6th and 13th of July and as part of the proceeding Maroondah City Council held a ceremony celebrating the permanent flying of the Indigenous flag at Council’s civic centres.

The celebration included Indigenous elders, the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and local reconciliation groups, such as Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation and Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah. It was encouraging to see the mayor deliver an acknowledgement of country to officially recognise Indigenous Australians and and their connection to Maroondah.

While the Mayor did not deliver acknowledgement of country during Reconciliation Week, it was certainly good to see proper process being followed for NAIDOC week and this is a positive step forward in terms of Maroondah’s commitment to the Indigenous community.

The NAIDOC theme for this year is ‘Advance Australia Fair?’ and it is a pertinent reminder of the current health, education and wellbeing issues that affect Indigenous Australians. Maroondah is finalising its Reconciliation Policy for consideration at Monday night’s council meeting. This document will solidify Maroondah’s commitment to reconciliation and the steps we can take as a local government to ensure that we Advance Australia Fair.

Eastern councils united in the call for public transport improvements

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 20th of June, 2008

As the Deputy Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition I accompanied the Mayors of the eastern region in the signing of a letter calling on the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition to attend the upcoming public transport summit on the 4th of July and to commit to improving public transport services and infrastructure within the region.

The fact that the seven Mayors have signed this letter demonstrates that the eastern region is united in its call for public transport improvements. Melbourne’s eastern suburbs is home to almost one million people and includes regional centres such as Box Hill, Ringwood and Dandenong. It is critical that Melbourne’s eastern suburbs be provided with a standard of public transport that provides an alternative to spiralling petrol prices and car dependence.

Doncaster and Rowville need rail lines to provide the infrastructure that should have been installed decades ago and centres like Box Hill, Ringwood and Dandenong need stations that are safe and accessible. Bus services should be frequent, readily available and coordinate with trains and other bus services.

Much needs to be done to improve public transport in the eastern suburbs and the joint letter demonstrates the region’s commitment to the advocacy of public transport improvements.

The ETC’s public transport summit will be held on Friday the 4th of July. For details please visit www.etc.org.au.

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.”

Mayoral Election and Committees for 2007

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 6th of December, 2006

Tonight Maroondah Council held its statutory meeting for the election of the mayor and council representatives on committees.

To increase the level of transparency an open election was held and Councillor Maureen Naylor lost the bid for mayor against Councillor Peter Gurr, with three votes versus four.

While I did vote for Councillor Naylor due to her commitment to increase transparency and accountability in the council chamber, I believe that Councillor Gurr will be able to provide he leadership to ensure that Maroondah City Council will meet the challenges that 2007 will present.

In particular, the possibility of stage three water restrictions and the need to advance the Ringwood Transit City, including advocacy for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, are just two examples of the major challenges facing next year.

This mayoral election marked the first time in the history of Maroondah that an open election was held. This process demonstrates that there is strength in diversity with councillors able to express different opinions while still being part of a unified council.

As part of tonight’s meeting the council delegates for committees were voted upon. In 2007 I will continue my role as council representative for the Eastern Transport Coalition, Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee and any Melbourne 2030 Committees (such as the Councillors Reference Group). In addition I will also be one of the councillor representatives on the Maroondah Tourism and Heritage Advisory Board.