Month: February 2009

Delgates' Report: Groups working for the wellbeing of our community

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There a few items I will be discussing this evening.

On the 26th of November 2008, I was invited to launch Coloured Emotions, an art exhibition from the Parent Support Network. This was the second exhibition organised by the group throughout the year and it was an opportunity for these parents to convey the challenges in caring for a child with a disability. The calibre of peer support and friendship gained through the group is a testament of Jenny Newman, the convenor, who was awarded the Maroondah Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards.

On the 2nd of December 2008, I attended the launch of Enjoying Planned Retirement’s bocce season. EPR is a group for senior citizens and provides a range of activities for its members. The launch of its bocce season provided a chance for EPR to unveil its new barbecue, which was graciously donated to them by Rinnai Australia, after the theft of their previous barbecue.

Last week I was notified by the group that this new barbecue had been stolen, with the locks broken at its storage facility at Norwood Hall in Ringwood North. It is bitterly disappointing that someone would be so callous and steal from a group like EPR, that exists to provide friendship and support for our senior citizens.

Norwood Hall houses three seniors groups and they are working together to prevent such a theft occuring again. The fact that EPR has been hit by theft twice in two years is extremely disheartening.

Last Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Ringwood. The Rotary Club is currently discussing projects to assist people affected by the ongoing bushfires. This Wednesday the club’s guest speaker will be a former Ringwood Rotarian and resident of Marysville, who will discuss the assistance that is required for affected communities.

The recovery efforts from these bushfires will be ongoing and as a community it is important that we recognise this and continue to provide assistance where we can.

Lastly, I would like to thank the many community organisations and individuals who have offered their support to bushfire relief efforts. No matter what group I speak to they have all asked how they can assist in recovery efforts. The strength our community shows in times of need and is truly overwhelming. I thank them for their efforts.

Maroondah Partners Health, Safety and Wellbeing committee

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The Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee provides an opportunity to address issues relating to the safety of the Maroondah community. The committee includes representation from council, as well as external agencies and service providers, including the Department of Human Services, Victoria Police, Connex and Eastern Volunteers, providing a wealth of knowledge in projects required to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of our community.

There are three councillors included on the committee. For the 2009 year the councillor representatives are Cr. Nora Lamont, Cr Rob Steane and myself. I will be chairing the committee throughout 2009.

Eastern Transport Coalition – planning for 2009

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Tonight’s Eastern Transport Coalition meeting focused on setting the agenda for 2009. The agenda included the election of Chairperson and Deputy Chair and discussion around the priorities over the next two years.

With State and Federal elections both due in 2010 it is important that the Eastern Transport Coalition continue its advocacy for public transport improvements to ensure that the outer suburbs are provided with transport choice and a public transport system that is competitive with car travel.

The ETC will continue to focus on its advocacy for more frequent and readily available public transport services that is accessible to all members of our community. In particular a number of stations do not currently meet disability compliance standards restricting the mobility of residents within the outer eastern suburbs.

Samantha Dunn, a Councillor from the Shire of Yarra Ranges was appointed as the Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition and I have been re-appointed as Deputy Chair.

Rotary Club of Ringwood – Safe Water, Saves Lives

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The Rotary Club of Ringwood meets each Wednesday evening to provide guest speakers and updates on Rotary projects.

Tonight’s meeting provided an opportunity to discuss a proposal to implement a Farmers Market in Ringwood and a sub-committee has been appointed to assess the feasibility of this concept.

The sub-committee will explore potential sites within Ringwood, as well as ascertain suitable dates and stall composition. As a local councillor covering the Mullum Ward and Ringwood, I have been appointed to the sub-committee to assist in identifying a location and government requirements.

The main speaker for this evening was a fellow Ringwood Rotarian, who discussed the Safe Water, Saves Lives program. An ongoing project that involves the installation of water tanks within remote villages in Papua New Guinea.

The project, which operates at a district level and involves a number of Rotary clubs, was fortunate to receive sponsorship from Mitre 10 and Reece to assist in providing the supplies necessary to construct the water tanks.

The project has been successful in providing remote villages with a sustainable supply of fresh water and alleviating the need for villagers to travel several kilometres for water.

The meeting also included an update on the bushfires and the devastation it is caused. Next week’s meeting will include a former Ringwood Rotarian and Marysville resident who will discuss the recovery efforts and ways for the community to assist.

In times of tragedy it is important that the community works together to provide ongoing assistance to people in need. Next week’s meeting will provide an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of what is required for the towns that have been hit by bushfires.

Maroondah Forum for People with Disabilities and Carers – first forum for 2009

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The first Maroondah Forum for People with Carers of this year was held this morning at Maroondah Federation Estate.

The forum enables council to hear first-hand about accessibility issues within Maroondah and includes regular guest speakers to provide information to participants.

Today’s forum included an update on Maroondah’s new electronic request system, which will enable easier identification and tracking of resident queries and hence improve the responsiveness of council.

The main presentation was in regard to State Trustees, which is a government owned entity that provides will preparation, trusteeships and financial administration. The service can provide assistance for people with disabilities in managing finances and arranging for appropriate care if it is required.

The forum aims to provide ongoing communication and dialogue with participants to assist in creating an accessible municipality.

Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting 2009

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The Heatherdale Community Action Group exists to preserve, protect and enhance the amenity of Heatherdale Road and neighbouring areas. Heatherdale is in a unique situation where the locality is divided between Maroondah (the eastern side of Heatherdale Road) and Whitehorse (the western side of Heatherdale Road).

The Action Group is able to provide a voice for Heatherdale residents to ensure that the two councils are aware of their concerns.

The Heatherdale Community Action Group often includes an impressive range of speakers covering topics such as planning, transport, the environment as well as health and safety issues.

Croydon Conservation Society meeting

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The Croydon Conservation Society (CCS) is a conservation and environmental group that is dedicated to improving the sustainability of the urban and natural environments within Maroondah. Focal points include canopy tree coverage, remnant bushland, sustainable transport, planning outcomes and anti-graffiti measures.

The CCS is particularly focused on policy development to ensure that all tiers of government, including Maroondah City Council, encourage urban sustainability.

The Croydon Conservation Society meets on the second Thursday of each month. For details please visit www.croydonconservation.org.au

Maroondah Disability Action Group meeting

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The Maroondah Disability Action Group also known as the Disability Action Group Eastern Region, aims to provide a voice for people with disabilities across Maroondah and Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

The group includes people with disabilities who desire to improve the accessibility of Maroondah and the outer east. Specific aims include:

  • To provide systemic advocacy to influence policies at a local, state or federal level;
  • To campaign for accessible transport improvements;
  • To cooperate with other like minded groups at a local and state level, and
  • To push for greater, accessible and inclusive health services.

The Maroondah Disability Action Group meets at 10 am on the second Monday of each month at the Ringwood Church of Christ at 13 Bedford Road in Ringwood.

The venue is fully accessible and in close proximity to Ringwood Station and bus routes 367 (Ringwood to Croydon via East Ringwood) and 679 (Chirnside Park Shopping Centre to Ringwood via Mount Evelyn, Montrose and Canterbury Road).

Norwood Park Hall Users meeting

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The Hall Users Meeting for the Senior Citizens Centre at Norwood Park, situated on Warrandyte Road Ringwood North, provides an opportunity for the three groups that use the hall to discuss issues related to the facility.

There are three groups based in the hall, the North Ringwood Senior Citizens, Ringwood U3A and Enjoying Planned Retirement. The bi-monthly meeting provides a forum for the three groups to discuss their activities and the needs of their groups.

As a councillor for the Mullum Ward, I have been invited to attend the meetings to ensure that communication exists between the three groups and Maroondah City Council.

Croydon Chess Club simultaneous match with Guy West

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The Croydon Chess Club is based at the Croydon RSL and offers a fun and friendly environment for chess players of all ages and skill levels.

Tonight marked the return of the Croydon Chess Club’s weekly meetings, with a simultaneous match between club members and Guy West an International Master and Australian Chess Champion.

Guy played twenty-two of the club members in a simultaneous match, whereby he moved from one board to another to make a chess move against each player. All proceeds raised from the evening were donated to the Australian Chess Olympiad Team.

The Croydon Chess Club provides a junior coaching program, as well as regular tournaments for adult players. For more information please visit www.croydonchess.com.