Month: March 2010

Media Release: VCAT ruling upholds special charge scheme

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Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, has welcomed a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision to uphold Council’s declaration of a special charge scheme for the construction of a footpath along Allens Road and Salisbury Court in Heathmont.

Cr Makin said he was pleased that a request to review the scheme was dismissed and indicated that footpath construction would begin in early April.

“A ruling on this matter has been some time coming and the community has waited more than seven months for VCAT to deliver its decision,” Cr Makin said.

“Council wrote to VCAT on 18 January to seek clarification regarding when a decision would be made. It’s extremely pleasing to learn that things can now move forward,” Cr Makin said.

“Work will soon begin on the construction of the concrete footpath, which had been earmarked as a high priority project following a number of requests for footpaths in the area,” Cr Makin said.

“Improving walkability within the municipality is one of the aims of the 2007 Maroondah Pedestrian Strategy. This strategy underpins Council’s preparation of this special charge scheme,” Cr Makin said.

– ENDS –

Media Release: Have a safe and happy Easter

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Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, has wished the community a happy and safe Easter holiday period.

“On behalf of my fellow councillors and everyone at Maroondah City Council, I would like to extend best wishes to everyone for the Easter period,” Cr Makin said.

“The Easter holiday provides us with the opportunity to catch up with family and friends and enjoy a few hot cross buns and Easter eggs,” Cr Makin said.

“Many people use this time to take an extended break before the cooler weather sets in. With a high volume of motorists expected on our roads during this period, I urge people to take care and drive with caution,” Cr Makin said.

Cr Makin provided a reminder of Council Opening Hours for the Easter period

Council offices in Braeside Avenue, Ringwood and the Eastland and Croydon Civic Service Centres will be closed on Good Friday (2 April), Saturday 3 April and Easter Monday (5 April). Council’s service centres will also be closed the day after ANZAC Day – Monday 26 April.

The next Council meeting after Easter will be held on Monday 19 April from 7.30pm at the City Offices, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood.

To report after hours emergencies requiring immediate action such as road-based hazards, flooding, fallen trees, a dog roaming/dog attack, or illegal burning off, phone Council on 1300 88 22 33.

Maroondah Leader: Demand for details

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The State Government’s review into bus services within Knox, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges commenced in October 2008, including two workshops that were held in February and June last year.

The second workshop presented draft recommendations with the facilitator stating that a final report would identify improvements to the bus network.  Despite the workshops being concluded in the middle of last year, the final report is yet to be released.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the growing community impatience at the delays in releasing the bus service reviews:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the council wanted to see the report, which was tasked with identifying route alternations and service improvements, made public.

“We’re very keen to not only see the report released, but the recommended improvements implemented.

While some other areas have had the final reports provided, there has been no definitive timeframe established for the release of bus service review for Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges.

The report was to identify short, medium and long-term improvements and the delays in releasing the report, will mean that any improvements are further delayed.

Cr Makin said the council and community had entered the consultations in goodwill, and was concerned that this was being lost with the delays in releasing the report.

Delays in releasing the findings of the bus service reviews can potentially undermine the community’s confidence in believing that improvements will be implemented.  Several of Maroondah’s bus services require frequency and operating span improvements and it is imperative that the findings are released so that this can occur.

Ringwood Historical Society – 50th anniversary of the City of Ringwood

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The City of Ringwood was proclaimed a City on the 19th of March 1960 and tonight’s Ringwood Historical Society meeting paid tribute to the proclamation of the City of Ringwood, through a birthday cake, which included the two logos used by the former City.

The City of Ringwood was in existence until the 15th of December 1994, when it was amalgamated with the City of Croydon to form the City of Maroondah. The birthday cake was accompanied by historical records of the City of Ringwood,  including the former Council members and Council documents.

While Ringwood may no longer exist as a separate entity, the decisions made by the City of Ringwood, still have a bearing on the City of Maroondah.  Examples include the sporting grounds at Jubilee Park, the location of Eastland and the lack of footpaths within the municipality.

Tonight’s meeting also included a tribute to Henry Lawson portrayed by Jim Howard of the Henry Lawson Literary Society.  Jim portrayed the life and stories of Henry Lawson, providing an entertaining evening for members of the Ringwood Historical Society.

The Ringwood Historical Society meets from 8pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Federation Estate.  For details please visit www.rhs.org.au.

North Ringwood Community House 2010 AGM

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North Ringwood Community House is located at 120 Oban Road, located at the rear of the Holy Spirit Primary School in Ringwood North.  The North Ringwood Community House is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and offers a range of accredited courses, as well as adult education and social groups.

As a community based organisation, North Ringwood Community House is overseen by a voluntary committee of management and this afternoon the organisation held its annual meeting to elect committee members for the next twelve months.  While I was previously a committee member of the North Ringwood Community House, I have chosen not to seek re-nomination and have resigned from the committee.

While I enjoyed being a committee member of North Ringwood Community House, changes to the Local Government Act, prevent a Councillor from formally discussing matters involving an organisation, where they are part of its decision making body.  As a consequence, this has meant that I was unable to discuss the community house within formal council meetings.

Given these changes to the Local Government Act, I believe I will be better able to advocate for the community house if I was no longer a member of the committee of management.

During the past twelve months North Ringwood Community House prepared a new business plan and completed the feasibility study exploring potential sites for the organisation and its services.  The study identified Norwood Reserve along Warrandyte Road as the preferred site and Council will now able undertaking an assessment of this location, including consultation with existing users and exploring the traffic implications.

This assessment is expected to be completed by July, when Council will discuss the findings with the North Ringwood Community House.

Maroondah Journal: Right off the bat, extra cash for reserve

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Heathmont Reserve is home to the Heathmont Baseball Club, Heathmont Baptist Cricket Club and Gujarati Association Cricket Club and will receive $821,000 to build two new changerooms, a kitchen, a viewing area and accessibility improvements for people with a disability.

The project while largely funded through Maroondah City Council, will receive $240,000 from the Federal Government through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin confirmed a $575,000 commitment from the council to make the project a reality.  Cr Makin said the works would make the reserve more inclusive and accessible to the wider community.

“What this translates into for the community is the development of a multi-purpose facility that will help expand social and sports participation for families, female teams and people with a disability.”

The contribution of Federal funding demonstrates the partnerships that can be developed when several levels of government work together for the benefit of the community.

Delegates’ Report: Annual General Meetings, Promoting Harmony and Recognising Achievements

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February and March have both been busy months with the opening of new facilities, annual general meetings and awards.

On the 19th of February I had the pleasure of opening the revamped Keystone Hall, located in Croydon. The project, which received Council and Federal funding, is a multi-purpose facility that houses several groups, including Croydon Little Athletics and the Croydon U3A. The facility includes accessibility improvements, as well as sustainability initiatives, through the installation of water tanks.

On the 4th of March, the City of Maroondah was officially presented an Award for achieving the Highest Level of Community Engagement during Walktober. Walktober is an event held each October, whereby Councils, community groups and organisations are encouraged to organise walks to promote sustainable transport and community wellbeing.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Maroondah’s Leisure Services Department for working collaboratively with community groups and registering 55 walks during Walktober.

Further details will be presented during tonight’s agenda.

On the 9th of March I had the pleasure of opening Maroondah City Council’s International Women’s Day Breakfast. 2010 marks the Centenary of the Girl Guides and we had the privilege of hearing from two speakers from Girl Guides Victoria, including local Guide leader Billee Henry who spoke passionately about the organisation and the opportunities to provides its members.

On the 16th of March I had the honour of opening the Lighthouse Foundation’s Home for Mums and Bubs in Heathmont. The Home will provide a home for two homeless young mothers and their babies, providing a nurturing environment, combined with holistic support, counselling and education. I look forward to welcoming the residents of the home into the Maroondah community.

On the 17th of March I assisted in the preparations of the Ride2School program at Croydon West Primary. Ride2School is a program that aims to encourage walking and cycling and it was great to see so many students participating in the program.

The 18th of March saw the coming together of many organisations, including Maroondah Council, Eastern Regional Libraries, Centrelink, Department of Justice, Maroondah Police and Mission Australia to hold a festival marking Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day.

The event was held at the front of the Ringwood Library and saw the space come alive with songs, dance, story telling and face painting. Many members of our community participated in the festivities and it was fantastic to demonstrate the key message of Harmony Day, by showing that Everyone Belongs in Maroondah.

Lastly, on the 16th of March I attended the Central Ringwood Community Centre’s Annual General Meeting and the Annual General Meeting of Yarrunga Community Centre on the 17th. Both Community Centres, are overseen by a voluntary committee of management and it is great to see that they are both continuing to meet the needs of the wider community, through social groups, adult education and child services.

Southern Sudanese Christian Welfare Association Annual General Meeting

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The Southern Sudanese Christian Welfare Association was formed by members of the Sudanese community to provide support for Maroondah’s Sudanese migrants.  The organisation not only provides peer support but holds cultural events to create a sense of community and provide opportunities to learn about Sudanese culture.

Today’s meeting elected committee members for the next twelve months and provided an update on the organisation and its objectives.  While housing and employment challenges remain and will require a coordinated approach across all levels of government, the Association has been successful in holding cultural events and promoting the need for social inclusion and opportunities.

It is imperative that  Maroondah’s Sudanese community is able to find suitable housing and employment opportunities so that these newly arrived migrants and their families are able to reside within the municipality.

Thank You Function for the 2009 Carols by Candlelight

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The 2009 Maroondah Carols by Candlelight was held on the 13th of December last year and was the culmination of many hours of involvement, individuals, community organisations and Council staff.

This afternoon Council held an evaluation session and thank you function for the many people involved in the preparation and presentation of the 2009 Carols by Candlelight. The Carols are only a success due to this dedication and effort towards the event and I would like to thank the many people who were involved in the 2009 Carols by Candelight.

Preparation will shortly be underway for the 2010 Carols by Candlelight, which will be held in December this year.

Opening of the Glen Park Men’s Shed

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Glen Park Community Centre is located in Bayswater North and has a strong emphasis on community development and empowerment. The Centre undertakes a range of community development activities, including a community cafe and programs for people with disabilities.

One of the projects identified by Glen Park was the need for a Men’s Shed to provide a friendly and social atmosphere for men to participate in trades and woodcraft.

As a result, the need for a Men’s Shed became a priority for Glen Park and  this afternoon I was invited to open the Shed, a project that received State and Council funding, as well as in-kind support from members of the Glen Park Community Centre.

Alex opening the Glen Park Men's Shed with Shaun Leane, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region.
Alex opening the Glen Park Men's Shed with Shaun Leane, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region.

The speech delivered during the opening is available within this post:

Continue reading “Opening of the Glen Park Men’s Shed”