Month: May 2010

Picnic in the Park at BJ Hubbard Reserve

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The City of Maroondah holds regular Picnic in the Parks to provide an opportunity for the community to meet their Ward Councillors and to rediscover the many parks within the municipality.

Today’s Picnic in the Park was held at BJ Hubbard Reserve for residents of the Mullum Ward and it was great to see the many community members attend.  BJ Hubbard is part of Maroondah’s remnant bush reserves and has a range of unique flora and fauna.  In addition, there are a a number of community groups based at the Scout Hall at BJ Hubbard, including the Scouts and the Maroondah Toy Library.

The Picnic in the Park at BJ Hubbard had a strong community and environmental focus, with regular environmental presentations and a range of activities for children, as well as information stalls from Council, the Scouts and the Maroondah Toy Library.

Picnics in the Park provide an informal occasion to meet many members of the community and I had a wonderful afternoon meeting residents from the nearby streets in Ringwood North, as well as several from other parts of Maroondah. In addition, there many young families with children enjoying activities such as the jumping castle and the games that were available.

Many residents spoke about the Council’s plans for the redevelopment of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre and it was pleasing to receive many positive comments about Maroondah’s vision for Ringwood and the need for a new standard of community facilities within the municipality.  Council has begun discussions with the user groups within Ringwood Aquatic to plan arrangements during the demolition and construction of the old centre.

BJ Hubbard Reserve is a truly unique bush reserve and it was encouraging to see the strong interest in its environmental significance.  Council holds regular Picnics in the Parks and a further one is planned for the Mullum Ward later this year.

Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony – May 2010

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The City of Maroondah holds a series of Citizenship Ceremonies throughout the year, whereby candidates make a declaration of citizenship to Australia.

The Mayor officiates the Citizenship Ceremonies and this evening I had the pleasure of welcoming 88 new Citizens into Maroondah.  This evening we had several Councillors in attendance, as well as State and Federal Members of Parliament and it was great to see the strong level of interest in Maroondah’s citizenship ceremonies.

The ceremony is held at the Karralyka Centre and includes entertainment form the Croydon Brass Band.  One of the unique attributes of Maroondah is the strong level of volunteerism and community organisations and the Ceremonies provide a great introduction to the many groups that exist throughout the municipality.

Visiting the Home from Home Respite Program

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The City of Maroondah operates a ‘Home from Home’ respite program in Ringwood East, to provide activities for clients with early stage dementia. The program provides activities that foster the interests of the clients, including outings and guest speakers.

This afternoon I spoke to attendees of the Home from Home Respite Program to discuss my role as a Councillor and as the current Mayor for the City of Maroondah.  We also discussed some of the recent outings that were enjoyed by the participants and it was fantastic to see each of the members enjoy their time within the group.

These programs not only enhance social inclusion for some of Maroondah’s most isolated residents, but also provide an opportunity for carers to get some relaxation.  The Home from Home Respite Program is available to eligible Home and Community Care Clients and has two groups on Thursday and Friday of each week.

Opening of Upgrades to Central Ringwood Community Centre

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Central Ringwood Community Centre is located in Bedford Park in Ringwood and serves as a community based facility, providing courses, as well as meeting facilities for other groups. In recent years the Community Centre has had a strong focus on Maroondah’s emerging communities, through providing programs for refugees from Sudan, as well as Burma.

In addition, the Centre has maintained a number of programs for people with disabilities and accessibility is one of the core priorities for the staff and Committee of Management.  This morning I was invited to officially open the upgrades to Central Ringwood Community Centre, which provide accessibility improvements in the form of a new meeting room and accessible toilets and change facilities.

Alex with the Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan and Mike Symon, Member for Deakin and Community Centre staff at the opening of upgrades to Central Ringwood Community Centre.
Alex with the Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan and Mike Symon, Member for Deakin and Community Centre staff at the opening of upgrades to Central Ringwood Community Centre.

The project was a joint partnership between the Federal Government and the City of Maroondah.  The Federal Government invested $200,000 for the upgrades with Council managing the project and delivering the improvements.

The speech I delivered at the opening is available within this post:

Continue reading “Opening of Upgrades to Central Ringwood Community Centre”

Federal Government 2010-2011 Budget Breakfast

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This morning I attended the Federal Government’s Budget Breakfast, where the recent Federal Budget was presented by the Treasurer Wayne Swan.  The Treasurer outlined the economic conditions within Australia, as well as discussing the outcomes from the recent Henry Review into Taxation.

One of the initiatives through the economic stimulus package was the investment in community infrastructure, through partnerships with Local Government.  The redevelopment of the Ringwood Soccer Pavilion is an example of this program and demonstrates the outcomes that can be achieved when multiple levels of Governments work together.

I asked a question in regard to the need for an ongoing program of infrastructure funding that should be available for local government projects.  While the Treasurer did not provide a definitive answer, he did suggest that further announcements would be forthcoming in this regard.

It is imperative that all levels of Government work together to provide the best possible facilities for the community and Council will be discussing projects, such as the redevelopment of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, with the Federal Government.

Media Release: Central Ringwood Community Centre upgrade unveiled

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Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan will join Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, to unveil a series of upgrades to Central Ringwood Community Centre on site tomorrow (20 May).

Cr Makin said the $200,000 upgrade would improve the experience of centre users.

“This project has led to the creation of a new area for community groups and the refurbishment of the existing hall, including painting. The installation of new stage stairs will be undertaken soon,” Cr Makin said.

“Other features of the upgrade works include the addition of an all-access toilet and baby change area for playgroups. A new pathway and entrance door to the centre’s lower level activity rooms have also been constructed,” Cr Makin said.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government contributed $200,000 to make this project a reality.

Central Ringwood Community Centre is a Council-owned facility administered by a committee of management.

“The recent upgrades come as wonderful news for families of the 105 children who attend the centre’s playgroup each week and community groups who use the venue,” Cr Makin said.

“They have given the centre a new lease on life and ensure that user groups will continue to enjoy high quality facilities,” Cr Makin.

Log on to Council’s website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/CommunityCentres.aspx to find your nearest community centre.

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Media Release: Maroondah prepares to celebrate National Reconciliation Week

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A program of events and workshops has been organised by Council to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) in Maroondah.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said the program would focus on providing a variety of opportunities to explore Indigenous culture and heritage.

“I’d like to extend an invitation to the community to attend Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week Launch from 10.30am at Maroondah Federation Estate on National Sorry Day (26 May),” Cr Makin said.

“The Launch will be held on National Sorry Day to recognise the suffering and hardship suffered by Indigenous communities. It will mark the beginning of Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week activities,” Cr Makin said.

“The launch will include a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a flag ceremony, the unveiling of Council’s new Indigenous artwork acquisition. Entertainment will feature a mesmerising didgeridoo performance by Indigenous performer Alan Brown,” Cr Makin said.

School workshops will run throughout the week and students will have the opportunity to participate in didgeridoo playing, traditional dance, Indigenous art making and learn about cultural awareness.

The program will conclude on Thursday 3 June with the presentation of an Indigenous documentary film focusing on Aboriginal history in Victoria. The documentary will be presented by Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation.

One of the week’s highlights will be Council’s acquisition of an artwork by Indigenous Elder Ray Ken titled Tali, which will be placed on display in the foyer of Maroondah Federation Estate until 30 July.

Visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au for the full schedule of Reconciliation Week events and to find out how you can become involved.

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Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club – 3rd Birthday Celebrations

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The Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Ringwood RSL.  The Club is one of Maroondah’s newer Probus Clubs and this afternoon I joined members in celebrating its third birthday.

Alex with members of the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club
Alex with members of the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club

The Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club has a strong emphasis on social activities and has an active photography group, which had several of their photographs on display.  One of the exhibitions provided a comparison of Melbourne through photographs taken fifty years ago and today, reflecting on the changes that have taken place over this time.

As part of the proceedings I spoke to the members where I congratulated them on the formation of the Club and for having such a strong and active membership.  I also discussed Council’s vision for the future, including the redevelopment of Ringwood Aquatic Centre, into a modern facility that includes water and wellbeing components.  The redeveloped facility will better cater to the needs of the Maroondah community through providing a facility that will offer a range of recreational activities.

Alex with Jan Kronberg, MLC for Eastern Metropolitan Region and members at the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Third Birthday
Alex with Jan Kronberg, MLC for Eastern Metropolitan Region and members at the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Third Birthday

Probus Clubs provide a range of activities for their members and it is encouraging to see the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club flourishing after three years.  Importantly many of its members are also active in a number of other community organisations demonstrating the volunteering spirit that exists within Probus.

Alex drawing the raffle for the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club
Alex drawing the raffle for the Ringwood Clocktower Probus Club

Maroondah Leader: Pokies hotspot

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Despite ongoing Council concerns, the City of Maroondah now has the highest proportion of poker machines on a per capita basis for people aged over 18 years old.  This high proportion of poker machines has resulted in gamblers losing over $68 million dollars over the past financial year.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on these concerns:

The high ratio has been slammed by Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin.  “This is extremely disappointing and something we want to see reversed,” Cr Makin said.

He said the council was opposed to any further machines in the area and in neighbouring municipalities.

Maroondah City Council has been a vocal opponent to the introduction of further poker machines in the municipality and neighbouring areas due to ongoing concerns over problem gambling. The current figures show that Maroondah has an excess number of machines and it is clear that a balance needs to be found between access and preventing ongoing financial losses and adverse community wellbeing.

51st Birthday Celebrations for the Ringwood War Widows’ Association

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The War Widows’ Association of the Ringwood Branch of the RSL was formed in 1949 to support war widows.  The organisation meets regularly at the Ringwood RSL and also supports a range of community organisations.

This afternoon I attended the birthday celebrations at a luncheon held at the Ringwood RSL.  The birthday provided an opportunity to reflect on the past 51 years and the ongoing support that is offered to members of the organisation.  The festivities included a band and a birthday cake, with many of the members participating in singing or dancing.

The Ringwood RSL supports a range of community based organisations and has provided ongoing assistance to the Ringwood War Widows’ Association.