Blog

Ringwood Ballet Group – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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The Ringwood Ballet Group is a community based not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 1961. The group hold an annual performance at Karralyka and this year showcased a ballet version of Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as several jazz and tap dance routines. Younger performers were also involved and it was great to see so many students being able to participate within the performance.

The Ringwood Ballet Group holds weekly classed at Bedford Road in Ringwood and includes a range of dance styles including classical ballet, jazz and tap. The Ringwood Ballet Group is one example of the range of art and cultural groups that exist within Maroondah. and I commend the many people involved in organising and participating within the Ringwood Ballet Group’s annual concert.

Tonight’s performance was excellent and I commend the many people involved in organising and participating in the Ringwood Ballet Group’s annual performance.

North Ringwood Community House 2010 End of Year Luncheon

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North Ringwood Community House is located at 120 Oban Road in Ringwood North and provides a range of community based educational courses, as well as accredited training, including Certificates III and IV as a Registered Training Organisation.

This afternoon North Ringwood Community House held its end of year luncheon to thank students, staff, tutors and volunteers. North Ringwood Community House is currently operating at capacity and is the only community house in Maroondah that is not located on Council land making it difficult to expand the services that it offers.

This year Council approved the undertaking of Masterplan to assist in relocating North Ringwood Community House onto Council land at Quambee Reserve located at Wonga Road in Ringwood North. This location will complement the existing community facilities at Quambee Reserve and work on the Masterplan will commence from July next year through the 2011/2012 Council Budget.

North Ringwood Community House has continued to serve the Maroondah community and will be offering further programs in 2011 to provide new skills and opportunities. For further details please visit www.nrch.org.au.

Media Release: Youth support services still available

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Council’s youth team will continue to support Maroondah’s young people and their families over the Christmas school holidays.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said the last session of the EV’s Lounge drop-in program is on Friday 17 December, but youth workers are still available over the summer break.

“During the holidays our youth workers will be only be a phone call away for any young person 12-25 years old who is in need of assistance or referral to another support agency,” Cr Makin said.

“So if you or someone you know finds themselves in a position where they need support or help, then our youth workers can provide information on almost any issue, including school, finding a job, family issues, getting involved in the community, or if a young person is just having a hard time,” Cr Makin said.

“For those wanting information outside of business hours the Maroondah Youth Services website offers a range of information including activities on offer in Maroondah to keep young people entertained, contact details for other local support services, and other resources for young people and their families,” Cr Makin said.

“The Maroondah Youth Card is also a good source of information. The handy wallet-sized card provides a range of afterhours support numbers which can be used in times of need,” Cr Makin said.

“The card, which caters for people aged 12-25, also includes discounts for local businesses and recreational facilities which will definitely come in handy over the summer break,” Cr Makin said.

To get your hands on the card visit www.maroondahyouthservices.com or pick one up at EV’s Youth Centre, 212 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon or Council Service Centres.

For more information contact Council’s Youth Services team on 9294 5709, email mys@maroondah.vic.gov.au or visit www.maroondahyouthservices.com

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Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee – December 2010 meeting

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The final meeting for 2010 of the Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee was held this morning to provide an update on Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan. The Committee, which includes health and education providers, as well as community and council representatives, is charged with overseeing the implementation and review of Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan.

Today’s meeting focused on the short-term priorities identified within the plan, including methods of surveying the community so that progress on the implementation of the plan can be measured against results. The Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee will resume in 2011 to continue its function of improving community wellbeing within Maroondah.

Maroondah Leader: Maroondah and other CAD councils unite for action

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The Maroondah Leader has reported on the newly formed alliance between Councils that include Central Activities Districts and the City of Melbourne. This alliance will ensure that Councils will be able to collectively advocate for the needs of these central activities districts, to ensure that they become vibrant, accessible and sustainable urban centres.

Former Maroondah mayor Alex Makin said the councils had identified common issues across the CADs: mainly the need for investment in transport interchanges and next-generation community facilities.

“With Melbourne quickly becoming a city of many cities, we want to ensure certainty for the respective CADs,” Cr Makin said.

The alliance will be focusing on three priorities, including transport, housing and employment opportunity for the Central Activities Districts and will be advocating for a shared vision between State and Federal Governments for funding to support the implementation of these urban centres. The alliance will continue to meet throughout 2011 and a meeting will be held on the 20th of December to officially hand over the group to the newly elected Mayors of each Council.

Conclusion of the 2010 Mayoral Year

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This evening Maroondah City Council held its Statutory Meeting, whereby the Mayor is elected for the 2011 Council Year. While I have enjoyed the challenges experienced throughout this year I chose not to seek re-nomination as Mayor and Cr Tony Dib has been unanimously elected as Mayor for the oncoming Council year.

Maroondah is truly fortunate to have such a vibrant sense of community and I would like to thank the many community organisations and individuals that I have met throughout this year. While the volume of work undertaken as Mayor is immense it is also incredibly rewarding to meet the many people that are dedicated to their local community.

2010 has marked the year that Council delivered financial sustainability, ensuring that future Councils will be able to invest in community facilities and services. Maroondah City Council has finally reversed over 12 years of annual financial operating deficits to ensure that Council is able to meet future challenges. In addition, partnerships with neighbouring Councils have been strengthened and Maroondah is at the forefront of a newly formed alliance between the six Councils containing Central Activities Districts and the City of Melbourne.

Furthermore, Council has reaffirmed its commitment to Reconciliation through incorporating the Acknowledgement of Country at all Council events and Council meetings. Likewise, reforms to strengthen accountability and governance through encouraging debate and discussion were undertaken, including the rearrangement of the Council Chamber to ensure that Councillors are able to see members of the public present at Council meetings.

Council’s advocacy for an accessible, safe and integrated transit interchange for Ringwood proved successful and I congratulate the incoming State Government for their pledge to overhaul Ringwood Station.

Lastly, I would like to thank my colleagues for their support throughout this year, being Mayor is an incredible experience and I wish Cr Tony Dib all the best of success in the year ahead. I will be continuing as a Councillor for the Mullum Ward and I welcome feedback from residents and the community.

Policy Development and collaboration between Central Activities Districts

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This afternoon the City of Melbourne hosted a forum on policy development focusing on the Central Activities Districts of Ringwood, Dandenong, Frankston, Box Hill, Broadmeadows and Footscray. The forum, which was an outcome of the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Mayors of Maroondah, Greater Dandenong, Frankston, Whitehorse, Hume, Maribyrnong and the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, aimed to strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge on each of the Central Activities Districts.

Today’s session provided an overview on the changes experienced within the City of Melbourne, including strong residential growth and a strategy of differentiation to attract commercial tenancies to counteract competition from Australia’s other capital cities. Similarly, there is a need for each Central Activities District to identify unique strengths to deliver a diverse range of housing, employment and community opportunities.

Further work and collaboration will be undertaken by each Council to ensure a cohesive approach to Melbourne’s Central Activities Districts and to assist in providing a shared vision between Local, State and Federal Governments.

Media Release: Come and share in the Christmas spirit

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Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without carol singing, candles and a certain jolly man in a red and white suit.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin encouraged everyone to grab a picnic rug or chair, a little Christmas cheer, and head for Ainslie Park in Croydon on Sunday 12 December for the Maroondah Carols By Candlelight celebrations.

“Each year Council continues the proud Australian tradition of Carols By Candlelight, with an exciting array of fine local talent leading our community in song,” Cr Makin said.

“Heading the bill this year is Penny Mason the holder of the 2010 Maroondah Singers Memorial Scholarship,” Cr Makin said.

She will be joined on stage by group performances including the Maroondah Singers, students from Croydon West Primary School and Maroondah Secondary College, Croydon Citizens Band, Maroondah Brass and the Connection Community band,” Cr Makin said.

“On top of all this, Santa will arrive, spreading his own special brand of Christmas cheer for young and old alike, and joining in for a song or two with the community,” Cr Makin said.

Bring a picnic hamper, indulge in some sizzling sausages cooked by the Croydon West Guides, or enjoy other tasty treats from the Ainslie Park Cricket Club or Maroondah Secondary College canteens.

“Carols by Candlelight will conclude again this year with a brilliant fireworks display presented by Eastland,” Makin said.

“Council are pleased to have Eastland supporting this wonderful community event once again and we thank them for their involvement,” Cr Makin said.

A reminder to local residents with pets to be aware of the fireworks display, which will commence at approximately 9.15pm. The loud ‘bangs’ can cause dogs to panic and be frightened – due to their acute sense of hearing, so please ensure your dog is secure in your home or back garden during this event.

Carols by Candlelight will be held on Sunday 12 December from 7.30pm at Ainslie Park, Brentnall Road, Croydon next to Maroondah Secondary College. Melways Map 50 F3.

As parking onsite is limited, the community are encouraged to walk to the event where possible.

As an alternate, bus services along Route 670 drop off and pick up on Maroondah Highway, travelling between Ringwood Station and Lilydale Station. For more details on bus timetables contact MetLink on 13 1638 or visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au.

Candles and glowsticks will be available to be purchased on the night.

For further information about the Carols By Candlelight celebrations, contact Arts & Cultural Services on 9298 4553.

– ENDS –

Graduation of participants in the National Green Corps Program at Mullum Mullum Creek

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The National Green Corps Program is a Federal Government initiative that provides education and employment skills for young people that are unemployed and enjoy working in the outdoors. The City of Maroondah has been involved in the Green Corps Program through re-vegetation work along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The program is delivered through two rounds and this afternoon I attended the graduation ceremony of the first group of participants who have completed the six month program. Participants within the Green Corps Program gained formal qualifications through Swinburne TAFE, as well as practical employment skills in conservation and land management.

Alex with participants graduating form the National Green Corp Program at the Mullum Mullum Creek.
Alex with participants graduating form the National Green Corp Program at the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The program has been possible through a partnership between education and employment providers, as well community groups and Maroondah City Council. I extend my congratulations to the participants of the program and I look forward to the next round of students who will be participating and improving the biodiversity and amenity of the Mullum Mullum Creek.

Media Release: National Green Jobs Corps graduation

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After six months of working to improve the Mullum Mullum Creek area the National Green Jobs Corps crew will graduate from the program today.

National Green Jobs Corps is a Federal Government funded youth development program which offers young people a chance to gain quality experience and training while participating in community based projects of significant environmental and cultural heritage.

The Maroondah-based team worked in partnership with Council, Mission Australia Employment Solutions, Melbourne Water, Waterwatch Melbourne, Mullum Mullum Creek Bushcare Group, CRISP Community Nursery and Platypus Conservancy.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin, who attended the graduation today, said the participants had gained a lot of experience during the program.

“The program is structured in such a way that the participants receive the right balance of work experience, skill development and accredited training,” Cr Makin said.

“During the course of the program the participants in the Maroondah team assisted in the extension of the Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail, undertook extensive weed removal and revegetation works, and conducted water monitoring and flora and fauna surveys,” Cr Makin said.

“The new paths around the reserve are looking fantastic and I urge those who haven’t seen the works to head down and experience one of the most tranquil and beautiful areas that Maroondah has to offer,” Cr Makin said.

“It is great to know that the Mullum Mullum area is being preserved and enhanced, given its importance to the biodiversity of the area,” Cr Makin said.

Each of the participants will graduate with a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management from Swinburne TAFE, a Level II First-aid course and herbicide use training.

“So in the six months each of these participants has risen to the challenge and their efforts will be rewarded with nationally recognised qualifications and workplace experience. I wish them all the very best in their future careers,” Cr Makin said.

A second round of National Green Corps participants will now join the program, also working in the Mullum Mullum Creek area.

To be eligible for the National Green Jobs Corps program you have to be aged 17-24, unemployed and receiving the Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance or Parenting Payment.

– ENDS –