Category: Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee

Media Release: Council launches petition to upgrade Ringwood Station

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Maroondah City Council is calling on all state political parties to commit to delivering a safe, accessible and integrated Ringwood Station within the term of the next State Government.

On September 1, Council will launch a petition as the first stage of a community based campaign calling for the Station redevelopment.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said Council shares the community’s concern about the station.

“The Maroondah community has waited for far too long for a safe, accessible transit interchange. The current layout of the station fails disability compliance standards meaning it is difficult to access for people with a disability, the elderly and parents with prams,” Cr Makin said.

“The Disability Discrimination Act is about treating people equally and giving people the same opportunities as everyone else as to access public transport. The continued lack of commitment towards the upgrade makes a mockery of delivering sustainable and accessible transport options,” Cr Makin said.

“The Tudor-style brick building which houses the ticket office was built in 1889 and the footbridge linking the platforms was upgraded in the 1960s. Despite the substantial population growth in the region and the importance of public transport, there has been no significant upgrade to the station in more than 50 years,” Cr Makin said.

“Following years of lobbying by Council the State Government undertook initial urban design works in 2004,” Cr Makin said.

“In 2007 the State Government spent $4.5million on design works to integrate the public transport interchange with the Eastland redevelopment. In September 2008 the State Government announced $39million for the Bus Interchange and Maroondah Highway Station Plaza project. While this is a positive step, we are still waiting for a funding commitment to upgrade the most important aspect of the Central Activities District – Ringwood Station,” Cr Makin said.

“Council will continue to work in partnership with State Government, and meet with department representatives and ministers to stress the importance of upgrading Ringwood Station to be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and for safety reasons,” Cr Makin said.

“We will also continue to meet with local members of parliament who are supportive of Council’s campaign and are willing to advocate of our behalf for a funding commitment to this essential project,” Cr Makin said.

“The redevelopment of the Ringwood Station into an accessible, integrated and safe transit interchange is critical to the success of our transition into a sustainable and accessible Central Activities District,” Cr Makin said.

“Council has a critical role in advocating on behalf of our community. The petition is an important way for Council and the community to get that message to the State Government,” Cr Makin said.

“The best way we can do this is generating as much support as possible, so we encourage everyone to sign the petition which will be available online, at Council’s service centres and Ringwood and Croydon libraries,” Cr Makin said.

“The more community support we gain, the stronger our voice in demanding that the funding commitment is made. I urge the community to join this campaign and to get involved” Cr Makin concluded.

To sign the petition and to join the campaign you can:

Go online:
Maroondah Council website – www.maroondah.vic.gov.au
Maroondah Youth Services website www.maroondahyouthservices.com.au
Maroondah Youth Services MySpace page – www.myspace.com/maroondahyouthservices

Visit one of Council’s service centres:
City Offices Service Centre
Braeside Avenue, Ringwood

Eastland Service Centre
Level 2, Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood

Croydon Service Centre
Civic Square, Croydon

Visit one of Maroondah’s libraries:

Ringwood Library
4 Ringwood Street Mall, Ringwood
(Adjacent to Eastland Shopping Centre).

Croydon Library
Civic Square, Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon.

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Heatherdale Community Action Group – 2010 Annual General Meeting

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The Heatherdale Community Action Group was formed as a residents based group to preserve and enhance the amenity of Heatherdale, a locality located within the municipalities of Whitehorse and Maroondah.

This evening I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Heatherdale Community Action Group, where committee members were elected for the upcoming year. In addition, the evening featured a presentation from EACH a community based health provider located within the eastern region of Melbourne and beyond.

EACH, which was formally known as Eastern Access Community Health, has grown extensively since its formation over 30 years ago and now includes over 600 staff who deliver a range of health and community support services. In addition to its active presence in Maroondah, Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, EACH also covers most of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, as well as having a presence in regional Victoria and Western Sydney.

EACH has a focus on preventive health and provides services covering dental care, mental health, disability assistance, gambling assistance, counselling and career assistance. For further information on EACH please visit www.each.com.au.

Maroondah Leader: Polls pledge on station CCTVs

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One of the common issues shared by the Maroondah community is the lack of safety at Ringwood Station and this is an issue that has been raised in the context of the Federal election.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on commitments from both Mike Symon, the Federal Labor Member and Phil Barresi, the Liberal Candidate for Deakin, towards security cameras at Ringwood Station, which will be interlinked with the Ringwood Police.

Similar cameras have successfully reduced crime around Lilydale and Croydon Stations, with Police able to respond quickly to any incidents that may occur. While these cameras have been successful it is clear that a similar solution is required for Ringwood.

2010 NAIDOC Ball and Awards Evening

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NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July and provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and achievements. NAIDOC traces its history back to the 1920s when the first organised groups were formed to advocate for the recognition of Indigenous rights and culture. In the 1950s a committee was formed (then known as NADOC) to oversee a day of remembrance and celebration of Aboriginal culture, later expanding to to cover an entire week in July. In the 1990s the committee became known as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) in recognition of the distinct Torres Strait Islander culture.

At the conclusion of NAIDOC week, several NAIDOC Balls are held across Australia, including one in eastern Melbourne. The NAIDOC Ball includes an awards night that provides an opportunity to recognise achievements within Indigenous communities. This evening I attended the 2010 NAIDOC Ball in Croydon, where I was joined by Cr Rob Steane and several Councillors from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, as well as many non for profit organisations, businesses and Indigenous elders.

NAIDOC provides an opportunity to not only celebrate Indigenous culture but also to recognise the many individuals, organisations and businesses that are working to improve health, education and opportunities for Indigenous communities within Melbourne’s eastern region and beyond.

Delegates’ Report: Reconciliation Week, ALGA, Refugee Week and celebrating Guiding

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On the 26th of May I had the pleasure of launching Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week program at Maroondah Federation Estate.  The launch was held on National Sorry Day, which preceded National Reconciliation Week, which was held between the 27th May through to the 3rd of June.

Reconciliation Week  provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate indigenous culture and as part of the proceedings I had the pleasure of announcing the acquisition of  the artwork Tali, by Indigenous Elder Ray Ken.  Ray’s piece depicts the sandhill country around Watarru, the country of Ray’s grandmother.

The acquisition of this artwork demonstrates Maroondah’s ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, which is affirmed through our Community Wellbeing Plan, as well as our Reconciliation Policy. The artwork will be on display until the 30th of July in the foyer of Maroondah Federation Estate and I encourage you to take the time to view this artwork.

Between the 14th and 17th of June I participated in the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly, which was held in Canberra.  ALGA is the peak body representing local government across the country and I was joined by Cr. Les Willmott, Cr. Rob Steane, Cr. Michael Macdonald and Cr. Paul Macdonald, as well as Frank Dixon our Chief Executive Officer.

I would like to thank these colleagues for providing the time to attend the National General Assembly in Canberra.  A strong presence assists in creating recognition for Maroondah and helps set us apart from the hundreds of Councils that exist within Australia.  I would also like to thank our local Federal Members; Kevin Andrews, the Member for Menzies, Tony Smith, the Member for Casey and Mike Symon the Member for Deakin, who each took the time to meet us in Canberra.  In particular, Mike Symon organised meetings with senior Government Advisors and I would like to thank Mike for this effort.

While the National General Assembly concluded on the Thursday, I remained in Canberra until Friday the 18th of June, to attend the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG).  This organisation, was a Federal Government initiative, designed to increase collaboration and partnership between Councils and the Federal Government.  I was able to take this opportunity to speak to several members of the Government, where I was able to discuss Maroondah and the need for ongoing collaboration between all levels of Government.

While it is not easy to take a week out of anyone’s schedule to attend a conference, the trip to Canberra was useful and I will be tabling a formal written report at our next Council meeting.

Upon returning from Canberra, I attended two events on Saturday the 19th of June, the launch of Refugee Week and a celebration for the Centenary of Girl Guides. I was joined by Cr. Ann Fraser at both events and we were both able to participate in launching Refugee Week.

The theme for 2010 Refugee Week is Freedom from Fear, reflecting on the experiences that refugees have faced prior to their arrival in Australia. The launch for Refugee Week, was held at Maroondah Secondary College and included a cultural exchange of food, dance and music, many of which was delivered by students from the school.

I also had the pleasure of launching Maroondah’s updated version of the Guide for Migrant and Refugees, which has been revised following its original production in 2007. The new booklet was created through a partnership between many organisations, including Victoria Police and it is great to see this collaboration resulting in a useful guide for Maroondah’s emerging communities.

Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee – June 2010

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The Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee meets on a quarterly basis to review the implementation of Maroondah’s Wellbeing Plan.

Today’s meeting confirmed the terms of reference for the committee, as well as identifying potential portfolios of interest for its members. These portfolios will assist in monitoring the implementation of the Community Wellbeing Plan and ensures a partnership approach in delivering its actions.

The Community Wellbeing Plan is one of Council’s overarching strategies, which will work towards improving the wellbeing of the Maroondah community. The Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee will ensure that the plan delivers these positive outcomes for the community.

The Maroondah Interfaith Network – Celebrating National Family Week

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The Maroondah Interfaith Network was launched in 2009 to enhance linkages between the many faiths that exist within the Maroondah community.  The Network meets on a regular basis to foster discussion and is planning on holding further community events throughout the year.

This evening I attended the Maroondah Interfaith Network’s first community event, a discussion on the importance of family to coincide with National Family Week. The event included speakers from the Network who spoke about their faiths and the importance of the family within their beliefs.

The formation of the Maroondah Interfaith Network reinforces the growing diversity of the Maroondah community and provides a forum for people to become familiar with the different faiths that exist within our community.  The Network helps to enhance the wellbeing of the Maroondah community and it is great the group held its first community based event.

Maroondah Relay for Life – Information Evening

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The Relay for Life began in 1985 in the United States and has since been held in 21 countries worldwide, including Australia.  This year a local Maroondah family will be organising a Relay for Life in Maroondah, which will be held on the 20th and 21st of November at Town Park Athletic Track in Croydon.  The Relay for Life is held over the two days, where Cancer survivors, carers, family and friends participate in the event to raise funds for Cancer research and support.

This evening an information session was held at the Maroondah City Council, whereby a committee was formed to organise and oversee the event.  While the Relay for Life is a community based event, Maroondah Council  is providing assistance, ensuring that we are working in partnership to help raise funds and awareness for this cause.

I urge the Maroondah community to support this event, either through volunteering, raising funds or participating in the relay on the 20th and 21st of November at Town Park Athletic Track in Croydon,

Launch of Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan

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Maroondah Council formally adopted its Community Wellbeing Plan in December 2009, which outlines the initiatives that improve the health, safety and wellbeing of the municipality.

Councils are required to adopt a municipal health plan, which is aligned with the term of the council. These plans are developed in partnership with the community and the Maroondah’s Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee will be overseeing the implementation of Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan.

Alex launching Maroondah's Community Wellbeing Plan
Alex launching Maroondah's Community Wellbeing Plan

This morning I officially launched Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan, in an event that included the many organisations and community members that assisted Council in developing the strategy.

The speech delivered during the launch is included below:

In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are meeting on land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.

We, Maroondah City Council, accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome.

The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.

The Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Plan was developed in partnership with the Maroondah community, local organisations and State Government.

The development and implementation of the Plan is a legislative requirement under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

The Plan aims to improve the health and wellbeing for the Maroondah community, by addressing issues that impact Maroondah’s community.

Maroondah undertook extensive consultation in developing the plan, including a survey of households through the Maroondah Focus, as well as discussions at Eastland, community organisations and the Council’s know your parks program.

Part of this consultation included the involvement of Primary School students who provided drawings of what they like in Maroondah. Several of these drawings are available in the plan, as well as on display today.

Six priority areas were identified during this extensive consultation:

  • Healthy Minds Healthy Choices
  • Engaged Resilient Communities
  • Accessible Safe Communities
  • Lifestyle Opportunities to Support Health and Wellbeing
  • Targeting Equity and Social Inclusion
  • Healthy Sustainable Environments.

Each of these six priority areas have action plans involving specific objectives, strategies, and timeframes, which will be monitored by the Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee.

Some of the action plans have already been implemented, including the forming of Maroondah’s new Partners in Safety Committee, which is a partnership between Council and agencies dedicated to improving safety within our municipality.

The development of the plan was made possible through the many organisations that provided input, including the members of Maroondah’s former Partners in Safety, Health and Wellbeing Committee and many of these participants are here today.

The implementation of Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan will only be possible through partnership with community organisations. It gives me great pleasure to officially launch the plan and Council looks forward to working with the many members of our community to ensure how we can improve the health, safety and wellbeing of Maroondah.

Media Release: Key health and wellbeing plan unveiled

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The City of Maroondah is preparing to unveil a high-level strategic plan that will guide Council’s promotion of a healthy, happy municipality over the next four years.

The 2009-2013 Maroondah Community Wellbeing Plan is underpinned by extensive community consultation and a comprehensive research report, which provided the basis for its six health and wellbeing priorities – healthy minds, healthy choices; engaged, resilient communities; accessible, safe communities; lifestyle opportunities to support health and wellbeing; targeting equity and social inclusion; and healthy, sustainable environments.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said the plan included six action plans with specific objectives and strategies to support each of the priorities.

“The Maroondah Community Wellbeing Plan will be implemented by Council in partnership with the community, local agencies and the State Government,” Cr Makin said.

“The plan aims to work towards an optimal state of health and wellbeing for the Maroondah community by addressing issues impacting on the entire municipality. The plan will also address issues related to social and economic disadvantage that result in poor health outcomes for particular groups in our community,” Cr Makin said.

The former Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Community Wellbeing Committee (now retired) was responsible for the plan’s development and setting its strategic direction. Maroondah’s new Community Wellbeing Committee will oversee the plan’s implementation.

“The Maroondah Community Wellbeing plan is a significant strategic document and we are confident that, with the involvement and support of our community and partners, we will nurture and develop the health and wellbeing of the Maroondah community well into the future,” Cr Makin said.

Cr Makin will launch the 2009-2013 Maroondah Community Wellbeing Plan on Monday 19 April at the Karralyka Centre in Mines Road, Ringwood East.

VicHealth Social Connection, Economic Participation and Workforce Development Manager Irene Verins will cover the topic of social inclusion and health during the keynote speech of the launch.

Copies of the plan will be available at Council Service Centres or online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au after Monday 19 April.

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