Category: Media Releases

View media releases issued by Alex Makin

Media Release: Ringwood Station petition well supported

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Maroondah City Council’s petition calling on all state political parties to commit to a redevelopment of Ringwood Station in the next term of government has received generous support from the community.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said to date more than 150 people had signed the petition, some choosing to leave comments on Council’s website.

“It has been great to hear how strongly the community feel about the need for an upgrade to the station. Last week Council released a video on our website which highlights the difficulties people who rely on a mobility device have in accessing the station,” Cr Makin said.

“The amount of community support our campaign has received to date speaks for itself. People are fed up with the current state of the station and are willing to speak out to campaign for change,” Cr Makin said.

“I urge those who haven’t already signed the petition to visit one of Council’s service centres or website and support our campaign. The more community support we can generate the greater the impact it will have when we present the petition to the political parties,” Cr Makin said.

Some of the comments posted on Council’s online petition:

“Every time I walk up or down this station I wonder how people with disabilities, pregnant women or mums with prams get up and down the walkway to go over the tracks. It’s a big worry, and I feel unsafe walking there and nothing is even wrong with me.” Georgia, Mount Evelyn

“Ringwood Station needs to be more user friendly for all Maroondah residents. More and more residents are relying on Ringwood Station than ever before. It is time to invest.” Emily, Ringwood.

“This is discrimination, clear and simple.” Aidan, Bayswater North

“I use Ringwood Station daily for commuting to work in the city and the Ringwood Station is a joke….. The ramps are quite steep and falling over on icy conditions is not uncommon, I have done it a couple of times. We need action fast.” Sandy, Ringwood.

“The sooner the better, waited too long,” Ringwood East couple

“I have a 19-year-old intellectually and physically disabled daughter. It is IMPOSSIBLE for us to use Ringwood Station due to the appalling lack of disabled facilities. Is it not part of the State Disability Plan to ensure ALL Government sites have disabled access? Surely the Department of Transport is remiss in its responsibility to ensure that Ringwood Station (as a major transport hub) is accessible for all people, not just the able bodied. Karen, Ringwood East.

“It is appalling that people who use public transport should be subjected to an unsafe and intimidating environment at their local station. Ringwood Station is an anachronism that the Government should be ashamed of, and improve if it has any sense of social conscious.” Nick

Go online to watch the video, to complete an online submission or to download a copy of the petition:
Maroondah Council website – www.maroondah.vic.gov.au
Maroondah Youth Services website www.maroondahyouthservices.com.au

To sign the petition or find out more about the campaign:
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 Council’s facilities:
Arrabri Community Centre
Allambanan Drive, Bayswater North.

Croydon Library
Civic Square, Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon.

Karralyka Centre
Mines Road, Ringwood.

Maroondah Federation Estate
Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

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

Wyreena Community Arts Centre
13-23 Hull Road, Croydon.

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Media Release: Video highlights Ringwood Station inadequacies

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Maroondah City Council has stepped up the Ringwood Station advocacy campaign launching an online video highlighting major accessibility issues at the station.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the video highlighted the shocking state of the station.

“The video really shows how bad the station is and how inaccessible it is for those who rely on wheelchairs or scooters as a mode of transport. Viewers will be able to see what these people go through every time they use Ringwood Station,” Cr Makin said.

“I have met with and spoken to many people in the past few weeks and they have all expressed their fear of using the station because of the accessibility issues,” Cr Makin said.

“In one case the ramps were so steep that the rear support wheels on their wheelchair lifted two or three centimetres off the ground while going down the ramps. Others cannot stop on the ramps because the brakes are not strong enough to cope with the inappropriate gradient,” Cr Makin said.

“These cases just highlight the station’s inadequacies and shows the personal impact it is having because it is not compliant with the State Government’s own Disability Discrimination Act. It is time that Ringwood Station receives the upgrade it deserves,” Cr Makin said.

“Since the start of the advocacy campaign, the amount of support and feedback Council has received has been phenomenal. This is something that the people of Maroondah feel strongly about, and Council has listened to their concerns and is doing everything possible to ensure our concerns are heard,” Cr Makin said.

Maroondah City Council is conducting a petition calling on all state political parties to commit to an upgrade of Ringwood Station within the term of the next government.

The video will be available via Maroondah City Council’s website from Tuesday September 13.

Go online to watch the video, to complete an online submission or to download a copy of the petition:
Maroondah Council website – www.maroondah.vic.gov.au
Maroondah Youth Services website www.maroondahyouthservices.com.au

To sign the petition:

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 Council’s facilities:
Arrabri Community Centre
Allambanan Drive, Bayswater North.

Croydon Library
Civic Square, Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon.

Karralyka Centre
Mines Road, Ringwood.

Maroondah Federation Estate
Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

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

Wyreena Community Arts Centre
13-23 Hull Road, Croydon.

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Media Release: New holistic approach to Home and Community Care services

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Maroondah City Council will this week launch a change to their Maroondah Home and Community Care program as part of the Department of Health’s newly developed approach to service delivery.

The changes are a State Government legislative requirement aimed at improving services for frail older people, people with a disability and their carer.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the changes would result in more flexible, personalised services which promoted wellness to maintain and or improve an individual’s capacity to live as independently and autonomously as possible.

“The services will not be a one size fits all approach, Council has adopted the wellness approach which is centred on assisting each client with their individual nutritional, social and cultural needs,” Cr Makin said.

“This includes encouraging and assisting people to continue their hobbies, walk around their communities and maintain their levels of activity. The changes will help clients and their carers to establish goals and supply them with the relevant services to enable them to best meet their goals,” Cr Makin said.

“It is about providing services which promote capacity building and restorative care so that people can stay involved in everyday activities, maintain or rebuild their confidence and strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing life circumstances,” Cr Makin said.

“Growing evidence suggests that being physically active, having a nutritious diet and remaining mentally and socially engaged with friends, family and the broader community can help to reduce the impact of some conditions associated with ageing,” Cr Makin said.

“So with the assistance of these services hopefully more and more people can maintain their independence for longer and avoid premature admission to long term residential care,” Cr Makin said.

Services provided through HACC include:

  • Meals on Wheels
  • Planned activity groups
  • Carer support
  • Social support programs
  • Domestic assistance
  • Personal care
  • Respite care
  • Home from Home pilot program
  • Support Residential Services
  • Integrated Holiday Program
  • Property Maintenance

Councillor Makin said while the services being offered were still the same, the way they will be delivered to clients will change.

“The service will be a person centred approach. Clients will continue to be assessed by Council officers in their own home and a Wellness Action Plan will be prepared identifying goals they would like to achieve,” Cr Makin said.

“These will vary for each person but could include things like building up the strength to be able to clean their own home, or being mobile enough to do their own shopping,” Cr Makin said.

“During this initial phase clients and their carers will be provided information on a range of other HACC services which would also enable them to live more independently, remain active members of the community and achieve the goals of the Wellness Action Plan,” Cr Makin said.

“Supporting an individual in this way is a shared responsibility and where appropriate, clients, family and friends will be encouraged to be involved in preparing and maintaining the Wellness Action Plan,” Cr Makin said.

People eligible to receive HACC services are the frail older people, and people with a disability and their carers. Services are provided on the basis of eligibility, assessed need and within service resources.

While Council provides the HACC services, the Department of Health is responsible for managing the program under the Home and Community Care Act 1985.

Maroondah City Council has already received recognition for the transition into this new approach being a finalist in the Award for Outstanding Program or Project (Grant Based) category at the LGPro Aged and Disability Services Awards. The award recognises the development and implementation of a project or program which has achieved a significant service improvement though an effective and innovative approach.


For more information contact Council’s Aged and Disability Services on 9294 5729.

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Media Release: Six key priorities for Eastern Region Councils

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The Mayors and CEOS of the Eastern Region Councils met the candidates of the major parties last week to discuss the key priorities for the coming State Election.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin, who chaired the meeting, said representatives from Yarra Ranges, Banyule, Boroondara, Greater Dandenong, Knox, Manningham, Nillumbik and Whitehorse councils all attended the event.

“The Eastern Region Councils represent more than 1.34 million people which is 25 per cent of Melbourne’s metropolitan population, so by joining forces we have more scope to ensure our concerns are addressed by the State Government,” Cr Makin said.

“Last week’s meeting was an opportunity to ensure the major party candidates in the upcoming election were fully briefed on the ERC priority issues and concerns,” Cr Makin said.

The Eastern Region Councils priorities are: public transport; early years; street lighting; school crossing supervision; libraries and land use planning

“We believe the residents living in the eastern region deserve an improved level of public transport services. The Eastern Region Councils are calling on the State Government to take the lead when it comes to developing a long term regional public transport strategy which addresses the needs of the eastern region,” Cr Makin said.

“Some of the major projects that were discussed were the triplication of the train line between Box Hill and Ringwood and the duplication of single tracks running to Lilydale and Belgrave,” Cr Makin said.

“We also discussed the need for high capacity public transport connecting Rowville and Doncaster to the city, and introducing a review of the public transport pricing arrangements,” Cr Makin said.

“These types of changes would go a long way to addressing the current and future needs of the growing population in the eastern region,” Cr Makin said.

Another major concern of the Eastern Region Councils is the development and implementation of the Early Years Reform.

“While the Eastern Region Councils are supportive of the Early Years Reform we believe it is imperative that the collective impacts of all the components of the reform are considered during the development of the implementation plan,”; Cr Makin said.

“Eastern Region Councils would like to see a consultative and partnership approach during the implementation of the reform and to ensure there is adequate funding and resources allocated to the reform,” Cr Makin said.

Street lighting is the third priority or the Eastern Region Councils and one that has been generating a lot of support via the MAV’s Give Our Streets the Green Light campaign.

“The Eastern Region Councils are calling on the State Government to make a funding commitment towards the capital costs of changing over the street lights to more energy efficient globes,” Cr Makin said.

The third priority is the increasing cost of school crossing supervisors due to cost-shifting from the State Government.

“The cost of implementing the program each year is increasing due to the amount of cost-shifting coming from the State Government,” Cr Makin.

“The funding gap just continues to grow, with councils now subsidising about 75 per cent of the school crossing program,” Cr Makin said.

“To address this issue the Eastern Region Councils are calling on a 50:50 type system to better share the costs between local and state governments,” Cr Makin said.

“The group is calling for a similar agreement to help cover the costs associated with running library services. The current models of State Government funding doesn’t take
into account inflation or population growth, so the funds are only covering about 20 per cent of operating the facilities,” Cr Makin said.

“The councils are seeking a long term funding agreement from the State Government which better recognises the growing costs of operating library services,” Cr Makin said.

“Planning and land use issues are also a high priority, with the Eastern Region Councils seeking a commitment from the State Government to amend sections of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 which would give more weight to local government planning scheme amendments which have reached the exhibition stage,” Cr Makin said.

“At the moment Eastern Region Councils don’t have enough confidence in the process because of the variations in which the planning policy is interpreted at VCAT level. By introducing clearer definitions in the policy, the Eastern Region Councils believe there would be greater certainty and less dissatisfaction among residents and developers,” Cr Makin said.

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Media Release: Community expo on Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure proposal a success

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At least two more information expos on the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility are planned following the success of the Eastland expo on August 26.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the expo gave the community a chance to see how the proposed facility would provide exciting aquatic and leisure activities for all members of the Maroondah community.

“It was great to see so many people taking advantage of the expo and spend the time to look at the range of information, images and concept plans which were on display. For those who wanted to discuss the proposal further we had leisure experts, representatives from Ringwood Diving Club, Ringwood Swimming Club, Ringwood Triathlon Club and council staff on hand to answer all of their questions,” Cr Makin said.

“We had people from all ages and interests come and discuss the proposal with us. The majority were supportive of the proposed project and were keen to hear about the planned aspects of the project particularly the water play areas, water slides and the various programs which would be on offer,” Cr Makin said.

“Of course not everyone was supportive of the proposal, however after discussing their concerns most people realised that the extensive range of facilities and proposed programs would be of benefit to either themselves or their families,” Cr Makin said.

“One of the best things about the proposal is that it caters for everyone from young children to our seniors, and it will be fully accessible for all,” Cr Makin said.

“The proposal includes a warm water pool; dedicated learn to swim pool; 50 metre pool; an extensive water play area and large indoor water slides, an extensive gymnasium with multi-purpose exercise rooms and a wellness centre,” Cr Makin said.

“Representatives from Ringwood Diving Club were on hand at the expo to discuss the benefits of a state diving centre which is proposed for the venue,” Cr Makin said.

“The club already has a long history of divers who have represented Australia at an Olympic and Commonwealth games level, including gold medallist Chantelle Newbury, and they are well aware of the benefits that would come with the proposed dry driving training facilities and the FINA standard 10 metre diving tower and pool. These aspects of the proposal are still subject to significant State and Federal Government funding,” Cr Makin said.


Council is planning further community expos at Eastland and the Ringwood Aquatic Centre and will have a stall set up at the Maroondah Festival which is on Sunday November 7. At All three events the public will have an opportunity to chat to the experts; meet representatives from swimming, diving and other aquatic sports; and provide feedback on the proposed facility.

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Media Release: Maroondah Business Week bookings now open

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The Maroondah Business Week 2010 brochure is now available, detailing the range of workshops, seminars and networking sessions open to business owners and operators who wish to participate in this year’s Maroondah Business Week activities.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said anyone considering attending the range of networking and information sessions during Maroondah Business Week should decide what they would like to attend, and book early.

“We have introduced closing dates for our key events, so it is more important than ever that people get their tickets early,” Cr Makin said.

“There are a lot of opportunities for business owners and operators wanting to network with other local businesses, or learn new strategies to improve your business. Maroondah Business Week 2010 should not be missed,” said Cr Makin.

“Running from Monday 4 October to Friday 8 October, Maroondah Business Week covers everything you could want to know about doing business successfully in this city,” Cr Makin said.

Maroondah Business Week 2010 highlights include three guest speakers who will entertain and move you with their wealth of experience in life and in business:

Former Melbourne Football Club player David Schwarz will speak at the NAB Business Breakfast on 6 October at the Karralyka Centre from 7am until 9am.

Since retiring from the Melbourne Football Club after 11 years, David has pursued an active media career, co-hosting the sports radio program The Home Run and was a part of Channel 7’s AFL commentary team, but his reputation was tainted after revealing his had lost more than $4 million through gambling.

In 2007, the reformed gambler was appointed the Responsible Gambling Ambassador of the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group.

“By speaking about his experiences on and off the field, David will provide an insight into how he overcame his inner demons and transformed them into new opportunities,” Cr Makin said.

Peter Alexander, best known for his range of sleepwear, will share his secrets of success at the RACV Business Insurance Networking Event from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on 7 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Peter is a true entrepreneur, launching his range of sleepwear as a single man working from his living room table. His name is now recognised around the globe and at the height of success his business profits were growing at up to 40 per cent a year.

“At the age of 24 Peter made the tough decision to go out on his own. While the start up phase was difficult he overcame everything that was thrown at him. There is no doubt that Peter has a wealth of information to share about establishing brand loyalty,” Cr Makin said.

Then you can join author and model Tara Moss at the Eastland Business Lunch from noon to 2pm on Friday 8 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Tara had her first novel published at the age of 24, and has since become the number one crime writer in Australia. As a model she has graced the covers of more than 30 magazines.

“Tara lives her life by the motto ‘life is too short to live the same day twice’ and I think that is something we could all take on board. So why not come along and gain an insight into how to transform your passions into a successful career,” Cr Makin said.

The vast majority of business opportunities are found through networking, so bring along plenty of business cards and a willingness to connect with like-minded business people and meet some of Maroondah’s most influential and ‘up and coming’ business professionals.

Bookings can now be made for all events and workshops.

Further information on the complete range of activities during Maroondah Business Week 2010 can be found in the brochure available at all Council Service Centres, or by visiting www.bizmaroondah.com.au

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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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Media Release: Council congratulates MPs on their win

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Maroondah City Council congratulates the re-elected Federal Members of Parliament in the seats of Deakin, Casey and Menzies.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said Council was looking forward to working with the MPs.

“Council has already established a strong working relationship with the member for Casey Tony Smith, the member for Deakin Mike Symon and the member for Menzies Kevin Andrews over the past three years,” Cr Makin said.

“Council met with most of the candidates prior to the election to ensure they were aware of the issues and projects that were a concern to the Maroondah community,” Cr Makin said.

“With Ringwood being one of six State Government designated Central Activities Districts Maroondah is seeing some significant investment and development from both the State Government and private enterprises,” Cr Makin said.

“We will now continue to work with the Federal MPs to gain their support for some major projects in Maroondah, primarily the proposed $48 million Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre,” Cr Makin said.

“The proposed project would provide enormous community benefit, ensuring significant leisure and aquatic facilities for the Maroondah and regional community for the next 50 years. There would also be a substantial economic and employment benefit to the region during construction and operation of the proposed facility,” Cr Makin said.

“Council is seeking substantial funding from the Federal Government to assist with the development of this project, particularly for the proposed diving facilities which would include a unique dry diving training facilities for the State, as well as a FINA standard 10 metre diving tower and pool,” Cr Makin said.

So far Council has received substantial letters of support for the proposed project from:

  • Diving Australia
  • Diving Victoria
  • Swimming Australia
  • Swimming Victoria
  • Ringwood Diving Club
  • Whitehorse Diving Club
  • Ringwood Swimming Club
  • Victoria Water Polo
  • Ringwood Water Polo Club
  • Ringwood Triathlon Club
  • Knox City Council
  • Eastern Independent Schools Melbourne
  • Aquinas College
  • Tintern Schools
  • Maroondah Secondary College
  • Yarra Valley Grammar
  • Ringwood Secondary College
  • Eastern Access Community Health
  • Scope
  • Ringwood Spiders Football Club
  • Heathmont Football Club
  • North Ringwood Football Club
  • Ringwood Bowls Club
  • East Ringwood Junior Football Club
  • Ringwood Football Club
  • Ringwood Croquet Club
  • Ringwood Professional Athletics Club
  • East Ringwood Tennis Club
  • Croydon Cricket Club

“We are confident that the local MPs will see the significant benefit the proposal would make to the region, and that they are willing to support the proposal and advocate for funding on behalf of their community,” Cr Makin said.

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Media Release: Change to local law encourages debate and interaction at Meetings

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To ensure that Council meetings are more interactive and engaging, Maroondah City Council has formally adopted a change to a Local Law at its meeting on Monday 16 August.

Local Law 9 will now replace Local Law 7 that regulates meeting procedures at Council Meetings.

“The changes demonstrate Council’s overwhelming support for accessible and accountable Local Government, and will permit the community to hear and see more than ever before,” said Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin

“An example of some of the changes includes the opportunity for the public to hear Council presentations to further explain agenda items. Councillors will also present Ward reports to keep the community up to date with new developments and projects,” said Cr Makin.

The proposed amendment had been on public exhibition at Braeside Avenue as well as at Council Service Centres and on the website, and the public was encouraged to make submissions.

The submissions received all had the same theme -the addition of Acknowledgement of Country to the Order of Business for Council meetings.

“Following the public submissions, Council is proud to incorporate an Acknowledgement of Country as part of the Order of Business at both Ordinary and special meetings of Council,” Cr Makin said.

The Acknowledgement of Country forms part of Council’s Reconciliation Policy Statement which reaffirms its commitment to the process of reconciliation and the desire to build strong partnerships with the local Indigenous community.

“Another significant change to meeting procedures is that Question Time can be extended by an additional 10 minutes if required to complement the aim of increased participation and interaction from the community,” said Cr Makin.

As well as changes to process, the Council Chamber has also experienced a change to layout.

“New ramp access will improve accessibility to the chamber floor. Plus, the change to the seating arrangements means that Councillors will no longer sit with their backs to the public gallery, thereby promoting a feeling of inclusiveness,” Cr Makin said.

Council meets on the third Monday of each month and meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates may change if the meeting falls on a public holiday. Council is generally in recess in January.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7.30pm on Monday 20 September at Council Chambers, Braeside Avenue Ringwood.

Media Release: Maroondah celebrates National Meals on Wheels Day

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Maroondah City Council will be recognising the local heroes of its Meals on Wheels service on Wednesday 25 August as part of National Meals on Wheels Day.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin, and Councillor Nora Lamont will be joining volunteers to deliver the delicious meals to clients in and around Maroondah.

“It’s a pleasure working with a team of dedicated volunteers to ensure the Meals on Wheels service continues to offer nutritious meals while allowing clients to retain their independence,” Cr Makin said.

“There are approximately 190 Meals on Wheels volunteers in Maroondah delivering up to 1200 meals to 300 clients each week. Each volunteer is a valuable asset to Council and the community,” Cr Makin said.

“As well as enjoying a delicious meal, clients also receive the benefit of having a friendly volunteer checking on their well being and making sure they are alright,” Cr Makin said.

“On average 60,000 meals are made and delivered each year. Piping hot and fresh from the kitchen at Karralyka, the meals are delivered to those in our community who are having difficulty in preparing and cooking their own meals,” Cr Makin said.

Meals on Wheels menus offer a choice of three hot meals 5 days per week, chilled meals are also available and frozen meals are provided for weekends and public holidays.

Menus are developed with dietary guidelines in mind and some medical conditions, such as diabetes and coeliac disease may be catered for.

Meals on Wheels is a Council-run Home and Community Care service. To find out more about the service in Maroondah, phone Council on 1300 88 22 33 or visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

For more information on volunteering contact Aged and Disability Services Volunteer Coordinator Trish Matthes on 9298 4569.

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