Speeches and Presentations Archives

Refugee Week 2010 – Freedom From Fear

Posted on 19 June 2010 by alex

Maroondah is becoming an increasingly diverse community, with India, China, Burma, Sri Lanka and Sudan featuring in the top 10 most common countries of birth for recent immigrants into Maroondah. In recent years, Maroondah has also seen an increase in refugees who have left their former homes to start a new life within Australia and Maroondah.

Refugee Week is an event facilitated through the Refugee Council of Australia and for 2010 is held between the 20th and 26th of June, coinciding with World Refugee Day which is on the 20th. This afternoon I was invited to launch Maroondah’s celebration of Refugee Week, held at Maroondah Secondary College, a school that has a number of refugee families.

The launch of Refugee Week was a cultural experience, featuring food, dancing and music from many of Maroondah’s multicultural communities.

Alex with dancers from the Karen Community at Maroondah Refugee Week

The theme for Refugee Week 2010 is Freedom From Fear, reflecting the past experiences, in escaping repression, hardship and warfare, and the desire for a welcoming community. Several organisations have been working in partnership to provide services for refugees, including Maroondah City Council, Victoria Police, the Migrant Information Centre, Swinburne University, AMES and schools such as Maroondah Secondary College and Ringwood Secondary College.

These organisations have provided an holistic approach to assisting migrants within Maroondah, including the compilation of a guide on local services and groups for migrants and refugees within Maroondah. The Guide, which was first produced in 2007, has been updated to include new services and groups that are available to migrants and refugees.

I had the pleasure of launching the Booklet and I was joined by Cr Ann Fraser to launch a learn to drive program for migrants supported by several organisations, including Maroondah City Council. These services will assist in providing a positive and welcoming future for Maroondah’s emerging communities.

Alex along with Cr Ann Fraser and community members at Maroondah's Refugee Week celebrations

The Guide for Migrant and Refugees will also be available at Maroondah’s Service Centres, as well as the Maroondah City Council website www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Opening of the Glen Park Pavilion

Posted on 9 June 2010 by alex

Glen Park, located in Bayswater North, is home to Glen Park Community Centre, as well as sporting facilities, including an oval, which is used by the Croydon South Cricket Club and the Ringwood East Junior Football Club.

Alex with Mike Symon, the Member for Deakin, at the opening of the Glen Park Pavilion

Glen Park is part of the Bayswater North Neighbourhood Renewal Project and as a result Council Future Directions Masterplan, which identifies community improvements within the precinct. The new pavilion provides dedicated facilities for the sporting clubs and provides additional space for the Glen Park Community Centre.

Alex at the opening of the Glen Park Paviliion — Alex with Mike Symon, the Member for Deakin, at the opening of the Glen Park Pavilion

This evening I joined Mike Symon,the Member for Deakin, in officially opening the new pavilion. The speech I delivered is within this post:

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Launch of the Dorset Golf Course Redevelopment

Posted on 8 June 2010 by alex

The Dorset Golf Course is Trawalla Road in Croydon and is one of two public golf courses located within the City of Maroondah. The course was opened in 1983 and is an 18 hole course on a 45 hectare site.

As part of the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package, Maroondah City Council was able to secure funding to redevelop the club rooms, which failed to meet accessibility standards and were in need of restoration.

Alex with Mike Symon, Member for Deakin and Senator David Feeney at the launch of the new Dorset Golf Club Rooms

This afternoon I was joined by Senator David Feeney to officially open these extensions. The copy of the speech is included within this post:

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Maroondah celebrates National Reconciliation Week

Posted on 26 May 2010 by alex

National Reconciliation Week is held between the 27th of May and the 3rd of June and aims to foster mutual respect and wellbeing between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

Alex with Aunty Doreen Garvey-Wandin, Wurundjeri/Wandoon Elder at the 2010 Launch of Reconciliation Week

Maroondah celebrates Reconciliation Week through an official launch, which was held today to acknowledge National Sorry Day on the 26th of May. National Sorry Day was formed in 1998 and in recognition of the Bringing Them Home Report and to acknowledge past injustices towards indigenous Australians so as to begin the process of reconciliation

Maroondah released its Reconciliation Policy in 2009 and released its Community Wellbeing Plan earlier this year. Both plans strengthen Maroondah’s approach towards reconciliation through education and strengthening wellbeing within our community.

Alex announcing the acquisition of the painting Tali, reaffirming Maroondah's commitment to Reconciliation

To reaffirm Council’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation I had the pleasure of announcing the acquisition of the painting Tali by Indigenous Elder Ray Ken. The artwork depicts the story of the sandhill country around Watarru, the country of Ray’s grandmother. The artwork will be on display until the 30th of July in the foyer of Maroondah Federation Estate.

A series of events will be provided in recognition of reconciliation week, including cultural awareness training, documentaries and workshops. For further details please visit www.artsinmaroondah.com.au/ReconWeek.htm

The speech delivered at the launch of Reconciliation Week 2010 is available within this post:
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Ringwood U3A – 25th Birthday Celebrations

Posted on 15 May 2010 by alex

Universities of the Third Age (U3A) are a global movement which provides education and life-long learning for retirees. The concept of U3As began in France in 1972 and spread quickly throughout the World, including Australia. Thirty years ago, Ringwood became the home to one of the very first U3As within Victoria, based at Norwood Hall along Warrandyte Road in Ringwood North.

This afternoon I attended a luncheon to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ringwood U3A, where past and current members reflected on the past thirty years and the ongoing interest in U3As. Twenty-five years ago U3As were a new and novel concept and the establishment of Ringwood’s U3A was the result of determination and ongoing support from several founding members. This dedication has delivered results, with the Ringwood U3A flourishing and offering a wide variety of courses to cater to a diverse range of interests.

Alex with the Member for Deakin, Mike Symon and U3A members at the 25th birthday celebrations for Ringwood U3A.

As part of the proceedings I was invited to speak at the celebrations, where I reiterated the importance of life-long education and congratulated the many people involved in their ongoing support to the Ringwood U3A. I also discussed the future opportunities that may exist through Council’s assessment of community facilities. This assessment will assist in providing information on available community space, assisting community groups in finding locations for their activities.

In addition, Maroondah Council is currently conducting an assessment of Norwood Hall, prompted by the desired relocation of North Ringwood Community House and this will provide an opportunity to explore options to better cater for the needs of the existing groups at Norwood Hall.

Alex presenting a certificate of appreciation recognising the assistance provided towards Ringwood U3A.

Community organisations like the Ringwood U3A provide new opportunities for seniors, as well as reducing social isolation and promoting active participation within our community. I look forward to seeing many years of future success for the Ringwood U3A.

Maroondah Young Leaders Presentation Evening

Posted on 7 May 2010 by alex

The Maroondah Young Leaders is a week-long program held at the EVs Youth Centre in Croydon and involves up to thirty local year 10 students.. The program aims to develop confidence and leadership skills, with the students selected in consultation with teachers from the participating schools.

This evening I officially congratulated the students for their successful completion of the program. The Young Leaders program provides life-long skills, including working with groups, public speaking and confidence, which are useful in educational, recreational, employment and community pursuits.

The presentation evening includes a performance organised by the participants, where they showcase the skills they have learnt during the week.

In addition, several of the students will be participating in the Community Action Project, which is where the participants complete a project that aims to be of assistance to the wider community. Last year’s group completed a video highlighting bullying, which was well received by schools within Maroondah. Discussions and planning for the Community Action Project will begin in a few weeks and is coordinated through the Maroondah Youth Services Team based at the EVs Youth Centre.

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

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Launch of Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan

Posted on 19 April 2010 by alex

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

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.

Maroondah Art Gallery – Konrad Winkler’s Moments of My Life and Ringwood Arts Society’s Artist of the Year

Posted on 15 April 2010 by alex

Tonight I launched the Maroondah Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, Konrad Winkler’s Moments of my Life and the Ringwood Art Society’s Artist of the Year.

Konrad is a Melbourne based photographer who explores the changing nature of photography and its relationship with extraordinary and everyday events. Each piece is accompanied by a humorous recount of the event depicted in the photograph.

On display in the Muriel McGivern Room are the entrants from the Ringwood Arts Society Artist of the Year exhibition. The exhibition features work by twenty artists, who had to submit three pieces to enter the competition.

The entrants were assessed and judged by Walter Magilton, an independent adjudicator who announced the Artist of the Year and other works which were highly commended.

The Ringwood Art Society is one of Victoria’s oldest and largest art groups, with over 260 members. The society was established in 1966 and provides art classes, outdoor painting excursions and highlights the strong interest in art and culture within Maroondah.

The Mayor of Maroondah is provided with an art acquisition fund and as Mayor I have decided that Council will be purchasing one of the artworks on display through the Ringwood Art Society. Council is currently liaising with the artist but a full announcement will be made shortly.

The two exhibitions will be on display until the 8th of May. The Maroondah Art Gallery is based at Maroondah Federation Estate in Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

A copy of the speech I delivered at the opening of the exhibition is available within this post:

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Opening of the Glen Park Men’s Shed

Posted on 19 March 2010 by alex

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.

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

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2010 Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day

Posted on 18 March 2010 by alex

Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to recognise multicultural ism and to promote inclusiveness within our community. Harmony Day marks the final day of Cultural Diversity Week with its message of Everyone Belongs.

Alex with members of the Sudanese community during the Harmony Day Festivities at the Ringwood Library

Throughout the day Centrelink, Eastern Regional Libraries, Maroondah City Council, Department of Justice, Mission Australia, Migrant Information Centre and Ringwood Police organised a Festival outside the Ringwood Library to promote Harmony Day and Cultural Diversity Week.

The theme for this year’s Harmony Day is Express Yourself and the festivities included face painting, music, dance and story telling. It was great to see such a strong interest in the event and the participation of many members of our community.

Alex with an organiser of the Harmony Day Festivities

I was invited to officially launch the event and the opening speech is included below:

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