Tag: ceremony

Media Release: Maroondah celebrates National Reconciliation Week

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Well-respected Indigenous rights speaker and performer Kutcha Edwards will be a special guest at Maroondah City Council’s National Reconciliation Week celebrations.

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May – 3 June and recognises the rich culture and history of the First Australians.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said this year’s event would provide a variety of opportunities encouraging the community to explore Indigenous culture and heritage.

“I’d like to extend an invitation to the community to attend Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week celebrations from 10.30am at Maroondah Federation Estate on Tuesday May 31,” Cr Makin said.

“The launch will include a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a flag ceremony and a mesmerising didgeridoo performance by an indigenous performer,” Cr Makin said.

“Following the official procedures, Kutcha Edwards will speak about the theme for this year’s Reconciliation Week – Let’s talk recognition,” Cr Makin said.

“Edwards was born into the Mutti Mutti tribe in New South Wales, before being “stolen” from his family at 18 months of age. As a teenager he was reunited with his family, and started his journey to reconnect with his heritage,” Cr Makin said.

“Edwards now devotes his life working with various community groups including the Aboriginal Community Elders Services (ACES), Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Fitzroy Stars Youth Club Gymnasium and the Koorie Open Door Education school at Glenroy,” Cr Makin said.

As part of Reconciliation Week, Council will also host an Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training session at Maroondah Federation Estate later in the week.

To find out more about Reconciliation Week events visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

– ENDS –

2011 Australia Day celebrations

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Maroondah celebrates Australia Day with community festivities at Ringwood Lake, which also include a citizenship ceremony and the nomination of Maroondah’s Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Event of the Year.

The Australia Day celebrations is one of Maroondah’s largest community events at Ringwood Lake and includes entertainment, music and food. The event also provides an opportunity to congratulate people who have dedicated their time to volunteering within the community through recognising the contributions of volunteers and community events.

I would like to congratulate the many nominees for the Awards and to thank them for their dedication to the Maroondah community.

Media Release: Join in the Australia Day festivities

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Australia Day in Maroondah is again shaping as a fun-filled affair with a range of activities on offer for the entire family.

The action gets under way at 9.30am at Ringwood Lake Soundshell with a flag raising ceremony to mark the national day.

Councillor Alex Makin suggested residents to head on down and enjoy a free community barbecue and children’s activities including craft workshops, animal farm, jumping castle and face painting.

“There will also be live entertainment on offer with a performance by the Ringwood Folk Band,” Cr Makin said.

Cr Makin said the day also provided an opportunity to recognise some of our community’s most valued citizens.

“Australia Day is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in our citizenship and reflect on the meaning and importance of being Australian,” Cr Makin said.

“It will be a pleasure to recognise the contributions of Maroondah residents to the community during Council’s annual Australia Day awards,” Cr Makin said.

“The annual Australia Day awards will be presented to Maroondah’s Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year,” Cr Makin said.

Cr Makin said the day was about coming together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian.

“It’s the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in Australia. It’s the day for us to recommit to making Australia an even better place for the future,” Cr Makin said.

“Each year Maroondah’s Australia Day celebrations draws a big crowd at Ringwood Lake. Council is again looking forward to welcoming the local community to celebrate what it is that makes them proud to be Australian,” Cr Makin said.

Event details:
9.30am: Flag raising ceremony
9.30am – 10.30am: Maroondah Australia Day Awards presentation and citizenship ceremony.
9.30am – 12.30pm: Family activities
11am – 12.30pm: Ringwood Folk Band perform

Getting there:

  • Via public transport: 10 minute walk from Ringwood Station or via bus route 670 which travels along Maroondah Highway. For further public transport information visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au or call 131 638.
  • Limited parking is available at Ringwood Lake, enter via Mt Dandenong Road. Melways 49 K8.
  • Accessible drop off zone on Maroondah Highway.

Citizenship Ceremony – November 2010

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One of the highlights in local government and as Mayor is presiding over Citizenship Ceremonies and welcoming new citizens to both Australia and the City of Maroondah. This evening we welcomed 90 new Australian citizens into the City of Maroondah.

Tonight’s citizenship ceremony is the last ceremony for 2010 and my last as Mayor. The speech delivered for citizenship ceremonies is included in this entry:

Good evening ladies and gentlemen,

Maroondah City Council, in the spirit of reconciliation, acknowledges 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.

I am delighted to welcome you all on behalf of the Maroondah City Council; particularly we welcome the 90 adults and children who will tonight receive Australian Citizenship.

I am pleased that so many of you here this evening have come along to support a member of your family or a friend who is participating in this ceremony

Taking up Australian Citizenship is a serious step. It is a symbol of your commitment to the country which you have chosen to make your home.

Just as importantly, the conferment of Citizenship is a symbol of Australia’s commitment to you, as it is the step which makes you full and equal members of the Australian community.

The Parliament recognises that Australian citizenship represents full and formal membership of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal rights and obligations, uniting all Australians while respecting their diversity.

The Parliament recognises that persons conferred Australia citizenship enjoy these rights, and undertake to accept these obligations:-

  • by pledging loyalty to Australia and its people; and
  • by sharing their democratic beliefs; and
  • by respecting their rights and liberties; and
  • by upholding and obeying the laws of Australia.

The Australian citizenship pledge calls upon new citizens to make a commitment of loyalty to Australia and its people.

As an Australian citizen, you are entitled under Australian law to the same rights that are enjoyed by people born in Australia:

  • You have the right to apply for appointment to any public office, or to stand for election as a Member of Parliament.
  • When Local Government elections are held in the City of Maroondah in the future, you will also have the right to stand for those elections.
  • As a voter, you have the right to help elect Australia’s governments
  • You gain the right to apply for an Australian passport, and to leave and re-enter Australia without applying for a resident return visa
  • and you have the right to protection by Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas.

Being an Australian citizen also brings responsibilities:

  • You must enrol on the electoral register and vote at elections for Members of the Australian and State Parliaments, Local Government elections and at Referenda
  • You must serve on a jury if called on to do so
  • and you must defend Australia should the need arise

By becoming an Australian, you are showing that you want to have a say in Australia’s future.

However, no-one who becomes an Australian citizen is expected to renounce their cultural identity.

The customs and traditions you have grown up with, are a part of your heritage. It is important that you maintain these links with your past, for this cultural mix is what makes Australia a unique and special country.

Today’s ceremony marks the final stage in your decision to become an Australian citizen, the greatest compliment you can make to the people of Australia.

Australian citizenship is the common bond which unites us all. Australia respects the diverse cultural inheritance of its citizens, and we are honoured that you have chosen to become an Australian citizen today.

With citizenship, comes responsibilities as well as rights. The greatest responsibility is to participate fully in our community, to strengthen the freedom and openness which makes Australia unique.

On behalf of the Australian Government I offer my warmest congratulations and best wishes for the years ahead.

We in Maroondah are delighted that you have chosen to make your home in our City. And I am sure that everyone here today will agree with me when I say that is truly a great place to live.

On behalf of the Councillors of the City of Maroondah, and all its people, I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity, and may you achieve your personal dreams for your future here in Australia.

Thank you.

2010 Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening

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The Maroondah Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening provides an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts younger people make through volunteering within their communities. Tonight’s function reinforces the strength of volunteering that exists within Maroondah and highlights the positive work that younger people undertake in a voluntary capacity.

Volunteering not only benefits the community but can also provide educational and employment pathways through the development of new skills and experience. There are a range of volunteer opportunities and I encourage younger people to look at how they can become involved in the community.

The speech provided during the recognition evening is available within this entry:

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.

Good Evening and welcome to EV’s Youth Centre for Maroondah City Council’s Annual Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening. I am very pleased to be here tonight to take part in an evening that celebrates Maroondah’s young people.

Council’s Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening is held in recognition and appreciation of the outstanding contribution made by young volunteers and leaders in the Maroondah Community.

As I look around the room tonight, I see a number of inspirational young leaders and volunteers from the Maroondah Community. The dedication these young people have shown towards their volunteer work is inspiring and has helped brighten so many lives around them.

Each nominee should be very proud of their volunteer work and that an individual from their relevant school, agency or organisation has acknowledged their efforts by nominating them for tonight’s award ceremony.

On behalf of Maroondah City Council and our local residents, I would like to thank and congratulate all the nominees for their dedication and commitment to their work. Volunteering is something that often goes unnoticed, but the value it gives to our community is immeasurable. It improves the lives of so many and should be celebrated and recognised. It is young people like yourselves that build strong community to make Maroondah such a fantastic place to live.

I would also like to thank the representatives from schools, church groups, service clubs and various organisations for their efforts in assisting young people achieve their goals through volunteering. A special mention to the individuals who took time out of their busy schedules to assist with the nominations. With your support, Maroondah City Council is able to formally recognise the contributions of the young people here tonight.

Thank you also to Council’s Youth Services Team; for your hard work in putting this event together. Tonight is one of many great events and programs run by Council’s Youth Services Team, so be sure to speak with a team member if you would like any further information. We shall now commence the presentation of these well deserved awards.

Media Release: Maroondah paparazzi put on a show

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MAROONDAH’S people, places, pastimes and events, as captured by its residents, will be on display at this year’s Maroondah City Council Photo Competition Exhibition at Maroondah Federation Estate.

This year the annual event attracted 121 entrants from 70 amateur photographers.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin said the quality of this year’s entrants was going to make selecting a winner in all three categories extremely difficult for the judges.

“Our municipality has many fantastic places and people, so it is great to see people out there enjoying what is on offer and capturing that moment in time for others to enjoy,” Cr Makin said.

“Whether it’s the city’s landmarks, people enjoying the parks and gardens or relaxing at home, all of the pictures provide a sneak peek into how people live in and enjoy Maroondah,” Cr Makin said.

“I encourage everyone to come and see the exhibition for themselves and see Maroondah though the eyes of their fellow residents,” Cr Makin said.

A selection of works from the Maroondah City Council Art Collection will also be on display at the gallery during July.

The collection boasts more than 140 paintings, prints and ceramics which includes a number of pieces by artists from the region, as well as showing local landmarks and scenes.

The Maroondah City Council Photographic Competition categories were:

  • Junior category for entrants aged up to 12 years
  • Intermediate category for those aged between 13 and 17 years
  • Open Section for entrants over the age of 18.
  • Mayor’s Award

The awards will be presented at a special ceremony at Maroondah Art Gallery on Thursday July 8.

The Maroondah City Council Photographic Exhibition is sponsored by Croydon Camera House, Hoyts Cinemas Eastland, Maroondah Journal and Eastland Shopping Centre.

The exhibition is open until July 24 at the Maroondah Art Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 12pm – 4pm. Details: 9298 4545.

– ENDS –

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.

– ENDS –

Delegates’ Report: Annual general meetings, art exhibitions and launching Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan

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There are several items I’d like to discuss this evening:

On the 23rd of March I attended the North Ringwood Community House annual general meeting, which coincided with the graduation ceremony of their Certificate III and IV students.

North Ringwood Community House is the only community house in Maroondah that has Registered Training Organisation status, meaning that they are able to offer Certificate level courses. As part of the AGM the House discussed its new business plan and it is great to see that they are planning on expanding their accredited courses into the future.

On the 29th of March I attended the first meeting of the Maroondah Partners for Community Wellbeing Committee along with Cr Ann Fraser. This committee is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan and incorporates a number of different agencies, including Eastern Volunteers, Eastern Access Community Health, the Primary Care Partnerships and others.

So what is Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan, it’ll be discussed later in this report.

On the 13th of April, I attended a community meeting hosted by Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL), the managers of the 80 unit affordable housing development in Larissa Avenue. While Council and the community were understandably concerned about the State Government overriding Maroondah Council as a planning authority, it is encouraging to see the CEHL holding discussions with the community to help explain and demystify this development.

On the 15th of April I had the pleasure of opening two exhibitions, Konrad Winkler’s Moments of My Life and the Ringwood Art Society’s Artist of the Year. Konrad’s work highlights the changing nature of photography and the Art Society’s exhibition showcases the talents of one of Victoria’s oldest and largest arts societies.
The Artist of the Year was judged by an independent adjudicator but the community also has the possibility of providing input, through the Community Choice Award.

As part of the proceedings I had the privilege of announcing that Council will be utilising the Mayoral Art Fund to acquire one of the artworks that was exhibited by a member of the Ringwood Arts Society and I look forward to formalising this announcement once it is finalised.

The two exhibitions are hosted at Maroondah Art Gallery at the Maroondah Federation Estate and are on display until the 8th of May.

On Sunday the 18th of April I attended the Anzac March in Croydon hosted by the Croydon RSL. I would like to commend the Croydon RSL for holding such a welcoming and friendly event, it was great to see them involve the wider community, including local Primary and Secondary Schools and I believe it reinforces the community atmosphere that is so prevalent at the Croydon RSL.

This morning I had the pleasure of launching Maroondah City Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan. The plan, which was adopted by Council in December in last year, identifies the key wellbeing priorities over the next four years, including:

  • Healthy Minds Healthy Choices
  • Engaged Resilient Communities
  • Accessible Safe Community
  • Lifestyle Opportunities and Choices
  • Targeting Equity and Social Inclusion
  • Healthy Sustainable Environments

The plan was developed through the former Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee of which Cr. Nora Lamont, Cr. Rob Steane and myself were members.

In addition, Council undertook extensive community engagement in the development of its Community Wellbeing Plan including a survey in the Maroondah Focus, where we received over 1000 responses.

This was a tremendous result given that there are 44,000 households within the municipality. These responses provided quantitative information and Council also undertook extensive consultation with community organisations and discussion sessions at locations such as Eastland.

The end result is a plan that was developed in partnership with the community and which will be overseen by the Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee, which includes community organisations, Council staff, as well as two Councillors, Cr. Ann Fraser and myself.

I would like to commend the many people who were involved in the development of the plan. The implementation of the Community Wellbeing Plan depends on community partnerships and I look forward to this collaboration as we improve the health, safety and wellbeing of our municipality.

Media Release: Lest we forget

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Council is expecting another strong show of support by the Maroondah community during 2010 ANZAC Day services.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said the Ringwood and Croydon Returned Services League (RSL) branches would hold a number of services to commemorate the day.

Croydon RSL Sub-Branch will march on Sunday 18 April from 2.30pm from the corner of Hewish Road and Main Street to James Stevens Memorial Lawn, where a memorial service will proceed from 2.45pm. This will be followed by a dawn service at the roundabout on the corner of Kent Avenue and Croydon Road from 5.45am on Sunday 25 April.

Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch will march on Sunday 18 April from 2pm from the corner of New and Seymour streets to the Memorial Clock Tower, where a wreath laying ceremony and performance of the last post will commence at 2.20pm.

The Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch dawn service will be held at Ringwood Memorial Clocktower on Sunday 25 April from 5.30am.

“These events provide members of the community with the opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the courage of soldiers past and of those serving today,” Cr Makin said.

“It’s important that we take the time to remember those who sacrificed so much for our country because they helped shape our national identity,” Cr Makin said.

Council’s service centres will be closed the day after ANZAC Day – Monday 26 April.

For further information on ANZAC services in Maroondah phone the Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch on 9870 6604 or the Croydon RSL Sub-Branch on 9723 1315.

– NEDS –

Delegates’ Report: Entering 2010

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While we are just officially starting the new Council year, December was a busy month, with end of year functions, followed by January, where events and community organisations began to meet for the year ahead.

Some of these events include: