Tag: diversity

Maroondah Weekly: Council tightens rules on pets

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Maroondah was previously the only Council in Victoria without on-lead and off-lead provisions for dogs within the municipality. As a result this has created confusion for residents and meant that areas of significant biodiversity were unable to be protected.

Following extensive community consultation Council adopted new on-lead provisions at its November Council meeting, providing certainty for residents and clearly defined off-lead and on-lead areas. The Maroondah Weekly has reported on this change:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the changed laws were in response to community concerns over the lack of specific animal controls in the region. “Under the new laws, dogs must be under effective control at all times while in the public. This means they must be on a leash or in a designated off-leash area.”

These changes mean that dogs are required to be on a lead unless in a designated off-lead area. Council has ensured that designated off-lead areas are located throughout Maroondah, while also protecting remnant bush reserves, with twelve being designated no dog areas. In addition, a dusk to dawn curfew has been introduced for cats to ensure that they do not roam at night.

These changes will take effect from the 1st of January 2011 for further information please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

The first annual general meeting of the Maroondah Interfaith Network

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The Maroondah Interfaith Network was formed in November 2009 to promote understanding and social harmony between Maroondah’s faith based communities. The Network, which comprises of representatives from several Maroondah faith organisations, has held a series of events throughout to promote understanding and awareness of Maroondah’s faith communities.

This afternoon I attended the Maroondah Interfaith Network’s first Annual General Meeting, which elected committee members to replace the interim committee and to focus on strengthening and developing the network over the next twelve months. While the Maroondah Interfaith Network is a relatively new organisation, it has already highlighted the diversity of Maroondah’s faith communities through promoting understanding and dialogue between religious faiths.

Congratulations to the many faiths involved in establishing the Maroondah Interfaith Network and for their ongoing involvement. Many of Maroondah’s neighbouring municipalities have had long established Interfaith Networks and it is great that Maroondah now has its own Interfaith Network to promote social inclusion and understanding.

Delegates’ Report: Celebrating diversity and promoting art

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There are several items I’ll be reporting on:

On the 23rd of October I attended the Khaudo Festival, organised by Maroondah’s Zomi community. The Zomi are an ethnic group from Burma and Maroondah has one of the highest populations of refugees from Burma within Metropolitan Melbourne. The Khuado Festival is a celebration of the Zomi New Year and a welcome to the community.

Similarly on the 13th of November I attended a Sudanese Cultural Festival featuring music, food and dance from Maroondah’s growing Sudanese community. It is great to see our emerging communities sharing their culture with the wider Maroondah community through showcasing traditional dance, music and food.

On the 28th of October I attended Monkami’s production of ‘Hey Hey Its Monkami’. Monkami is a not-for-profit community based organisation that provides services and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. The organisation has an emphasis on community development including theatre and the arts as well as community partnerships. The Ringwood Movie Makers have continued to work in partnership with Monkami and filmed a cameo performance as part of the script.

On the 7th of November I attended the Maroondah Festival and it was fantastic to see so many community groups and residents participating in the festival. For the first year in a while, we had pleasant weather and in addition it was fortunate the rain held off.

On the 11th of November I attended the Remembrance Day services at the Croydon RSL and I would like to commend the members of the RSL for their community focus and involvement of local schools and community members.

Also on the 11th I officiated the Maroondah Volunteer Recognition Function, where we recognised the valuable contribution of Maroondah’s volunteers. Many of these volunteers have been assisting Council in the delivery of services, including Meals on Wheels, as well as supporting our environment and social support services.

Lastly, the 11th also featured the opening night of the Mayoral Art Show, which supports the Croydon Branch of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute. All proceeds from the exhibition support cancer research and features 90 artists across a range of mediums and styles.

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.

Delegates’ Report: Regional Partnerships, Celebrating Diversity, Ringwood Station Advocacy

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There are several notable items I will discuss tonight.

The first being the regional partnership signed by the Mayors of the Cities of Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse and the Shire of Yarra Ranges on the 22nd of September. This agreement will strengthen co-operation between the municipalities in areas such as advocacy, where each of these councils have supported calls for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.

The Eastern Volunteers Multicultural Spring Festival was held on the 9th of October, with over 5000 attendees enjoying a range of multicultural food, entertainment and performances. It is great to see the Maroondah community embracing cultural diversity and this was further evident at the New Year celebrations of Maroondah’s Chin community, an ethnic group from Burma who celebrated Fang Er at Ringwood Secondary College on the 16th of October. The afternoon provided an opportunity to learn about Fang Er, which coincides with the harvest season in Burma and to discover national dances and food.

Monkami, a not-for-profit service provider for people with intellectually disabilities, has continued to strengthen its community connections and I had the pleasure of launching Alarming Art on the 14th of October. Alarming Art is Monkami’s new public gallery located at the Croydon Fire Station in Croydon Road, the space will provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of Monkami’s clients and further strengthen connections with the community.

Lastly, Maroondah City Council launched its Missing Piece Campaign on the 13th of October, calling on all political parties to commit to the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange. The campaign, which I co-launched with accessibility advocate Margaret Stevens, reinforces the dire state of Ringwood Station and the need for a commitment. The campaign will continue until the State Election with updates being available at www.facebook.com/ringwoodstation.

I’ll table the rest of my report.

Ringwood Historical Society – Early Jewish Settlers in the Colony of Victoria

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The Ringwood Historical Society meets on a monthly basis with guest speakers discussing aspects of history.

Tonight’s guest speaker discussed the growing cultural diversity in the early days of the Colony of Victoria through Jewish migration into the settlement. Victoria and Melbourne have a long tradition of cultural diversity and in its early Colonial history Jewish communities were also evident in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Shepparton.

The guest speaker also discussed the difficulties in tracing family histories, particularly due to name changes and a lack of complete records. Fortunately resources exist to assist members in tracing their family histories and to piece together some of the missing pieces.

The Ringwood Historical Society meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 8pm at Maroondah Federation Estate. For details please visit www.rhs.org.au.

Delegates’ Report: Thanking our volunteers, supporting cultural diversity and youth and reducing greenhouse emissions

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On the 31st of July I attended an evening hosted by Maroondah’s Sudanese Community, where they shared traditional Southern Sudanese cuisine with the wider Maroondah municipality. Maroondah is home to almost 200 people from Sudan who share similar aspirations, in regard to employment and housing, like many other members of our community.

The food included lamb and cous cous combined with traditional Southern Sudanese cooking and ingredients and it is great to see all members of our community welcoming each other into Maroondah. Our municipality consists of people from a range of backgrounds and cultures and it is diversity that enriches our community and provides opportunities.

I congratulate the Sudanese community for bringing Maroondah’s communities together for the meal and for sharing their aspirations within the municipality.

On the 4th of August I had the pleasure of hosting the Community Volunteers Luncheon, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the work undertaken by the many volunteers within our community. Maroondah is fortunate to have many people committed to volunteering and working together to improve the wellbeing and amenity of our municipality.

The Community Volunteers Luncheon is Maroondah’s way of acknowledging and thanking the efforts of our volunteers and I would like to congratulate the many people who devote their time, energy and resources into improving our community.

On the 5th of August I attended a meeting organised by Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL), the managers of the affordable housing cooperative in Larissa Avenue, Ringwood. The meeting provided an opportunity to meet prospective tenants of the development and to discuss Council’s plans for the Ringwood Central Activities District and the need for a State Government commitment towards Ringwood Station. It was great to see such enthusiasm towards the vision for Ringwood from the participants at the meeting. While Council was understandably concerned over the State Government’s removal of Council’s planning powers over the development, it is critical that we now work towards ensuring that the tenants of the development are a part of our community and able to partake in the same opportunities that we are all able to enjoy within Maroondah.

On the 6th of August I attended the launch of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action’s Solar Hot Water Program. The Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action is formed through six Councils within Eastern Melbourne, including Boroondara, Whitehorse, Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, Knox and Monash. The program will provide assistance in reducing household greenhouse emissions through solar hot water systems. An information session is scheduled for Thursday the 9th of September at 11am at Maroondah Federation Estate in Ringwood, where members of our community can learn more about this program.

I’ll be tabling the rest of my report.

Presentation at the Maroondah Rugby Club

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The Maroondah Rugby Club was founded in 1972 and is based at Griff Hunt Reserve in Croydon North. The club has a strong presence within both rugby and Maroondah and prides itself on its diversity through fielding senior, junior, Womens and veterans teams.

This afternoon I attended a seniors match, and presented a Letter Under Seal to foundation member Bill Genner. Bill participated in many facets of the club, including coaching, committee positions and player recruitment. In addition, Bill’s dedication was recognised through the Victorian Rugby Union’s Volunteer recognition award.

Bill Genner retired as a member of the Maroondah Rugby Club Committee after assisting the club for the past 38 years and the Letter Under Seal further recognises Bill’s dedication and efforts to Rugby and the Maroondah community.

Media Release: Green Jobs Corps tackle creek

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The Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail will be extended with the help of participants from the Maroondah National Green Jobs Corps.

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

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

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin, who launched the project last Friday, said the program offered the participants the right balance of work experience, skill development and accredited training

“The 16 participants in the Maroondah team will be working to extend the Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail, weed removal, revegetation works, water monitoring and flora and fauna surveys,” Cr Makin said.

“They have already created some additional paths, planted new trees and removed a large section of ivy along the creek path,” Cr Makin said.

“The Mullum Mullum area is an integral part of Maroondah and it is great to see that the land and it’s biodiversity is being preserved and enhanced,” Cr Makin said.

“At the same time these participants will undertake a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management at Swinburne TAFE, a Level II First-aid course and herbicide use training.

“In six months the participants will go from being unemployed with limited experience to having nationally recognised qualifications and workplace experience.”

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

– ENDS –

Media Release: Maroondah Interfaith Network gets a funding boost

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Maroondah City Council has welcomed an $8800 Victorian Multicultural Commission grant which will assist the Maroondah Interfaith Network with its leadership training and education programs.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin accepted the grant last Wednesday.

“Since the Maroondah Interfaith Network was established in November 2009 it has grown to include more than 35 leaders from a range of faiths,” Cr Makin said.

“The $8800 grant will assist the network to launch a leadership training program which will target the areas of conflict resolution, project management and media relations,” Cr Makin said.

“Participants will be able to attend  training sessions and neighbouring municipal interfaith networks will be encouraged to assist  as mentors,” Cr Makin said.

“The funding will also allow the Interfaith Network to be more actively involved in the coordination and participation of events that promote tolerance and celebrate the diversity of faiths in Maroondah like faith-based seminars and conversation cafes,” Cr Makin said.

The Maroondah Interfaith Network aims to bring together diverse faith and cultural groups to promote community harmony, education and awareness of racial and religious diversity.   It also hopes to increase understanding of varied faiths and cultures among the wider community.

– ENDS –