Tag: fitness

2010 Maroondah Festival

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The Maroondah Festival is one of the largest community events within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, attracting approximately 30,000 attendees and featuring dedicated community, business, sustainability, fitness, teenagers and children.

The weather remained largely pleasant throughout the day, providing a contrast to the hot weather experienced in previous years. The new location at Town Park also provides additional shade and ensures that activities are closer together making the festival easier to attend.

As the Mayor I delivered the opening speech for the Maroondah Festival, welcoming community members and highlights the partners that assisted in delivering the event:

Alex at the opening of the 2010 Maroondah Festival.
Alex at the opening of the 2010 Maroondah Festival.

On behalf of the Maroondah City Council I would like to welcome everyone to the 2010 Maroondah Festival.

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.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of this wonderful community event and we invite you and your families enjoy the beautiful sunshine and take part in the huge array of activities available here today, including some fresh new initiatives and of course the old favourites.

I would especially like to extend a warm welcome to Ringwood Honda as the principal sponsor of the 2010 Maroondah Festival. Be sure to visit the Ringwood Honda stand next to the Information tent to collect your free Honda merchandise and check out the latest range of Honda vehicles on display. There will also be an opportunity to talk to the friendly staff from Ringwood Honda and enter the draw to win some fantastic prizes including a Honda lawn mower valued at over $800.

At the Festival today, over 150 local groups and businesses have come together to provide information on their networks, goods and services. With their continued support, the Maroondah Festival has grown to become the most well supported community Festival in Melbourne’s east.

I invite everyone to visit the Denso Australia Group – Community Expo today and learn more about the valuable work undertaken by our fantastic local community groups.

We are also fortunate that we have many businesses in our municipality who support the Maroondah Festival. I would like to thank the following businesses for their generous sponsorship at this year’s festival:

  • Ringwood Honda: The principal sponsor of the Maroondah Festival
  • Bankwest – sponsor of the Main Stage
  • Denso Australia Group – sponsor of the Community Expo
  • Maroondah Weekly – our media partner
  • Anaconda – sponsor of the Fun and Fitness Arena
  • Ventura – sponsor of the Park n Ride service
  • Jalna – sponsor of the Fun and Fitness Walk breakfast

An event the size of Maroondah Festival requires a lot of planning and hard work and I would especially like to extend a huge thank you to all of the volunteers and staff assembled here today. In particular I would like to acknowledge the assistance of St John Ambulance and Victoria Police, and I would also like to thank the staff of Maroondah City Council and Fruitbowl Productions.

I hope that you enjoy the rest of the day, visit the Festival Information tent to find out about the huge array of activities on offer and be sure to take advantage of the free sunscreen.

Thank you all for being part of this fantastic event and celebrating our wonderful Maroondah community.

I would now like to welcome to the stage, the Yarra Valley School band.

Launching Maximising your Strength at the Croydon Leisure and Aquatic Centre

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The Maximising your Strength program is a new physical activity group within the Croydon Leisure and Aquatic Centre, which provides strength based training for people with neurological conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.

This morning I was invited to launch the Maximising Your Strength program, which includes two separate streams; one for people of all ages and one designed specifically for younger people, known as Striving for Maximum Strength.

The program, which is the first time it has been available east of Blackburn, is a partnership between Maroondah City Council and MS Australia and incorporates strength training exercises. Training is conducted by a qualified fitness instructor, who has received training from MS Australia Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist.

Maximising Your Strength aims to increase the wellbeing, strength and endurance of participants who experience neurological conditions, for further information please visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au/venues/croydon-leisure-centre.

Please continue reading this entry for the speech that was delivered at the launch of this program.

Continue reading “Launching Maximising your Strength at the Croydon Leisure and Aquatic Centre”

Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre Information Expo

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While the existing Ringwood Aquatic Centre, located in Greenwood Avenue Ringwood, was converted to an indoor facilities in the mid 1980s, the indoor 50 metre pool and associated infrastructure is approximately 40 years of age and nearing the end of its useful life.

In addition, the Aquatic Centre, due to its age is delivering an increasing loss to Council making it a burden on ratepayers. The Centre lacks gym and fitness facilities that complement modern aquatic centres and has consequently seen declining patronage, in sharp contrast to neighbouring facilities.

Maroondah City Council included detailed design work to consider a replacement of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, through a modern facility that would expand the unique diving and swimming elements of the facility, as well as including gym, fitness and creche components.

This afternoon Council held an information expo at Eastland to discuss the project with the wider community and to gather community feedback on the proposed designs. Over 200 people attended the session with many discussing the need for the new Centre and the possibilities it provides for Maroondah and Ringwood.

Council has a clear commitment to deliver community infrastructure and it is clear that the community appreciates the need to replace the existing facility, with one that will meet the needs of Maroondah over the next 40 years and beyond.

Council will be holding further information expos, including one at the existing Centre and at the Maroondah Festival.

Tour of the Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre

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The Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre is located in Cranbourne East and was opened in 2009 at a cost of $38 million.  The Centre is a multi-purpose facility and provides a range of health and fitness services, including a gym, warm water pool and saunas. In addition, the centre has a range of aquatic facilities to meet the needs of all age groups, including water play areas and a 50 metre pool.

This evening Councillors undertook a tour of the Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre to compare the facility to the proposed Aquatic and Leisure Centre for Ringwood. Encouragingly, the Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre has exceeded patronage expectations and is returning a surplus to Council while also providing a range of recreation opportunities for the community.

The tour of the Casey facility provides an opportunity to learn from recent projects and to ensure that the proposed centre for Ringwood meets the needs of our community.

Media Release: Council welcomes funding announcement for Croydon Youth Space

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Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin has welcomed the $265,000 of Federal Government funding through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“Council welcomes the ongoing partnership with the Federal Government, and the $265,000 will go towards the establishment of a new Youth Space as part of the Croydon Parklands Future Directions Plan.

“Council is currently undergoing extensive community consultation in relation to a new skate park within the Youth Space. The area could also include a half basketball court, stage and shelter and fitness equipment.

“To date we have surveyed young people at secondary schools, at Maroondah Festival, during Youth Week in May, at 3-Ply skateboarding events, we have held workshops with Swinburne students and there is an online survey on Council’s Youth Services website.

“As part of this consultation two locations have been identified – the site of the current skate park in Norton Road or the site of old playground near tennis courts in Croydon Park.

“Council will undergo further consultation with the community before announcing the preferred location.”

Maroondah City Council’s Budget 2010-2011 has allocated $372,000 in 2011-2012 towards the project.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Journal: One step at a time for Mayor

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One of the first initiatives I implemented as Mayor was to return the Mayoral car, meaning I would continue to utilise sustainable transport, such as buses, trains and walking when undertaking Council commitments.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on my usage of sustainable forms of transport within my Mayoral term:

Maroondah mayor Alex Makin has put his money where his mouth is, returning his mayoral vehicle to use public transport to get to council appointments. The long-time public transport advocate, gave up the car when he became mayor in December, putting the money back into the budget to benefit ratepayers.

Traditionally the Mayor of Maroondah has been provided with a car, which is traded in every two years. As Mayor I gave in the car providing a saving to Council and reinforcing the importance of sustainable transport within Maroondah.

Cr Makin said he had decided to give up the mayoral car because he wanted to lead by example.

“I live within the Ringwood central activities district, an area where the council is encouraging sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport and walking. It would be hypocritical for the mayor to use the car when living in an area where we are encouraging sustainable transport.”

Cr Makin said he planned his travel in advance to arrive at his appointments on time, but the lack of links between bus and train services could cause difficulties at times.

However, he said time spent travelling was sometimes a bonus.

“I tend to do a lot of council work on the move, whether it be phone calls or emails, while using public transport, so this time is quite efficiently used in terms of catching up with work.

“Certainly there is a benefit in terms of fitness and seeing Maroondah first-hand on a street-by-street basis.

“Public transport and walking also provides a great opportunity to speak to residents and community members and helps convey the role of being mayor and a councillor,” he said.

Cr Makin said he hoped future mayors of Maroondah would follow in his footsteps by using public transport where they could.

The mayoral car was traded in and replaced with a travel allowance, which Cr Makin said had provided a saving.

“It also demonstrates that councils should consider flexibility when providing travel, rather than following the standard formula of providing a car for the mayor.”

The transformation of Ringwood depends on public transport improvements to encourage sustainable forms of transport. As a Mayor that lives within the Ringwood Central Activities District I believe it is important to lead by example and demonstrate that public transport can be a viable form of transport.

While frequency and operating span improvements are required, particularly for bus services and off-peak rail travel, Maroondah does have the foundations of an integrated and functional public transport system. Complemented by Maroondah’s walking trails, sustainable forms of transport should be encouraged within the municipality.

Croydon West Primary Ride2School Day

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Ride2School is a program developed by Bicycle Victoria and delivered in partnership with local schools and community groups.  The program aims to increase the number of students that walk and ride to school.

Several Maroondah based schools participated in the program, with the assistance of Transition Towns Maroondah.   This morning I assisted Croydon West Primary in writing certificates for the many students that participated in the program, walking or cycling to school.

Alex signing certificates at Croydon West Primary for students walking and cycling as part of Ride2School day.
Alex signing certificates at Croydon West Primary for students walking and cycling as part of Ride2School day.

The ride2School program was incredibly successful at Croydon West Primary, with the school offering a breakfast for students and storage facilities filled with bicycles.  Ride2School helps demonstrate the benefits of walking and cycling, through reducing car dependence, minimising traffic congestion near schools, encouraging fitness and promoting environmental sustainability.

Walktober Awards – Highest Level of Community Engagement awarded to Maroondah City Council

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Walktober is an annual event held during October, which encourages community groups, organisations and local government to organise walking as a form of transport within our community.

Alex at the Walktober Awards on behalf of Maroondah City Council
Alex at the Walktober Awards on behalf of Maroondah City Council

The Walktober Challenge is issued to encourage Councils, community groups and organisations to ‘set the pace’ by being the municipality with the most walking events registered during the month.

Within Maroondah over 55 walks were organised by community groups and Council during the 2009 Walktober, resulting in Council being awarded for achieving the Highest Level of Community Engagement within metropolitan Melbourne.

Alex with Frank Dixon, Maroondah's CEO and Staff for the Walktober Award for Highest Level of Community Engagement
Alex with Frank Dixon, Maroondah's CEO, Helen Croxford, Director of Community and Leisure Services, Council and Department of Transport Staff for the Walktober Award for Highest Level of Community Engagement

This morning I had the pleasure of accepting the award on behalf of Maroondah City Council. Community engagement and sustainable transport are two passions of mine and it is fantastic to be able to promote an event that achieves both objectives.

Council’s Leisure Services Department took the lead in promoting Walktober throughout Council and supported community organisations in holding walking events during the month.

Awards like this demonstrate the potential strength of collaboration between the community and Council. Walking promotes fitness, social inclusion and provides an affordable and sustainable form of transport and should be encouraged within our municipality.

Events like Walktober help raise the prominence of walking and encourage its use through our community, so stay tuned for Walktober 2010.

Media Release: Maroondah receives Walktober Award

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Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin accepted the 2009 Walktober Highest Level of Community Engagement (Melbourne Metropolitan Council) award this week at a ceremony held at the Department of Transport.

“During the month of October, Maroondah City Council encourages the community to get out and get active during the annual Walking to Fitness month,” said Cr Makin.

“Last year Walktober organisers sent out a challenge to all Council’s, community groups and organisations to “set the pace” by being the local Council area with the most walking events registered with Walktober. Over 600 events, 70 organisations, and 69 local Councils were involved in the Community Challenge,” said Cr Makin.

“I’m extremely proud of our efforts in winning this inaugural award. Council staff and the Maroondah community are to be congratulated for their support of this program which saw 55 walks registered in the 2009 Walking to Fitness program,” said Cr Makin.

“The walks, organised by both Council and community groups, catered for a wide range of interests and capabilities, and included pram walks, bush walks, historical walks, and
all-abilities walks,” said Cr Makin.

“The Walking to Fitness Program directly aligns with Council’s Leisure Services Strategic Plan endorsed in 2009 which aims to support and encourage community involvement in physical activity,” said Cr Makin.

“Walking is a safe, cheap and easy way to get exercise and a great way to get to know members of your local community as well as the Maroondah area,” said Cr Makin.

People who walk regularly tend to feel more confident, happy and relaxed. They also control their weight better, have stronger bones and greater flexibility, have lower blood pressure and reduce the risk factors for developing heart disease and diabetes.

“If you’d like to explore Maroondah on foot or by bicycle, then there are two booklets, produced by Council, that offer plenty of suggestions and advice,” said Cr Makin.

Maroondah’s Parks & Paths brochure has a large scale map detailing walking and cycling paths throughout the city, with information on parks and facilities along the way.

Maroondah’s Walks & Trails brochure has information on twelve specific walks and trails throughout the city, providing information on level of difficulty, access, distance and time, as well as facilities and detailed walking maps.

Both brochures can be found at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or are available from Council’s Service Centres.

– ENDS –

Delegates' Report: Ringwood Spiders entering the finals and community inclusion within the community

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On the 2nd of August I attended the Ringwood Spider’s final home game for the 2009 Football Season. The Ringwood Spiders, is a football team for people with disabilities and compete in the Football Integration Development Association League, which consists of fourteen teams across Victoria.

The Ringwood Spiders continued their winning streak and are well positioned to compete in the Division Two Grand Finals, which will be held this Sunday on the 23rd of August. This is a momentous occasion for the Spiders, since the last time they competed within the finals was back in 1994, when they were known at the Ringwood Blues.

While the Spiders will be playing at Glen Waverley for the finals, I am sure that we will all be wishing them well and a speedy victory for the Premiership Cup.

On the 3rd of August, I along with my two Mullum Ward colleagues, Cr. Lamont and Cr. Fraser attended a tour of St Stephens Community Living Centre, located in Ringwood East. The Community Living Centre, operates from several rooms at St Stephens Church and provides a similar environment to a community house, through the provision of courses and classes for local residents.

In particular The Community Living Centre has an emphasis on community wellbeing and provides a range of classes covering health, fitness and creativity. Ringwood East is without a community house and the St Stephens Living Centre fills this void by providing a range of unique courses for local residents.

Lastly, on the 14th of August I spoke at the Kerrabee Club, a Planned Activity Group operated by Maroondah Council. The Kerrabee Club provides activities and events for the frail aged and people with disabilities, as well as providing respite for carers. These activities include gardening, games, exercises, outings, guest speakers and other social activities, aimed to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of participants. In addition a Men’s Shed also operates on the site.

The Kerrabee Club is one example of the support Maroondah offers to Home and Community Care clients and I would like to extend my congratulations to the staff and volunteers who are involved with the program.