Tag: freeza

Media Release: Maroondah’s top youth recognised

Posted on by alex

Maroondah City Council recognised the efforts of more than 45 young people at the 2010 Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening on Thursday, October 21.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin, who attended the night, said the event recognised the outstanding contribution made by young volunteers and leaders in the Maroondah community.

“Young volunteers in Maroondah play an important role in our society, and it is important to have events like the 2010 Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening to officially recognise the efforts that these young people are putting in to help others in their community,” Cr Makin said.

“Whether it be by organising events for young people or acting as a role model for new settlers in the community, all of these volunteers have dedicated their own time to better the lives of others, and they should be applauded for their efforts,” Cr Makin said.

“It is great to know that we have such generous and dedicated young people working to better our community,” Cr Makin said.

Guest speaker for the 2010 Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening was Gerard Pidoto, owner of Fist2Face Music Store in Ringwood.

“Gerard spoke about his own past involvement in volunteering for a number of organisations including Maroondah Youth Services and talked about how the skills he learned through volunteering had helped him in his journey to become a successful business owner,” Cr Makin said.

The individual awards went to:

Matthew Allard, Joshua O’Toole, Frances Rowlands, Lane Tukiri, Kristie Stark, Matthew Bass, Katelyn Smith, Melissa Nicholls, Georgia Appleton, Naomi Corbett, Jonathan Medlin, Scarlett Sobota, Shenae Kerr, Darcy Krenn, Mikaela Kos.

The group awards went to:

EV’s Festival Crew: Josh Kerr, Ashley Mallett, Marissa Lee, Alex Wakeley, Jessica Wilson, Jackson Miller, Kayla Jones, Sophie Gill and Sarah Ross.


Beaut Buddies: Anyang Majok, Rosetta Ivy, Mary Mabior, Parku Khup Lian, Mitch Gowland, Tania Tuima, Jodie O’Donahue, William Smith.

Audio District 2010 Maroondah FReeZA Group: Athena Soldo, Christie Taylor, Stephanie Luff, Brittany Josephs, Eleanor Savage, Gage Roberts, Shane Barton, Ratih Grayson-Widarsito, Keely Lohman, Montee Douglas, Gavin Styles

1st Croydon Hills Scout Group: David Nicholls, Tahlia Purdie and Rochelle Anderson

– ENDS –

Maroondah Leader: Cash boost for musicians

Posted on by alex

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the $10,000 State Government grant that will be provided through EV’s Youth Centre in Croydon to ensure youth musicians will be able to utilise music equipment for rehearsals and performances.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the announcement recognised the dedication of the council’s youth services team.

“It is great to see EV’s and Croydon on the map for the services they provide,” Cr Makin said.

EV’s Youth Centre will be hosting the FReeZACentral gig on the 27th of August, featuring musicians from around the country. This event will serve to reinforce the importance of EV’s Youth Centre in providing a safe environment for younger people to be able to enjoy live music.

Delegates’ Report: Presenting the Monster Petition, NAIDOC week and support for our community

Posted on by alex

On the 24th of June I was part of a delegation through the Eastern Transport Coalition, that presented a petition of 13,000 signatures to the Parliament of Victoria.

The petition, which was accepted by Martin Pakula, the Minister for Public Transport, as well as Terry Mulder, the Shadow Minister for Transport and Greg Barber, the Greens Spokesperson on Transport, requested public transport improvements for Melbourne’s outer east including:

  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster
  • A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
  • A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
  • Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
  • Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

It is great that the eastern region recognises the importance of the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange. As the City of Maroondah and as part of the eastern region, we can only hope that the State Government and all political parties act on requests within this petition.

On the 8th of July I had the pleasure of launching the Maroondah Photographic Competition and announcing the winners amongst this year’s entrants. The competition has now been running for 14 years and it is great to see that it has sustained interest from both sponsors and the community. There were 121 entries this year and the judging decision was definitely a difficult one.
The diverse of photographic talents is to be commended and in particular it is great to see our schools supporting the arts and encouraging students to participate, with the two winners in the Intermediate category both being students from Norwood Secondary College

On the 9th of July I attended the Outer Eastern NAIDOC Ball, which was held at the conclusion of NAIDOC week. The ball recognises the many individuals and organisations that are involved with Indigenous communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and achievements.

On the 10th I attended the opening of the redeveloped Glen Park Community Centre, which had extensive works to improve the accessible and inclusiveness of its facilities. One of the real accomplishments with Glen Park has been the partnerships that have formed with various organisations, as well as all levels of government working together to provide better facilities for our community.

On the 13th of July I had the pleasure of welcoming James Merlino as the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs at EVs Youth Centre in Croydon. The State Government has provided a $10,000 grant, which will be used for the purchase of new music equipment through the Youth Centre and also announced that EVs will be one of the venues for the state wide FReeZA Central Music program. This is a great achievement and would like to commend our Youth Services Team for raising the profile of EVs and the talents of our young people.

In addition, on the 14th of July I had the pleasure of receiving a grant for $8,800 from the State Government through the Victorian Multicultural Grants Commission to further the work of the Maroondah Interfaith Network. The funding will be used to strengthen the capacity of the group and to further encourage Maroondah’s faith based communities to become involved the Network. I would like to commend the Community Development Staff and the Maroondah Interfaith for their work in establishing the group and for achieving this great result for our community. The Maroondah Interfaith Network was formed in November last year and it is fantastic to see that its efforts have been recognised by both Council and the State Government.

I’ll be tabling the rest of my report.

Victoria Rocks – Music Equipment Grant

Posted on by alex

This morning I joined James Merlino, the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairsm who announced a $10,000 grant to Maroondah City Council through the Victoria Rocks, Music Equipment Grant. The money received will fund a Council project called “Before the Gig”, which will provide a greater level of access to music equipment for young people in Maroondah.

The program will run through EV’s Youth Centre and will allow Council to purchase music equipment (including acoustic and electric guitars, a drum kit and portable amplifiers) that will be available for young people to use free of charge. Ultimately the project will create new opportunities for local young people to participate in the arts and to increase their music skills.

Alex with members of Maroondah's EV Youth Services participating in the Victoria Rocks program.
Alex with members of Maroondah's EV Youth Services participating in the Victoria Rocks program.

In addition, it will provide resources to support local partnerships between EV’s Youth Centre and several organisations, including Eastern Access Community Health (EACH), the Migrant Information Centre, Arrabri Community House and the Rock School at Croydon Community School.

I would like to thank the Minister and the State Government for the $10,000 grant. In addition, EV’s Youth Centre has been chosen as a venue for the State wide FReeZA Central Tour, which will feature a range of musical acts on Friday the 27th of August. This is a significant opportunity for young people in our community and it is fantastic to see the State Government recognise the importance of EV’s Youth Centre.

Media Release: Graduation for FReeZA crew 2009

Posted on by alex

After hosting 11 gigs, 80 bands and over 4000 punters, the 2009 FReeZA crew will graduate from the program at EV’s Youth Centre on Thursday 10 December.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin said the crew, known as Stuff Your Stereo Events, had done a wonderful job throughout the year.

“There have been many highlights for the 2009 FReeZA crew and they should be rightly proud of their efforts,” Cr Makin said.

“Their contribution to the 100th birthday celebrations for Croydon Hall (EV’s Youth Centre) in November was outstanding, and included a Battle of the Bands event – a huge occasion for the group,” Cr Makin said.

“Another highlight was the crew’s involvement with the South Eastern Network’s staging of a benefit gig for young people affected by the February bushfires,” Cr Makin said.

“I’d like to congratulate Stuff Your Stereo Events and Council’s Youth Services Team for a job well done,” Cr Makin said.

Maroondah Mayor, Cr Makin attended the Graduation Ceremony, on Thursday 10 December, for the participants of the 2009 Maroondah FReeZA Group – Stuff Your Stereo Events.

The Graduation Ceremony provides an opportunity for Council to congratulate the participants on their achievements and to wish them well in their future endeavours.

Maroondah City Council places great value in formally recognising the commitment, dedication and achievements of this group of young people. During the Graduation Ceremony, each member of the group was presented with certificates by acknowledging their participation and were provided with a reflection of their achievements throughout the program.

The presentation was attended by the FReeZA group participants and family members.

The annual FReeZA program is based at EV’s Youth Centre at 212 Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon.

For more information on FReeZA or any of the other programs and events offered at EV’s Youth Centre, phone Council’s Youth Services team on 9294 5706 or visit www.evsyouthcentre.com