Tag: General

North Ringwood Community House 2009 AGM

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This morning North Ringwood Community House held its Annual General Meeting to elect committee members for the next two years. The community house appoints a two-year term for its committee members to provide continuity, while still providing flexibility for new members to get involved.

I have been re-elected onto the Committee of Management so that I can continue to provide advice in regard to advancing the aims of the new Community House for Ringwood North.

While changes to the Local Government Act may unnecessarily complicate a councillor’s involvement in community organisations, I believe that my inclusion on the committee assists the house in being able to achieve its goal of new premises. The relocation of North Ringwood Community House will allow for the expansion of its services and to meet the growing needs of an increasingly diverse Ringwood North and Ringwood community. In particular it would provide for an accessible community house within a location that can be accessed by people residing in both Ringwood and Ringwood North.

I was also the guest speaker at the AGM and discussed the transformation of Ringwood as a designated Central Activity District and the need for community facilities to be at the forefront of this project.

Recent improvements to Ringwood include the construction of footpaths throughout the residential precinct, including Nelson Street, Bourke Street, Bond Street, Browns Avenue, Churchill Street, Montgomery Street, Sherbrook Avenue and Burwood Avenue. These footpaths were constructed through development contributions and will assist in creating an accessible environment that encourages sustainable forms of transport, such as walking.

The redevelopment of Eastland and the creation of a new town square for Ringwood is expected to begin at the start of next year and will restore a civic heart to Ringwood through delivering new public open space and a new library and community complex.

The creation of a forecourt and bus interchange for Ringwood Station is expected through State Government funding of $39 million. This work is expected to begin either late this year or early next year.

While this funding will improve the appearance of Ringwood Station and make it easier for pedestrians to access the transport interchange, it will not improve the accessibility of the station itself, meaning that further work is required to ensure that the standards meets the needs of people with disabilities.

It is imperative that State Government funding is received for these further works to create an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.

The major challenge facing both Ringwood and the North Ringwood Community House is the need to deliver new community services within Ringwood while still providing facilities for the Ringwood North community. In this regard a proposed location for the community house will need to retain its connection to Ringwood North while being accessible to the Ringwood community.

The feasibility study which is designed to identify potential sites will explore this criteria to ensure that the most suitable location is found.

I look forward to my continued involvement in the North Ringwood Community House as we advance the aims of providing a community focus for the Ringwood and Ringwood North communities.

For further information on North Ringwood Community House please visit www.nrchi.com.

Delegates' Report: advocacy, fundraising and annual general meetings

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Firstly, I would like to report that the Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee has been reconvened for this year and held its first meeting on the 17th of February.

The primary objective for this year is to oversee the development of Council’s new Wellbeing Plan, which will guide Maroondah’s approach to health, safety and wellbeing initiatives within the municipality. The committee involves a broad cross section of organisations and is well positioned to provide this input.

On the 19th of February I attended a forum on bus services, convened as part of the State Government’s review into bus routes across Metropolitan Melbourne. It is encouraging that the Government is investigating bus routes within Maroondah as there is a need for more frequent bus services and better connectivity across the network. The government has called for public submissions and has extended the deadline for submissions until the 3rd of April. A second workshop will be scheduled for later this year.

I attended two annual general meetings over the past month, including Maroondah Homebiz on the 3rd of March where it is encouraging to see the organisation continuing to strongly represent the growing numbers of small and homebusiness owners within Maroondah. I also attended the Croydon Conservation’s Society AGM on the 12th of March. The organisation is enthusiastically entering its 45th year and maintained a budget surplus over the past twelve months.

Lastly, I participated in a fundraiser for the bushfire appeal through the Rotary Club of Ringwood on the 20th of February, collecting coin donations at the Maroondah Highway and Mount Dandenong Road intersection. I am pleased to say that Rotary raised in excess of $10,000 and would like to thank our community for giving so generously.

Croydon Conservation Society 2009 AGM

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Tonight’s annual general meeting of the the Croydon Conservation Society marks its 45th year of community service.

The Croydon Conservation Society (CCS) was formed in 1964 by residents who acted to protect eucalyptus trees near Croydon Railway Station, which were going to be removed to make way for a service station.

The group began as the the Croydon Tree Preservation Society and later renamed itself to the Croydon Conservation Society to better encompass its aims as a broader environmental group.

Highlights over the past year include the construction of a new website, which enables the CCS to email latest news to its membership and the continuation of its annual film nights designed to both educate and entertain the community in regard to environmental issues.

I had served as Treasurer of the CCS over the past twelve months and was pleased to deliver a surplus over the course of the year. While costs such as insurance continue to rise, the CCS is in a healthy financial situation. In particular costs such as its newsletter production will reduce in future years due to the new website functionality.

Unfortunately due to changes in the Local Government Act I have been required to resign as Treasurer and therefore did not seek re-nomination at the AGM.

These legislative changes mean that if a Councillor is a committee member of an organisation they cannot vote or discuss issues of direct relevance to that organisation. Given that sustainability is a personal interest of mine, this could potentially jeopardise my ability to strengthen council’s approach to the environment.

It is a shame that these changes to the Local Government Act have the perverse implication of reducing a councillor’s involvement within the community. While I may no longer be a committee member of the CCS, I will certainly continue to attend their meetings and maintain my strong stance for improving the environmental sustainability of Maroondah.

The CCS faces a number of challenges as it enters its 45th year, primarily in developing new activities to engage the community. I trust that the CCS will continue to be a prominent voice within the community.

Maroondah Homebiz 2009 AGM

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Maroondah Homebiz is a business networking group for Maroondah’s expanding small and home-based business sector. The group meets on a monthly basis to provide networking opportunities for members and to hear guest speakers covering issues relevant to business and the local community.

Tonight’s Annual General Meeting elected the officebearers for the next twelve months and it is great to see Homebiz continuing so strongly, with there being several new faces on the committee.

The presentation this evening was from the City of Maroondah to discuss the strategic direction of Ringwood and Croydon as designated activity centres under State and Council planning policies. Details were provided on recently completed projects, such as the recent construction of footpaths within the residential areas of central Ringwood and the transformation of Ringwood Street. In addition upcoming projects were also discussed, including the redevelopment of the Ringwood Town Centre and the need for a commitment towards Ringwood Station to ensure an accessible and safe transport interchange.

Maroondah Homebiz meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Coach and Horses Hotel in Ringwood, for further details please visit www.homebiz.org.au.

Eastern Transport Coalition Presentation on Train and Tram Refranchising

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As the Deputy Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition I was invited to present the ETC’s views on the re-franchising arrangements for the rail and tram network. The presentation provided an opportunity to highlight the needs of Melbourne’s outer suburban residents and opportunities that can be pursued through the new franchise arrangements for more a frequent, reliable and accessible public transport system.

The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) as a regional body representing one million residents within its seven outer eastern councils is well positioned to understand the requirements of its communities and to demonstrate the need for efficient public transport operations.

The survey data compiled by the Australian Research Group for the ETC clearly demonstrates that residents of Melbourne’s outer east would be more than willing to use public transport if services are frequent, readily available and easy to understand.

In particular the ETC believes that there is considerable scope to improve off-peak and interpeak services, as a way of shifting travel demand and mitigate worsening overcrowding during peak times. Frequency of service is a key driver to attracting passengers onto public transport at times other than peak periods. Likewise there should also be the opportunity for express services outside the traditional peak periods.

More frequent services will also assist in delivering a more reliable system since it will assist in more evenly distributing demand across the network. Likewise all rail lines should operate at a consistent service frequency and operating span to provide consistency across the network.

While bus services are outside the scope of the train and tram re-franchising proposals there is a need to improve coordination across the entire public transport system, as such the new franchising arrangements must trigger a review of connecting bus services whenever there is a modification of rail and tram timetables. Bus services generally require at least a three month lead-time to implement changes and ample time is provided so that all modes can operate in a coordinated manner.

Accessibility is also a critical factor with the State Government failing to meet targets for disability compliance on the rail network. There would be a considerable opportunity to provide the franchisee with the scope to redevelop nominated stations in exchange for commercial rights. This would provide the operator with an incentive to modernise Melbourne’s rail stations through the creation of mixed use transit hubs and also ensure higher cleanliness and safety standards.

Likewise it is also critical that the new franchise arrangements include scope to extend the rail network, such as the much needed rail extensions to Rowville and Doncaster and the tram extensions that are required to Knox and Doncaster Hill.

Local Government both individually and collectively as a region would welcome the opportunity to engage the new rail and tram operators so that services meet the needs of our community. As an example, we have actively engaged Connex through the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee, which has led to the reduction of vandalism along Maroondah’s rail network. Public transport is critical to the mobility of our communities and local government should be actively engaged over initiatives and timetable changes.

The new franchise arrangements for the train and tram network will begin on the 1st of December of this year. It is imperative that the new agreements assist in delivering a service that meets the needs of our community.

Eastern Recreation and Leisure Services – 2008 AGM

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Eastern Recreation and Leisure Services (ERLS) aims to develop accessible and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities so that all members of the community, including people with disabilities, can partake in sporting and recreational activities.

The organisation operates across Whitehorse, Monash, Manningham Boroondara, Knox and Maroondah and is overseen by a voluntary committee of management and supported through staff and volunteers.

Within Maroondah ERLS supports the Ringwood Spiders, a football club based at Jubilee Park for people with disabilities, and is also forming partnerships to develop an inclusive and accessible cricket program.

Today’s annual general meeting included a presentation on inclusion, ‘make it your sport!’ a program developed by ERLS to encourage sporting clubs to include people with disabilities and raise awareness of the need for inclusive sporting opportunities.

ERLS demonstrates that all people can participate in sport and recreational activities resulting in more inclusive and healthier lifestyles. The ongoing success of the Ringwood Spiders, in establishing a stronger community and greater participation is a testament to this program and its aims.

Enjoying Planned Retirement Annual General Meeting

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Enjoying Planned Retirement (EPR) is one of three groups based at Norwood Hall in Warrandyte Road, Ringwood North. This evening EPR held its annual general meeting to appoint officebearers for the next twelve months.

EPR prides itself on being an active, unique and progressive activities club for seniors and this is reflected in its constitution, which requires the President to stand down after a two year term. This assists the club in considering new ideas and helps distribute the workload of committee positions. As a result, the club’s President Kath Perkins stepped down from her position and James Jamieson, the Vice-President was elected unopposed into the President role.

As the local ward councillor I have worked with Kath over the past two years to assist EPR with council issues and it has been delightful to have been assisted such a lively and inclusive club. Through its group conveners EPR is able to organise a wide range of activities, including wine tasting, performances, caravan trips, tennis, social gatherings, outings and cardgames. I have been a regular attendee to several EPR events, including its annual Spotlighters Performance, the Bocce afternoons and its Hidden Talents concert, all of which reinforce the fun friendly and inclusive nature of the organisation.

While EPR has over 400 members, its key priority over the next twelve months will be the expansion of its membership base. The committee is currently considering strategies to encourage new members and I have offered to design a website to assist in promoting the group.

I wish the incoming committee the best of wishes and I look forward to continuing my association with EPR.

Women's Health East Annual General Meeting

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Located at 28 Warrandyte Road in Ringwood, Women’s Health East is a community based women’s health agency. The organisation aims to lead, promote and supports health initiatives for women within Melbourne’s eastern region.

Today’s annual general meeting discussed the Health Promotion Plan, which identified the key priorities over the next three years. The plan includes a focus on violence against women, reproductive health and mental health and wellbeing.

Women’s Health East has an emphasis on advocacy, as well as health promotion and the organisation’s first factsheet assists in both of these aims. The factsheet, which is on violence against women, identifies the reported cases of violence and ongoing concerns over the under-reporting of such crimes.

Local government has the potential to promote health and wellbeing and encourage gender equity. As a candidate in the council elections I recently signed my commitment to the Action Plan for Women’s Health 2008-2012 and Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan will be able to assist in implementing these aims.

Delegates' Report: community inclusion, appreciating local history and recognising our many volunteers

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Thank you, as per previous months there are a few items I will be reporting on this evening:

On the 23rd of October I had a meeting with the Maroondah Skylarkers. The skylarkers is a group that delivers musical performances for senior citizens centres, nursing homes and retirement villages. The skylarkers are already booked out for their 2009 season, but are on the lookout for new members, so if anyone has musical and performing talents and would like to entertain our senior citizens please do consider speaking to the Maroondah Skylarkers.

Later on that afternoon I attended the Monkami Annual General Meeting. Monkami is a non-profit service provider for people with an intellectual disability. Monkami is unique in that is has an emphasis on community inclusion and the centre funds a community inclusion officer to ensure strong connections with the community.

Monkami is involved in a number of community projects, including the highly successful Monkami Drama Group, which has performed two seasons of its Titanic Resunk production, as well as partnerships with Croydon Secondary College and Arts Out East, which includes an exhibition from a number of community groups and will be held between the 21st and 23rd of November.

In addition Monkmai has developed an office administration course, which includes customer service, administrative and computer skills. Through this course, Monkami is exploring the possibility of work placements for these students to demonstrate the capabilities of their students. Two of the students showcased the presentation skills they learnt and their computing and PowerPoint skills were exemplary. Centres like Monkami prove that all people have abilities and it is important that we provide opportunities for these skills to be valued and acknowledged with our community.

On the 6th of November I attended the Eastern Access Community Health Annual General Meeting. EACH is a community based health provider that continues to go from strength to strength.

The guest speaker was human rights advocate Julian Gardiner, who spoke about the need to break down the systemic human rights inequities. Systemic inequities prevent people from recognising their full potential and hamper the delivery of an inclusive society. Organisations like EACH, through its holistic approach to health and wellbeing, as well as Monkami help address this disadvantage.

On the 8th of November I attended the Ringwood and District Historical Society’s bus tour of Ringwood East. The tour included thirteen stops highlighting the history of Ringwood East and explaining the stories behind locations such as Burnt Bridge and the region’s early mining and brick manufacturing industries.

The historical weekend continued through the 9th of November where I attended the Launch of Ringwood East Collections. The book captures some of the memories of Ringwood East through the retelling of thirty-five stories. The book is available for purchase through the Ringwood and District Historical Society and the group is already planning the recollections of Ringwood North, which is due in 2010.

On the 13th of November I was invited, as the Deputy Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition, to participate in a panel discussion as part of the Victorian Transport Infrastructure Summit. The discussion provided an opportunity to highlight the strong support for better public transport in the eastern suburbs, where the majority of respondents surveyed through the ETC believed that governments were not giving sufficient priority to the provision of public transport.

On the 14th of November I attended the annual performance of Enjoying Planned Retirement’s Spotlighters. I spoke about Spotlighters last year and it was great to see at least one other councillor attending this year’s performance. EPR’s Spotlighters mixes music, singing, acting, tapdancing, comedy and theatre into an extremely polished musical production. Spotlighters is an entertaining event and I do look forward to the 2009 season.

On the 13th of November I attended Maroondah’s Volunteer Recognition Evening and I would like to commend the many people that devote their time to creating a better and more inclusive community. Volunteers are the strength of any society and it is great to see an ongoing interest in people wanting to devote their time to volunteer and community activities.

Lastly, I would like to thank the many community groups and individuals that I have met over the past three years. It is wonderful that we have many committed people within Maroondah and I do wish each and everyone well.

Eastern Access Community Health 2008 AGM

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Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) is a community based organisation that delivers an holistic approach to community health and support services across Melbourne’s eastern region, including Boroondara, Manningham, Whitehorse, Monash, Maroondah, Knox and the Yarra Ranges. EACH provides a range of community health services, including counselling, disability support services, respite care, assistance for gamblers and is also a registered training organisation.

Tonight’s annual general meeting provided an opportunity for the board and management team to discuss the taxation rulings that threatened the Donation Gift Recipient (DGR) and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status of Eastern Access Community Health. The loss of this status would restrict the organisation’s capacity to attract donations and would result in adverse tax treatment, including the loss of Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions.

Given the adverse ramifications of the taxation rulings it has been proposed that EACH be constituted as a company limited by guarantee. This would assist in meeting these challenges and allow EACH to continue to expand its services in community health provision.

The guest speaker was human rights advocate Julian Gardiner, who spoke about the need to break down the systemic human rights inequities that exist within society and perpetuate disadvantage. Inclusive communities, where human rights are respected, assist in removing disadvantage through ensuring that everyone is able to participate. Julian discussed how a lack of access into buildings or a lack transport choice can limit social inclusion and as a result entrench disadvantage.

Organisations like EACH, through their holistic approach to community health, contribute to reducing this disadvantage to create an inclusive community with opportunities for all people. For further information on Eastern Community Health please visit www.each.com.au.