Tag: graduation ceremony

Graduation of participants in the National Green Corps Program at Mullum Mullum Creek

Posted on by alex

The National Green Corps Program is a Federal Government initiative that provides education and employment skills for young people that are unemployed and enjoy working in the outdoors. The City of Maroondah has been involved in the Green Corps Program through re-vegetation work along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The program is delivered through two rounds and this afternoon I attended the graduation ceremony of the first group of participants who have completed the six month program. Participants within the Green Corps Program gained formal qualifications through Swinburne TAFE, as well as practical employment skills in conservation and land management.

Alex with participants graduating form the National Green Corp Program at the Mullum Mullum Creek.
Alex with participants graduating form the National Green Corp Program at the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The program has been possible through a partnership between education and employment providers, as well community groups and Maroondah City Council. I extend my congratulations to the participants of the program and I look forward to the next round of students who will be participating and improving the biodiversity and amenity of the Mullum Mullum Creek.

Delegates’ Report: Dawn Service, youth projects, community facilities and recognising our natural environment

Posted on by alex

On the 25th of April I attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Ringwood Clocktower along with Councillors Ann Fraser, Nora Lamont and Natalite Thomas.  The Dawn Service is facilitated by the Ringwood RSL and I would like to congratulate them on their ongoing involvement and for catering to the growing crowds that gather each year.

On the 6th of May I spoke with the participants within the Young Leaders Program, which is a week long program providing leadership and confidence skills for up to thirty Year 10 students.

The students participate in a number of activities throughout the week and part of the program includes a session entitled ‘Councillor for a Day’.  I was the speaker for this session, where participants discussed the role of local government and I provided an overview of the activities undertaken as a Councillor and Mayor.  The students had many questions around the role of local government and it was fantastic to see an active interest in our local community.

The graduation ceremony for the Young Leaders Program was held on the following day, the 7th of May, and while students may have finished the course, there is a further opportunity to use these skills through the Community Action Project.  The Community Action Project involves students choosing a project that they wish to develop and to deliver positive outcomes for the community.  The skills that were developed throughout the past week will equip these participants with the ability to undertake this project and I look forward to seeing the positive work they will be undertaking in the community.

The Young Leaders Program is one of several activities undertaken through the EVs Youth Centre in Croydon and I wish to congratulate staff and the students for their involvement in the Young Leaders Program.

On Sunday the 15th of May I attended a public forum convened through the Maroondah Interfaith Network.  This group, which was formed in partnership with Maroondah City Council, provides a forum for Maroondah’s faith based communities and aims to provide dialogue between the religious communities within the municipality.

The forum was the first event convened by the Maroondah Interfaith Network and it highlighted that all beliefs hold the same core values of respect and acceptance.  I would like to congratulate the Maroondah Interfaith Network on holding such a successful event and I look forward to their ongoing involvement within the community.

On the 20th of May I had the pleasure of opening the upgraded facilities at Central Ringwood Community Centre, which is a project that was completed in partnership with Council and the Federal Government.  The new facilities will enable Central Ringwood to provide a more accessible centre and to offer additional programs and courses for our community.  This project represents the positive community outcomes that can be achieved when multiple levels of government work together to achieve results for Maroondah.

Lastly, last Saturday on the 22nd of May I attended the Mullum Ward Picnic in the Park along with Cr. Ann Fraser.  It was wonderful to see so many members of our community enjoying the day and this was certainly helped by the pleasant weather that we had.

The Picnics in the Park provide an opportunity to rediscover Maroondah’s Reserves and at BJ Hubbard there was a strong environmental focus given that the Reserve is part of Maroondah’s remnant bushland and home to unique flora and fauna.  Speakers provided information on the environmental significance of BJ Hubbard Reserve and it was wonderful to see such a strong interest in our local environment.

I’ll be tabling the rest of my report.

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