Tag: information session

Discussing experiences as a Councillor for the MAV Stand for Council Campaign

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Being an elected Councillor requires an ongoing time commitment coupled with an understanding of good governance and the ability to respond to community feedback. Victorian council elections will be held at the end of October in all local councils with the exception of Brimbank City Council.

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) provides introductory sessions for prospective council candidates to assist in understanding the role and responsibilities of local government. The sessions include an overview from a neighbouring Council Chief Executive Officer and Councillor to discuss the role of council officers and elected representatives.

This evening I was invited to speak at the information session held at Knox City Council to provide an overview of my experiences in local government and advice on conducting council campaigns. The session provided an opportunity for candidates to discuss the operations of a Council and the role that Councillors undertake within the community. In particular I was able to provide an overview of governance structures for Council to assist candidates in understanding how Councillors can deliver results for the community.

I attended a similar information session in 2005 when I first stood for local government in Maroondah and found that the discussion was useful in gaining an insight into councils. Candidates should be advised to learn about local government and its decision making processes to ensure that they can become effective representatives for their community.

Media Release: Maroondah Business Week bookings now open

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The Maroondah Business Week 2010 brochure is now available, detailing the range of workshops, seminars and networking sessions open to business owners and operators who wish to participate in this year’s Maroondah Business Week activities.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said anyone considering attending the range of networking and information sessions during Maroondah Business Week should decide what they would like to attend, and book early.

“We have introduced closing dates for our key events, so it is more important than ever that people get their tickets early,” Cr Makin said.

“There are a lot of opportunities for business owners and operators wanting to network with other local businesses, or learn new strategies to improve your business. Maroondah Business Week 2010 should not be missed,” said Cr Makin.

“Running from Monday 4 October to Friday 8 October, Maroondah Business Week covers everything you could want to know about doing business successfully in this city,” Cr Makin said.

Maroondah Business Week 2010 highlights include three guest speakers who will entertain and move you with their wealth of experience in life and in business:

Former Melbourne Football Club player David Schwarz will speak at the NAB Business Breakfast on 6 October at the Karralyka Centre from 7am until 9am.

Since retiring from the Melbourne Football Club after 11 years, David has pursued an active media career, co-hosting the sports radio program The Home Run and was a part of Channel 7’s AFL commentary team, but his reputation was tainted after revealing his had lost more than $4 million through gambling.

In 2007, the reformed gambler was appointed the Responsible Gambling Ambassador of the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group.

“By speaking about his experiences on and off the field, David will provide an insight into how he overcame his inner demons and transformed them into new opportunities,” Cr Makin said.

Peter Alexander, best known for his range of sleepwear, will share his secrets of success at the RACV Business Insurance Networking Event from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on 7 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Peter is a true entrepreneur, launching his range of sleepwear as a single man working from his living room table. His name is now recognised around the globe and at the height of success his business profits were growing at up to 40 per cent a year.

“At the age of 24 Peter made the tough decision to go out on his own. While the start up phase was difficult he overcame everything that was thrown at him. There is no doubt that Peter has a wealth of information to share about establishing brand loyalty,” Cr Makin said.

Then you can join author and model Tara Moss at the Eastland Business Lunch from noon to 2pm on Friday 8 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Tara had her first novel published at the age of 24, and has since become the number one crime writer in Australia. As a model she has graced the covers of more than 30 magazines.

“Tara lives her life by the motto ‘life is too short to live the same day twice’ and I think that is something we could all take on board. So why not come along and gain an insight into how to transform your passions into a successful career,” Cr Makin said.

The vast majority of business opportunities are found through networking, so bring along plenty of business cards and a willingness to connect with like-minded business people and meet some of Maroondah’s most influential and ‘up and coming’ business professionals.

Bookings can now be made for all events and workshops.

Further information on the complete range of activities during Maroondah Business Week 2010 can be found in the brochure available at all Council Service Centres, or by visiting www.bizmaroondah.com.au

– ENDS –

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.

Launch of the Eastern Alliance of Greenhouse Action solar hot water program

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This morning I joined the Mayors of Knox, Whitehorse and the Shire of Yarra Ranges to launch a bulk buy solar hot water program for the residents in the eastern suburbs facilitated through the Eastern Alliance of Greenhouse Action (EAGA).

The Eastern Alliance of Greenhouse Action was formed two years ago through the Councils of Knox, Whitehorse, Boroondara, Monash, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges to deliver programs that reduce greenhouse emissions for their respective residents.

The alliance has chosen Green Project as the preferred supplier of solar hot water systems, and will also offer free advice and a range of products including Solar PV, free home sustainability assessments, and free installation of eco-light bulbs to make it easier for residents to reduce their power bills.

A number of information sessions will be held to introduce the program to residents. The session to be held in Maroondah will be on Thursday 9 September, from 11am to 12pm, at Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

To register your interest in the program or to attend an information session call 1800 899 330 or register online: www.greenproject.com.au/eaga-ses/

Rotary Club of Ringwood – discussing the club website and introducing new members

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The Rotary Club of Ringwood is one of several service clubs located within the City of Maroondah, which aim to provide support to groups and individuals within the community. The Rotary Club of Ringwood has had a particular focus on assisting refugees and has supported a number of events celebrating Maroondah’s cultural diversity.

This evening I provided an information session about the Rotary Club of Ringwood website to assist committee members in the management of the site. Committee members and authorised members of the club are able to add new content to the site, including photographs and videos, to ensure that the site is continually maintained and up-to-date.

One of the challenges facing service clubs is the need to encourage ongoing participation and interest from the community. The website should assist the Rotary Club of Ringwood in recruiting new members and highlighting the work it undertakes on behalf of the Maroondah community.

Media Release: Time to convert to solar hot water?

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Installing a solar hot water system can not only save you money on your energy bills, but it will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To assist residents to make the switch to an economical and environmentally sustainable system, Maroondah City Council has teamed up with the City of Boroondara, Knox City Council, Monash City Council, the City of Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges Council to deliver a solar hot water program to residents.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin said the councils had joined forces to form the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) to better deliver community projects which address climate change.

“By replacing inefficient hot water systems with a solar hot water alternative that uses less energy, can save up to 75 per cent of your water heating bills. For a family of four who have an electric hot water system, they could save up to $920 a year on their water heating bills if they install a solar hot water system”Cr Makin said.

“As part of the program EAGA has teamed up with solar hot water system provider Green Project to make it easier for residents find out about a solar hot water system to suit their home and lifestyle.

“There are also a number of government rebates available to residents who make the switch to solar hot water. As part of the initiative residents will receive all the information they need to ensure they are getting as much money back in their pockets as possible.

“As a bonus, for residents who sign up for the program Green Project is offering them a discount of up to $500 until 30 September 2010,” Cr Makin said.

If you want to know more about the program information sessions to explain the program will be held throughout the region over the next few months. The session to be held in Maroondah will be on Thursday 9 September, from 11am to 12pm, at Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

To register your interest in the program or attending an information session call 1800 899 330 or register online: www.greenproject.com.au/eaga-ses/

– ENDS –

Development in Maroondah – Business Networking Event

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Maroondah City Council holds regular events for the business community to provide information on Council’s policies and future trends. This evening we hosted an information session on the Ringwood Central Activities District to provide an update on plans for the revitalisation of Ringwood.

As the Mayor of Maroondah, I introduced the session and provided an overview of some of the projects council is initiating within Ringwood to support the Central Activities District.

The session was supported by the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) and included Prue Digby, the Deputy Secretary (Planning and Local Government) of DPCD, who provided the State Government context in regard to activity centres.

Frank Dixon, Maroondah’s CEO and Phil Turner, the Director of City Development, both spoke at the session to discuss Maroondah’s involvement in the Central Activities District, including the preliminary plans for the redevelopment of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, into a multifaceted leisure facility, as well as the Ringwood Library redevelopment, which will coincide with the Eastland redevelopment.

It is imperative that Maroondah delivers community infrastructure that reinforces Ringwood’s status as a Central Activities District and complements the redevelopment of Ringwood as a sustainable and accessible urban centre.

Maroondah Relay for Life – Information Evening

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The Relay for Life began in 1985 in the United States and has since been held in 21 countries worldwide, including Australia.  This year a local Maroondah family will be organising a Relay for Life in Maroondah, which will be held on the 20th and 21st of November at Town Park Athletic Track in Croydon.  The Relay for Life is held over the two days, where Cancer survivors, carers, family and friends participate in the event to raise funds for Cancer research and support.

This evening an information session was held at the Maroondah City Council, whereby a committee was formed to organise and oversee the event.  While the Relay for Life is a community based event, Maroondah Council  is providing assistance, ensuring that we are working in partnership to help raise funds and awareness for this cause.

I urge the Maroondah community to support this event, either through volunteering, raising funds or participating in the relay on the 20th and 21st of November at Town Park Athletic Track in Croydon,