Tag: Media Releases

Maroondah Forum for People with Disabilities and Carers – consultation and providing feedback

Posted on by alex

Today’s forum for people with disabilities and carers provided an opportunity to discuss the feedback produced by the workshop that was held earlier this year and also to consult the participants on council’s new disability policy and action plan.

While current budgetary resources meant that the forum must remain at its current quarterly frequency, this will be reviewed early next year. Assuming that I am returned as a councillor after November’s elections, I will be advocating for the forums to be held on a bi-monthly frequency or for another working group to be established to exclusively examine strategic and advocacy issues. Either option will ensure a greater level of engagement for people with disabilities and ensure an improvement to the level of accessibility within Maroondah.

One of the major concerns from the feedback was the lack of publicity in regard to the forum, this has been rectified with council issuing media releases to publicise the forums and it being included on the council website. This will assist in ensuring that the community is aware of the forums and the opportunity to provide input and to inform council on accessibility issues. Terms of reference have been developed to provide direction for the forum and help improve communication and feedback between participants in the forum and council.

The guest speaker was from the Commonwealth Respite Centre who spoke about the programs that are available for carers and for people with disabilities in seeking respite or taking a break from their usual duties.

Today’s forum also included a workshop on council’s future Disability Policy and Action Plan. The policy, which is expected to be adopted in draft status at the next council meeting, will govern council’s approach to accessibility issues and its role as an advocate on behalf of the community. It is imperative that the views of people with disabilities and carers are taken into account so that council can be responsive to the needs of the community.

While the forum provided an additional opportunity for comment, people will be able to submit their thoughts on the policy once it reaches draft status. I encourage members of the community to take an interest in the policy as it will shape council’s position on accessibility.

Alex with Edward (Woody) Marriott, one of the participants of the Maroondah forum for people with disabilities and carers. Woody operates Ambleside Tours a company that specialises in holidays for people with disabilities.

One of the areas that requires feedback is in regard to the need for a Disability Advisory Committee. Councils such as Monash, Knox and Whitehorse all have committees which provide strategic advice to council in regard to accessibility issues. This differs from Maroondah’s forum, in that the focus is on strategic issues with representation from peak groups. The forum for people with disabilities and carers provides an opportunity for input on specific issues, while the committee could oversee the strategic direction on council’s approach to accessibility and supervise the implementation of the disability policy and action plan.

Such concepts must be considered as part of council’s approach to accessibility to ensure that Maroondah strives to create an inclusive municipality.

The next forum for people with disabilities and carers will include a session on the Ringwood Transit City and the need for an accessible and safe Ringwood Station.

Media Release: Celebrate International Volunteers Day and become a volunteer

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WANTED: Enthusiastic Maroondah residents with a few spare hours a week to undertake a vital community project. Job satisfaction guaranteed!

If this sounds like you, Maroondah City Council would like to hear from you!

Councillor Alex Makin said in recognition of International Volunteers Day, Maroondah City Council is encouraging local people to discover the ‘job satisfaction’ of being a volunteer by helping others in the Maroondah community.

“International Volunteers Day was officially celebrated around the country on Wednesday 5th December, and provides a fantastic opportunity to recognise our local volunteers as well as encouraging more people to get involved in volunteering,” said Cr Makin.

“Whatever your age, gender, background or abilities, there are plenty of ways to help, and plenty of people in Maroondah who would greatly appreciate it,” said Cr Makin.

“At the moment we have a real need for people who are able to drive Council’s ten seater bus to assist people who are living in supported residential services to get out and about,” said Cr Makin.

If you are able to offer your time for this volunteer role, you would need a current valid Victorian Drivers’ licence and undertake a practice drive of the bus.

“The trips are conducted in small groups to encourage friendships for residents who have limited access to social opportunities,” said Cr Makin.

“We are also looking for someone to assist residents in learning and doing a variety of craft activities such as paper crafts, pottery, embroidery, etc at the accommodation, so if you have a crafty bent and some time to spare, we’d love to hear from you,” said Cr Makin.

“Additionally, Council’s Meals on Wheels service are always on the look out for volunteers, not just as drivers, but also as a ‘jockey’, providing assistance to the driver,” said Cr Makin.

“Volunteering is very rewarding work and very flexible! If you can spare a few hours a week, fortnight or month I would strongly encourage you to contact Council and find out more about how you can get involved,” said Cr Makin.

So why not become a volunteer and help others in your local area, meet new people and discover the joy that comes from giving something back to the community?

For further details or to register your interest please call 1300 88 22 33.

Media Release: Eastern Transport Coalition welcomes Federal Government funding

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The Eastern Transport Coalition welcomes the announcement of Federal Government funding for grade separation at the Springvale Road, Nunawading railway crossing.

Councillor Alex Makin represents Maroondah City Council on the Eastern Transport Coalition.

“The funding from the Federal Government for this important public transport infrastructure improvement, while assisting road traffic congestion, also paves the way for future funding to assist with high capacity public transport projects,” said Cr Makin.

ETC Chairperson Cr Van De Vreede said the “grade separation will help reduce traffic congestion at one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections and likewise a rail to Rowville, a rail to Doncaster and increasing the capacity of the Belgrave/Lilydale lines would reduce congestion on many more roads.

“If the Federal Government is happy to provide funding to reduce congestion on roads which are traditionally the responsibility of the State Government why shouldn’t they provide funding for high capacity public transport projects which will do the same?” It’s a ‘no brainer’.

“Such public transport projects will also serve to protect our families from the impacts of rising oil prices by giving them transport choices.”

The community in the eastern suburbs wants the Federal Government to help with funding. In a major survey of 1000 voters in the east 62% of respondents said it was not acceptable that the Federal Government provided funding for major roads but not for public transport infrastructure.

“This supports the Federal parliamentary Committee on Environment and Heritage decision that the provision of Australian Government transport infrastructure funds ‘include provision of funding specifically for sustainable public transport infrastructure for suburbs and developments on the outer fringes of our cities’.”

“Phil Baressi was a member of the Committee for part of this inquiry so he understands the importance of public transport in improving the sustainability of our cities.

“I look forward to more decisions by the Federal Government to provide funding in areas where they have not traditionally done so, first it was a hospital, now its grade separations, hopefully tomorrow its public transport,” Cr Van De Vreede concluded.

The Eastern Transport Coalition is made up of seven Councils in Melbourne’s east, representing over 940,000 residents, with a primary focus on advocating for improved transport choices in the east.

Media Release: Melbourne 2030 must have a public transport plan for rail

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In a submission to the State Government ETC Chairperson Cr Mick Van De Vreede has said that for Melbourne 2030 to deliver more needs to be invested in major public transport in Melbourne’s east.

Cr Van De Vreede said the central idea in Melbourne 2030, to increase housing around transport hubs, was a good one, however the idea had not been backed up by expansion of rail options in the Eastern suburbs.

“What Melbourne 2030 really needs is a plan that allows for the expansion of rail in the outer east. There are a number of major activity centres in Melbourne’s east which would significantly benefit from the expansion of heavy rail”, Cr Van De Vreede said.

Councillor Alex Makin represents Maroondah City Council on the Eastern Transport Coalition.

“Ringwood has been nominated by the State Government as a Transit City, and with the projected expansion in population, it is essential that the capacity of the Belgrave/Lilydale rail line be increased to ensure the Transit City vision becomes reality,” said Cr Makin.

“If Melbourne is to be a truly liveable city while encouraging higher density living, we need to invest now in dedicated public transport infrastructure such as heavy and light rail. We need to finish the suburbs we already have before building new ones,” Cr Van De Vreede concluded.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEX MAKIN ON 0408 311 645

Media Release: You have the power! Cutting greenhouse gas emissions

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Residents of 48 Maroondah homes are now better equipped to cut their greenhouse gas emissions following the ‘You Have the Power: Save Energy’ home assessment program.

‘You Have the Power: Save Energy’ was run by environmental consultants Going Solar, and was designed to educate residents about simple and inexpensive ways to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions.

Maroondah was one of three municipalities involved in the program, along with Manningham and Boroondara.

Councillor Alex Makin said the program involved a 45 minute home visit to assess household energy consumption and provided home energy saving kits and advice on how to reduce household energy consumption by 15 per cent.

“Each household involved in the program completed a survey that enabled the assessor to get a snapshot of the dwelling, as well as providing data to contribute to an overview of energy consumption across the three municipalities,” said Cr Makin.

“The results of these surveys show that greenhouse gas emissions are higher in winter, due to increased use of electric slab heating, electric space heaters, electric hot water services and additional light use,” said Cr Makin.

“The average electricity consumption during winter across the three municipalities was 17.17 kWh per day, with a significant difference between the lowest consumption rate and the highest,” said Cr Makin.

“The response we have had from the community has been very positive and participants of the program have been really interested to know exactly where they are consuming energy in their homes. Advice provided through the visits has shown participants that there are many simple and effective ways to reduce their energy consumption without undue expenses,” said Cr Makin.

The installation of the home refit kits in each of the 144 households across the three municipalities is expected to save 108 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. A 15 per cent reduction in emissions, on average, across all of these households would result in 259 tonnes being saved per year. This is the equivalent of taking 57 cars off the road.

The home energy saving kits included a shower timer, two flow restrictors for taps, compact flow lights and a thermometer.

The program also received funding from the Australian Greenhouse Office.

Media Release: Putting the kids through the hoops

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Family members were put through the hoops – literally – at a recent Aussie Hoops basketball training session at Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre.

Councillor Alex Makin said the Aussie Hoops program is for boys and girls from five to ten years of age, but this session also had mums, dads, older siblings and grandparents out on the court too.

“The Council run program is a Basketball Australia initiative and is a fantastic learn to play program for budding basketball players. This session gave the youngsters a chance to pit their new found skills against other members of the family, with no concern for a final score,” said Cr Makin.

“The coaches tailored the lesson to allow family members to participate in all aspects – including drills, skills and mini-matches. It was great to see the children assist and interact with their family,” said Cr Makin.

Aussie Hoops is for boys and girls aged 5 to 10 years of age and is held on a Thursday after school during school terms. This skill based program is the stepping stone to the Biddy Ball program, where children put their basketball skills to use in unscored, actual games of basketball. Biddy Ball is for boys and girls aged 5 to 9 years of age and is played on a Friday after school during school terms.

For more information about basketball or netball programs at Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre please contact Council on 9298 4487, pick up a brochure from one of Council’s Customer Service Centres, or visit the website at www.maroondahleisure.com.au.

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Media Release: What are you doing with your snaps?

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This year’s Maroondah City Council Photo Competition is well underway, with many wonderful entries coming in each day.

However, if you haven’t entered your favourite photo of Maroondah yet, then Councillor Alex Makin would encourage residents and visitors to Maroondah to do so very soon.

“We’re about half way through the annual competition period, so there is still plenty of time to take a photo of your favourite place or special landmark in Maroondah,” said Cr Makin.

“Don’t forget to look at photos you may have taken over last summer, special moments enjoying Maroondah’s parks and waterways, happy families or sporting shots. As long as they were taken in Maroondah and after 1 July 2006 they can be entered,” said Cr Makin.

The competition sections are across three age groups and offer a range of great prizes including cameras from Croydon Camera House, movie passes to Hoyts and Hoyts La Premiere and an Eastland shopping voucher.

Up to three photos can be entered per person with the closing date for entries being 30 June 2007.

Entry forms are available from Croydon and Ringwood Libraries, Croydon Camera House, Eastland Shopping Centre and Council’s Service Centres at Braeside Avenue, Ringwood; Civic Square, Croydon and Level 2, Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood.

“So whether your camera is high-tech digital or low-tech disposable, get out there and start snapping!” said Cr Makin.

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Media Release: Calling on Maroondah's young film makers

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Maroondah’s budding young film makers still have the opportunity to enter the Snippets Youth Short Film Festival, with registrations closing on Friday 30 March.

Councillor Alex Makin said the festival gives young people who have an interest in film a fantastic opportunity to get involved and express their creative side.

“Snippets Youth Short Film Festival is a great event because it gives young people a chance to be creative and use their imagination. I encourage all young people to consider getting involved, be they novices or experienced film makers,” said Cr Makin.

“The films will be shown at Hoyts Eastland in April, as part of National Youth Week Celebrations, which will give the film makers some great exposure within the community. Some of the worlds best directors have been discovered at film festivals!” said Cr Makin.

Snippets Youth Short Film Festival is being run as part of an awareness campaign for Ybblue- the youth program of Beyond Blue which is a national depression initiative.

Cr Makin said the festival is aimed at promoting the benefits creative expression can have on mental health.

“Expressing ourselves creatively plays an important part in maintaining a healthy mind and body. I think the film festival is not only giving young people a great opportunity to do this, but it is also highlighting an important issue that can affect young people – depression,” said Cr Makin.

Registrations for the Snippets Youth Short Film Festival close on Friday 30 March, with completed films required by April 6.

The Snippets Youth Short Film Festival will be shown at Hoyts Eastland from 7.30pm on Thursday 19 April.

For further information contact Maroondah Youth Services on 9298 4373.

Media Release: Annual Maroondah Photo Competition launches

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Councillor Alex Makin said it’s the time of year when Maroondah residents and visitors are invited to show their own special view of Maroondah – taken through the eye of a camera lens.

“The Photo Competition provides a great opportunity for people to capture the spirit of Maroondah. Favourite places, special landmarks, the great outdoors, happy families, sporting shots and artistic creations are all popular choices,” said Cr Makin.

“Look out for the brightly coloured orange brochure which details the three competition sections, the great prizes on offer and the entry form,” said Cr Makin.

The open section is for everyone aged 18 or over, and the winner will receive a Digital Camera to the value of $500, while the runner up will win three Hoyts La Premiere double passes.

The intermediate section is for anyone aged between 13 and 17 years, making it ideal for secondary school students. First prize is a camera and film processing to the value of $200. Second prize is four Hoyts movie passes and a Hoyts La Premiere double pass.

The junior section caters for photographers up to 12 years. The winner will receive a camera and film processing to the value of $100, while the runner up will receive four Hoyts movie passes.

A Mayor’s Encouragement Award will also be made, and the winner will receive an Eastland shopping voucher to the value of $200.

“Up to three photos can be entered per person, so you can afford to be creative. There are a lot of photo possibilities in Maroondah – you are only limited by your imagination!” said Cr Makin.

This year’s Maroondah Photo Competition entries will be on show at Maroondah Art Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood from Thursday 19 July to Saturday 18 August.

The Mayor will present the prizes during the first week of the exhibition and each entrant will receive an invitation by mail to attend the awards presentation.

The prizes have kindly been donated by Croydon Camera House, Hoyts, Eastland Shopping Centre.

Closing date for entries is 30 June 2007 and photos must have been taken after 1 July 2006.

Entry forms are available from Croydon and Ringwood Libraries, Croydon Camera House, Eastland Shopping Centre and Council’s Service Centres at Braeside Avenue, Ringwood; Civic Square, Croydon and Level 2, Shop Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood.

“So whether your camera is high-tech digital or low-tech disposable, get out there and start snapping!” said Cr Makin.

Media Release: Learn how to make worms useful

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Maroondah City Council is offering residents the opportunity to get up close and personal with an active worm farm, in order to learn how to manage one of these useful composting tools in their own home.

Councillor Alex Makin invites the community to a free worm farming and composting workshop on Saturday 3 March at Arrabri Community House, Bayswater North.

“This interactive workshop will let you touch and smell composting materials, show how an active worm farm works, and for a real hands on challenge you can even sort the worms from the worm castings!”said Cr Makin.

“The workshop will also provide participants with a range of tools and information to successfully set up and maintain their own compost bin or worm farm at home,” said Cr Makin.

The workshop is ideal for residents considering setting up a compost bin or worm farm, as well as for those who are already operating a composting system but would like some advice or ideas on maintaining healthy and effective systems.

“In Maroondah approximately half the waste of average households sent to landfill is organic. By learning how to compost and manage a worm farm, this waste can be removed from landfill and successfully reused in the garden at home,” said Cr Makin.

Home composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improves soil quality and provides excellent organic fertiliser for our gardens.

The workshop will be held on Saturday 3 March from 10am to 12pm at Arrabri Community House, Allambanan Drive, Bayswater North (Melways map 65 B1).

To register for this exciting free workshop please call Katie from EnviroCom on 9703 5214.