2010 Norwood Football Club President’s Luncheon

Norwood Football CLub, based at Mullum Reserve in Ringwood, is a division one football club and one of the largest within the Eastern Football League.

This afternoon I attended the presidents luncheon, where the club thanks its supporters, committee and past players for their dedication to the club. While Norwood had a mixed start to the season, it is now competing strongly and this is reinforced through its strong committee of management and vision for the future.

Norwood Football Club has a unique location, being located at the edge of the Mullum Creek Trail and it is great to see the club appreciate the efforts of the bushcare group that preserves the unique biodiversity of the trail. I wish Norwood the best of luck as it approaches the 2010 EFL Finals.

2010 North Ringwood Senior Citizens Annual General Meeting

The North RIngwood Senior Citizens are based at Norwood Park along Warrandyte Road and is one of several groups that utilises these facilities on a shared basis. The North Ringwood Senior Citizens is one of three senior-based groups, that provides a range of activities to encourage social inclusion and active lifestyles.

This afternoon I attended the Annual General Meeting of the North Ringwood Senior Citizens, where I was asked to officiate proceedings for the election of officeholders for the 2010-2011 Year. While some groups have faced difficulties in maintaining interest, it is fantastic to see ongoing community involvement with the North Ringwood Senior Citizens, including the confirming of an active and enthusiastic committee.

The North Ringwood Senior Citizens have already planned a series of activities for the remainder of the year, including trips and social events. Details on the group are available within the Maroondah Community Guide.

Media Release: Mullum Mullum Reserve fencing application approved

Council has this week granted conditional approval for the construction of a permanent fence along the length of the Mullum Mullum Road frontage of Mullum Mullum Reserve in North Ringwood.

The application by Norwood Football Club to construct the fence was approved during Monday night’s (24 May) Council meeting.

The club cited a number of factors in support of their application, including the additional safety a fence would provide for park users – particularly small children – and their ability to collect gate fees during home games.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said there had been much community interest in the fence proposal and the conditions imposed aimed to address the most common concerns identified.

“In making this decision Council has taken into account the feedback received during several consultation periods and is confident that the conditions imposed will lead to a satisfactory outcome,” Cr Makin said.

“The fence will be 1.2 metres in height and designed to blend into the Mullum Mullum Reserve surrounds. It will be made of black PVC coated chain mesh and will be more aesthetic than the current yellow temporary fence used during Norwood Football Club home games,” Cr Makin said.

Among conditions attached to the planning approval is that Norwood Football Club bear the cost of fence construction, that match day entry fees be voluntary, and that a gate management plan be developed.

Council will work in conjunction with the football club to determine the exact location of the fence.

– ENDS –

Ringwood U3A – 25th Birthday Celebrations

Universities of the Third Age (U3A) are a global movement which provides education and life-long learning for retirees. The concept of U3As began in France in 1972 and spread quickly throughout the World, including Australia.  Thirty years ago, Ringwood became the home to one of the very first U3As within Victoria, based at Norwood Hall along Warrandyte Road in Ringwood North.

This afternoon I attended a luncheon to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ringwood U3A, where past and current members reflected on the past thirty years and the ongoing interest in U3As. Twenty-five years ago U3As were a new and novel concept and the establishment of Ringwood’s U3A was the result of determination and ongoing support from several founding members.  This dedication has delivered results, with the Ringwood U3A flourishing and offering a wide variety of courses to cater to a diverse range of interests.

Alex with the Member for Deakin, Mike Symon and U3A members at the 25th birthday celebrations for Ringwood U3A.

As part of the proceedings I was invited to speak at the celebrations, where I reiterated the importance of life-long education and congratulated the many people involved in their ongoing support to the Ringwood U3A.  I also discussed the future opportunities that may exist through Council’s assessment of community facilities.  This assessment will assist in providing information on available community space, assisting community groups in finding locations for their activities.

In addition, Maroondah Council is currently conducting an assessment of Norwood Hall, prompted by the desired relocation of North Ringwood Community House and this will provide an opportunity  to explore options to better cater for the needs of the existing groups at Norwood Hall.

Alex presenting a certificate of appreciation recognising the assistance provided towards  Ringwood U3A.
Alex presenting a certificate of appreciation recognising the assistance provided towards Ringwood U3A.

Community organisations like the Ringwood U3A provide new opportunities for seniors, as well as reducing social isolation and promoting active participation within our community.  I look forward to seeing many years of future success for the Ringwood U3A.

Launch of new playground for North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre

Maroondah City Council offers a variety of grants to assist community based organisations, including funding through the third/third/third grants, which can be utilised for capital works within council owned facilities.  The upgraded playground at North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre, based at Norwood Reserve on Warrandyte Road in Ringwood North is one example of this funding.

North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre is a community based, not-for-profit organisation, which is managed through a voluntary Committee of Management.  The Centre provides a range of programs for young children, including an accredited four year old kindergarten program, with an emphasis on creativity and learning.

This afternoon I was invited to officially launched the new playground at the Centre, which was funded through Council’s third/third/third program. This grants program is where Council contributes time and financial resources to assist community organisations with capital works.  The community group contributes one third of the project, Council another third and the final third can be provided as a loan or through other external sources of funding.

The playground provides an expanded range of activities and play spaces for the children in the Centre and is an example of an organisation that is meeting the long-term needs of Maroondah’s community.  For further information on the third/third/third funding program and other community grants offered by the City of Maroondah please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/GrantsProgram.aspx.

Eastern Football League: 2010 Season Launch

The Eastern Football League (EFL) is based in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, stretching from Balwyn through to Noble Park. The League consists of 43 teams total across four divisions.

This evening I attended the launch of the EFL’s 2010 season launch, which provided an overview of the League and the Clubs within the competition. The EFL consists of 12 First Division Clubs, 10 in Second Division, 10 in Third Division and 11 in Fourth Division, with the season commencing from the 10th of April.

Maroondah has several clubs competing within the Eastern Football League, including four in Division One; Norwood, East Ringwood, Croydon and South Croydon.  Ringwood Football Club competes in Division Two, while North Ringwood and Heathmont are in Divisions Three and Four respectively.