Tag: picnic in the park

Attendance Report: Celebrating Maroondah’s Arts and Cultural Events

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On the 26th of February I attended the Picnic in the Park hosted at Maroondah Federation Estate, which coincided with the celebrations for its 10th anniversary. Maroondah Federation Estate was established in partnership between local, state and federal governments on the site of the former Ringwood Primary School

The foresight that resulted in the establishment of Maroondah Federation Estate, delivered a premiere arts and cultural centre for Maroondah and Melbourne’s outer east, with a gallery that attracts a wide variety of exhibitions and space for community organisations. The festivities included photographs from the former school reflecting the historical value of Maroondah Federation Estate.

On the 18th of March I was back at Maroondah Federation Estate where I had the pleasure of opening the Kaleidoscope Exhibition at the Long Gallery located in the former class rooms. The exhibition, which is organised by Scope, celebrates the artistic skills of people with disabilities by focusing on their talents. The exhibition, which is one of several through Kaleidoscope showcased artworks under the theme of Inspiration Works and several participants travelled considerable distances to be able to attend.

Accompanying the exhibition was music provided by members of Scope, highlighting the diverse range of artistic and musical talents that exist. Kaleidoscope is a celebration of these talents and it was a pleasure to meet many of the exhibiting artists at the opening of the exhibition.

Mullum Ward Picnic in the Park at Maroondah Federation Estate

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Maroondah Federation Estate celebrated its 10th birthday with a range of activities highlighting the Maroondah Art Gallery and the range of community groups that utilise the facility.

The celebrations coincided with a picnic in the park, providing a free barbecue and the opportunity to meet the Mullum Ward Councillors. Like previous picnic in the parks, today’s event was a great opportunity to meet members of the Maroondah community and I would like to thank the many people I spoke to throughout the day.

The celebrations also focused on the history of Maroondah Federation Estate, which began as a primary school, through photographs supplied by the Ringwood Historical Society. Other photographs covering Ringwood’s early history were also provided by the Ringwood Historical Society.

Media Release: Get to know your Mullum Ward Councillors

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People living in Mullum Ward will have an opportunity to mingle with their local councillors during the first Maroondah Picnic in the Park event for 2011.

The event provides an opportunity to have a chat with your friendly Mullum Ward Councillors Ann Fraser, Nora Lamont and Alex Makin at Maroondah Federation Estate on Saturday 26 February.

“The Picnic in the Park is a fantastic concept which allows us, as ward councillors, to meet members of the community face-to-face and discuss all sorts of things,” Cr Fraser said.

“People can come along and have a chat about whatever is on their minds. It doesn’t have to have anything to do with Council matters,” Cr Fraser said.

“We encourage all Mullum residents to come along to the event and share with us their views on the area, and what they love about living in Maroondah,” Cr Makin said.

“An event like this is a perfect opportunity to speak face to face with a councillor and have your questions answered and your concerns addressed,” Cr Makin said.

“These picnics are a good chance for everyone to get to know each other on a different level, and find out more about the services offered by Council,” Cr Lamont said.

“The event coincides with the 10th anniversary celebrations of Maroondah Federation Estate, so residents will also be able to join in the festivities which include demonstrations from community groups, artists talks and fun activities for the kids,” Cr Lamont said.

Mullum Ward is located on the western side of Maroondah and includes most of Ringwood and Ringwood North, half of Ringwood East, and a small part of Croydon and Heathmont.

Head along to Maroondah Federation Estate on Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood, between 12noon and 4pm on Saturday 26 February to be part of the Picnic in the Park event.

– ENDS –

Media Release: Glen Park picnic a success

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Maroondah residents braved the windy weather on Saturday to take part in the Picnic in the Park event at Glen Park Community Centre.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin, who attended the event with Arrabri ward councillors Tony Dib, Paul Macdonald and Natalie Thomas, said it was pleasing to see so many residents enjoying the community facilities.

“The Picnic in the Park events are just one of the many Council events aimed at encouraging residents to come together and enjoy what Maroondah has to offer,” Cr Makin said.

“Residents took the opportunity to meet their ward councillors while enjoying the free sausage sizzle and family activities,” Cr Makin said.

“This event was even more special as it marked the completion of six months of redevelopment works at Glen Park Community Centre,” Cr Makin said.

“The centre has been totally redeveloped and it is now even more accessible and user friendly,” Cr Makin said.

“A new pavilion has also been built on the site, complete with change rooms, storage, a disabled toilet and a kiosk. The new building will better service the sporting clubs that call Glen Park home,” Cr Makin said.

“Works on a new accessible playground on the site will also begin shortly,” Cr Makin said.

“One of the activities at the Picnic in the Park event was for visitors to design their own painted tile which will then be used in the paths around the play space,” Cr Makin said.

“The path will be a colourful and practical work of art for visitors to admire each time they visit Glen Park,” Cr Makin said.

The community centre redevelopment was funded by a $450,000 grant from the Department of Human Services. A $50,000 grant from the Department of Planning and Community Development was used for modernisation works. The pavilion was funded by the Federal Government at the cost of $500,000. The play space is a jointly funded project by Maroondah City Council and the State Government.

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

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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.

Picnic in the Park at BJ Hubbard Reserve

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The City of Maroondah holds regular Picnic in the Parks to provide an opportunity for the community to meet their Ward Councillors and to rediscover the many parks within the municipality.

Today’s Picnic in the Park was held at BJ Hubbard Reserve for residents of the Mullum Ward and it was great to see the many community members attend.  BJ Hubbard is part of Maroondah’s remnant bush reserves and has a range of unique flora and fauna.  In addition, there are a a number of community groups based at the Scout Hall at BJ Hubbard, including the Scouts and the Maroondah Toy Library.

The Picnic in the Park at BJ Hubbard had a strong community and environmental focus, with regular environmental presentations and a range of activities for children, as well as information stalls from Council, the Scouts and the Maroondah Toy Library.

Picnics in the Park provide an informal occasion to meet many members of the community and I had a wonderful afternoon meeting residents from the nearby streets in Ringwood North, as well as several from other parts of Maroondah. In addition, there many young families with children enjoying activities such as the jumping castle and the games that were available.

Many residents spoke about the Council’s plans for the redevelopment of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre and it was pleasing to receive many positive comments about Maroondah’s vision for Ringwood and the need for a new standard of community facilities within the municipality.  Council has begun discussions with the user groups within Ringwood Aquatic to plan arrangements during the demolition and construction of the old centre.

BJ Hubbard Reserve is a truly unique bush reserve and it was encouraging to see the strong interest in its environmental significance.  Council holds regular Picnics in the Parks and a further one is planned for the Mullum Ward later this year.

Media Release: Meet your Mullum Ward councillors at free BBQ

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People living in Mullum Ward will have an opportunity to mingle with their local councillors during the next Maroondah Picnic in the Park.

Take the opportunity to have a chat with your friendly Mullum Ward councillors Ann Fraser, Nora Lamont and Mayor Alex Makin at BJ Hubbard Reserve in Ringwood North on Saturday 22 May.

“The picnic in the park is a fantastic concept which allows us, as ward councillors, to speak face-to-face with the local community about all sorts of things. It doesn’t necessarily need to be related to Council. These picnics are a good chance for everyone to get to know each other on a different level,” Cr Makin said.

“So if you live in Mullum Ward it would be great to see you at BJ Hubbard Reserve on Saturday 22 May,” Cr Lamont said.

“There will be a free barbecue and plenty of fun activities for the kids. I look forward to seeing you there,” Cr Fraser said.

Mullum Ward is located on the western side of Maroondah and includes most of Ringwood and Ringwood North, half of Ringwood East, and a small part of Croydon and Heathmont.

Head along to BJ Hubbard Reserve in Ringwood North from 11am on Saturday 22 May for Maroondah’s next Picnic in the Park.