Tag: safety

Attendance Report: Social inclusion and Council alliances

Posted on by alex

One of the reforms undertaken during my year as Mayor was to extend delegate reports into attendance reports, to ensure that Councillors can confidently discuss the events and activities that they have undertaken. In addition, a new report, known as Ward Reports was also introduced which allows Councillors to discuss upcoming events.

On the 19th of November I attended Maroondah’s end of year function for crossing supervisors. The function provides an opportunity to thank crossing supervisors for the work they undertake in providing safety for students gaining access to and from schools. Several crossing supervisors are some of Maroondah’s longest serving employees and I would like to thank these dedicated members of staff for the service that they provide to the community.

On the 20th of November I attended the 10th anniversary of Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation. The group, which was formed in 2000 aimed to encourage reconciliation and promote an understanding and awareness of Indigenous culture. I would like to congratulate the group for its achievements, particularly in encouraging Council and the community to embrace Reconciliation.

On the 21st of November I attended the first annual general meeting of the Maroondah Inter-faith network. The network, which was established in November last year aims to encourage dialogue and understanding between faith based communities in Maroondah. The group has experienced a strong first year and I would like to thank the interim committee for their service and dedication, as well as congratulate the incoming committee, which is already planning events for the year ahead.

Lastly, on the 22nd of November I joined my then Mayoral counterparts of the Councils containing Central Activities Districts to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between these Councils and the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne. This alliance will ensure that the Councils that contain Central Activities Districts, namely Maroondah, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Whitehorse, Hume and Maribyrnong will be able to collectively advocate for the needs of these urban centres.

A meeting is scheduled for the 20th of December where this alliance will be introduced to the newly elected Mayors and priorities established for the next twelve months. This alliance will having growing significance to Council over future years as it will ensure that Maroondah will be also work cooperatively with these other Councils to ensure a cohesive approach to Melbourne’s Central Activities Districts.

Maroondah Leader: Charity acts to the fore

Posted on by alex

The Rotary Club of Ringwood has held an annual golf charity day since 2009 to raise funds for worthwhile community causes. This year Rotary Club of Ringwood has chosen to support the installation of security cameras at Ringwood through proceeds raised through the day.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the partnership formed between the Rotary Club of Ringwood, Eastland and Maroondah Council through supporting the charity golf day.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the efforts of the council, community, Eastland and the government would benefit Ringwood.

The introduction of security cameras will provide improvements to the amenity of Ringwood and Council is supporting this initiative through its sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Ringwood’s charity golf day. The installation of security cameras will provide immediate safety improvements While the Maroondah community awaits a State Government commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.

Handing over Council’s Petition calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station

Posted on by alex

Maroondah City Council’s petition calling for the upgrade of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange concluded today with the handing over of copies of the petition to representatives of the Australian Labor Party, the Victorian Liberal Party and the Victorian Greens.

Alex with a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.
Alex with a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

Throughout this afternoon I handed copies of the petition to Chris Padgham, the Greens Candidate for Warrandyte, Brian Tee, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport and Ryan Smith, the Member for Warrandyte. Each copy contained approximately 3000 signatures all confirming the need to redevelop Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.

Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Chris Padgham, Greens Candidate for Warrandyte.
Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Chris Padgham, Greens Candidate for Warrandyte.

The Maroondah community has clearly demanded the redevelopment of Ringwood Station and as such all political parties should be supportive of this campaign. The redevelopment of Ringwood Station will enhance amenity, improve safety and ensure that the station will be accessible for people with disabilities.

Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Brian Tee, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport.
Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Brian Tee, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport.

The current Station fails disability compliance standards due to the steepness of the ramps and is unfriendly and due to its outdated design. Ringwood’s importance as Central Activities District should in itself highlight the need for an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange that encourages sustainable transport and social inclusion.

Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Ryan Smith, Member for Warrandyte.
Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Ryan Smith, Member for Warrandyte.

All three parties accepted the petition and while both the Greens and Liberal Parties have supported the full redevelopment of Ringwood Station, the Maroondah community is still awaiting a similar commitment from the Labor Party. The redevelopment of Ringwood Station is clearly the top priority of the Maroondah community and all political parties should act to ensure an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange for Ringwood.

Morning Tea for Maroondah’s School Crossing Supervisors

Posted on by alex

One of the services Maroondah City Council provides is crossing supervisors who ensure that schoolchildren are able to cross roads safely near schools. Each year the Maroondah City Council holds a morning tea to thank our crossing supervisors and the work that they undertake.

Some of Maroondah’s longest serving employees are crossing supervisors and the morning tea ensures that we are able to acknowledge the service they provide for the community. As Mayor, I spoke at the function to publicly acknowledge the dedication of the supervisors and discussed my own experiences and appreciation that I had for crossing supervisors during my time at both Marlborough Primary and Luther College.

While the school year is shortly drawing to a close our crossing supervisors will be returning for the new school year in 2011.

Launch of the Eastern Region Family Help Cards

Posted on by alex

Community Safety Month is held throughout October to promote safer communities. Councils across the Eastern Region worked together to promote community safety, including the prevention of family violence.

This afternoon I attended the launch of the Eastern Region Family Violence Help Cards, which are pocket sized cards containing information on services available to assist victims of family violence. The launch, which was conducted in the City of Whitehorse, emphasised ongoing concerns over the rate of family violence, which is a problem often hidden from the wider community.

The cards contain important information on the resources that are available to assist in family violence situations. The cards, which are available for both men and women, are available through the Cities of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

Celebrating Community Safety Month through Community Art at Bayswater North

Posted on by alex

Community Safety Month, an initiative of Victoria Police is held every October with the aim of encouraging safer communities. One of the major focal points of Bayswater North Community Renewal is safety and this has led to the formation of the Paths and Parking Action Group.

The Paths & Parking Action Group is a working group of Community Renewal consisting of three members who have worked for almost three years to improve safety, particularly in regard to pedestrians and accessibility.

The Action Group advocated for an accessible bus stop to be located on Colchester Road, opposite the Canterbury Gardens Shopping Centre. This bus stop has been decorated with mosaic tiles created by students from grades 3 and 4 at Bayswater North Primary with the theme of community.

This morning I officially launched the new bus stop and congratulated the three founding members of the Paths & Parking Action Group, all of whom are mothers with children at Bayswater North Primary. These three members not only advocated for safety improvements but also encouraged community participation through their links to the Bayswater North Primary.

The accessible bus stop and community art project demonstrates the positive improvements that can be undertaken in partnership with the community and Council. I congratulate the three members of the Paths and Parking Working Group for their dedication and community service.

Media Release: Help cards tackle issue of family violence

Posted on by alex

As part of Community Safety Month Maroondah City Council has joined forces with other Councils in the eastern metropolitan region to address the growing concern of domestic violence.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said later this month Eastern Region Family Violence Help Cards would be distributed in the hope of better supporting victims of family violence.

“The support cards are designed to support families experiencing any form of family violence. The gender specific cards provide definitions, tips for dealing with situations and helpful contact information for services locally and across the Eastern Region,” Cr Makin said.

“The wallet size cards will be distributed across the region and will provide details on how people can discretely seek support if they are experiencing any form of family violence,” Cr Makin said.

“By uniting with the other Councils in the eastern region we are showing a clear and consistent message that family violence is not okay,” Cr Makin said.

The cards will be launched on October 28 in Nunawading.

“The launch will feature some key note speakers including White Ribbon Day Ambassador Nick Mazzarella, family violence survivor Robyn O’Sullivan and Victoria Police Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Wendy Steendam,” Cr Makin said.

“The Doncare SasSing Choir (Survivors and Supporter’s Sing), made up of woman who have escaped family violence or those who support the cause will also perform,” Cr Makin said.

The Eastern Region Family Violence Help Cards will be launched on October 28, from 2-4pm in the Warratah Room, Whitehorse Centre, 379-397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Leader: Station safety plea

Posted on by alex

Maroondah’s campaign to secure a commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange is continuing, with many members of the community dedicating their time to encourage signatures on the petition calling for the upgrade.

One of the areas of concern of Ringwood Station is safety, due to the outdated station design and narrow ramps and walkways, which also fail to meet disability compliance standards.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the ongoing safety concerns at Ringwood:

Maroondah’s Mayor says people are bypassing Ringwood railway station because they feel it is unsafe. Cr Alex Makin said he had spoken to people who chose to use another station rather than wait alone at Ringwood.

While the Police have been proactive in increasing patrols at Ringwood Station, the Station design, which has not been updated in over 50 years, does not create a safe atmosphere.

Cr Makin said many people had highlighted safety concerns.

“Ringwood is a safe area but people have commented on their sense of insecurity at the station at night,” he said. “The proposed upgrade to the station would open the whole area up to scrutiny and act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.”

The City of Maroondah and the eastern region deserves a Station that is safe, accessible and integrated with facilities. Our community should feel confident and safe in using Ringwood Station and sustainable forms of transport and it is incumbent on all political parties to commit to delivering this improvement.

Media Release: Safety a key priority in Ringwood Station upgrade

Posted on by alex

Safety has become a key factor in Maroondah City Council’s push to secure a commitment to upgrade Ringwood Station within the next term of government.

Maroondah Councillor and Community Safety Reference Group representative Rob Steane said everyone deserved access to safe, accessible public transport.

“Media reports earlier this year highlighted Ringwood as having one of the highest levels of crimes across the metropolitan railway network. Regardless of whether or not these reports are a true reflection of Ringwood Station, they have resulted in a public perception that Ringwood Station is unsafe,” Cr Steane said.

“People have a right to feel safe when they are using public transport, and at the moment many people are scared to use Ringwood Station,” Cr Steane said.

“An upgrade to Ringwood Station would not only improve the amenities of the Station but it would also go a long way to improving public perceptions of safety,” Cr Steane said.

“The current layout of the station means there are many areas that are not visible from Maroondah Highway and Station Street, especially the ramps linking the platforms,” Cr Steane said.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said he had spoken to many people in the course of the campaign with most commenting on safety concerns.

“Most people have commented on their insecurity when using the station at night. Many choosing to continue onto another station rather than have the worry of being at the station alone,” Cr Makin said.
– MORE –

“The proposed upgrade to the station would open the whole area up to scrutiny and therefore act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour,” Cr Makin said.

“It will also provide a better link to the central retail and business district making the area a safer, more visually attractive and user-friendly public place,” Cr Makin said.

“Securing this funding for an upgrade is an important start to improving Ringwood’s transport interchange and town centre. We will continue to lobby the state political parties on behalf of the Maroondah community for a funding commitment,” Cr Makin concluded.

– ENDS –

Media Release: Draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy and Pricing Policy on public display

Posted on by alex

Maroondah City Council has endorsed the draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy and the draft Community Facilities Pricing Policy for public display.

The policies were presented at the Council meeting on September 20.

Council currently owns or manages more than 100 sports fields, pavilions, halls, meeting rooms and other facilities on behalf of the community.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin said the draft policies were developed concurrently and were directly aligned.

“The draft policies provide a comprehensive framework for the community use of Council owned or managed facilities,” Cr Makin said.

“The draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy and the draft Community Facilities Pricing Policy will guide the process of determining appropriate occupancy agreements and pricing structures for all Council owned or managed facilities and ensure the agreements are consistent and transparent,” Cr Makin said.

“The draft policies aim to establish clear frameworks so the community groups know what they are paying for, why they are paying and that other users groups in similar situations are contributing in a consistent manner,” Cr Makin said.

“Under the draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy community groups wishing to use Council owned or managed facilities will have to undergo an assessment to determine the suitability of the proposed arrangement and the length of tenure. Once this assessment has taken place Council will then discuss the rate of rental,” Cr Makin said.

“There are two existing policies relating to the occupancy and the pricing of community facilities, however these policies have not been updated for a number of years. During this time there has been changes to legislation, increased emphasis on risk management and occupational health and safety requirements and changes to the way the groups are using the facilities,” Cr Makin said.

“To meet these new needs Council has also reassessed the pricing structure associated with the use of Council facilities. The current pricing structure has been in place for the past 11 years and was established with the intention that Council could recover an estimated 30 per cent of facility maintenance costs,” Cr Makin said.

“In the past 11 years that margin has dropped significantly and Council is currently recovering on average 3 per cent of maintenance costs for the sporting grounds and 15 per cent for the pavilions,” Cr Makin said.

“Council believes the sporting grounds and community facilities are integral to the development of a strong community, which is why we subsidise and support the many groups which use them,” Cr Makin said.

“We need to have a system in place which allows for the reasonable, transparent and equitable use of these facilities,” Cr Makin said.

The policies cover most Council owned facilities or grounds including:

  • Council Owned Community Halls
  • Community Centres
  • Kindergartens
  • Senior Citizens Centres
  • Sporting Pavilions
  • Sports Grounds and sporting activity surfaces
  • Scout and Guide Halls
  • Facilities managed by Council Committees of Management
  • Maroondah Federation Estate

The draft policies will be on public display until October 26. Those wanting to make a submission must do so before this date. Following consideration of the submissions the policies will be amended where appropriate and Council endorsement will be sought.

– ENDS –