Tag: sports

Media Release: Community expo on Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure proposal a success

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At least two more information expos on the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility are planned following the success of the Eastland expo on August 26.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the expo gave the community a chance to see how the proposed facility would provide exciting aquatic and leisure activities for all members of the Maroondah community.

“It was great to see so many people taking advantage of the expo and spend the time to look at the range of information, images and concept plans which were on display. For those who wanted to discuss the proposal further we had leisure experts, representatives from Ringwood Diving Club, Ringwood Swimming Club, Ringwood Triathlon Club and council staff on hand to answer all of their questions,” Cr Makin said.

“We had people from all ages and interests come and discuss the proposal with us. The majority were supportive of the proposed project and were keen to hear about the planned aspects of the project particularly the water play areas, water slides and the various programs which would be on offer,” Cr Makin said.

“Of course not everyone was supportive of the proposal, however after discussing their concerns most people realised that the extensive range of facilities and proposed programs would be of benefit to either themselves or their families,” Cr Makin said.

“One of the best things about the proposal is that it caters for everyone from young children to our seniors, and it will be fully accessible for all,” Cr Makin said.

“The proposal includes a warm water pool; dedicated learn to swim pool; 50 metre pool; an extensive water play area and large indoor water slides, an extensive gymnasium with multi-purpose exercise rooms and a wellness centre,” Cr Makin said.

“Representatives from Ringwood Diving Club were on hand at the expo to discuss the benefits of a state diving centre which is proposed for the venue,” Cr Makin said.

“The club already has a long history of divers who have represented Australia at an Olympic and Commonwealth games level, including gold medallist Chantelle Newbury, and they are well aware of the benefits that would come with the proposed dry driving training facilities and the FINA standard 10 metre diving tower and pool. These aspects of the proposal are still subject to significant State and Federal Government funding,” Cr Makin said.


Council is planning further community expos at Eastland and the Ringwood Aquatic Centre and will have a stall set up at the Maroondah Festival which is on Sunday November 7. At All three events the public will have an opportunity to chat to the experts; meet representatives from swimming, diving and other aquatic sports; and provide feedback on the proposed facility.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre Information Expo

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While the existing Ringwood Aquatic Centre, located in Greenwood Avenue Ringwood, was converted to an indoor facilities in the mid 1980s, the indoor 50 metre pool and associated infrastructure is approximately 40 years of age and nearing the end of its useful life.

In addition, the Aquatic Centre, due to its age is delivering an increasing loss to Council making it a burden on ratepayers. The Centre lacks gym and fitness facilities that complement modern aquatic centres and has consequently seen declining patronage, in sharp contrast to neighbouring facilities.

Maroondah City Council included detailed design work to consider a replacement of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, through a modern facility that would expand the unique diving and swimming elements of the facility, as well as including gym, fitness and creche components.

This afternoon Council held an information expo at Eastland to discuss the project with the wider community and to gather community feedback on the proposed designs. Over 200 people attended the session with many discussing the need for the new Centre and the possibilities it provides for Maroondah and Ringwood.

Council has a clear commitment to deliver community infrastructure and it is clear that the community appreciates the need to replace the existing facility, with one that will meet the needs of Maroondah over the next 40 years and beyond.

Council will be holding further information expos, including one at the existing Centre and at the Maroondah Festival.

Media Release: Council congratulates MPs on their win

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Maroondah City Council congratulates the re-elected Federal Members of Parliament in the seats of Deakin, Casey and Menzies.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said Council was looking forward to working with the MPs.

“Council has already established a strong working relationship with the member for Casey Tony Smith, the member for Deakin Mike Symon and the member for Menzies Kevin Andrews over the past three years,” Cr Makin said.

“Council met with most of the candidates prior to the election to ensure they were aware of the issues and projects that were a concern to the Maroondah community,” Cr Makin said.

“With Ringwood being one of six State Government designated Central Activities Districts Maroondah is seeing some significant investment and development from both the State Government and private enterprises,” Cr Makin said.

“We will now continue to work with the Federal MPs to gain their support for some major projects in Maroondah, primarily the proposed $48 million Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre,” Cr Makin said.

“The proposed project would provide enormous community benefit, ensuring significant leisure and aquatic facilities for the Maroondah and regional community for the next 50 years. There would also be a substantial economic and employment benefit to the region during construction and operation of the proposed facility,” Cr Makin said.

“Council is seeking substantial funding from the Federal Government to assist with the development of this project, particularly for the proposed diving facilities which would include a unique dry diving training facilities for the State, as well as a FINA standard 10 metre diving tower and pool,” Cr Makin said.

So far Council has received substantial letters of support for the proposed project from:

  • Diving Australia
  • Diving Victoria
  • Swimming Australia
  • Swimming Victoria
  • Ringwood Diving Club
  • Whitehorse Diving Club
  • Ringwood Swimming Club
  • Victoria Water Polo
  • Ringwood Water Polo Club
  • Ringwood Triathlon Club
  • Knox City Council
  • Eastern Independent Schools Melbourne
  • Aquinas College
  • Tintern Schools
  • Maroondah Secondary College
  • Yarra Valley Grammar
  • Ringwood Secondary College
  • Eastern Access Community Health
  • Scope
  • Ringwood Spiders Football Club
  • Heathmont Football Club
  • North Ringwood Football Club
  • Ringwood Bowls Club
  • East Ringwood Junior Football Club
  • Ringwood Football Club
  • Ringwood Croquet Club
  • Ringwood Professional Athletics Club
  • East Ringwood Tennis Club
  • Croydon Cricket Club

“We are confident that the local MPs will see the significant benefit the proposal would make to the region, and that they are willing to support the proposal and advocate for funding on behalf of their community,” Cr Makin said.

– ENDS –

Meeting with the Mayors of Knox, Manningham, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges

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The City of Maroondah is one of several Councils located within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and it is imperative that we work collaboratively to best represent the needs of our community.

Issues such as transport, planning and community facilities are common concerns across these Councils and the ability to deliver positive solutions is enhanced if we work together. This evening, we continued our previous discussions, where I met with my counterparts within Knox, Manningham, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges to discuss shared priorities across the region.

It is encouraging that each of the Mayors recognises the significance of Maroondah’s vision, particularly in regard to the Ringwood Central Activities Districts. For example, letters of support will be provided from each of these councils to encourage State funding assistance for the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The ad-hoc planning of community infrastructure that was far too evident in the past is not sustainable and it is critical that a regional view is taken into account.

It is encouraging that these Mayors and their respective Councils appreciate the vision undertaken by the City of Maroondah to provide regional facilities that strengthens the eastern region through providing facilities to residents of Maroondah and beyond.

Media Release: Community invited to Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure information expo

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As Council continues the development for the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility, the community is invited to an information expo at Eastland on Thursday 26 August from 1pm to 8pm.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin invites the Maroondah community to come along to the information expo which will showcase how the proposed new facility could provide exciting aquatic and leisure activities for all members of the Maroondah community.

“The information expo will give the community an opportunity to view a range of information and images in relation to the proposed facility, including detailed plans and elevations,” Cr Makin said.

“From young children to our seniors, the facility will be fully accessible for all,” said Cr Alex Makin.

“With a warm water pool; dedicated learn to swim pool; 50 metre pool; and extensive water play and large indoor water slides, the facility aims to offer exciting aquatic activities for everyone,” Cr Makin said.

“The facility proposes to have diving facilities which will provide unique dry driving training for the State, as well as FINA standard 10 metre diving tower and pool,” Cr Makin said.

“With strong support from Diving Australia, Diving Victoria and Ringwood Diving Club, it is expected that this new facility will become the State Diving Centre,” Cr Makin said.

“These bodies recognise the need for new training and competition facilities and have the results on the board in terms of past, present and future diving athletes,” said Cr Makin.

“I recently met a group of young divers who were former members of the Ringwood Diving Club and have now been selected to represent Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi,” Cr Makin said.

“It makes me proud to know they began their sporting careers in Maroondah and excited to consider the possibilities this new centre could offer future athletes,” Cr Makin said.

The proposed facility would also feature an extensive gymnasium with multipurpose exercise rooms and a wellness centre.

It will be a valuable opportunity for the public to chat to the experts; meet representatives from swimming, diving and other aquatic sports; and provide feedback on the proposed facility.

– ENDS –

Ringwood Croquet Club – Opening of 2010 Croquet Season

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The Ringwood Croquet Club is located in Greenwood Avenue and forms part of the Jubilee Park Sporting Precinct in Ringwood. Like many other sporting clubs, the Ringwood Croquet Club has invested in upgrades to its grounds to reduce watering requirements.

This morning I was invited to launch the 2010 Croquet Season and participated in several rounds of croquet with the members. Maroondah is fortunate to be able to offer a range of sporting opportunities for our residents and it is great to see the ongoing interest and participation in croquet.

2010 Norwood Football Club President’s Luncheon

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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.

Presentation at the Maroondah Rugby Club

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The Maroondah Rugby Club was founded in 1972 and is based at Griff Hunt Reserve in Croydon North. The club has a strong presence within both rugby and Maroondah and prides itself on its diversity through fielding senior, junior, Womens and veterans teams.

This afternoon I attended a seniors match, and presented a Letter Under Seal to foundation member Bill Genner. Bill participated in many facets of the club, including coaching, committee positions and player recruitment. In addition, Bill’s dedication was recognised through the Victorian Rugby Union’s Volunteer recognition award.

Bill Genner retired as a member of the Maroondah Rugby Club Committee after assisting the club for the past 38 years and the Letter Under Seal further recognises Bill’s dedication and efforts to Rugby and the Maroondah community.

Media Release: Soccer pavilion takes shape

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The Ringwood Soccer Reserve’s multipurpose sports pavilion is starting to take shape with the first of the steel beams being lifted into place last week.

In May 2009, the Federal Government provided $2.9million of funding for the project as part of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Maroondah Councillor Mayor Alex Makin welcomed Federal Member for Deakin MP Mike Symon and to the site last Wednesday to oversee the continuance of works.

“The old stadium and grandstand have been cleared from the site for some time, so it was amazing to see the crane lifting all of the steel beams into place,” Cr Makin said. “As the pavilion take shapes over the next couple of months the community will be able to start seeing the benefits of the new facility.”

“The redevelopment includes a multi-purpose shared sports pavilion with a boxing gymnasium, office space for the Ringwood District Cricket Association, male and female change facilities, car parking, spectator viewing areas and lighting,” Cr Makin said.

“The facility will also feature many environmentally friendly initiatives including the installation of solar hot water units, bladders will be placed under the building to catch storm water runoff which will be used to flush the toilets, solar panels will be used to generate enough power to light and heat the facility,” Cr Makin said.

The playing field will also be upgraded to an all weather synthetic surface. This project was jointly funded by $650,000 of funding from Maroondah Council and Sport and Recreation Victoria.

The completed venue will be home to the Ringwood City Soccer Club, Ringwood District Cricket Association and the MVC Boxing Club. It will also supplement the other major facilities at Ringwood’s Jubilee Park, including the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility.

The pavilion works are expected to be completed in January next year with car parking sealing to commence in February and the synthetic surface to be installed in March 2011.

– ENDS –

Tour of the Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre

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The Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre is located in Cranbourne East and was opened in 2009 at a cost of $38 million.  The Centre is a multi-purpose facility and provides a range of health and fitness services, including a gym, warm water pool and saunas. In addition, the centre has a range of aquatic facilities to meet the needs of all age groups, including water play areas and a 50 metre pool.

This evening Councillors undertook a tour of the Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre to compare the facility to the proposed Aquatic and Leisure Centre for Ringwood. Encouragingly, the Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre has exceeded patronage expectations and is returning a surplus to Council while also providing a range of recreation opportunities for the community.

The tour of the Casey facility provides an opportunity to learn from recent projects and to ensure that the proposed centre for Ringwood meets the needs of our community.