Tag: walking

Delegates’ Report: Annual General Meetings, Promoting Harmony and Recognising Achievements

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February and March have both been busy months with the opening of new facilities, annual general meetings and awards.

On the 19th of February I had the pleasure of opening the revamped Keystone Hall, located in Croydon. The project, which received Council and Federal funding, is a multi-purpose facility that houses several groups, including Croydon Little Athletics and the Croydon U3A. The facility includes accessibility improvements, as well as sustainability initiatives, through the installation of water tanks.

On the 4th of March, the City of Maroondah was officially presented an Award for achieving the Highest Level of Community Engagement during Walktober. Walktober is an event held each October, whereby Councils, community groups and organisations are encouraged to organise walks to promote sustainable transport and community wellbeing.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Maroondah’s Leisure Services Department for working collaboratively with community groups and registering 55 walks during Walktober.

Further details will be presented during tonight’s agenda.

On the 9th of March I had the pleasure of opening Maroondah City Council’s International Women’s Day Breakfast. 2010 marks the Centenary of the Girl Guides and we had the privilege of hearing from two speakers from Girl Guides Victoria, including local Guide leader Billee Henry who spoke passionately about the organisation and the opportunities to provides its members.

On the 16th of March I had the honour of opening the Lighthouse Foundation’s Home for Mums and Bubs in Heathmont. The Home will provide a home for two homeless young mothers and their babies, providing a nurturing environment, combined with holistic support, counselling and education. I look forward to welcoming the residents of the home into the Maroondah community.

On the 17th of March I assisted in the preparations of the Ride2School program at Croydon West Primary. Ride2School is a program that aims to encourage walking and cycling and it was great to see so many students participating in the program.

The 18th of March saw the coming together of many organisations, including Maroondah Council, Eastern Regional Libraries, Centrelink, Department of Justice, Maroondah Police and Mission Australia to hold a festival marking Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day.

The event was held at the front of the Ringwood Library and saw the space come alive with songs, dance, story telling and face painting. Many members of our community participated in the festivities and it was fantastic to demonstrate the key message of Harmony Day, by showing that Everyone Belongs in Maroondah.

Lastly, on the 16th of March I attended the Central Ringwood Community Centre’s Annual General Meeting and the Annual General Meeting of Yarrunga Community Centre on the 17th. Both Community Centres, are overseen by a voluntary committee of management and it is great to see that they are both continuing to meet the needs of the wider community, through social groups, adult education and child services.

Maroondah Leader: City walks up an award

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The City of Maroondah on behalf of our community was awarded the highest level of community engagement within metropolitan Melbourne for Walktober, which was held last year during the month of October.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on this achievement:

Mayor Alex Makin, who accepted the award from the Department of Transport last week, said residents had responded to the challenge issued to get active last October.

“Last year, Walktober organisers sent out a challenge to all councils, community groups and organisations to set the pace with the most walking events registered with Walktober,” Cr Makin said.

Combined the community and council registered 55 walks during Walktober, the highest number of events within Metropolitan Melbourne.

“The walks, organised by both council and community groups, catered for a wide range of interests and capabilities, and included pram walks, bush walks, historical walks and all abilities walks,” Cr Makin said.

Walktober is an event that promotes both community engagement and sustainable transport and it is fantastic to see the community eagerly support this program. Walktober is an annual event and will return in October 2010.

Walktober Awards – Highest Level of Community Engagement awarded to Maroondah City Council

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Walktober is an annual event held during October, which encourages community groups, organisations and local government to organise walking as a form of transport within our community.

Alex at the Walktober Awards on behalf of Maroondah City Council
Alex at the Walktober Awards on behalf of Maroondah City Council

The Walktober Challenge is issued to encourage Councils, community groups and organisations to ‘set the pace’ by being the municipality with the most walking events registered during the month.

Within Maroondah over 55 walks were organised by community groups and Council during the 2009 Walktober, resulting in Council being awarded for achieving the Highest Level of Community Engagement within metropolitan Melbourne.

Alex with Frank Dixon, Maroondah's CEO and Staff for the Walktober Award for Highest Level of Community Engagement
Alex with Frank Dixon, Maroondah's CEO, Helen Croxford, Director of Community and Leisure Services, Council and Department of Transport Staff for the Walktober Award for Highest Level of Community Engagement

This morning I had the pleasure of accepting the award on behalf of Maroondah City Council. Community engagement and sustainable transport are two passions of mine and it is fantastic to be able to promote an event that achieves both objectives.

Council’s Leisure Services Department took the lead in promoting Walktober throughout Council and supported community organisations in holding walking events during the month.

Awards like this demonstrate the potential strength of collaboration between the community and Council. Walking promotes fitness, social inclusion and provides an affordable and sustainable form of transport and should be encouraged within our municipality.

Events like Walktober help raise the prominence of walking and encourage its use through our community, so stay tuned for Walktober 2010.

Media Release: Maroondah receives Walktober Award

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Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin accepted the 2009 Walktober Highest Level of Community Engagement (Melbourne Metropolitan Council) award this week at a ceremony held at the Department of Transport.

“During the month of October, Maroondah City Council encourages the community to get out and get active during the annual Walking to Fitness month,” said Cr Makin.

“Last year Walktober organisers sent out a challenge to all Council’s, community groups and organisations to “set the pace” by being the local Council area with the most walking events registered with Walktober. Over 600 events, 70 organisations, and 69 local Councils were involved in the Community Challenge,” said Cr Makin.

“I’m extremely proud of our efforts in winning this inaugural award. Council staff and the Maroondah community are to be congratulated for their support of this program which saw 55 walks registered in the 2009 Walking to Fitness program,” said Cr Makin.

“The walks, organised by both Council and community groups, catered for a wide range of interests and capabilities, and included pram walks, bush walks, historical walks, and
all-abilities walks,” said Cr Makin.

“The Walking to Fitness Program directly aligns with Council’s Leisure Services Strategic Plan endorsed in 2009 which aims to support and encourage community involvement in physical activity,” said Cr Makin.

“Walking is a safe, cheap and easy way to get exercise and a great way to get to know members of your local community as well as the Maroondah area,” said Cr Makin.

People who walk regularly tend to feel more confident, happy and relaxed. They also control their weight better, have stronger bones and greater flexibility, have lower blood pressure and reduce the risk factors for developing heart disease and diabetes.

“If you’d like to explore Maroondah on foot or by bicycle, then there are two booklets, produced by Council, that offer plenty of suggestions and advice,” said Cr Makin.

Maroondah’s Parks & Paths brochure has a large scale map detailing walking and cycling paths throughout the city, with information on parks and facilities along the way.

Maroondah’s Walks & Trails brochure has information on twelve specific walks and trails throughout the city, providing information on level of difficulty, access, distance and time, as well as facilities and detailed walking maps.

Both brochures can be found at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or are available from Council’s Service Centres.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Leader: Going public

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One of my first acts as the Mayor of Maroondah was to refuse the mayoral car.

I have been undertaking my council duties utilising a range of transport options, including public transport and walking. I believe it is imperative that we continue to encourage the use of sustainable forms of transport.

The Maroondah Leader has reported the decision to refuse the mayoral car:

Maroondah’s new mayor has vowed to ditch the mayoral car and use public transport instead.

“I’ll be taking the train and the bus and we’re going to have the mayoral Metcard, or the mayoral Myki depending as to when they introduce it.” Cr Makin said. “Given that I am a resident in the centre an area where we are encouraging people to use sustainable forms of transport, I want to lead by example.”

The usage and provision of public transport is vital to transformation of Ringwood into a vibrant, accessible and sustainable urban centre. The usage of public transport must be encouraged to enhance the mobility of Maroondah, through mitigating traffic congestion and improving social inclusiveness.

Cr Makin said he had not driven for years but got around his ward and performed his council duties successfully using public transport and walking.

While the centres of Ringwood and Croydon are relatively well-served by public transport, there is a need for further improvements to bus services to provide an alternative to driving to stations, as well as more frequent rail services during off-peak times.

Maroondah’s first Generation X mayor, aged 29, said he would focus on the environment and social inclusion. He invited constituents to contact him on Twitter, Facebook, his website or the phone.

As a council it is imperative that we are open to input and provide a range of methods to encourage discussion with our community. The Internet provides new methods of encouraging community participation and we should be at the forefront of using these tools to encourage dialogue and discussion.

As the mayor I will be continuing to regularly update my blog, as well as posting updates on Facebook and Twitter. I encourage members of the community to contact me so that we can continue making a difference in Maroondah.

In his inaugural speech on December 2, Cr Makin said the recent burning of the Ringwood Miners’ Cottage should prompt a public discussion on values to create “a civic pride that collectively demonstrates that such malicious destruction will not be tolerated”.

As a municipality it is imperative that we discuss the values shared by our community and work to reduce apathy and encourage civic participation. Acts like the destruction of the Miners Cottage should not be tolerated or accepted by our community and we need to create pride within our community to prevent such acts from occurring.

Cr Makin named priorities as the central Ringwood redevelopment, more venues for community organisations and access for people with disabilities.

The redevelopment of Ringwood provides a once in a generational opportunity to ensure that we get things right for Ringwood and to create an inclusive, accessible and sustainable urban centre. Pivotal to this will be the creation of community space where we can ensure that organisations can meet the needs of our community.

I hope that over the course of the next year I and my council colleagues will be able to achieve these goals.

Please continue visiting my website or follow me on Facebook and Twitter to discuss your visions for the City of Maroondah.

Media Release: Ringwood CAD Stage 2 Parking Strategy adopted

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Maroondah City Councillors on Monday night adopted the 13 policies outlined in the Ringwood Central Activities District (CAD) Stage 2 Parking Strategy Report.

Councillor Alex Makin said the strategy would be an important tool in addressing many of the potential parking challenges in the Ringwood CAD by providing a range of principles and policies that will guide the direction of both the provision and management of parking in that area.

“The accommodation and management of future parking demand within the Ringwood CAD will present many challenges and will play a fundamental role in both transport and land use planning,” Cr Makin said.

“Council understands that parking cannot be viewed as a stand-alone issue, which is why it has developed the Ringwood CAD Stage 2 Parking Strategy. The strategy includes a range of policies and actions that address the future parking needs of residents and visitors to the Ringwood CAD,” Cr Makin said.

The strategy, which contains 13 strategy policies, has four main aims:

  • Improve management of on-street car parking to achieve optimum use and turnover of car parks.
  • Maximise the availability and awareness of existing parking by better managing demands and encouraging alternative transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport.
  • Manage the provision of off-street parking for new and existing land uses.
  • Encourage good design principles to minimise the amount of land used by car parking at ground level.

Stage 2 of the Ringwood CAD Parking Strategy Report was completed in September. It follows the completion of the report’s first stage, which provided a snapshot of existing parking within the CAD, established occupancy levels, assessed commuter parking, identified areas to tackle and manage parking as the CAD develops, and provide the platform and direction for the development of a parking strategy.

Ringwood is one of six designated CADs in the State Government’s strategy, Melbourne 2030: Planning for Sustainable Growth. The CAD program aims to create a vibrant and sustainable town centre encompassing retail, commercial, residential, leisure, entertainment and community activities, which will be accessible from surrounding areas by an integrated transport network.

For more information on Ringwood’s transformation into a CAD, visit www.ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au

Media Release: Ride to Work Day ‘wheely successful’

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As part of the Ride to Work Day initiative on Wednesday 14 October, a number of Maroondah City Council staff left their cars at home to ride, catch public transport or walk to work.

Councillor Alex Makin said the annual Ride to Work Day was a chance for the community to make their way to and from work via alternative methods of transport.

“A number of Council staff showed their support by either riding, walking or catching public transport to work. They also took the opportunity to participate in a lunchtime walk around Ringwood and Croydon,” Cr Makin said.

“By making alternative travel arrangements to and from work, you can support sustainable transport throughout the year,” Cr Makin said.

“There are many ways to get to work without using your car. You can take public transport, cycle or walk, or combine them. Plus you have the added benefit of reducing greenhouse emissions, avoiding the stress of traffic and leading a healthier lifestyle,” Cr Makin said.

“The benefits of walking and cycling are well known and the leafy streets of Maroondah provide a fantastic backdrop for outdoor activity. Why not give it a try the next time you head into work?” Cr Makin said.

Funding annoucement for the Ringwood Lake to Creek Project

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This afternoon the State Government announced $750,000 funding for the Ringwood Lake to Creek Trail, which will link bicycle and shared use paths from the Mullum Mullum Creek through to the Ringwood Lake.

The project which will be delivered in partnership with Maroondah City Council will improve the pedestrian and cycling networks along Larissa Avenue. The existing powerlines will be replaced with underground power, improving the amenity and aesthetics of the street.

In addition water urban sensitive design will be utilised to improve the quality of water entering our stormwater systems and reflect the history of the former Sandy Creek, which flowed through the area.

Unfortunately funding has not yet been announced for the installation of a pedestrian crossing along Maroondah Highway to provide a safe point to cross the Highway between the new path and Ringwood Lake. This crossing is required to complete the Lake to Creek Project and improve access to the recreational amenities within Ringwood Lake. It is hoped that once the Lake to Creek Project is complete that the importance of this crossing will be realised and delivered by VicRoads.

Construction on the Lake to Creek Project, is expected to begin early next year and will include the installation of underground powerlines along Larissa Avenue. This project will improve the amenity of the area and encourage walking and cycling through Ringwood and I welcome the announcement of this funding.

Picnic in the Park – McAlpin Reserve

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Maroondah’s Picnic in the Park is a council initiated program designed to reconnect residents with their nearby parks and reserves.

McAlpin Reserve, accessible from Wonga Road and Tortice Drive in Ringwood North, is one of Ringwood North’s largest reserves and includes a variety of play equipment and walking trails.

McAlpin Reserve recently received upgraded play equipment catering to a mixture of ages and further landscaping works, including additional shelter will be completed shortly.

The sunshine combined with a council barbecue helped attract a large number of attendees and it was great to see all of the Mullum Ward Councillors in attendance.

McAlpin Reserve, was named after the McAlpin family. James McAlpin moved to Ringwood in 1895 with his wife and three sons and started an orchard covering both sides of the road.

James McAlpin’s oldest son, James Bell McAlpin was heavily involved in local affairs, including the Ringwood Horticultural Society and started a real estate firm in 1907. James Bell McAlpin was elected onto the Shire of Lillydale in 1908 representing Ringwood the south-west riding until he chose not to stand for re-election in 1917.

James Bell McAlpin campaigned for the separation of Ringwood from the Shire of Lillydale and served as President of the Ringwood Progress League between 1920 and 1924.

James Bell McAlpin was elected onto the newly formed Ringwood Borough Council in 1924, which he retained until resigning due to health reasons in 1929.

The land that is now known as McAlpin Reserve was donated by the McAlpin Family and named in recognition of this gift and their commitment to Ringwood.

Today McAlpin Reserve is one of Maroondah’s larger parks and provides a range of activities for families and residents of Ringwood North.

Scoot Wheel n Move – representing people with mobility aids

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Scoot Wheel and Move is a local community group under the auspices of Eastern Access Community Health. The group aims to improve accessibility within Maroondah, particularly for people that use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters and walking frames.

Today’s meeting discussed Maroondah’s recently adopted Principal Pedestrian Network, with members supporting the need for more footpaths. Footpaths were recently constructed within central Ringwood and footpaths will be extended around Maroondah Hospital.

The need for a Disability Advisory Committee was also discussed and this is currently being explored through the Maroondah Disability Policy. A Disability Advisory Committee would augment the quarterly forums for people with disabilities and carers, through advising council on policy initiatives that would improve accessibility within Maroondah.

While based within Maroondah Scoot Wheel n Move does include members from Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, ensuring that the group is able to focus on the accessibility needs across Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs.