Page 1 Monash Bulletin April 2022 Doors open at Wellington Monash’s first child and family hub A first of its kind in Monash, the Wellington Child and Family Hub is officially open and buzzing with excitement. Supporting the development and wellbeing of Monash’s youngest of residents and their families, our newest early child and family hub provides many services that support our community. In addition to its two kindergarten rooms, the hub houses two maternal and child health consulting rooms, two specialist consulting rooms and a community playgroup room. This allows families to build relationships with nurses, kindergarten educators, playgroup facilitators and other specialists under the one roof. The purpose-built indoor and outdoor learning environments within the kindergarten boast the delightful and creative ideas of the kindergarten community. We developed this through the design and concept phase of the project as early as 2020. The hub also allows for more kindergarten enrolments, which is great news for our growing community. The facility also includes commissioned artwork New Life, New Beginnings 2022 and Circles of Life/Meeting Places 2022 produced by Palawa woman and artist Heather Kennedy, Clans- Trawalway, Plairmairrener, Ben Lomond and Bunurong. They reflect the new hub as a safe and supportive centre with a focus on welcoming messaging that will provide a valuable contribution to reconciliation for Monash. Wellington Child and Family Hub provides a community space for families to connect and grow together and access essential services in one location. Construction started in January 2021 and finished in November 2021 ready for the 2022 kindergarten year. The $4.5 million project was jointly funded by Monash Council and the Victorian Government. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/children-family Information in the April Bulletin is current at the time of going to print on 1 April Keep up-to-date about changes to our services through by visiting www.monash.vic.gov.au or www.facebook.com/cityofmonash/ or https://twitter.com/MonashCouncil or https://www.instagram.com/monashcouncil/ Page 2 Monash Chooses Tap! Advocating for our community It’s an exciting time to live, work and play here in Monash but we need extra support from State and Federal levels of government to better service our growing community. With both elections happening this year, our advocacy efforts continue for much needed infrastructure and services you need to live healthy and connected lives. We have seven priority areas with a series of projects that need important funding contributions from either or both levels of government. 1- Promoting the best start in life * Perinatal emotional health program * Playgroup support * Three-year-old kindergarten support. 2-Supporting female participation in sport * Upgrades at Carlson, Davies, Glen Waverley North, Jingella and Mount Waverley reserves, and Waverley Women’s Sports Centre. 3-Encouraging active lifestyles for community health and wellbeing * Upgrades at Brandon Park, Jack Edwards and Larpent reserves and Djerring, Scotchmans Creek, and Waverley Rail trails * Two new parks for Clayton * Waverley Hockey Club upgrade and the Victorian Sikh Association relocation. 4-Strengthening community services * Integrated cultural precinct at the Monash Gallery of Art * Investment in our library service * Wavecare. 5-Taking action on climate control * Reducing our community centre carbon footprint * Solar panel installation on our community buildings. 6-Connecting our City * Mass transit to Rowville via Monash University * Oakleigh Station redevelopment * Westall Road extension. 7-Activity Centre upgrades * Glen Waverley Civic Precinct * Kingsway redevelopment, Glen Waverley * New additional outdoor dining * Protected cycling connections between our major cycling paths * Upgrade and extension to Bogong Avenue Car Park. We’ll continue conversations with all local Members of Parliament and candidates to make sure we get the best outcomes for our community. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/advocacy Monash Contact details: Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley 8.30am-5pm (Check the Monash Council website for the latest update.) Oakleigh Service Centre, 3 Atherton Road, Oakleigh 8.30am-5pm (Check the Monash Council website for the latest update.) Call 9518 3555, Email mail@monash.vic.gov.au, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au National Relay Service (for the hearing and speech impaired) 1800 555 660 We welcome your feedback at media@monash.vic.gov.au Australia Post delays have affected the delivery of some copies the Monash Bulletin. As a result, some households may receive the Bulletin later than Council intends. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Copyright © 2021 Monash City Council. All Rights Reserved, reproduction in any form will require Council written approval. Page 3 MESSAGE FROM Mayor Stuart James It’s been a busy month being out and about around Monash, meeting people at events, information sessions and bumping into residents at our local cafes and restaurants. After two long years, it’s also been fantastic to be able to celebrate and enjoy annual festivals like Holi and Live at Warrawee. I was incredibly proud and excited to open the very first child and family hub in Monash (see front cover). Increasing services for families with young children has been a key focus of mine during my time on Council, and specifically during my time as Mayor. When our second child was born, my wife and I discovered there was no such thing as parents’ support groups for anyone having a second, third, fourth child. These one-stop-shop hubs are a culmination of many years of hard work and it’s fantastic to see them coming to fruition. We’re working on designs for another three; in Oakleigh South, Pinewood and Mt Waverley. Touch base if you’d like more information. I’ve met many of you at information sessions to talk about the waste collection changes in Monash, with the landfill (red lid) bin changing to a fortnightly collection and the food and garden waste (green lid) bin moving to weekly. It’s imperative that we all do everything we can to reduce waste going to landfill for the future of our planet. We only need to look at the devastating floods in our northern states to understand that climate change is real, and that our actions matter. It is not sustainable to keep digging holes and burying waste in the ground somewhere, out of sight, out of mind. Diverting waste from landfill, recycling and using food and garden waste for compost are actions we can all take to make a difference. Thank you again for your feedback; we’ll provide you with an update following our April Council meeting. You may have noticed a change to our website. The upgrade has been a year-long project designed to create a more accessible, interactive, and streamlined tool for you to find what you need and to engage with us more easily. Next month we’ll be releasing our draft budget as we look at the priorities for the year ahead, and it’s important that you have a voice in this process. You’ll find information on the draft budget, and many other current projects, at shape.monash.vic.gov.au it’s also worth signing up for email notifications for when local projects are added so you can keep up-to-date. As always, please reach out if there’s something you’d like to discuss. https://www.facebook.com/CrStuartJames/ or follow me on https://twitter.com/crstuartjames or https://www.instagram.com/crstuartjames/ and join me on the journey. Federal Government backs away from city deal promise Late last year we joined our south east neighbours to express disappointment with the lack of Federal Government action in supporting the region’s economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID pandemic. In the lead-up to the last Federal election, the Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population wrote to the Mayors of the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) committing the Morrison Government to the development of a City Deal for the GSEM region, representing 1.5 million people. It acknowledged that the deal would: * Focus on infrastructure, jobs and connectivity to support population growth * Provide the unique opportunity for all levels of government to work together to unlock the region’s full potential. Since then, we’ve worked hard with the other GSEM councils to develop a credible, united plan to create jobs, address skills shortages, deliver significant regional infrastructure and, importantly, address social and environmental needs. Despite this work, and GSEMs continued willingness to engage, the City Deal has not progressed beyond the initial commitment made by the Federal Government in 2019. Recent correspondence indicated that it is instead proceeding with a North West City Deal. We were disappointed that 1.5 million residents of south east Melbourne have been overlooked yet again. The leveraged value of many of these City Deals, as described by the Federal Government itself, often exceeds $1 billion. As an active member of GSEM, we’ll continue to collectively advocate for delivery of the City Deal we were promised at the last election, noting that action speaks louder than words. Page 4 City Nature Challenge on again 29 April to 2 May We’ve joined forces again with councils in the east to compete in the global City Nature Challenge. The challenge is a worldwide effort observing and identifying plants and wildlife in cities across the world, to better protect them. The aim is to log as many insect and wildlife observations as possible using the iNaturalist app and we’ll need your help to do it. Back by popular demand, we’ll also hold local guided nature walks to help you get snapping. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/city-nature-challenge Open the locker and get active Active Monash, in partnership with Monash Libraries, has launched Sports Locker – a program aimed at increasing physical activity opportunities by making sports equipment available for borrowing at Oakleigh and Clayton libraries. Oakleigh Library has soccer balls, AFL (Australian Rules) balls and frisbees for loan. From the Clayton Community Centre Library, you can borrow table tennis bats, table tennis balls, netballs and basketballs. This service, like any other library hiring, provides free access to sporting equipment you can use at near-by sports facilities for four hours. Being a library member isn’t a must! To borrow equipment, simply leave a form of ID with the library branch, which you can collect back when the equipment is returned and sanitised with wipes provided. The Sports Locker program is available during library branch operating hours. More info vist www.monash.vic.gov.au/sports-locker-program Page 5 New playspaces coming to Monash Every year we maintain and upgrade playspaces in Monash so children can keep exploring, creating and imagining in our community. Two new and exciting playspaces have recently opened. Carlson Reserve in Clayton now boasts adventure totem poles, rope play, a climbing cube, spinner, adventure play tower with tube slides and a triple swing. The new playspace at Petronella Avenue Reserve in Wheelers Hill offers children a timber play structure, carousel spinner, double swing, basket swing and log steppers. Locals can also enjoy the new shared-use path and mini outdoor exercise station. Upgrade works have also started at Westerfield Drive Reserve (Notting Hill), Cambridge Street Reserve (Oakleigh), Cameron Avenue Reserve (Oakleigh South), Progress Park (Oakleigh South), Garnett Street (Huntingdale), Octavia Court (Burwood) and Botanic Drive (Glen Waverley). These playspaces will open this financial year. Over the coming months, we also want to hear your ideas on what could be included in new playspaces at Cambro Road Reserve (Clayton), Mount Waverley Reserve, Diamond Avenue Reserve (Glen Waverley), Rembrandt Drive Reserve (Wheelers Hill), Portland Street North Reserve (Mulgrave), and Highview Park (Glen Waverley). More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/playspace-upgrades Trail connection a step closer In a major step forward linking Monash’s two major trails, Scotchmans Creek and Djerring, you can now have your say on a 1.4km cycling connection. We’re proposing to build a protected connection between the two trails, encouraging cycling for people of all ages and abilities. It will improve cyclist safety around the Oakleigh Activity Centre and set up an important north-south cycling link within the City. We’re particularly interested in feedback on a proposed trial demonstration cycleway in Atkinson Street, between Dandenong and Atherton Roads. This section is the first of its kind for Monash and would be a new type of cycling infrastructure made of ‘quick build’ materials. This section of the proposal would require a reduction in the number of existing car parking spaces, on the east side of Atkinson Street. We’re keen to hear your feedback on this as well. Have your say by Sunday 1 May. More info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/trail-connection Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Paul Klisaris As a long-standing Monash Councillor, I’ve worked on many wonderful outcomes for our community. I’m passionate about lots of causes but one thing I’ve seen change in my time is landfill management. Although we’ve had some great initiatives over the years to help us reduce our landfill, I’ve sadly seen our levels continue to increase. With Melbourne’s landfill sites filling up fast, I know and understand we can’t be building new ones. This is just one of many reasons why I support the important change to your bin collections from August 2022. Food scraps going in your food and garden waste bin not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfill, you’ll help decrease gas emissions and lower the impact of climate change. It’s not about cutting services or saving money To put it simply, we must deal with our landfill in a better way now, not later. There will be no additional cost to you when we start collecting your food and garden waste weekly and your landfill waste fortnightly. There will be no changes to your collection day and we’ll still collect your recycling each fortnight. Like any major change, it can be hard. In the long-term though, this is a change for good and the best outcome for our community and the environment. Thanks for your feedback on this change Over the last two months we’ve had many opportunities for you to provide feedback. The aim was to hear from you on what this change would mean and how we could better support you now and into the future. It was great to see so many residents, in fact more than 5,500 of you, got involved to help us better understand the impact. Community support is important when dealing with landfill so I thank all of you who gave your time to give feedback online and in-person through our website, information sessions, pop-up stalls, phone and social media. In other news I’m proud Council recently backed an updated Gender Equity Framework. For those who know me, this is an area I’m particularly passionate about. This updated framework allows us to continue the important work in promoting gender equity in our community and make sure everyone enjoys the same opportunities, rights and respect, no matter their gender. I look forward to updating you on our approach in this space. As always, if you’d ever like to have a chat about a local issue, please contact me on 0412 516 026 or Paul.Klisaris@monash.vic.gov.au YOUR Councillors You can contact Councillors via phone or email. Letters can be mailed to: PO Box 1, Glen Waverley 3150 Glen Waverley Ward Cr Geoff Lake, call 0411 645 281, Email Geoff.Lake@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Nicky Luo, call 0451 560 398, Email Nicky.Luo@monash.vic.gov.au Mount Waverley Ward Cr Anjalee de Silva, call 0424 679 096, email Anjalee.deSilva@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Brian Little, Mayor, Call 9518 3524 or 0407 878 033, Email Brian.Little@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Rebecca Paterson, Call 0437 959 163, Email Rebecca.Paterson@monash.vic.gov.au Mulgrave Ward Cr Paul Klisaris, Call 0412 516 026, Email Paul.Klisaris@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Shane McCluskey, Deputy Mayor, Call 0466 345 406, Email Shane.McCluskey@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Tina Samardzija, Call 0435 011 927, Email Tina.Samardzija@monash.vic.gov.au Oakleigh Ward Cr Josh Fergeus, Call 0466 465 421, Email Josh.Fergeus@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Stuart James, Call 0413 184 250, Email Stuart.James@monash.vic.gov.au Cr Theo Zographos, Call 0430 316 911, Email Theo.Zographos@monash.vic.gov.au NEXT COUNCIL Meeting Tuesday 26 April, 7pm Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Attend the meeting in-person or watch it live on webcast.monash.vic.gov.au Meeting agenda and most up-to-date info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings Page 7 Monash Youth Services programs to return face-to-facein Term 2! Feeling alone and the loss of social connection was reported to be a top concern for young people in our community during the pandemic, according to the 2021 Monash Youth Survey. After many months of delivering programs online, our Monash Youth Services (MYS) are excited to announce a much-anticipated return to face-to-face program delivery in Term 2. MYS run heaps of free programs that aim to reduce social isolation, foster peer connection, build professional skills and encourage leadership. Now is a great time to join a program as spots are open for new members. For a full list of programs and services or to join, visit our website or give us a call. More info call 9518 3900 or visit www.monashyouth.org.au/programs Monash RAP update Updates on our reconciliation journey through our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) are now live on Shape Monash. Find out more on how we’re working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to embed the principles and purpose of reconciliation in our workplace and across Monash. More info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/RAP Nominations open for Sir John Monash Awards Do you know someone who is making a difference to the environment? Is there a local champion of the LGBTIQA+ community, or someone who promotes cultural diversity and deserves an award? Nominations close Sunday 26 June. More info call 9518 3619 or visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/monash-awards Lest we forget Reflect and pay your respects to Australians who served and died in war and operational service. Services to commemorate Anzac Day will be held at Glen Waverley, Clayton and Oakleigh, and are organised by local Returned Services League (RSL) branches. More info call 9518 3555 or visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/anzac-day Page 8 Pride Night is back for 2022 Saturday 30 April, 7pm–10pm Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley Pride Night is back again and celebrating everything PRIDE! Everyone’s invited to come into the centre and experience our facilities in a friendly and inclusive environment. Activities: * Live DJ * Aqua, Zumba, Yoga and Learn to float classes * Lap Club * Inflatable pool obstacle course * Gym * Access to indoor pools * Spa, sauna and MORE! More info: www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/pride-night-2022 Being A Voice photo exhibition Save the date! Exhibition will launch on Saturday 14 May at MGA in honour of IDAHOBIT Day. Residents will share photography and audio on what being a young LGBTIQA+ person in Monash means to them. More info visit www.beingavoice.mga.org.au Senior Socials Each Friday 22 April to 10 June, 10.30am–12pm Wheelers Hill Library Build your digital skills and confidence through a series of eight practical workshops. Aimed at the over 60s to be more connected when using a digital device, we’ll show you how to use online banking and pay bills, expand your networks and social opportunities, and address privacy and security concerns. Bookings on www.trybooking.com/BXRZX Old Vintage Melbourne Wednesday 27 April, 10.30am Online event (Zoom) Adapted from the popular ‘Old Vintage Melbourne’ Instagram account, this presentation by Chris Macheras explores the captivating heritage of the city of Melbourne. An event for the Australian Heritage Festival 2022. Bookings on www.trybooking.com/BXBOT Develop 2 April to 15 May Monash Gallery of Art (MGA) 860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill Develop is MGA’s annual showcase of work by emerging photographic artists. This free exhibition represents a small selection from the vast pool of high-calibre work, produced by graduates of bachelor degrees in Melbourne in 2021. With artists drawn from five universities and showcasing a range of styles, techniques and genres, this is a celebration of the next generation of Australian photographers. More info visit www.mga.org.au