Page 1 Monash Bulletin April 2024 Photo for the Mayor Cr Nicky Luo and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers Inside this issue: Oakleigh Golf Course Glen Waverley Civic Precinct Mural for Oakleigh New Tiny Forest Page 2 Oakleigh Golf Course update From September to November last year, we invited the Monash community to provide feedback on the future of Council Oakleigh Golf Course. Over nine weeks we heard from close to 1,800 people via an online survey at Shape Monash and in-person feedback sessions at the golf course. At their February meeting Councillors resolved to retain the Oakleigh Golf Course as a nine-hole public golf course for the foreseeable future, given strong support from users and the golfing community to retain the site for golf. We heard that people value Oakleigh Golf Course in particular because of the role it plays for people learning the game as an affordable, shorter, and easier course than others in inner-Melbourne. Thank you to everyone who completed our survey or attended one of our information sessions. You can read our consultation report at shape.monash.vic.gov.au/oakleigh-gc The course is located on Park Road in Oakleigh, with green fees for a mid-week round for pensioners starting at just $14.60. Visit oakleighgolf.com.au Storm clean-up continues Damage from the storm on 13 February had an impact on Monash street tree canopy, which helps to cool our neighbourhoods, minimise water runoff and create habitat for native wildlife. Tree species planted today are chosen to fit within our streetscapes, reserves, and surrounding areas and are selected considering existing infrastructure - both above and below the ground. We undertake annual inspections and works to manage our street trees across Monash. If you would like to report an issue or concern about a street tree near your property, you can do so via our website. In the three weeks following the storm, we received the equivalent number of requests from our community as we would normally receive in a three-month period. We have engaged additional resources to assist in the clean-up of fallen trees and branches that were impacted by the storm, however it may still take until early April as our teams remove and mulch these. Please be patient with our teams as we do this. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/storm-damage Page 3 Message from Mayor Cr Nicky Luo We are so fortunate in Monash to have an incredible team of State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who are there for our community when disaster strikes, as it did on 13 February when a significant microburst storm cell hit our city. This was the second-worst storm event we have experienced, and it decimated so many of our healthy beautiful trees and our tree canopy, causing damage to some homes and businesses. The ferocity of the storm uprooted large trees, as it cut a path through some areas of our municipality. There is much cleaning up to do and this will take some time. More than 1000 calls for assistance were logged to the SES, many more calls came through to our Monash team and we had great support from the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Forest Fire Management Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. We had a number of households that required emergency accommodation and we were able to assist. I was so pleased to meet many of the SES volunteers and thank them personally for their work at a breakfast at the Monash SES unit, along with the Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister Steve Dimopoulos, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent, Chief Officer Operations SES Tim Wiebusch, Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy and Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon. Our Monash team has also been working hard and will continue to do so, clearing away the debris from our streets, before moving into open spaces and reserves. When there is damage on this scale, getting things back to normal takes time. Be assured we are continuing to work hard to clean up and assess replacement planting in some areas. We appreciate your patience and support as we undertake this unexpected work. It was a delight to be part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Glen Waverley and to have Premier Allan join us - and showcase our wonderful Chinese culture and traditions. Thank you to the organising committee for another fantastic event. Please contact me anytime if you have any queries or feedback at Nicky.Luo@monash.vic.gov.au or call 0451 560 398. New ward boundaries for upcoming local government elections The Victorian Government has approved changes to Council ward boundaries in Monash ahead of the local government election in October. Monash is represented by 11 councillors who are elected to represent a ward. Currently in Monash, two councillors represent Glen Waverley ward with three councillors in each of the three other wards: Mount Waverley, Mulgrave and Oakleigh. The new ward structure will be in effect for the local government election in October, introducing 11 single councillor wards across Monash. The Victorian Electoral Commission will coordinate the local government elections, with information for residents available in the leadup to October. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/new-wards Page 4 Net wins for cricket facilities Cricket scored a win in Monash last month, with Council unveiling cricket net redevelopments in Wheelers Hill and Oakleigh East. Mulgrave Reserve in Wheelers Hill now includes a six-wicket natural turf table and four reoriented synthetic cricket practice nets, with netted enclosures and improved pavement access to the surrounding pavilion complex.  At Princes Highway Reserve in Oakleigh East, the new multipurpose cricket nets feature retractable netting that can convert the wicket bays into one combined space, which can be used for netball and other community recreation opportunities. Both projects were supported by the Victorian Government and opened in late February 2024. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/cricket-nets-2024 We are riding ahead with cycling connection Council committed to the cycling connection between Scotchmans Creek Trail and Djerring Trail and its delivery at its meeting in November 2023, subject to funding. Funding for the project will be considered as part of Council 2024/25 budgeting process. Council will also investigate external funding opportunities, including Victorian Government funding to upgrade the Dandenong Road/Atkinson Street signals. The project includes an on-road, separated cycleway on the east side of Atkinson Street and Hanover Street, between Dandenong Road and Burlington Street, in Oakleigh. Work is now underway on a detailed design, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. Visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/trail-connection Glen Waverley Civic Precinct project – update Work is progressing on a new Glen Waverley Civic Precinct following Council resolution in September 2023 to continue work on the project after extensive community consultation in July and August. Following a public tender process, Council has appointed Lyons Architecture as the architects for this exciting project and they will shortly commence work on the detailed design. The Lyons team have worked on major public space projects across Australia and Council looks forward to working with them to bring the new Glen Waverley Civic Precinct to life over the coming years. We are starting to prepare for the sale of part of Council land at 281 Springvale Road, known as Central Car Park. Council has previously resolved that the project would be solely funded from the Victorian Government compulsory acquisition of Council land in Glen Waverley for the Suburban Rail Loop (at Montclair Avenue) and the Central car park site. Council will excise approximately 1,000m² of the land on the western boundary for retention and the future development of a public plaza. Visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/gwcp Page 5 MURAL transforms heart of Oakleigh Oakleigh regulars will have noticed an eye-catching new feature outside Atkinson Street Car Park: a stunning mural by Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba artist Tom Day. Launched on 13 February 2024 and titled Nanyubak – a Yorta Yorta word meaning -to dream the future – the mural depicts the lines of connection that bind people to the land and to each other. Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Crow feature prominently, while the teal thread of Scotchmans Creek runs throughout. It's the first large-scale mural solely designed and installed by a First Nations artist in the municipality. Commissioning the artwork aligns with Council Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, and creating it was a collaborative effort, with input from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Traditional Owners and more than 300 members of the Monash community participating in the consultation on the draft concept design. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/nanyubak Who is your local hero? They say love is what makes the world go round, and the stories we receive each year from our Sir John Monash Awards nominations are testament to that. So many give their time, knowledge and skills to help others and Council is again honoured to hold these awards to acknowledge work that may go unnoticed. Do you have a local hero who deserves to be recognised? 2024 Monash Awards categories: * Active Monash (sports clubs) * Sustainability Leadership * Youth Leadership (ages 8 - 14 and 15 - 25) * Positive Ageing Leadership * Multicultural Champion * Reconciliation Champion * Advocate of People with Disabilities * LGBTIQA+ Leadership * Inspirational Women Leadership * Volunteer of the Year Nominations are open, and close Wed 5 June. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/awards or call 9518 3619 DETOX your home 2024 Detox Your Home is back on at the Monash Recycling and Waste Centre (380 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill) on Saturday 27 April. Register via the QR code below and drop off your weed killers, cleaning products, cosmetics and other harmful chemicals, for free. Run by Sustainability Victoria, Detox Your Home is a drive-through event that helps residents dispose of toxic chemicals safely. These can not be put in kerbside bins or poured down the drain. Check the link on our website to make sure your items can be accepted at Detox Your Home. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/detox-your-home Page 6 Tiny Forest Community Planting Day!  Monash Council and Earthwatch, in partnership with Bupa, are building a Tiny Forest at Fraser Street Reserve, Glen Waverley.  We invite you to come along to our Community Planting Day to help us plant more than 30 different species of Indigenous plants.  Tiny Forests are planted to about the size of a tennis court and are part of a world-wide movement to support afforestation and help introduce dense native forest environments to our urban areas.   They play an important role in strengthening and preserving our local biodiversity and the health of our ecosystems while also ensuring we deliver on our commitment to increase tree canopy cover across Monash to 30% by 2040.  No planting or gardening skills are required, just a desire to make a difference in your local community.  visitwww.monash.vic.gov.au/tiny-forest EASTER opening hours Good Friday (29 March) - Easter Monday (1 April) COUNCIL OFFICES Monash Civic Centre and Oakleigh Service Centre Good Friday - closed Easter Monday - closed MONASH RECYCLING AND WASTE CENTRE Good Friday - closed Easter Saturday - 7.30am-3pm Easter Sunday - closed Easter Monday - 7.30am-3pm Rubbish and recycling will be collected as normal through the Easter period, including on public holidays. MONASH LIBRARIES Good Friday - closed Easter Saturday - closed Easter Sunday - closed Easter Monday - closed Returns can still be made via the afterhours chutes available at ALL branches. Our eLibrary will remain available for digital loans. MONASH AQUATIC and RECREATION CENTRE and OAKLEIGH RECREATION CENTRE Good Friday - closed Easter Saturday - 9am-6pm Easter Sunday - 9am-6pm Easter Monday - 9am-6pm CLAYTON AQUATICS AND HEALTH CLUB Good Friday - closed Easter Saturday - 9am-5pm Easter Sunday - 9am-5pm Easter Monday - 9am-5pm Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au PLAYSPACE updates We have started works on new playspaces at Talbot Park (Oakleigh South) and Highview Park (Glen Waverley), which will re-open in mid-2024 for children to explore. Residents on Cambro Road (Clayton), Diamond Avenue (Glen Waverley), Rembrandt Drive (Wheelers Hill) and Portland Street North (Mulgrave) can also look forward to upgrades to their pocket and local playgrounds later this year. Mount Waverley residents can also have their say on the draft concept plan for a new playground at Pinewood Reserve. This project is being supported by Community Bank Pinewood, part of Bendigo Bank. Visit Shape Monash to share your feedback before Monday 8 April. Visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au Page 7 Councillor news Cr Josh Fergeus This month I am pictured at the Macrina Street shops in Oakleigh East. Trees and property around the shopping strip and our local neighbourhood suffered significant damage in the recent storm but it has been wonderful to see people helping one another and contributing to the cleanup. Places we can come together like Macrina Street are so important for building community. That is why I continue to support investment in local shopping strips. If something needs attention near you, please let me know. As rents and mortgage payments continue to increase so does housing stress across our community. But what can Council do? I believe Council can, and should, do more for renters, social and public housing tenants. Some time ago I gained support to develop a Monash Affordable Housing Strategy. We are now seeking to amend our planning scheme to incorporate the policy positions which form key parts of the strategy, including the provision of a six per cent affordable housing contribution for developments of 20 or more dwellings or when land is rezoned. Everybody has the right to a place they can call home. I am excited that Council is building a new district-level playspace at Princes Highway Reserve in Oakleigh East. We invited community input and suggestions last year with a particular focus on the views of children and young people, and a wonderful concept plan has now been completed. Construction will commence later this year. Finally, detailed design of the Scotchmans Creek Trail to Djerring Trail cycling connection will be completed soon, with funding for commencement of construction to be considered as part of Council 2024/25 annual budget. Providing a safe and efficient cycling network has been a key priority for me and I cannot wait to see this project commence in earnest. As ever, I would love to hear from you about what needs attention in our neighbourhood. Please get in touch at any time. Facebook@DrJoshFergeus Twitter and instagram @JoshFergeus www.joshfergeus.com.au NEXT COUNCIL Meetings Tuesday 26 March, 7pm and Tuesday 30 April, 7pm   Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Access meeting agendas and watch in-person or online visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings YOUR Councillors 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 You can contact Councillors via phone or email. Letters can be mailed to PO Box 1, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/Councillors Page 8 What is on in Monash City Nature Challenge   26 April - 29 April 2024 Once again we are joining the City Nature Challenge, a worldwide event where people document the wildlife in their own city. Council and the Friends of Damper Creek are also hosting a bushland walk at Damper Creek Reserve on Sunday 28 April (10am) Join our bushland walk: www.monash.vic.gov.au/city-nature-challenge Come and Try Pickleball Have you heard of Pickleball? It is a mix of tennis, table tennis, and badminton that is becoming more and more popular. It is easy to pick up and fun for all ages and skill levels. Join the friendly community of bowlers and pickleball players at Glen Waverley Bowls Club. Beginners are welcome and equipment is provided. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/pickleball or call 9561 3227 MARC 50m pool closure While the Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre 50m pool is closed for painting works (from April to June), head to the 50m pool at Oakleigh Recreation Centre. Oakleigh Recreation Centre, normally closing 31 March, will extend its opening hours through to June. Visit www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/50m-pool-closure Movers class at Studio 4 Join Movers, a friendly class for individuals with disabilities to assist them moving and exercising in a safe and fun environment in our new sensory studio. Small group classes are tailored to your needs and run by trained instructors with a focus on strength, balance and cardio training, circuit stations, using equipment and is individually paced. Carers and support workers are welcome to attend classes. Location: Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Studio 4, Park Road Visit www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/movers Contact us Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday Oakleigh Service Centre, 3 Atherton Road, Oakleigh 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday Call 9518 3555, email mail@monash.vic.gov.au, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au National Relay Service (for the hearing and speech impaired) phone 1800 555 660 We welcome your feedback at media@monash.vic.gov.au Copyright © 2024 Monash City Council. All Rights Reserved; reproduction in any form will require Council written approval. Monash Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land that makes up Monash, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Information in the April Bulletin 2024 is current at the time of going to print on 1 March 2024. Snap Send Solve is a great app to report through to us what needs fixing visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/snap-send-solve