Page 1 Monash Bulletin September 2021 Smoke-Free Eaton Mall in Oakleigh and Kingsway in Glen Waverley have been declared smoke-free areas under Council’s Smoke-Free Local Law, adopted in May 2021. From 19 October 2021, there will be no smoking allowed in designated areas including the footpath along the length of Eaton Mall, between Atherton Rd and Oakleigh Central, or on footpaths along the length of Kingsway, between O’Sullivan Road and Bogong Avenue and the area outside the Glen Waverley Library and the Monash Civic Centre. The declared areas were endorsed at the August 2021 Council meeting. Signage is being erected in the declared areas. The new local law is in addition to the State Government’s smoking legislation introduced in 2017, which prevents smoking in outdoor dining areas where food is consumed. Council’s footpath trading policy, adopted in May 2021, now requires food must be available at all times in footpath dining areas while operating, meaning that under the Tobacco Act, smoking is not allowed in these areas. Eaton Mall and Kingsway are both renowned dining precincts that attract people from all areas to enjoy a unique dining experience. Council wants to ensure these precincts are attractive to families and that there is no impact on their experience from passive smoke. These changes follow a survey of the local community and traders, with over 880 responses. There was overwhelming support for these changes, with 87 per cent of residents and 84 per cent of traders supporting the new local law. While a fine of $200 can be issued for a breach of the Local Law, Council encourages people to adhere to the changes and not smoke in areas where it is not allowed. This is not only because it is prohibited under the Local Law, but to also respect community members who expect to be able to enjoy these areas. For more info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/smoke-free-areas Information in the September Bulletin is current at the time of going to print on 6 September, however may be subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions. The best way to keep up to date about changes to our services is throug our website www.monash.vic.gov.au or www.facebook.com/cityofmonash/ or twitter.com/MonashCouncil Page 2 Seniors Keep’n on This year’s Monash Seniors Festival will celebrate ‘Keep’n on’ and the resilience of senior Victorians. The October program is bursting with more than 30 Council and community events encouraging people to stay independent and connected to their community. It will launch on 1 October alongside International Day of the Older Persons, with a guest Zoom appearance by Chinese cuisine expert Elizabeth Chong AM. Elizabeth will discuss her success and journey to ageing positively, followed by Monash University exercise, health and wellbeing tips. COVID-permitting, other Council events include: * Seniors in the Park: Strong for Life, Thursdays October-December * Men’s Health in Action, Wednesday 13 October * Open Garden and Summer Vegetable Workshop, Thurs 14 October * Happy Hour: The Power of Happier Ageing, Fri 15 October * Electra Reserve Extravaganza Open Day: try Bridge, Chess, Croquet and Drumming, Wed 20 October * Seniors Safety Forum and Drumming Workshop, Fri 22 October * All generation Family Fun Bowls Day, Sun 24 October * Bringing Back the Bush Valley Reserve Walk, Wed 27 October * Social walk of Scotchmans Creek and tour of Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Fri 29 October Bookings are essential and live events may be cancelled pending COVID-19 Government restrictions. For more info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/pals or call 9518 3555 for a copy of the Seniors Festival program. Elizabeth Chong bookings call 9518 3555 or visit www.trybooking.com/BTQXZ A LESSON learned Illegally removing a tree has cost a Glen Waverley home owner a $2,000 fine and $5,935.38 in costs at the Ringwood Magistrates Court. The resident breached Council rules by removing the tree during a knock-down/rebuild after a Vegetation Protection Overlay exclusion and a planning permit were refused for three trees on the property to be removed. The owner employed loppers to remove one of those trees. In court, the resident pleaded guilty to removing the tree and accepted responsibility. No conviction was recorded. In October 2018 Council adopted the Monash Urban Landscape and Canopy Vegetation Strategy, which strengthens tree retention policies and aims to increase our tree canopy by 30 per cent. Council’s Planning Enforcement Team averages two illegal tree removal complaints per week. Of these, about half are legal pruning or removal of trees that do not trigger a permit requirement. The rest attract a planning infringement notice with a $908.70 fine for individuals and $1817.40 for companies. More serious breaches may end up in court and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an enforcement order. Council’s message is simple: the tree removal process is free and open to all City of Monash ratepayers and all applications are judged on their merits. It is simply not worth doing the wrong thing. For more info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/vegetation-protection-overlay Monash Contact details: Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley Closed (due to COVID-19 restrictions) Subject to change. Check the Monash Council website for the latest update. Oakleigh Service Centre, 3 Atherton Road, Oakleigh Closed (due to COVID-19 restrictions) Subject to change. 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 about the Monash Bulletin: Call 9518 3678, Email joanne.robertson@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 Brian Little The State Government has now set a benchmark requiring 70 per cent of Victorians to have had at least one dose of vaccine before there is any significant easing of lockdown restrictions. So we know what we need to do to end restrictions and to get back to doing the things we love to do. Spending time with family and friends, going out for a great meal at your favourite local, going to see a live show, sending kids back to school and getting back to the workplace and seeing your colleagues in person. The vaccine is critical to protecting ourselves and our most vulnerable. I’ve had my two doses of AstraZeneca and it’s an enormous relief to know I’ve done what I can to protect myself, my family and those around me. If you’re yet to be vaccinated, please book your appointment today – either in the state system, or in your general practice or local pharmacy. If you have any questions or concerns you can talk to a GP, pharmacist or to a senior and experienced immuniser at our state-run sites. You can book your appointment at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment There’s a lot happening in Monash at the moment, despite COVID. The introduction of the smoke-free local law and the adoption of the first two areas prescribed under this law, Eaton Mall in Oakleigh and Kingsway Glen Waverley, is a game changer. When we return to these amazing dining precincts, it will be with the knowledge that as well as a delightful dining experience, it will also be smoke-free. Congratulations to two Monash residents, Mohamed Mohideen OAM and Lizzy Kuoth, who have been appointed to the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Both are highly valued for their excellent work with our diverse multi-cultural community. Despite the difficulties we are facing as a community and a state, there is a way forward and we can prevail. Please continue to support those around you and keep focused on getting to where we need to be. You can contact me on: Call 9518 3524 or 0407 878 033 Email: Brian.Little@monash.vic.gov.au NEXT COUNCIL Meeting The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 28 September from 7pm. The meeting’s agenda will be published on Council’s website from 5.30pm on Thursday 23 September. Monash residents and ratepayers can ask questions at the meeting; all queries must be submitted to Council by 2pm on Tuesday 28 September. At the time of going to print the public could not attend Council meetings in person, which is subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation. The meeting remains a public meeting that the community can watch via our livestreaming service at webcast.monash.vic.gov.au Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings or call 9518 3555 Magpie season is here It’s magpie breeding season and some may swoop to protect their young. You can avoid being dive bombed by looking out for birds in your area and avoiding them. Magpies are a protected species and fines may apply to anyone who injures or kills native fauna. Avoiding swooping birds * Know your local swooping hotspots in parks, schoolyards and bike trails * Avoid likely breeding areas. If you can’t, move quickly but don’t run * Be alert around tall eucalypts that might have nests * Magpies are less likely to swoop if you look at them; eyes drawn on the back of a hat or sunglasses on backward can help * Carry an open umbrella or small branch over your head but do not swing it at birds as it may provoke more attacks * Wheel bikes through likely swooping points * Do not feed or throw stones at birds * Consider travelling in a group. For more info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/magpies You can find and report bird swooping locations using this interactive Victorian Government map: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds Page 4 Building safer communities We can all play a role in keeping our community safe. Each October, Community Safety Month reminds us with a range of fun and interesting events and forums. Community Safety Month aims to encourage connection and togetherness while learning more about what we can all do to keep ourselves and others feeling safe in their community. People of all ages, genders, strengths and abilities are encouraged to participate. Online initiatives include a Gender Diversity and Safety Forum, an Online Safety Forum with Victoria Police and a Restart a Heart session with Ambulance Victoria. COVID permitting*, live events will include Coffee with a Cop, Operation Safe Plate to deter number plate thieves, an Introduction to Water & Water Safety Program, free bike property marking, a Seniors Safety Forum and a Family Fun Day. The 26 October Family Fun Day at Jells Park will feature Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, Neighbourhood Watch and more. Residents can also join the South East Volunteers’ Monash Community Safety Register or Neighbourhood Watch Monash. For more info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-safety-month * If COVID lockdown/restrictions are in place, events may be postponed or go online. Spin a yarn and a smile A patchwork quilt documenting memories of Melbourne’s 2020 COVID lockdown, a cheeky penguin and an inquisitive snail are all part of Spin a Yarn, a project from Black Hole Theatre funded through Council Quick Response Grant program. The project began in 2020 during the first stage of the pandemic as a collaboration between artists and members of the Monash community to develop and tell stories through puppetry. Because gatherings were not possible, the group decided the stories should be shared through video. Council’s Quick Response Grant program was developed to support local community groups to adapt and continue during the pandemic, using individual creative efforts to help build community resilience and unity. View the heartwarming Spin a Yarn project here at www.monash.vic.gov.au/spin-a-yarn-project For more info on the Quick Response Grant Program visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/quick-response-grant-program or email monash.grants@monash.vic.gov.au or call 9518 3568 New Christmas Cheer Council is set to breathe new life into the Festive Season this year, committing to new sustainable decorations in some centres around Monash for 2021. Towering Christmas trees and stacks of brightly-coloured, gift-wrapped presents, vibrant banners and strip decals are among the decorations planned for Glen Waverley, Clayton, Huntingdale and Pinewood. A large tree display, 2.4m high and 2.0m wide, has been proposed for Kingsway, near the intersection of Kingsway and Coleman Parade. The current decorations, commissioned in 2016, have reached the end of their useful life with the cost of repairing them exceeding their replacement. Subject as they were to the weather, the old wire-framed decorations have deteriorated through general wear and tear. Council has held discussions with the Clayton, Glen Waverley (Kingsway), Huntingdale and Pinewood Trader Groups about the need to refresh and replace some of the decorations and engaged with them on the timing and locations. The proposed decorations have been designed with an emphasis on durability and are environmentally-friendly, with their own solar power. The ornaments will be made of powder coated steel and will require less time to install and less maintenance in the long term. For more info call 9518 3297 Page 5 Keeping COVIDSafe Navigating COVID regulations can be challenging for our businesses and organisations. Monash Council is working with businesses to help them meet their requirements and keep us all safe. The Monash Council Business Concierge and Hospitality Support Program works with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) to help local businesses with State Government requirements. Team members visit businesses to discuss COVIDSafe Plans, face mask wearing and QR Code check-in requirements, while helping them to implement best practice COVIDSafe measures. Council’s website also has a page with related information and useful links. The project is aimed at businesses large and small, community groups, events, markets, organisations and customers. Officers are also working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The program hopes to educate and ensure compliance and will continue until November. For more info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/COVIDSafe-workplaces Active Recreation Opportunities We need your help to keep Monash residents active! Council has approved the draft Active Recreation Opportunities Strategy for public exhibition and we’d love your feedback. The draft strategy focuses on casual and informal non-organised recreation. It looks to encourage healthy physical activity and guide the future enhancement of parks and reserves by developing environments that encourage residents to get active in their local communities. Facilities such as outdoor fitness equipment, walking circuits, bocce courts, basketball courts, skate parks, climbing walls and other infrastructure that encourages residents to engage in healthy physical activity have been considered. Have your say by: * Completing the online survey at Shape Monash (If needed, register on Shape Monash to access the survey) * Emailing to request a hard copy survey or lodge a written submission on recreation@monash.vic.gov.au * Mailing your submission to Recreation Services c/- Monash City Council, PO Box 1, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 Consultation on the draft strategy closes on 28 September. The draft strategy and more info are on Shape Monash visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/active parklife Social Sport for the Rainbow Community Proud2Play has launched an exciting new program of social sport sessions for the LGBTIQA+ community across five sites in Melbourne, including Monash. Funded by a VicHealth Reimagining Health grant in partnership with Football Victoria and Cricket Victoria, Proud2Play provides free and inclusive sporting sessions for people who don’t often feel sport is a safe and welcoming environment. Research shows that eight in 10 Australian sports participants have experienced or witnessed discrimination on the basis of sexuality. More than half of transgender people, a quarter of males and 10 per cent of females avoided playing sports they would like to play because of their sexuality or gender identity. This program aims to address these inequities with a safe and welcoming environment to be more active, enhanced social bonds and strengthened community connection. Volunteers trained in sport coaching and LGBTIQA+ inclusion will run the free weekly one-hour sessions for LGBTIQA+ community members and allies over six months. A Round Robin Tournament will follow in December at the Knox Regional Football Centre. For more info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/parklife Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Shane McCluskey It is been a while since I have written this column, so let’s touch on some of the common questions and issues raised with me by residents. Across Monash and much of the Mulgrave Ward, the level and change in residential development is noticed. Sometimes there’s a level of frustration at the changing nature of how our city looks and feels. Council approves or refuses permit applications in line with how those proposals align with parameters and directions established at a State level, sometimes under different governments. Not all the rules are ours, but we still have to play by them. We often see a ‘knock down and rebuild’ on an ordinary house block. In most cases, building one house only needs a building permit that, with state deregulation, are mostly issued by private building surveyors with little or no involvement from Council. It can all be frustrating at times with what seems like endless redevelopment, but more housing is occurring everywhere and increasing density close to services, as opposed to expansion, is one way of catering for population growth. Perhaps not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but there are some benefits. They are the rules we play by under current State policy. “Mulgrave seems to be left out a lot”. That’s the perception for some in the Mulgrave community and I admit that at times, it has some weight to it. Controversial? I do not think so. True? Sometimes. The good news is some significant things are happening in Mulgrave Ward, including the newly completed Brentwood Reserve Pavilion, and Wellington Community Hub at Wanda Street. The Waverley Netball Centre court redevelopment is all but completed, as well as the planned Mulgrave Library expansion. I will be advocating strongly for the Mulgrave Ward to be ‘front and centre’ when it comes to the Active Recreation Strategy returning to Council after community consultation. Open space is a pivotal part of our lives and it’s never been more important to ensure our community is able to access and enjoy these places to the fullest. I strongly encourage you to have your say on that strategy and what is important to you for the Mulgrave Ward and Monash: shape.monash.vic.gov.au/active Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the challenging times in which we all find ourselves. We can’t control every aspect of our lives at the moment and that can be difficult. Staying active where we can, particularly as Spring brings better weather, is one positive step. Look after yourselves and those around you. Feel free to contact me at Shane.McCluskey@monash.vic.gov.au or 0466 345 406 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 Page 7 Tennis centre architects appointed The $26.7 million Monash Tennis Centre in Glen Waverley has moved a step closer with Mantric Architecture appointed to design it. Mantric Architecture’s other major projects include the Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) in Bentleigh East and the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South. Mantric also collaborated with councils and sporting organisations on the Duncan Mackinnon Reserve Pavilion in Murrumbeena, the Bendigo Tennis Centre and the Tatterson Park Sports Pavilion in Keysborough. The Monash Tennis Centre will include a regional level tennis and golf facility, golf practice facilities, public open space improvements, car parking and supporting infrastructure. It will also incorporate sustainability opportunities including water sensitive urban design, sustainably-sourced materials, high recycled content, reduced landfill and low energy lighting and appliances. The move follows Touch Projects’ July appointment as project manager. The design phase is expected to continue until early-2022, with construction starting in mid-2022 and completion by early-2024. Council will continue to inform and consult with local residents as the design phase of the project progresses. For more info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/tennis Oakleigh CCTV camera plan wins community support Monash Council will install closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras to monitor the Oakleigh Activity Centre in real time after a survey found most community members supported it. A Monash-wide survey found 78 per cent of phone respondents and 68 per cent of online respondents supported the proposal. The Victorian Government offered $50,000 towards CCTV cameras in the centre following a number of reported incidents in and around it. At its 31 August meeting, Monash Council agreed to accept the offer and pay $2,500-$5,000 a year for ongoing maintenance, pending a CCTV policy update. The changes will enable Oakleigh Police to undertake live monitoring as required. Council officers will now consult relevant community members, Victoria Police, traders and businesses. Council will also consider the proposed sites, which include the Council-owned Chester Street and Hanover Street carparks. For more info: www.monash.vic.gov.au/CCTV-cameras-in-oakleigh-activity-centre Wellington Child and Family Hub on track The Wellington Integrated Child and Family Hub at Shaftsbury Drive, Mulgrave, is on track for reopening in 2022. Construction of the Wellington Hub is progressing to plan, with the external façade well advanced and internal works now underway. The new facility will include: * A two-room kindergarten * A two-room maternal and child health service * A playgroup room and outdoor learning environment * A Community room * Two counselling/meeting rooms. The Wellington Preschool and the Maternal and Child Health Team are expecting to be back at Mulgrave for normal service provision in 2022, with Wellington Preschool currently taking enrolments for its 2022 three and four-year-old groups. The project is expected to be completed in November 2021. For more info visit www.wellingtonpreschool.org.au/enrolments or call 9560 6106 Page 8 A spanner in the works The story of Alice Anderson Mon 4 October, 10.15am-11.30am. Online event via Zoom Join author Loretta Smith to hear about a daring Melbourne woman, Alice Anderson. Alice excelled as a motoring entrepreneur and established Australia’s first motor service run entirely by women - then met an early, mysterious end. Hear her story. To book visit www.trybooking.com/BTDXV A Zoom link will be emailed to attendees on 1 October. Powerful by Name and Nature Tues 5 October 6.30pm-8pm Online event via Zoom Powerful Owls are Australia’s largest owl and found in urban areas across Melbourne, including parks in Monash. Deakin University Researchers will discuss Powerful Owl ecology, share movement data and explain how to help conserve these amazing owls. For more info and to book visit www.trybooking.com/BTZMF Registration emails will include the Zoom link. YOUTH WORKER Support Need to talk about what is on your mind? Monash Youth Services is your local youth hub for support, information and referral, providing free and confidential Youth Worker Support to young people aged 10-25, online and over the phone. Contact us call 9518 3900 or email yrcr@monash.vic.gov.au Solar Savers Info Session Tues 5 and Wed 27 October, 6.30pm-7.15pm Online event via Zoom Cut your power bills and reduce emissions! Ask the experts and hear honest advice about the products, costs, and benefits of a solar PV system and batteries. Hosted by Solar Savers. For more info visit www.solarsavers.org.au To book visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/solar-sessions Introduction to Recycling Tues 12 October at 11am Wed 13 October at 6pm Online event via Zoom Learn about the basics of managing your waste at home. We’ll talk about what goes in the three bins and recycling options to help keep waste out of landfill. This 45 min webinar is suitable for new Monash residents and anyone interested in reducing household waste. Registration emails will include the Zoom link. To book visit www.trybooking.com/BTTPY For more info contact Sarah Summers on 9518 3264 Rainbow Leadership Program 5 October-14 December, 4.30pm-6.30pm Calling young LGBTIQA+ people. Join us on a 10-week program to build leadership skills, discuss gender diverse issues, learn to leap barriers and achieve goals. The program runs each Tuesday starting 5 October, via Zoom. Places are limited, bookings essential. The program is delivered by Monash and Knox Councils. For more info or to book contact Siobhan on 9518 3900 or email siobhan.hardiman@monash.vic.gov.au