Page 1 Monash Bulletin March 2022 Ready, net, GOAL at Waverley Netball Centre Our newest netball courts at Waverley Netball Centre are officially open. Premier Daniel Andrews joined Mayor Stuart James and the Waverley Night Netball Association last month to open the 8-court redevelopment. Monash Councillors Nicky Luo, Shane McCluskey, Tina Samardzija, Theo Zographos, Member for Mt Waverley Matt Fregon and John Mullahy also attended with local netballers. The project includes: * Full reconstruction of the existing 8 outdoor netball courts which are Netball Victoria compliant * New competition level lighting * Reconfigured playspace to a more linear orientation * Improved accessibility for wheelchairs and prams from the car park across all courts and down to the playspace * Additional court seating for netball and general reserve users. To keep all the fully compliant netball courts, Council expanded the overall court footprint but retained all existing play pieces. The total project cost was $2.4 million funded by the Victorian Government through the Local Sport Infrastructure Fund 2020/21 ($2 million) and Council ($400,000). We have many capital works projects in progress at any one time. See what is on the go now at www.monash.vic.gov.au/council-projects The best way to keep up to date about changes to our services is through visit www.monash.vic.gov.au or www.facebook.com/cityofmonash/ or https://twitter.com/MonashCouncil Page 2 Monash Chooses Tap! Choosing tap over bottled water has been made even easier for you, with three new drinking fountains installed at sporting hubs, thanks to Yarra Valley Water. The fountains are now located at the following hubs: * Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) * Waverley Basketball Centre * Waverley District Netball Association Courts. Fitted with antibacterial nozzles and a bottle refill station, the fountains will make it more convenient for you to refill your bottle with fresh tap water when you are next on court or going for a swim. They also feature a dog bowl for your thirsty dogs! Through providing a sustainable alternative to bottled water, we hope that we will see more of you choosing to refill, resulting in less plastic waste in our community. Keep a reusable bottle handy when you are next out for a walk or playing sport in these locations. The fountains have been installed as part of Yarra Valley Water Choose Tap program, which aims to increase access to tap water in shared public spaces and reduce single-use plastic bottles. More info visit www.choosetap.com.au/tap-finder Active Outdoor FREE outdoor classes We are running FREE Zumba, Tai Chi, Seniors in the Park, Meditation, Walking Group and Circuit Training classes throughout March as part of our Active Communities program. Active Communities aims to provide inclusive and sustainable pathways for the community to be physically active in both structured and unstructured physical activity. The program supports our priorities for enhancing the health, happiness and wellbeing of Monash. Full timetable and class locations are available online. Bookings required. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/active-outdoors 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 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 Stuart James Council has begun the process of talking with our community about the planned move to fortnightly landfill (red lid) and weekly garden and food waste (green lid) bin collections, beginning in August It is fair to say that this has provoked significant discussion amongst our community, and we have received loads of feedback to consider. Whilst plenty of people are really excited about the change, we have also heard from residents about some of the barriers they believe they will encounter in making the transition to the new system. We are already working through solutions for the more common issues raised, and once the survey period finishes, we will write to our residents again with further information. We appreciate that this is a massive change to one of our core services; but the reality is that, as a community, our current practises are simply unsustainable. Landfill sites are bursting at the seams and we can no longer dispose of waste by simply digging another hole and putting it out of sight, out of mind. The Victorian Auditor General Office has warned that current landfill sites will be full in only four years. Council made a commitment in its Zero Waste Action Plan 2020-2025 to look at the challenges of waste disposal. While there is a whole suite of changes being undertaken to reduce our landfill contributions, challenging and encouraging our community to dispose of their waste and recycling more thoughtfully, through better education, will have a bigger impact than anything else we can do. Our extensive rubbish bin audits show that an astonishing 73% of waste disposed of in landfill (red lid) bins, could actually go somewhere else. You can find out more on pages 4 and 5 of this issue. An exciting project that is close to my heart was endorsed by Council for community consultation at the February meeting. The project involves creating a 1.4km cycling link between two of the city major trails, Scotchmans Creek and Djerring. The proposal includes a protected section through the Oakleigh Activity Centre, a first for Monash, which will greatly improve safety, particularly for families and young children. We would love to hear your thoughts on this initiative – find out more at shape.monash.vic.gov.au As always, please reach out if there is something you would like to discuss. https://www.facebook.com/CrStuartJames/ or follow me on twitter.com/crstuartjames and join me on the journey. NEXT COUNCIL Meeting Tuesday 29 March, 7pm Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley We will publish the meeting agenda on our website from 5.30pm on Thursday 24 March. Ask a question at the meeting by submitting it to Council by 2pm, Tuesday 29 March. Attend the public meeting in-person or watch it live at webcast.monash.vic.gov.au Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings or call 9518 3555 Do not forget... Report SPAM calls We have received reports from residents about scam/phishing calls impersonating Council. Never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details – delete the message or hang up. We encourage you to do the necessary security checks when someone calls claiming to be from Council or working on our behalf. Remember to ask for their full name, company name and postal address. More info visit www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam Pet rego due 10 April If you have any dogs or cats aged over 3 months make sure they’re registered and microchipped. More info vist www.monash.vic.gov.au/pets Page 4 Working together towards reconciliation Our reconciliation journey is underway with work starting on our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). “An Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” - Reconciliation Australia We’ll work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to embed the principles and purpose of reconciliation in our workplace and across Monash. We’ve set up a RAP working group with external community members and Council employees who’ll guide us with the development and implementation of our plan. We’ll share a draft-in-progress via Shape Monash and once final it will be sent to Reconciliation Australia for endorsement. As an organisation we’re on a journey to ensure that the area’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, heritage and culture are recognised and celebrated both by us at Council and the broader community. We look forward to updating you on our journey. Support for our LGBTIQA+ community We’re proud to have supported the LGBTIQA+ community for many years. Here’s some of the latest important and exciting projects we’re working on. Consultation on our first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan closes 29 April We want to hear from LGBTIQA+ people as well as their friends, families and allies via our online survey, workshops and focus groups. The Action Plan will set clear priorities and actions for our work in this space for the next four years. More info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/LGBTIQA Being A Voice photo exhibition We’re working with the Monash Gallery of Art and JOY Media, Australia’s first and only LGBTIQA+ community radio station, on an exciting photography exhibition called Being A Voice. Young LGBTIQA+ people have the opportunity to share through photography and audio what being a young LGBTIQA+ person in Monash means to them. Submissions close Monday 21 March. More info visit www.beingavoice.mga.org.au Monash Youth Services is once again offering its Rainbow Leadership Program. Young LGBTIQA+ people are invited to join us from 11-20 April to build leadership skills, discuss LGBTIQA+ issues, learn to leap over barriers and achieve goals. Places are limited, bookings essential. More info call Siobhan 9518 3900 or email siobhan.hardiman@monash.vic.gov.au Come and chat to us We are continuing to hold information sessions both in person and on-line where you can find out more about the changes to bin collections, what goes in your bins, and why we believe these changes are necessary. We will be adding further consultation and education sessions as and when needed – check shape.monash.vic.gov.au for times and locations. Here’s some of the sessions we’ve already scheduled in at the time of going to print. Pop-up stalls * Kingsway, Glen Waverley (near the corner of Montclair Avenue): Mon 21 March, 12pm-2pm * Pinewood Shopping Centre (opposite Café 57): Tues 22 March, 12pm-2pm * Mount Waverley Shopping Centre (end of Winbourne Avenue and Hamilton Walk): Wed 23 March, 12pm-2pm. Zoom Community Information Session (one hour session, short presentations, Q & A chat) * Wed 2 March, 6.30pm-7.30pm * Tues 8 March, 5pm-6pm * Thurs 17 March, 4pm-5pm * Wed 23 March, 6.30pm-7.30pm Zoom Q & A Session (small group, Q & A with Council officers) * Wed 16 March, 7.30pm-8pm * Fri 18 March, 6pm-6.30pm * Mon 21 March, 6.30pm-7pm * Tues 22 March, 12pm-12.30pm Bookings are required for the Zoom sessions. The link to join the session will be emailed to you separately, the day prior to your session time. To book sessions, see when additional sessions are being held or to take our survey (open until March 25) visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/bin-collection or call 9518 3555 Page 5 Update on bin change consultation Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the survey on changes to the bin collections and provided feedback through emails, phone calls, information sessions and on social media. Council is making these changes so that we can reduce waste going to landfill. Whilst we understand the change provides some challenges, we are keen to both understand what those challenges might be and how we may be able to assist. We are not the first Council to take this step and we know, from the experiences of other Councils, that moving to a weekly green waste collection (green lid), and alternating recyclables (yellow lid) and landfill waste (red lid) fortnightly, makes a big difference in reducing waste going to landfill. At the time of going to print, more than 3900 contributions have been made and we welcome more feedback. We appreciate the discussion that is happening in the community around the important topics of waste and recycling. When we advised of our intention to implement these changes, we launched an engagement program to hear directly from you about the supports that would need to be put in place to assist you with the change. We want to know how this change would impact on you and your family so we can address those concerns. So far, we have heard that the biggest impediments are smell and space. While we’ll be able to talk more about solutions to these concerns once the survey has finished and Council has resolved on a range of solutions, we’ve provided some initial advice in the brochure in this Bulletin. We’re also hearing that you want more information and options on soft plastic recycling, how to reduce waste in the landfill bin, and how to access a bigger bin if you need one. Our strong preference is for you to reach out so we can help you reduce your landfill rather than upgrading your bin size. Many of our residents didn’t know that there are already provisions in place for size upgrade and that these upgrades are free for those with medical needs and some large families. In this issue of the Bulletin you will find a handy two-page information sheet that outlines what you can and can’t put in your bins and how you can recycle items like clothing and shoes rather than throwing them in the landfill bin. We’ve also provided information on where you can recycle soft plastics and provide answers to some of the most asked questions from the consultation to date. You can also find out more by visiting shape.monash.vic.gov.au/bin-collection where you can take part in the survey, ask us a question, find information in other languages and read reports on this topic including Council’s Zero Net Carbon Action Plan 2020-2025 that outlines our commitment to climate change including diverting waste from landfill. A report on the consultation will be presented to the 26 April 2022 Council meeting. This will identify and respond to your feedback, and it is here that Council will determine its next steps and responses to some of the barriers people have identified in making the transition to the new system. We hope to see you at our information sessions but if you wish to speak about your personal circumstance, don’t hesitate to call on 9518 3555. What is in your bin In July 2020 Council introduced a change to what goes in the green waste bin to include food waste. We wanted to reduce the amount of harmful greenhouse gases released from food waste that is sent to landfill. To see how the change was going, we undertook a bin audit of landfill, recycling and green waste bins. The information from this audit was a key factor in Council’s decision to look at a change in bin collections and the introduction of a weekly service for the green bin and a fortnightly service for the landfill (red lid) rubbish bin. In assessing the content of Monash bins, we found that 73% of items in the landfill bins could be diverted elsewhere to be recycled. Another factor in our consideration of this change is understanding landfill sites are filling almost to capacity with dumped waste. Victorians currently send four million tonnes of waste to landfill. A report from the Victorian Auditor-General warns that landfill sites will be exhausted by 2026 without urgent action. Councils have been lobbying for many years to have other measures to manage landfill put in place, but at this stage there is no solution to where landfill will go in Victoria post 2026. Visit www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/council-waste-management-services or https://hdp-au-prod-app-mon-shape-files.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/8916/4505/3573/2020_Monash_Audit_Reportfinal-1.pdf Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Theo Zographos We all know that Monash is the best place to live but I want to spend some time here looking at the picture from an economic activity standpoint. The economic imprint of Monash is enormous. In Victoria it is the largest contributor of jobs after the Melbourne CBD. Our facilities and infrastructure services are world class. Some of Australia biggest businesses have their headquarters right here and they continue to do so such as the new ESR Clayton Business Hub currently under construction. In terms of economic output Monash is on par with the Gold Coast, North Sydney, Parramatta and even Adelaide CBD. Put another way, the Gross Regional Product of the City of Monash is half of the whole of the Australian Capital Territory. The planning that is put into this does not happen by itself. It is one of the reasons why I stood for council all those years ago. As we look to the future, coming out of the biggest economic downturn of our time, where do we want our economic focus to be? For me, my focus is on assisting to get out of the way and let large and small businesses do their job after the difficulties of recent months. Which brings me to Oakleigh Eaton Mall, which is a key local attraction. You might have noticed we repaved the eastern side from Portman Street to bring it into alignment with the rest of the mall. Around the corner in Atherton Road we are weeks away from completing a new pedestrian crossing just near Palmerston Grove. This is in line with the overall move to reducing speed limits for vehicles to make the precinct safer. Speaking of reducing the speed limits, late last year council adopted a new complaints policy. This spells out what process a council should take when someone like a resident wants to make a complaint. Some people might say, why would a councillor encourage someone to make a complaint? I do so because they provide feedback, insights and ways we can improve decisions and services. Lastly, earlier this year council appointed the same architect that worked on the Oakleigh multi-level carpark to work on the Bogong carpark extension in Glen Waverley. I will continue to update you regarding this as more spaces will assist our businesses to continue to grow and compete with other shopping centres. Facebook @ Theo4Oakleigh, visit theozographos.com, call 0430 316 911 email Theo.Zographos@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 Page 7 Shape arts strategy There is still time to help shape our Arts and Culture Strategy. The strategy will lead the direction of creative and cultural support, programs, events and initiatives until 2025. To go in the draw to win a prize, have your say by Sunday 20 March. More info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/arts-strategy New website now live This month if you visit our website you will see some significant changes designed to improve your experience in finding out what you need to know. We have launched our new and improved website, offering many changes including prioritising your most popular requests on the home page to quickly find services you need the most. We have also improved site navigation and enhanced search functionality that predicts what you are searching for and offers relevant options to help you. The new website is designed to be easily used across multiple devices including mobile phones and tablets. We have significantly increased the number of online services you can access by transforming current PDF forms into online applications and requests, making it easier for you. Of course, we can still help you on the phone or in person if you prefer. The website update is one of a number of digital improvements we‘re making in Monash to give more choice to you on how you choose to interact with us. So, take a look at our new website at www.monash.vic.gov.au It is easy to use, with great images to reflect the vibrant and diverse Monash community. We plan to continue improving the website throughout the year, based on your feedback and usage data so let us know what you think. More info visit mail@monash.vic.gov.au or call 9518 3555 Come on Monash, lets Eat Drink Play Eat Drink Play Monash is about attracting both you and those from further afield to discover what makes Monash so special… great food, terrific places to catch up with friends for a drink, and the various arts, cultural and sporting experiences on offer. Get onto Insta or the web for a one-stop-shop celebrating Monash, supporting our local hospitality businesses in post-COVID recovery, and making it easier for everyone to explore our city! Find out about local dining hotspots, interviews with local legends, quick and tasty bites, and much more. This program is funded through the Victorian Governments Local Councils Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Package (Round 2). Visit www.instagram.com/eatdrinkplaymonash or www.eatdrinkplaymonash.com.au Nominate your Monash hero Do you know someone who volunteers their skills and time to the community and deserves an award? They could be demonstrating a positive attitude to ageing or improving the lives of people with a disability. You may know of a young person who is a mentor and a positive role model, or someone who volunteers at your local sports club. There are nine categories to choose from. Nominations will open from 28 March to 26 June. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/awards or call 9518 3619 Page 8 Sri Lankan New Year cultural event Wednesday 13 April, 2pm-8pm Clayton Community Centre, 9-15 Cooke Street Join us in celebrating the Tamil and Sinhalese New Year with a series of cultural celebrations. Keynote speaker, Monash University Dr Samanthi Gunawardana will present on the history of Sri Lankan migration to Australia. Activities include a children school holiday program, tri-lingual storytime (English, Tamil, and Sinhalese) and dance performances. Come along for food, music and fun. Booking details will be available in late March but you can pre-register online at trybooking.com/BXMXW More info call Janet or Jason 9518 3030 or email askmonlib@monash.vic.gov.au Live at Warrawee (FREE EVENT) Saturday 19 March Warrawee Park, Oakleigh 4pm-9pm Music, Food Trucks, Good Vibes Featuring: Budjerah, the Merindas, Orlando Combo, Fletcher Gull, Emma Peel For more info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/festival Family Fun Day Free movie night Saturday 26 March, 7pm-10pm Greenspace behind Waverley Basketball Stadium Join us for a FREE family-friendly evening featuring a movie. The evening will feature a sausage sizzle, popcorn, ice cream and coffee vendor. Bring along your own chairs and/or picnic rugs. Parking is limited so attendees are encouraged to get in early or park in surrounding streets and walk. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/festivals call 9518 3636 Open your garden in 2022 Saturday 5 November The annual Open Gardens Day presented by Waverley Garden Club (supported by Monash Council) is back for 2022. The Club is inviting Monash residents to open their gardens on the day. Perfection or perfectly manicured gardens are not required – people who enjoy gardening and would like to share their experience with like-minded people are encouraged to take part. Register now. No garden is too big or too small. More info call Peter Moskovic 0418 110 345 or email petermoskovic@gmail.com Making the most of solar webinar Tuesday 22 March 2022, 6.30pm (Online via Zoom) Have you got questions about installing solar power? You are invited to ask the experts through this interactive webinar hosted by local government initiative, Solar Savers. More info visit solarsavers.org.au/events