Page 1 Monash Bulletin May-June 2022 Bin changes starting in August Monash is changing its bin collection service from August this year, moving to a weekly collection for food and garden waste and a fortnightly collection for landfill rubbish waste. Council decision follows its largest ever consultation, with more than 7000 contributions in an online and phone survey, pop-up information sessions in person and online, and through phone calls and emails. You told us you that you were concerned about nappies, medical waste and smell and that you need more space in your recycling bins. We have used your feedback to design the new waste services to ensure that additional support, if required, is available to assist households with specific waste needs. A larger landfill bin or a second small bin will be available at no extra cost for households with: Two or more children in nappies Households with members who have medical conditions that produce excess waste and specific waste items Larger households of six or more who are in financial hardship. Many of you told us that the recycling (yellow lid) bin was full regularly, so to assist you with your recycling and waste diversion efforts, we have further reduced the cost of an additional recycling bin to $65 per year; a saving of more than $150 off the original pricing. We will also send you a sample pack of compostable liners for your caddies, as using these has shown to greatly reduce smells and insects. If you- have lost your caddy, or do not have one, contact Council and we will organise a replacement. All Monash households will receive an information pack prior to the change, including a letter from the Mayor, the 2022-23 waste collection calendar, a guide to recycling and an A-Z list of recycling in Monash. QR codes and web links to easily find helpful information available on our website will also be included. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/bin-changes or call 9518 3555 Information in the May-June Bulletin is current at the time of going to print on 6 May. 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 Investing in our City 2022/23 Draft Budget It is budget time of year again and we are planning to commit more than $88.7million, our biggest ever Capital Works spend, on delivering critical projects that are a high priority for our community. Key projects include: * Installing public toilets at Holmesglen and Galbally Reserves, and designing a public toilet for Napier Reserve * Construction of the Glen Waverley Sports Hub Tennis Facility * Pavilion upgrade to Mulgrave Reserve and design work for Mount Waverley Reserve pavilion * Playspace upgrades * Extension of the Bogong Car Park for replacement and additional car parking in Glen Waverley * Exploration of the Dorrington Drive Early Years Hub (Mount Waverley) which would offer 132 additional kindergarten spaces, Maternal and Child Health services and a uniquely designed playgroup area for children with additional needs. We are also proposing important initiatives including: * A disposable nappy recycling pilot program, which creates materials such as cat litter from used nappies instead of sending them to landfill * Artwork supporting Council Reconciliation Action Plan, which seeks to explore, develop and embed strategies to advance reconciliation * Pilot program from Mulgrave library supporting children with autism to enjoy and interact with our library service * Feasibility study into a Seniors Exercise Park * Heavily discounting the cost of a second recycling bin to help residents divert more waste from landfill. As we ease slowly out of the depths of the pandemic, this year draft budget looks towards resuming normal business with a strong focus on the future, delivering critical programs and projects that are a high priority for Monash residents and businesses. Despite planning to increase our rates by 1.75% in line with the Victorian Government rate cap, Monash Council remains the Council with the lowest rates per capita in the state and the lowest of metropolitan Councils on a rate per assessment basis. Have your say on the draft budget: visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au email mail@monash.vic.gov.au or post to PO Box 1, Glen Waverley 3150 Submissions closes Monday 6 June. 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 has advised of delays to deliveries during May. To alleviate any issues, we have combined the May/June Bulletin with a bumper 12 page edition. Copyright © 2021 Monash City Council. All Rights Reserved, reproduction in any form will require Council written approval. Page 3 MESSAGE FROM Mayor Stuart James At the April Council meeting, all Councillors unanimously agreed to change the bin collection service to a weekly service for food and garden waste and fortnightly for landfill. Dealing with waste is core Council business, and this will be one of the most significant changes we have ever made. Whenever we ask our community what they believe are the biggest challenges we face, addressing climate change and our impact on the environment is always one of the top issues. Change is not always easy, but that should not stop us doing what is right. The Victorian Auditor-General Office estimates that Victoria will run out of landfill space by 2026. We simply can not keep digging new holes in the ground and burying waste, out of sight, out of mind. I do not want my children growing up in a planet destroyed by climate change, and I know that many of you feel the same. Reducing the amount of waste we send to be buried in the ground is one way we can individually play our part in looking after our environment and helping to address climate change. Other efforts to divert waste are also underway, such as partnering with a company to trial nappy recycling and turning used nappies into things like cat litter. A key focus of mine during my time on Council has been on delivering new services and facilities for families. We have re-built around a dozen playgrounds over the past two years and my children have thoroughly enjoyed going on trips to check them out. In the southern part of the municipality, we have just opened an amazing new playground at Carlson Reserve, which is well worth the visit. Construction is underway on three exciting new designs at Cambridge Street, Progress Park and Westerfield Drive; they should be open in the next few weeks. We also completed the design work for new public toilets at Galbally reserve, with funding in our draft 22/23 budget to finally construct these highly anticipated facilities. And if you have not yet taken the time to visit the playground there, put that on your list – it is definitely a favourite. After two years of being unable to gather and pay our respects, it was a privilege to attend several moving services in Monash to honour our ANZACs, their service and sacrifice. It is vitally important that we never forget the legacy those brave men and women have left for us, and equally important that this is passed on to future generations. Lest We Forget. 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. Early Years Hub for Mount Waverley A third Early Years Hub will be built in Dorrington Drive, Mount Waverley, on the site of the former Waverley Gymnastics Centre. The proposed two-room facility supports the roll-out of the State Government three-year-old kindergarten program and provides: * An additional 132 kindergarten spaces * A uniquely designed area for playgroups that provides for children with additional needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, by including an outdoor education area with a sensory focus * A bespoke immunisation area for children with additional needs who are unable to attend the general community sessions * A purpose designed area for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Sleep and Settling Service, which would include the co-location of the MCH lactation program * A community space for the provision of programs such as Family Services. Council will seek funding towards the delivery of this project with the State Government, indicating interest in financially supporting the new hub. Further design work will be undertaken over the coming months and Council will work with the local community and nearby Huntingtower School. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/dorrington-hub Page 4 Waverley Park handover to Council The first stage of the handover of the maintenance of Waverley Park from Mirvac to Council starts in June. As Mirvac winds up their development of the estate, we will take over maintenance of facilities and amenities in the estate. This includes playgrounds, public toilets, the skate park, landscaping (grass and garden areas, road reserves, streets and trees), barbecues and bin enclosures and wetlands. We are currently working with Mirvac on a smooth and staged handover over the next few months. The maintenance of the Waverley Park Stadium and football ground will remain with Hawthorn Football Club. Residents of the estate and property owners living elsewhere have been advised of the handover and several information sessions have been held to explain the handover. More info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/waverley-park or call 9518 3555 Mulgrave Library open for business Grab your book bags – the new and improved Mulgrave Library is back open for business. The neighbourhood library re-opened last month, following an upgrade project that has seen the library space nearly double its previous size. Premier Daniel Andrews joined Mayor Stuart James in officially opening the improved facility. The upgraded library offers several improvements, including an after-hours book return chute; a larger book collection, including materials in languages other than English, a quiet reading nook and a contemporary e-cafe and kitchenette area, shared with the users of the Wellington Reserve Community Centre. The upgrade followed a feasibility study that recommended consolidating and growing the library service by offering more services and increasing opening hours, as well as expanding the library space. After consulting, Council was asked to provide more space while retaining the appeal of an intimate library. Council received a Victorian Government Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grant of $117,500 towards the upgrade. More info visit www.monlib.vic.gov.au or call 9518 3502 Page 5 Accessible Monash Throughout last year lockdowns, many of us took to walking around the neighbourhood a lot more than usual. Council Disability Advisory Committee held discussions on the small changes each of us can make for a more accessible and safer place for everyone, especially for those with an accessibility issue. There are a lot of everyday objects that might not seem like a big deal but can be a major obstacle and hazard for people with disabilities, parents with prams or kids on bikes and scooters. Our top tips for a more accessible Monash are: * Keep footpaths clear for pedestrians, if you have a short driveway do not park your car so it blocks part of the footpath - even if you are only stopping for a short time. Blocking the footpath with a vehicle is illegal and penalties may apply * Check the footpath around your property for overhanging trees and branches * Make sure any branches placed on your nature strip for green waste collection are not sticking out onto the footpath * If you see a bin has fallen across a path, pick it up and place it on the nature strip. Together, we can help make Monash a safer and more accessible place. Call 9518 3555 or use Snap Send Solve app or visit www.snapsendsolve.com to let us know if there is something dangerous affecting footpath accessibility. A new name for 100th birthday In recognition of its 100-year history, we will be changing the name of the Monash Seminar and Training Centre to the Oakleigh Chambers. The building, at 1A Atherton Road Oakleigh, first opened in 1921 as the Oakleigh Borough Council Chambers and was called the Oakleigh City Council Chambers from 1927 until 1994. The building was then renamed the Monash Seminar and Training Centre after the amalgamation of the City of Oakleigh and the City of Waverley created Monash City Council in 1994. The building served as the primary Council meeting venue for the former City of Oakleigh and was also host to the 50th (in 1941) and 100th (in 1991) anniversary celebrations of the City of Oakleigh. To mark the centenary of this much-loved Monash landmark, we will celebrate the building 100th birthday with a free public exhibition on 18-19 June. A new coat of paint and other general cosmetic improvements also mark this historic occasion. History Monash created the exhibition, which will feature a formal opening reception and two days of public viewing. Guides will be on hand to explain the significant features of the heritage-protected building, including artefacts from the former City of Oakleigh, and a PowerPoint presentation of old photographs. Exhibition Details: Saturday 18 June, 10am-1pm Sunday 19 June,10am-1pm Free entry, no bookings required.  More info call 9518 3214 or visit www.historymonash.org.au  Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Josh Fergeus As we approach the midway point of the 2020-2024 Council term, it is been busy as ever. A number of residents continue to approach me about lighting and safety concerns relating to the Scotchmans Creek Pedestrian Tunnel. The Tunnel, owned by VicRoads, links several beautiful areas running along the Creek, and is well utilised by people walking and cycling. However, many residents find it to be gloomy, wet and not all that inviting. I have won Council support to write to VicRoads asking them to urgently attend to these much-needed upgrades. Continuing on the theme of green open space, Council Open Space Strategy identifies Clayton as having a significant deficit in this regard. I have been advocating for the creation of two new parks in Clayton to rectify this, and I am pleased to say that Council has recently adopted this call as part of our lobbying of State MPs and candidates in the lead up to the Victorian State election in November. If you live, work or play in Clayton I encourage you to contact your local MP to add your support. You may have seen that Council has commenced community consultation on an exciting new cycling connection. We are seeking to link the Scotchmans Creek Trail and the Djerring Trail via a 1.4km north-south connection running through Oakleigh. This is part of Council increasing focus on active transport, facilitating safe and efficient travel through the municipality for people who want to walk or cycle. I encourage you to check out the concept proposal online and have your say. Around Australia and the world, we continue to see the devastating impacts of global warming unfold. India recorded the hottest March on record earlier this year followed by a prolonged heatwave, while scientists have warned that climate change could spark the next major pandemic as it becomes the biggest risk factor for the emergence of new diseases. Council has acknowledged the need to drastically reduce emissions and limit global warming to 1.5° I will continue to work on your behalf to ensure we do everything we can to reduce our shared climate impact. www.facebook.com/JoshFergeusGreens twitter.com/JoshFergeus www.instagram.com/JoshFergeus www.joshfergeus.com.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 31 May and 28 June, 7pm 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 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Geoff Lake The next chapter for Kingsway When I was a kid growing up in Glen Waverley in the 1980s, Kingsway was a very different place. There was just a couple of restaurants, the strip was predominantly retail and there was no problem finding a car park after 5pm. The Glen Shopping Centre did not exist – it was just a Safeway and a handful of shops. The Kingsway that has evolved over the past 25 years is unrecognisable from those earlier times. Kingsway is now a bustling food and entertainment hub. There is vibrant apartment living and The Glen has carved out a niche as a boutique shopping centre in Australia most competitive retail catchment area. Some might yearn for the old charm of a quieter and simpler Glen Waverley. I do not. Glen Waverley today offers something for everyone with a promise of more to come. But it does seem that Kingsway evolution has plateaued in the last five years. There is no question that it needs new investment and enhancement. Council had committed to build a new 1,000 space car park and a $10-20 million transformation of Kingsway to turn it into a pedestrian focused outdoor dining area. However, unfortunately these plans have been on ice for two years since the State Government decided to acquire the Montclair Avenue car park for the Glen Waverley Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) station. This was where Council new car park had been planned and was about to begin construction. There is no question that the SRL is a gamechanger which will significantly shape Glen Waverley’s future. But there are complications which need to be worked through to get the most from this project – including where the extra car parking needed for Glen Waverley will now go and how best to integrate the new SRL station with the existing train station and wider precinct. Council has been trying to engage with the State Government for the past two years on these matters. We are particularly concerned about the effect of the planned closure of Coleman Parade to through traffic. In our view this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set the course for Glen Waverley for the next 50 years. It is imperative that we get this right and that no corners are cut. Expect to hear more about this in the coming months if the State Government and the SRL authority do not lift their game. Please contact me at anytime if you have any questions or issues call 0411 645 281 or email Geoff.Lake@monash.vic.gov.au Kinder Registrations open for 2023 Kindergarten is a play-based program designed to encourage a love of learning, where children are challenged and inspired to grow socially and emotionally. If your child turns three or four by April 30 next year, they can attend kindergarten. Registrations for first round offers are open until 30 June. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/kindergartens Kindergarten Open Night This is a great opportunity to explore your local kindergartens, speak with educators and see what each kinder has to offer. Held on Thursday 26 May from 5.30pm-7.30pm at most Monash Kinders participating in the central enrolment process. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/kinder-open-night Nominations closing soon Submissions for this year’s Sir John Monash Awards are closing on Sunday 26 June. Now is the opportunity to nominate someone who is making a difference and goes above and beyond to assist and support the Monash community. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/monash-awards Page 8 Jack Edwards Reserve pavilion plans taking shape A new $16.4million pavilion and grandstand at Jack Edwards Reserve is a step closer, following a State Government commitment of $4million in funding. Council has also committed up to $8.2million towards the development, leaving a shortfall of about $4.2million. Full funding of the project is required before it can go ahead. Plans for the proposed upgrade include a new pavilion on the western boundary with 500 undercover grandstand seats, a 200m2 multi-purpose space for community use, and compliant amenities to accommodate an increase in football participation, particularly by female teams. The reserve is home to National Premier League (NPL) team the Oakleigh Cannons, which has been working with Council for many years to fulfil its vision for enhanced facilities. The proposed new pavilion and grandstand supports the club’s goals to continue competing in the NPL, to cater for a female team, and to host men’s and women’s double-headers. The plans include a multi-purpose space that would be managed by Council so the football club’s needs would be met on training and match days, and broader community groups would benefit at other times in the use of this space. In September last year, the State Government announced it would contribute $4 million towards the project. Council will make an application to Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) for matching funding towards the project and will pursue extra contributions from other groups including State and Federal governments and the Oakleigh Cannons Football Club to allow the proposed project to proceed. More info call 9518 3555 or visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/jack-edwards-pavilion An introduction to recycling in Monash Thursday 2 June, 6pm-7pm | Monday 6 June, 7.30pm-8.30pm Online via Zoom Get back to basics with recycling in Monash. Learn what goes in your household bins and the recycling options available to help keep waste out of landfill. Bookings visit www.trybooking.com/BTTPY What happens to your recycling? Wednesday 15 June, 6pm-7pm Online via Zoom Hear from our recycling contractor, Visy, on how recycling is sorted and recycled into new products. We will also go through a detailed list of items that can and cannot go in your recycling bin. Bookings visit www.trybooking.com/BUIKI Page 9 Winter Warmers in Monash Warm up this winter in Monash with a series of FREE exciting events and activations across the cooler months.  Winter Concert Series 19 June – 10 July Join us for a series of musical gigs to warm up your winter nights, featuring Cookin’ On 3 Burners, JAZZ PARTY, Fresh!, Pirritu, and Cosmic Cats.  Emerge   24 June – 28 June Explore the grounds surrounding Mount Waverley Community Centre, as they are transformed with art installations by The Lanternist. You can also be part of the experience with UV lighting and body paint that glows. EMERGE will also feature two events as part of the Winter Concert Series: Opening Night with Jazz Party (24 June) and Closing Night Circus Shows (28 June). NAIDOC Week 3 July – 10 July Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Experience art, music, dance and education as we celebrate NAIDOC Week. See a special film screening of Elders, walk n’ talk with Uncle Ian Hunter, Winter Concert featuring Pirritu, library storytimes, and an artist interview with the Monash Gallery of Art. Grab your family and friends, pull on your coats and join us this winter – there is something for everyone!  More info call 9518 3636 or visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/festivals We are ready to start intersection upgrade As part of the Glen Waverley Sports Hub project, we will be carrying out upgrade works at the intersection of Jells Road and Waverley Road in Glen Waverley. We have awarded the construction tender to Appia Pty Ltd, who will be undertaking the works from June until September. The works will involve installation and commissioning of traffic signals; civil works, including road and pedestrian pavements; asphalt works; line marking and signage; tree removal and minor landscape works. Works will be conducted Monday to Friday, between 7.30am to 4.30pm. Some weekend work may be required at times, starting after 9am. We will have traffic and pedestrian management in place during construction and we will make every effort to minimise disruption during the works. Funding of $1million was allocated towards the intersection works from the Glen Waverley Sports Hub Budget of $26.7million, jointly funded by the North East Link Program ($21m) and Council ($5.77m). More info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/tennis World Elder Abuse Awareness Day No excuse for elder abuse World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is recognised each year on 15 June. Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. As an acknowledgement of the day, the Monash Civic Centre will be lit up purple on the evening of Wednesday 15 June. Council is also hosting a series of information and community events, including short film screenings on 9 June, a Men Health information session at Monash Mens Shed on 14 June, and a Walk and Jazz in The Park event on 15 June. Bookings and more info call 9518 3555 or visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/PALS Page 10 Monash Friends of Vemasse There are numerous reasons why many Australians have become personally involved in Timor-Leste struggle to become a thriving independent nation. One overriding factor is that Timor-Leste is our nearest neighbour and one of the poorest countries in the world. Many Australians would like to stretch out the hand of friendship. To provide a framework for friendship to exist, the idea of Friendship Groups was formed. They are mostly connected from a Victorian Council to a community in Timor-Leste. An agreement of friendship and support was signed between Monash Council and the Vemasse Belun [local committee] in 2009 and this has recently been renewed. Since this time Monash Friends of Vemasse (MFV) have supported the Senior High School by helping with payment of volunteer staff, scholarships for students, reconditioned computers, and other essential items. During COVID 19 hand sanitiser and masks were provided, and after recent floods, it has given support to Vemasse students caught up in Dili. As important as financial support is, friendship is considered to be the top priority. To this end, members of MFV have visited Vemasse on a yearly basis and have become firm friends with local teachers. This close friendship has meant that interaction between MFV and the Vemasse community has included their local Community Co-operative, a very valuable development. MFV has witnessed an improvement in the wellbeing of the people of Vemasse during their time of friendship, which is heartening. We welcome new members and are happy to offer guest speakers to interested groups. More info call Heather Spurling on 0400 829 236 or visi www.monash.vic.gov.au/friends-of-vemasse Thrive by Five campaign The Thrive by Five campaign, to support high-quality, universally accessible and affordable early learning and childcare, has been endorsed by Council. Letters from Council seeking bipartisan support for the campaign have been sent to the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese, Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge, the Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth Amanda Rishworth and local Federal Members of Parliament. The campaign calls for reform of the early learning and childcare system to drive workforce participation, particularly for women, and reduce out-of-pocket costs for working families using childcare. More info visit https://thrivebyfive.org.au Page 11 WordFest 2022 Wisdom in words 16 June - 14 July WordFest is the annual literature festival held by Monash Libraries. All festival speakers and author talks listed are FREE, however, bookings are essential online at www.monlib.vic.gov.au/wordfest or call 9518 3030. LAUNCH with Clementine Ford Thursday 16 June, 7pm-8.30pm, Monash Gallery of Art Clementine is a Melbourne based writer, speaker and feminist thinker. Her take on social issues is bold, brave and entertaining. Her ability to use both humour and distilled fury to lay bare ongoing issues affecting women has earned her a huge and loyal readership amongst both women and men. Her latest work, How We Love, is a tender and lyrical memoir that explores love in its many forms, through Clementine own experiences. Other WordFest talks: * Peter Papathanasiou, Tuesday 21 June, 7pm-8.30pm, Oakleigh Chambers * Manuscript to Movie Screen Panel featuring Cath Moore, Christian White & Graeme Simsion, Thursday 23 June, 7pm-8.30pm, Mount Waverley Community Centre * Ed Coper, Tuesday 28 June, 7pm-8.30pm, Oakleigh Hall * Van Badham, Thursday 30 June, 7pm-8.30pm, Mount Waverley Community Centre * Clem Bastow, Tuesday 5 July, 7pm-8.30pm, Wheelers Hill Library * Lee Kofman, Thursday 7 July, 7pm-8.30pm, Wellington Reserve Community Centre * Randa Abdel-Fattah, Tuesday 12 July, 7pm-8.30pm, Online via Zoom * Sir John Monash Lecture, Thursday 14 July, 7pm-8.30pm, Online via Zoom Short Story Competition The 2022 WordFest Short Story Competition opens 14 June and runs until 31 July. There are three categories to enter your story in: Category A: 12-14 years, Category B: 15-17 years, Category C: 18+ For a full WordFest program visit www.monlib.vic.gov.au/wordfest or call 9518 3030 Page 12 Mysterious Microbats Tuesday 14 June, 6.30pm - 8pm Join us for a fascinating introduction into Microbats and see examples found in Monash and Whitehorse. Learn about interesting Microbat facts with researchers from Deakin Uni, who will advise what we can do at home and local area to support and protect these tiny creatures. Held at the Monash Gallery of Art and live streamed. Bookings visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/microbats Beautifyyour nature strip Thursday 23 June, 6.30pm - 8pm Online event (Zoom) Nature strips can be more than just grass, they can be attractive little gardens right outside your front fence. If increasing biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and beautifying your street while reducing time spent mowing sounds appealing, take part in our Nature Strip Planting Program. By taking part in the program you will learn how to plant up your nature strip and receive access to How To videos, relevant resources and guidelines, plus a voucher to help get you started. This program is in collaboration with a grant from Living Links - helping make Monash greener. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/nature-strip-planting MGA Exhibitions Speak the Wind Iranian/Australian artist, Hoda Afshar proffers an enigmatic view of the rituals and lives that play out within the astounding landscape of islands off the southern coast of Iran, in the Strait of Hormuz. Old ways, new ways Works from three collections sit together to consider the ways that First Nations photography makes links between times gone by and the present, placing traditions within contemporary practice, speaking across generations and through passages of time. At MGA until 26 June, free entry. More info visit www.mga.org.au