Page 1 Monash Bulletin March 2021 Improving your Monash Council is moving forward with plans and projects to upgrade local infrastructure to improve the everyday lives of our residents. A number of projects have already been completed and we are looking forward to delivering more. Some of the projects include: * Creation of an Integrated Child and Family hub at Wellington Kindergarten and Mulgrave Park with $1M funding from the State Government and $4.52M from Council * Completed construction of a multi-sport pavilion at Caloola Reserve at a cost of $2.01M to complement the completed tennis courts at the site * Delivery of improved changerooms at Gardiners Reserve, including an accessible toilet, to support the Eastern Lions Football club and its supporters * Upgrades to a number of playspaces to make them more interesting and fun. Improvements are happening at Cambridge Street Reserve (Oakleigh), Danien Reserve (Glen Waverley) and Madison Court (Mount Waverley) * Improvements to local roads and footpaths to improve accessibility * Upgrades to shared paths at Scotchmans Creek Trail and Gardiners Creek Trail. Council is proud to be delivering these projects to improve the liveability of the city. For more info: visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/council-projects Page 2 Celebrating Oakleigh Recreation Centre reopening The redeveloped Oakleigh Recreation Centre is officially reopened with a special event held last month, to acknowledge the significance of the project to the community. Mayor Brian Little, joined by The Hon Ros Spence MP, State Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth, Senator David Van (representing the Federal Government) and Steve Dimopoulos, Oakleigh MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and for Mental Health, officially reopened the facility and unveiled a commemorative plaque. The $26M redevelopment of the centre has been the biggest project Council has delivered to date. The State Government contributed $3M and Federal Government $2.1M towards the project. Waverley Gymnastics Centre, one of the busiest clubs in Victoria, will be based in a new state-level facility at the centre and contributed $1M towards the project. The Waverley District Netball Association, Waverley Basketball Association and Volleyball Victoria will also be running community sporting activities and competitions from the stadium, which has five new indoor multi-purpose sports courts. The new facilities include a completely updated and expanded gym, rooms for spin (cycle), Pilates and yoga and a low sensory room. Location: Oakleigh Recreation Centre, 2a Park Road, Oakleigh For more info: call 8567 0333 or visit www.oakleighrecreationcentre.com.au Monash Contact details: Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley Open from 8.30am to 5.15pm, Monday to Friday Oakleigh Service Centre, 3 Atherton Road, Oakleigh Open from 8.30am to 5.15pm, 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) 1800 555 660 We welcome your feedback about the Monash Bulletin: Call 9518 3678, Email joanne.robertson@monash.vic.gov.au Page 3 MESSAGE FROM Mayor Brian Little I had the great pleasure last month of officially opening the redeveloped Oakleigh Recreation Centre alongside the Hon Ros Spence MP, State Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth, Senator David Van (representing the Federal Government) and Steve Dimopoulos, Oakleigh MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and for Mental Health. At $26M this is Councils biggest project to date, and one we are proud to have delivered for the community. The extensive renovation has totally transformed this facility into a landmark recreation facility for basketball, netball, volleyball, gymnastics and community sport and individual activity. Once again our community rose to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as Victoria recorded an increase in cases and subsequently a five-day lockdown. Our teams at Monash are well prepared for this and swung into action to provide support to those in the community who needed assistance, as I know many of our community organisations did as well. Once again, the tenacity and willingness of the Monash community to comply with the changes was demonstrated. Thank you all for your efforts to curb the spread of this virus, for your compassion for others and your support for our business community as we go forward. This time of year is always an exciting one, as it is when we come together as a Council to plan for what ahead in our next Budget, to look at the feedback we have received from the community and to consider our priorities for delivering services and programs. There is often robust debate and discussion which is critical to us formulating our direction before we bring out a draft budget for your review and feedback. Hearing what you think about what we have planned, based on feedback we have received, is important so please consider contributing when our draft budget is released. You can contact me on: Call 9518 3524 / 0407 878 033 Email Brian.Little@monash.vic.gov.au NEXT COUNCIL Meeting The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 March from 7pm. The meeting agenda will be published on Councils website from 5.30pm on Thursday 25 March. Monash residents and ratepayers can ask questions at the meeting, with questions to be submitted to Council by 2pm on Tuesday 30 March. Under the restrictions introduced by the State Government to slow the spread of Coronavirus, Council meetings will not be open to the public to attend. However, the meeting remains a public meeting with the community able to watch via our livestreaming service at webcast.monash.vic.gov.au During this time the Mayor will act as the representative in reading out any public questions and providing a response over the livestream. A written response will also be provided. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings or Call 9518 3555 Free support for young people in Monash As Victorians adjust to COVID normal in educational settings, work environments and social networks, many young people in our local community continue to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Monash Youth Services currently supports young people experiencing youth unemployment, increased mental health concerns, social isolation, educational stress and much more. Have you noticed an increase in worry, low mood, a lack of motivation, disrupted sleep patterns or withdrawal from family and friends? This is a great time for young people to connect with support. Monash Youth Services provides free and confidential support, information and referral for young people aged 10-25 with a significant link to the City of Monash. For more info: call 9518 3900 to speak with a Youth Worker or visit www.monashyouth.org.au Page 4 New disabled parking permit scheme A new Accessible Parking Permit (APP) scheme is being introduced across Victoria to replace the current scheme. From 22 March 2021, our Council will be transitioning to the new APP Scheme. Our residents and organisations who require a new permit, or need to renew or replace a permit, will need to apply with the new application process. The new APP Scheme will streamline the application process, making it easier, simpler and consistent across the state. The new permit will better align with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (ADPS). Improvements to the Scheme include: * introduction of temporary permits for 6, 12 or 24 months, * increased permit length, from 3 years to 5 years for individuals * introduction of a permanent disability classification, so reassessments are not required for some people future permit renewals, * a new single and secure state-wide permit design that will reduce the misuse of permits, * the inclusion of occupational therapists as assessors, in addition to GPs, and * Double Time (green permits) and permits for organisations will continue under the new scheme. How to Apply Individual applicant – renewing or applying for a new permit 1.Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au 2.You will receive an application reference number via SMS 3.Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist 4.Your GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit your application 5.Council will review the application 6.If your application is successful, you will receive your permit in the mail. Do not worry if you do not have access to the internet or have a mobile phone - a paper-based version of the application is available. Contact our customer service team if you require a paper form 9518 3555 For more info: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/disability-parking FREE TRAVEL for Seniors during March Senior Victorians and Carer Card holders are being encouraged to enjoy Victoria with eight days of free public transport from 21 to 28 March 2021. The free public transport week is happening in March 2021, after the October Seniors Festival free travel was pushed back from 2020 due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and public health guidelines. Victorian Senior Card holders and Carer Card holders will be able to jump on public transport for free to visit attractions across Melbourne as well as regional and rural locations for a variety of exciting activities and attractions. The free travel is available for Victorian Seniors Card and Carer Card holders and includes Melbourne trains, buses, trams, and regional V/Line trains. Cardholders will need to carry their myki and Seniors card or Carer card and touch on and off as usual. In line with current advice at the time of printing, everyone on public transport is required to wear a fitted face mask, follow health directions and should not travel if unwell. For more info: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/seniors Page 5 Shared path upgrades Work on the Scotchmans Creek shared path upgrade is about to start this month (March) following the community feedback on proposed designs. Upgrades to the Gardiners Reserve Trail are also being planned, with Council seeking community feedback on design plans for this work. The upgrade of both trails is part of Councils ongoing Walking and Cycling Strategy Program to improve safety and accessibility for shared path users. The existing narrow asphalt shared paths in these areas are no longer suitable for the number of people walking and cycling and needs to be upgraded. The proposed path alignment on the Scotchmans Creek Trail will remove the existing tight bends and shift the path to a more accessible and manageable location. The works will include: * Construction of a 3-meter-wide path between Kevin Street and 87 Osborne Avenue * A new bicycle repair station * Associated line marking and signage * Removal of two dead trees to allow for the alignment of the new path. As part of Melbourne Water requirements, the tree trunks will be incorporated within the Melbourne Water reserve. Access to properties will be maintained throughout the works, which are expected to take four weeks to complete. We look forward to creating a trail that is more welcoming and accessible for the local community. The Gardiners Creek Trail Upgrade Project is supported by the Federal Governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The project will bring improvements to the Gardiners Creek Trail between Highbury Road and High Street Road, Burwood. The works will be carried out in two stages - Stage 1 will start at the Highbury Road end and is expected to be finished in June 2021. For more info: 9518 3555 www.monash.vic.gov.au/shared-path-upgrades Would you like to participate on Council Online Community Panel? No special qualifications are needed. We are inviting residents from all backgrounds to sign up to the panel. We will then contact you for projects that would benefit from the opinions of people who are prepared to give them their consideration. These may include surveys, but we are more likely to ask you for comments or to participate in online discussion of a matter. We may also invite you to online workshops from time to time. You can participate as much or little as you like. Visit: shape.monash.vic.gov.au/community-panel Are you interested in knowing what Council is consulting on? Register with Shape Monash to receive an email from us whenever we are consulting on something of interest to you Visit: shape.monash.vic.gov.au Nominate for Council New LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee As part of our ongoing commitment to better recognising, representing and connecting with members of our LGBTIQA+ community, Council has endorsed the establishment of an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee in 2021. This committee will play a vital role in providing community insights, sharing lived experience and offering ongoing feedback on the work of Council. The committee will guide the development of an LGBTIQA+ Action Plan for Council endorsement and the implementation of Council municipal health and wellbeing strategy. As an inaugural Committee, membership is currently vacant and Council is seeking expressions of interest to fill up to 16 places. This includes community members living or working in Monash and staff of community organisations and service providers. We would like to achieve representation of community members that reflect the diversity of identities and experiences within the LGBTIQA+ communities. For more info about the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee and to download a Nomination Form: www.monash.vic.gov.au/advisory-committee Nominations close at 5pm on Thursday 1 April 2021 Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Tina Samardzija I am honoured to have been elected to Monash City Council in November 2020. It is a privilege to have the confidence and support of residents and ratepayers to act as your representative on Council. My reasons for running for Council are simple but powerful – to make sure more is done for families and residents in Mulgrave and Wheelers Hill, while making sure rates are kept low and Council services represent the best value for money. My priorities as Councillor will revolve around those core aspirations. I will focus on local issues, local people and making sure local projects meet contemporary community needs. Over the past few months I have enjoyed speaking with many of you, helping to resolve your issues and answer your queries. I was extremely proud to welcome our newest Australian citizens to the City of Monash on Australia Day and share their special occasion. And I am very pleased to be working on Council Audit and Risk Committee, Multicultural Advisory Committee, Monash Gallery of Art Committee of Management, and the Positive Ageing Senior Forum. As Council seeks to set the budget for 2021-22, I am working to make sure we upgrade a number of old and tired local playgrounds, address safety concerns in our residential streets and examine ways to enhance our local shopping centres and strips. Local amenity has become even more important with more of us spending time close to home. Removing graffiti and litter quickly is an important part of this, and I encourage residents to keep alerting Council of these issues so we can keep on top of it. In the months ahead I look forward to getting out and about and meeting with more of you. Do not hesitate to contact me by calling on 0435 011 927 or by Tina.Samardzija@monash.vic.gov.au and I will do my best to help. 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 Monash takes on City Nature Challenge Council has joined forces with six other councils in Eastern Melbourne to compete in the global City Nature Challenge – a worldwide effort to observe and identify plants and wildlife in cities across the world, in an effort to better protect them. Along with the Cities of Boroondara, Knox, Maroondah, Manningham, Stonnington and Whitehorse, Monash will aim to log as many insect and wildlife observations as possible using the iNaturalist app, from 30 April to 3 May 2021, and we will need your help to do it! Prior to the Challenge, Luis Mata from the University of Melbourne will be hosting two Zoom Webinar training sessions on how to use the wildlife identification app iNaturalist, on Tuesdays 23 March and 20 April, at 7pm. We will also be offering two guided walks on Saturday 1 May and Sunday 2 May, from 10am-11.30am in Mt Waverley and Mulgrave. For more info: www.monash.vic.gov.au/city-nature-challenge Changes to at-call hard waste On 30 March 2021, the at-call hard waste collection booking fee for up to 2-meter cube of hard waste will change back to the 2020/21 adopted fees and changes amount of $149 ($128 for pensioners). In April 2020, to support the community during the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place at the time, the cost of booking an at-call hard waste collection was temporarily reduced. Spending time in lockdown at home saw more than 1400 households book a collection between April 2020 and February 2021. Monash Council undertakes a FREE annual hard waste collection each financial year, usually occurring between August and September. Monash residents can book an additional hard waste collection that they pay for at the time of booking. This hard waste is at-call, which means people can book for a week that suits them. For more info: 9518 3555, www.monash.vic.gov.au/hard-waste Recycled materials pave the way forward Recycled materials will be used for the first time in Monash to resurface a local road. Council has received funding of $158,000 from the State Government toward its project to use recycled materials to resurface the first local road in Monash. The Monash Pathways to Recycled Content Infrastructure Project will use recycled glass, soft and hard plastic and rubber to renew existing projects and create new ones. In this first stage, a local road will be resurfaced with Reconophalt which uses a mix of local soft plastic, toner cartridges and glass from end of life products and packaging. An unsealed car park in Glen Waverley will also benefit from the project, with resurfacing taking place. Council has committed to a Zero Net Carbon Action Plan and using recycled materials will prevent a significant quantity of difficult materials ending up in landfill while delivering great infrastructure improvements for our community. Monash has long invested in recycling education through our bin collection and is now moving to close the loop on the circular economy by buying back recycled materials and using them in our projects where possible. Other proposed projects in the pipeline include using recycled content rubber and glass in the Atkinson Street cycleway, connecting Monash two key bike paths (Scotchmans Creek and Djerring Trail) across Oakleigh. The cycleway project will use EG Tech Ecolite to complete a concrete path, which is made of 95% recycled glass. This the first time this product will be used in Monash. For more info: April Williams 9518 3774, SustainabilityTeam@monash.vic.gov.au Page 8 Young Writers Group Various Thursdays until December 4pm-5pm Develop your creative writing skills with author Melissa Gijsbers. Sessions include fun writing activities, meeting other young writers and feedback on your writing. For writers aged 11-18 years. FREE. Bookings required, see booking page for dates available. Mount Waverley Public Library, 41 Miller Cres, Mount Waverley For more info and to book: 9807 5022, www.monlib.vic.gov.au/young-writers Storytimes at Monash Libraries Storytimes are designed to foster a love of reading and books. They are held regularly throughout the year and are also available in other languages. Sessions run for 45 minutes and are free! Bedtime Storytime now at Clayton and Oakleigh Libraries. For 1-5 year olds. Bookings are required and numbers may be limited. Adults AND children must have a booking (except children under 12 months). Bookings open two days before each session at 10am. For more information about locations and to book: www.monlib.vic.gov.au/Storytime Subscribe to Councils e-newsletters? * Monthly email newsletter. Get the latest local news in your inbox by subscribing to Councils e-news: www.monash.vic.gov.au/subscribe * Weekly events email. You can subscribe to get a weekly alert about upcoming local events: www.monash.vic.gov.au/events * Speak another language? If you would like to receive Council information in a language other than English, register your details: www.monash.vic.gov.au/my-language Active Outdoors Program Monash Council is running FREE Tai Chi, Zumba and Meditation classes throughout March as part of our Active Communities program. Active Communities is the new arm of Active Monash which aims to provide inclusive and sustainable pathways for the community to be physically active in both structured and unstructured physical activity. The program aims to support Council priorities for enhancing the health, happiness and well-being of Monash community members by promoting and delivering increased opportunities for the community to participate in more physical activity, more often. FREE. Bookings required. For the full timetable and class locations: www.monash.vic.gov.au/active-outdoors For more info: 9265 4807, Active.Communities@monash.vic.gov.au