Page 1 Monash Bulletin December 2022 Joy To The World Monash Carols by Candlelight is back (Cancelled due to recent extreme rain. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/12days for our 12 Days of Christmas program.) Dust off the candles, unpack the picnic rug and warm up your vocal cords. A beloved Monash tradition will make its triumphant return to Glen Waverley Jells Park as we celebrate the festive season with Monash Carols by Candlelight 2022 on Sunday 4 December. Since starting in 1988, the Monash Carols has grown to become one of the largest events of its type in Melbourne, attracting around 20,000 people every year. The pre-show activities and entertainment will kick off at 5.30pm with one of Australia most entertaining children groups, Team Dream, and the Oakleigh Primary School Choir. The Main Concert gets underway at 7.30pm and features a stellar line-up including the Monash Carols Band, comprising the Monash Concert Band and Oakleigh Brass; the Monash University Chorale Society and guest soloists. Monash local, and award-winning cabaret artist, Melissa Langton will compere the evening and perform alongside entertainers including Bethany Fisher, Jael Wena, Cassie McIvor, Aydan Calafiore, Sienna Ketelyn and Annie Jones. Of course, no guest will be more magical than the event special guest star - Santa Claus! To finish a wonderful evening in style, we will usher in the festive season with a bang - a spectacular fireworks finale set to rocket skyward at 9.15pm. Monash Carols by Candlelight is a live captioned event. Candles, glow novelties and a selection of drinks and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the evening. It is a drug, smoke and alcohol-free, family-friendly event; bring a torch, comfortable shoes, picnic rug and warm clothes. Please leave your four-legged friends at home as the fireworks can cause distress to animals. Parking is limited, so plan your journey ahead. Monash Carols by Candlelight is proudly sponsored by Eastlink, Barry Plant Waverley, St John Ambulance and Light FM. To kick off the Festive Season, we will celebrate at Eaton Mall in Oakleigh on Friday 18 November, 6pm-7pm, with the turning-on of the Christmas Lights. The event will feature roving acts, Oakleigh Brass and Players Theatre singers. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/festivals Page 2 Monash Contact details: Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday Oakleigh Service Centre, 3 Atherton Road, Oakleigh 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday Call 9518 3555, Email mail@monash.vic.gov.au, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au National Relay Service (for the hearing and speech impaired) 1800 555 660 We welcome your feedback at media@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. Monash Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. COMMUNITY GRANTS helping Monash make a difference   Monash Council will soon welcome applications for its Community Grants Program, which will be open from Friday 27 January until Thursday 2 March 2023. The program provides more than $2.5 million in grants to support community groups and organisations in delivering projects, activities and events that strengthen, enhance and benefit the Monash community. As a recipient, Waverley Hockey Club has used funding to help further its goal of encouraging more diverse and inclusive participation in the sport by holding an Indigenous Round. The event involved providing opportunities to engage Indigenous players, and their families, living in Monash as well as providing unique educational opportunities based on Indigenous culture for the broader community. The Indigenous Round was held on 23 July with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from Uncle Bill Nicholson, while players wore Indigenous art-inspired playing shirts and socks. To help you prepare your application: * Applicant Information and Support Sessions: Meet with someone from our Community Grants Program team (1–17 February 2023) Bookings at www.trybooking.com/CDHWA * Grant Budget Workshops: Learn how to complete a project budget (Tuesday 31 January & Wednesday 22 February). In Person & Online: Monash Civic Centre, Glen Waverley. Bookings at www.trybooking.com/CDLLQ * Grant Writing Workshops: (Thursday 9 February and Tuesday 14 February). In Person and Online: Monash Civic Centre, Glen Waverley. Bookings at www.trybooking.com/CDHTG Help us to Shape Monash  Shape Monash offers people the opportunity to have their say on strategies, plans and projects in Monash. * Provide feedback on our Draft Reconciliation Action Plan that has been informed by conversations with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. Help to identify a vision that supports our organisation and community in working together and delivering actions that strengthen our relationships. * You are invited to help inform our Council Budget for 2023/24 through our interactive online budgeting tool, pop-up sessions and the opportunity to present an idea for funding at an Additional Meeting of Council on 6 December at 6pm. To provide feedback on issues and topics of interest to you visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au Page 3 MESSAGE FROM Mayor Stuart James It is been a busy 12 months, and my Mayoral term has been defined by delivering services for families, leading our community out of the pandemic and strong action on climate change. When I was elected Mayor, I spoke passionately about working to change ingrained generational attitudes and perceptions by equipping parents with the skills and resources they need in order to support their children. In April this year, I was extremely proud to open our very first early childhood hub – the Wellington Child and Family Hub in Mulgrave - a culmination of five years of working with our officers to find the right model to assist parents with a variety of challenges, such as social isolation, anxiety and post-natal depression. It doubles as a drop-in centre for parents to meet other parents, socialise and share their experiences. Construction has begun on a second hub in Pinewood, with designs underway for centres in Oakleigh South and Mount Waverley. I also reflected on the difficulties of leading our community through the early stages of the COVID pandemic in 2020 and spoke of the challenges that lay ahead as we emerged on the other side. And there have been challenges. It is easy to forget that this time last year we were emerging from a three-month lockdown. It seems like a lifetime ago. As we have returned to a somewhat normal lifestyle, there have been unprecedented demands on local services, with so many still working at least part of the week at home. Perhaps the biggest challenge of the year, however, has been leading our community through the largest change our Council has ever made - altering our waste collection. It was a massive task to educate our community and bring them with us in our endeavours to cut the amount waste going to landfill and reduce our impact on the environment. There was certainly a lot of early resistance, but many have found that the transition has not been as hard as first thought, and the results have been better than we hoped for. Addressing climate change is always a top priority when we talk to our community, but it is not something that Governments can address alone; we all have a role to play. And of course, there is been so much more that can not be listed here, including Federal and State election advocacy campaigns held this year; school crossing supervision and the Suburban Rail Loop the big-ticket items. The true test of leadership is always whether what is left behind is better than what was inherited. Yet a leader success is only ever as good as the team behind them. I am extremely proud of what I have been able to achieve over the past year, with the exceptional support of my fellow Councillors and our phenomenal staff. 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. JACK EDWARDS RESERVE the world could be watching   One of the biggest sporting shows on earth is on its way Downunder and we are delighted that Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh has been shortlisted as a possible team base camp for next year FIFA Women World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. The reserve is one of 35 options in host cities for the 16 countries that will play games in Australia, and one of just five in Melbourne. Following the recent tournament draw participating countries will be able to visit Jack Edwards Reserve, and the other shortlisted venues, before submitting their preferences. Jack Edwards Reserve is home to the Oakleigh Cannons, who were recently crowned National Premier League champions in Victoria. The Cannons also reached the last four of the country premier knockout event, The Australia Cup, with Jack Edwards Reserve hosting the semi-final. We are committed to supporting local sport in Monash, with more than $20 million anticipated to be spent upgrading or building new Australian rules football, cricket, golf, rugby, soccer and tennis facilities this financial year. Find out more about the tournament and buy tickets at www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/australia-new-zealand2023 Page 4 BLUE TREE starting the conversation A lone tree in Mulgrave has suddenly changed colour, but it is all for a great cause. The tree, painted blue as part of the Blue Tree Project, is a visual conversation-starter, designed to spark discussion about mental health and its impacts. Improving mental health is a key priority of Monash Council Health and Wellbeing Plan. By spreading the paint and spreading the message that - it is OK to not be OK- we can help break down the stigma that is still largely attached to mental health. Only dead trees are painted as part of the project, not as a symbol of those who have been lost, but in line with the story of the original blue tree visit www.bluetreeproject.com.au/our-story Monash blue tree is near the entrance to the Southern Community Centre in Mulgrave. The tree was carefully selected as it was dead but not hazardous and located in close proximity to a Council building where a range of community groups meet on-site, maximising opportunities for conversations. The tree was initially painted in the project signature blue colour, with handprints in a lighter blue then added by MYzone participants during the unveiling of the tree information sign. MYzone, a Monash Youth Services program for students aged 8-13, meets weekly at the Southern Community Centre. Learn more about our blue tree visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/community/health-safety Celebrating International Volunteer Day 2022 Monday 5 December, 10am-12pm, Function Room, Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Monash Council is committed to supporting its community to lead healthy, happy and thriving lives. Volunteering in Monash is valued for its ability to strengthen social connections, prevent loneliness and provide meaningful opportunities to contribute to community life. Join us this International Volunteer Day as we celebrate our amazing volunteers and raise awareness of the important role they play in our community. If you are a volunteer in Monash, bring a friend and come along to meet others who are passionate about making a difference. Residents interested in volunteering are also encouraged to attend. FREE event, bookings required visit www.trybooking.com/CDORB More info on volunteering in Monash visit volunteer@monash.vic.gov.au THANK YOU residents driving a sustainable Monash We are seeing a significant reduction in the amount of waste being diverted to landfill thanks to your positive uptake of the bin changeover service and weekly food and garden collection. Since the new service change started in August, more than 2000 tonnes, or 154 waste collection trucks, of household waste has been diverted away from landfill. At the same time, an increase of close to 1200 tonnes of food and garden waste, or an additional 92 organic recycling trucks, is now being recycled. Both are significant increases on the same period last year. Our Recycling Feedback Officers continue to work with residents and have inspected more than 6000 bins to provide valuable education and feedback on recycling and waste practices that support the service change. With summer on its way, and with the expected increase in use of food and garden bins as we start spending more time in our gardens, officers are encouraging residents to continue to take advantage of their weekly collection for disposal of food and garden waste. In April, Council unanimously voted to support more sustainable practices following the independent report by the Victorian Auditor-General Office that estimated Victoria will run out of landfill space by 2026. Food and garden recycling tips visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/food-waste-collection Page 5 HONOURING our dedicated volunteers Monash has come together to honour the contributions of its many outstanding volunteers with the presentation of the Sir John Monash Awards at Huntingtower Performing Arts Centre in Mount Waverley. With last year awards ceremony postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions, a combined ceremony drew an audience of nearly 200 people to celebrate the achievements of 69 nominees from 2021 and 2022. Awards are made in nine categories, with an overall award for Outstanding Leadership also presented. The 2022 award for Outstanding Leadership went to the Brentwood Secondary College Green Team, the winner of the Sustainability Leadership category. The Green Team comprises 30 students who meet every week to discuss sustainability issues that concern the school. It has reduced the school emissions by 23% over the past five years and the school generates 40% of its electricity usage using renewable energy. The 2021 Outstanding Leadership award went to Kathleen Hosie, who also won the Volunteer of the Year award. During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathleen demonstrated outstanding leadership with the Monash Oakleigh Community Support and Information Service. The centre is staffed by volunteers who provide a range of invaluable services, from managing a foodbank to stocking an opportunity shop and working in a vegetable garden to provide fresh vegetables for clients. Do you know someone who is making a difference in the local community? You can nominate them in March 2023 visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/awards jenny.luzza@monash.vic.gov.au 2021 Outstanding Leadership: Kathleen Hosie Inspirational Women Leadership: Mini Gupta LGBTIQA+ Community Leadership: Chloe Codling Outstanding Advocate of People with Disabilities: Peter Willoughby Multicultural Champion: Chandra Bangalore Positive Ageing Leadership: Terence Long Sustainability Leadership: Andrew Mahar and Brandon Winfrey Volunteer of the Year: Kathleen Hosie Youth Leadership: Andy Mach 2022 Outstanding Leadership: Brentwood Green Team Inspirational Women Leadership: Yohana Jury LGBTIQA+ Community Leadership: John Tzimas Multicultural Champion: Sithy Marikar Outstanding Advocate of People with Disabilities: Shirleen St John Positive Ageing Leadership: Pamela Smith Sustainability Leadership: Brentwood Green Team Volunteer of the Year: Greg Menzies Youth Leadership: Josiane Marriott Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Theo Zographos As we approach the end of 2022, I wanted to look back at the key decisions Council has made this year. With the bin collection changes, we have seen other councils begin their transition and the state government announce forward planning regarding the bin categories Victorians will have in future years. We have also seen that there have definitely been some teething issues. Now that the state election is almost over, we will start to see other improvements like pavilion upgrades and construction projects in Monash. I also hope to see more progress on the Rowville Rail Link, something I and the council have advocated for on numerous occasions. However for me this year, the biggest amount of work I undertook was the outdoor dining reforms. It is my view the council initially jumped the gun and dismantled too early some of the more popular installations such as in Glen Waverley, Oakleigh, Pinewood and many others. Thankfully, the council has now decided, after much persuasion, advocacy and leadership, to implement a permanent program, where businesses can apply via a clear policy, to have year-round installations outside their physical hospitality venue. Of course this has been happening for at least two years around Melbourne. It gives you the consumer, the choice of where to sit at your favourite eateries. Also this year, while it took a while to get there, I was pleased to see the completion of the new pedestrian crossing at Atherton Road near Palmerston Street. After many years of people crossing here dangerously, with drivers not knowing if they should stop or not, now we will not have this ambiguity again. In terms of returning to our normal schedule of events, there were dozens I attended this year but one that did stand out was the unique Monash Observance on the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II. Although a sombre event, attendees were alert to its historic significance. You can watch the event on my Facebook page. Finally, another event that I initiated some years ago now was the annual lighting of the Monash Christmas tree, which is situated in Eaton Mall Oakleigh. This year event is on November 18 at 6pm, and you are very welcome to attend. Like every year, I am extremely thankful for the support from the community for this initiative. On behalf of my family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Feel free to contact me call 0430 316 911 or 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 NEXT COUNCIL Meeting Tuesday 13 December, 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 Splash into summer Summer is here and there is no better place to cool off, get in a workout or try something new than one of our Active Monash recreation centres. Located in Glen Waverley, the Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre provides an extensive range of fitness and recreation services including gym, group fitness, swim lessons, and indoor and outdoor pools. Redeveloped in 2020, Oakleigh Recreation Centre incorporates a gym, group fitness, indoor multi-purpose courts, state level gymnastics facility as well as seasonal outdoor pools. The 50m pool, multi-purpose pool, dive pool, toddler pool and splash pad have re-opened for the season! The Clayton Aquatics & Health Club provides a vibrant community hub combining multiple services including a gym, group fitness, swimming lessons (including Women Only sessions) and indoor pool. Keen for a trial? New customers can sign up for a FREE 7 Day Membership to use at your local Active Monash facility, which gives you access to the gym, group fitness classes, aquatics facilities and more! More info visit www.activemonash.vic.gov.au  ANNUAL REPORT out now and ready to read Council 2021/22 Annual Report has been endorsed and is now available for you to read. The report provides a comprehensive account of our operations for the 2021/22 financial year, including major projects and advocacy campaigns, challenges and what we hope to achieve in the year ahead. It also sets out how we met the objectives in our Council Plan 2021-2025, as well as important information on our finances, governance, and our organisation. Read the full report visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/annual-report Innovation, inspiration and creativity the Maker Faire is back Some of the state most creative minds are set to share their passion, with the Monash Maker Faire making its return, bigger and better, after a successful pilot event in 2019. Monash Council, in partnership with Monash Tech School, is delivering the 2022 Monash Maker Faire on Sunday 4 December at the Monash University Clayton campus. The event is the only one of its kind in Australia, igniting the passion of creatives, coders and game developers, and budding inventors across Victoria. We are keen for the community to come along and experience a showcase with hands-on experiences of all things ingenuity and innovation. The event is free of charge for attendees and for makers, with skills on display ranging from arts and crafts and artisans, through to robotics, gaming and high technology sciences. This year we expect the event to attract around 7000 attendees. We are putting out a call for makers and sponsors, while registrations are open for attendees. More info visit monash.makerfaire.com Page 8 Big Summer Read Children of all ages, keep your reading up over the summer holidays and take part in the state-wide Big Summer Read. While the pleasure of reading makes everyone a winner, there are some exciting prizes to win, including book vouchers, LEGO kits and more. Register online or at your local Library branch, collect your reading log and activity booklet and record everything you read between 1 December and 31 January. More info visit www.monlib.vic.gov.au/big-summer-read Movies in Monash End-of-Year Celebration (Event SOLD OUT) Film screening: White Christmas, with a Christmas Morning Tea Monday 12 December, 10.30am-1pm After helping the Haynes sisters escape from their landlord, singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis ask them to perform in a joint Christmas show to put their old commander failing inn back in business. Come along and join us for our end-of-year Christmas film and morning tea. Come dressed in some Christmas cheer and let celebrate the end of year. Free event Clayton Community Centre Theatre, 9-15 Cooke Street (SOLD OUT) www.trybooking.com/CCXZJ or 9518 3555 Active Youth Children and teens are designed to move! Take part in one of our three fun and engaging Active Youth classes: * Active Kids Designed for children aged six and above. Ball games, bean bags, hoops and music are some of the many ways we create a safe space for kids to be active. * Active Abilities This class welcomes children with cognitive disabilities and sensory requirements. Similar to Active Kids, classes move at a pace that suits individual participants. * Teen Fit Not a child, but not ready for adult classes? Teen Fit bridges the gap between activities for younger children and activities for adults. More info visit www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/active-youth TOPshots 2022-23 Calling all 2022 VCE Art, Media and Studio Arts and IB Visual Arts students! This is the opportunity for your photographic work to be showcased at the Monash Gallery of Art for next year TOPshots exhibition. MGA curators will select finalists from entries to exhibit at MGA, with the winning work receiving the Rosie Hughes Memorial Prize, sponsored by The Waverley Camera Club in memory of its late member Rosie Hughes. More info visit www.mga.org.au/education/TOPshots-22-23