Page 1 Monash Bulletin May 2023 Welcome to the Hub Pinewood open for business, Oakleigh South on the way We are shaking out the welcome mat at the Pinewood Child and Family Hub, an exciting new facility in Mount Waverley that offers families access to kindergarten, playgroups and Maternal and Child Health nurses. It is the second of its kind in Monash, following the successful development of the Wellington Child and Family Hub in 2022. In addition to two kindergarten rooms, the vibrant child and family centre boasts three consulting rooms for Maternal and Child Health services and a community playgroup area. The expanded kindergarten space will allow for more enrolments, which is great news for Monash families. The outdoor learning area and public spaces have been designed around significant trees, while new trees were planted to allow for shaded rest areas and all-important green spaces. Construction started in early 2022 and finished in February 2023, in time for this years kindergarten intake. Meanwhile, the Oakleigh South Child and Family Hub is a step closer with demolition starting at the site. The facility will include two kindergarten rooms, a three-room Maternal and Child Health service, a base for community playgroups and a new home for the South Oakleigh Girl Guides. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the aim of finishing by 2024. Both the Pinewood and Oakleigh South Child and Family Hubs are jointly funded by Monash Council and the Victorian Government. Learn more at www.monash.vic.gov.au/pinewood-child-and-family-hub and www.monash.vic.gov.au/oakleigh-south-child-and-family-hub 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 Snap Send Solve is a great app to report through to us what needs fixing visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/snap-send-solve Copyright © 2023 Monash City Council. All Rights Reserved; reproduction in any form will require Council written approval. Monash Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land that makes up Monash, 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. Information in the April Bulletin is current at the time of going to print on 31 March 2023. IMPORTANT MESSAGE from Police to Monash residents The issue of house break-ins during the night and early hours of the morning is a key concern for Monash police. Monash Local Area Commander, Inspector Matt Volk wants everyone to know that police are aware of an increase in offending in the area, but the majority of break-ins are preventable. “Police are doing a significant amount of work and have considerable success arresting those responsible and remain firmly committed to this work.” Inspector Volk said the community played an important part in deterring this type of offending and that many break-ins can be avoided by ensuring your property is secure. “Please protect yourself and your property by locking it, especially overnight,” he said. “The majority of these offences occur in homes that are targeted because they are unlocked. “Offenders are overwhelmingly not seeking confrontation or forcefully breaking into homes, with the preference to target unlocked homes while residents are asleep and getting in and out without being seen. “Currently in areas such as Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill and Mount Waverley, we are seeing an increase in the number of offenders breaking into homes that are unlocked, or by finding garage remotes in vehicles that are unlocked.” The following are some simple steps to safeguard your homes: * Install good quality locks on doors and windows * Lock all doors and windows - unlocked side and rear doors are the most common entry points for burglars * Ensure garage doors and internal access doors to the house and backyard are locked * Ensure gates are closed and locked. Steps to reduce the risk of your car been stolen from your house: * Always lock your car - even if parked in the garage * Secure your car keys and garage remote and never leave them in your car * Remove all valuables from your car. Inspector Volk urges people who witness suspicious behaviour to call Triple Zero (000) at the time it is occurring to give Police the best opportunity to respond in real time. “Police will continue to do everything we can to stop this offending, including having a presence in known areas to identify offenders,” Inspector Volk said. “We are also urging the community to take some simple measures to safeguard their home.” Follow the local Victoria Police Facebook page to keep up to date with messages and arrests in your local area: Eyewatch - Monash Police Service Area on Facebook. Page 3 MESSAGE FROM Mayor Cr Tina Samardzija One of the best things about living in Monash is our multicultural community, and I was fortunate to be part of several celebrations and events in Monash (including meeting these residents at Mackie Road Neighbourhood House) to recognise Cultural Diversity Week (11-21 March). The launch of Neighbours of Monash was a highlight, a publication full of stories of friendship and diversity across our city. Pick up a copy at one of our libraries or on our website. But of course, there is more to our multicultural community than events. It is so important that our migrant community has a say in the services and business that Council conducts so that we know we are meeting their needs and that we are hearing from them about what matters to them. I know as the child of migrants how important it is to be included and be able to participate. Including all members of our community is a priority for us if we are to truly represent the people of Monash. That is why I was delighted in March to launch our first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, outlining our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion and providing clear actions to better understand and respond to our community. We all want to belong in the community in which we live – this plan will strengthen belonging and inclusion and hopefully transform LGBTIQA+ people lives for the better. Another strong partnership Council has is with Victoria Police, who do a great job working with all in our community. In this month Bulletin you can read advice from VicPol about how to better protect your property from being targeted by thieves. We value the service of police to our community, and I have enjoyed meeting many of you at the Coffee with a Cop sessions where you can share issues and provide information to police and Council. Please contact me anytime if you have any queries or feedback on 0435 011 927 or email tina.samardzija@monash.vic.gov.au National Volunteer Week National Volunteer Week is Australia largest annual celebration of volunteering and will run from 15 – 21 May. It is an opportunity for Council to acknowledge its incredible network of volunteers and the contribution they make to our community. To celebrate, we invite you to take part in one of several events that include workshops, film screenings, an op shop tour, a Museum of Australian Photography exhibition tour and much more! More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/whats-your-jam or call 9518 3555 What is Your Jam? Promoting Environmental Volunteering We will also launch - What is Your Jam?, a month-long campaign to showcase environmental volunteering opportunities on offer through Monash community organisations and friends groups. This is a wonderful opportunity to try a community volunteering event and get involved in one of several clean up, recycling, planting (or similar) events, while connecting with others through a shared passion. Page 4 JOIN THE swim teaching team at Active Monash The Minky Swim School services at Clayton and Glen Waverley were impacted greatly during the lengthy pool closures in 2020/21. Many swim teachers pursued alternative training and work opportunities while time out of the water impacted students progress. The Victorian aquatic industry remains affected and, in response to the shortage of swim teachers, statewide stimulus programs are assisting people, 16 years and older, with the cost of training and job-ready activities. Active Monash is ready to help you along the pathway to teaching swimming and water safety. Join our passionate, purposeful team who teach swimming and water safety for many reasons including wanting to give others the freedom of movement in the water, and because they believe, in Australia, you need to know how to swim and save yourself. More info on teaching swimming and water safety with Active Monash: Area Manager-Aquatics, Kirsten Kruse email kirsten.kruse@monash.vic.gov.au 2023 Sir John Monash Awards 10 th Anniversary Nominate Your Monash Hero Nominations close Sunday 11 June 2023 marks 10 years of the Sir John Monash Awards. In that time hundreds of residents have been recognised for giving their time and service to the Monash community. Do you know someone who volunteers their skills and time 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 someone committed to the environment or a volunteer at your local sports club. There are nine categories to choose from. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/awards or call 9518 3619 PROTECT YOURSELF from seasonal flu Monash Council Immunisation service runs Flu vaccination sessions in May to protect the community against preventable diseases. Sessions will run from 5pm to 7pm at Monash Civic Centre on 18, 25 and 30 May, and bookings are required. The flu vaccine is free for eligible groups, and $16 for non-eligible groups. Visit our immunisation page for eligibility guidelines. To book an appointment at one of our sessions, please call 9518 3534 or www.monash.vic.gov.au/immunisation-bookings Page 5 HEART of the neighbourhood From laneway artwork to seed banks and street pantries, to cooking classes and community gardening, there is so much to discover at your local Neighbourhood House. From 8-14 May, the 10 Neighbourhood Houses in Monash will throw open their doors for Neighbourhood House Week, with this year theme “Locals Connecting Local”. Neighbourhood Houses are safe and inclusive places that promote social connections and embrace cultural diversity through innovative and inclusive programs. With an ever-changing variety of programs on offer, some of the activities you can participate in include delicious cooking classes, LGBTIQA+ connection groups, free community lunches, job skills courses for recent migrants, free hearing tests and many more. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-houses We are wrapping up planning for Bogong Planning for the extension to the existing multi-level car park in Bogong Avenue, Glen Waverley is on track. The extension of four additional floors will provide approximately 522 new car parking spaces, including two electric vehicle spaces (with provision for more in the future). When this car park closes for construction, there will be disruption to parking in and around the Glen Waverley Activity Centre, and Council will need to make changes in surrounding streets to accommodate for this for the duration of the build. Keep an eye on shape.monash.vic.gov.au/bogong where we will be providing updates for residents, traders and the broader community on parking restriction changes and the outcome of Council consideration on the tender for the construction to the carpark. Construction may start as early as July, with more information to be available following the completion of the construction tender. Meet our Recycling Right Champion! Burwood resident, Jeremy Broadbent has been named one of our latest Recycle Right Champions. Jeremy received the gold star rating and was selected by recycle feedback officers for his household excellent recycling practices. The Recycle Right Feedback Program plays an important role in supporting Council goals for a Sustainable Monash. Jeremy believes recycling is an important initiative and encourages people to talk more about how to cultivate positive recycling practices, saying that through just a few decisions, a conscious change of habit and a small amount of effort, a lot can be achieved. An example of this has been the adoption of Council recent bin changes, requiring food and garden waste to be placed into green waste bins. Jeremy says he is been surprised, and pleased, at how much of his landfill red bin waste has been reduced as a result. He said while he believes more can be done to care for the planet, recycling right at home is one thing everyone can do to make a positive contribution. Learn more about how to Recycle Right at www.monash.vic.gov.au/how-do-I-recycle Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Josh Fergeus I am excited to share with you that Council has commenced preliminary design of a major cycling connection between Scotchmans Creek and the Djerring Trail. Once complete this work will link two major cycling routes within Monash, greatly improving opportunities for commuting and recreation. Over the next few months Council will be conducting community engagement including key stakeholders and the general public, with a view to securing endorsement for a final design in November 2023. When the time comes be sure to have your say. At the February meeting of Council I was pleased to support confirmation of a preferred provider to progress the provision of 48 sustainable and high-quality social housing units in Chadstone. The building design will aim to achieve an average 7-star rating through the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme and will align with Specialist Disability Accommodation standards. The one, two and three bedroom dwellings will be an excellent addition to our local social housing stock and part of our contribution towards addressing the housing crisis. Recently Council held Monash very first Rainbow Playgroup, right here in Oakleigh Ward. Rainbow playgroups provide an opportunity for families with two mums, two dads, or a diverse range of other family configurations to come together and meet others that have a similar family dynamic to themselves. The introduction of a local Rainbow Playgroup was an election commitment I made in 2020, and I was thrilled to see the smiling happy faces of children and parents enjoying each other company in such a safe and supportive environment. Finally, in December I moved a motion which, if supported, would have seen Council change our policy to ban the advertising of fossil fuels on Council land. Although Council has a similar policy governing the advertising of gambling, including pokies, my motion was not supported. I thank community members for their ongoing advocacy on this matter. I will continue to be a strong voice on Council for climate action in all its forms. As ever I would love to hear from you about what needs attention in your neighbourhood. Please get in touch at any time. Facebook @JoshFergeusGreens, Twitter and instagram @JoshFergeus or 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 30 May, 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 WE HAVE COMMITTED to the future health of Gardiners Creek We have formalised our commitment to an important alliance focussing on protecting and improving the biodiversity of the Gardiners Creek catchment. Monash Council has joined the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration, an alliance of 23 organisations that includes Traditional Owners, Boroondara, Stonnington and Whitehorse Councils, along with Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water, the KooyongKoot Alliance and several sporting associations and community organisations. Gardiners Creek (KooyongKoot) plays a significant role in providing open space, offering highly valued active and passive recreational opportunities as well as water and biodiversity values. In Monash, Gardiners Creek has linked reserves (Holmesglen/Jingella Reserve in Ashwood and North Gardiners Reserve in Burwood), bushland reserves and a wetland. The wider catchment includes our high value biodiverse Scotchmans Creek and Damper Creek conservation reserves. Learn more about our commitment to the Gardiners Creek Regional Collaboration at www.monash.vic.gov.au/gardiners-creek-collaboration ALL-AGES TOUR hits the stage in Clayton As part of the Victorian Government On The Road Again program, the All-Ages Tour will be coming to Clayton Hall on Friday 26 May. King Stingray and the Vovos will head the bill with more local acts to be announced. King Stingray recently won the 18th Australian Music Prize for their self-titled debut album. The All-Ages Tour, held in in conjunction with Monash Youth Services and The Push, is being run and organised by Quiksound Productions, a team of local young people that plans and stages events in Monash to gain industry skills and experience. Monash Youth Services is looking for new volunteers, aged 12-25 years, to join Quiksound. If you are interested email yrcr@monash.vic.gov.au More info and to buy tickets to the Clayton show visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/all-ages-tour READY FOR the Challenge The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an international event, motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. This is the third year we will be joining other Councils in Melbourne to take part in the global challenge and, from 28 April to 1 May, we need your help to record the amazing array of wild plants and wildlife that live in Monash. Using the iNaturalist App, you can do this in your backyard, street or local park. Find out more or take one of our walks visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/city-nature-challenge Page 8 Monash Women Business Network Lunch Tuesday 16 May, 11.30pm–2pm Speaker: Susan McLean Topic: Cyber Safety and your business Cost: $60 per person Venue: Riversdale Golf Club, 200-280 Huntingdale Road, Mount Waverley BOOKINGS visit www.trybooking.com/CHECP More info email ecodev@monash.vic.gov.au or call 9518 3577 KINDER REGISTRATIONS open for 2024 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 30 April next year, they can attend kindergarten. Registrations for first round offers are open until 30 June. Kindergarten is free for both three and four-year-olds. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/kindergartens STAY WARM with an Active Winter Active Winter continues our commitment to building connections and creating opportunities for the community to be more physically active during winter. It has a bit of everything to try, from sports club collaborations to indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. With Active Winter, we aim to enhance the health, happiness and well-being of the Monash community by promoting and delivering increased opportunities to participate, their way, in more physical activity. Launching in June and running until the end of August, come and stay warm with Active Winter. Keep an eye on the Active Communities homepage for coming events. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/active-communities LEARNING FROM NANNA Starting your Zero Waste Journey Just about everything we purchase or use today involves plastic or waste in one way or another - it is hard to get away from it. Even trickier is wrapping our heads around the ways we can reduce the amount of waste we are generating at home. Join The Urban Nanna as she teaches us some simple and small, but very effective, steps we can take to reduce waste in our own homes, for the benefit of our environment and our own wellbeing. What: Starting your Zero Waste Journey with the Urban Nanna (Hybrid) Where: Museum of Australian Photography, 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill When: Thursday 11 May, 5.30pm-8pm (5.30pm-6pm: Free MAPh tour) How to book visit events.humanitix.com/starting-your-zero-waste-journey