Page 1 Monash Bulletin September 2023 Reimagining Glen Waverley (photo) Inside this issue:Resilience Against Racism, Recycled Infrastructure, Seniors Festival, Share The Dignity Page 2 Vision for Civic Precinct We are asking our community for feedback on our proposal to build a new Glen Waverley library and community hub on the existing Glen Waverley library site. The proposed design includes two levels of library and a third level of office with new multipurpose community events and meeting spaces at ground level and a direct connection to Councils Civic Centre. It will be surrounded by landscaped gardens and an open and inviting plaza where our community can gather. This is a major project for Monash. It is proposed to be entirely funded from funds which Council will receive from the State Government for its compulsory acquisition of Council land for the Suburban Rail Loop and from the sale of part of the Central Car Park. This means it will not impact how much you pay in rates. With a project cost estimated of more than $110M, this would be the biggest Monash Council project ever and it is vital we get this right. So, we are inviting community feedback on the proposed design and funding model. Following this engagement process, a report will be provided to Council summarising feedback from our community. If Council decides to proceed with the project, more detailed design work will be completed – taking into account feedback we receive. Once this design work is complete then Council will decide whether to proceed to tender for construction. Shape Glen Waverley by giving your feedback visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/gwcp before 23 August to: Learn what is included, View the project designs, See the proposed funding model and Provide feedback. Council reinforces support for reconciliation At its meeting in July, Council endorsed a motion outlining support for the Yes campaign in the upcoming Constitutional Recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. This support is a continuation of Councils ongoing work with Traditional Owners of the land that makes up Monash, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong People. It follows the endorsement by Reconciliation Australia of Councils first Reconciliation Action Plan and builds on Councils previous public support in 2021 of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Council understands that not everyone will agree with this. We hope that, whatever your views, people will ask questions and seek information from reputable sources before voting in the upcoming referendum. The link below has information and translated resources to help you with this. Council will continue consulting on these matters as part of existing regular discussions with local Traditional Owner and Aboriginal community organisations. visit www.voice.gov.au Page 3 Message from Mayor Cr Tina Samardzija Our annual hard waste collection is underway until September. By now most households have had their collection. If you have not, then keep an eye on your letterbox as we will let you know two weeks prior - please follow the directions on how to group your materials. This years collection has coincided with the one-year anniversary of the introduction of weekly collection of food and garden waste bins (green lids) and fortnightly of landfill bins (red lids) and recycling bins (yellow lids). This was a significant change for our community, but one that we knew would deliver our commitment to reduce what we are sending to landfill. Over the past year, we have decreased what we send to landfill by more than 9,000 tonnes and increased what we send to compost by 8,900 tonnes. This is an outstanding outcome and I thank all Monash residents for their commitment. To build on these efforts, we have also introduced a recyclable infrastructure initiative to use materials like asphalt and concrete on our projects that contain recycled materials like plastic and glass. I got to see this in action recently at our Bogong Avenue Reserve car park and you can read more on page 4. Council has welcomed the Victorian Governments recent announcement to propose new gambling reforms which are strongly aligned with our own Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy. Monash is one of the most affected local government areas by electronic gambling machines losses, and it is encouraging to see our state colleagues following our long-term advocacy on this. I am happy to see our Resilience Against Racism workshops underway. You can read more about these workshops below, and I would like to thank members of our Multicultural Advisory Committee, who initiated the idea for this program. You can also visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/pals to learn what we have planned for the Monash Seniors Festival. Our festival will kick off with the popular Positive Ageing Forum, with lots to follow throughout October under the theme, coming together, strong than ever. Please contact me anytime if you have any queries or feedback at Tina.Samardzija@monash.vic.gov.au or 0435 011 927. We Stand Together Monash Councils We Stand Together – Resilience Against Racism workshops will provide the opportunity for community members to develop skills in how to respond if affected by racism and racist behaviour. The idea for these workshops, and the We Stand Together campaign, was generated from our Multicultural Advisory Committee and the growing need to support members of Monash culturally diverse community that are experiencing racism. The sessions will also support the whole of our community to take a stand and speak up against racism. In-person workshops started last month and will continue, on the following dates: * Thursday 29 August: Resilience Against Racism – Reframe and empower * Thursday 28 September: Resilience Against Racism – Speak up with confidence * Thursday 31 October: Resilience Against Racism – Rebuilding your strong cultural identity * Thursday 30 November: Intersectionality - Racism and sexism at work and study Location at Clayton Community Centre, Cooke Street, from 6.30pm-8.30pm Workshops are free of charge, but bookings are essential. visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/we-stand-together Page 4 Be courteous and clean up No one likes stepping in dog poo – so show courtesy for others, and for the environment, by picking up after your pet. With the recent introduction of more dog off-leash areas in Monash, it is timely to remind all dog owners that those who do not pick up after their pets risk a $200 fine. Under Councils Local Laws, owners must carry a bag, or similar, to pick up and remove their pets faeces in a public place. visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/controlling-your-dog Tennis centre closer to big first serve The new tennis centre and multi-sport pavilion at Councils Glen Waverley Sports Hub have continued to take shape over autumn and winter. The earth works, civil drainage and underground utilities are well advanced while construction and foundation works are being undertaken for the tennis courts and the new multi-sport pavilion. Though heavy rain caused some delays to sub-base construction of the tennis courts, the project remains on track and on budget and is planned to be completed and open for play in early 2024. In the coming months, we will see the import and placement of crushed rock to the tennis courts progressing; external light steel framework of the main pavilion continuing and the commencement of the roofing works. Earlier in the year, the upgraded intersection of Waverley Road and Jells Road was completed, and traffic signals are operational. visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/tennis Recyclable Infrastructure Through a new recyclable infrastructure initiative, we are purchasing more sustainable asphalt and concrete that contains recyclable materials like plastic and glass. These sustainable asphalt and concrete products have been used to resurface some of our roads and footpaths, including Wellington Reserve and Bogong Avenue Reserve Car Park. Council has a comprehensive road and footpath renewal program and asphalt and concrete make up one of our largest material costs, generating significant greenhouse gas emissions. Using recyclable materials provides a great opportunity to divert these products from landfill and can often out perform less sustainable products. Council has also taken the opportunity to use 100% recycled rubber in new traffic safety infrastructure, with the recent installation of 94 speed humps, 11 bike lanes, and 15 road cushions and flexible boards across Monash. Using recyclable infrastructure materials is a wonderful example of Councils commitment to investing and building a circular economy within the City of Monash so that we are reducing our reliance on virgin resources and supporting recyclable practices to create a more sustainable city. Page 5 Stay active with our award winners A small and passionate team with a big vision has been recognised for our participate your way philosophy, providing opportunities for the community to be physically active. Monashs Active Communities proudly won the Victorian AUSactive award for Social Value and Community Impact, as well as the Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Award for Innovative Activities and Programs. The popular year-round program delivers hundreds of activities and services for all ages and abilities with a strong emphasis on inclusion, some of which are All Aboard Skateboarding, Nature Explorers Group, Family Bowls Day, MiniRoos Come and Try and Senshi Karate. Part of Active Communities success is due to the collaboration with local sports clubs, partners, and colleagues, providing various ways for people to be physically active and improve health and wellbeing. As amazing as it is winning the Victorian award, the high satisfaction and community interest is an ongoing reward. The numbers speak for themselves, with 5,100 people attending programs and incentives in the past year. Take part and see what activities are being held visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/active-communities Seniors Festival there is so much to do in Monash Monash Seniors Festival is back with an exciting program of free and low-cost events for older adults in Monash to enjoy. Celebrated throughout October, the festival is filled with more than 50 activities, talks, workshops and events run by Council and other community organisations. It all kicks off with the Positive Ageing Forum on Wednesday 4 October, a fun and informative day that explores the subject of how to live and age well. Highlights include keynotes from internationally renowned nutritionist Ngaire Hobbins and Dr Emily Rosenich, as well as a mental health workshop and information on healthy ageing, nutrition, physical activity and more. Monash Seniors Festival runs alongside the Victorian Seniors Festival, which is held annually every October. From 1-8 October this year, all people with a Seniors Myki and Victorian Seniors Card can take advantage of free public transport. Pick up a Monash Seniors Festival program and book in for your events here visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/seniors-festival or call 9518 3555 Moon Festival The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in many Asian cultures. The history of the festival dates back more than 3,000 years and is celebrated at the time of year when the moon is at its brightest and fullest size. The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts; gathering, thanksgiving and prayer, which bring about wellbeing and togetherness. Join us for these special events that celebrate these concepts. MUSIC PERFORMANCE Wednesday 27 September at 11am-12pm in Glen Waverley Library Enjoy two musicians performing the 琵琶 lute and 古筝 guzheng instruments. FREE. No bookings required. FILM SCREENING Wednesday 27 September at 6pm-8pm in Clayton Library Eat Drink Man Woman is a classic tale of simmering frustrations and relationship woes as semi-retired Master Chef Chu (Sihung Lung) shares his culinary skills and tends to his three unmarried daughters respective emotional journeys. Rated PG. FREE. Bookings essential at www.trybooking.com/CJARS Page 6 Get Vocal: Monash Youth Survey Monash Youth Services (MYS) is encouraging all young people aged 10-25, who have connections to the City of Monash, to share their experiences in the 2023 Monash Youth Survey before it closes on 25 August. The surveys results will guide the actions of Council and MYSs services and programs. The survey has been designed and delivered with the support of a working group of young people, ensuring young peoples voices are heard at each step of the engagement process. All participants have the chance to win one of four $100 JB Hi-Fi gift cards. visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/2023-monash-youth-survey Expanding Horizons We are proud to partner with Holmesglen Institute on Expanding Horizons: Overcoming Barriers for Employment, an exciting two-year initiative to help the business community in Monash build their confidence in employing and retaining people living with disability. The initiative will help smooth pathways and allow businesses to connect with job seekers with disability who may face barriers, including people who are neurodiverse or live with anxiety. Where applicable, the project will also provide businesses with guidance to available financial support. With 1 in 6 people in Australia estimated to have a disability, and research showing the economic and social benefits of employing candidates with disability, this much-needed project is a unique opportunity for Monash businesses to be leaders in their community. If you are a business interested in hiring from this large, talented pool of candidates, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/expanding-horizons Share the Dignity Menstruating is not a choice, but some people are forced to choose between buying period products, or food to eat. We would rather they did not have to choose. This August, Council is joining the fight to end period poverty and we need your help. We are calling for residents to donate brand new and sealed sanitary and period products including pads, tampons, maternity pads, incontinence pads, reusable pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups. Join the fight and donate during August at one of 11 Monash Share the Dignity collection bins across our six library branches, three recreation centres, Monash Youth Services and Cabena Child and Family Centre. Share the Dignity works to make a real difference for those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. Each year it collects period products for charities helping those who menstruate and need support. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/share-the-dignity Page 7 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Nicky Luo As a ward Councillor for Glen Waverley, I am looking forward to hearing our communitys feedback on our proposed project to build a community hub and new library on the existing Glen Waverley library site. This is a remarkable project that will be beneficial for everyone across Monash, as the various spaces and uses of the hub will meet multiple needs in our growing and contemporary community. It is proposed to be entirely funded by funds received from the State Government for its compulsory acquisition of Council land for the Suburban Rail Loop and from the sale of part of the Central Car Park. This means it will not impact how much you pay in rates. This would be the biggest Monash Council project ever. If you have not already, please take the time to provide feedback at shape.monash.vic.gov.au/gwcp by 23 August. I am pleased to see Council delivering a series of Resilience Against Racism workshops over the coming months. People who experience or witness racism often do not know what to do about it, and these workshops will provide the opportunity for community members to develop skills in how to respond if affected by racism and racist behaviour and, perhaps, support others in a similar position. The idea for these workshops came from our Multicultural Advisory Committee, which I am a member of, and it is great to see it coming to life. You can learn more about the workshops on page three, everyone is welcome to take part. My thanks to anyone who volunteers their time and skills across Councils different committees. At Councils July meeting I was proud to be one of the Councillors who moved a motion reaffirming Councils commitment to the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart and our support for the Yes campaign for the upcoming Constitutional Recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. This support is a continuation of our work with Traditional Owners of the land that makes up Monash, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong People, and follows some wonderful Council events and programs for NAIDOC Week in July. Whatever your views, please take the opportunity to inform yourself and vote in the upcoming referendum. NEXT COUNCIL Meeting Tuesday 29 August, 7pm and Tuesday 26 September, 7pm Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Access meeting agendas and watch in-person or online visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings YOUR Councillors 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 You can contact Councillors via phone or email. Letters can be mailed to PO Box 1, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/Councillors Page 8 Wednesday 24 August from 6.30pm-7.30pm The Mystery of the Handsome Man Online event (Zoom) Banker, sporting champion and friend to the colonial elites of Tasmania and Victoria, John Lemprier Irvine was also a man with a secret that would occasionally lead him into the half-light of the Victorian underworld. Bookings essential. booking at www.trybooking.com/CHKCL or call 9265 4877 Submit your film by Sunday 27 August Monash Youth Film Festival For filmakers aged 12-25 We are calling on young filmmakers to share their latest and greatest film creations. Have your work shown on the big screen at Village Cinemas, Century City. Great prizes are also up for grabs. Hosted by Monash Youth Services and Quiksound Productions. Productions, this event is supported by FReeZA, a Victorian Government initiative. visit www.monashyouth.org.au Monday 4 September 10am-12.30pm Dementia Awareness Forum Join representatives from Monash Universitys Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Dementia Australia and Carers Victoria for a comprehensive look at dementia, including what it is, ways to reduce risk factors and how we, as a community, can better support those living with dementia and their carers. Booking at www.trybooking.com/CJXCN or call 9518 3555 Wednesday 13 September 4.15pm-5.30pm Celebrate Roald Dahl Day For children aged 8-12 years. Join author Melissa Gijsbers to celebrate Roald Dahl through a workshop and discover how to create your own dragon character. Bookings essential. Booking at www.trybooking.com/CJDRT Contact us 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) phone 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 September Bulletin is current at the time of going to print on 31 July 2023.