Page 1 Monash Bulletin October 2022 State Election our priorities Council is the government closest to the people it serves and every day we make decisions to support our community and enrich their lives. Our Community Plan outlines our priorities for Monash up to 2040. To achieve these goals, we need to work with and advocate to all levels of government to deliver lasting and positive change. As a local Council with limited jurisdiction, we can only do so much. There are many opportunities to enable current and future generations to enjoy more fulfilling work and lifestyle experiences, but we need other levels of government to support this by providing the infrastructure and services our community needs. That is why advocacy is so important, it is how we communicate our needs and seek action from politicians, government departments and other stakeholders. We do this through direct lobbying, constructive submissions to government, community consultation and coordinated public campaigns. We have developed a list of advocacy priorities based on what you have told us through community consultation, your emails and letters, and surveys you have undertaken. We are pursuing these priorities with local Members of Parliament, political candidates and other representatives of the State Government leading up to the 26 November 2022 election. Whilst we will continue to lobby hard for commitments, our residents adding their voice to our campaigns is absolutely invaluable to our ultimate success – we strongly urge you to get involved below. These priorities include: * Full State Government funding for the introduction of three-year-old kinder and the increase to 30 hours of four-year-old kinder * Kingsway Glen Waverley redevelopment * Upgrades to Carlson, Davies, Glen Waverley North and Jingella Reserves * Better outcomes for Glen Waverley from the Suburban Rail Loop * Enhancement of Portman Street, Oakleigh to support outdoor dining and improved pedestrian access * Improving three sections along the Djerring Trail * Oakleigh Station forecourt redevelopment * Westall Road extension * Extension to Bogong Car Park Glen Waverley * Glen Waverley Library Redevelopment. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/advocacy How you can get involved: * Your vote and your voice matter. * Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/advocacy for links so that you can contact your relevant member to remind them which issues matter to you. * There is a sample letter you can use/adapt for your priorities. * You can share our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (see below). Information in the September Bulletin is current at the time of going to print on 2 September. 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 Shovels in hand, hard hats on - play! We are set to start construction of the $26.7 million Monash Tennis Centre in the Glen Waverley Sports Hub. After 20 months of planning, consulting and designing, construction is expected to start later this month, following the awarding of the construction tender to Commercial Industrial Construction Group (CICG). When completed, the facility will feature a regional level tennis facility, golf practice facilities, public open space improvements, car parking, a pavilion and cafe and supporting infrastructure. The centre will be ready for play in early-2024. The first stage of construction, the upgrade of the intersection at Jells Road and Waverley Road, is already underway. The intersection upgrade is to cater for the safe movement and operation of increased traffic as a result of the sports hub, especially during peak periods. After nearly two years in the planning, consultation and development phase, it is extremely exciting to see Council vision on the verge of taking a more physical shape. Tennis is extremely popular in Monash and has the highest participation rate of any organised sport in the area. When finished, the Glen Waverley Sports Hub project will be a huge addition to what is a thriving sports and recreation precinct. The project is also an outstanding example of successful partnerships between Council and the Victorian Government, through the North East Link Program; with Tennis Victoria and other sporting groups and stakeholders; and, most importantly, with the local community. Glen Waverley Golf Club will join Glenvale Tennis Club as co-users of the pavilion and upgraded facilities in the Glen Waverley Sports Hub, making them important partners in our vision for a thriving multi-sport precinct. More info on Council dedicated project visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/tennis 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 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. Page 3 MESSAGE FROM Mayor Stuart James Once again, I start my column talking about waste collections, but this is arguably the biggest change we have ever made and it has affected every single household across Monash. I know that changes to daily habits are extremely challenging, and it has been hard for my family to adjust as well, but I have been extremely proud of the way our community has responded. In the first week of the service, we saw more than 80% of households place the correct bin out for collection, and in the second week, those results rose to around 98%. Congratulations to all of you on your outstanding efforts in transitioning to the new bin service. We have also seen a big increase in the number of households recycling food scraps in their caddies and food and garden waste bins, with 75% of these bins now containing food waste, up from 30% prior to the change. That means that less waste is going to landfill sites to be dumped in the ground, the reason we made this change, and we are all doing our part in reducing the impact on our climate. I am also extremely pleased to let you know that Council is well ahead on its target to be completely carbon neutral by 2025 with an update to be provided to our community later this year. If you want to learn more about waste diversion techniques, we are holding info sessions on recycling and waste (see page 8 of this Bulletin) or contact our team on 9518 3555. During November, we will be coming back to you with actions we plan to undertake for our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This is an exciting plan for Monash, and represents significant consultation and work between Council and traditional owners to create actions that will advance reconciliation and strengthen our relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I would encourage you to participate in this important project. As always, our consultation will be listed at shape.monash.vic.gov.au where you can sign up to be notified via email about future consultation we undertake. The State Government recently released the Ministerial assessment report on the Suburban Rail Loop project. This is a transformational project that has Council full support, with three of the six new stations located within Monash. As the biggest employer outside of the CBD (arguably the biggest post-COVID), providing north-south transport connections is critical to the future liveability of our local area. We were pleased to see an acknowledgement of several concerns we had raised included in the report. However, we are deeply disappointed that there is no commitment by the SRL Authority to lowering the existing Glen Waverley station. It is a commitment that Council, and the community, has repeatedly called for and one we will continue to pursue on behalf of Monash residents. I strongly encourage you to reach out to your state election candidates in the upcoming election to add your support. 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. Stories from Your Community We have launched a new section on our website titled “Stories from Your Community” and we would love to hear from you about your stories. With the demise of local printed newspapers in Monash, we wanted to create a platform where community stories were captured and shared to record the history of what is happening in Monash and to highlight what matters to locals. The section so far features stories on the Monash Mens Shed, a netballer who has undertaken our Women Leadership Course and the Sew Fantastic learn-to-sew program. We will continue to feature local stories in this space, to build connection with our community and capture the heart warming, the diverse and the unique in Monash. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/Stories-from-Your-Community, email david.turner@monash.vic.gov.au call 9518 3555 Page 4 REFRESH of outdoor parklets Three outdoor parklet spaces established last year as fun spaces to relax, catch-up or enjoy a take-away coffee are currently being refreshed. The three parklet spaces at the Pinewood shops, Winbourne Road (Mount Waverley) and in Kingsway (Glen Waverley) were created with a $100,000 Victorian Government grant. The first upgrade to the Mount Waverley parklet includes new painting of the seating, planters and deck with hard wearing paint, giving the parklet a fresh look. Painting of the Pinewood and Glen Waverley parklets is expected to happen when the weather allows. More info call 9518 3555 We want you to help us Shape Monash Monash is a thriving, vibrant city. It is a wonderful place to live, work and play. But we need you, the Monash community, to have a say in how we can make it even better. We want you to tell us what you think will help shape our city. Shape Monash is our online community platform that allows you to have your say on a range of matters from local issues to future planning. This includes major construction projects like the Suburban Rail Loop, Bogong Car Park extension, Civic Precinct Project and Monash Tennis Centre to playspace upgrades and the development of parks and bike trails. Tell us your views on important issues like our Reconciliation Action Plan, Gambling Policy, LGBTIQA+ Action Plan and Gender Equity Framework as well as our Arts and Culture Strategy, outdoor dining options and business surveys. Get involved in community consultations and find out what we are advocating for. Shape Monash pages feature background information, plans, maps, diagrams and timelines, keeping you up to date on the many projects Council is proposing and undertaking. And, most importantly, it is the chance for you to have your say. Through surveys, FAQs, the opportunity to make suggestions and comments, and to ask questions, you can make a difference to Monash future. Sign up to Shape Monash and we will let you know visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au Join our Environmental Advisory Committee We are inviting members of the community with a passion for improving the environment in Monash to express their interest in joining our Environmental Advisory Committee. The committee role is to advise Council on environmental sustainability issues and to collaborate with us on programs and initiatives that create habitat for wildlife and support the transition to a zero carbon, zero waste, and climate resilient municipality. One of the committee most recent achievements was contributing to Council commitment to Zero Net Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2025. We are looking for people who understand the environmental sustainability issues that affect Monash; will have an interest and involvement in local or broader environmental sustainability activities; community connections; and have experience in and/or an understanding of the role of an advisory committee. Nominations close on 30 October. More info vist www.monash.vic.gov.au/advisory-committees call 9518 3733 email EACSupport@monash.vic.gov.au Page 5 HAVE YOUR SAY on our Approach o Gambling Harm Policy Gambling harm continues to be a significant health concern in Monash. On average, $110M was lost to electronic gambling machines (pokies) in Monash every year from 2009-2019 and the municipality ranks the eighth highest Local Government Area in Victoria, and highest in the Eastern Metro Region, for pokies losses. Gambling is a public health issue that impacts not only individuals but their families and communities. Council has a strong history of advocating on preventing gambling harm and supporting initiatives for change. We’ve undertaken a review and update of our Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy (2016-2020) and we are seeking community feedback on it. The updated policy reflects changes in the gambling landscape since the last policy was written. Gambling is now more accessible through online betting and gambling advertising is more prevalent. Council is involved in the planning and regulation of new electronic gambling machines through its role in the planning process. The first stage of consultation, including a community survey and stakeholder engagement, has been held and now we are asking the wider community for its views. After considering this feedback, a final version of the policy will go back to Council for endorsement. Community consultation is currently underway. More info and to have your say visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/gambling Community Safety Month in Monash We can all play a role in keeping our community safe. Every October, Community Safety Month reminds us that safety is a fundamental human right and is essential to health and wellbeing and the enjoyment of community life. In this year events, there are many fun, interesting and practical safety forums and get-togethers to participate in. The month events will raise awareness about community safety and empower people to stay safe, connected with community, and engaged with community life. Safety Month launches on Thursday 6 October with a "Shocktober Restart a Heart Stall" at The Glen Shopping Centre. Other events include: Teddy Bear Search and Rescue Mission (see pg 8), Children Week Activities, Water Safety Day, Coffee with a Cop, What is in a Police Car? and much more! Council is committed to working with community and agency partners to create and maintain safe neighbourhoods and public spaces, where people feel welcome, happy and empowered to participate fully and equally. Thank you to our valued Community Safety Month partners: Neighbourhood Watch Monash, Ambulance Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police, EDVOS, South East Volunteers and Monash Neighbourhood Houses. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-safety-month call 9518 3555 Bicycle safety checks at ORC Do you love your bike and love your cycling, but aren not sure how to carry out basic maintenance or what to do if you hear a clunk, grind, scrape or any other weird noise? We can help. Bring your bicycle to the Oakleigh Recreation Centre on Saturday 29 October (between 1pm-5pm) and learn how to do a basic safety check with bicycle mechanics from Biker Co, owned and operated by the Monash Student Association. Watch and learn while the mechanics complete a bike safety check and demonstrate basic, minor repairs. For more complicated repairs that require a visit to a bike store, the mechanics will also help make the process easier by describing what repairs may be needed and what to say or ask for. Oakleigh Recreation Centre, 2A Park Rd, Oakleigh More info email sustainability@monash.vic.gov.au Page 6 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Nicky Luo It has been a privilege to participate in the Positive Ageing Reference Group and learn about its activities, projects and priorities. I have been working closely with the group and a big focus is the Seniors Festival in October and the many programs it offers. This year it is the 40th year of the Victorian Seniors Festival, with a message of “Coming together, stronger than ever”. The program in Monash has more than 70 Council and community events, so there is something to inspire, motivate and enjoy for everyone. If you have a senior member in your life, please encourage them to get involved. The full program is at www.monash.vic.gov.au/seniors-festival During August, Council began the roll-out of the changed bin service, with food and garden waste (green lid) bins collected weekly and the landfill (red lid) bin moving to a fortnightly collection. While we have communicated this change to the community over the past few months, following on from our consultation on the change, we still recognise it is a big adjustment for people to make. It is wonderful to see how Monash residents have adapted so quickly to the change and how few bins have been left out for collection incorrectly. This change is critical to reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Instead we have people separating their waste for recycling or the creation of compost. Well done to everyone on your efforts, it has been fantastic!  As someone who works in psychiatry in both public health and not-for-profit organisations as a mental health clinical nurse and family therapist, I recognise the importance of mental health and well-being. October 10 is World Mental Health Day, with the theme “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority”. During the past two years of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in people seeking help for mental health concerns across all ages, but particularly in young people. We can all play our part in increasing awareness of mental health and supporting those who are struggling. If you need support, contact www.lifeline.org.au  Feel free to contact me at: 0451 560 398 or Nicky.Luo@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 25 October, 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 THANK YOU Monash makes a great start A big thank you to all our residents who’ve embraced the new bin collection schedule last month. An overwhelming majority of households placed the correct bins out for collection. We have also seen a significant increase in the number of households recycling food scraps in their green bin. During our Recycle Right Feedback Program, we found that 75% of green bins now contain food waste; this is up from 30% prior to changing the collection frequency. Some handy bin caddy reminders: * Food scraps can be recycled loose in your green bin * Wrap food in newspaper or paper towel * Use certified compostable liners. It is important bin liners have the certified compostable logo as other varieties will contaminate the truck contents * Different size caddy liners are available from select retailers (buy 8L liners or larger) * If liners become wet, they can break down quicker. Replace every 2-3 days * Place a paper towel inside the base of the liner to soak up any moisture. We know this is a big change for many, and we are here to help. If you have questions, come along to one of our recycling workshops (see pg 8). More info call 9518 3555 visi www.monash.vic.gov.au/lining-your-caddy Guiding others on the habitat garden path Do you have an interest in gardening and wildlife? Would you like to help others create habitat gardens? We are on the lookout to recruit volunteers to join our Garden Guide program. Guides visit private gardens in Monash, helping owners transform them into flourishing Gardens for Wildlife. By creating habitat gardens, we can increase biodiversity, which is great for the environment and our local wildlife. Being a guide will give you an opportunity to share your passion for sustainability, learn more about indigenous plants and find a network of like-minded individuals. A mentoring program will support you in developing the confidence to give advice and tips to other garden-owners and households. More info about the program, and to get involved visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/gardens-for-wildlife email gardensforwildlife@monash.vic.gov.au call 9518 3555 Planning for the future improving public open space Open space makes our suburbs healthier and more liveable. With more people now living in townhouses and apartments, housing density is increasing but access to quality open space is decreasing. Monash open space contribution rate is one of the lowest in the state. Our ability to provide and improve open space for our increasing population gets harder each year, without relying increasingly on rates revenue or falling further behind on the amount and quality of open space across the municipality to meet this growing need. Earlier this year, we proposed a planning scheme amendment to increase the open space contribution rate that developers pay when building multi-unit and apartment developments. We sought feedback from the community on the amendment and received more than 60 submissions, providing mixed feedback. Some wanted a higher public open space contribution while some wanted no change to the current amount. To progress the proposal, we have requested the Minister for Planning appoint an independent panel to review the amendment, consider all submissions received and make a recommendation to Council. This hearing is scheduled for November. Council will then consider the report and how it chooses to proceed as well as the final form any formal request for consideration to the Minister for Planning will take. More info visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/amendment-c169 Page 8 100 years of Cadbury in Australia Fri 28 October 2pm-3pm Go behind the scenes and explore the origins of Cadbury chocolates in Australia, from early beginnings with the Quaker movement in Britain to the Australian Gold Rush era and establishment of the first factory in Tasmania. Learn about well-known products like Dairy Milk, Freddo Frogs and Cherry Ripe and the memories these products evoke. It might be a good idea to have a piece of chocolate on standby after participating in this session! To book call 9265 4877 visit www.trybooking.com/CADRW City of Monash Open Gardens Sat 5 November 10am-4pm Be inspired by fellow Monash residents gardens and meet like-minded people who have a passion for gardening in Chadstone, Oakleigh, Huntingdale, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley. Entry to gardens is free. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/monash-open-gardens Recycling and Waste workshops Come along and learn about the wonderful world of recycling and waste reduction. We will also talk about the recent bin changes. Sessions are available in Greek, Mandarin and Cantonese, held in-person and online across the month of October. Questions in your language are encouraged. Bookings essential. Or visit us at the Mount Waverley Rotary Market or Pop-Up stall in Pinewood. More info and to book call 9518 3555 visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-waste-workshops Teddy Bear Search and Rescue Mission Tue 25 October 10am-12pm Valley Reserve, Waimarie Drive, Mount Waverley Teddy Bears have disappeared in the bush and are lost, maybe hurt. Bring your children or grandchildren to help find them and help them to feel better. We will sing songs and have a storytime with the teddies and, when it is time to go, you can take them home. Free event, no bookings required. More info visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/teddy-bear Celebrating Community Safety Month, Children Week and Seniors Festival. Monash Seniors Festival To see the program of events during October visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/seniors-festival call 9518 3555