Page 1 Monash Bulletin August 2026   It’s easy being green   Inside this issue Guard against scams Sporting infrastructure open Four-legged fun park National Tree Day Page 2 Mount Waverley’s Diamond couple Message from Mayor, Cr Stuart James Last month, I had the privilege of visiting Mount Waverley’s Reg and Mary Williams as they celebrated an extraordinary 75 years of marriage. They shared some wonderful memories with us, including going to dances together at the Oakleigh RSL and their early married life in Mount Waverley, when they would walk to a family member’s home near the corner of Warrigal and Dandenong Roads in Oakleigh just to have a bath. I took my girls along for the visit (picture below), which Reg and Mary really appreciated. We all loved hearing their stories and taking a trip down memory lane with two very special members of our community. Congratulations, Reg and Mary, on 75 remarkable years together. ABC radio segment It was great to join ABC Melbourne’s Raf Epstein for his Meet the Mayor segment last month. We discussed the Suburban Rail Loop and Council’s advocacy around the legislated rollout of a fourth bin for glass. The segment also gave me the opportunity to speak with callers about the impacts of new developments on existing streetscapes, residential street traffic management and hard rubbish collection. Thank you to everyone who called in with questions or feedback. You can listen to the interview at www.monash.vic.gov.au/mayor-abc Sporting ground safety review Following a tragic incident during a football match at Lalor Reserve last month, I extended Monash’s deepest sympathies to the player’s family, friends and teammates. The incident understandably raised concerns about player safety, particularly in relation to sporting field surfaces. While the circumstances remain under investigation, Monash Council acted promptly to assess any potential risks and provide reassurance to clubs, players and the broader community that safety remains our highest priority. Monash, you can become a scambuster In 2024, Australians reported the loss of more than $2 billion to scams, highlighting the significant impact they can have on individuals, families and communities. Scams Awareness Week, 24-28 August, is a national campaign dedicated to helping Australians recognise, avoid and report scams. We’ll be joining forces with Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers to host several scam prevention presentations, some conducted in Mandarin, at the Wheelers Hill, Oakleigh and Mount Waverley libraries. The sessions are designed to encourage our community to build an awareness of some of the most common scams online, on your phone and in your email inbox. “Scams Awareness Week is a time to raise our voices against scammers and share our scam stories,” Monash mayor Cr Stuart James said. “The more we talk, the less power scammers have. When you share your scam experiences, you’re helping others identify and avoid similar scams.” Find out more and book your place at www.monash.vic.gov.au/scams Page 3 A better, safer day at the netball Players, officials and spectators from the Waverley District Netball Association (WDNA) will benefit from seating and landscaping improvements at the Ashwood High School netball courts. Improvements include new concrete tiered seating, spectator shelters and an umpire breakout area. WDNA vice-president and competition manager Ang Mylrea said the thriving association often has more than 5,000 people attending the venue on its busiest days and the new seating means watching netball from the sloped area between the two court areas will be safer and more enjoyable. “The crowd would often move too far forward and umpires had to watch the spectators as well as the action on the court,” she said. “There’s a big safety part for this as well as a better viewing experience for spectators. And the new shelters are 2 ½ times bigger, there’s more cover for people.” Council delivered the project on behalf of the WDNA with the support of a $1.3m grant from the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund. Image caption: A large Saturday WDNA netball crowd enjoys the new tiered seating and shelters at Ashwood High School. More room to grow at Brandon Park Reserve For the players who call Brandon Park Reserve home, matchday just got a lot better. Mazenod Football Club and Mulgrave Wheelers Hill Cricket Club celebrated the official opening of the new $3.2 million Brandon Park Reserve pavilion last month – a purpose-built facility designed around the needs of these two popular and growing local sports clubs. Together, the clubs field more than 30 teams, including a growing number of juniors, girls and women who have long outgrown the old pavilion’s two-changeroom setup. The new pavilion features four modern changerooms, a social room, fully equipped kitchen, umpires room and first aid room, while tiered seating, a new well-lit car park, and a public toilet round out the transformation, making the reserve safer and easier to enjoy for all visitors. The project was delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government. Image caption: Built using a modular construction method, the new pavilion at Brandon Park Reserve is now open for business. Page 4 More convenience for busy reserve A brand new accessible public toilet is now open in Glen Waverley North Reserve.   Whether you’re at the playground with the kids, doing some gentle exercise, or just enjoying the park, there’s now one less reason to cut your visit short.   Conveniently situated south of the picnic shelter, the location was chosen based on community feedback in 2025, with many highlighting its central and accessible position.   You can find all Council public toilets on the National Public Toilet Map: www.toiletmap.gov.au Woof of approval for Whitehaven Grab your lead and get excited – there’s a new reason for Mulgrave’s four-legged locals to visit Whitehaven Crescent Reserve. The upgraded dog off-leash area is now open, giving dogs more opportunities to sniff, climb, balance and explore. A new agility zone features mudstone rocks, agility hoops, timber logs and a paws table, creating a more enriching experience than a traditional open grass area. Remy and his two-legged companion, Adrian, are regular visitors to the reserve. “The space looks fantastic, and I know my little fella loves playing chasey around it,” Adrian said. The upgrade also includes a durable granitic sand surface, additional seating for owners, updated signage, and new trees that will provide natural shade as they grow. Learn more at www.monash.vic.gov.au/whitehaven-dogs Image caption: Monash residents, two-legged and four, enjoy a day at Whitehaven Reserve’s new dog-friendly improvements. Council and community, a planting partnership Council recently joined forces with a small army of 200 dedicated volunteers to plant more than 8,000 trees, shrubs and plants to mark this year’s National Tree Day. The shining example of community partnership helped boost biodiversity and strengthen local habitat along the Scotchmans Creek Trail at Mount Waverley’s Stanley Avenue Reserve. Together they planted 60 canopy trees, 2,000 shrubs and 6,000 grasses and groundcovers, creating valuable habitat for native birds, insects and other wildlife while helping restore the ecological health of the creek corridor. The Friends of Scotchmans Creek and Valley Reserve were instrumental in both the preparation and delivery of the event. This year marked the 30th anniversary of Planet Ark’s National Tree Day, Australia’s largest nature care event. Image caption: A small army of dedicated volunteers planted more than 8,000 trees and shrubs as part of National Tree Day. Page 5 Help with bird flu detection and response A small number of cases of H5 bird flu have recently been detected in Victoria, mostly along the state’s south-west coast. Early reporting helps authorities detect and respond to the disease quickly and we’re asking Monash residents to play a part. If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife: Avoid touching them or their environment Record what you see, including the location and number of animals Report to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888). Report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds anywhere in Victoria. DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed. The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low and it is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly. For updates, visit www.birdflu.gov.au or www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu Cheaper green waste drop-off this spring It’s now cheaper for Monash residents to drop off green waste at the Monash Recycling and Waste Centre, with fees reduced from $80 to $50 per cubic metre. It’s a handy option if you have more garden waste than your green bin can handle, or larger branches than your hard waste collection allows. Accepted green waste includes branches, pruning, leaves and grass clippings. Tree trunks and logs must be less than 20cm in diameter, or they will be charged as general waste. Soil, dirt or general rubbish will not be accepted. Remember to bring proof of Monash residency or ratepayer status – such as a driver’s licence or rates notice – to access resident pricing and free drop-off items. The Monash Recycling and Waste Centre is located at 380 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill. Find out more at www.monash.vic.gov.au/mrwc Image caption: It’s now cheaper for Monash residents to drop off green waste at the Monash Recycling and Waste Centre. Getting rid of old batteries   Batteries don’t belong in bins or hard waste. Batteries can be crushed or damaged in a rubbish truck, causing them to start fires. Keeping batteries out of your hard waste and kerbside bins helps keep drivers, waste workers, and the community safe. Find a battery drop-off point at www.monash.vic.gov.au/batteries Did you know? Residents and ratepayers can drop off a large range of items at the Monash Recycling and Waste Centre: • batteries • paint • excess cardboard boxes • electronic items • soft plastics • up to 0.5m³ of clean, rigid, white polystyrene. Check what can be left at www.monash.vic.gov.au/mrwc Page 6 Monash at a glance Civic Precinct Work on the Glen Waverley Civic Precinct Project is gathering momentum. The $110m investment will deliver new spaces to support a growing and changing community. The fences are now up as the builders commence site establishment and preliminary works. Follow the project: www.monash.vic.gov.au/GWCP Events call-out Stallholders, food vendors, performers, artists and community groups are invited to register their interest in being part of our 2026/27 festivals and events season. Please submit your expression of interest before Sunday 6 September 2026. www.monash.vic.gov.au/call-out Vaccinations If you’re aged 20-59 and haven’t had two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, you may be eligible for a free measles vaccination at one of our community immunisation sessions in August and September. Unsure if you’re eligible? Contact immunisation@monash.vic.gov.au or call 9518 3534. To book online: www.monash.vic.gov.au/MMR Local artists flourish at Civic Gallery An exhibition exploring themes of identity, belonging and life between cultures, languages and experiences is showing at Civic Gallery until 18 September. Titled Liminality: belonging to both: belonging to neither, it features work by artists Yukiko Abe-Kruithof and Penny Pollard. It is the first public showcase of work developed through The Shared School, Council’s pilot artist in residence program based at Black Flat Community Hall. The program provides artists with space to experiment, connect and create. The exhibition demonstrates the value of investing in local emerging artists and creatives. Learn more at www.monash.vic.gov.au/liminality  Image caption: A new exhibition is underway at the Civic Gallery. Exercise from Dawn2Dusk Dawn2Dusk is an early morning bootcamp for Active Monash members and is designed to help build consistency, confidence and energy through regular group training.  “It also provides an incentive for the whole Monash community to take up an Active Monash membership and get involved in a highly rewarding program,” Adam Merrifield, Active Communities and Fitness Coordinator said.  “Dawn2Dusk is delivered in a supportive environment suitable for all fitness levels.”  The program includes strength and conditioning, cardio training, non-contact boxing style fitness, fun warm-ups and challenging finishers.  Find out more: www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/dawn2dusk Image caption: The Dawn2Dusk program provides the ideal way to experience what Active Monash is all about. Page 7 Improvements to revitalise Cr Josh Fergeus (University Ward) This month I’m pictured at Morton Street shops in Clayton. I’ve been working with Council officers to revitalise public spaces bounded by Wellington Road, Princes Highway and Blackburn Road, and I’m pleased to report a number of recent improvements. In Dennis Street Reserve, we’ve replaced the existing seating and bins with new upgraded stock and refurbished the tables. At Morton Street itself we’ve installed a new sign for the shops and added new bins, trees and seating. Walking and cycling I’m also pleased to report that Council has reviewed our Walking and Cycling Strategy, and it will soon be available for community consultation. The Strategy has been updated to focus on catering for the wide variety of mobility needs in Monash and to support our community to embrace healthy and sustainable travel. I will continue to champion investment in our footpath network, alongside new walking and cycling connections, throughout my time on Council. Vale Alan Clausen In sad news, I want to note the passing of Alan Clausen. It was through Alan’s efforts and leadership that the Monash Friends of Vemasse was established in 2005, and the Friends have been supporting people in Vemasse, Timor-Leste ever since. I am proud to continue to support the work of the Friends as their Councillor liaison. Vale Alan. As always I would love to hear from you about what needs attention in our neighbourhood. Please get in touch at any time. Next Council Meetings Tuesday 25 August, 7pm and Tuesday 29 September, 7pm    Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Access meeting agendas and watch in-person or online: www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings Your Councillors Banksia Ward, Cr Cameron Little, 0472 523 241, Cameron.Little@monash.vic.gov.au Blackburn Ward, Cr Rebecca Paterson, 0437 959 163, Rebecca.Paterson@monash.vic.gov.au Gallaghers Ward, Cr Geoff Lake, 0411 645 281, Geoff.Lake@monash.vic.gov.au Gardiners Creek Ward, Cr Anjalee de Silva, 0424 679 096, Anjalee.deSilva@monash.vic.gov.au Jells Ward, Cr Elisha Lee | Deputy Mayor, 0461 305 956, Elisha.Lee@monash.vic.gov.au Mayfield Ward, Cr Brian Little, 0407 878 033, Brian.Little@monash.vic.gov.au Scotchmans Creek Ward, Cr Nicky Luo, 0451 560 398, Nicky.Luo@monash.vic.gov.au University Ward, Cr Josh Fergeus, 0466 465 421, Josh.Fergeus@monash.vic.gov.au Warrigal Ward, Cr Stuart James | Mayor, 9518 3524 | 0413 184 250, Stuart.James@monash.vic.gov.au Waverley Park Ward, Cr Shane McCluskey, 0466 345 406, Shane.McCluskey@monash.vic.gov.au Wellington Ward, Cr Paul Klisaris, 0412 516 026, Paul.Klisaris@monash.vic.gov.au www.monash.vic.gov.au/Councillors Page 8 Save the date: 2026/27 festivals and events announced Winter Series June, July & August 2027 Live at Warrawee Saturday 13 February 4pm – 8pm, 2027 Family Fun Day Sunday 25 October 10am – 3pm, 2026 Clayton Festival Sunday 21 March 12pm – 5pm, 2027 Carols by Candlelight Saturday 5 December 2026 For more info and event updates go to www.monash.vic.gov.au/festivals 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 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.