Page 1 Monash Bulletin December 2025 See you at Jells Park for Carols INSIDE THIS ISSUE * Hard waste collection * Community grants * Our summer splash * Santa early visit Page 2 Thank you Monash, it has been an honour Message from Mayor, Cr Paul Klisaris This is my last Mayoral message to you as my term comes to an end, and it has been an honour to be your Mayor over a very big 12 months for Monash. Together, we have celebrated the opening of new sporting facilities in Oakleigh and Mount Waverley, expanded the Bogong Car Park in Glen Waverley — adding 1,000 free parking spaces near Kingsway — and launched a multi-generational playspace at Mulgrave Reserve. We also built a new child and family hub in Mount Waverley, and upgraded kindergarten facilities in Ashwood, Oakleigh East and Oakleigh South. Beyond these major projects, Council daily work keeps Monash thriving. In the past financial year, we collected more than 66 million kilograms of waste, planted 3,221 trees, hosted 2,510 library events attended by more than 67,000 people, processed 1,045 planning applications, and answered 182,545 phone calls. Our teams have truly been busy! One of my final events as Mayor was the Sir John Monash Awards, where we honoured outstanding community members across 11 categories. It was a privilege to present Dr Natasha Bosco with the overall award for her volunteer work supporting people with disabilities at Waverley Gymnastics Centre in Oakleigh. You can read more about Natasha and all our award winners at monash.vic.gov.au/awards. Recently, I also had the pleasure of meeting Lorna Patterson, Monash newest centenarian to celebrate her 100th birthday. Hearing about her service with the Australian Women Army and her early days working in the Oakleigh Council Chambers was truly inspiring. Stories like Lorna are what makes representing Monash so special. Thank you to everyone I have met and worked with over the past year. I wish our new Mayor success and look forward to continuing to serve our community as Wellington Ward Councillor. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any local matters: paul.klisaris@monash.vic.gov.au or 9518 3524. See you at Monash Carols by Candlelight Join us at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill on Saturday 6 December for a magical evening under the stars as we celebrate Christmas and the festive season with joyful carols and our vibrant Monash community spirit. Arrive early 3pm to explore our new Twilight Christmas Market, then enjoy food and pre-show entertainment from 5.30pm, including kids activities. The main carols concert begins at 7.30pm, followed by a special visit from Santa and a spectacular fireworks finale at 9pm. Monash Carols by Candlelight is a free ticketed event, register to attend at www.monash.vic.gov.au/carols Page 3 Your hard waste - shape how we collect it We know how important our waste services are to you, and we are committed to making sure they meet your needs. Consultation will soon close on your chance to shape two key parts of our future waste service. Hard waste How do you want your hard waste collected? During a week set by Council, as it is now, or booked for a week that suits you? Let us know. The amount you can dispose of will not change – just the way we collect it from 2027 onwards. Hard waste in 2026 will be collected as usual. Glass bins The Victorian Government has instructed all councils to introduce a separate bin for glass collection by 2027, and we are asking you if you prefer a taller (120 litre) or shorter (80 litre) glass bin. Both options take up the same amount of space on the ground, but one is taller than the other. The glass bin will be collected every four weeks. The projected cost difference between an 80L or 120L glass bin is small: with the 80L bins estimated to cost 50 cents less per household per year. We know many people in our community do not want an extra glass bin, and we will continue to advocate to the Victorian Government to delay their rollout. Let us know your preferences by 26 November at shape.monash.vic.gov.au/hard-waste Staying safe in a storm As Melbourne approaches summer and starts to warm up, the likelihood of storms and wild weather increases and it is important to know your emergency contacts, keep informed of weather warnings and prepare. If you know a storm is coming: * Secure loose items outside around your home * Stay indoors and avoid driving * Keep your pets safe and indoors * Clear your gutters and drains * Keep your devices fully charged * Stock up on spare food, water and medication * Check in on family and friends. The State Emergency Services website has more information and advice: ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe Monash has waste wins In the past financial year, our community has helped keep more than 30,000 tonnes of food and garden waste from going to landfill - avoiding filling 79 basketball courts with methane-producing material. We also had 12,600 tonnes of recycling bin material converted into new items, helping us achieve our ambitious target of a 70% diversion rate, and keeping waste away from landfill. Find out more about your recycling efforts at wwww.monash.vic.gov.au/waste-wins Page 4 MONASH at a glance Annual Report Council 2024/25 Annual Report provides a comprehensive account of our operations for the 2024/25 financial year. Including major projects, community advocacy and engagement, and projects that build community capacity. It also contains important information about our finances, governance and our organisation. www.monash.vic.gov.au/annual-report Online directory Our online community directory is a chance for clubs, groups and organisations in Monash to connect with the community, attract new members and increase awareness of the incredible work happening across our suburbs. If you are a member of a group that you think more people should know about, visit. www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-directory Access Keys In partnership with Access Ability Australia, Access Keys help people with disabilities to prepare to visit public venues. To acknowledge International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, we will be publishing the latest Access Keys for our high use facilities and playspaces so that people with disabilities, families or carers can prepare and be informed before visiting. www.monash.vic.gov.au/access-keys  Huge community grants program opening soon Our revitalised community grants and partnerships program will offer more than $2m to support grassroots community groups and organisations to deliver projects, activities and events that benefit Monash.   Newly structured funding streams will focus on small, medium and large grants, following community feedback on how to better support our groups to access the program.   Applications to our community grants and partnership program open on Tuesday 27 January, with a series of information sessions and workshops to support applicants, and close on Tuesday 3 March 2026. To start preparing, visit: monash.vic.gov.au/community-grants  Our grant helps RoboCats to build, design and create Monash Community Grants recipient, Melbourne RoboCats, is an all-girls community team of school students looking to inspire 13-18 year olds to become leaders in science and technology.  Grant funding has supported the team with materials and resources that have helped them design, build and create, so they can compete in competitions like the FIRST Robotics Competition, where they created a 56kg robot that operates autonomously.  The grant also covered venue hire at the Monash Men Shed, where the team can use tools and equipment. Learn more and be part of our grants program in 2026 www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-grants Page 5 Aquatic centre offers some peace and quiet Following a successful trial in July and August, our Clayton Aquatics and Health Club has made low sensory quiet sessions a permanent part of the timetable. The sessions are designed to reduce anxiety and stress for patrons with sensory needs in a less stimulating environment. No music is played, public announcements are avoided where possible, water features are turned off, staff radio and phone volume is lowered and there is no scheduled aquatic or fitness classes or learn to swim lessons – even hair/hand dryers are avoided. “For some, it becomes make or break,” Alley Dyson, Active Monash Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, said. “Do I want to go to the pool with all that noise assaulting me? All of that, combined, can be overwhelming.” Sessions are held on: Tuesday from 12.30pm – 2pm, Friday from 7.30pm-8:45pm and Saturday 1.30pm-3pm. www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/low-sensory-sessions Time to get ready for a safer summer dip Make a safe splash this summer by joining Minky Swim School at our pools in Clayton and Glen Waverley. Whether you, or someone you know, is a beginner or looking to improve, our swimming lessons offer a fun, safe, and supportive environment for all ages and abilities. Build confidence in the water, stay active and beat the heat while learning essential aquatic skills from qualified instructors. Spots fill fast—so dive in and secure your place today. wwww.activemonash.vic.gov.au/learn-to-swim or 9265 4888 $2 Summer Special at Oakleigh Recreation Centre We have the perfect place to stay cool this summer with $2 entry to the Oakleigh Recreation Centre outdoor pools every Tuesday and Thursday until 31 March 2026. Even better, anyone aged four or younger can swim for free. With our 50m pool, diving pool, multi-purpose pool and toddler splash zone - there is something for all ages. Bring your friends, pack your sunscreen and a picnic, and enjoy the ultimate summer value. www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/summer-special Page 6 Bright new exhibition space opens for Monash artists An exciting new exhibition space has opened in the heart of Oakleigh. The Lightbox Gallery, located in the foyer of our Oakleigh Library, features a series of illuminated lightboxes that transforms the space into a vibrant digital canvas for visual storytelling. The gallery builds on Council vision to support creative careers and will showcase emerging, mid-career, and established digital artists through future exhibitions and collaborative programs. Learn more: monash.vic.gov.au/lightbox-gallery Playspace draft design We have created draft designs for playspaces on View Mount Road and Jacaranda Road in Wheelers Hill, drawing on ideas you shared earlier this year. Now we want to hear what you think. Visit shape.monash.vic.gov.au/playspaces and share your feedback on the designs before mid-December. Free fitness equipment: The designs also include fitness hubs, which offer residents free outdoor exercise opportunities in their neighbourhood. These will be installed by mid 2026. Santa is coming to Monash Meet Santa at our local shopping strips. Bring the family for free photos, music and festive-themed cookies. You can also capture the moment with a photo fridge magnet keepsake! * Pinewood Shopping Village: (Centreway, Mount Waverley) Wednesday 10 December, 3.30pm-5.30pm * The Gateway shops: (corner Springvale Road and Princes Highway, Mulgrave): Thursday 11 December, 11.30am-1.30pm * Syndal: Syndal shops (Blackburn Road, Glen Waverley): Friday 12 December, 3.30pm-5.30pm * Huntingdale: Huntingdale activity centre (Huntingdale Road): Saturday 13 December, 12pm-2pm www.monash.vic.gov.au/santa-in-monash Page 7 Councillor Column Cr Brian Little (Mayfield Ward) Back in 2020, Council made a bold commitment: to become net zero carbon by the end of 2025. As Chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee, it has been an absolute privilege to watch this vision take shape. We have worked hard to transform the way we operate. Solar panels now power many of our Council buildings, and we have upgraded heating at the Monash Aquatic Recreation Centre. Our buildings have been audited for energy efficiency, electric vehicles have joined the Council fleet, and EV charging bays are available across the community. Even our streetlights—on roads, in parks and reserves—are more efficient and are safer for pedestrians after being replaced with LED technology. One of our proudest achievements was joining more than 50 other Councils in an Australian-first initiative to purchase 100% renewable electricity through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO). This collaboration has been a game-changer. From the beginning, we knew reaching net zero would be challenging. With the help of CarbonetiX and Ironbark Sustainability, we undertook a rigorous baseline assessment of our greenhouse gas emissions—20,503 tonnes of CO₂e. That data shaped our comprehensive Zero Net Carbon Action Plan, and every year since, we have tracked our emissions across all sources, including tricky ones like cement and asphalt used in construction. Reducing emissions from construction materials remains one of the toughest hurdles. We have made progress by using recycled content, but real change will come when low-carbon cement and steel are widely available. At our September meeting, Council authorised the purchase of carbon offsets to ensure we meet our zero net target once our final emissions have been calculated. These offsets comply with international standards. Reaching zero net carbon is not the end of the journey. We will keep working to cut emissions further and look forward to making a formal announcement on our zero net carbon performance later this year. Next Council Meetings Tuesday 28 October, 7pm and Tuesday 25 November, 7pm Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Access meeting agendas and watch in-person or online 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, 0461 305 956, Elisha.Lee@monash.vic.gov.au Mayfield Ward, Cr Brian Little | Deputy Mayor, 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, 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 | Mayor, 9518 3524 | 0412 516 026, Paul.Klisaris@monash.vic.gov.au You can contact Councillors via phone or email. Letters can be mailed to: PO Box 1, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 monash.vic.gov.au/Councillors Page 8 Whats on in Monash Big Summer Read 1 December to 31 January Children of all ages, keep your reading up over the summer holidays and take part in the Big Summer Read. Register at your local Monash library branch or online, collect your reading log, and record your efforts. There are some exciting prizes to be won. www.monlib.vic.gov.au/big-summer-read Stay Cool, Stay Safe While summer is a great time to connect with friends and family, both indoors and outdoors, we remind Monash residents to take steps to ensure they can stay cool and safe. We look forward to hosting a range of events and sharing important information to help people better manage important safety factors in summer. Get involved www.monash.vic.gov.au/summer-safety Christmas Mega Zumba Friday 19 December 6pm - 7.30pm Pop your best Christmas themed outfit on, and join us for a Mega Zumba session full of Christmas cheer. Dance your way into the festive season with high energy music and fun choreography. Classes are inclusive and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with a big focus on fun. Oakleigh Recreation Centre Stadium, Park Road, Oakleigh. Cost: Members - FREE. Non-members - $5 Ages 13+ To book www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/christmas-zumba Library Membership Monash Libraries are well-loved community spaces, welcoming people of all ages and cultures, and offering experiences and collections that meet a wide variety of interests. There are social groups, print and digital collections, computers and wi-fi, and plenty of events – and everything is free. We have libraries at Clayton, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Oakleigh and Wheelers Hill. Join online www.monlib.vic.gov.au/join 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 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.