Page 1 Monash Bulletin July 2026 Spinning fun at Argyle Inside this issue Rates notices changing Temporary library sites Exiting new playgrounds Coleman Parade works Page 2 Monash comes alive for winter Message from Mayor, Cr Stuart James Winter has well and truly arrived in Melbourne, but our local sports and recreation clubs are anything but hibernating. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of throwing the opening pitch at Napier Park Reserve as Waverley Baseball Club took on Heathmont in A Grade winter baseball (pictured below); attending the Mazenod Old Collegians and Mazenod Panthers FIDA Football Club Founders Day lunch; joining Oakleigh District Football Netball Club for its Breast Cancer and Pink Lady fundraising day, and being dunked in ice at the club’s FightMND fundraiser. Each event was a wonderful reminder of the energy, dedication and community spirit that make our local clubs so special. With winter sport now in full swing, it’s a great time to get involved. You might be looking to join a club, become more active or simply head along to support a local team from the sidelines. Whatever your interest or ability, there are plenty of opportunities to participate and connect with others in our community. We are fortunate to have some outstanding sporting facilities across Monash, helping people of all ages and abilities stay active, healthy and connected. It’s also not too early to start thinking about summer sport. Registrations and pre-season training will soon be getting underway, so now is a good time to explore the options and decide how you or your family might like to get involved. Learn more about local clubs, programs and facilities at monash.vic.gov.au/Sports-and-Recreation Pick My Park Last year you shared your ideas for better parks and playgrounds and that feedback helped us secure $678,650 in funding for upgrades at Princes Highway Reserve (Oakleigh East), Queens Parade Reserve (Ashwood) and Gladeswood Reserve (Mulgrave). Now we need your help, and your votes, in this year’s round of the Victorian Government’s Pick My Park program. Six parks across Monash are in the running for upgrades. Find out more, and how to vote, on Page 8. Rates notices on the way - what’s different Your rates notice will look different this year, with clearer information to help you understand what you’re being charged and why. Waste costs are now shown separately from your general rates. For most households, this means general rates have decreased, and you will see a separate waste charge for our kerbside bin collection and a Public Waste Service Rate. All residential and commercial properties contribute to the Public Waste Service Rate, which helps cover the costs of managing illegally dumped rubbish and public bins across Monash. There are also updates to concessions and new direct debit options, making it easier to manage and pay your rates.  Rates notices will arrive across July and August, so keep an eye out and take a moment to review the changes. For more information, visit monash.vic.gov.au/rates Page 3 Temporary library sites open Our temporary Glen Waverley library sites are now open to provide essential services while we are building a bigger, better Glen Waverley Library. Glen Waverley Library Express (173 Coleman Parade) is an express site for our adult library collection. While there will be limited PC access, you can still drop in for quick printing and scanning and easily pick-up or return items with self‑checkout options available. Programs and events have moved to nearby branches and will resume through July and August. Glen Waverley Children’s Library, at Black Flat Community Hall (685 Waverley Road), is a dedicated and welcoming space for our children’s collection, with storytime and babytime sessions returning in August. Learn more at monlib.vic.gov.au/library Glen Waverley Library Express in Coleman Parade and the Black Flat Community Hall are now open to provide library services while we are building a new Glen Waverley Library. We’re ready to start building a new civic hub We’re rolling up our sleeves and getting ready to start construction of the new Glen Waverley Civic Precinct, delivering new community spaces in the heart of Glen Waverley. The project is a $110m investment in Glen Waverley’s future, creating a contemporary civic hub designed to support the needs of our growing community. Following a competitive tender process, builder Kane Constructions has been appointed, with site works set to begin in August and construction expected to be completed in July 2028. This exciting new community hub will include a brand-new, modern library with flexible spaces for study, learning and creativity as well as areas for community events and meetings. There’ll be new outdoor spaces for relaxation and everyday community use and car parking to support visitors to the precinct. Follow the project milestones: monash.vic.gov.au/GWCP Page 4 Help share the dignity This August, we’re joining the fight to end period poverty, and we need your help. Periods don’t stop when times are tough and, last year, more than 60 per cent of Australians who menstruate had difficulty buying period products. We need you to donate menstrual products that are brand new, still sealed in their original packaging, and that comply with Australian quality standards. Donations can be made at 10 locations across Monash. Find out where to make a donation at monash.vic.gov.au/share-the-dignity Four-legged fun park underway We’re delivering a new dog off-leash area that will delight the four-legged residents of Monash. We’re improving the dog off-leash area at Jack Edwards Reserve to make it better for our four-legged Monash residents, their human companions and all visitors to the reserve. As part of these improvements we’re installing a new concrete footpath through the reserve and will start work on dedicated dog agility zones in the coming months. New grass and irrigation will be installed in key areas of the dog off-leash area. Parts of the dog off-leash area will be temporarily closed over the coming months to allow the new grass to become established. Signs at the reserve will show which areas remain open and provide information about alternative nearby off-leash areas. This project is supported by the Victorian Government through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program. Find out more at monash.vic.gov.au/jack-edwards-works Wellbeing and success under pressure Dr Queenie Wu will speak at the next Monash Women’s Business Network event. Join clinical psychologist and Mindspace Consulting founder Dr Queenie Wu at the next Monash Women’s Business Network event, for a session on women’s wellbeing and building sustainable success under pressure. At the event, on Wednesday 2 September, Dr Wu will share insights into how to manage stress, prevent burnout and balance ambition with life outside work. “In my clinic, I see so many capable women who look like they’re holding everything together while quietly running on empty,” she said. “Real thriving is knowing when to push and when to rest, and trusting that both are signs of strength. It’s sustainable, not relentless.” The session is designed for women from different multicultural backgrounds. “Wellbeing is never one-size-fits-all,” Dr Wu said. “The advice that helps one woman can feel completely out of reach for another, depending on her culture, her family and her story.” Book now at monash.vic.gov.au/wbn Page 5 Simply the best: playgrounds up for awards Mount Waverley’s Pinewood Reserve and Mulgrave Reserve in Wheelers Hill have both been nominated by Parks and Leisure Australia for their statewide awards. This is outstanding recognition of how highly regarded these Council playgrounds are for the local community. “My daughter is obsessed with the playground at Mulgrave Reserve,” local parent and regular park user Elley said. “As soon as we arrive at the reserve, she races to the gym equipment to balance on the balance beam, and then she runs as fast as she can to climb up the playground equipment and slide down the giant slide.The mini trampoline is also always a must.” Read more feedback from our community at monash.vic.gov.au/playspace-awards The playground at Mulgrave Reserve has been a big hit with locals. Hughesdale’s Argyle Reserve has been extremely popular with local children and families. More fun at Argyle Walk past Hughesdale’s Argyle Reserve on a crisp weekend morning and you’ll hear it – the delighted squeals of children swaddled in puffer jackets and mittens, climbing, balancing and racing across our upgraded playspace.   “It’s transformative,” local dad Ling said. “I’ve never seen so many kids and families at this playground enjoying the space. The variety of equipment caters for all ages.” Recently opened, and already buzzing with activity, the new playspace combines play equipment, outdoor fitness and improved amenities for all ages. An inclusive spinner invites children of all abilities to play together, while a kids’ obstacle course lets young and old test their speed and agility. A table tennis table, fitness equipment, picnic shelter, seats and concrete path round-out the space, making it a venue the whole family can enjoy. Council delivered the playground upgrade with the support of the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund. Learn more at monash.vic.gov.au/argyle-opening MARC lighting works are underway We’ve started replacing the car park lighting at the Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) in Glen Waverley. From July to December, the number of car parking bays will be temporarily reduced, and traffic management will be in place. All MARC programs will continue as usual, but participants should allow additional time when planning their visit. More at monash.vic.gov.au/MARC-lighting Page 6 Monash at a glance Young voices We want to hear from young people aged 14–19 living in Monash. We’ve partnered with Mission Australia’s national youth survey exploring the issues that matter most, from mental health and education to safety and belonging. Enter your Monash postcode so your response counts locally. Survey closes 14 August. monashyouth.org.au/youth-survey Winter Series There’s still time to enjoy our Winter Series of live music with Jarabi and Yuval Ashkar Trio performing at the Glen Waverley Community Centre on Friday 14 August (7.30pm). Led by Guinean musician Mohamed Camara, Jarabi delivers a powerful musical journey from the ancient Manding Empire of West Africa to contemporary Melbourne while Yuval Ashkar blends influences from Afghanistan, Iraq and Europe. Bookings are essential. monash.vic.gov.au/festivals Repair Café The Monash Repair Café is an event for residents to have their valued items assessed and repaired by skilled community volunteers. Items are given a new lease on life, instead of being thrown away. The next Repair Cafés will be held on 6 September, 4 October and 15 November. Repairs must be registered prior to the event, find out more: monash.vic.gov.au/repair-cafe Street improvements now complete We’ve completed street improvement works along Coleman Parade, between Blackburn Road and Myrtle Street, in Glen Waverley. The project has delivered 1.2 kilometres of reconstructed road, a new and improved shared walking and cycling path along the rail corridor, upgraded footpaths and kerb ramps to improve accessibility, and improved stormwater drainage. Monash Mayor Cr Stuart James thanked the community and traders for their patience during the works. “Construction works of this scale can cause disruptions, and we are grateful for the cooperation and patience local residents have shown throughout the process.” he said. “The works have delivered significant improvements to the local road network.” We’re always looking for new ways for kids to stay active. Fun and fitness for all abilities Looking for an inclusive and supportive activity for your child? Active Monash’s All-Abilities Kids is designed for children, aged 6 years and older, with cognitive and sensory disabilities. It provides a safe space to build confidence and connect with others. Held at the Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Wednesday afternoons (4.40pm), sessions focus on developing movement skills through fun, engaging activities. Led by experienced instructors, children can participate at their own pace in a safe and welcoming environment. It’s a great way for kids to stay active, make friends and feel part of their community. Try your first class for free. For more information: activemonash.vic.gov.au/active-youth Page 7 Gems are worth a visit Cr Shane McCluskey (Waverley Park Ward) I’m so fortunate to represent the communities that make up the Waverley Park Ward. Within Waverley Park, Wheelers Hill and Mulgrave there’s many ‘gems’ that sometimes need a little light shone on them. None more so than the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh). Situated in the garden and wetlands surrounds of Gallery Place in Wheelers Hill, MAPh is the home of Australian photographic art. Renowned nationally and internationally, it’s somewhere to put on your ‘to do’ list. With free entry and an expansive space in which to wander, while you take in the works of some of the country’s most talented artists, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. The café at the museum entrance (pictured below) offers great food, coffee and friendly service, making it the perfect start or end to your visit of MAPh or the newly refurbished Wheelers Hill Library. Waverley Park After much patience from Waverley Park locals, I’m so pleased that a brand-new kiosk and toilet facilities are open in the heart of the play and activation area of the Waverley Park Playground and Wetlands. It’s something I’ve advocated for, and I’m delighted that this final piece of the puzzle completes what is now a regional destination for local families. Gladeswood Reserve In the coming months, work will begin on another exciting addition to Gladeswood Reserve: a brand-new, district-level playspace. Gladeswood Reserve is a vast expanse of open space utilised by many locals and visitors for active and passive recreation. With the new playspace redevelopment kicking off stage one of the Gladeswood Reserve Masterplan, it is sure to become another ‘gem’ for the Waverley Park Ward community. Next Council Meetings Tuesday 28 July, 7pm and Tuesday 25 August, 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 | 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 monash.vic.gov.au/Councillors Page 8 Vote now for Monash park upgrades Your vote in the Victorian Government's Pick My Park program, can help secure funding for much-needed local park upgrades. Make your vote count - there are six Monash parks in the running: Westbrook Reserve pocket playspace (Chadstone) Winbourne Road Reserve playspace (Mount Waverley) New Centre Road West Skyrail playspace (Clayton) Jacaranda Road Reserve playspace (Wheelers Hill) View Mount Road Reserve playspace (Wheelers Hill) Princes Highway Reserve new public toilet (Oakleigh East) Vote for the projects you'd like to see receive funding at engage.vic.gov.au/pick-my-park-vote-eastern 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.