Page 1 Monash Bulletin November 2023 Joyful Return Of Carols by Candlelight Inside this issue: Oakleigh Golf Course consultation Glen Waverley precinct update Page 2 Help shape Councils future planning for Oakleigh Golf Course We are planning for the future of the Oakleigh Golf Course site and inviting our community to help us do this. At its meeting on 26 September, Council resolved to seek feedback from the community on two options for the land: Retain the 9-hole golf course, or Transform the site into a regional park. Importantly, Council is committed to the land remaining as open space and no other options are being considered. Our open space strategy identified the need to meet the current and future needs of our community close to where they live, work, and play by providing a range of functions for social, physical, and environmental experiences. Consulting with our community will ensure that a crucial Council asset is providing the maximum community benefit possible. We understand and respect the important role that golf has played at the site and Council is engaging with Golf Australia, local golf clubs, and casual golfers to ensure their views are acknowledged and considered. Visit https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au/oakleigh-gc before 30 November to see concept designs for both options and provide feedback. Glen Waverley Civic Precinct thanks for your feedback   During July and August, we invited community feedback on a proposal to build a new library and community hub on Councils existing Glen Waverley library site. We heard from more than 600 people via our Shape Monash engagement platform, and 800 residents from across Monash via a phone survey. Providing close to 1,500 pieces of community feedback for Council to consider. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide their thoughts. Your feedback was compiled, analysed, and provided to Councillors at their September Council meeting. Visit https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au/gwcp Page 3 Message from Mayor Cr Tina Samardzija I am delighted to announce our partnership with the Victorian Government on exciting new kindergarten upgrades in Ashwood and Oakleigh South. I am proud Council is leading the way in providing high-quality facilities to help Monashs youngest residents get the best start in life. It has been a huge year for our early years facilities. We launched Pinewood Child and Family Hub, commenced construction of the Oakleigh South Child and Family Hub, announced a fourth hub for Dorrington Drive, refurbished Hughesdale Kindergarten, and started an extension at Mount Waverley Preschool. Upgrades to Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten and Ward Avenue Kindergarten start early 2024, you can see what the buildings at Ward Avenue will look like at www.monash.vic.gov.au/new-kinder-projects Recently I attended the Monash Volunteer Expo and met with some of the wonderful volunteers that bring so much to our community, including 2022 Sir John Monash Volunteer of the Year Greg Menzies (pictured front with me) who so generously contributes to our Mackie Road and Kerrie Road neighbourhood houses. We will be honouring some of our volunteers, as we do every year, with our Sir John Monash Awards that recognise the hard work and leadership of so many in our community. These awards give us a chance to say thank you and I look forward to sharing our nominees and winners with you in the next edition of the Bulletin. I was also proud to meet and acknowledge the exceptional service to our community from Monash 2023 Kings Honours recipients: Annette Sloan, Bruce Morley, John Hillel and Harshal Nandurkar. It was a privilege to speak with them and hear their stories and what motivates them. We have heard and taken action on concerns from Clayton residents about litter in their streets. As a result, we began a six-month trial in two Clayton streets placing free bin latches on landfill and recycling bins to prevent litter spilling from bins. Thank you to residents who raised this issue with us and to those taking part in the trial. I am proud to be launching a new sports directory for womens sport, providing links to local organisations and clubs supporting women’s sport so all women – but particularly new mums – can find they information they need to prioritise their own health and wellbeing. Please contact me anytime if you have any queries or feedback via email at Tina.Samardzija@monash.vic.gov.au or call 0435 011 927. Christmas Tree Lighting Eaton Mall in Oakleigh will welcome with the spirit of Christmas as we light the Monash Christmas Tree. Join us Friday 24 November at 6pm to officially ‘light up the mall’, kicking off Monash’s 2023 festive season. The Monash Christmas Tree is at the Atherton Road end of Eaton Mall. Take your Christmas photo and grab some food in one of our incredible Oakleigh restaurants. Monash Carols By Candlelight SAVE THE DATE Saturday 2 December, 5.30pm - 9.15pm Jells Park, Wheelers Hill, FREE ticketed event. Dust off your caroling skills and get ready to jingle those sleigh bells, because the much-loved Monash Carols by Candlelight event is returning after a three-year break! We are thrilled to announce the event will now be held on a Saturday evening, rather than a Sunday evening, the result of listening to community feedback that told us this was a better time for families to celebrate. So, grab your picnic rug and make your way to Jells Park for a joyful celebration of the holiday season. This year, Carols will be a free ticketed event. Book your free tickets now at www.monash.vic.gov.au/carols Page 4 HAVE YOUR SAY... visit https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au Kick a goal for the 2024/25 budget   Every year Council prepares an annual budget that considers funding services to the community, as well as investment in works like roads, footpaths, and other infrastructure. To prepare for next years budget, we are asking our community to help us decide where funding should be allocated via our online survey. Groups and organisations can also submit a specific budget idea, with the opportunity to pitch your proposal directly to Councillors. Last year, local football (soccer) club Monash Villarreal FC made a bid for the installation of lights at Caloola Reserve directly to Councillors, and was successful in being included in the 2023/24 Budget. “We are a community club and we are a growing club,” Villareal president Angelo Zissis said. “Caloola (Reserve) is a fantastic facility but lacked lighting.” He encouraged any club or community member to get involved this year. “Absolutely,” he said. “But you have to put in the work to get the results. You need to make sure you have done your research. You need a strategic plan in place.” Have your say on the 2024/25 budget at https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au/budget24-25   Read more about Monash Villareal’s bid at www.monash.vic.gov.au/Stories-from-Your-Community Gladeswood Reserve Mulgrave Masterplan Help us shape the final masterplan for the future of Gladeswood Reserve in Mulgrave. Our draft masterplan vision for the reserve includes better facilities, more amenities and better integration with Mulgrave Primary School, but we need your feedback to help ensure it responds to community needs and effectively creates new opportunities for physical activity and social connection. Share you feedback by Sunday 22 October 2023 at https://shape.monash.vic.gov.au/gladeswood-reserve-masterplan 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a widely recognised global campaign that signifies action towards ending violence against women and girls around the world. It starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. We are proud to, once again, support this initiative and will host several activities to help our community ‘get involved’ and champion positive messages of gender equality, while raising awareness that violence against women, including family violence, is unacceptable. If you are experiencing family violence, support is available. In an emergency call 000; you can also get support calling 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more at www.monash.vic.gov.au/16-days Page 5 Active Monash Month Join the award-winning team, Active Communities, for our biggest month of free activities and adventures in November - get moving and participate your way. There’s a broad range of sporting and recreational activities in store. Try your hand at lawn bowls, learn skateboarding tips and tricks with the Victorian Skateboarding Association, head to Valley Reserve for a ‘Walks Around Monash’, or get the family together for a Family Scavenger Hunt at local parks and reserves. Have fun and discover new places in Monash: Fitness Pod Activation Fitness Circuit Come and Try Lawn Bowls Active Abilities ORC Cycle Fitness Camp Tai Chi Seniors in the Park Come and Try Lawn Bowls Skateboarding Victoria Pop-up Family Tennis Day Active Kids Ladies and Men’s Social Tennis Teen Fit Dance Hits Family Fun Day Masala Bhangra in the Park Walks Around Monash Dementia Friendly Group Class ORC All Abilities Small Group Training - Movers MARC Walking Group Unity in Community Sports Locker Activ8 Bring a friend for free Meditation MARC Carers Class Family Scavenger Hunt. Also see more activities through the regular Active Outdoors program. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/active-monash-month Women’s Sport Directory now live Wanting to find a local sporting club or organisation that caters to women? Our new Women Sport Directory lists local sports clubs and organisations in Monash that offer classes and teams for women. This initiative of Mayor Tina Samardzija was prompted by her experiences as a new mum, wanting to find time to exercise but needing information and support on what was available and suitable post-natal. Consult with your doctor or midwife before starting any postnatal exercise program. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/women-sport-directory FREE Family Fun Day Sunday 19 November 2023 11am-4pm Batesford Reserve, Chadstone Main stage performances, community stalls, animals, rides and workshops Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/festivals Page 6 COUNCIL ACTS on tree poisoning This year, Council has investigated and acted on several reported cases of suspected poisoning of single, established trees on residential sites, and in areas of the municipality covered by the Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO). If a property is in a VPO-protected area, a planning permit is required to remove or destroy vegetation higher than 10m and with a trunk circumference greater than 50cm (16cm diameter) at 120cm above ground level. There are planning permit exemptions for some types of vegetation. It is suspected that trees are being intentionally poisoned so they can be removed without the need for a planning permit on the basis the tree is dead. Council investigates and takes all reports of tree poisoning seriously. Current penalties include an official warning, individual fine of $961.55, or court action that can result in a criminal conviction if found guilty. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/poisoned-trees Image caption: Evidence of poisoning: holes drilled at base of tree trunk and poisonous substance inserted, leading to a rapid decline in tree health. NOT A DROP Wasted Did you know that in 2022/23, Monash Recycling and Waste Centre was the top paint recycling collection point in Victoria and the second in the country? In fact, through our partnership with PaintBack, City of Monash has held the state title for seven years running! The success of our recycling centre – or as one resident recently dubbed it, ‘a recycling wonderland’ – all stems from our residents efforts. That is why, on Thursday 23 November, we are hosting a site tour for the public to see the centre in action. From paint to mobiles, polystyrene to x-ray films, come discover how your recycling efforts are helping us to lead the way in increasing resource recovery and diverting waste from landfill. Book for the tour, visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/recycling-centre-tour GAMBLING Harm  Last month we published an article acknowledging the work we are doing to reduce the harm caused by gambling in Monash, referencing $112.5 million as the amount taken by EGMs in Monash over the past financial year. This figure is not correct, and is actually higher with $122.5 million taken in the past financial year. You can learn more about the work Council is doing on this important issue at www.monash.vic.gov.au/gambling Page 7 COUNCILLOR NEWS Cr Theo Zographos One of the most exciting projects I have been involved in the last 11 years has been the redevelopment of Mount Waverley Reserve following the masterplan being adopted in 2021. The reserve is the home of the Mount Waverley Blues Football and Netball Club as well as the Mount Waverley Cricket Club. With a project cost of over $10 million being spent including funding from other levels of government the new reserve will include an improved pavilion, cricket nets, public toilet, playspace, and reserve lighting. It was pleasing to see the positive feedback from the recent consultation and that everyone is coming together to progress the project through the various implementation stages. What is important to me is that the whole community, anyone in Monash can use the facility once it is completed. Congratulations to Mount Waverley Blues Football and Netball Club, its committee led by Stephen Pewtress and to Mount Waverley Cricket Club president David Grossman. It really is a privilege to take part from start to finish in a community asset that will be used for decades to come. Another local initiative active for decades has been the Monash Business Awards and in August we held the annual awards gala dinner where Sea Urchin gallery restaurant The Roe Australia was named Monash Business of the Year. I want to congratulate chairman Thomas Pewtress for this excellent work and for the revitalised culture the new committee has brought. I remain grateful to all local businesses that contribute to Monash. However, I know how hard it has been keeping up with the economic pressures of recent months so I encourage you to contact council today if there is assistance required in paying council rates. Applications can be made by calling 9518 3555. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Dan Andrews for his services as the Member for Mulgrave since 2002 and hope whoever is elected in the upcoming by-election brings a sense of focus and vibrancy to Monash. I’ll see you at the Glendi on November 4 and 5 and the Monash Carols by Candlelight on 2 December. NEXT COUNCIL Meetings Tuesday 31 October, 7pm | Tuesday 28 November, 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 What is on Take a dip down memory lane 1 November - 31 March Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Park Road, Oakleigh Roll out your towel on the lawn and relive nostalgic times spent at your local swimming pool when Oakleigh Recreation Centre (ORC) outdoor pools open in November. Enjoy the 50m pool, 1m and 3m springboards at the diving pool, multipurpose pool, plus toddler pool and splash pad area. Visit www.activemonash.vic.gov.au/orc REMEMBRANCE DAY  Saturday 11 November Monash residents are encouraged to attend local services to honour, thank and remember those who served. Services to commemorate Remembrance Day, 11 November, will be held at Glen Waverley, Clayton and Oakleigh, and are organised by local Returned Services League (RSL) branches. Visit www.monash.vic.gov.au/Remembrance-Day-2023 Bowness Photography Prize 2023 See this years entries for the Bowness Photography Prize, an important annual survey of contemporary photography and one of the most respected prizes in Australia. Visit www.maph.org.au Image caption: Murray FREDERICKS BLAZE #12, Muloorina  2022 from the series BLAZE 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 October Bulletin is current at the time of going to print on 2 October 2023.