Page 1 Monash Bulletin September 2026   Monash says thank you   Parking changes around Council offices See back page for more information   Inside this issue: 2027-28 Budget Community Safety Month Seniors Festival Family Fun Day Page 2 Perfect setting for library magic Message from Mayor, Cr Stuart James Recently I had the chance to share a book at our new Glen Waverley Children’s Library at Black Flat Community Hall. Set in the gardens on the corner of Waverley and Springvale Roads, the historic building is a special setting for our youngest library visitors, with a dedicated children’s collection and space for programs including Storytime and Babytime. The children’s library is one of two temporary locations providing services while we build the new Glen Waverley Library, due to open in 2028. Our adult collection is available at Glen Waverley Library Express, 173 Coleman Parade. Changes to your rates notice You may have noticed your rates notice looks a little different this year, with waste services now shown separately from your general rates. Previously, waste costs were included in your rates, meaning what you paid depended on your property value. Now, only those households receiving Council’s standard waste service are paying for it and everyone who receives those services pays the same. Government rules mean we can only charge what it actually costs to collect your waste and this is independently checked every year. You’ll also see a Public Waste Service Rate, which covers the cost of public litter bins and illegally dumped rubbish across Monash. Everyone pays this charge. Find out more: www.monash.vic.gov.au/rates Glass-only bins With November’s state election approaching, Council continues to push back against the Victorian Government’s requirement for a separate glass-only kerbside bin from 2027. In Monash, another bin is estimated to cost our community between $20 million and $24 million over 10 years. Instead, we believe the Container Deposit Scheme should be expanded to accept larger glass bottles, providing another way to recycle glass without another bin, collection service and significant cost. We’ve joined 39 Victorian councils calling for the approach to be reviewed. Waste collection is a local government responsibility. Councils understand their communities and should be able to implement services that best meet local needs, rather than being forced into a single statewide model. Image caption: Our new temporary Glen Waverley Children’s Library is a delightful place to sit down and share a book. Come talk to us about our 2027–28 budget As we start planning the 2027–28 budget, we want to hear your ideas first.  Whether it’s the parks you walk in, the local roads you travel on, the libraries you visit or the programs you take part in, tell us what you think matters most to the Monash community.  Come and talk to us in-person: Sunday 20 September, 9am – 11am at Bunnings Warehouse, Notting Hill. Thursday 24 September, 10am – 12pm at Hamilton Place, Mount Waverley, near Son of Tucci Cafe. Or share your ideas and priorities by Sunday 11 October at shape.monash.vic.gov.au Page 3 Library construction is underway Work on the $110+ million Glen Waverley Library and Civic Precinct is gathering momentum with demolition of the old library to start in late September. There will be some increase in noise and vibrations from the demolition and excavation, but we will be monitoring works to ensure noise and dust are closely managed. A new substation, which will support a reliable power supply for businesses in the Kingsway precinct, is almost finished. The car park outside the existing Glen Waverley Library and Ibis Hotel building is now closed and will remain closed until the completion of construction in July 2028. Our nearby multi-level Bogong Car Park has more than 1,000 parking spaces available (see the back page for more information). Pedestrian access to Council offices via Kingsway will be maintained throughout construction. Follow the project www.monash.vic.gov.au/gwcp Age no barrier to compassion At 91 years of age, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ McDonald volunteers every week, helping older residents stay connected, supported and engaged. Whether offering a listening ear, providing welfare support or helping people through times of crisis, Betty’s kindness, empathy and commitment have touched countless lives. At this year’s Sir John Monash Awards, Betty was announced the overall winner of the Sir John Monash Outstanding Leadership Award as well as the Age Well Leadership category, for her 24 years of compassion and energy in supporting members of the community. Betty was one of 85 volunteers nominated across 10 categories at the annual awards, which recognise and celebrate the individuals, groups and organisations that make a significant contribution to our community. Read Betty’s story and learn more about all our outstanding winners at: www.monash.vic.gov.au/monash-awards 2026 Sir John Monash Awards winners Young Leader Award (8-14 years): David Zheng Youth Leadership Award (15-25 years): David Pouth Volunteer of the Year: Victoria Horsburgh Sustainability Leadership: Maryam Asad and Precious Plastic Monash Reconciliation Champion: Michelle King Outstanding Advocate of People with Disabilities: Nick Williamson Multicultural Champion: Elena Hong Hong Guo Inspirational Women’s Leadership: Singithi Karunaratne Age Well Leadership: Elizabeth (Betty) McDonald Active Monash: Felicia Ahumada Sir John Monash Outstanding Leadership Award: Elizabeth (Betty) McDonald Image caption: Elizabeth ‘Betty’ McDonald was acknowledged for her work in helping older residents stay connected, supported and engaged. Page 4 Monash at a glance Paying rates For ratepayers who wish to pay their 2026-27 rates in four instalments, the due date for payment of the first instalment is Wednesday 30 September 2026. Annual rate notices were issued in July 2026. If you haven’t received a notice, please contact us on 9518 3555. Clothing swap The Great Clothing Exchange (Adults, Teens and Kids) will return to Monash Civic Centre on Sunday 18 October (10am – 12:30pm). Exchange your good quality, pre-loved clothing for the same amount of pre-loved items, while enjoying some fun textile and sustainability activities. Free ticketed event, to book: Trails connected We’re about to start work on the next section of the Scotchmans Creek Trail to Djerring Trail Cycling Connection in Oakleigh, connecting two sections of the trail across the intersection of Atkinson Street, Hanover Street and Atherton Road. There will be temporary lane closures on Atherton Road and Atkinson Street. Bird flu: advice for residents Bird flu, also known as avian influenza or H5N1, is present in Monash. The risk to people in Australia remains low, but you should avoid touching sick, injured or dead birds and wildlife. If you find sick or injured wildlife, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online. If you find dead wildlife on Council land, contact Council on 9518 3555 and we will arrange disposal. If you find dead wildlife on your property, it can be left to decompose. Where it poses a safety issue or smells, you can take simple steps to remove it safely. Wear long sleeves, gloves and shoes you can clean. Use a shovel or tongs, place the animal in a leak-proof plastic bag, tie it shut, place it inside a second leak-proof bag and put it in your red-lidded bin. Wash clothes, shoes and any tools that may have been contaminated. After any contact with wildlife, wash your hands with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This article was written on 28 August. The situation is changing quickly. For up to date advice and current reporting requirements, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu   Keeping the community safe Community Safety Month returns to Monash this October. You can get involved in practical sessions and meet our local services, neighbours and community support groups. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed and valued. You can be an active participant in the creation of a safer, more inclusive community. Together, we can help create a community where people of all ages, abilities, cultures and backgrounds can thrive. View the full program at www.monash.vic.gov.au/csm Community Safety Month is a great time to meet our local services and community support groups. Page 5 Bruce still rolling along at 100 Bruce Kendrick turned 100 earlier this year and celebrated that century with his 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The party was hosted by the Mount Waverley Bowling Club - his second home since first joining 52 years ago.   “I keep as active as I can,” Bruce said. “(As well as lawn bowls) I walk around the block every day and that’s about a kilometre. I’ve got the energy. I’ve inherited some good genes.”   Social connection is also an invaluable ingredient in his 100-year recipe.   “As you get older you have to keep social contact. I do that through the bowls club and through my church. Companionship and mixing with people is very important.”   Read Bruce’s story at  www.monash.vic.gov.au/bruce-kendrick   As part of Seniors Festival, we’re holding a special Centenarian Morning Tea for residents like Bruce who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years and beyond.   If you or someone you know has turned 100, please register your details online and a member of the Monash Age Well team will be in touch: www.monash.vic.gov.au/100 Image caption: Bruce Kendrick and a 1928 Model A Ford, two fine vintage machines at Mount Waverley Bowling Club. (Right) Bruce toasts our centenarians. Seniors Festival, it’s time to get out and about Monash Seniors Festival returns in October with a diverse program of free and low-cost activities for older adults across the City of Monash.   From social gatherings and cultural experiences to workshops, nature walks and much more, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, reconnect with friends, learn something new and enjoy everything Monash has to offer.   Pick up a copy of the program in the Spring edition of PALS, available at our customer centres and libraries.  You can also browse events at www.monash.vic.gov.au/seniors-festival    Image caption: Seniors Festival will again offer a busy program of free and low-cost activities across Monash. Page 6 Chadstone’s day of family fun Chadstone’s Batesford Reserve will again come alive to the excited sounds of family fun and activities with the annual Family Fun Day making its return on Sunday 25 October. The free festival, from 10am to 3pm, will boast a jam-packed program of live performances, entertainment and family-friendly activities including kids’ craft sessions, wildlife displays, sporting activities, music and dancing. Waverley Woodworkers will again introduce basic woodworking skills to younger community members and John Watson, club secretary, said it was an event his members looked forward to every year. “We love it. We have no trouble getting volunteers,” he said. “It’s great fun, a great atmosphere, a bit of an acknowledgement that the weather is improving and it’s a great opportunity for us to engage with the community.” And younger participants take a lasting memento away from the day, one they created themselves. “We usually do a pencil box assembly,” John said. “Put some glue on it, bang in a few nails. It has proven popular every year, and we usually have a bit of a line. It’s great to see the kids get involved.” Find out more at www.monash.vic.gov.au/festivals Image caption: Always a big hit, the Waverley Woodworkers will again take part in the annual Family Fun Day. FREE Family FUN Day! Sun 25 Oct 2026 10am – 3pm Batesford Reserve, Chadstone • Live entertainment • Kids activities • Food trucks • Roving performers • and much more! Page 7 Planning out of Council hands Cr Brian Little (Mayfield Ward) Planning was the responsibility of Council, assessing proposals against the Planning Scheme. This protected creek environs, allowed greater development in activity centres, and moderate development elsewhere that respected Monash’s garden character. Today, it’s more complicated. The Victorian Government has introduced new rules for areas including the Oakleigh Activity Centre and around Suburban Rail Loop stations at Glen Waverley, Clayton, Monash and Burwood. Information is available on Council’s website: Council meetings: 28 April 2026, item 7.1.3 (Oakleigh); 25 August 2026, item 7.1.3 (SRLA). These rules allow for greater density and taller buildings in some locations. If an application meets set requirements, Council cannot further examine the proposal, including neighbourhood character which was previously fundamental. Community engagement has also changed. In Oakleigh, residents may still be notified, but there are no appeal rights if a proposal meets the relevant code. In SRL precincts, many applications are exempt from notice, objections and appeals. The emphasis on increased development means applications in some areas cannot be supported if they are considered an underdevelopment. This includes single houses and townhouses. The Minister for Planning now has a more direct role in decisions. In SRL precincts, developments worth more than $50 million, or six storeys and above, must be decided by the Minister. In Oakleigh, developers may apply either to Council or the Minister. So, will developers jump on board? There are new Infrastructure Contributions and possibly windfall gains tax implications. One proposal with strong community reaction is 51-61 Atherton Road, Oakleigh (corner of Atkinson Street). The proposed 15-storey (54m) building (pictured) is higher than the preferred height for the Activity Centre. While Council has provided comments, the decision will be made by the Minister. Next Council Meetings Tuesday 29 September, 7pm / Tuesday 27 October, 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 Car park closed The car park between Council’s offices and Ibis Glen Waverley is closed until July 2028. There is no vehicle or pedestrian access through the construction site. 1,000+ free, 2-hour and 4-hour parking spaces are available at the nearby multi-level Bogong Car Park. Contact us Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley | 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.