Page 1 Monash Bulletin February 2026 Clayton comes alive Inside this issue * Clayton Festival * Brandon Park Reserve * Electrify your home * New playspace for Hughesdale Page 2 Enjoy our newly opened cycling connection Message from Mayor, Cr Stuart James The start of 2026 has been a difficult one for many people across Victoria. Our thoughts are with people affected by the devastating bushfires across our state. We recognise the fear, loss and uncertainty so many communities are experiencing. To all volunteers and emergency services personnel, thank you for your courage, commitment and extraordinary service. Late in 2025 we opened our new Oakleigh Cycleway. This dedicated, two-way connection gives cyclists and pedestrians a safer way to move through the heart of Oakleigh. As students return to school, I am especially excited about the safer option this creates for our youngest cyclists reducing our reliance on car travel and helping families choose healthier ways to get around. New line markings along the route include green for exclusive bike lanes and yellow give way cues at shared crossings, enhancing safety for all road users. The cycleway also shifts in and out at side streets, a set-back design introduced in response to community feedback that helps drivers give way to cyclists travelling in both directions before edging forward to check for oncoming traffic. While the cycleway is open, some minor upgrades will continue, including new lighting, landscaping, consolidation of signage and works around the signalised intersections. We have plans to provide a bike-friendly crossing at the Atkinson Street and Atherton Road intersection in 2026. Until then, please use the pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights and take care of others. The cycleway will eventually link Scotchmans Creek Trail and Djerring Trail, connecting into Melbournes wider cycling network. Design work is underway on our planned extension. It has also been amazing seeing so many people at our summer events from Monash Christmas Carols through to Live at Warrawee. Next up is the Clayton Festival on Sunday 22 March. We are moving to bookable hard waste collection In 2025, we asked residents how you want hard waste collected. Based on feedback of more than 2,600 people, we are moving to booked collections from 2027. There will be no change this year hard waste will still be collected in a set week between July and September. We will confirm the date closer to the time. From 2027, you will be able to book two collections a year, giving households more flexibility. While most people (55%) preferred flexible bookings, some raised local amenity concerns. We will set rules and clear pickup timeframes to keep your streets tidy. We will also delay implementing the kerbside glass recycling service until after the Victorian Government releases its statewide standards for the service. And we will be advocating with other councils to the Victorian Government to delay or further consider the introduction of a mandatory glass bin. Learn more at monash.vic.gov.au/hw-change Page 3 We are helping you electrify your home for cheaper and greener energy Whether you are a homeowner, renter, business or landlord in Monash, we have information on how you can transition to an all-electric future for cheaper and greener energy. Through our partnership with Solar Savers, people in Monash can create a plan to electrify your home or business, starting by assessing what needs upgrading and investigating more energy efficient options. Shifting your home or business to all-electric does not need to happen all at once, so let Solar Savers guide you through the process. Visit monash.vic.gov.au/electrify-my-home for information and advice on solar power and batteries, split system heating and cooling, induction cooktops, hot water heat pumps, insultation and draught proofing and energy assessments. Clothes swap event returns
Our clothing exchange event returns to Glen Waverley Civic Centre on Sunday 15 March from 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. These events are really popular and can sell out, so book your spot and help us keep quality clothing in circulation and out of landfill. Free ticketed event. Book at
 monash.vic.gov.au/clothes-swap New pavilion completed at Brandon Park Reserve We have completed construction of a new $2.5 million pavilion at Brandon Park Reserve in Glen Waverley, providing Mazenod Football Club and Mulgrave Wheelers Hill Cricket Club with modern facilities designed to foster inclusion and participation in community sport. The pavilion features a social room, kitchen, four change rooms, first aid room, umpires room and tiered spectator seating. This is our second modular pavilion delivered and, with construction finishing in just over four months, it demonstrates how modular builds can significantly reduce disruption at sporting reserves - both for our clubs and nearby residents. The next stage of the project includes demolishing the old building and constructing a new car park. This project was delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government via the Community Support Fund. Page 4 It is Lunar New Year Glen Waverley will come alive for the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival, celebrating the Year of the Horse. Organised by the Monash Chinese Events Organising Committee with support from Council, the event will involve Lunar New Year rituals, traditions and ceremonies. Saturday 1 March 11am to 9pm on Kingsway.
lanternfestival.com.au Kindergarten open night 
 If your child is turning 3 or 4 years old by 30 April 2027, they can attend kindergarten next year. Come to our kindergarten open night on Wednesday 18 March (5.30pm-7.30pm). This is your chance to visit local Monash kindergartens and explore programs on offer before enrolments open in June. Find a participating kindergarten at: monash.vic.gov.au/kindergarten-open-night Rates reminder If you have chosen to pay your 2025/26 rates in a lump sum payment, the due date is Monday 16 February. Rates can be paid via Councils website; Australia Post; BPAY; at Council offices; or by mail. How to pay details are on the back of your rates notice.
monash.vic.gov.au/rates
 It is time to Detox Your Home Detox Your Home is back, on Saturday 18 April, at our Monash Operations Centre, next to the Recycling and Waste Centre, at 380 Ferntree Gully Road in Notting Hill. You can drop off accepted household chemicals that can not be put in bins or poured down the drain like weed killers, cleaning products and insect sprays – free of charge. Run by Sustainability Victoria, Detox Your Home is drive-through (no walk-ups) and contactless. Bookings are essential before attending. To find out what chemicals can be dropped off, and to make your booking, visit: monash.vic.gov.au/detox-your-home Exciting new playground coming to Argyle Reserve Great news for Hughesdale families Argyle Reserve is getting an exciting new playspace. The upgraded facility features play equipment, chosen with the input of local families, plus an obstacle course for older kids, where they can climb, spin and challenge themselves. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the free fitness stations and table tennis table. The accessible paths, picnic shelter and seats offer spaces to sit and relax perfect for local playdates. Construction of the upgraded playspace is expected to start in February, and we look forward to it opening in mid-2026. During the works, construction areas will be fenced for safety and some parking at the reserve will be temporarily unavailable. This project is supported by the Victorian Government. Learn more: monash.vic.gov.au/argyle-reserve-upgrade Page 5 Oakleighs summer value and summer fun It has been the biggest hit of summer and you have still got a couple of months to join all the fun of the big splash at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre. Until the end of March, it is just $2 entry to Oakleighs outdoor pools every Tuesday and Thursday (children aged four and under swim for free). The local community has flocked to the the aquatic venue over summer and, with a 150% increase in casual visits in December, on Tuesday and Thursday, compared to last year. The special summer offer is helping us to introduce more people to the facility and the benefits of staying active and enjoying the water. Grab your friends, pack your sunscreen and dive into the summer fun. Check out the latest details before you visit: Visit activemonash.vic.gov.au Repair Cafes are back Repair Cafes are a place for people to have their valued items assessed and repaired by skilled community volunteers, while also learning how to repair items themselves. Our repairers can help give your items a new lease of life and keep them out of landfill. We have eight Repair Cafes in 2026, with our first on Sunday 22 February. Repairs must be registered online prior to attendance. Visit monash.vic.gov.au/Repair-cafe for more information. Early works for major Glen Waverley project We are about to start work to prepare for our exciting Glen Waverley Civic Precinct Project, with construction of an electrical substation enclosure and relocation of the Council back-up generator underway in the Glen Waverley library forecourt area. The new substation, located close to the pedestrian entrance of Century City Walk, will support a reliable power supply for businesses and buildings in the Kingsway precinct. While construction works are being carried out, access to the library, council offices and Kingsway businesses will be maintained. Importantly, works will not impact how customers can park and access businesses from Kingsway. The library forecourt, including some of the tables and chairs, umbrellas and planter boxes, will be out of bounds for the duration of the works which are expected to be completed in July. We will share more about our Glen Waverley Civic Precinct in the coming months. Visit monash.vic.gov.au/substation for more information. Page 6 On call 24/7 and keeping the community safe Victorians have very recent experience of how high-risk weather events in the warmer months are increasingly challenging for our emergency services The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Monash Unit often needs to drop everything and spring into action. It keeps you entertained, that’s for sure, and it keeps you engaged George Haitidis - Unit Controller said. VICSES Monash Unit has volunteers trained in general rescue skills, as well as specialised skills like search and rescue, water rescue and emergency incident management. We are like the Swiss army knife of emergency services George said. But we love what we do and we make a difference. Monash Council and the VICSES Monash Unit have a strong partnership. Council supports the unit through free rental of its headquarters at our operations centre in Notting Hill and assistance with maintenance of VICSES vehicles. Read more: monash.vic.gov.au/VICSES-Monash Australia Day Honours George Haitidis was awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day honours, in recognition of his outstanding role in supporting the community and fellow volunteers in times of emergency.

More at: ses.vic.gov.au/news-and-media Gambling harm We are updating our Public Health Approach to Gambling Harm Policy. The policy outlines our commitment to minimising harm caused by gambling in our community, and will include updates on important harm prevention measures we continue to advocate for. Have your say: shape.monash.vic.gov.au/gambling
 Sign up now Be the first to know about Council news and events by subscribing to Monash Mail, our weekly email update monash.vic.gov.au/subscribe Festival fun returns to Clayton
Join us for a free community festival on Saturday 22 March 2026 from 12-5pm at the Clayton Community Centre - located in the heart of Clayton. Enjoy a host of live entertainment, free creative arts workshops, photobooth, kids zone, Youth Hub, dedicated quiet sensory space, Clayton Library Book Sale, seniors cafe, delicious food trucks, roving performers and countless community and Council stalls. We will also have a special visit by our dedicated emergency services and free pool access at Clayton Aquatic and Health Club from 1-5pm. The festival is about celebrating the diverse cultures found right here in Monash, and we welcome everyone to join us for an exciting day in Clayton This is a free ticketed event. Book at monash.vic.gov.au/festivals Page 7 Councillors Column Cr Elisha Lee (Jells Ward) Happy New Year. I am honoured to have been elected Deputy Mayor for the 2025/26 Council year. There is always something refreshing about stepping into a new year, but this one feels particularly special. I am genuinely excited to work alongside the Mayor and my Councillor colleagues as we embark on a busy and important year. Community infrastructure sits at the heart of Monashs service delivery. We are about to start tendering for the Glen Waverley Library and Civic Precinct Project, the culmination of years of careful consultation and design. Major redevelopment projects, such as recent upgrades to the Jack Edwards Reserve grandstand and Oakleigh Recreation Centre, demonstrate how Council investment delivers social dividends beyond bricks and mortar. These spaces foster community connection, intergenerational bonding and equitable access to shared resources. Monash libraries recorded 358,000 loans and hosted 2,510 events attended by more than 67,275 people, while our three Active Monash recreation centres welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors last financial year. Imagine what will be possible with our brand new Glen Waverley library space. Im also delighted to see the Brandon Park Reserve Pavilion in Jells Ward progressing so quickly. More on this cost-effective, sustainable and innovative project is on Page 5. I recently had the privilege of attending the Monash VICSES Awards Night, recognising the extraordinary efforts of our local volunteers. Together with the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Vicki Ward MP, and local MPs, we acknowledged the dedication and service of the Monash VICSES team. I also want to highlight the strong partnership between Monash Council and the Monash VICSES Unit, which ensures community safety. I thank all 68 volunteers, Unit Controller George Haitidis and Deputy Controller Kylie Trott for their incredible commitment to keeping our community safe.
 Next Council Meetings Tuesday 24 February, 7pm/Tuesday 24 March, 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 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 Monash grants closing soon Applications for our Monash Community Grants and Partnership Program will close at 2pm, Tuesday 3 March. The newly structured funding streams focus on small, medium, and large grants and are the result of a comprehensive review and community consultation to improve access to funding. Supporting information sessions are available to help plan and write applications. Learn more monash.vic.gov.au/community-grants Safety using public transport Come to the first Monash Neighbourhood Watch open meeting for 2026, where we will be joined by members of the Transit Police Unit and PSOs (Protective Service Officers). We will be chatting about simple, practical ways to stay safe while using the public transport network, and answering any questions. Everyone is welcome to join the relaxed, community-friendly session. When: 4 March 2026, 7.30pm
Where: Mount Waverley Community Centre (7 Miller Cres, Mount Waverley) Share the Dignity We are joining the fight to end period poverty this March and we need your help. Donate brand new and sealed sanitary and period products including pads, tampons, maternity pads, incontinence pads, reusable pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups. Collection bins are located at all six of our library branches, three recreation centres, Monash Youth Services and the Cabena Child and Family Centre. Find out more: monash.vic.gov.au/share-the-dignity Monash Womens Business Network Celebrate International Womens Day in March with Monash Womens Business Network. Join us for an inspiring lunch with networking and a keynote by Jo Stanley on how women in business can lead cultural change. Sponsored by PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne. When: 4 March 2026, 11.30am-2.30pm
Where: PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne,
872 Blackburn Road, Clayton Cost: $60 (includes two-course lunch) Bookings: monash.vic.gov.au/wbn before 23 February. 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.