Page 1 Monash Bulletin March 2026 Shaping a climate resilient Monash Inside this issue - Recycled road materials - Keeping Monash green - Starting a business? - Have your say Page 2 Hard waste - your questions answered Message from Mayor, Cr Stuart James
 Hard waste is an important Council service, and planned changes from 2027 have prompted questions. First up: nothing changes this year. Your 2026 hard waste will still be collected during a set week (likely July-September). Well confirm dates closer to the time. From 2027, Council will move to a booked hard waste service. The aim is flexibility - especially for renters, households with limited storage, or anyone moving house or doing a clean-out. Under the new system, households will be able to book two hard waste collections each year, so you can arrange a pick-up when you need it. Ive also heard concerns about clutter and items sitting out longer or spreading onto nature strips. Before we make the change, well clearly communicate timeframes for putting items out when you book a collection and monitor the rollout so we can make changes if needed. Were also reviewing what has (and hasnt) worked at other councils to avoid the pitfalls. On recycling, Council has decided not to progress the introduction of a purple glass bin until the Victorian Government releases statewide standards. Councils shouldnt be required to roll out another bin without clear rules, proven outcomes and a fair funding model. Were also calling on the State to expand the Container Deposit Scheme to include larger glass bottles, such as wine bottles, before adding a fourth bin. If you agree, please contact your local State MP. In my view, if were going to introduce a fourth bin, soft plastics kerbside collection is a bigger priority than glass. Want to get involved? Councils community advisory groups bring local expertise into decisions across community wellbeing, climate resilience, access and inclusion and more. Details: monash.vic.gov.au/committees Get out and get fit with outdoor classes Our free and low-cost fitness classes are helping Monash residents move more and feel better. The program is welcoming people of all ages and abilities to connect with others and enjoy our local parks and gardens. Classes range from circuit workouts and yoga to gentler options for older adults and social walking groups, making it easy to find something that suits your pace and lifestyle. "Weve loved seeing the program grow in Glen Waverley and Clayton," said Adam Merrifield, Active Communities and Fitness Coordinator. "Its about feeling comfortable, staying active and having fun, with our team there to support you." The program runs year-round, with free and $5 sessions available. Sign up for weekly updates at monash.vic.gov.au/subscribe to see whats coming up near you. Page 3 How we care for Monashs trees Trees are essential to what makes Monash a great place to live. They cool our neighbourhoods, improve air quality, make our streets more walkable and protect the garden character our community values. We manage thousands of trees across Monashs streets, parks, reserves and bushland. This includes regular inspections, pruning to keep them healthy, responding to storm damage, and managing tree roots where they affect paths and roads. In 2024/25, we planted more than 140,000 trees and plants to grow Monashs urban forest and increase tree canopy, and were working hard to do this again in 2026. This long term investment helps reduce heat in our suburbs, supports biodiversity and ensures future generations benefit from leafy streets and green spaces. Want to know more?
Visit monash.vic.gov.au/tree-care Recycling our roads Asphalt in Coleman Parade, Glen Waverley is being reused to reconstruct the road in a first for Monash Council. Instead of sending materials to landfill, the existing asphalt is reused, combined with recycled crushed concrete from a nearby shared path, and rebuilt in place to form the new road base. This approach reduces waste, cuts transport impacts and lowers carbon emissions associated with producing new asphalt and concrete, which is one of the most carbon intensive parts of road construction. The result is a smoother road and a more sustainable outcome, delivering benefits for both the community and the environment, and marking a proud milestone for Monash. Climate resilience Building a resilient and sustainable Monash relies on Council and our community working together and we want your feedback on whether our draft plan has the right focus. Our goal is to ensure that Monash is better prepared to adapt and thrive in a changing climate and our draft plan outlines how we will work with our community to respond to the impacts of a changing climate, future-proof our places and spaces, and continue to reduce emissions. Have your say before Sunday 5 April at 
shape.monash.vic.gov.au/climate
for your chance to win a $100 waste disposal voucher or a free home energy assessment. Page 4 Monash at a glance Anzac Day Join your local RSL branches to reflect and pay your respects to Australians who served and died in war and operational service. Commemorative services will be held at Glen Waverley, Clayton and Oakleigh. monash.vic.gov.au/anzac-day Nature Stewards Want to get involved in caring for nature in Monash? Nature Stewards is a 10-week program that builds your knowledge and skills through guided learning and hands-on activities. Applications close 29 March. monash.vic.gov.au/nature-stewards SRL works Victorian Government construction on the Suburban Rail Loop is continuing in Clayton, Glen Waverley and around the future station near Monash Universitys Clayton campus. For updates on works and timing, visit: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/srl Repair cafe We hold regular Monash Repair Café events where you can have your valued items assessed and repaired by skilled community volunteers. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter to be the first to know of upcoming dates. monash.vic.gov.au/subscribe Pathway projects ready to roll Work is about to start in Chadstone and Mount Waverley to improve walking and cycling paths, making it easier and safer to enjoy the great outdoors in Monash. An upgrade of the Scotchmans Creek Trail in Chadstone will help with increased traffic in this location. Works include replacing the path with a wider concrete shared pathway. Well also be constructing the next section of the Waverley Rail Trail shared path from Jordanville railway station to Alvie Road in Mount Waverley. This will improve connectivity and safety along the popular rail corridor by creating a 3m wide concrete shared path, fencing and gates to separate it from the railway line and traffic safety measures at driveways and road crossings. Planting and landscaping works will also take place. These works build on the separated cycleway through the heart of Oakleigh that opened late last year: monash.vic.gov.au/oakleigh-cycleway Animal Registration due 10 April Renew or register your pet to help us reunite you if you get separated. Monash.vic.gov.au/animal-registration Page 5 Start warming up for winter sport Youve packed away your summer sports equipment and its the perfect time to start looking ahead for a sporting pursuit for the coming winter season. Monash has 600 hectares of parks, gardens and reserves as well as excellent indoor sporting facilities catering for winter pursuits including football, soccer, rugby, baseball, netball, softball, basketball, golf and many more. Our online community directory is the perfect place to start looking. Sporting clubs can also update their listing, or include their information for the first time. monash.vic.gov.au/community-directory Library strategy We are developing a new strategy for libraries in Monash and we want to hear from you. Were exploring how people use our libraries, what you value most and what your ideal library service of the future looks like. Your insights will help shape our direction and will ensure Monashs libraries continue to meet the needs of the community. Tell us what you love about our libraries, and what youd love to see more of, before Sunday 5 April. shape.monash.vic.gov.au/library-strategy New design for a safer Hamilton Place car park We are redesigning the Hamilton Place car park in Mount Waverley to create a safer and more user-friendly space for the community. The Mount Waverley Structure Plan, adopted by Council in 2021, included actions to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety throughout the centre. We want to hear your thoughts on the proposed concept design, which includes the car park layout, changes to entries, wider footpaths and safer pedestrian areas, as well as trees and landscaping. See the plans, provide your feedback and help us shape the future of Hamilton Place, by Friday 24 April. shape.monash.vic.gov.au/hamilton-place Page 6 Working to keep our waterways healthy Just 500 metres from busy Kingsway, Bogong Reserve in Glen Waverley offers a bushland setting with wetlands, a playground and an off-leash area for dogs. The reserve is also home to a sediment pond that plays an important role in treating stormwater runoff - capturing litter and debris that washes off our streets before it enters our creeks and wetlands. The pond is nearly full, so work is underway to clean it out. Works are expected to be completed in mid-April, with follow up planting to occur where needed during the winter months. Read more: monash.vic.gov.au/healthy-waterways Coded Blooms at MAPh The Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) in Wheelers Hill is currently featuring an exhibition, CODED BLOOMS, with works by American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Mapplethorpes flower photographs form the exhibitions conceptual anchor and are drawn from the collection of the National Gallery of Australia. Soft in appearance yet potent in meaning, flowers are among art historys great deceivers. The exhibition is underway at MAPh (860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill) until 24 May. maph.org.au Start or grow your business Our successful Start Up, Invest and Grow program returns in May, with a month of events for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to build skills, network and stay ahead in todays fast-moving world. As Victorias second-largest employment hub, Monash is home to leading innovation centres and precincts. Start Up, Invest and Grow gives you access to these powerful networks and expertise. Chaminda De Silva, Director - Sales and Marketing for Softlogic Australia (pictured above), said last years event was an outstanding success. “The program brought together the vibrant business community within Monash,” he said. “It offered valuable insights into new marketing and digital strategies to elevate businesses to the next level.” Our 2026 program includes a crash course for startups, insights into AI research at Monash University, a tour of world-class health innovation centres such as the Victorian Heart Hospital, and workshops on marketing and branding. Find one that suits your business at: monash.vic.gov.au/start-up-invest-grow Page 7 Library and civic precinct update Councillors Column: Cr Geoff Lake (Gallaghers Ward) In my previous Bulletin update, I reflected on how Glen Waverleys activity centre has evolved over recent decades - from a quiet retail strip to the major hospitality, entertainment and shopping precinct it is today. The next chapter in Glen Waverleys evolution is underway. Our Glen Waverley library is at capacity and, with population expected to grow as new housing is delivered around the Suburban Rail Loop, we need to invest in its future. Work is progressing to deliver a modern library to meet the needs of our growing community, partnered with events and meeting spaces and outdoor areas to deliver community spaces for gathering, meetings, resources and study. Final design work is being informed by community feedback, with a focus on functionality, sustainability and how the precinct integrates with Kingsway and the future Suburban Rail Loop station. Essential power relocation works and upgrades are underway at the front of the library to prepare the site. These works are setting the project up for successful delivery, and making sure the Kingsway area has secure power now and into the future. The next major stage is going to tender to appoint a construction company, which will happen in the coming months. Construction is set to start in the second half of this year and we will need to temporarily relocate our Glen Waverley library services while we do this work. Visit monash.vic.gov.au/library for more information. This work means Glen Waverleys new library and civic precinct is expected to be completed and open in the second half of 2028, a milestone that will shape the area for generations to come and prepare us for the exciting future of the Victorian Governments Suburban Rail Loop transport hub. Next Council Meetings Tuesday 31 March, 7pm and Tuesday 28 April, 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 Rhythms of Monash Clayton Theatre will come alive on Friday 27 March from 10.30am, featuring the powerful sounds of African drumming, the energy of Greek dance and culture, and the elegance of Chinese dance and song. Register at monash.vic.gov.au/rhythms Return of Comic Con Monash Comic Con returns to Wheelers Hill Library on Saturday 11 April packed with activities and experiences for kids, teens and adults. Enjoy workshops, cosplay, virtual reality and character meet and greets. Find out more: monlib.vic.gov.au/comic-con Emerging artist Join us for an exciting solo exhibition by Sophie Zelder, Mokolito to Woodcut: From Lithographic Line to the Clarity of the Cut. Sophie is a Monash-based, emerging artist and winner of our 2025 FAS Awards. Her work is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of finding the universe in a blade of grass, drawn from close observation of her own garden during recent quiet years. The exhibition will run in the Civic Gallery, in the foyer of the Monash Civic Centre in Glen Waverley, until April 10. This is a free event. More at monash.vic.gov.au/sophie 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.