The City - November 2016

THE

CITY

Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine

NOVEMBER 2016

A park to call their own PAGE 5

Springvale’s new community precinct

Walk Against Family Violence

Join the recycling revolution

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Customer Service Centres Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springvale Customer Service 397–405 Springvale Road, Springvale Keysborough Customer Service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 18–34 Buckley Street, Noble Park All correspondance to: The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000 Fax: 8571 5196 www.greaterdandenong.com @greaterdandy

Welcome message Welcome to the November edition of The City magazine.

There is much to celebrate in Greater Dandenong this month, including the recent election of a new Council. While the results were not known at the time of printing this publication, the new Council will be sworn in and the new Mayor will be elected at a special meeting on Thursday 10 November. We look forward to introducing you to your new councillors next month.

The Dandenong Show will celebrate its 145th anniversary this year. Read more about this popular annual event on page 12.

National Recycling Week will also encourage the community to reduce, reuse and recycle to help save our planet. Turn to page 8 to read about the free workshops and tours Council is running.

Read more about our plans for the Springvale Community Precinct on page 3, and take a stand on violence against women by joining our Walk Against Family Violence later this month. Learn more about it on page 7.

Turn to page 9 to find out how you can join our free Spring into Summer fitness program, and learn more about our free Summer Reading Program for children on page 13.

There is always plenty to do in the City of Greater Dandenong, especially now the weather is warming up and the days get longer.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of The City and have a great November.

facebook.com/greaterdandenong citygreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 www.iprelay.com.au

My City The Dandenong Civic Centre welcomed a visitor over the last school holidays.

Leviathan the octopus took up residency on the roof as part of the underwaterthemed Children’s Festival celebrations. The tentacles were created by artist Felipe Reynolds and theatre-maker and director Ed Boyle.

TIS: 13 14 50 council@cgd.vic.gov.au

Important Numbers

Children’s Festival

Emergency calls Police / Fire / Ambulance................................... 000 Street lighting faults / non-operational United Energy............................................13 20 99 Traffic signal faults / non-operational................................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline................................. 1800 333 000 Hard Waste Collection WM Waste Management Services.................................................... 9721 1915 Australian Animal Protection Society.............................. 9798 8415 RSPCA....................................................... 9224 2222 Nurse on Call................................ 1300 606 024

www.greaterdandenong.com

Front Cover: Students from Hoa Nghiem Primary School get their hands dirty as part of Council’s Adopt a Park program.

Picture: Kylie Grinham.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

THE CITY

Tirhatuan Park totem poles There has been a changing of the guard at Tirhatuan Park in Dandenong North.

Students from Lyndale Greens Primary School recently freshened up the park’s totem poles, 10 years after students from Rosewood Downs Primary School painted the poles for the first time.

Concept for the new Springvale Community Precinct.

Springvale’s new community precinct takes shape Council has announced Lyons Architecture as the preferred company to design the new Springvale Community Precinct.

Lyons was one of three architectural firms shortlisted to provide detailed design concepts as part of a design competition for Stage 2 of the project, launched by Council earlier this year.

This significant Council investment in Springvale will see the site of the former Springvale council offices (at 397–405 Springvale Road) transformed into a world-class community facility, providing a variety of learning, leisure and cultural spaces.

The project will be delivered in two stages – the first being the redevelopment of the Springvale Town Hall and the second the construction of the Springvale library and community hub.

Stage 1 of the project has now begun with McCorkell Construction winning the construction tender to refurbish Springvale Town Hall. Work is due for completion in June 2017, and until then the town hall will be closed for hire.

Stage 2 of the project will include a modern state-of-the-art library, multipurpose community meeting spaces, outdoor green spaces and parking.

undertaken as part of the Springvale Master Plan in 2013 to assist in shaping the future of the site. He said further community feedback was also sought on the design competition brief in April.

“The Springvale Community Precinct will become the new community heart of Springvale,” Mr Bennie said.

Works will be delivered over four years to minimise potential impacts on local residents and to deliver the best possible outcomes for the wider Springvale community.

Mr Bennie said funding for the project would also be staged. He said money from the sale of Council’s disused Springvale depot would start things off, while Council would also seek government funding.

The totems are a nod to the area’s past and present role as an important ecosystem and habitat for local wildlife and feature the different flora and fauna species that call the area home.

The Grade 5 and 6 students from Lyndale Greens visited the park as part of a school research project and asked to freshen up the weathered totems.

Council provided the students with paint and paint brushes but students provided their own artistic flair and inspiration following a design competition at their school.

Why not check out the totems and have some family fun at Tirhatuan Park, which is located off Kriegel Way in Dandenong North.

Lyons Architecture are currently finalising the design plans for the new Springvale Library and community hub and are incorporating stakeholder feedback for these designs. Construction is due to be completed by early 2020.

For further information on alternative venues for hire please contact Community Facilities via email on communityfacilities@cgd.vic. gov.au or phone 8571 1436.

Greater Dandenong Council Chief Executive Officer John Bennie said extensive community consultation was

www.greaterdandenong.com

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◷ Briefs

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A simple game of tag

Dandenong Library works The regular entrance to the Dandenong Library will be closed this month while a new revolving door is installed. Works are scheduled to start on 2 November, but the library will continue to operate as usual during the works. Entry will be via the customer service area in the Civic Centre, with arrows pointing users towards the temporary entrance.

All programs will continue to run. Visit www.greaterdandenonglibraries.com.au

Discover Greater Dandenong Council has created a series of Activity Centre Profiles that provide an overview of Greater Dandenong’s three activity centres in one simple resource.

The easy-to-read profiles combine data and factual information to give a quick and comprehensive look at the city’s three Activity Centres – Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park. The profiles are designed to serve as a source of information for all, including businesses, investors, developers, real estate agents, government organisations, residents and students.

Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Signature building AY THU RSD supports sustainability

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NOVEMBER The New Australia Tax Office (ATO) at 19 George Street, Dandenong, NOVEMBER has been awarded a six star Green Star rating, meeting the highest international standards in sustainable building practice. The building also achieved a high 4.5 star NABERS rating which measures the building’s energy efficiency, water usage, waste management, indoor environment quality and impact on the environment.

Developed by epc.Pacific the ATO building is a signature building located within the revitalised central Dandenong urban renewal precinct.

Here at City of Greater Dandenong we enjoy sharing lots about our programs, events and general community through social media. We have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, which feature colourful and quirky photos and information about what is happening in our community.

Council Meetings THURSDAY

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Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month.

All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong.

The November meetings will be held: Thursday 10 November (Annual Statutory Meeting of Council for Election of the Mayor, commencing at 6pm) Monday 14 November

www.greaterdandenong.com

Search for us on all of these channels, and don’t forget to hashtag us so we can see your posts. Some of our favourites are: #greaterdandenong #mydandenong #myspringvale #mynoblepark #mykeysborough

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Monday 28 November Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our webcast service?

You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community.

To view meetings online simply go to greaterdandenong.com/ councilmeetings

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THE CITY

Local children adopt a park

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ouncil this year launched a program to help local children get their hands dirty while greening our city.

The Adopt a Park program targets kindergartens, preschools and early learning centres that don’t have room to plant trees, and lets them plant seedlings in local parklands. The students also learn about the harmful effects of litter on our environment.

The program helps children explore nature and gives ownership of local parklands back to the community.

Regular visits by the children help keep parks clean and tidy, and give council officers a helping hand.

In 2015–16 Council planted 2,569 street trees and more than 24,000 indigenous seedlings across the city.

To learn more about the Adopt a Park program phone 8571 1000.

Harry Habitat needs your help Harry Habitat is a regular visitor to Greater Dandenong events, helping to educate children about looking after our environment. But now he needs your help.

Children from Greater Dandenong’s primary schools are being encouraged to enter a banner design competition to help Harry spread his message.

…paint, virtual design, collage, drawing or anything you can imagine.

Design a pull up banner highlighting the importance of keeping litter and pollution out of our stormwater drains.

The design should include Harry Habitat, who is a 300 year old river redgum tree and explore the effect litter and pollution has on Harry, his habitat and his wildlife friends. It should also be able to be printed 85cm wide and 200cm high.

Harry Habitat

Entries are now open for individuals, groups or classes in Grade 4–6 at all Greater Dandenong schools.

Designs can be in any medium – paint, virtual design, collage, drawing or anything you can imagine.

The winning design will be printed as a pull-up banner to be used at special events. The best entry will also win a free marine wildlife experience and incursion from the Dolphin Research Institute for their whole year level.

Entries close 21 November.

Entries should be sent to amy.mcloughlin@cgd.vic.gov.au with Harry Banner Comp in the subject line.

This competition is sponsored by Melbourne Water through the Living Rivers grant.

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Working for You

Green lights cut emissions With the new technology it is expected to produce greenhouse emission savings of 39,484 tonnes over the next 22 years.

“Since the rollout of the new street lighting energy consumption has reduced by 77 per cent in the city of Greater Dandenong,” Mr Bosman said.

“A total of $7.43 million will be saved over the 20–year period through reduced energy and maintenance costs. These funds will be reinvested into the community to improve economic output.”

Greater Dandenong council has chosen to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,974 tonnes annually thanks to a new lighting project in the city.

Over 5,320 old and inefficient mercury vapour street lights have been switched to modern energy efficient LED technology, in the past 12 months.

Director City Planning, Design and Amenity Jody Bosman said this was the largest energy reduction project in council history.

Heart health ♥ Council has been recognised for putting the health and wellbeing of residents at the heart of its operations at the 2016 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards.

The City of Greater Dandenong was named the winner in the category for councils with a population greater than 25,000.

As well as reducing costs to council, which will result in improved services to all residents into the future, the installation of the new LED street lights has also resulted in safer lighting.

This project was completed in partnership with the Australian Government’s Community Energy Efficiency Program, United Energy and local Hallam-based installation company Eastern Tree Service.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ lightup to learn more about this project.

opportunities for the community – particularly families, children and young people,” Ms Jolly said.

“The Greater Dandenong Walking Strategy, which was endorsed last year, also demonstrates an increased commitment to walkability with a range of improvements and activities already in place.”

Heart Foundation Victoria CEO KellieAnn Jolly said Council was recognised for two specific initiatives.

Now in its 24th year the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards provide an opportunity for local government to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition for their commitment to creating healthier communities.

“The judges were impressed with the Ross Reserve Youth and Urban Skate Park, which has become a state of the art skate park and youth precinct that provides more social and recreational

With heart disease being the single biggest killer of Australian men and women, it is important for Council to encourage residents to be more physically active.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Taskforce to advance Indian Cultural Precinct A new taskforce has been established in the City of Greater Dandenong to help drive and promote Indian culture in Melbourne.

Last year the State Government announced Victoria’s first-ever Indian Cultural Precinct would be based in Dandenong.

Council will receive $500,000 from the State Government’s Cultural Precinct Fund to develop the precinct.

Greater Dandenong Business Group Manager Paul Kearsley said the taskforce was the next step in growing and celebrating the thriving Indian community in Melbourne’s south-east.

He said the aim of the taskforce was to create a shared community vision for the precinct.

“More than 85,000 people of Indian origin live within 20km of Dandenong’s Little India Precinct and more than 17,000 people from the Indian subcontinent choose to call the City of Greater Dandenong home.” Mr Kearsley said.

“The aim of this taskforce is to provide advice and strategic input to Greater Dandenong Council and the State Government about the precinct moving forward.”

The Indian Cultural Precinct Taskforce will include representatives from a variety of areas including business, faith leaders, community, festival and events and youth.

The taskforce will also include representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship), Places Victoria and the City of Greater Dandenong.

Community Calendar

WALK AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE The City of Greater Dandenong will once again join with the community to help change attitudes towards family violence.

The Walk Against Family Violence will be held on Tuesday 22 November, and brings together all members of the community to mark White Ribbon Day, a national campaign to stop violence against women.

Last year more than 600 people joined the march through Dandenong. This year even more are expected to take this significant public stand, sending a clear message that family violence and violence against women will not be tolerated.

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Violence against women starts with disrespect at a young age. Our children form their beliefs from the world around them – what they see, hear and talk about.

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Be p #iw art of Earlier this year Council illb the rea was recognised as a White kth solut Ribbon Workplace. It took 18 months ecy ion to satisfy the accreditation process, and cle .

Chief Executive Officer John Bennie said the whole community should be proud of the label.

“We are now officially recognised as a pioneer in contributing to a national cultural change to prevent and respond to violence against women,” Mr Bennie said.

“Our annual Walk Against Family Violence is just one facet of the work we do in trying to make our community a safer place for all.”

Family violence comes in many forms.

It can be emotional, financial, physical or sexual.

Walkers will assemble in Market Square at Dandenong Market at 10am, and will walk through the streets of central Dandenong to Harmony Square.

One time ‘Queen of Pop’ and domestic violence survivor Colleen Hewett will take part in the day. A Violence Free Families ambassador, Colleen will join the walk and then talk about her experiences and perform her song Let me Breathe.

Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Join the recycling revolution This month we celebrate National Recycling Week (7–13 November), a time to remind residents why we need to join the recycling revolution.

National Recycling Week is a Planet Ark initiative to educate communities about the real environmental benefits of recycling and to increase public understanding of how to ‘recycle right’.

By placing common household items such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, cans and jars into your yellow-lidded kerbside recycling bin you’re already helping to reduce waste, conserve energy and save money.

But as recycling technologies and practices improve there is always more to learn.

Council is committed to giving you the tools to minimise your environmental footprint by running activities during National Recycling Week that aim to demystify the recycling process and inspire you to make positive change.

For more information about any of the activities listed on this page visit greaterdandenong.com/ wasteandrecycling or phone 8571 1702 to book your place for a tour or workshop. Places are limited so bookings are essential.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Replas Plastics tour Tuesday 8 November Did you know you can recycle plastic shopping bags, bread bags, cereal bags and frozen food bags? While they can’t go into your kerbside recycling bin, they don’t need to go to landfill.

There are a range of ways to recycle soft plastics, including by dropping them back to the supermarket.

The plastics can then be turned into a range of items, including furniture, by Replas Plastics.

Join this tour of Replas Plastics, and find out more about the process of recycling soft plastics and how to get involved in community recycling programs.

The tour departs Springvale Town Hall at 10.15am and returns to the Town Hall at 1pm. Book on 8571 1702.

Declutter your home workshop Wednesday 9 November If you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of ‘stuff’ in your home, then join this workshop and find some simple solutions to help declutter your space.

Decrease your stress levels, clear your mind and save valuable time and money by learning strategies to better organise and manage your household clutter.

During this free, interactive workshop you will learn practical tips to organise your home and life.

Workshop will run at Dandenong Civic Centre from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Book on 8571 1702.

Follow Your Waste tour Wednesday 30 November If you have ever wondered what happens to your rubbish once the truck has emptied your kerbside bins, then a Follow Your Waste tour will solve those mysteries.

Learn what happens to household rubbish, how your recyclables are separated and how green waste is turned into garden mulch.

This free tour leaves Springvale Town Hall at 9.30am and returns at 3pm.

The tour includes lunch and a tour at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve in Keysborough. Book your place on 8571 1702.

Community Calendar

Spring into Summer

THE CITY

World leader in public health The City of Greater Dandenong is home to a world of food businesses.

New food businesses set up in our city every week, and we pride ourselves on helping all of these businesses meet strict food requirements. In fact the starter pack we offer new businesses has been replicated by local councils across the world.

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he warmer weather and longer days that come with spring often inspire a more active lifestyle.

Council’s second annual Spring into Summer program will offer a range of fun fitness programs and activities for free.

Available for all ages, abilities and fitness levels, this six-week program will be held at different venues and reserves across Greater Dandenong starting October 31.

This program is the ideal start for people looking to improve their fitness, meet new people and have some fun. There is everything from yoga classes in Harmony Square, to boot camp, Tai Chi, Pilates and walking groups.

Some of the classes include: Monday: Simply Fitness at Jan Wilson Community Centre 1.30pm–2.30pm Tuesday: Ramblers Walking Group at Ross Reserve 9am–11am Wednesday: Women’s Outdoor Training Fitness at Tatterson Park 1.30pm–2.30pm Thursday: Boot Camp at Pop Up Park 12.30pm Friday: Aqua Class at Noble Park Aquatic Centre 1pm Visit greaterdandenong. com.au/springintosummer for more session details.

There are more than 1900 fixed food businesses in Greater Dandenong Our Public Health Team has recently expanded to cope with the demands of new food businesses, from cafes and restaurants to manufacturers and producers.

Council’s Director City Planning, Design and Amenity, Jody Bosman said the extraordinary growth in food businesses in Greater Dandenong was expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

“We have the second highest number of food businesses in any Victorian municipality, and we pride ourselves on inspecting all of them,” Mr Bosman said.

“We want visitors to be assured that they can confidently enjoy all of the amazing cuisines that make Greater Dandenong a world food destination.”

We carry out 2400 inspections each year Council’s Food Start Program, which offers education and support for new food businesses is used by local councils across Australia. It has also been adopted for use internationally, including by the City of Dubai and Wellington Council in New Zealand.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ foodstart for more information.

Support for breastfeeding mums

work after the birth of their baby, to continue breastfeeding.

The City of Great Dandenong has committed to the benefits of breastfeeding by supporting a flexible and family friendlyworkplace and encourages other local businesses to do the same.

The Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace policy and guidelines have been developed to support this initiative.

Council has been successful in the re-accreditation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace for 2016–17 through the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

This means staff are supported and encouraged, when returning to

Council offers practical support to staff members, which can enable a partial return to work much sooner than was possible in the past.

Three sites have been set up for use by staff in a private and safe environment.

Visit breastfeeding.asn.au for further information on making your own workplace supportive of breastfeeding mothers.

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Community Calendar

Event Calendar / November 2016 MONDAY

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THURSDAY

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Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

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aby Bounce B Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Wednesday)

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et Creative – Life Drawing G Heritage Hill 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

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T ech Savvy Seniors Serbian Dandenong Library 9.30am (every Tuesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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andenong and District D Diabetic Support Group Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 2pm Ph: 9546 2346

Probus Club of Noble Park North Club Noble 10am Ph: 9546 2346

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T oddler Time Springvale and Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Monday)

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rt Series: Design a Game A Character Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8.30pm

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occer Program with S Melbourne Victory Pop Up Park, Dandenong 4pm–6pm Ph: 0403 606 042

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Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 6pm Ph: 0414 274 878 Your Home Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 8571 1702

Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920 Meeting – Election of the Mayor 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 6pm

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Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

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Neighbourhood Watch Public Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 7.30pm–9pm

oble Park Country Women’s N Association Craft Day Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 10am Ph: 9547 7261

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laygroup P Jan Wilson Community Centre 10am–12pm Ph: 9795 9279

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Jan Wilson Community Centre 7pm–8.30pm Ph: 9795 9279 Tech Tuesday Dandenong Library 4pm–5.30pm (every Tuesday)

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at Heritage Hill 6pm (every Monday) Ph: 0405 427 183

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in the Community and Workplace Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am–12pm Ph: 9795 9279

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ouncil Meeting C 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

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Evening View Club Greyhounds Entertainment 6.30pm

www.greaterdandenong.com

alk Against Family Violence W Dandenong Market 10.30am Ph: 8571 1000

Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 7.30pm Ph: 0407 325 030

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with Silvie Paladino Drum Theatre 10.30am Ph: 8571 1666

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Cat Dancers Rock ‘n Roll and Swing classes Edinburgh Hall 7.30pm–10pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 0413 393 345

Your Waste Tour Springvale Town Hall car park 9.30am Ph: 8571 1702

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Knitwork Dandenong Library 10am (every Wednesday)

with Silvie Paladino Drum Theatre 10.30am Ph: 8571 1666

Community Calendar

Contact:

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lex Wilkie Nature Reserve A Open Day Mackay Street, Springvale South 9am (every Friday) Ph: 8571 1702

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anguage Playgroup for L Families Seeking Asylum Dandenong Library 11am (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920 amily Fun at the Library F Dandenong Library 4pm (every Friday) Day Peace Concert Drum Theatre 7pm Ph: 8571 1666

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Dignity Forum Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 10.30am–4pm Ph: 5968 2664

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amily Fun at the Library F Springvale Library 11am–12pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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Show Greaves Reserve, Dandenong 9am–9pm

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e and My Dad: M Freshwater Habitat Dandenong Library 2pm–3.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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Dandenong Show Greaves Reserve, Dandenong 9am–4pm Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm

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Baby Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511 Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279 Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436 Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900

Strength Training Jan Wilson Community Centre 8.45am–9.30am Ph: 9795 9279

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City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000 Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666

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Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441

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Gold Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am–10.30am Ph: 9795 9279

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riends of Fotheringham F Reserve Pyke Street, Dandenong 10am

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Dandenong Market Ph: 9701 3850 Cultural Tours Ph: 8571 1666

Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au

Silvie Paladino

List your community event online at greaterdandenong.com/ events

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Dandenong Show

The Dandenong Show returns for its 145th year with exciting activities, entertainment and competitions.

This year’s Dandenong Show brings all new fun for the whole family, along with traditional entertainment, including fairground attractions, the popular animal nursery, show bags and a dazzling fireworks display.

The main arena will host a heap of fun and free shows, including a motorcycle stunt show, tractor pull, live acts and the Saturday night fireworks. It will also host some crazy competitions, including a gumboot throw, grocery giveaway and blokes giveaway.

If winning is your thing you can enter the traditional craft and cookery competitions, or why not try your hand at guessing the weight of the animal in the sheep pavilion for a $100 cash prize.

You could also swing by the Council tent for some free activities and show bags for the kids.

The Dandenong Show will be held at the Dandenong Showgrounds, Bennet Street, Dandenong, on Saturday 12 November, from 9am–9pm, and Sunday 13 November, from 9am–4pm.

Visit dandyshow.com.au for timetables and more information.

The Drum Poppy Day Peace Concert

Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas

Commemorate the end of World War I with a Peace Concert at Drum Theatre in Dandenong.

Join us at Drum Theatre for an early Christmas celebration with one of Australia’s greatest entertainers.

A minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is the traditional way to mark Remembrance Day. This year Variety Entertainment will also offer a musical tribute to the Armistice.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them...

This community commemoration and celebration will revisit the spirit of the Armistice in a celebration of peace and the termination of hostilities of World War I. The Poppy Day Peace Concert will be held on Friday 11 November, from 7pm. For tickets visit drumtheatre.com.au or phone 8571 1666.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Silvie Paladino has performed lead roles in Les Miserables, Cats, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia and Chess, and is a regular favourite at Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight. She was also a part of opening celebrations at Drum Theatre in 2006 and returned for 10th anniversary celebrations earlier this year.

Her show will feature hits from her musical theatre experiences as well as her favourite Christmas songs. Silvie will be accompanied on piano by David Cameron, one of the country’s most experienced musical directors.

Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas with Silvie Paladino at Drum Theatre on Wednesday 23 November and Thursday 24 November, at 10.30am.

For tickets visit drumtheatre. com.au or phone 8571 1666.

SUMMER READING CLUB!

It’s good versus bad at the library this summer, with the return of the Summer Reading Club.

Unleash your imagination as this year’s theme of superheroes and villains opens up a world of adventure for children.

Children of all ages and their families are invited to sign up for the club and discover new authors and some old favourites along the way.

Participants can record their reading list and have the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

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Community Calendar

Registrations open on 1 December. Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Abbotts Road duplication Traffic along a key freight link has been eased following the completion of the Abbotts Road duplication project.

The $5.5 million project – which was jointly funded by the City of Greater Dandenong and the Federal Government – includes the duplication of Abbotts Road between Park Drive and Remington Drive, and the Eumemmering Creek Bridge.

The Federal Government contributed $1.14 million towards the project and Aldi, whose warehouse is located next door, also contributed $280,000 to build a new section of road to connect Produce Drive with Abbotts Road.

Council worked closely with VicRoads and contractors to preserve significant trees and sites with Aboriginal cultural heritage value in the area.

...a safe travel network for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.

Dandenong South is an important destination for workers in Melbourne’s south-eastern growth corridor, and these works aim to improve access in and out of the industrial area and provide a safe travel network for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.

Immunisation Timetable – November 2016 Date

Time

Location

2 November

10am–11.30am

McFees Road Maternal Child and Health Centre, 70A McFees Road, Dandenong North

7 November

5pm–6.30pm

Springvale Service for Children, 23–28 Lightwood Road, Springvale

8 November

10am–12pm

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18–34 Buckley Street, Noble Park

10 November

10am–11.30am

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

15 November

10am–10.45am

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

16 November

4.30pm–6.30pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

23 November

10am–12pm

Springvale Service for Children, 23–28 Lightwood Road, Springvale

26 November

10am–12pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Business News

Reeling in the customers

Fish farming isn’t usually associated with civil engineers, but Andrew Grant has used his skills to build water systems and create the thriving Melbourne Barra business in Bangholme.

Melbourne Barra farms and supplies barramundi fish and other seafood, predominantly to restaurants. It recently obtained its saltwater license and now also supplies cod and abalone.

“We did some research on yabbies and began to provide them all year round as there was a shortage,” Mr Grant said. “But then the drought broke and a glut of yabbies was available. We had to think about Plan B so we got into fin fish.”

The business began to explore a relationship with restaurants and now supplies to 45 restaurants with three vans on the road.

Mr Grant made a sea change to Bangholme in 2002 for its proximity to the coast and the then proposed Eastlink.

According to Mr Grant, who employs staff with years of experience in aquaculture, it’s a delicate science incorporating water currents, sustainable

Small business support success

Entry level information sessions for start-up businesses have also been held in the Dandenong Library.

The City of Greater Dandenong in partnership with the City of Kingston launched a small business workshop and events program at the start of this year. The initiative has been voted a success by all involved with over 400 businesses having participated to date.

Commencing in February, events have been conducted at the Dandenong Civic Centre and the Kingston Council offices.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Participants have provided very positive feedback on the program with many business owners rating their experience as ‘excellent’. Most importantly participants believed the personalised workshops and events would assist them to facilitate the growth of their businesses.

In addition to these workshops, Greater Dandenong took part in the annual Small Business Victoria Festival in August. Attracting business people from all over the south east, participants were

food and chemicals to create an even fat distribution throughout the fish.

Melbourne Barra produces 50 tonnes of fish per year with the potential for 650 tonnes and is growing its overseas market comprising whole, chilled seafood, predominantly of the salt water variety.

Visit www.melbournebarra. com.au for more information.

provided information on writing tenders, top social and digital marketing tips, tips for leasing commercial spaces, and information on the forms of government assistance that are available to small business and how this assistance can be accessed.

…initiative has been voted a success by all involved…

Visit www.greaterdandenong. com/businessevents to see what other workshops and services Council provides for local businesses.

Community Community Calendar News

Graffiti Art

Mini-market moguls

brightens train corridor Council recently let students explore their creative side in a bid to reduce graffiti along the Springvale rail corridor.

The Lightwood Road Graffiti Art Program involved students from the Noble Park English Language School working with Council to create colourful murals.

The project was funded through the State Government’s Graffiti Prevention and Removal Grant, and identified the Springvale rail corridor as an area that was in need of beautification.

A team removed graffiti from fences and private dwellings along the rail corridor and attached art boards decorated by students from Noble Park English Language School.

about art. Mr Jackson’s workshops covered the impact of graffiti on a local community, ways to reduce graffiti vandalism and how the community can help reduce the prevalence of graffiti in the community.

Council organised a clean-up day at Copas Park in Noble Park earlier this year, which also addressed issues of graffiti. The clean-up gave residents a chance to learn more about how to prevent and remove graffiti in their own neighbourhood.

Over the past four years Council has removed more than 150,000m2 of graffiti from public spaces across the municipality.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ graffiti for more information.

The students created the art with the guidance of local artist Callum Jackson, who shared his expertise and knowledge

THE CITY

Dandenong Primary School’s Grade 5 and 6 students have explored the process of creating, producing and marketing their own products.

The students hosted a mini-market as part of their school studies, surveying students from Grade 3 and 4 to see what products would sell and then competing to see who could sell the most.

“These children are going to have to invent their own jobs…”

The result was an impressive array of fun and appealing items from bookmarks and fridge magnets to squishy balls and multi coloured slime.

The event was supported by four local employers who judged each team on their product design and quality, stall design and customer service.

Ray Keefe from Successful Endeavours was joined by Anthony Di Battista from Hilton Manufacturing, Marcus Barber from Looking Up Feeling Good and Chelsie Dickson from Cirque Design.

“These children are going to have to invent their own jobs so it’s great they’re thinking about this very important challenge now,” Mr Keefe said.

Dandenong Primary School looks set to produce some impressive entrepreneurs of the future if the success of this project is anything to go by.

Twilight Market

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Harmony Square will host its first ever Twilight Market to help raise vital funds for charity.

Raising vital funds for Avocare…

The market will raise funds for Avocare, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the local community through personal development, education and volunteering programs.

The Christmas Twilight Market will be filled with stalls showcasing a variety of local products, as well as family friendly activities including face painting, a balloon artist and pony rides.

The Market will be held in Harmony Square, Dandenong, on Thursday 8 December, from 4pm–9pm.

For more information search Dandenong Twilight Market on Facebook or phone 9793 9766.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Community Calendar