The City September 2017

THE

CITY

Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2017

Maternal and Child Health service celebrates PAGE 3

Walk to School

Children’s Festival

Spring Festival

►► PAGE 6

►► PAGE 7

►► PAGE 9

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THE CITY

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 correspondence to: The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000 Fax: 8571 5196

Mayor ’s message Welcome to the September edition of The City.

This month we celebrate the arrival of spring. The days are getting longer and flowers are in bloom, and every year we celebrate the arrival of the new season with the Spring Festival at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve. Turn to page 9 to read more.

This year Maternal and Child Health Service marks 100 years of looking after our youngest Victorian residents. Find out more about our local service on page 3.

Mayor Jim Memeti

Get the family together for two weeks of fun during our annual Children’s Festival. The headline event of these celebrations is the Little Day Out for BIG Imaginations. Turn to page 7 to find out what’s happening.

The iconic Drum Theatre has been entertaining crowds for the past 11 years, and continues to showcase local talent and world class acts every month. Discover what’s happening at the Drum on page 8.

September really is shaping up to be a month of celebrations and I hope that you all enjoy what Greater Dandenong has to offer.

www.greaterdandenong.com @greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 www.iprelay.com.au TIS: 13 14 50

My City The Dandy Pig has been welcoming people to Dandenong since the 1950s. After 10 years in storage, the neon sign was resurrected to sit atop the Dandenong Market in 1993, and apart from being taken down during renovations, he has lit up the night sky ever since. He has also been immortalised on a stamp by Australia Post.

council@cgd.vic.gov.au

Important Numbers 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: An historical picture of mums and their babies visiting an Infant Welfare Centre in the 1960s.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

News

Maternal and Child Health service celebrates 100 years

Mums and bubs benefit from early contact with their local Maternal and Child Health Centre.

Almost all of those babies will at some point have contact with a Maternal and Child Health Nurse, with up to 10 visits scheduled in the first four years of a child’s life.

In 2017 the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service is celebrating 100 years of being a free and accessible service to all Victorians.

More than a century ago health authorities noted that about 10 per cent of children died before their first birthday and set about educating and supporting new parents to care for their children as best they could.

The City of Greater Dandenong operates 13 Maternal and Child Health Centres, which are mainly multi nurse centres, offering information and support on children’s and mothers’ health issues.

The service also helps connect first time mothers with others in the same situation, and helps refer families onto other services for further support.

Attendance is not compulsory, but is recommended to help get children off to the right start in life.

In 1917 nurses addressed issues such as sanitary conditions for looking after a baby and simple measures such as not feeding babies milk that had been left out too long.

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Nominate a great

Australian

100 years

There were 2465 babies born to parents living in Greater Dandenong during the 2016–17 financial year.

THE CITY

In 2017 our nurses offer support on a wider range of issues, including breastfeeding, healthy foods and dental health, mental health including postnatal depression, immunisations, sleep and settling issues and family issues such as domestic violence.

POPULAR GIRLS’ NAMES 1917 2017 Mary Charlotte Dorothy Olivia Edna Mia Margaret Ava Kathleen Amelia Eileen Isla Phyllis Sophia Doris Chloe Thelma Grace Joyce Emily POPULAR BOYS’ NAMES 1917 2017 John Oliver William William James Jack George Noah Arthur James Thomas Thomas Robert Ethan Frederick Lucas Charles Jackson Ronald Lachlan

Mayor Jim Memeti and the 2017 Young Leader of the Year Award joint winner Angela Beveridge.

Each year the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards recognise people in our community who are making a difference.

Nominations for the seven award categories are now open, and we invite all residents to think about the exceptional people who are making a positive contribution in Greater Dandenong.

Inspirational individuals and organisations can be recognised in these categories: ► Citizen of the Year ► Young Leader of the Year ► Volunteer of the Year ► Leadership Award ► Multicultural Award ► Sportsperson of the Year ► Corporate Citizen of the Year

C

Winners will be selected by a community panel and will be presented with their awards at Australia Day celebrations on 26 January 2018.

Nominations are open until 20 October 2017.

Visit greaterdandenong. com for more information and details of past winners.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Councillor Contacts Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 0417 320 645 youhorn.chea@cgd.vic.gov.au

Lightwood Ward Cr Sean O’Reilly 0422 523 258 sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au

Lightwood Ward Cr Loi Truong 0466 004 618 loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au

Dark eti and Cr Tim or Cr Jim Mem Fest. ay M ow , Sn em ale elh gv rin Cr Zaynoun M g visitor to Sp un yo a th wi lls make snow ba Councillors take to the main stage for the opening of Springvale Snow Fest.

(L-R) Cr Sean O’Reilly, Cr Youhorn Chea, Mayor Cr Jim Memeti, Cr Tim Dark and Cr Loi Truong.

Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM Ph/Fax: 9701 5021 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au

Paperbark Ward Cr Tim Dark 0466 403 914 tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au

Paperbark Ward Cr Heang Tak Ph: 9548 2340 0403 072 291 heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au

Red Gum Ward Cr Matthew Kirwan 0403 072 295 matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au

THU RSDAY Red Gum Ward Cr Angela Long Ph/Fax: 9795 6574 SEPTEM BER 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au

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NOVEMBER Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti – Mayor Ph/Fax: 9792 4683 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au

Silverleaf Ward Cr Zaynoun Melhem 0466 518 082 zaynoun.melhem@cgd.vic.gov.au

Council Meetings MONDAY

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SEPTEMBER

MONDAY

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SEPTEMBER

www.greaterdandenong.com

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SEPTEM BER NOJUNE VEMBER

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SEPTEM BER

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

Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast service?

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

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.

The September meetings will be held: Silverleaf Ward Cr Maria Sampey Ph/Fax: 9790 1291 0438 800 027 maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au

MONDAY TH URSDAY

Monday 11 September Monday 25 September

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

MOND

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SEPTEM BE

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Cr Zaynoun Melhem The Jan Wilson Community Centre received $300,000, which will see a refurbishment of the kitchen. Many community groups use this facility already, and a modern kitchen will make it more attractive for all.

In June Councillors voted to adopt the 2017–18 Budget, which I believe strikes a balance between keeping rates affordable and maintaining our services to the community.

I am pleased to report that Silverleaf Ward will receive funding to undertake some exciting projects that will benefit many of our residents.

The Wal Turner Reserve has also received $900,000 for an extension to the WJ Turner Pavilion. The facilities at this Noble Park North reserve do not currently meet the needs of user clubs, including Silverton Cricket Club and Masala Football Club. Works will include a refurbishment to make the facility accessible for all users, while an increase to change rooms will mean spectators and players will no longer have to share the same space.

Councillors will consider funding further works at the pavilion in future budgets, but this first stage will help players and spectators enjoy ‘game day’ even more.

Local sporting clubs play an important role in the health and wellbeing of Greater Dandenong residents.

The Noble Park Reserve will also see improvements with a $230,000 grant in the 2017-18 Budget to upgrade the cricket nets.

From helping to get people more active to providing social contact, sports clubs are often the lifeblood of communities and Council is proud to support them.

The Keysborough Bowls Club will also benefit from a $50,000 grant in this year’s Budget to renew the boundary fence and gates at the Cheltenham Road bowls club.

With this in mind, last month we officially opened the refurbished Coomoora Reserve Pavilion. The $900,000 refurbishment was the second stage of renewal works at the ground, which is home to soccer and cricket clubs. The first stage of works included better change rooms, shower and toilet amenities, as well as storerooms, a first aid room and umpires rooms. The most recent works included improved kitchen/canteen facilities, a new multipurpose space, storerooms and public amenities.

Tennis has recently been identified as one of the top 10 most popular sports played in Greater Dandenong. Players at the Rosswood Tennis Club are looking forward to resurfacing of the courts and fence renewal works with a $200,000 grant from Council. Councillors will consider further funding to help complete works at the Dandenong North-based club in future budgets.

These are just three projects that Council is undertaking across our great city to help our community be more active.

If you would like to contact me about anything you can email me at Zaynoun.melhem@ cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0466 518 082.

Cr Heang Tak

► Paperbark Ward

We appreciate the partnership between clubs and Council and will continue to foster these relationships and encourage the growth of community sport and recreation in our city including with the provision of top class sporting grounds.

► Silverleaf Ward

Under the building renewal program, $650,000 will be shared across works at the Roth Hetherington Reserve toilet block, the Noble Park Reserve toilet block and renewal works at the Noble Park Aquatic Centre.

Master Plans for Parkfield Reserve and Wachter Reserve have also been funded, to help establish future plans for these spaces.

If you would like to contact me about anything you can email me at heang.tak@cgd. vic.gov.au or phone me on 0403 072 291.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Working for You

✔︎

Make Renting Fair campaign

Smoking is off the menu New smoking laws, which came into effect on 1 August, ban smoking in outdoor dining areas.

The changes aim to protect the community from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

Council has thrown its support behind a campaign launched by the Tenants Union of Victoria, to make rent fair for all.

Walk to School month Council is encouraging school students to walk, ride or scoot to school during October as part of the VicHealth Walk to School initiative.

Local schools are being encouraged to register for the program, with individuals and schools eligible for some great prizes. Wooranna Park Primary School in Dandenong North has already registered for the program, and students are taking advantage of some walk to school bollards and maps that Council has created to help communities get more active.

Join the active travel revolution and experience a wide range of benefits for the whole community.

Walking to school is a healthy activity for the whole family, and it also reduces traffic congestion at peak pick up and drop off times, and can help connect you with other community members.

Visit walktoschool.vic.gov.au for more information and to register.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Paperbark Ward Councillor Roz Blades recently brought the issue to the attention of fellow councillors, and said the advocacy campaign was an important way for Council to support some of our community’s most vulnerable members.

City of Greater Dandenong councillors are pleased with the announcement after advocating for several years for a ban on cigarette smoking in outdoor dining areas.

The ban includes e-cigarettes and shisha tobacco, which means these products are also banned in outdoor dining areas.

Under the Tobacco Amendment Act 2016 smoking will be banned: ► At

outdoor areas of food premises during food service times, including beer gardens, footpath dining areas and courtyards

Cr Blades said Greater Dandenong’s Housing Strategy 2014-24 found that affordability was one of the biggest housing issues facing the local community.

► In

“One-third of our population are in rental properties so it is very important to make sure that they can continue to rent,” she said.

► In

“Rising property and rental prices have reduced housing affordability in Greater Dandenong and there is clearly a need for local intervention.”

The Make Renting Fair campaign comes as the Victorian Government is reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act, which controls safety, security of tenure and privacy.

Visit www.makerentingfair.org for more information about the campaign.

all outdoor areas at food fairs where the principal activity is the supply of food for consumption at the event outdoor areas within 10m of food stalls and vans at organised outdoor events including community or street festivals.

Visit www2.health.vic. gov.au/public-health/ tobacco-reform for more information.

Community Calendar

Now in its fifth year the annual Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival is celebrating an Animal Kingdom theme.

Families are invited to let their imaginations run wild over the school holidays, with a series of free and low cost events happening across the city from 23 September to 8 October.

The festival features exciting and interactive programs, activities, performances, workshops, exhibitions and events for the whole family.

Deckchair Movies Enjoy free family movies on the Urban Screen in Harmony Square every weekday of the holidays.

On Wednesday 27 September see a special screening of short films created by junior filmmakers and entered into our Short Cuts Film Festival earlier this year.

A number of deckchairs will be available for early birds. Bring your lunch or movie snacks and your own picnic rug.

★ Wednesday 27 September: Shorter Cuts ★ Thursday 28 September: The Secret Life of Pete [PG] ★ Friday 29 September: No film due to public holiday ★ Monday 2 October: The Lion King [G] ★ Tuesday 3 October: Two Brothers [PG] ★ Wednesday 4 October: Sing [PG] ★ Thursday 5 October: Bambi [G] ★ Friday 6 October: Jumanji [PG]

Kids Craft Workshops Dandenong Market will host free Crazy Creatures Animal craft workshops, where children can unleash the beast and get creative.

Every market day, from 11am–3pm, join the fun and make masks, menagerie mobiles, story board felt animal pictures and paper bag puppets.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ childrensfestival for more information.

THE CITY

Little Day Out for BIG Imaginations The headline event of the Children’s Festival is the Little Day Out for BIG Imaginations, a free family event where everybody is encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

Be ready for lots of fun with free activities, workshops, entertainment, games and sports for all ages. Explore the Animal Kingdom, and have fun with camel rides, themed art and craft workshops, circus play, an animal farm, storytelling and interactive amusements.

Enjoy live performances by The Animals of Magic Mountains and Drumming Monkeys in the Dance Circle.

Say ‘hello’ to the unique roving characters including elephant Eesha, Little Pot of Horris and dinosaur Razor the Raptor.

Little Day Out will be held on Sunday 1 October, from 11am–4pm, at Noble Park’s Ross Reserve.

★ Monday 25 September: The Wild [G] ★ Tuesday 26 September: The Jungle Book (2016) [PG]

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Schools showcase their talent at the Drum

Burchmore brings the glitz

This month seven local schools will showcase their brightest young talents on stage at the Drum.

ABBA-Solutely Fabulous will be on at the iconic Drum Theatre on Saturday 9 September, at 8pm.

Schools with their names up in lights include Sirius College, Dandenong South Primary, Berwick Lodge Primary, James Cook Primary, Rangebank Primary, Oakleigh Grammar and St Paul Apostle South.

The Drum Theatre welcomes schools who want to give their students a theatre experience, and takes bookings all year round.

…young

Sirius College’s talents on Primary Coordinator Yesmin Basturk said stage the school would be exploring the themes of the Enchanted Worlds and The Wonderful World of Roald Dahl.

“We find that our annual concerts at the Drum Theatre help to build on our students’ confidence levels and self-esteem. It allows the school, families and the local community to come together and connect positively to each other and also the children have the opportunity to connect to the music, their culture, dance and the topic which they are focusing on,” she said.

“As many children today do not have opportunities to experience live music/concerts, at Sirius College we believe that an annual school performance is vital for schools, enabling them to gain the benefits that they normally would not in the classroom.”

www.greaterdandenong.com

This month the Drum is hosting Australia’s favourite musical theatre dancing queens, Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy, for an outrageously funny romp through ABBA’s smash hits.

Star Rhonda Burchmore is looking forward to returning to the suburb, which she said holds a special place in her heart.

“I take every opportunity to visit, I’m a regular at the Indian and Afghani eateries and I love a couple of Dandee Donuts on market days,” Burchmore said.

She considers the Drum central to the Dandenong experience.

“It’s a privilege to perform in such a magnificent and historical theatre.

The venue is state of the art and the audiences here are warm and generous.

“Dandenong is a vibrant cultural hub with so much to offer.”

With their platform boots, lycra cat suits and big hair this dynamic duo take an outrageously funny romp through ABBA’s smash hit songs, and will have the audience dancing in the aisles.

Visit drumtheatre.com.au or phone 8571 1666 for information and tickets.

Community Calendar

Campaign for better transport options

THE CITY

Spring Festival

Spring Opening Festival Cr Roz Blades (far right) with members of the Eastern Transport Coalition.

Greater Dandenong commuters are being encouraged to get involved in the Commuters Count campaign.

The campaign is led by the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) which consists of seven local governments including Greater Dandenong, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges.

The Coalition advocates for accessible and integrated public transport to improve liveability and reduce car dependence for more than one million people who live in these local government regions.

Melbourne Writers’ Festival The 2017 Melbourne Writers Festival will run until Sunday 3 September and will connect readers, writers and thinkers in a celebration for everyone who reads.

For the second year the City of Greater Dandenong is hosting events as part of the festival.

The Commuters Count campaign has brought together 50 individual transport projects that the seven ETC member councils have identified as priorities for their communities, and is calling for commuters in the region to share their own transport stories via social media.

The campaign recognises improvements are needed on the public transport system, the road network and the walking and cycling network across the suburbs.

If you want to share your story about congestion and lack of local services then you can email info@etc.org.au or search @commuterscount on Facebook and Twitter.

Two of the events on Saturday 2 September feature some of Australia’s most talented storytellers. Join Tom Keneally and Meg Keneally for a Literary Lunch at Dandenong Library, at 12.30pm, or get along to a spoken word evening at Walker Street Gallery featuring some entertaining and emerging artists at 6.30pm.

Visit greaterdandenong libraries.com.au for more information.

The days are getting longer, animals are out and about and the flowers are in bloom.

Spring has sprung, and Council is inviting the community to celebrate at the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve’s Spring Festival.

The reserve closes for winter, and every spring we celebrate the new season with a fun day for the whole family.

Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve is one of the last remaining examples of remnant vegetation within Greater Dandenong and gives visitors a vision of what the landscape was like prior to European settlement.

Celebrate the Spring Opening Festival on Saturday 2 September, from 11am–3pm, with tree plantings, a free barbecue, and other activities including an animal show and mini steam train rides.

The reserve is now open to the public every Friday, from 9am–3pm, and the third Sunday of each month, from 10am–5pm.

You can also book the reserve at other times free of charge.

Parking is available in Mackay Street and Harold Road, Springvale South.

Bookings for the Spring Festival are essential.

Phone 8571 1702 for information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Community Calendar

Event Calendar / September 2017 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Dandenong Food Lovers Tour

Tree planting

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► Combined

Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park, 10am Ph: 9546 2346

► Dance

with Chunky Move The Castle, 61 Princes Highway, Dandenong 6pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Sewing

Basics: Make Felt Mobiles Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 8571 1666 Evening View Club Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street 7pm, Ph: 9560 9717

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

► Combined

Probus Club of Sandown Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park, 10am Ph: 9791 6807

► Springvale

Men’s Group Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Avenue, Springvale 9am–12pm Ph: 9548 3972

► Art

Series Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8pm Ph: 1800 630 920

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► Learn

► Art

English – Be Work Ready Springvale Neighbourhood House Learning Centre, 1–3 Lightwood Road Springvale 4pm–5.30pm (every Monday)

Help for Adults Dandenong Library 1pm–3pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Introduction

to iPads Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8.30pm

► Council

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

www.greaterdandenong.com

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► Vocational

Education and Training (VET) Support Program Dandenong Library, 10.30am–1pm Ph: 1300 630 920 Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 6pm Ph: 0414 274 878

► Dandenong

Food Lovers Tour 6pm–8pm Ph: 8571 1377 Hour Dandenong Library 6pm–7pm

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► Greater

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

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► Multicultural

Women’s Sewing Group Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46–50 Queens Ave, Springvale 9am–12pm (every Thursday) Ph: 9548 3972

► Intro

to Web Design Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8.30pm (every Thursday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Conversation

► Zumba

► Deckchair

► Shorter

Movie: The Jungle Book (PG) Harmony Square, Dandenong 12pm

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

► Reading

Studios spoken word workshop Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Circle – Advanced Dandenong Library 6pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Dandenong

► Noble

► [SUB]URBAN

Series Springvale Library 6.30pm–8pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Dancing Keysborough Senior Citizen’s Hall, 352 Cheltenham Road 8pm (every Thursday) Ph: 0428 549 995

Word workshop Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Library

► Ballroom

► Spoken

to Graphic Design Springvale Library 6.30pm–8.30pm (every Wednesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, 7pm

Toddler Time Springvale and Dandenong libraries, 10.30 (every Monday) Ph: 1300 630 920

Hill Museum and Historic Garden Tour 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10am, Ph: 8571 1666

Painting Class Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Avenue, Springvale 1.30pm (every Thursday) Ph: 9548 3972

► Heritage

► Intro

► Council

Social Knitwork Dandenong Library, 10am (every Wednesday)

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► Chinese

► The

► Dandenong

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► Noble

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Gold Jan Wilson Community Centre 10.30am (every Wednesday) Ph: 9795 9279 Cuts Film Festival Harmony Square, Dandenong 12pm

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► Planting

Under the Stars Pencil Park, Hidden Grove Boulevard, Keysborough 5pm–7pm Ph: 8571 1702

► Conversation

Circle – Beginners Dandenong Library, 6pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Community Calendar

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

► Introduction

to painting

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► Coding

Through Curriculum Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Saturday) Ph: 1300 630 920

Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10.30am–12.30pm Ph: 8571 1666 ► Bollywood

Dancing Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46–50 Queens Avenue, 3pm Ph: 9548 3972

Playgroup for families seeking asylum Dandenong Library 11am Ph: 1300 630 920

Festival Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Mackay Street, Springvale South 11am–3pm Ph: 8571 1702

► Me

and My Dad: Rockpool Discovery Dandenong Library 3pm Ph: 1300 630 920 Drum Theatre 8pm Ph: 8571 1666

of Mercy English Tutoring Dandenong Library 9am–11am (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920

► Learn

Lion Dance Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Avenue, Springvale 1pm–3pm (every Sunday) Ph: 9548 3972

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► Springvale

Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm Ph: 0425 806 006

Fabulous

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► Sisters

Dandenong Environment Group Dandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, Dandenong North 9.30am, Ph: 8571 1702

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► ABBA-Solutely

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► Greater

► Spring

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► L anguage

Contact:

SUNDAY

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Chi for Everybody Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Avenue, Springvale 3pm–5pm (every Sunday) Ph: 9548 3972

► Art

Club Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street Dandenong 10.30am–12pm Ph: 8571 1666 Watch Greater Dandenong Social Event Noble Park RSL 6.30pm Ph: 9548 3570

City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000 Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666 Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511

► Tai

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THE CITY

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► All

Nations Social Cricket Dandenong Park, Pultney Street, 12pm (every Sunday) Ph: 0430 783 526

Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279 Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436 Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920

► Neighbourhood

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► Baby

Bounce at Springvale Library 10.30am (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920

► Seniors

GRAND FINAL EVE PUBLIC HOLIDAY Dandenong Market open 7am–5pm

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► September

Latin Festival Sandown Racecourse 11am–1am

Multicultural Dance Springvale Town Hall 7pm Ph: 8571 1666

September 24 Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm Ph: 0425 806 006

Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441

► Springvale

► Love

and Devotion Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

► September

Latin Festival Sandown Racecourse 11am–10pm

Greater

Dandenong Children’s Festival starts

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Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900

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

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

► Chinese

Mandolin Music Group Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Ave, Springvale 1pm–3pm Ph: 9548 3972

Pencil Park

List your community event online at greaterdandenong.com/ eventlistings

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Residents may have noticed new furniture adorning Harmony Square over the past few weeks.

Visit the Square and stay longer

Council is running a trial with tables, chairs and bench seats to encourage people who visit the square to stay longer.

You could come and eat your lunch, grab a book from the library or just catch up with friends.

Take a seat in Harmony Square Level crossing information hub Work continues on removing the level crossings in Noble Park, with car park closures and changes to pedestrian access affecting traffic through the suburb.

With Noble Park Station being rebuilt and the train lines being lifted above ground level, there are a lot of changes happening around the Heatherton Road precinct.

The Mons Parade car park is closed and some parks have been closed in the Douglas Street car park, but an additional 166 parking spaces have been added at Sandown Park.

A Noble Park Information Hub has been set up to help residents understand the impact of the project and timelines for completion. You can chat to the Level Crossing Removal Authority and stand on the viewing platform to get a bird’s eye view of the project.

The hub is set up in the Noble Park Station car park in Douglas Street and is open every Tuesday from 9am–5pm, every Wednesday from 3pm–7pm and every second Saturday (from 2 September) from 9am–1pm.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ levelcrossingremovalproject for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

The 16 week trial period will see if people are using the new furniture and whether or not it would be beneficial to provide furniture in the square on a permanent basis.

Visit greaterdandenong.com to have your say.

Safety on the internet Greater Dandenong Libraries are fully accredited as eSmart Libraries.

This means the Dandenong and Springvale libraries are set up to equip staff and visitors with the skills they need for smart, safe and responsible use of technology.

Our libraries offer free use of computers and iPads for members attending the library, and run information sessions and workshops to encourage cyber safety.

Here are some tips from the Australian Federal Police to help you navigate online activity safely: ► Use

a strong password, including upper and lower case letters, symbols and numbers

► Don’t

believe everything you read, make sure the source is reliable

► Don’t

give out any private information over the internet about you, your family or friends

► Think

before you send

► Make

sure your social network profile is private

► Don’t

click on any links that are embedded in emails – type the URL into the browser and go from there.

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Community Calendar

THE CITY

Immunisation in Greater Dandenong The City of Greater Dandenong provides vaccinations to more than 10,000 children and adolescents each year.

Over the past five years, Council has seen immunisation rates grow to be consistent with the Victorian average across all age groups.

We are actively involved in education and raising awareness of the importance of immunisation across the wider community and focus on newly arrived families through targeted services.

The City of Greater Dandenong offers the only school based ‘catch up’ service in the state. The service is offered at the Noble Park English Language School and vaccinates more than 300 refugee and asylum seeker children each year.

Council was recently successful in obtaining a grant from South Eastern Melbourne Public Health Network (SEMPHN). The purpose of this grant is to improve childhood immunisation coverage rates across Melbourne’s south east.

As part of the grant Council will implement the following initiatives: ► Expansion of immunisation ‘catch up’ sessions in Springvale for newly arrived families ► An immunisation referral service and information hotline to support doctors providing immunisation catch up in Greater Dandenong ► Home visiting services for vulnerable families.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/immunisation for more information about vaccinations and immunisation services.

…raising awareness of the importance of immunisation

Meningococcal vaccine for teens A free meningococcal vaccine is being offered to people aged 15–19 through secondary schools, Council immunisation sessions and GPs until the end of this year.

The vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal, all of which are most commonly carried by 15–19 year olds.

Vaccinating against the disease helps protect yourself, your family and your community.

A meningococcal infection can develop very quickly and survivors often lose fingers, toes or limbs.

The disease can even lead to death in about 5–10 per cent of cases.

Visit greaterdandenong. com/immunisation for more information or phone 8571 1000.

Immunisation Timetable – September 2017 Date

Time

Location

Monday 4 September

4.30pm–6.30pm

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

Tuesday 12 September

10am–11.30am

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

Wednesday 13 September

4pm–6.30pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Monday 18 September

1pm–1.45pm

Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North

Monday 18 September

4.30pm–6pm

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

Saturday 23 September

10am–11.45am

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Wednesday 27 September

10am–11.30am

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Business News

Business community connects through SEBN The South East Business Networks (SEBN) offers local businesses a chance to network through a range of events and workshops held all year round.

SEBN has been operating for more than 22 years and offers unique opportunities to learn, connect and support business on all levels.

Network groups include: ► Manufacturing Leadership ► Workplace Health and Safety ► South East ‘Quality’ Network ► Export and Globalisation ► Manufacturing Xcellence ► Building Future Leaders ► SEBN Women Every year SEBN hosts Showcasing Women in Business events, which bring together women from all walks of business life to share and celebrate their success.

At these events, often run as a breakfast or lunch, guest speakers share their own journeys to success.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Recently SEBN and the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce held a lunch with guest speaker Chyka Keebaugh. Known for her stint on reality show Real Housewives of Melbourne, Chyka is a highly successful businesswomen.

She shared her journey to becoming Director of The Big Group, one of Australia’s largest privately owned catering and event management companies.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ business to find out more about SEBN events and networking groups.

One Percent Project Council is committed to taking a proactive approach to addressing unemployment levels in Greater Dandenong and last year trialled the One Percent Program.

The project, run in conjunction with Chisholm Institute and local employment providers aims to support employers to recruit one per cent of their workforce from the local talent pool who are facing barriers to joining or re-joining the workforce.

The trial was so successful that the full project was launched earlier this year.

There are many ways for employers to support the One Percent Project, from providing work experience for a jobseeker without any local work history, to releasing staff to help a new arrival develop their language skills.

Employers can also recruit their next staff member from the pool of talent – the opportunities are endless.

Email onepercentproject@ cgd.vic.gov.au to get involved or find out more.

Community Community Calendar News

Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Watch Greater Dandenong works with local police and Council to improve perceptions of safety across our city.

The group operates a Facebook page, holds regular meetings with guest speakers on different topics and is always looking for volunteers to help support the organisation.

THE CITY

Latin Festival

The next Public Forum and Information night will be held at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18 Buckley Street, Noble Park, on Wednesday 20 September, at 7.30pm. The session will combine with the group’s Annual General Meeting and the guest speaker will be Senior Sergeant Ivan Petrunic.

T he group also distributes an electronic newsletter to those who are interested. For more information or to sign up for the newsletter email Dawn Vernon on president@ nhwgreaterdandenong.org or phone 0407 325 030.

Healthy cooking classes A free healthy cooking program is offering participants a fresh way to look at health and fitness.

Running in Springvale until November, the once a month classes will teach you how to improve your health with a plant based diet.

Each class consists of a short lecture and a cooking demonstration. Taste the food and meet new people.

Classes will be held on 4 September, 2 October and 6 November, at 7pm, on the corner of Sullivan and Nash streets, Springvale. Phone 0452 586 907 or email rose.delac@ec.vic.edu. au for more information.

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The September Latin Festival showcases the most vibrant and loved parts of the Latin culture.

Celebrate Latin culture

The annual festival allows the Latin community to celebrate, preserve and share its traditions with the wider community across the two day event to be held at the Sandown Racecourse on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September.

It brings together community groups demonstrating Latin American cuisine, and a variety of cultural aspects such as art, dance, music and language.

With a strong presence of multicultural groups, the festival brings together people to exchange knowledge with the aim to assist and further develop the community at large.

The festival attracts more than 15,000 people from across the country, and represents more than 20 Latin American countries.

Children will be engaged in the Kid’s Corner, while senior members of the community can visit the Senior’s Hub and the younger generation will find inspiration at the Young Latin Time area. Exceptional cooking demonstrations will also be a feature.

The event has been attracting crowds for more than 20 years and attracts more than 40 community groups who will perform across three entertainment stages.

The festival will also feature 50 small business stalls and 15 community stalls, as well as more than 40 community groups and organisations that will be volunteering to help the event run smoothly.

Visit septemberlatinfestival.com.au for more information and to purchase tickets.

We accept submissions for the Community News page in The City every month.

Email us at news@cgd.vic.gov.au to share your story.

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23 September – 8 October 2017 Events • Exhibitions • Activities • Performances • Games • Workshops

Headline event:

Little Day Out

1 October, 11am-4pm, Ross Reserve, Noble Park

greaterdandenong.com/childrensfestival 8571 1000 Media partner