Greater Dandenong Council News July 2019

w JULY 2019

Greater Dandenong Council News

Springvale Snow Fest PAGE 7

Budget 2019–20

NAIDOC Week

School Holidays

►► PAGE 3

►► PAGE 7

►► PAGE 12

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Council News

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: Greater Dandenong Council News PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000

Mayor ’s message Welcome to the July edition of our monthly council news publication.

You may have noticed some changes to the cover of this edition. We have renamed the magazine to Greater Dandenong Council News. This change reflects our desire to make sure our community understands that this magazine is Council’s tool to share our latest news and views.

This time of year is very busy for Council. We have recently adopted the 2019-20 Budget and you can read more about this on the opposite page.

Mayor Cr Roz Blades AM

One of Council’s most popular community events is held this month. Find out more about Springvale Snow Fest and why more than 40,000 people are expected to attend, on page 7.

Read about some vibrant additions to Foster Street and some changes to parking in Lonsdale Street on page 8.

Fax: 8571 5196

If you have children on school holidays this month then turn to page 12 and check out all the wonderful activities on offer.

www.greaterdandenong.com

I hope that you enjoy reading this edition of the Greater Dandenong Council News and find something fun to do in our great city.

@greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 relayservice.gov.au TIS: 131 450 council@cgd.vic.gov.au

My City Winter is a beautiful time to explore the parks and gardens around Greater Dandenong. Braving the cooler weather can give you the opportunity to see some beautiful plants and seasonal wildflowers, as well as appreciate the native habitat of wildlife and birdlife. Greater Dandenong is home to wetlands, bushlands and recreational reserves that give every resident the chance to get out in nature.

Visit greaterdandenong.com to explore some of these gems.

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: Luba and Noah Micallef rug up in preparation for Springvale Snow Fest 2019.

Photo: Hilton Stone.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Council News

Budget 2019–20

Balanced Budget The City of Greater Dandenong’s 2019–20 Budget is a balance of current commitments and investment in new priorities.

on individual rates notices as the cap applies to the total amount Council can collect from rates and not each individual property.

Council adopted the Proposed Budget at the June 11 Council Meeting following a period of community consultation.

This year Council has moved to an annual system of valuations. This change brings Council in line with State Government changes introduced from 1 July 2018.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Roz Blades said the 2019–20 Budget was a financially responsible plan for the city.

“This Budget helps to maintain Council’s healthy financial position, while investing in the future of our city and its residents,” Mayor Blades said.

► $22.11

million Springvale Community Precinct

► $5

Visit greaterdandenong.com for full details.

million Greater Dandenong Gallery of Art

► $4.43

million for road renewal

► $3.43

Masonic Hall

million Ross Reserve Master Plan implementation including construction of an All Abilities Playground

► $2.91

million for building renewal

► $2.65

million Tatterson Park Master Plan implementation and car park construction

“The 2019–20 Budget builds on the strong capital investment of the past few years, with an extensive capital works program worth $69 million.”

► $2.15

million on sports ground lighting

► $1.89

“The most significant project is the Springvale Community Precinct of which $22.1 million is allocated in this budget and it is expected to open in early to mid2020. A further $5 million will see the commencement of stage 1 construction of the Dandenong Art Gallery in the old Masonic Hall, and $2 million will go towards construction of the All Abilities Playground in Ross Reserve.”

Average rate values will increase by 2.5 per cent, keeping in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government.

This actual figure may not be represented

Key features of the Budget

million for drainage works

► $1.5

million Dandenong Park Master Plan implementation

► $1.22

million Chapel Road traffic lights and road upgrade

► $1

million Keysborough South Community Hub

► $1

million Springvale Road Boulevard Project

► $1

Tatterson Park

million Frederick Wachter Reserve Master Plan implementation

Sprinvale Community Precinct

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Council News

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

Cr Angela Long, Aunty Helen Bnads, Mayor Roz Blades and Cr Matthew Kirwan (top photo) celebrated Reconciliation Week at Dandenong Library on Tuesday 28 May. Children from several local schools attended the celebrations which included a smoking ceremony and didgeridoo demonstration in Harmony Square by local Aboriginal man Jesse Gardiner.

A special storytime followed, with children sharing in a dreamtime story.

Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM – Mayor Ph/Fax: 9701 5821 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 Sophie Tan 0466 793 727 sophie.tan@cgd.vic.gov.au

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

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

Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti 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

MONDAY

TH URSDAY

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Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month, at 7pm.

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

The July meetings will be held:

www.greaterdandenong.com

NOVEMBER

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The general public is always welcome to attend meetings, but did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast 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.

Monday 8 July Monday 22 July

Silverleaf Ward Cr Maria Sampey Ph/Fax: 9790 1291 0438 800 027 maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au

JULY

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M O N DAY

To view meetings online or to submit a question simply go to greaterdandenong.com/ councilmeetings

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Council News

Cr Jim Memeti One of the biggest projects that is well underway is the implementation of the Dandenong Park Master Plan.

This includes significant infrastructure and landscape improvements to the park, making it a more usable and safer space.

I recently inspected the works and saw some great elements really taking shape. They included the new architecturally designed toilet facility, a multi-purpose sports court which will be fenced and lit, and the Stan Prior stage area. All of these spaces should be completed and open to the public very soon.

If you have visited central Dandenong recently you will have noticed that there is a lot going on.

Council is working hard to deliver for our residents, local businesses and visitors.

Motorists will have noticed new traffic lights are in operation at the intersection of Thomas and Scott streets. The lights are part of an ongoing plan to revitalise the Afghan Bazaar precinct, and should improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians.

Following a period of community consultation, late last year Council adopted the Parkfield Reserve Master Plan. The aim of the Master Plan is to improve and maximise the reserve’s capacity to support a range of sporting and recreational pursuits.

Council has begun implementing the Master Plan and one of the first projects to be completed was the 2.5 metre wide flat circuit shared path for walking and cycling. Future plans include upgrades to lighting at the park, and improvements to cricket and tennis facilities. A total of $200,000 has been set aside in the 2019-20 Budget to carry out works. A further $1 million has been earmarked to implement the Frederick Wachter Reserve Master Plan over the next 12 months.

A one year trial offering free parking on Lonsdale Street will begin this month, covering on street parking bays between Foster and Clow streets. Time restrictions will still apply, but Council hopes the move will keep car parks turning over and encourage more people to come to central Dandenong to conduct their business and shopping.

Council is also looking out for pedestrians, and improvement works to footpaths along both sides of Walker Street are finishing up. The new footpaths not only look great, but they are also more accessible for people with mobility issues.

I am always happy to talk with residents about their issues. If you would like to get in touch you can contact me via email at jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0434560239.

Cr Tim Dark

► Paperbark Ward I am proud to represent the people of Paperbark Ward and would like to take this opportunity to talk about a few big projects happening in our community.

► Red Gum Ward

Netballers at Rowley Allan Reserve will also benefit from works on netball court 2, with $50,000 set aside in the 2019–20 Budget for works.

The Keysborough Bowling Club will be looking forward to more opportunities to train and play following the installation of lighting over their rear bowling green.

Allan Corrigan Reserve has also received some additional lighting following requests from residents for lighting that covers the whole park. This should make people who use the park in the early mornings and evenings feel safer.

Council recently celebrated the opening of the Yarraman Oaks Early Years Facility in Noble Park. Offering 132 funded kindergarten places for four-year-olds and 80–132 places for three-year-olds, this centre also provides Maternal and Child Health Services, Allied Health Services, community and supported playgroups, new parent groups, play therapy sessions and community meeting spaces that are open to all.

If you want to discuss any local issues please email me at tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0466 403 914.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY Council News

Working for You

Different ways to pay your rates many options

White Ribbon Workplace Council is proud to announce that it has received reaccreditation as a White Ribbon workplace for the next three years.

Following its initial accreditation in 2016, Council has continued to focus on a range of initiatives to prevent and respond to violence against women.

The City of Greater Dandenong offers a number of options to pay your rates, including online or via instalments. You can even opt to receive your rates notice via email.

Simply register with BPay View or EzyBill to have your notice delivered directly to your inbox.

BPay View: register with BPay View via your bank or financial institution to have a copy sent to your internet banking account. This method offers convenient email, SMS or bank message reminders and secure online or mobile access.

EzyBill: visit greaterdandenong.ezybill. com.au to register your details. Once you have activated your account you can register your properties to receive any future rate notices via email.

to receive your rates notice via the post you do not need to do anything, your rates notice will continue to be mailed to you.

When it comes to paying your rates there are many options. ► Pay

in person at any of Council’s customer service centres or any Australia Post outlet

► Pay

online via PostBillPay or BPay

► Pay

by cheque which can be mailed to Council

► Pay

over the phone using a credit card or via BPay using telephone banking

► Pay

instalments via direct debit.

If you register to receive your rates via one of these two options you will no longer receive a paper notice in the mail. However, if you want to continue

Visit mygreaterdandenong.com and use the online payment method to pay your rates or any other Council bills, such as animal registrations, infringement notices or permits. For assistance phone 8571 1000.

Bus shelters and guard rails

Public Transport Victoria is responsible for replacing the bus shelters, and Council will continue to advocate to them to have the shelters replaced.

The safety of residents and visitors to our city is of the utmost importance to the City of Greater Dandenong.

Council has also identified a number of guardrails that are not “crashworthy”.

These guardrails pose a traffic hazard and in the 2019–20 financial year, 53 will be removed. A program to remove all other unsafe guardrails will be carried over the next four years.

Council has identified a number of bus shelters that may pose a safety risk, and these shelters will be removed in the 2019–20 financial year.

www.greaterdandenong.com

City of Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie said violence against women, whether it occurs in or outside of the workplace affects the health and wellbeing of employees.

“This reaccreditation makes a statement about the type of organisation the City of Greater Dandenong is, and sends a very strong message to our community that the Council is committed to the wellbeing of both our staff and residents,” Mr Bennie said.

Statistics show that one in three women experience physical and/ or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them, and one in five women experience harassment within the workplace.

Visit greaterdandenong. com/whiteribbon for more information on Council’s initiatives to prevent family violence.

Council has earmarked a further 71 guardrails that need upgrade works to be carried out in the 2019–20 financial year.

Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Community Calendar

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Council News

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NAIDOC Week

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Springvale Snow Fest

Springvale will once again become a winter wonderland as we celebrate the 2019 Springvale Snow Fest.

Now in its seventh year, Snow Fest has become one of the City of Greater Dandenong’s most popular community festivals, with crowds of up to 40,000 people expected. The event recently received the Major Event of the Year Award from the Parks and Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence. This award recognises Springvale Snow Fest as the top event in Victoria and Tasmania.

Join the frosty fun as real snow gets trucked from Mt Buller on the day to fill two snow play areas.

There will be a range of free family-friendly attractions and entertainment including live entertainment on the main stage.

While most of the activities are free, there will be some amusement rides and attractions that range in price from $2–$6.

❆

Explore the delicious food on offer and visit the food vans and dining area with food from around the globe. Then enjoy the grand finale fireworks show at the end of the night.

The best way to get to the event is via public transport. Springvale Train Station is a short walk to the festival site. Visitors should note there will be road closures at Windsor, Buckingham and Balmoral avenues.

Springvale Snow Fest 2019 will be held on Sunday 28 July from 12pm–7pm, at the corner of Balmoral and Buckingham avenues, Springvale. Visit greaterdandenong.com/snowfest for more information.

The City of Greater Dandenong has a proud connection with its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Council will hold community celebrations during NAIDOC Week (7–14 July) to help honour this relationship.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations is Voice. Treaty.

Truth. With these key words we look to share the voices of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to tell the truth of our shared history and work together for a shared future.

This year was designated the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages. The indigenous voice of this country is over 65,000 years old and there are still more than 200 recognised dialects spoken by Australian Aboriginals.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ diversity for more information about how Council is supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Council News

Indian Precinct art – poles apart

Free parking

Free car parking in central Dandenong A one year trial offering free parking on Lonsdale Street will begin this month.

Parking on both sides of Lonsdale Street, between Foster and Clow streets, will be free for motorists, however time restrictions will still apply.

Mayor Cr Roz Blades said Council was committed to supporting traders and visitors to central Dandenong.

“A rolling program of reduced fees, additional car parking spaces and time adjustments over the past year have helped create easier access to Dandenong’s activity centre,” Mayor Blades said.

The artwork reflects a variety of styles…

Indian artists have added to the vibrant colour palette in Dandenong’s Indian Cultural Precinct.

Power poles in the street have been painted as part of initiatives to improve the much loved precinct.

The artwork reflects a variety of styles from Pakistan, north and south India, and Rajasthan, including designs synonymous with truck art and Warli art from Western India.

The project is supported by United Energy and reinforces the area as Victoria’s premier Indian Cultural Precinct.

www.greaterdandenong.com

The power pole artworks

by Sohail Yamin, Yoge Biju, Rashmi Gore and Natasha Narain complement recent upgrades to shopfronts in Foster Street, and add to the collection of large scale murals.

Melbourne’s south east region is home to more than 52,000 people of Indian origin. Approximately 12,400 first generation Indian residents currently call the City of Greater Dandenong home.

“We hope this latest trial will again encourage people to come to Dandenong to shop and do business.”

Free footpath dining permits will also be offered to Lonsdale Street traders to encourage outdoor dining options. New permits and applications to expand the number of tables for footpath dining will be offered free for two years.

Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Community Calendar

Celebrating sport Do you know a high achiever on the sports field, or a volunteer who is doing great things for a local sports club?

Then think about nominating them for a City of Greater Dandenong Sports Awards.

Council is now seeking nominations for its annual Sports Awards celebration, to be held on Wednesday 9 October at Ian Tatterson Pavilion.

The awards recognise the outstanding contribution people make to our sporting community to ensure we all have the opportunity to participate in a happy, healthy and inclusive environment.

Categories include: ► Athlete

of the Year Athlete of the Year ► Club Volunteer of the Year ► Coach of the Year ► Team of the Year ► Community Program of the Year. ► Junior

Council News

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 30 August, and winners will be announced at a celebration on Wednesday 9 October at Ian Tatterson Pavilion.

For information visit greater dandenong.com or phone 8571 1000.

National Tree Day

Ban on electrical waste Council’s kerbside waste collection will no longer accept electronic waste.

Electrical appliances, including DVD players, phones, alarm clocks, cameras and televisions become e-waste when discarded.

The ban, which came into effect on 1 July, means any item with a plug, battery or cord, cannot be placed in your regular waste bin.

The items can still be placed out with your free annual hard waste collection, or they can be taken to one of the various e-waste centres for recycling.

Visit ewaste.vic.gov.au for a list of e-waste centres or visit greaterdandenong.com/ ewaste to find out more about responsibly disposing of all items.

Join Council to help green our environment and grow our city by taking part in a planting day.

Plant a mighty river Redgum or start with something smaller at one of our free planting events.

Join us at Dandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, Dandenong North, on Sunday 6 July, from 10am–1pm, or at Tirhatuan Reserve, Kriegel Way, Dandenong North on Sunday 11 August, from 10am–1pm.

Each event will be followed by a free barbecue and participants are asked to bring their own gloves and dress appropriately for the weather.

Celebrate National Tree Day with other community members and help the Greater Dandenong environment for years to come at two special events on the weekend of 27–28 July.

Come to Tatterson Reserve, Cheltenham Road, Keysborough, on Saturday 27 July, from 10am–1pm, or go to Fotheringham Reserve, Alexander Avenue, Dandenong, on Sunday 28 July from 10am–1pm for a day of tree planting and fun. This event features some environmental and educational activities for the whole family, including live animal displays and a free barbecue.

Bookings are essential for all events. Phone 8571 1702.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Council News

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

What’s On July 2019 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

1 2 3

4

► C ombined

► S chool

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

► D andenong

Evening VIEW Club Dandenong RSL, 44–50 Clow Street, Dandenong 7pm Ph: 0417 511 588

► T he

Wiggles – Wiggle Fun Tour Drum Theatre 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

8 9 10 ► C ombined

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

► C ouncil

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

► D andenong

and District Diabetic Support Group Meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 2pm–4pm Ph: 9546 2346

Holiday Movie and Popcorn: Adventure Planet (PG) Dandenong Library 2pm Ph: 1300 630 920

11

► S ocial

Knitwork Dandenong Library 10am (every Wednesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

July

► N aidoc

Week celebration Harmony Square 1.30pm–3.30pm

15 16 17

18

► P eer

► R eading

2 Peer Study Dandenong and Springvale Libraries 4pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► S ocial

Tennis for Seniors Burden Park Tennis Club, Olympic Avenue, Springvale South 9am–12pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 0409 081 239

► S tride

and Strive Carers Walking Group Burden Park, Heatherton Road, Springvale South 9.30am Ph: 8552 2222

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

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ouncil Meeting ► C Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

► L anguage

► S torytime

► K eysborough

► C onversation

► L earning

Help for Adults Dandenong Library 1pm–3pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► V alewood

Toastmasters Public Speaking Club Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club, 41a Latham Crescent, Dandenong 7.30pm Email: valewoodtm@gmail.com

Playgroup for Families Seeking Asylum Springvale Library 10am Ph: 1300 630 920 St Andrew Daylight Masonic Lodge Meeting South Eastern Masonic Centre, 270 Hutton Road, Keysborough 10am Ph: 0414 512 443

29 30 31 ► T oddler

Time Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

► C onversation

Circle – Advanced Dandenong Library 6pm–7.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Dandenong and Springvale Libraries 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920 Circle – Low to Intermediate Dandenong Library 6pm–7.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► L ego

Mindstorm Code Club Dandenong Library 4.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Social Tennis www.greaterdandenong.com

Community Calendar CITY OF CELEBRATION

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

5

SUNDAY

6 7 ► C ouncil

Planting Day Dandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, Dandenong North 10am–1pm Ph: 8571 1702

► G reater

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

Anzac Day Service 12

► W inter

► C hitty

Indoor Sports Tournament Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road 11am–3pm Ph: 9793 2155

81 13 14 Chitty Bang Bang Jr Drum Theatre 2pm and 6pm Ph: 8571 1666

Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station Carpark 6am–12.30pm Ph: 0425 806 006

Council News

Contact: City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000 Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666 Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920

► S pringvale

► A nzac

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511

Commemorative Service Springvale RSL, 23 Osborne Street 10.30am

Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279

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► B aby

► S pencer

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436

Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

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Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Sisters

of Mercy English Tutoring Dandenong Library 9am–11am Ph: 1300 630 920

28 Tree Day Fotheringham Reserve, Alexander Avenue, Dandenong 10am–1pm Ph: 8571 1702

Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900

► National

► Springvale

Snow Fest Buckingham Avenue, Springvale 12pm–7pm Ph: 8571 1000

Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441 Dandenong Market Ph: 9701 3850 Cultural Tours Ph: 8571 1666

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

Snow Fest

Autumn Botanicals Still Life Series Class

List your community event online at greaterdandenong.com/ eventlistings

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Council News

Winter school holiday fun

The Journey of Dreams If you have visited Dandenong Library recently you would have noticed the corridor to the children’s area has been brightened up with a new painting.

The artwork, titled The Journey of Dreams, was designed and created by artist Julian Clavijo, whose work adorns buildings and walls across Greater Dandenong.

Julian was asked to enliven the space and to evoke a feeling of fun, playfulness and imagination.

Against a backdrop of dawn, Julian has painted a window of wonderment while the house of imagination floats in the immense universe. The painting is a tribute to sharing of knowledge from our ancestors through the pages of timeless books.

The mural is part of the Dandenong Library Children’s Area Revamp project and was funded by a State Government Local Priorities grant.

Council’s Youth and Family Services run fun school holiday programs that will keep everyone entertained.

Learn to cook the perfect burger, join a boxing masterclass, find out how to take the best photos on your phone, or visit some of Melbourne’s best entertainment venues for teens.

Excursions include Gravity Zone, Melbourne Museum, Ice Skating, Scienceworks and Mini Golf. The program offers something for everyone and all activities are free or low cost, and include transport to the venues outside of Greater Dandenong.

If sports are more your thing why not join the Basketball and Volleyball Tournament on Friday 12 July at Dandenong Stadium.

Gather your friends and sign up as a team, or sign up as an individual and be matched with a team of players.

Visit youth.greater dandenong.com for more information and to book.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Holidays at the Library Looking for something fun to do with your children these school holidays?

Greater Dandenong Libraries have plenty of fun activities planned.

Games and Lego Monday 1 July, 2pm–3.30pm at Springvale Library Tuesday 2 July, 2pm–3.30pm at Dandenong Library Let your imagination run wild. Bring the whole family to create and build with Lego, play board games or do a jigsaw.

Movie and Popcorn Thursday 4 July, 2pm–3.30pm at Dandenong Library See animated adventure movie Adventure Planet (PG)

Big Science Show Monday 8 July, 2pm–3pm at Springvale Library A jam packed 60 minute show of big WOW science madness.

Snow Party by CARP Productions Friday 12 July, 2pm–3.30pm at Dandenong Library Join Mr Cool the cheeky snowman for a snow party with all his wintry friends.

For information visit greater dandenonglibraries.com.au or phone 1300 630 920.

Community Calendar

Council News

Spencer Heartlands See and hear the stories of young people from migrant or refugee backgrounds through the latest Heartlands exhibition.

Heartlands is AMES Australia’s annual creative project that seeks to highlight how refugees and migrants are building new lives in Australia.

This brand new comedy-drama looks at a gloriously dysfunctional Australian family and is modern-day story telling at its best.

Told over the course of one weekend Spencer is the story of a single mother and her three adult children and looks at how family defines who we are, if we can exist without them and if we ever really grow up.

Starring Jane Clifton (Prisoner) and Roger Oakley (Home and Away) this production opens as the youngest son,

AFL golden boy Scott is about to meet the young son (Spencer) he never knew he had.

The family comes together to help celebrate the occasion, and with the surprising appearance of the father they barely remember, the family is forced to repair fractured relationships in the lead up to Spencer’s arrival.

Spencer plays for one night only at Drum Theatre on Saturday 20 July, at 7.30pm. Tickets are $36 or $25 for Drum Friends. Group and concession prices also available.

Visit drumtheatre.com.au or phone 8571 1666 to book tickets.

This year the exhibition features culturally and linguistically diverse youth telling their own authentic stories using accessible digital tools.

The exhibition gives young artists a chance to have a voice in the public conversation around migration and multiculturalism.

Short-listed emerging artists will also be eligible for enrolment into a digital arts course to expand on their skills.

Heartlands will be on show at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, from Thursday 4 July to Saturday 27 July.

Visit walkerstgallery.com.au for more information.

Immunisation Timetable – July 2019 Date

Time

Location

Monday 1 July

4pm–6.30pm

Springvale City Hall (Supper Room) 397–405 Springvale Road, Springvale

Tuesday 9 July

10am–11.45am Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18–34 Buckley Street, Noble Park

Wednesday 10 July

4pm–6.30pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (enter via Harmony Square)

Monday 15 July

4.30pm–6pm

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

Thursday 18 July

2.30pm–4.30pm Springvale City Hall (Supper Room) 397–405 Springvale Road, Springvale

Wednesday 24 July

10am–12pm

Saturday 27 July

10am–11.45am Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (enter via Harmony Square)

Springvale City Hall (Supper Room) 397–405 Springvale Road, Springvale

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Council News Business News

Hoa Tran

Fresh prod uce

Andy quit his job as an electrical engineer to start the restaurant Hoa Tran in Springvale with his brother.

Andy said Hoa Tran was a Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant that serves 100 different dishes and is constantly changing the menu.

“I had zero experience in hospitality and I had to pick everything up very quickly. I latched onto the experienced staff, but I also tried to put my own spin on things. As an electrical engineer I want everything to be exact.

“It’s the only way to survive in this industry.

“At first my brother was back of house and I was front of house. But I love cooking so after a year he trained me as a professional cook. I love how intense it is in the kitchen. It’s like operating a plane.”

Free training tools Business owners who are members of the Dandenong Library can take advantage of free online training anywhere at anytime.

The library offers free access to a number of training programs, but probably one of the best tools is lynda.com, which provides webinars in a range of topics from finance, marketing and leadership development, to photography lessons and more.

To access the training visit greaterdandenonglibraries. com.au and log in with your membership number.

Find the business section and explore lynda.com for inspiration.

www.greaterdandenong.com

“Chinese food is all about sauces, while Vietnamese food is more about freshness. They’re both delicious, but they are very different.”

Andy said Hoa Tran’s location was a bonus.

“We are right next to the market and all of our produce is fresh.

We don’t need a fridge or freezer to store groceries.

I call a supplier and say, ‘give me bokchoy’ or ‘give me that spinach’, and they will deliver it fresh every morning.

“A lot of people tell me that we are very famous in China. We also have patrons who have been coming for 16–17 years. We’ve been here long enough that we’re starting to see the second generation.”

Andy said he had lived in Springvale his whole life.

“I love this area. It’s comfortable, affordable, vibrant and it has everything we need. It has also changed enormously over the years.”

Go to greaterdandenong. com/visit to read more about Hoa Tran and other Greater Dandenong food experiences.

Community Calendar Community News

Council News

ANZAC

Greater Dandenong is a community with heart…

The Springvale RSL will be holding a late Anzac Day service due to construction work around the community gardens and cenotaph in Springvale.

The RSL will this year hold a small service at the sub-branch, at 23 Osborne Avenue, Springvale, on Sunday 14 July at 10.30am.

Email info@springvale rsl.com.au for more information.

Community Aid Consortium The Greater Dandenong Community Aid Consortium aims to provide immediate material aid and emergency relief for some of the most vulnerable members of the Greater Dandenong community.

Formed following cuts to the Federal Government’s Status Resolution Support Service (SRSS) for people seeking asylum, the group aims to extend help to everyone in need.

While Council acts as a support for the consortium, member agencies are working together to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Mayor Roz Blades said Greater Dandenong was one of the most economically disadvantaged municipalities in the state.

“We also have a high number of people who are homeless, including those who are sleeping rough or living in overcrowded conditions,” Mayor Blades said.

“But Greater Dandenong is a community with heart, and I know that our residents will do all that they can to support the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Current members include: ► Red Cross ► Life Without Barriers ► South East Community Links ► Enjoy Church ► Springvale Learning and Activities Centre ► Avocare/Link Health Community ► Friends of Refugees ► Southern Migrant Resource Centre ► Monash Health ► AMES Australia ► Cornerstone ► St Vincent De Paul

Cancer screening Cancer Council Victoria has launched a new campaign to increase bowel cancer screening rates in Melbourne’s south east.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia, and Cancer Council is targeting people from Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, Indian and Aboriginal communities in their latest campaign.

Cancer Council Victoria’s Head of Prevention, Craig Sinclair said an at home screening test can be done quickly, simply and hygienically, and 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early.

Visit bowelcancer.org.au or phone 131 450 for more information.

The consortium is seeking donations of money, food and winter clothing/ blankets.

If you can help please contact Therese Watson on therese. watson@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1456.

www.greaterdandenong.com

15

NAIDOC WEEK Performance by the Indigenous Hip Hop Project, entertainment, special storytelling, food stalls, photo booth and plenty of family fun.

Tuesday 9 July, 1.30pm-3.30pm Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong