The City - October 2015

October 2015 Mayor’s Family Fun Day page 3

Gambling reform page 6

Celebrate seniors page 9

Food Justice Truck page 14

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Dandenong office 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong

Welcome to the October edition of The City.

October is a busy month in the City of Greater Dandenong, and we have tried to capture as much as we can within the pages of this month’s magazine.

Springvale customer service 397–405 Springvale Road Springvale

The finer weather means a lot of people are trying to be more active. This month we launch our Spring into Summer program, offering a range of free fitness activities over a six week period. Turn to page 8 to read more.

Keysborough customer service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre Keysborough Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 18–34 Buckley Street Noble Park

October is also Walk to School month (see page 7), while our annual WalkFest event will be held on Friday 30 October, see the back page for more details.

All correspondence to:

I am also proud to oversee our second annual Mayor’s Family Fun Day in Harmony Square on Saturday 17 October, see page 3 for more details.

The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175

The Garage Sale Trail will be held on Saturday 24 October (see page 8) and our senior residents can have fun with friends during the Victorian Seniors’ Festival (read more on page 9).

Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au

There’s plenty of fun for all members of the family, but whatever you choose to do have fun and enjoy reading this month’s magazine.

Phone: 8571 1000

Fax: 8571 5196 www.greaterdandenong.com

Mayor Sean O’Reilly

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

my CITY These photos were taken from our Instagram account @cityofgreaterdandenong.

The photo on the left is of Zulfiye Tufa, who is the founder of @thehijabstylist and is proudly a local Dandenong resident. Her social media profiles have generated a loyal following of fans from around the world. The second photo is by @ buckybeaver who captures some beautiful scenery around Dandenong and further afield. Colourful plants are a specialty.

Australian Animal Protection Society............... 9798 8415 RSPCA................................ 9224 2222 Nurse on Call.................. 1300 606 024

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This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Skate Park O

ur cover photo is of skateboarder Luke Foster at the Noble Park Skate Park, which was officially opened at the start of the September school holidays.

The image was captured by Brent Shipley from SBK Photographers.

Designed by famed skateboarder and Noble Park resident Jon McGrath, the skate park has attracted positive attention from internationally renowned skaters, photographers and filmmakers, not to mention the local skate community.

MAYOR’S

FAMILY FUN DAY H

armony Square will host an afternoon of fun as the Greater Dandenong Mayor invites everyone to the Mayor’s Free Family Fun Day. Mayor Sean O’Reilly said this year’s event, to be held on Saturday 17 October, will feature fun for the whole family.

“This is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and have some fun in Harmony Square,” Cr O’Reilly said.

• jumping castle and rides • face painting • balloon artist • native animals • tree planting workshops • meet our mascots Harry Habitat and Lilly Litterbug • Zumba for kids • a visit from the Dandenong CFA fire truck.

“Celebrate our community by enjoying a sausage sizzle, live entertainment and plenty of activities.”

At 3pm a popular children’s film will play on the Big Screen, so bring along a folding chair or cushion and enjoy the show.

The event will be held from 12pm to 4.30pm and will feature:

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more details.

Councillors Angela Long, Jim Memeti and Roz Blades man the sausage sizzle at last year’s event.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

D

ue to the new public holiday for Grand Final Eve, Council offices will be closed on Friday 2 October.

Business will resume as normal on Monday 5 October.

Whether your team has made the AFL Grand Final or not, we encourage footy fans to come to Harmony Square and enjoy the game on the Big Screen.

Wear your team’s colours and enjoy a community atmosphere on Saturday 3 October.

Community Forum

P

aperbark Ward Councillor Roz Blades has organised a Community Forum for local residents to raise concerns about various issues.

The forum will be held at Paddy O’Donoghue Community Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park on Wednesday 7 October from 7pm.

Topics of discussion may include CCTV, graffiti and level crossings in Paperbark Ward. the CITY 3

your COUNCILLORS COUNCILLOR CONTACTS Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea Ph: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 3586 0417 320 645 youhorn.chea@cgd.vic.gov.au Lightwood Ward – Mayor Cr Sean O’Reilly 0422 523 258 sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au

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

Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 5927 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au Paperbark Ward Cr Peter Brown Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 0408 138 939 peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au Paperbark Ward Cr Heang Tak 0403 072 291 heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au Red Gum Ward Cr Angela Long Ph: 9795 6574 Fax: 9795 4412 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au

COUNCIL MEETINGS 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 October meetings will be held: • Monday 12 October • Monday 26 October 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.

To view meetings online simply go to www.greaterdandenong.com and look for the ‘Watch Council Meetings Live’ page in the Your Council section.

RECENT COUNCIL DECISIONS • Council voted to issue a permit for a water sports park at 5 Riverend Road, Bangholme. The permit includes plans for the use and development of the land as an ‘outdoor recreation facility’, incorporating a number of water sports lakes, a climbing facility, a canoe/kayak slalom facility and a visitors centre. The facility anticipates it will be used by the general public, as well as a venue to host local, national and international water sports events.

• Council agreed to purchase 3630 LED lights to replace less cost-effective street lights across the municipality. The new globes will enable the completion of a program to replace all street lights across Greater Dandenong, resulting in a reduction of electricity costs and greenhouse emissions.

• Council has supported concerns by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) over the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill. FECCA has objected to the Bill in its current form, particularly in regards to the revocation of citizenship for dual citizens.

Greater Dandenong is one of the most multicultural local government areas in Australia, and any changes to the Citizenship Act regarding dual nationals are particularly relevant to our community.

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

Mayor Sean O’Reilly with councillors Roz Blades and John Kelly, and Dandenong Cricket Club president Michael Findlay at the City of Greater Dandenong Sports Awards.

Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti Ph: 9792 4683 Fax: 9792 4683 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au Silverleaf Ward Cr John Kelly Ph: 9793 1777 Fax: 9706 0186 0418 350 743 john.kelly@cgd.vic.gov.au Silverleaf Ward Cr Maria Sampey Ph: 9790 1291 Fax: 9790 6104 0438 800 027 maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au

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Mayor Sean O’Reilly with members of Circus Oz who conducted workshops with local schools before performing at Drum Theatre recently.

Lightwood Ward

Cr Sean O’Reilly T

he City of Greater Dandenong has over 100 parks, sports reserves and playgrounds, as well as four bushland areas and open space corridors, covering over 600 hectares.

As a local resident and father, I know first-hand how much we need open space, whether we use local parks for gatherings with family and friends, to walk the dog, exercise, or as quiet space for contemplation.

Council’s Housing Strategy plans for greater residential densification, particularly around transport and activity centres, and open space will become more and more important.

This report, due in April 2016, will look at how to fund the acquisition of land for open space and how land purchases will be prioritised.

On an unrelated note, I am thrilled to be hosting the Mayor’s Free Family Fun Day. I invite you and your family to join me in Harmony Square, central Dandenong, on Saturday 17 October. Feel free to come and say hello.

In the meantime, if you want to discuss any issues, please email me at sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me direct on 0422 523 258.

I recently initiated a call that Council investigate increased funding for the further development of high quality and accessible public open space.

The resolution calls for a report on how to increase open space across the municipality.

Silverleaf Ward

Cr John Kelly I

want to congratulate staff on Council’s outdoor team for keeping our public parks and streetscapes looking immaculate.

In particular the men and women who help look after our main shopping areas of Dandenong, Noble Park and Springvale. You may have noticed Rachael, Michelle and Deb tending to gardens throughout Dandenong, including Harmony Square, Palm Plaza and Dandenong Park.

One of their biggest achievements has been the introduction of edible gardens, including a communal herb patch planted in Harmony Square, and the winter vegetable harvests from Dandenong Park, which were donated to not-for-profit organisation Avocare.

All qualified gardeners, these women have made their mark at Council, and their jobs represent just one career path for workers at the City of Greater Dandenong.

Working for local government offers fantastic opportunities in terms of training and career progression, while work/life balance is also important.

Our Council provides more than 140 services which extend beyond the traditional roads, rates and rubbish.

We have family, aged care and youth support services, libraries and leisure facilities, as well as positions for animal welfare and local laws officers, or staff responsible for financial and planning matters.

Whatever your skills, there is most likely a job for you. Young people considering a career in local government should contact one of the 79 councils in Victoria.

In the meantime if you would like to talk to me about Council related issues you can email me at john. kelly@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0418 350 743. the CITY 5

working FOR YOU

GAMBLING REFORM T

he City of Greater Dandenong is throwing its support behind a national body set up to encourage reform in gambling laws across the country.

Australians spend more per person on gambling than any other country in the world, and in 2014-15 Greater Dandenong residents lost more than $200 million through gambling.

During the same period more than $117 million was lost through Greater Dandenong’s pokie machines. A figure which ranked our community first in

Victoria for losses per adult.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform is a national collaboration of organisations concerned about the harmful and unjust impacts of gambling.

Members of the Alliance include the Salvation Army, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Interchurch Taskforce on Gambling, Municipal Association of Victoria, the Victorian Local Government Association, respected anti-gambling activist Tim Costello and leading academic Charles Livingstone.

Councils have also been invited to join.

This counter displays on the Big Screen in Harmony Square and keeps a live count of the money lost to pokie machines in Greater Dandenong.

The Alliance is advocating for a raft of changes including: • $1 maximum bets, coupled with a maximum rate of EGM losses of $120 per hour • Wider role for councils and local communities in deciding gambling applications • Adjustments to operating hours, staff training and access to cash in venues.

Council will work with the Alliance to help reduce the impact of gambling on the Greater Dandenong community.

LEVEL CROSSING REMOVALS T

he Level Crossing Removal Authority has been out in the community speaking with locals about the project that will remove nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong.

The project includes three level crossings in Noble Park including Corrigan Road, Heatherton Road and Chandler Road.

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You may have seen the team at recent interactive community sessions or at train stations speaking with people during their morning commute.

The project team will soon be out at local events and parks, sharing information about what we have heard from people so far and the next steps.

You can visit the team to ask questions or have your say at either of these public events: Gloria Pyke Netball Complex Greaves Reserve, Noble Park Thursday 8 October 6pm–8pm You can visit levelcrossings.vic.gov. au or facebook/levelcrossings for more information.

WALK TO SCHOOL MONTH reater Dandenong school children are being encouraged to be more active during VicHealth’s Walk to School month in October.

G

• 20 October to Wachter Reserve,

Council is supporting schools, including St Anthony’s Primary School in Noble Park (pictured), to get involved in this fun initiative.

Walking to school is an easy way to help children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. It also helps reduce traffic congestion around schools.

Students are encouraged to walk, ride or scoot to and from school throughout October. Four community walks will also take place on: • 6 October to Ross Reserve, Noble Park • 15 October to Burden Park, Springvale

Follow your W STE T

ake a look behind the scenes of what happens to the waste in your bins once they are emptied by the truck.

Learn about household rubbish, how your recycling is sorted and how your green waste is turned into mulch on a Follow Your Waste tour.

• 27 October to BJ Powell Reserve, Dandenong North.

The Walk to School initiative offers weekly competitions and prizes for students and schools who register.

Visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au for more information.

Interfaith leaders and students from Emerson School prepare for the Annual Gathering of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong.

INTERFAITH NETWORK SPREADING RAYS OF HOPE

T

his year marks the 26th anniversary of the Annual Gathering of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong. The theme Spreading Rays of Hope is an extension of the United Nations International Year of Light.

At the Annual Gathering faith and community leaders get together to renew their commitment to promote peace and harmony in Greater Dandenong. The unique ceremony celebrates the faith and spiritual diversity of the city.

The free tour leaves the Springvale Town Hall on Wednesday 21 October at 9.30am, and returns at 3pm.

In recent years the Interfaith Network has worked closely with local schools to promote respect, harmony, faith and spiritual diversity as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue. This collaboration led to the establishment of the Greater Dandenong Combined Schools Interfaith Gathering, which is themed You Light up My Life.

It visits recycling facility Polytrade Materials Recovery Facility in Dandenong South, a Hallam landfill, and NRS in Dandenong, where green waste is turned into quality compost and mulch.

Established in 1989 as the first Interfaith Network in Australia, the network consists of members of the Aboriginal, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh faiths and the spiritual organisations of Sathya Sai and Brahma Kumaris.

The tour finishes with lunch and a tour at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve in Keysborough.

The general public is welcome to attend the Annual Gathering, which will be held on Wednesday 22 October at Drum Theatre.

For more information or to register your interest phone Helen Heath on 9546 8441.

Places are limited, to make a booking phone 8571 1702.

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GET

FITFREE FOR

S

earching for a bargain, looking to reuse things you no longer need or hoping to make some extra cash?

Join the Garage Sale Trail and do all of the above.

Greater Dandenong residents can visit garage sales across the municipality, or join thousands of households across Australia and hold their own garage sale on Saturday 24 October.

Last year was the first year the City of Greater Dandenong took part in the trail, and this year promises to be bigger and better.

I

f the long, cold winter has left you feeling sluggish then a new free fitness program could help you spring into summer and get into shape.

Mayor Sean O’Reilly said garage sales were not only fun, but also promoted a more sustainable way of living.

“With 12 different classes to choose from there is something to suit everyone, no matter what your age and fitness level,” said Natalie.

Available for all ages, abilities and fitness levels, this six-week program will be held in easy-to-access outdoor venues across Greater Dandenong covering a wide range of activities, starting Monday 19 October.

Spring into Summer activities take place on the same day, time and place each week.

“The Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s biggest reuse event. It’s about sustainability, meeting the neighbours, having fun, and making money while you’re at it,” Cr O’Reilly said.

A community sale will also be held at Menzies Reserve on Saturday 24 October. Members of the general public who don’t want to have their own garage sale can hold stalls as part of the event, but there are certain items that cannot be sold.

Visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au to register a sale for free or to see what other sales are registered in your neighbourhood.

For more information about the Lyndale Community Garage Sale phone Monique O’Keefe on 8571 1432.

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Project manager Natalie Capsalis said the Spring into Summer fitness program was the ideal opportunity for Greater Dandenong residents to improve their health while taking advantage of some of the city’s great outdoor spaces.

Some of the sessions will be held at indoor venues and qualified instructors will provide participants with a wide range of high-quality sessions such as yoga, tai chi, boxing and cardio tennis. There will also be classes that are especially designed for teens, and parents and babies.

To register go to www.greaterdandenong. com/springintosummer or phone Natalie Capsalis on 8571 5239.

SPRING INTO SUMMER 19 October to 29 November Activities include: • Teen Fitness • AFL Active • Yoga • Boxing • Boot Camp • Tai Chi • Zumba

S

moker numbers might be down, but the number of cigarette butts littering Greater Dandenong streets is still an issue.

Cigarette butts pollute our waterways, our parks and our streets. They contain toxic chemicals including arsenic, cadmium and toluene, which are not biodegradable, meaning they could take up to 10 years to break down.

Council is trying to make it easier for you to do the right thing, with redstickered rubbish bins around the municipality being transformed into responsible places to bin your butts.

Littered butts pose a danger to our wildlife and children, and can also cost you dearly.

The penalty amount for dropping an extinguished cigarette butt is $303 and for a lit cigarette it’s $607.

Free portable ashtrays will also be available for a limited time at Council’s Dandenong, Springvale and Parkmore customer service centres and the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre in Noble Park.

Free personal butt bins are available to help cut cigarette butt litter in Greater Dandenong.

MENTORS SUP P ORT L EARNERS

G

reater Dandenong is looking for volunteers with drive.

G

reater Dandenong seniors can take part in a wide range of fun events to celebrate the 2015 Victorian Seniors’ Festival.

Get active, discover your own backyard or socialise with other seniors at a series of free or low cost classes, tours and workshops.

The festival runs from Monday 5 October to Friday 9 October, and is designed to help celebrate older Victorians and the contributions they make to our community.

Mayor Sean O’Reilly said the annual celebration helped encourage a positive attitude towards ageing.

“We are proud to be celebrating the 33rd annual Victorian Seniors’ Festival, with a list of activities to help

senior members of the community learn something new or meet new people,” Cr O’Reilly said.

“We invite all seniors to come along and have some fun, and celebrate their role in our community.”

To make it easier to get the most out of the festival Victorian Seniors Card holders will enjoy free public transport for the whole week (Sunday 4 October to Sunday 11 October), while free V/Line coach and train travel will be available on 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 October.

The community-based L2P program offers driving lessons to learners under the age of 21 who don’t normally have access to a supervising driver or vehicle.

L2P is looking for fully licensed volunteer mentors who can help drivers get the experience required for a probationary licence.

L2P is free for eligible learners and is funded by the TAC. For information about the program, whether as a learner or a volunteer, phone 9793 2155.

A full program of events is available online at www.greaterdandenong. com or booklets detailing activities are available at Council’s customer service centres. the CITY 9

community CALENDAR

OCTOBER MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 1 Sleeping Beauty Drum Theatre 10.30am Togaether by Shirley Innes Heritage Hill 10am

5 Combined Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble 10am Ph: 9546 2346

12

Healthy and Deadly The Castle 4pm

Burmese Women’s Alliance Friendship Group Noble Park Community Centre 10.30am Ph: 0432 021 888

13

Noble Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 7pm, Ph: 9701 5821

14

Bilingual Storytime – Vietnamese and English Springvale Library 10.30am, Ph: 1 300 630 920 Interfaith Network Tour 10am, Ph: 9771 5777

20

15 Sensational Springvale Cultural Tour 10am Ph: 9771 5777 Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

21

22

Digital Literacy: intro to email Springvale Library 6.30pm-8.30pm Gaming development Dandenong Library 4pm-6pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

Ballroom Dancing Burden Park Bowling Club 6.30pm (every Monday) Ph: 9547 1907

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10 the CITY

8

Jane Rutter – French Kiss Drum Theatre 10.30am Ph: 8571 1666

CGD Talks Mental Health Week Harmony Square 10am-1pm

Art Series Dandenong Library 6.30pm

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

Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

The Social Knitwork Dandenong Library 10.30am

Drive Smart Dandenong Library 6.30pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 1 300 630 920

Combined Probus Club of Sandown Club Noble 10am Ph: 9791 6807

7 Digital Literacy: intro to mouse and keyboard Springvale Library 6.30pm-8.30pm

Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

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

Springvale View Club Greyhounds Entertainment 6.30pm Ph: 9700 1976

6

Dandenong View Club Dandenong RSL 7pm PH: 9560 9717

Library Toddler Time Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10am Ph: 1 300 630 920

Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

Cheeky Little Monkey’s Playgroup 2.30pm Ph: 9547 5801

Heritage Hill Garden Tour and Picnic 12pm Ph: 9793 4511

Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch Committee Meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 7.30pm Ph: 0407 325 030

27

28 Digital Literacy: email attachments Springvale Library 6.30pm-8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920 Social Ballroom Dancing Burden Park Bowling Club 7pm (every Wednesday) Ph: 9791 9913

29

Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

2015 FRIDAY

SATURDAY 2

Grand Final Eve Public Holiday Splash Zone Dandenong Oasis 1-3pm

Ballroom Dancing Burden Park Bowling Club 8pm Ph: 9798 1784

SUNDAY 3

Multicultural Children’s Festival Harmony Square 10am-5.30pm

Design a Dinosaur craft workshop Dandenong Market 11am-3pm

AFL Grand Final on the Big Screen Harmony Square, Dandenong

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Baby Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am, Ph: 1300 630 920 Dandenong & District Orchid Club Meeting Greaves Reserve 7pm, Ph: 0412 188 263

16 U3A Karaoke Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 1pm-3.30pm (every Friday) Ph: 9546 2997 CWA Creative Arts Exhibition and Flower Show Chisholm TAFE, Cleeland Street, Dandenong 10am-5pm (also Saturday)

Keysborough Freedom Club’s Family Fair 402 Corrigan Road 11am Ph: 0434 271 996

Baby Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am

Springvale Computer Swap Market Springvale Town Hall 10am

Drum Theatre 8571 1666 Dandenong Library 1300 630 920 Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511

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18 Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279 Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 8571 1436

Me and My Dad: endangered species Dandenong Library 2pm

24 Garage Sale Trail 12pm www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Cambodian Ancestors Festival Khmer Buddhist Centre, 458-462 Springvale Road, Springvale South Friday-Sunday

11

Mayor’s Family Fun Day Harmony Square 12pm-4.30pm

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✆ City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000

Springvale Rotary Sundey Market Springvale Railway Station 8am

Robotics workshop Dandenong Library 10am-12pm Ph: 1300 630 920

U3A Dandenong Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 1pm, Ph: 9546 2997

Greater Dandenong Environment Group Dandenong Wetlands 9.30am Ph: 8571 1702

10 Dandenong Relay for Life Ross Reserve, Noble Park 3pm Ph: 0409 153 254

4

Printmaking: Mono-printing with Gelli-plates Heritage Hill 1pm Ph: 9793 4511

25 Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am

Robotics Workshop Dandenong Library 10am-12pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Diwali Fair Sandown Racecourse 11.30am-9.30pm

Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900 Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441

30

WalkFest Dandenong and Noble Park 9am-2pm Ph: 8571 1000

31

Halloween celebrations Harmony Square

Live cooking demonstration Dandenong Market 12pm

Dandenong Market 9701 3850

Submit your community event online at

Cultural Tours 8571 1666

www.greaterdandenong.com

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FILM FESTIVAL S

hort films will hit the Big Screen as part of the Greater Dandenong short film festival in 2016.

Entries are now open for filmmakers across three categories: emerging professionals, students and an open category.

The festival hopes to encourage emerging talent to tell local stories through film.

An event in Harmony Square will showcase the top films on the Big Screen, while cash prizes will be up for grabs in each category.

Entries are now open. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com to find out more.

The 201 5 Year Beve Citizen of the rley Dou glas.

Australia Day

AWARD NOMINATIONS T

he 2016 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards are a chance to recognise the exceptional contribution people in our community make to everyday life.

Winners will be selected by a community panel and will be presented with their awards at a community celebration on Australia Day, Tuesday 26 January 2016.

If you know someone who contributes to the community and inspires others then nominate them for an Australia Day Award.

Last year’s Citizen of the Year was Beverly Douglas (pictured), who has been giving to the community for more than 30 years. Judges said her community spirit, ‘can-do’ attitude and selfless commitment to helping others demonstrates the true meaning of community service.

The award categories are: • Citizen of the Year • Young Leader of the Year (under 25) • Volunteer of the Year • Leadership Award • Multicultural Award • Sportsperson of the Year • Corporate Citizen of the Year.

Mayor Sean O’Reilly said the work of all winners from the 2015 awards made Greater Dandenong a more welcoming, caring and inclusive place to be.

Nominations close on Friday 30 October. Visit www.greaterdandenong. com or phone 8571 1000 for nomination forms.

CREATE AND CONNECT T

he City of Greater Dandenong’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Strategy Create and Connect is available for community feedback until Monday 19 October.

Council’s vision for the community is that Greater Dandenong is a safe, vibrant city full of opportunity for all who visit, work, live and play here. Arts and culture give a city soul, and play a central role in the achievement of that vision.

You can view the draft strategy by: 12 the CITY

• downloading a copy at www.greaterdandenong.com • viewing the strategy at Heritage Hill, Walker Street Gallery, Drum Theatre, Springvale or Dandenong Libraries, or at a Council customer service centre • requesting a copy by phoning 8571 1000.

Public information sessions will also be held, visit www. greaterdandenong.com for details.

Keeping our neighbourhoods looking great

JOURNEY T

he newest art work in the City of Greater Dandenong reflects on Dandenong’s past, present and future.

Artists Kris Coad and Julie Squires were commissioned to create Journey, which consists of three large canoe-shaped bone china sculptures representing the evolution of Dandenong and its surrounds.

The canoes float within the foyer of the Dandenong Civic Centre, as if gliding through primordial waters, and are associated with the role that waterways have played around and across the municipality.

The first canoe is moulded from living bark, in reference to scar trees that existed in the area and the original canoes used by the Bunurong people.

The second canoe uses leaf shapes, suggesting the produce that was harvested in the area during the rural period of Dandenong’s development.

The third canoe is formed from cast samples of cloth retrieved from local retailers and Dandenong Market to symbolise connections made through the use of cloth. It also connects to the paving design in Harmony Square.

Two of the canoes that make up the Journey artwork which hangs in the Dandenong Civic Centre.

The floating sculptures are a permanent addition to the Dandenong Civic Centre.

M

any policies and local laws in the City of Greater Dandenong protect the ‘look’ and amenity of our municipality.

From waste collection to street trees there are a lot of things that change the way we feel about our community.

Two visual aspects you might not consider when looking around your neighbourhood include signage and satellite dishes.

In Greater Dandenong the erection of promotional signage, including shop and business signs, as well as satellite dishes might require a permit.

Local planning policies and footpath trading laws cover the use of A-board signs, electronic message boards, major promotional signs and the use of graphics and window coverings.

When erecting a satellite dish in a residential area, residents should be aware that Victorian planning legislation usually requires a permit for dishes that measure more than 1.2m in diameter.

For more information you can read two of Council’s handy guides, Signs Guide and Footpath Trading Guide available from one of our customer service centres.

If you would like to find out more about applying for a permit you can visit the planning counter on level 3 at the Dandenong Civic Centre, between 8.30am-5pm, where an officer can guide you through the local laws and permit application without an appointment. Or phone 8571 1000.

IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – OCTOBER 2015 The Immunisation Timetable for the City of Greater Dandenong is available from Council’s customer service centres or Maternal and Child Health centres and online. Phone Council on 8571 1000 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information on the upcoming immunisation sessions: DATE

TIME

LOCATION

5 October

5pm-6.30pm

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

8 October

10am-11.30am

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

13 October

10am-12pm

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

20 October

10am-11am

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

21 October

4.30pm-6.30pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

24 October

10am-12pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

27 October

10am-11am

Jan Wilson Community Centre, BJ Powell Reserve, Halton Road, Noble Park North

28 October

10am-12pm

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

the CITY 13

business NEWS

Work experience

Y

oung people can find it challenging to move smoothly from study to the workforce, whether they are leaving school or commencing their job search after completing tertiary studies.

Research shows that young people who participate in four or more activities relating to employers or business while still at school are more likely to be employed or in further study after they leave school, than those who do not.

This is one reason why participating in work experience programs is so important for students.

Spending time in a workplace, gaining work experience, attending careers expos, taking part in mock interview programs and taking tours around different businesses are all activities that help young people develop clear and realistic career plans.

The City of Greater Dandenong’s Youth Mentors Breakfast is one activity that gives local students the opportunity to meet with employers and clarify their career goals while learning about the world of work.

Student Isabelle is undertaking work experience at SELLEN in Dandenong.

A student’s first point of enquiry about work experience should be their school – the careers, VCAL or VET staff. Visit the State Government website www.youthcentral.vic. gov.au for general information.

FOOD JUSTICE TRUCK A

world first social enterprise initiative has set up in Dandenong’s Palm Plaza.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s Food Justice Truck offers shoppers the chance to buy fresh, healthy, affordable food while supporting asylum seekers.

Money raised by the truck is used to sell the same groceries to asylum seekers at a 75 per cent discount, making fresh food more affordable to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

14 the CITY

The project, labelled ‘the people’s truck’ was established with the help of crowdfunding, which helps pay one full time staff member. Other workers are all volunteers.

“You don’t need to ‘give’ us anything, just come and shop,” Mr Shields said.

The truck is in Dandenong on a three month pilot project and operates every Wednesday at lunch times.

“It’s immensely satisfying to know that nearly all the produce comes direct from Victorian farmers, that the whole project is practically zero waste and that you’re making it possible for people who are fleeing violence and persecution to eat well.”

Truck manager Russell Shields said prices were very competitive and he described the truck as Australia’s most ethical grocery option.

Visit www.asrc.org.au/foodjustice for more information, or visit Palm Plaza on Wednesdays to shop at the Food Justice Truck.

community NEWS

RANGERS’ SEASON L AUNCH

Noble Park Community

Art Show

C

elebrating its 10th year, the Noble Park Community Centre Art Show will showcase local talent this month.

More than 500 entries will be on display for the show, which will be open to the public on Saturday 10 October and Sunday 11 October, from 10am-4pm.

The art show is bringing arts back to the grassroots, and has promoted entry to everyone from professional artists to hobbyists, school children and aged care facilities.

Winners will be judged by art critic and curator David O’Halloran who manages the Walker Street Art Gallery.

Visit www.nobleparkcommunitycentre. org.au/art-show-0 for more information.

Cr John Kelly with Dandenong Rangers (l-r) Tenaya Phillips, Stephanie Cumming, Sara Blicavs and Aimie Clydesdale.

O

ne of Greater Dandenong’s most successful sporting exports, the Dandenong Jayco Rangers, is gearing up for another season of basketball.

Playing in the Wattle Valley WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League), the Rangers have a long and proud history in the league including winning three championships since joining in 1992.

The team narrowly missed out on playing in the grand final last season, but are hoping the club’s first female head coach, who will take the reins this season, will inspire success.

Larissa Anderson is a former Rangers player and has had outstanding results as coach of

the Rangers SEABL (South East Australian Basketball League) team.

Larissa was named coach of the year four times and led the team to three consecutive premierships starting in 2010.

City of Greater Dandenong Councillor John Kelly visited the Rangers at a recent training session to help launch the 2015-16 season.

The team will play its first game on Saturday 10 October, and will play its first home game at the Dandenong Stadium on Friday 16 October.

Visit www.dandenongbasketball. com.au/ for the game schedule and information on how to support the Dandenong Jayco Rangers.

AL-ANON SUPPORT A

lcoholism, alcohol abuse, and problem drinking affect families every day.

Al-Anon Victoria holds several local weekly support groups offering understanding, support and hope to those affected by alcohol abuse, including the families and friends of problem drinkers.

Meetings in Greater Dandenong include: • Dandenong Hospital, David Street, seminar room 2, west entrance, every Wednesday at 8pm • St Gerards Community Centre, 71 Gerard Street, Dandenong North, every Saturday at 2pm • Springvale Church of Christ (hall at rear), Buckingham Avenue, every Friday at 10.30am.

Phone the helpline on 1300 252 666 or visit www.al-anon.org/australia for more information. the CITY 15