Greater Dandenong Council News May 2020

MAY 2020

Greater Dandenong Council News Green Wedge PAGE 3

Support for residents

Libraries online

Immunisation service

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Council News

Customer Service Centres Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all of Council’s customer service centres are closed to the public.

The call centre remains open. For all enquiries email council@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1000.

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 May edition of Greater Dandenong Council News.

Over the years our community has shown great resilience in the face of many challenges, however the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented worldwide response.

Following a declaration by the Victorian Government that we were in a State of Emergency, Council has taken action to protect the health and safety of our residents.

At the time of publication all Council events, activities and workshops have been cancelled. We are also encouraging our residents to practice social distancing and to avoid all non-essential activities.

Mayor Cr Jim Memeti

Fax: 8571 5196

Without events to promote, this month’s magazine will look a little bit different and will focus more on the services Council provides our community.

www.greaterdandenong.com

This is the biggest public health challenge the Greater Dandenong community has faced and Council is committed to supporting all residents through these testing times.

@greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong

While every effort has been made to provide accurate information in this publication, I encourage residents to seek the most up to date information on our website.

Council’s Customer Service team will continue to operate via phones, so if you have any questions please phone them on 8571 1000.

TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 relayservice.gov.au TIS: 131 450 council@cgd.vic.gov.au

Important Numbers Emergency calls Police / Fire / Ambulance................................... 000

My City This Aboriginal artwork takes pride of place at Dandenong North’s Tirhatuan Park. The eight bollards were created as part of the Spreading the Message project.

National Reconciliation Week is celebrated from 27 May to 3 June, and is an opportunity to encourage positive relationships between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.

Greater Dandenong Council supports National Reconciliation Week and celebrates our indigenous culture.

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 Front Cover: Council’s Conservation Projects Officer Phoenix Wolfe with a river red gum in Keysborough.

www.greaterdandenong.com

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Council News

River Red Gums Before European settlement in Australia, Dandenong was a land of river red gums, creek floodplains and dry heathland.

From the 1850s the milling of timber became a key industry for the area, supporting the needs of a fast-growing Melbourne. The river red gums were considered a long-lasting and water resistant timber, and were used in Melbourne’s wharves and for building foundations, road blocks, bridges and railway sleepers.

River red gums are the most significant and predominant tree species within the green wedge and the trees are now protected.

They are beautiful to look at, supply shade and protection and provide valuable foraging and nesting resources for native animals.

There are still many of these ancient trees in Greater Dandenong and Council is working to protect them from removal, but we need our community to do their part.

How you can protect your red gums. ► Watch

where you dig, a root system can extend 2–3 times farther than the branches

► Be

careful when mowing around the base of the tree – if you damage the bark it can weaken a tree

► Don’t

prune so much – mature trees seldom need help except for the removal of dead or damaged branches

► Know

your tree – keep an eye out for any changes including signs of disease, dead twigs or mushrooms.

Greater Dandenong Green Wedge Green Wedges are the non-urban land that surrounds development in the outer areas of Melbourne The Greater Dandenong Green Wedge is located in the middle of the broader South East Green Wedge, which extends from Clarinda in the City of Kingston to Cranbourne in the City of Casey. The Green Wedge makes up 29 per cent of the total area of the City of Greater Dandenong and is an important part of our city.

Council has established the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge Management Plan which outlines a number of actions to guide land use in the green wedge over a 20 year period. Recently the Management Plan celebrated its five year anniversary, and Council is looking back at its achievements and the next phase of the plan.

The first five years of the plan focused on introducing and strengthening our land use and development controls to protect the green wedge.

► Don’t

park your car under a red gum (over the years the soil becomes compacted and can slowly kill the tree)

A comprehensive review of the plans 94 actions revealed that 40 per cent of actions have been completed and a further 50 per cent have been started.

The next steps will help enhance our green wedge asset.

► Identify

areas on your property where weeds can be controlled.

► Join

Council is working with other stakeholders on the Walking, Cycling and Equestrian Trail project, which seeks to provide trails through the green wedge progressively over the next 10–15 years. This includes along Pillars Road, a Patterson River loop and the Mordialloc Creek Equestrian Trail.

► Fence

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ greenwedge for more information.

Some advice we offer land owners within the green wedge: ► When

planting, plant native

with your neighbours to form a Landcare group (visit landcareaustralia.com.au for more information) off areas for revegetation

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Council News THU RSDAY

Councillor Contacts

10 MAY

Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea NOVEMBER 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

Paperbark Ward Cr Peter Brown Ph: 8571 5230 0468 584 837 peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au

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

MONDAY

11 MAY

25 MAY

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

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

Council meetings currently remain open to the public, however this could change at short notice. To limit the risks of COVID-19 we encourage

Cr Loi Truong

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

Red Gum Ward – Mayor 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

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

all community members to view the meeting via Council’s live web telecast.

1M0AY

NOVEMBER

The May meetings will be held: Monday 11 May Monday 25 May The general public can still submit questions for Public Question Time.

To view meetings online or to find out more about about submitting a question go to greaterdandenong.com/ councilmeetings

► Lightwood Ward The Community Hub will become the new heart of the suburb, while the Springvale Boulevard will help create a signature entry point to the shopping district, improving safety for both pedestrians and motorists. The combined first and second stage of this project is due to commence 2020.

Paperbark Ward Cr Sophie Tan 0466 793 727 sophie.tan@cgd.vic.gov.au

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

TH URSDAY

MONDAY

During this unprecedented health crisis life is changing for everyone, but we must look to the future.

At the time of publication Council was continuing to run essential services and follow the advice of the State and Federal governments to look out for the health and wellbeing of our residents. I hope you are all well and looking after your fellow residents.

This year Council still plans to continue with transforming Springvale. Work will continue on the new Springvale Community Hub including the library, as well as the Springvale Boulevard. These two major projects will change the look of Sensational Springvale, however they will help keep the community spirit alive and well.

Council will also continue to implement the Burden Park Masterplan, which was adopted in 2019. Burden Park, in Springvale South, has a long history that Council proudly celebrates, and we are looking to create a space that will grow and change with our community, giving future generations the chance to create their own history with this park.

In 2018 Council adopted the Greening Our City – Urban Tree Strategy 2018–2028, but we have continued to discuss whether to regulate control of vegetation on private land. I support the strategy, but I believe that residents should be able to make their own choices. Council will consult with the community on this issue later in 2020.

In the meantime if you would like to contact me you can email me at loi.truong@cgd. vic.gov.au or phone me on 0466 004 618.

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Council News

Cr Zaynoun Melhem

► Silverleaf Ward

health of our residents and prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, many residents are still using the open space to exercise. It is important for our health and wellbeing that we continue to exercise, but I ask that residents continue to follow the advice being shared from all levels of government about social distancing and selfisolation.

Walking the dog is a healthy way of getting exercise, and Tirhatuan Park is home to a very popular dog off-leash area. The area is fenced in, but in consultation with the community for the Dog Off Leash Strategy in November 2019, residents requested an additional fenced off area to separate smaller dogs from their larger canine friends.

Tirhatuan Park is a wonderful natural asset in our municipality, and while it has been more quiet than usual lately, Council is still working to make it a great space for all.

At the time of publication the play equipment, picnic and barbecue facilities were closed to protect the

► Red Gum Ward The upgraded children’s play park at Lois Twohig Reserve in Carlton Road, Dandenong North is well utilised by not only local children but children from all over our city.

It has been fenced off so it is a great place for children of all ages to play safely. This family-friendly space has barbecues, a picnic table, and seats as well as a unisex toilet.

The cost of this project was around $500,000, which I believe was money well spent. Children playing together is very important as they learn social skills and learn to take turns and share whatever equipment is available at the park. Children are our future and any money that is spent on recreational or educational equipment is an investment into that future.

This children’s play park upgrade adds to the more than 100 playgrounds that Greater Dandenong Council maintains across our city.

Council proposes to enclose a small space within the existing fenced area to allow for smaller dogs to play separately.

Information signs have been put up at the park and park users can have their say on the proposed changes. Visit greaterdandenong.com/dogoffleash for more information.

To enhance the beautiful natural environment Council engaged local Aboriginal artist Ian Harrison who worked with a Koorie Youth Group to paint bollards in a project titled Spreading the Message. The recycled timber bollards were painted and installed near the wetlands earlier this year.

Environmental events are usually held at the park throughout the year, and as regular life resumes we will once again celebrate this beautiful natural resource.

In the meantime I encourage you all to look after yourselves and look out for your family, friends and neighbours.

If you have any local issues you want to discuss with me please email me at zaynoun. melhem@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 0466 518 082.

Cr Angela Long Lois Twohig Reserve is a great local reserve and is home to sports clubs including North Dandenong Cricket Club, Masala Dandenong Senior Football Club, North Dandenong Masala Junior Football Club, Heritage Tennis Club and the Dandenong Tigers Soccer Club. The reserve also has an off-leash dog park.

During the Coronavirus pandemic I urge all our residents to comply with rules set out by both the Federal and State governments. The situation is still evolving and I want our community to stay safe. Council is playing its part in keeping all our residents well and safe, but you are also responsible for your own actions during this time.

My photo was taken at the Lois Twohig playground before playgrounds across Greater Dandenong were closed to the public. When facilities reopen I look forward to children playing in this space again.

If you need to contact me on a Council related issue please do so on 9795 6574 or 0466 004 616.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY Council News

Working for You

Support for residents during health crisis

Council has invested in a $4 million relief package to help its most vulnerable community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greater Dandenong Council has introduced a series of measures to ease the financial burden on its residents and ratepayers.

The package includes the following initiatives: ► A

Rate Relief Package for pensioners and the unemployed totalling $2 million. Greater Dandenong’s 11,000 pensioners will have $100 waived from their fourth rate instalment. All Council ratepayers who are unemployed will be able to apply for a $200 waiver. Council will also consider further rate waivers for people experiencing extreme hardship outside of these two groups up to a maximum of $500.

► No

interest will be raised on outstanding rates until at least June 30, 2020. A further review will take place at this time.

► Council

has waived rents for many of our commercial leaseholders who have been forced to close as a result of COVID-19 until 30 June 2020. For those still trading rent has been reduced to 50 per cent until 30 June 2020.

► Rental

rebates will be offered to sporting clubs for seasonal venue hire and for other leisure facilities that have been forced to close including the Dandenong Basketball Association.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Councillor Jim Memeti said Council recognised that many people in the local community were facing financial hardship.

“We are committing in excess of $4 million to help support those in our community being hit hardest. We want them to know Council cares and is here for them during this health crisis.”

Mayor Memeti said while Council was encouraging residents who could still pay their rates to do so to prevent debt accruing, it also recognised this was not possible for everyone.

► No

“Many people in our community have recently lost their jobs and are simply not in a position to pay their rates,” he said.

► Council

“We recognise that things we often take for granted like having enough food on the table are real struggles for some of our residents and we hope the measures we have introduced will help make things a little easier during this very challenging time.”

legal action will be taken on any individual or business who has outstanding rates until after 30 June 2020. will provide an additional $250,000 to material aid providers in the City of Greater Dandenong

► Rents

for all traders at Dandenong Market will be waived until 30 June 2020 at a cost of $1.5 million.

www.greaterdandenong.com

The City of Greater Dandenong is committed to ensuring essential services continue to be delivered to our local community.

Council’s call centre remains open and any residents in need of support are encouraged to contact Council on 8571 1000.

“This is by far the most challenging health crisis our community has faced but I encourage you all to do the right thing,” Mayor Memeti said.

“Greater Dandenong prides itself on being a community that works together to achieve the best possible outcomes for all. By all working together and helping each other where we can, we can ensure our community bounces back stronger than ever.”

Visit greaterdandenong.com for all the latest updates on COVID-19 and its impact on Council services and operations.

Community Calendar

A helping hand for our community’s most vulnerable Greater Dandenong Council has announced a further $250,000 to expand its existing material aid project. This will further support our community’s most vulnerable.

The most severely impacted include people seeking asylum, homeless people, people with disabilities, people living in rooming houses and at-risk youth.

In 2016 Council, in partnership with 12 local agencies launched a coordinated material aid project.

Council has now made a further $250,000 available to support the provision of food and material aid in Greater Dandenong.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said Council estimated the COVID-19 Pandemic had severely impacted about 5000 people living in the local community.

“Many in our community were already facing financial hardship and this

recent health crisis has only added to that,” he said.

“Council is stepping in to give those most vulnerable in our community a helping hand at a time they need it most.”

Last month Council began sourcing scarce relief items such as food and hygiene materials for local organisations to distribute to its most vulnerable community members.

The local business community has also assisted significantly by donating food and other key relief items to the program.

Anyone wanting to donate essential food and material aid to the COVID-19 Response Program can contact the Community Development Unit at Greater Dandenong Council on materialaidenquiries@cgd. vic.gov.au or 8571 1438.

Compost helps the planet Council is encouraging residents to celebrate International Composting Awareness Week (3–9 May) by exploring ways to practise composting in their own home.

Composting household organic waste, such as garden waste and food scraps, can decrease household waste by up to 50 per cent and reduce Australia’s carbon footprint.

Diverting organic waste from landfill reduces the amount of waste sent to Australian landfill each year, saving space and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

There are a number of ways you can recycle your organic waste at home.

Some common systems are compost bins, worm farms and Bokashi buckets, and all of these systems turn your old food scraps into rich natural fertiliser and compost that you can use on your garden or pot plants.

What can you compost?

Fruit and vegetable peelings, newspapers, grass clippings, weeds, tea leaves, coffee grounds, eggshells, old potting mix and dead flowers. Avoid placing meat or dairy products in your compost until you are confident and experienced in making compost.

Council News

Have your say Council is seeking public comment on plans for the future development of Noble Park.

The Draft Noble Park Major Activity Centre Structure Plan will cover the type of development Council would like to see in the suburb, and will be a resource to guide Council, developers and the community.

The level crossing removal in Noble Park has been transformational for the suburb and Council needs an updated plan to help manage the growth and development of the centre.

Some of the main proposals made in the Structure Plan include more guidance for building height and setback, the removal of the Heatherton Road roundabout and introduction of traffic signals, as well as more tree planting.

The plan is open for public comment until Friday 19 June.

Visit greaterdandenong.com to view the plan and have your say.

organic waste

Handy hints ► Keep a bucket with a well-sealed lid in the kitchen to collect food scraps ► Sprinkling

soil or finished compost on top of food scraps will make a richer compost and help reduce odours

► Add

air to the compost so it doesn’t smell by turning it with a garden fork weekly or by placing garden stakes or pipes through the heap to allow air in.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ waste to find out more about composting.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Council News

Art transforms popular street

A new large-scale artwork is helping to transform the Noble Park streetscape.

The work, by established artist Hayden Dewar, pays homage to the growth and development of the local community.

Dewar’s work is inspired by the changing population that has called the suburb home and depicts the strength and spirit of the community through the sprawling

tree roots of a mighty river red gum – a tree synonymous with the local area.

Titled Roots, the artwork is located on the corner of Ian Street and Mons Parade in Noble Park, and is visible to commuters making their way to and from Ian Street to the new train station.

The artwork was commissioned by Council under the Transformed program, which first began in 2006. Over the past 14 years more than 30 temporary art installations have helped transform public spaces in Greater Dandenong’s activity centres.

Keeping children safe Greater Dandenong Council recently held an event at Springvale Service for Children around car seat safety.

The event, which provided car seat safety checks and advice on choosing the right car seat for your child, was attended by about 40 local families.

In Australia all occupants of a car must wear a seatbelt or be in a car seat.

Council engaged the services of Early Learning Association Australia and their road safety education team to provide important safety advice to young families in our community. It is very important to ensure the car seat selected is suitable for the age and height of the child and is fitted in the car correctly.

For tips on how to ensure your child car seat is correctly fitted and is meeting all the necessary safety requirements please visit www.childroadsafety.org.au.

www.greaterdandenong.com

A family gets expert advice on car seats for their baby.

Community Calendar

Child Friendly City Children are a very important part of the Greater Dandenong community and we proudly identify as a Child Friendly City.

The Child Friendly Cities initiative was created by Unicef to help communities improve the lives of all children.

This means Council values, respects and celebrates children and young people as active citizens, and encourages children to play a part in public policies, programs and decisions.

Council does this through the Children’s advisory group and the annual children’s forum, where local students contribute

their ideas through consultation with various Council departments.

The Children’s Advisory Group met recently to learn more about local government and elect a Junior Mayor.

Each year the group consults on designing and planning local playgrounds, possible library programs, festivals and events and sport and recreation opportunities in Greater Dandenong.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ childfriendlycity for more information.

What is an essential service?

But what actually is an essential service?

Council provides a variety of services to the local community. This ranges from library services, and leisure centres to maintenance of our parks and gardens and building inspections.

Essential services relate to areas of service delivery that are necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of the community. If these services stopped it would have a detrimental impact on a person’s health, safety and overall wellbeing.

Examples of essential services provided by Council include: ► Maternal and Child Health ► Home and Community Care ► Child Care

► Immunisations ► Waste

Collection maintenance of parks, gardens, roads and footpaths ► Building inspections ► Drainage maintenance ► The

Greater Dandenong Council will continue to offer essential services to its community for as long as is practical. In fact, Council continues to deliver as many services as it can at this time within the constraints defined by COVID-19 restrictions.

Council may also have to modify the way it delivers these or any services as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and where necessary, we will communicate these modifications.

To find out more about the services Council offers and any changes or modifications to our service delivery visit greaterdandenong.com

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Access our libraries online Greater Dandenong Libraries offer many great digital services. Here is a snapshot of some popular programs that are free for library members.

Story Box Library Has your family discovered the magic of Story Box Library?

This fantastic resource allows you to access children’s books read by your favourite storytellers all in the comfort of your home.

popular programs

Lynda.com Looking to learn a new skill to enhance your CV? Lynda.com features courses in thousands of subjects from mobile app development to graphic design and Microsoft Excel.

The Children’s Advisory Group meet with Mayor Cr Jim Memeti.

Greater Dandenong Council has committed to ensuring essential services continue to be delivered to the local community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council News

Kanopy This free on-demand streaming service features over 30,000 films and documentaries. There is something for everyone.

Kanopy Kids Kanopy Kids features thousands of children’s films and television shows that can be streamed to your devices.

Like Netflix or Stan, but free.

Studiosity Studying from home? Studiosity provides online study help, writing feedback and more. eBooks, Audiobooks, online magazines and comics For a huge range of titles, check out Borrowbox, Libby (by Overdrive), RBDigital and cloudLibrary, all free via the library webpage.

Visit greaterdandenong libraries.com to access any of the above programs and discover more free online services.

For information enquiries visit the website and use the online ‘Ask a Librarian Service’ or phone 1300 630 920.

www.greaterdandenong.com

10 Council News

Park Master Plans

Over the past two years Council has made significant improvements in recreational opportunities for residents with the continued implementation of the park master plans at Dandenong Park, Ross Reserve and Tatterson Park.

Highlights include:

Dandenong Park ► The

north area precinct has been transformed with the completion of a social recreational area, which includes a fenced multi-purpose sports court, two table tennis tables, a large picnic and barbecue area, shelters and a new public toilet

► The

Stan Prior Stage and enhancements to the open lawn area also allow for a nice relaxing space in the park

► Further

planned improvements include a circuit running track around the park’s perimeter, fitness equipment and interpretive signage that will tell stories about the history of the park, including the iconic Rotary Wheel.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Ross Reserve, Noble Park ► The

raising of the railway line through Noble Park has allowed for the expansion of Ross Reserve to include new park activities such as the Djerring Trail, the fenced dog offleash area and a new gathering space featuring table tennis tables, fitness equipment, picnic tables and seats

► Significant

State Government funding is allowing Council to continue to invest in Ross Reserve, including a new multi-sport court (recently completed), an all abilities playground (due to start construction later this year), design of a new sports pavilion and a new circuit path network.

Tatterson Park, Keysborough ► After

listening to the community’s feedback on an upgrade to the World of Insects playground, Council has recently installed a new flying fox and half multi-sports court. More enhancements to the playground will happen as funding becomes available

► With

the planned Keysborough Hub being located where the existing dog off-leash area is, Council will build a new fenced off-leash area nearby

► A

new road and enlarged car parking area have also been constructed following the completion of the synthetic soccer field.

Community Calendar

Council News

During 2020 new playgrounds are planned for Regent Reserve, Springvale, Olinda Avenue Reserve, Springvale and Geoffrey Carson Reserve, Keysborough.

Burden Park, Springvale South ► A

new multi-purpose court has been built

► Planning

Over the past 18 months Council has implemented new park master plans for four parks, and works have started on implementing the plans at the following reserves:

Frederick Wachter Reserve, Keysborough ► 100 ► A

new trees have been planted

new central wetland is being planned and will include tree plantings, walking paths, a seating area and boardwalks.

Warner Reserve, Springvale ► A

new public toilet has been constructed near the playground

► Plans

are underway to improve the northern woodland section of the park with tree planting and walking paths.

Parkfield Reserve, Noble Park ► The

cycle track was removed from the reserve, opening up the space for construction of a new path network and tree plantings

► The

is underway to expand the car park and improve access to the park

► Other

plans include fitness equipment, tree planting and enhancements to the picnic and barbecue area near the playground.

Other smaller local and neighbourhood parks have also seen improvements, with new playgrounds installed at Amersham Reserve in Springvale, Markham Court in Keysborough and Coomoora Reserve, Springvale South.

These parks also received landscape improvements with new seats, tree plantings and paths.

sports field will also be enlarged.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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12 Council News

Preventing car theft

The Share Plate The City of Greater Dandenong has joined forces with the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council to raise public awareness about preventing car theft.

Operation Bounce Back is designed to educate the community about car theft and the role individuals can play in preventing it.

Statistics show that 75 per cent of car thefts occur close to home, including from driveways, garages and in streets outside the owners’ property. In light of this figure Council believes that car security begins at home.

Some handy hints to prevent car theft: ► Provide

a clear line of sight from your house to the street

► Lock

all doors and windows, including access to your garage

► Consider

installing security lighting and a home alarm system

► Be

a good neighbour – if you notice any suspicious activity report it immediately to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or your local police station.

www.greaterdandenong.com

The community cookbook The Share Plate features a variety of recipes from across the globe, all shared by members of the Greater Dandenong community.

Created by Greater Dandenong Libraries and Council the book was funded by a State Government Healthy Together Victoria grant.

Here is one of the recipes that uses some pantry staples.

Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala) From India Contributed by Anushree Lalut Ingredients 1 cup of dried chickpeas (if you don’t have a pressure cooker you can use tinned chickpeas) 1–2 tablespoons rice bran oil 2 medium onions, finely chopped 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 5 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons coriander seed powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder ½ teaspoon chilli powder 1 teaspoon ‘Kitchen King Masala’ (can be found at Indian grocers, if you don’t have this double other spice ingredients) ½ tin crushed tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped Method 1. If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight in cold water. If short on time pour boiling water over chickpeas and leave to soak for 1–2 hours.

2. Once soaked, place chickpeas in pressure cooker for 20–30 minutes.

The chickpeas should hold their shape and still be slightly firm, rather than turn to mush.

3. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, use one tin chickpeas and make sure to rinse the chickpeas before using.

4. Once the chickpeas are ready, start the sauce by heating rice bran oil in a frying pan.

5. Add the onions and fry until soft.

6. Add the ginger and garlic and stir for 2–3 minutes or until fragrant.

7. Now add all the dry spices and let it fry off for a few minutes.

8. Add the tomatoes.

9. Allow to simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens and you can see the oil separate from the tomato sauce.

10. Add in the chickpeas, the salt and mix together.

11. Let it simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes so that the chickpeas absorb all the flavours and soften a little more. Stir occasionally.

12. To serve garnish with fresh coriander and serve with steamed basmati rice or roti and a side of raita.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ theshareplate to download a copy of the cookbook.

Community Calendar

Future library needs Greater Dandenong Libraries are calling on the community to have a say about the future of library services in our city.

The service has two physical branches, in Dandenong and Springvale, which are both usually open 72 hours per week and during selected public holidays.

The libraries attract about 1 million visits per year across the two sites and host more than 1100 programs both onsite and remotely.

An outreach service visits more than 55 different physical sites each year, while onsite there is a range of regular events and programming such as Toddler Time, Language Playgroups, Libraries up Late and The Social Knitwork. All together programs and events attract around 50,000 attendees yearly. Library members

can access more than 120,000 resources including 20,000 online resources.

The imminent opening of the new Springvale Library, as part of the Springvale Community Hub will provide the community with a new state-of-the-art library with new technology and meeting and community spaces.

Council is undertaking a feasibility study to investigate the community’s needs when it comes to our library facilities, and would like to hear from residents about what they would like to see our libraries offer into the future.

An online survey will be open until Monday 11 May. Visit greaterdandenonglibraries.com to take part.

Parking reminder Did you know that when you park on the street you must leave at least 3m of clear road space for other vehicles to pass?

The City of Greater Dandenong is also reminding motorists that when parking next to a continuous dividing line or dividing strip, they must be parked at least 3m away.

When there is no dividing line or strip, then motorists must leave at least 3m of road space alongside their vehicle. The only exception to this rule is where there is signage indicating that parking is permitted.

This road rule helps ensure that there is enough room for other vehicles to pass, particularly emergency service vehicles.

3m

Council News

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Immunisation services continue Considered an essential service, Council’s immunisation service will continue to operate with some changes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time of publication Council appointment made the decision to based only make all immunisation sessions appointment based only. Details on how families can book into a session are available on Council’s website.

Appointments will allow staff to maintain social distancing, protecting the health of families and themselves. We ask that you don’t bring extended family members to these appointments.

The secondary school vaccination program may be affected by the current situation, but schools will keep in touch with families to advise on alternative arrangements.

Council will continue to take advice from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and will update families if the situation changes.

All previously advertised sessions are cancelled.

Most sessions will be run out of the Dandenong Library, which is closed to the public except for immunisation appointments.

Phone the Immunisation Team on 8571 1000 to make an appointment.

www.greaterdandenong.com

14 Council News

Business

Greater Dandenong’s business community The City of Greater Dandenong’s Economic Development Team continues to prioritise the health and safety of our city’s business community.

While Council continues to follow regular advice from the government with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will do our best to support local businesses.

The Economic Development Team is still running essential services and will continue to communicate with the business community via regular channels. They are also exploring online learning opportunities to share while the small business workshop program is on hold.

Tax support for business The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is offering emergency support to businesses having difficulty meeting tax or super obligations because of COVID-19.

Phone the Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 for help tailored to your circumstances.

If you would prefer to speak to the ATO in a language other than English phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

You can also talk to your tax or BAS agent so they can work with the ATO to support you to manage your tax affairs.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or getting behind with your tax and super obligations, contact the ATO as early as possible. It’s never too late to ask for help.

Phone 1800 806 218 or visit ato.gov.au/coronavirus for up to date information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

The team offers business mentoring vouchers for those wishing to seek further professional business advice. The mentoring sessions can be conducted via video chat or phone during the period of necessary social distancing.

Email business@cgd.vic.gov.au to find out more.

Many businesses have faced challenges during the first half of 2020, with the bushfire crisis and the coronavirus emergency creating unprecedented disruptions, but support is at hand.

For more information about other support services for small businesses visit:

► State

Government – business.vic.gov.au ► Local Government – greaterdandenong.com/business ► Victorian Small Business Commission – vsbc.vic.gov.au ► Fair Work Ombudsman – fairwork.gov.au ► Travel advice – smarttraveller.gov.au ► Emotional Support – lifeline.org.au Visit greaterdandenong.com/ business to keep up to date with the latest. Contact the team on business@cgd.vic. gov.au or phone 8571 1550.

► Federal

Government – treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses

Council moves to keep Market trading Council has put a freeze on rents for Dandenong Market traders and has supported a $1.5 million stimulus package to keep the market open for business.

The package will see rents waived for all market traders until 30 June 2020.

Dandenong Market Board Council representative and Greater Dandenong Councillor Maria Sampey said the market provided an invaluable service to the local community.

vegetable sections, along with its meat, fish and deli hall remain open.

Dandenong Market Board Chairperson Julie Busch said rent relief will allow the market to continue to operate and will ensure that when the time comes traders will be able to resume business as usual as quickly as possible.

The market has been operating since 1866 and attracts 5.6 million visitors each year.

“Dandenong Market is taking every precaution to ensure the market remains safe and welcoming for its visitors and traders during this time. This includes enforcing social distancing regulations, maintaining a strict cleaning regime and promoting regular personal hygiene,” Ms Busch said.

While some modifications have been made to ensure the health and wellbeing of traders and customers, the market’s popular fresh fruit and

“We thank our customers for continuing to support our fresh produce small businesses during these difficult and uncertain times.”

“During these challenging times it has never been more vital that Dandenong Market’s offering is retained,” Cr Sampey said.

Community Calendar Community

Horticultural Traineeships The City of Greater Dandenong’s Parks Services team has been working closely with students to improve local parks while offering a pathway to careers in the horticultural industry.

Council News

…empowering young people and making them more employable.

The students are part of a school-based traineeship program aimed at upskilling people with learning challenges, helping them earn a Certificate II in Horticulture.

The program operated throughout 2019, with the first class graduating last December. Run in partnership with the National Horticulture Institute and Gr8, the program is also supported

by Citywide who offered a job to a graduate last year.

The program sees trainees join Council’s Parks team at a local reserve two days a week where they gain practical experience and we gain extra hands to make sure our parks look great.

The hands-on approach to training students gives them experience with everything from mowing to pruning, and checking for vandalism, graffiti and damaged assets. Last year the program was based at Keshava Reserve in Dandenong, where students also helped plant new trees and maintain the community fruit orchard and vegetable garden.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said the program offered benefits for everyone involved including students, Council and the wider community.

“We are empowering young people and making them more employable, while at the same time improving the amenities of our parks and gardens. This is truly partnership work at its best,” Mayor Memeti said.

Frontline service continues Wayss are on the frontline of local area family violence and homelessness response services and will continue to deliver essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These include: ► Family Violence support services ► Homelessness support services ► Youth support services.

Anyone needing support can call Wayss during business hours on 1800 512 402 or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 after hours.

At the time of publication, the majority of client meetings were being held over the phone. Wayss Dandenong office, located at 20 Princes Highway, Dandenong, remains open.

How Wayss services are delivered, and which offices open will adapt as necessary to keep Wayss staff and clients safe and well.

Visit wayss.org.au to keep up to date with the latest information.

In an emergency phone 000 Phone Wayss on 9791 6111 For homelessness support phone 1800 627 727 For family violence support phone 1800 015 188

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Follow Arts in Greater Dandenong on our website, Facebook and Instagram as we bring the arts to you.

Enjoy exhibition tours, curator talks, storytelling for children, workshops and many other online arts experiences. greaterdandenong.com/arts facebook.com/

artsingreaterdandenong instagram.com/ cityofgreaterdandenong