The City April 2019

THE

CITY

Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2019

Dandy Con Comic Festival PAGE 8

The Big Picnic

Sustainability Festival

Discover Dandenong Creek

►► PAGE 3

►► PAGE 7

►► PAGE 13

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THE CITY

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

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

This month is a busy month for events in Greater Dandenong and proof we really are the city of celebration.

Join us for a fun family day out at The Big Picnic at Wachter Reserve, Keysborough. Read more on page 3.

The Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival returns for its sixth year. Learn how to be more sustainable and save money while you save the planet. See page 7 to find out more.

Mayor We celebrate the contribution that young people make to our Cr Roz Blades AM community during Victorian Youth Week. There will be a soccer tournament and a celebration of all things pop culture at the Dandy Con Comic Fest. Turn to page 8 to find out more.

Discover Dandenong Creek and explore the benefits of getting children out into nature on page 13.

There’s always something happening in Greater Dandenong, and if you turn to pages 10 and 11 you can see an events calendar bursting with events and activities for everyone.

I wish you all a wonderful April and I look forward to seeing you at some of our community events.

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

Important Numbers

My City These gates lead to a surprise paradise right in the middle of Dandenong. Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens precinct offers visitors the opportunity to discover local history and explore artistic endeavours through tours, classes and exhibitions.

The beautiful gardens also offer a peaceful oasis to visit on your lunch break.

Heritage Hill is at 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Visit greaterdandenong.com/arts for more information about events at Heritage Hill.

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: Superheroes, comic book characters and fancy dress will be the order of the day at the inaugural Dandy Con Comic Festival to be held in Harmony Square on 13 April. Picture: Hilton Stone.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

News

The Big Picnic Play country-style games, get your face painted for free, or take part in a wide range of workshops and activities covering arts, culture and sport.

Visit the MYM (Make Your Move) Zone and find out about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The event is also dog-friendly so bring your furry friends along and meet the experts for useful tips on training and grooming.

Spend the day in the great outdoors for a country-style picnic with a modern twist.

The Big Picnic at Wachter Reserve is an all-ages music, sports, entertainment package with something for the whole family.

See live entertainment on the main stage and purchase food from stalls or bring your own picnic.

All Abilities playground Council has spent the past two months considering the future of an all abilities playground in Ross Reserve, Noble Park.

Focus groups have shared their ideas and aspirations for the draft concept design of the playground, and Council is now ready to open up discussion with the wider community.

The draft concept design has given consideration to children and adults who may have mobility issues, vision and hearing impairments, and spectrum disorders such as autism.

Council’s Animal Management team will also be on hand to check your dog’s microchip and registration details are up to date.

Join us for The Big Picnic at Wachter Reserve, Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough, on Sunday 14 April, from 11am– 4pm. For more information phone 8571 1000.

This month Council will carry out online and face to face surveys with regular park users, visitors and residents to get feedback on the playground’s draft concept design.

A face to face session will be held at Ross Reserve, between the Skate Park and Noble Park Aquatic Centre, on Memorial Drive, Noble Park on Saturday 27 April from 10am–1pm.

Visit greaterdandenong. com/allabilities to complete an online survey or find out more.

THE CITY

Make Your Move

Council is launching a new program to help residents explore health, wellness and physical activity.

The Make Your Move (MYM) program will encourage residents to take part in regular activities that make them feel good.

MYM will promote the many benefits of sport and physical activity, including the prevention or management of medical conditions, reduction of anxiety, stress or depression, the improvement of confidence and self-esteem. Activity can also bring together people from all walks of life.

MYM will be launched at the Big Picnic, at Wachter Reserve on Sunday 14 April.

Council will partner with local and state sporting clubs, the YMCA and various charities and health organisations to create a fun, informative and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.

With free showbags for the first 500 people and some well-known faces popping in throughout the day, make sure you visit the MYM zone at the Big Picnic.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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

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

yor Cr Roz Blades were Cr Youhorn Chea and Ma raised by last year’s ds fun te ribu dist to thrilled l charities. The ball loca to l Bal Mayoral Charity n Cr Chea was whe 8 201 r was held in Octobe ater Dandenong.

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

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

10 APRIL

Red Gum Ward Cr Angela Long EMBER Ph/Fax: 9795 6574 NOV 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti Ph/Fax: 9792 4683 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au

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

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

The Willara Venturers learned more about local government on their recent visit to a Council Meeting.

The group consists of young people aged 14–17 and meets every Tuesday night in Springvale South.

Council Meetings MONDAY

TUESDAY

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 April meetings will be held: Monday 8 April Tuesday 23 April (due to a public holiday on the Monday) The general public is always welcome to attend meetings and submit

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NOVEMBER NOVEMBER

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questions for councillors and staff, 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.

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

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THE CITY

Cr Sophie Tan

► Paperbark Ward I’m also a youth community advocate, and used to serve as treasurer for the Cambodian Youth Group Association of Victoria and I’m a World Vision 40 Hour Famine ambassador. I am also a family violence ethnic advocate and I care strongly about community safety.

As the newest elected member of Council I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself.

I was raised in Springvale, attended Springvale Secondary College and graduated from Monash University with degrees in Business and Commerce.

I currently work at the Commonwealth Bank, and enjoy being with nature, and socialising with family and friends.

► Lightwood Ward Springvale is a real hive of activity with many Council projects taking shape in the sensational suburb.

Recently the Supper Room refurbishment was completed and the space now complements the Springvale City Hall. Both buildings were refurbished for the first time since they were built in the 1960s, and now create amazing spaces for the community to celebrate all occasions.

Next door to the City Town Hall, the Springvale Community Precinct is taking shape. Construction is moving along at a fast pace, with the library and community hub expected to be completed early next year becoming the new heart of the community.

Other works include the Springvale Boulevard Project, which will transform Springvale Road into a contemporary and distinctive boulevard adding to the suburb’s status as one of Melbourne’s leading cultural destinations.

My passions are to help and serve the community and to give back to this country that I call home. I came to Australia in 1995 with my mother and four siblings after my father passed away. I am honoured to be elected to Council and proud to be the first Australian-Cambodian woman to be elected in Victoria.

Paperbark Ward is very busy at the moment with a lot of projects taking shape. Parkfield Reserve Master Plan has been approved, as has the Frederick Wachter Reserve Master Plan.

Sporting grounds across the ward are also being upgraded including new turf wickets at Ross Reserve and lights at Alan Corrigan Reserve. The popular

Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC) is also having some work done to the mechanical and pump plant, while street upgrades are happening in Douglas Street, Noble Park.

April is a busy time for our community.

This month many residents will celebrate Cambodian, Thai, Lao and Sinhala/Tamil New Year. Families will also join in the Big Picnic at Wachter Reserve in Keysborough, and many residents will remember the sacrifices our soldiers have made at Anzac Day commemorations on April 25.

Once again I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and welcomed me to this role. I am looking forward to working with the community and encourage you to contact me with your concerns.

ou can email me at Y sophie.tan@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0466 793 727.

Cr Youhorn Chea Key features include improved paving and lighting, more plants and shade trees, more places for resting and socialising, and public art celebrating Springvale’s cultural identity.

It is wonderful to see Council’s investment in the suburb really taking shape and celebrating what makes Springvale so great.

The mix of cultures in Greater Dandenong is what makes our city so special, and since January 1 many different communities have welcomed in the new year. South East Asian countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka and India, will celebrate New Year on 14 April.

The celebration of a new year is a milestone greatly anticipated across all cultures, and is a time for bidding farewell to the past year and welcome new beginnings.

I certainly wish those communities a wonderful new year filled with happiness, harmony and hope for the future.

If you would like to contact me about any Council-related issues you can email me at youhorn.chea@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0417 320 645.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Working for You

CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS Celebrating the arts, community life and creative storytelling‌

Have your say Council is reviewing its Dog Off-Leash Strategy with a view to increasing the number of dog off-leash areas in Greater Dandenong.

The plan is to make the off-leash areas more evenly distributed and accessible for all residents.

According to Council figures the most popular suburbs for owning a dog are Keysborough, Dandenong North and Noble Park, so these areas are where we are focusing our efforts.

Council is keen to hear from community members about the location of current parks and the proposed locations of new parks.

The survey is open from 1 April, visit greater dandenong.com for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Greater Dandenong’s Short Cuts Film Festival is set to return in 2019.

Celebrating the arts, community life and creative storytelling, Short Cuts provides an artistic platform for local community members, emerging artists and accomplished professionals to tell their stories.

Short Cuts 2019 will be curated by Richard Moore and screened at Drum Theatre on Saturday 5 October.

Rates and Charges Hardship Policy The City of Greater Dandenong can offer support to ratepayers suffering financial hardship via its Rates and Charges Hardship Policy.

While Council offers a range of payment options, including quarterly payments and a direct debit plan spread out over nine months, some ratepayers might qualify for further support.

Under the Local Government Act Council has the ability to defer rate payments, or, under exceptional circumstances, waive a portion of your rates.

Shorter Cuts, featuring short films by young filmmakers, will also screen at Drum Theatre on Sunday 6 October.

Submissions are now open and close on 2 July. Visit greaterdandenong.com/short cutsfilmfestival for more information.

If you can prove that paying rates will cause undue financial hardship, you may be able to have part, or all, of the total bill deferred, or a portion of your rates waived.

Applications must be made in writing and will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Applications that are supported by financial counselling are preferred and may be required by Council.

If you do not qualify for a rate deferral or rate waiver you can still apply to pay outstanding rates via a payment plan.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ rates for more information or to download application forms, or phone 8571 1000.

Community Calendar

Climate Change

green living

THE CITY

Students from Dandenong West Primary School were finalists in last year’s Greater Dandenong Sustainability Awards.

Imagine a city run by renewable energy. A resilient city able to deal with the impacts of climate change. A sustainable city.

The City of Greater Dandenong is developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan to achieve this.

While climate change is a global problem, local governments are at the frontline of addressing the local impacts and how communities can be better prepared for change.

Residents and businesses of Greater Dandenong are already taking action, but there is still more to be done.

Council would like to hear from people who want to have their say on the development of the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Email sustainability@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1000.

Since 2013 solar panels in Greater Dandenong have increased by 146%

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Since 2013 the average household waste sent to landfill has decreased by 9.3%

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In 2017 more than 1000 people helped Council plant over 26,000 native plants

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Sustainability Festival The City of Greater Dandenong’s Sustainability Festival is returning this year to encourage green living.

The free event will be a fun-filled day with activities, live performances and interactive displays for all ages. Receive tips on how to save money and the planet, find out easy ways to cut waste and turn trash into treasure, see healthy cooking demonstrations and find out how to grow your own edible garden.

Ride your bike and get it pimped out for free – every person who rides to the festival will receive a free bike service and full bike pimping.

The Sustainability Festival is sure to send you home inspired to take action to protect the environment.

The event will feature: ► Free face painting and children’s activities ► Free pedal-powered smoothie

► Take

home vegetable plantings performances, music and cooking demonstrations ► Live native animal display ► Experts on hand including sustainability specialists and Council’s environment team. ► Live

The 2019 Sustainability Awards will also be launched on the day. Last year Dandenong West Primary School (pictured above) were finalists in the Sustainable Community category of the Sustainability Awards.

The sixth annual Sustainability Festival will be held at Dandenong Market on Sunday 7 April, from 10am–3pm.

For more information visit greaterdandenong.com or phone 8571 1000.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Victorian Youth Victorian Youth Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution that young people make to our community.

Week 2019 Kick it these school holidays

Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services, in partnership with Entrepreneurs Movement Club (EMC) are back with the 2K19 April Street Style Soccer Tournament.

Running from Friday 5 April to Sunday 14 April, Youth Week is a chance to recognise their achievements and talents.

The theme of Youth Week in Greater Dandenong is ‘Be Active, Be Connected, Be You’. More than 25,000 young people (aged 12– 25) call the City of Greater Dandenong home.

The tournament is for young people (aged 12–25 years) who live, study, work or have a strong connection to Greater Dandenong, and will be held on Friday 12 April, from 9am–5pm at JC Mills Reserve, Dandenong.

Council and other community agencies have organised some fun activities and events to help young people celebrate.

Trophies will be awarded to winners and medals for runners up.

Players can register as individuals or a team, in one of four divisions, including under 14 male, under 16 male, under 25 female and under 25 male.

Dandy Con Comic Festival

Visit youth.greaterdandenong. com for more information.

Experience a world full of imagination at Dandy Con Comic Festival. From anime to superheroes, pop culture and beyond, come dressed as your favourite character or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Youth Showcase 2019 Victorian Youth Week 2019 kicks off on Friday 5 April with a celebration of the outstanding personal, academic and community achievements of young people in Greater Dandenong.

For more information contact Youth and Family Services on 9793 2155.

The 4E’s Workshop will be held by South East Community Links on Wednesday 10 April, from 11am–2pm, at 60 Douglas Street, Noble Park.

For information phone Junior Melo on 0435 916 339.

andy Con Comic Festival will D be held at Dandenong Library and in Harmony Square, at the corner of Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong, on Saturday 13 April, from 11am–4pm.

Touch Football Jam Join the Centre for Multicultural Youth Le Mana Project for a day of fun activities and social touch football games.

On Tuesday 9 April, from 10am–2pm at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong.

www.greaterdandenong.com

The Entrepreneurs Movement Club is organising the 2K19 April Street Style Soccer Tournament.

The event will feature Fandoms, cosplay competitions, workshops, exhibitions, comic stalls and more.

4 E’s Workshop Young people who want to develop their communication skills, teamwork and understanding of work culture are invited to come to the 4E’s Workshop.

Get support with your resume and job search.

For registrations and more information contact Youth and Family Services on 9793 2155.

or information phone Temese F Leilua on 0420 257 042.

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Community Calendar

THE CITY

Tidying Up in Greater Dandenong We want our city to be a positive and enjoyable space to live, work and visit and we need everyone’s help to keep our parks, streets and public spaces beautiful.

Illegal dumping of rubbish and unwanted items is a problem for all councils in Victoria. As many households take on the task of decluttering and cleaning up over the school holiday period we can often see an increase in illegal dumping.

Dumping of unwanted items is unsightly and pollutes our land, waterways and wildlife. This is why we need residents to dispose of their rubbish and unwanted items responsibly.

If the items are in good condition you could consider having a garage sale, sell them online or gift to family and friends.

advantage of the Re-use and Recycle Drop Off Day being held in June.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ waste for more information on how to dispose of waste correctly.

Alternatively, charity shops are always looking for donations. It is important to remember that charity shops will only accept donations during business hours and any items left outside the store will be treated as dumped rubbish. The charity will have to pay the cost of removing dumped items while you could face fines in excess of $6000.

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If the items can no longer be used and aren’t suitable for the yellow lidded kerbside collection bin, consider booking a hard waste collection or take

Support for residents The City of Greater Dandenong in partnership with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments offers services to help older residents and residents with a disability remain active and supported in their home and community.

Council can provide assistance to eligible residents across a number of areas including house cleaning, personal care, meal preparation, social support and respite for carers.

For residents over 65 years of age, they must register with My Aged Care. Visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 for information.

Residents aged under 65 can contact Council’s Community Care Department for an assessment.

The Community Care Department also provides a Community Transport Service, support and advice to seniors clubs and groups, and coordinates the annual Seniors Festival in October.

For any information about Aged and Disability Services please phone 8571 5503.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

What’s On April 2019 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

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► Combined

► Practically

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

► Learning

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

► Zumba

Jan Wilson Community Centre 5.30pm–6.30pm (every Wednesday) Ph: 8571 1436

Perfect Drum Theatre 10.30am–12pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Community

Waste Forum Jan Wilson Community Centre 6pm–8pm Ph: 8571 1702

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► Combined

► Discover

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

► Council

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

► Financial

Literacy for Youth Workshop Dandenong Library 3pm–5pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Skate

and Create workshop Noble Park Skate Park, Memorial Drive 10am Ph: 9793 2155

Dandenong Creek Festival Tirhatuan Park, Kriegal Way, Dandenong North 11am–2pm

► Art

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

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► Springvale

► Library

Fresh Tour Springvale 11am–1pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Art

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

► Manga

Arts and Origami workshop Springvale Library 1pm–3pm Ph: 9793 2155

► Valewood

Toastmasters Club Meeting Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club, 41a Latham Crescent 7.30pm–9.30pm Email: valewoodtm@gmail.com

Tech Assist Dandenong Library 3pm–5pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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EASTER MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

ANZAC DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

► Council

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

► Social

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

► Keysborough

St Andrews Daylight Masonic Lodge Meeting South Eastern Masonic Centre, corner Greens and Perry roads, Keysborough 10am Ph: 0488 782 392

29 30 ► Peer

2 Peer Study Dandenong Library 4pm Ph: 1300 630 920

www.greaterdandenong.com

► Library

Tech Assist Springvale Library 10am–12pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Community Calendar CITY OF CELEBRATION

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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► Alex

Wilkie Nature Reserve Open Day Mackay Street, Springvale South 9am–3pm Ph: 8571 1702

SUNDAY

► Greater

April

► Twilight

Fun Run Tirhatuan Park, Outlook Drive, Dandenong North 5pm–8pm Ph: 9767 3100

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

► Sustainability

Festival Dandenong Market 10am–3pm Ph: 8571 1000

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► Nature

► Dandy

Play – Furry and Feathery Friends Facts Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South 10am–11.30am Ph: 8571 1702

Con Comic Festival Harmony Square 11am–4pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► The

Big Picnic Wachter Reserve, Keysborough 11am–4pm Ph: 8571 1000

Contact: City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000 Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666 Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511 Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279

► 2K19

Soccer Tournament Mills Reserve, Dandenong 9am–5pm Ph: 9793 2155

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GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

EASTER SUNDAY

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436 Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900

26 27 ► Home

Grown Food Swap Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive 10.30am Email: info@nobleparkcommunity centre.org.au

► The

Best of Damien Leith with String Quartet Drum Theatre 7.30pm–9.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

Nature play week

Tank: Dry Ice Chemistry Dandenong Library 3pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441

► Think

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

Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au List your community event online at greaterdandenong.com/ eventlistings

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Artist in Residence showcase

on display at Heritage H ill

View works created by people who have taken part in the City of Greater Dandenong’s Artist in Residence program at a Heritage Hill showcase.

The Artist in Residence program provides a unique opportunity for artists to step away from their usual surroundings for a period of intense focus on their practice in a supported environment.

Artists Sue Stergo and Janice Mills will soon conclude their time as artists in residence and have created an exhibition of the ideas and art practices they have been exploring.

The showcase is on display at Heritage Hill, Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong until Friday 19 April. Heritage Hill is open Tuesday–Friday from 10am–4pm.

…a unique opportunity for artists to step away from their usual surroundings

Damien Leith at Drum Theatre “It’ll be the first time that I’ve toured with a quartet so I’m pretty excited,” Damien said.

“Also, the arrangements by Jessica Graham are phenomenal. Jessica was a recent winner in both the International and UK songwriting contests and is a highly sought after arranger.”

It has been more than 12 years since Damien Leith won over Australia’s heart as winner of the 2006 Australian Idol.

Since then Damien has released nine albums and has toured extensively.

And this year he will tour a new show celebrating the best of songs from his extensive back catalogue, alongside the lush sounds of a string quartet.

With a voice that has been described as both ‘powerful’ and ‘angelic’, this show promises to entertain.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Crowd favourites like Hallelujah, Crying and American Trilogy will be performed as well as a collection of well-known songs and originals recorded by Damien in this intimate show.

The Best of Damien Leith with String Quartet will be at Drum Theatre on Friday 26 April, at 7.30pm.

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

She 2019 If you haven’t yet seen the exhibition She 2019 then pop into the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre before it closes on Saturday 13 April.

She was launched one day after International Women’s Day and celebrates the talents of five emerging female artists, giving them a launching pad as they embark on their artistic careers after study.

The Walker Street Gallery and Art Centre, at the corner of Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong, is open Tuesday to Friday from 11am–5pm, and Saturdays from 11am–3pm.

Community Calendar

Discover Dandenong Creek To celebrate Nature Play Week Council will host a wild day of fun and discovery to share the natural wonders of Dandenong Creek.

Dandenong Creek starts in the Dandenong Ranges and winds its way down through the suburbs, passes through Dandenong and then continues on to Patterson Lakes before flowing out into the bay. It is an important corridor of green and provides habitat for many animals and plants.

Bring the whole family to the Discover Dandenong Creek Festival and enjoy a variety of free nature based activities and crafts, including fishing, guided tours, bird watching and frog listening.

There will also be Aboriginal dancing and a live animal display.

Pack a picnic lunch and join us for a fun day at Tirhatuan Reserve, Kriegel Way, Dandenong North, on Thursday 11 April, from 11am–2pm.

This event is sponsored by Living Links and the City of Greater Dandenong through funding from the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments, Our Communities initiatives.

THE CITY

Nature Play Week Celebrate Nature Play Week this month by exploring some fun outdoor activities.

Nature play is a term used to describe simple play opportunities in the natural environment.

Exploring nature can be as simple as a trip to the local park, or some backyard fun, and is often free.

Join council staff for two special events these school holidays.

Take a bushwalk through the beautiful Alex Wilkie Reserve, learn about some of the animals that live there and construct a shoe box diorama of a habitat at the Healthy Habitats session on Tuesday 9 April, from 10am–11.30am.

Explore the magic of Alex Wilkie Reserve and make an animal mask at the Friday Furry and Feathers Friends Facts session on Friday 12 April, from 10am–11.30am.

Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve is in Mackay Street, Springvale South. Places at each session are limited.

Phone 8571 1702 to book.

Immunisation Timetable – April 2019 Date

Time

Location

Monday 1 April

4pm–6.30pm

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

Tuesday 9 April

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

Wednesday 10 April 4pm–6.30pm

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

Monday 15 April

4.30pm–6pm

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

Thursday 18 April

1pm–2pm

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

Wednesday 24 April 10am–12pm Saturday 27 April

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

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Business News

Explore your own backyard The City of Greater Dandenong has a lot to offer visitors. In fact an increasing number of tourists are coming to our city for a range of experiences, cuisines and cultures.

While word seems to be getting out to the rest of the world, Council would like to encourage residents to play tourist and explore their own backyard.

Shop in colourful locations from the Dandenong Market to the sensational streets of Springvale, or get your adrenaline pumping at the world class Noble Park Skate Park or the nationally acclaimed Melbourne Cable Park in Bangholme.

If food is more your thing, then explore the hundreds of food businesses, restaurants and eateries that put the world on your plate. You could try an organised food tour around Dandenong or Springvale, including the new Springvale Fresh tour which will launch on Monday 15 April.

Cultural tours can also help you explore major cultural precincts including Little India and the Afghan Bazaar in central Dandenong.

…plenty happening

If the arts are more your thing visit the iconic Drum Theatre in Dandenong for a show, or drop into Heritage Hill to see an exhibition.

There is always plenty happening in Greater Dandenong, and we would love for local residents to explore their own community and share what is special about their hometown with family and friends.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ visit for more information and inspiration.

In 2009 a journalist from The Age listed Bun Bun as having one of the top 10 sandwiches in Melbourne.

“Before that article our customers were mainly from Springvale but after that, bang, bang, bang. People came from everywhere,” Terry said.

Bun Bun Bakery Owner Terry has been a baker all his life, and started the iconic Springvale bakery Bun Bun with his wife.

“We are famous for our crispy roast pork, roast chicken and fresh salad-filled rolls. We are also well known for our rich and creamy pate. It is our own recipe. We make 20 litres of it every second day.

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“I have lived in Springvale since 1981.

The area has changed a lot over the years. A lot more buildings, a lot more shops and a bigger population.

It is a better area compared to when we started.”

Bun Bun Bakery is at 1/288 Springvale Road, Springvale.

“On our quietest day we would sell about 600 filled rolls and on our busiest day about 1100 rolls. Weekends are a lot busier with people travelling hours in the car for our rolls. For $5 they are very cheap and really good quality and they fill you up for a long time.”

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

Community Community Calendar News

THE CITY

32nd Australian Sikh Games Greater Dandenong will experience an influx of interstate and international visitors during the 2019 Australian Sikh Games held at Casey Fields over the Easter long weekend.

The Games are important for central Dandenong due to its natural relationship with Little India and surrounds, which have been officially recognised as Victoria’s first Indian Cultural Precinct.

Dandenong is the nearest urban centre to the Games’ venue at Casey Fields, and many of the estimated 50,000 spectators and 2,500 athletes are expected to take advantage of Dandenong’s dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities.

Central Dandenong’s hotels and accommodation venues are also

Players wanted The Sandown Cobras All Abilities Football Club is kicking goals, but wants to offer more players the opportunity to take the field.

The club plays in the FIDA League (for players with an intellectual disability), and has made the grand final for the past three years running.

Coach Doug West said the team had been very successful and he wanted to share that success with other families.

“We want to start a second team, and we are hoping to attract both boys and girls.”

The first game of the season will be on Thursday 4 April.

For more information email the club at hannahsacks@ hotmail.com or phone Mr West on 0407 837 667.

expected to be popular bringing a significant economic boost to the community.

The Australian Sikh Games are held every year in a capital city or major regional centre across the country.

As well as the premier sporting and cultural event for the Australian Sikh

The first game of the season will be on Thursday 4 April

community, the games celebrate Vaisakhi, a traditional festival among Sikh’s and the broader Hindu community.

Visit anssacc.org.au to learn more about the Australian Sikh Games.

The art of public speaking With more than 350,000 members worldwide, Toastmasters Clubs offer confidence to people looking to develop their communication skills.

The Valewood Toastmasters Club started in 1980 and meets at the Dandenong Senior Citizens Club, at 41a Latham Crescent, Dandenong North.

Meetings give members the opportunity to develop many areas of communication and leadership skills, including public speaking.

The club is made up of individuals from a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, ages, experience levels and vocations. Members are supportive and always willing to help others improve.

The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month, from 7.30pm– 9.30pm. Visit Valewood. toastmastersclubs.org for more information or phone 0417 512 344.

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