The City April 2017

THE

CITY

Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2017

World Fare PAGE 7

Youth Week

Little India

Heritage Festival

►► PAGE 7

►► PAGE 9

►► PAGE 12

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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

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

Early this month we have two fantastic community celebrations. One is the Dandenong World Fare, which is part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Held at Dandenong Market on Sunday 2 April, the Fare celebrates international food at its finest, see page 7 for more information. The other event is Autumn Fest at Wachter Reserve in Keysborough, also on Sunday 2 April. This fun, free, family event is also welcoming family pets this year. Read more on page 3.

Mayor Jim Memeti If you have children then you know that the first school holidays for the year are upon us. If you are looking for some fun things to entertain your family turn to page 8, or find out more about Youth Week, celebrating 12–25 year olds, on page 7.

If you feel like exploring your city as a tourist might then why not check out the Little India Precinct in Dandenong. Read more about this colourful neighbourhood on page 9.

Fax: 8571 5196

Discover more about the history of our city during the National Trust’s Heritage Festival, read about exhibitions, talks and interactive activities on page 12.

www.greaterdandenong.com

I would like to wish you all a great month and I look forward to seeing you out and about in the community celebrating our great city.

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

My City Fotheringham Reserve in Dandenong is one of Greater Dandenong’s most environmentally significant areas, with one of the largest stands of remnant Red River Gum woodlands in the municipality. This reserve provides habitat for many native species of plants and animals, and is a popular place for residents to visit for a walk, a play or a picnic. Picture: Hilton Stone.

Important Numbers Emergency calls Police / Fire / Ambulance................................... 000 Street lighting faults / non-operational United Energy............................................13 20 99 Traffic signal faults / non-operational................................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline................................. 1800 333 000 Hard Waste Collection WM Waste Management Services.................................................... 9721 1915 Australian Animal Protection Society.............................. 9798 8415 RSPCA....................................................... 9224 2222 Nurse on Call................................ 1300 606 024

www.greaterdandenong.com

Front Cover: Delicious world food will be celebrated at the Dandenong World Fare.

Picture: Ewan Bell.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

News

◷ Briefs Have your say The Draft Springvale Activity Centre Structure Plan is open for public comment. The plan sets out key objectives and strategies to help guide the future use and development for the area over the next 20 years. Feedback forms can be found at greaterdandenong.com or at Council’s customer service centres and libraries. Submissions must be made in writing and received by Council before 5pm on Friday 7 April.

THE CITY

SUB URBAN ART Free Workshops

Autumn Fest Join us for a day of live entertainment, fun activities, sports and games, and fun for your four legged friends at this year’s Autumn Fest. Held on Sunday 2 April, from 11am–4pm at Wachter Reserve, Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough.

Visit the animal management tent for free cat and dog microchipping when you register a pet, or take part in some fun dog activities.

Enjoy a range of free workshops and activities across the day.

Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Short film festival Short Cuts is back for 2017 and we have received lots of entries from talented emerging and established filmmakers. The top entries will be screened at Drum Theatre on Friday 5 May at 7pm. Visit www.shortcutsfilmfestival.com.au for more information and to buy tickets.

Wind your clock back Daylight Savings ends on Sunday 2 April, so remember to wind your clocks back one hour at 2am.

Greater Dandenong residents will be encouraged to come out of their shells and perform as part of a series of free workshops.

The exciting and innovative workshops include contemporary dance, puppetry and spoken word, and are part of a project called [SUB]URBAN studio.

The workshops will be led by professionals, including dance company Chunky Move, and will result in a series of public performances across the municipality.

[SUB]URBAN studio provides unique opportunities for artistic and professional development pathways through workshops, mentoring, performance, exhibition and artist residencies.

No specific skills are required to take part in the program, and all members of the community are invited to get involved, learn something new and be a part of an exciting series of workshops and performances.

The project will be launched with a spectacular performance of Rule of Thirds by Chunky Move at the Drum on Wednesday 12 April, at 6.30pm.

The project is funded by the City of Greater Dandenong and Creative Victoria as part of the Creative Suburbs program.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/arts for more information about workshops and the launch performance.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Your Council

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

Local Area Commander Mark Langhorn, Mayor Jim Memeti and Acting Senior Sergeant Stuart Dawson, with a mobile messaging board that will be used to convey safety messages around Greater Dandenong.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mayor Jim Memeti and Councillor Roz Blades with players and staff from the St Kilda Football Club at the launch of the AFL’s Next Generation Academy at Springers Leisure Centre.

Council Meetings MONDAY

10 APRIL

MONDAY

24 APRIL

www.greaterdandenong.com

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APRI L

APRIL NO VEMBER

M O N DAY

10 APRIL

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

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

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

You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community.

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

MONDAY TH URSDAY

Monday 10 April Monday 24 April

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

MOND

24 APRIL

THE CITY

Cr Heang Tak

► Paperbark Ward As a vibrant city of opportunity that celebrates its diversity with pride, Greater Dandenong is one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in Australia. Our city is lucky to have a large range of collaborative and significant local support services and multicultural leaders who make this a special place to live.

I want to start by saying what an honour it is to be re-elected to Council. I love being a councillor in such a diverse multicultural community and I look forward to representing all the residents of Paperbark Ward for another four years.

► Lightwood Ward I recently had a look at the construction happening for the new Springvale Community Precinct.

This significant Council investment will include two stages of development at the site of the former Springvale Council offices, at 397–405 Springvale Road.

The first stage is well underway, with the Springvale Town Hall mid-way through a major refurbishment. The hall is due to re-open to the public by July.

The second stage represents the most significant project in Springvale in recent history, and includes a modern library, multi-purpose community meeting spaces, outdoor green spaces and parking.

We are a community that works together to achieve a supportive and harmonious society for all our residents. The cultural mix of Greater Dandenong is one of its great strengths – it brings colour and vibrancy, awareness and understanding, not to mention inclusion and support.

In June 2016 a Mayoral Forum held when I was mayor of Greater Dandenong, found the community expressed a strong desire for continued dialogue and collaboration.

It is for this reason Council has established a new committee to help engage and promote awareness of issues impacting our city’s multicultural communities.

The Multicultural Advisory Committee will meet regularly and provide advice and strategic input to Council which will help shape policies, drive service and program delivery and support key government initiatives.

I look forward to seeing how this committee can help us work more closely with our community.

If you would like to talk about any local issues please contact me at heang.tak@ cgd.vic.gov.au or via phone on 0403 072 291.

Cr Sean O’Reilly The precinct will create a new community heart for Springvale. Imagine an exciting space to come together with family and friends for a casual outing, or a central location for larger community celebrations.

Picture yourself studying at the library before gathering with friends out on the lawn for a quick game of soccer or a picnic.

Lyons Architecture, who won a design competition for the community hub and library precinct, are finalising their designs for the site and construction is due to be completed by mid-2020.

I am always happy to be contacted by residents who want to talk about local issues. You can email me at sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone on 0422 523 258.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Working for You

Community clean up A free family fun day in Springvale South will help bring the community together and spread a message of community safety.

Council’s annual Community Clean Up Day will this year be held at Darren Reserve, 3 Gillian Street, on Thursday 20 April, from 3pm–6pm.

Learn more about your community, while you hear about graffiti removal, graffiti prevention and looking after Council’s parks and reserves.

There will be free activities, including a Bunnings planting stall, African drumming activities and a graffiti removal workshop. There will also be free food and prizes on offer.

Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there. Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Lily Litter

needs your help The City of Greater Dandenong’s own Lily Litter is calling for local children to help her keep Greater Dandenong’s waterways clean, healthy and litter free.

Entries are now open for school students to help design a pull up banner highlighting the importance of keeping litter and pollution out of our stormwater drains.

Our stormwater drains flow directly into the creeks and rivers that surround Greater Dandenong, this means that any litter dropped in our streets can have an immediate effect on the vegetation and wildlife that rely on our waterways.

Your design can be in any medium – paint, virtual design, collage, etc – but should include Lily Litter.

The competition is open to individuals, groups and classes. The winning banner will be used as a banner at Council events and the designers of the winning banner will receive a special marine wildlife experience from the Dolphin Research Institute for their whole year level.

Entries now open

The competition closes on 30 June. For more information contact Amy McLoughlin at amy.mcloughlin@cgd.vic.gov.au or 8571 1506.

Application for use of Council Halls – New Year’s Eve 2017 1. Springvale City Hall & Supper Room (Capacity 800) 2. Menzies Hall (capacity 300) 3. Springvale Reserve (capacity 200) The City of Greater Dandenong invites applications from interested organisations wishing to be considered for use of the above facilities on Sunday 31 December 2017 (New Year’s Eve).

Prospective applicants will need to provide Council with the following information:

www.greaterdandenong.com

► Times

of use and proposed function for sale of tickets ► Organisation’s location within the City of Greater Dandenong ► How many of the organisation’s activities are held within the municipality ► Demonstrate a direct benefit to the City of Greater Dandenong community ► Procedure

► Number

of members of the organisation who reside within the municipality

D ECEM BE

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Further details and application forms can be obtained by contacting Civic Facilities on 8571 1000 or email epbookings@cgd.vic.gov.au

Applications will be accepted until Friday 21 April 2017 and should be addressed: Rebecca Jones – Civic Facilities City of Greater Dandenong PO Box 200 DANDENONG VIC 3175

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Community Calendar

THE CITY

Youth Week This year the City of Greater Dandenong will celebrate our young residents and the important role they play in our community during National Youth Week.

A series of employment workshops called Create Your Future will help young people explore their career options and pathways. Getting a casual or part time job while you study will also be covered in the informative sessions.

Dandenong World Fare Travel the globe at Dandenong World Fare and indulge in traditional and modern dishes from all corners of the earth.

Dandenong Market will host the pop-up, hawker-style market as part of the celebrated Melbourne Food and Wine Festival on Sunday 2 April, from 10am–4pm.

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The event will feature 40 of Melbourne’s best multicultural food trucks and stalls, which feature the irresistible flavours of dishes from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.

Once you’ve tasted the best enjoy live musical entertainment, fairground rides and be inspired by interactive cooking demonstrations.

With free entry and free parking, this family friendly event promises to be fun for all.

And don’t forget to explore Dandenong Market with over 200 market stalls selling the freshest produce and a huge variety of bargains.

Hayuran Mahendiran

Youth in profile

When Hayuran Mahendiran joined Greater Dandenong’s Young Leaders program he hoped to make some new friends and improve his English.

What he found was a prosperous new life.

Hayuran arrived in Australia in 2013 after leaving Sri Lanka to seek asylum.

He joined the Young Leaders program in 2015, and was instrumental in helping develop and deliver the Inspire

Players can show their skills on the soccer pitch with a tournament at Dandenong’s Pop Up Park, run in conjunction with Melbourne Victory.

The Street Style Your Style tournament will be held on Friday 7 April, from 9am to 5pm, and will feature competitions for males and females.

Council’s Youth and Family Services have also joined forces with the YMCA to host the 2017 Victorian Skate Park League South Eastern Metro Series at the Noble Park Skate Park.

The event will include a scooter, BMX and skateboard competition open to young people aged 12–25, on Saturday 8 April.

Join us to celebrate National Youth Week. Visit greaterdandenong.com/youth to find out more.

Me: Youth Employment and Education forum. His experience was so positive that he returned in 2016 as a mentor.

Now Hayuran works full time in property maintenance and is studying at Chisholm – where he says he is regularly recognised by other students because of his involvement with the Young Leaders program.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ youth to find out more about Council’s youth programs.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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School Holiday Activities The City of Greater Dandenong is offering a bunch of free or low cost activities to help entertain school children these school holidays.

greaterdandenong.com/ schoolholidays Wednesday 5 April

Friday 7 April

Make a super shaggy woven wall hanging at this Weaving with Rachel workshop at Heritage Hill, from 11am–12.30pm. Cost $7.

Take part in a dynamic dance class at the Martial Arts Shadowdancing Workshop at Springvale Library from 2pm–3pm. Open to ages 12–16.

Free.

Watch a breakdancing competition with a soundtrack provided by DJ Tofu, in Harmony Square from 1pm–3.30pm. Free.

Council’s Youth and Family Services team is running a series of workshops to help young people (aged 16–25 years) get job ready. Visit greaterdandenong. com/youth for more information and to sign up for one of the free sessions.

Discover how to find Australian animals using tracks and scats, and design your own printed t-shirt at Heritage Hill, from 11am–12.30pm. Cost $7.

Enjoy some science madness at the Springvale Library’s Mad Science Show, from 2pm–3pm. Free.

Monday 10 April Learn how to plan, buy and cook for your own lunch box. Aimed at 5–15 year olds, parents must also attend this workshop at Heritage Hill, from 11am–12.30pm. Cost $7.

Tuesday 11 April

Our libraries will offer free entertainment for primary school aged children, while Drum Theatre and Heritage Hill will encourage creative exploration through various workshops.

Tuesday 4 April

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Roll up! Roll up! For the Little Devils Circus School Holiday Workshop at Drum Theatre from 10.30am– 12.30pm. Cost $7.

Thursday 6 April

Springvale Library will host a performance by Australia’s master magician Duck Cameron, from 2pm–2.45pm. Free.

Build an insect hotel for all your little garden friends at this Heritage Hill workshop, from 11am–12.30pm.

Cost $7.

A forensic science workshop aimed at 12–16 year olds will be held at Dandenong Library from 2pm–3pm.

Free.

Enjoy the Flash Twinkle Toes’ Silly Circus Show at Dandenong Library, from 2pm–2.45pm. Free.

Thursday 13 April

Free or low cost activities www.greaterdandenong.com

Capture the beauty of the Autumn garden at Heritage Hill in this foam printing workshop, from 11am–12.30pm. Cost $7.

Explore some exciting chemical reactions at the Chemistry Show at Dandenong Library, from 2pm–3pm.

Free.

Community Calendar

THE CITY

Little India

Vasan Srinivasan, Dr Dinesh Parekh and Revati Ilanko in from of Museum India in Dandenong.

Indian textiles Do you have a beautiful, extraordinary Indian textile, shawl or sari with a story to tell?

Since the 1990s Dandenong’s Foster Street has been a home to Melbourne’s Indian community, with an active and authentic trading and dining scene.

In 2007 the area was branded Little India, and in 2015 the State Government formally recognised Dandenong as Melbourne’s first Indian Cultural Precinct with a $500,000 grant.

In 2014 Museum India was opened to much fanfare featuring a colourful collection of artefacts from Dr Dinesh Parekh. The museum is the first of its kind to open outside of India and is open to the whole community.

Likewise Little India is a welcoming place to explore. Experience the authentic flavours of India without a passport. Within the Indian community Little India is famous for wedding related shopping with Punjabi suits for men and traditional wedding saris and jewellery for women. Local shops also offer contemporary fashion in a variety of sari styles for Bollywood parties and special events.

In August 2017, Walker Street Gallery will be staging an exhibition of Indian textiles. The gallery will be borrowing some beautiful pieces from some important Australian collectors, but if you have something that you think should be included in this special exhibition then we want to hear from you.

For further information please email walkerstgallery@cgd. vic.gov.au

Little India is also a great place to shop for authentic ingredients and Indian food. From the supermarkets to the takeaway food offerings, there is something for all palettes in Little India.

Experience the wonder of Little India through Council’s cultural tours. Visit greaterdandenong. com/visit for tour dates.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Community Calendar

Event Calendar / April 2017 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

April

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

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onversation Circle – C Advanced English Dandenong Library 6pm–7.30pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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urden Park Social Dancing B Burden Park Bowls Club, Springvale South 7pm–10pm (every Monday) Ph: 9547 1907

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T ech Savvy Seniors – Viet Springvale Library 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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

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

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ASTER MONDAY E PUBLIC HOLIDAY

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oble Park Country Women’s N Association meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 10am–12pm, Ph: 9547 7261

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adies of Talking, Outings and L Socialising (LOTOS) Jan Wilson Community Centre 10am–12pm (every Monday) Ph: 9795 9279

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

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

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I nterfaith Network Tour 39 Clow Street, Dandenong 8.30am–3pm Ph: 8774 7662

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

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oble Park Community N Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 6pm Ph: 0414 274 878

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dult Exercise Class A Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am–10.30am (every Tuesday) Ph: 9795 9279

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earning Help for Adults L Dandenong Library 1pm–3pm 1300 630 920

ANZAC DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

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earning Help for Adults L Springvale Library 2pm–5pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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ature Play April – Teddy N Bear’s Picnic Alex Wilkie Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South 10am–11.30am Ph: 8571 1702

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onversation Circle – C Beginners Dandenong Library 6pm–7.30pm (every Thursday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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usiness Seminar: Top Social B and Digital Marketing Tips Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 6pm–7.30pm, Ph: 8571 1550

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pringvale Food Lovers Tour S Dandenong Civic Centre, 6pm–8pm Ph: 8571 1377

Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve

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

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laygroup P Jan Wilson Community Centre 10am–12pm Ph: 9795 9279

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ibrary Storytime L Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Nature

Play April – Build a Fairy House Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South, 10am–11.30am, Ph: 8571 1702

► Afghan

Bazaar Cultural Tour Dandenong, 6pm–8pm Ph: 8571 1377

► Declutter

your Home Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 6.30pm–8.30pm, Ph: 8571 1702

Community Calendar

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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► Alex

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

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he – meet the artist S Walker Street Gallery, Dandenong, 11am–3pm

► Dandenong

World Fare Dandenong Market 10am–4pm

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lvis – an American Trilogy E Drum Theatre 8pm–10pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Autumn

Fest Wachter Reserve, Keysborough 11am–4pm

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– meet the artist Walker Street Gallery, Dandenong 11am–3pm

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► Skate

Competition Noble Park Skate Park 10.30am–5.30pm

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GOOD

FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

9 Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm Ph: 0438 303 939 ri Lankan New Year S Celebrations Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong 9am–9pm

21 Strength Training Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am–10.30am (every Friday) Ph: 9795 9279

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and My Dad: Crystal Chemistry Dandenong Library 3pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Springvale

Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm Ph: 0438 303 939

► Circus

Oz: Model Citizens Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

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► L anguage

Playgroup for Families Seeking Asylum Dandenong Library 11am Ph: 1300 630 920

Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436 Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900 Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441 Dandenong Market Ph: 9701 3850

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Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666

Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279

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Teddy Bear ’s Picnic

City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511

EASTER SUNDAY

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Contact:

SUNDAY

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► Family

Fun at the Library Springvale Library 11am (every Saturday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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Cultural Tours Ph: 8571 1666

► Robogals

Springvale Library 12.15pm–1.15pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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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Heritage Festival Greater Dandenong residents are invited to share their own heritage during this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival celebrations.

The Festival runs across Australia from 18 April–21 May and with the theme Having a Voice, it is encouraging communities to share their own historical tales.

A Migration Timeline set up in Dandenong Library is calling for contributions from across our great city.

Whether you share your own story or your great-great grandfather’s, the Migration Timeline is an interactive and informative way to learn about the many journeys that have made Greater Dandenong what it is today.

The timeline will be on display until 30 June and contributions will be accepted until this date.

A range of other exhibitions and talks will run throughout the festival, including a backstage tour of the “Grand Old Lady of Dandenong” the Drum Theatre, which was once the Dandenong Town Hall.

Dandenong and District Historical Society President Chris Keys will guide the tour while she traces the history of the Town Hall through festivals, war time and its more recent conversion to a theatre.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Exhibitions on display at Heritage Hill during the Festival include: ► Dr

Ian Hart – a man of service This exhibition features rarely seen items from the Hart collection and tells the story of a man who dedicated himself to the Dandenong community.

On show at Benga House until 28 September.

► Talking

Faiths On loan from the Immigration Museum this display tells the story of the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network and contains images and audio. On show at Laurel Lodge until 27 May. Rags and Grand Events 1940s–1960s Featuring beautiful clothes and images from a golden era in Dandenong’s history. On display at Benga House until 28 September.

Dr Ian Hart.

To book for the talk or tours phone 8571 1666, or visit greaterdandenong.com/arts for more information about all of the events and activities planned for the National Trust Heritage Festival.

► Glad

Benga House.

Council’s archivist Rhonda Diffey will host a talk at Benga House on Thursday 4 May, at 6pm, focussing on the two Hart Family Exhibitions – Dr Ian Harta man of service and Glad Rags and Grand Events 1940s–1960s.

A tour of Heritage Hill will also be conducted by Council’s heritage staff on Thursday 18 May at 10am.

Events & Activities

Community Calendar

Acting inside the box

THE CITY

Declutter your home Ever feel like you are drowning in ‘stuff’? You are not alone. Declutter your home and simplify your life at this free workshop.

Decrease your stress levels, clear your mind and save valuable time and money by learning strategies to better organise and manage your household clutter. Learn practical tips to help organise your home and life.

…the Fusion actors described the experience as ‘thrilling’ and ‘a great achievement’…

An all abilities theatre group has used the streets of Dandenong for their latest dramatic art work.

Supported by the City of Greater Dandenong’s Community Support Grants Program, Fusion Theatre is a company of performers of all abilities.

As part of the project ‘Outside In: Expanding Arts Community Engagement in Inclusive Theatre’, the Fusion Theatre morning ensemble actors with director, Cale MacLaren, have been expanding their creative horizons.

Working with emerging film-maker Dillan Stock, the actors began their creative development process with improvisation exploring the possibilities of a large aluminium cube to frame dramatic action.

Microcosma was filmed on location by constructing and re-constructing the cube in the streets of Dandenong.

The cube allowed for the framing of poignant encounters and moments of life.

A preview of the results was shown on Harmony Square’s Urban Screen late last year, but the project will be premiered at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre this month.

Fusion artistic director Jo Raphael said the Fusion actors described the experience as ‘thrilling’ and ‘a great achievement’, and look forward to bringing their artistic work to an even wider audience.

Declutter Your Home Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre Thursday 27 April, 6.30pm–8.30pm Phone 8571 1702

Immunisation Timetable – April 2017 Date

Time

Location

Monday 3 April

4.30pm–6.30pm

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

Tuesday 11 April

10am–11.30am

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

Wednesday 12 April

4pm–6.30pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Saturday 22 April

10am–11.45am

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Wednesday 26 March

10am–11.30am

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Business News

2017 Business Seminar and Workshop Series

“Modern libraries are a treasure trove of information and support…”

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Greater Dandenong will show its support for home based micro and small businesses with a series of workshops and seminars throughout the year.

Run in conjunction with the City of Kingston and Small Business Victoria the series will support businesses across the municipalities of Greater Dandenong and Kingston.

Seminar and workshop topics include Achieve Financial Success, Start up and Business Basics, Winning Government Business and Exporting, Online and Social Media, and Marketing and Growing your Business. They will be delivered by the Australian Taxation Office, Dawtek, RaraPR and Small Business Victoria.

This is a great opportunity to access advice and knowledge from leading industry experts to assist you to help improve your skills to start, run, grow and protect your business.

Some sessions also offer a free mentoring session to participants post event.

The program will be held at Dandenong Civic Centre and Kingston’s Council offices and places are limited. Visit greaterdandenong. com/businessevents for information and to book.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Libraries doing business

A visit to your local library offers more than a quiet place to read or research. Modern libraries are a treasure trove of information and support, especially for those looking to start or expand their own small business.

The role of Information Librarian (Business Portfolio) was created in 2015 with the idea to support businesses in the Greater Dandenong community, as well as spark curiosity about starting a small business.

The role is filled by Martina Sanchez, who has helped build online resources to support local business owners.

“As a business expert it was important for me to develop a business page that could link the community to relevant business information and also to be able to communicate with me,” Ms Sanchez said.

“I also like to make sure we have current and relevant business books and magazines on shelves for our patrons to borrow.”

Ms Sanchez receives a lot of support and guidance from Council’s own Economic Development Unit (EDU), and over time has also built partnerships with Small Business Victoria (SBV) and the Australia Taxation Office (ATO).

SBV and ATO help run Small Business Information Sessions at the Dandenong Library four times a year. These sessions contain introductory level information for those wanting to start a small business or those who are curious about venturing out on their own.

Greater Dandenong Libraries’ have recently delivered a small business information session to young adults as part of Youth Week, and are now getting ready to run a second session next month.

Although there is a small business focus, the role also provides resources in areas such as tax, superannuation, personal finance, accounting, management and marketing.

Visit greaterdandenong libraries.com.au for more information.

Community Community Calendar News

 Get on your bike

THE CITY

Health Expo

Are you over 55 and a keen cyclist? Dandenong U3A is looking for new members to join its Cycle Group for regular rides.

The group describes itself as a “bunch of keen amateurs” interested in extending friendship and the chance to explore and enjoy the many cycle tracks that exist in this area.

The group meets every Wednesday and Friday at the Blue Bridge in Dandenong Park or at Tirhatuan Park in Dandenong North. In summer the rides start at 8am, and in winter they start at 8.30am. The group does not ride if it is wet or if the temperature is over 30°C. For more information contact Richard Ryan on 0413 108 461 or Marge Angelucci on 0410 304 308.

The Dandenong Polish-Australian Seventh-day Adventist Church is holding a free Health Expo for all residents.

The church has been running the expo for the past four years, and until this year focussed mainly on working with the Polish-speaking community.

But this year, Pastor Roman Chalupka said the church was reaching out to all Dandenong residents in a bid to share the healthy living message.

Health Expo in Melbourne is an educational program which focusses on eight health principles including, nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, fresh air, rest and trust.

CFA seeks volunteers The Keysborough Fire Brigade is seeking to expand its membership and train up new volunteers.

They are seeking active men and women who can perform duties as operational firefighters, and other volunteers who can help with a variety of ‘behind the scenes’ roles.

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Captain Paul Townsend said the brigade also needed people who could assist with important community education programs, promotions and displays, fundraising and administrative activities.

“Volunteer membership offers new members fresh challenges as well as a chance to meet new people and give something back to their local community,” Captain Townsend said.

An information session will be held on Thursday 27 April at 7.30pm. For more information visit cfa.vic.gov.au or phone Captain Townsend on 0401 324 545 or Lieutenant Loretta Binder on 0437 190 675.

With eight different stands set up within the church, residents are invited to take advantage of free health checks, including blood glucose, cholesterol, weight, blood pressure and lung capacity. Fitness testing and free massages will also be offered to visitors.

The Health Expo will be held at the SDA Church, 100 James Street, Dandenong, on Sunday 2 April, from 10am–4pm. For information phone 0432 059 233 or 0407 538 036.

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

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

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We want the City of Greater Dandenong to be one of the most sustainable cities in Australia by 2030.

Join us in making this happen at

sustainable.greaterdandenong.com Together we can all create a brighter future.