The City October 2017

THE

CITY

Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine

OCTOBER 2017

Seniors Festival PAGE 8

Mayoral Family Fun Day

Mental Health Week

Healthy Waterways

►► PAGE 3

►► PAGE 7

►► PAGE 9

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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

Mayor ’s message Hello and welcome to the October edition of The City.

The year is flying by so fast. Students are looking forward to their final term of the school year, but there is still a lot of study to do, and our libraries can help students of all ages.

Turn to page 12 to find out more.

Council prides itself on being a leader in the space of sustainability and the environment, and recently we were recognised for our work at the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award. Read more on page 3.

Every October we celebrate Seniors Week with a festival of fun events designed to show how vibrant and active our seniors community is.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti

See page 8 for a wrap up of all the fun.

If you are free on Sunday 8 October I encourage you to come and say hello at the Mayoral Family Fun Day at the Springvale Town Hall. See page 3 to find out just how much fun this event will be. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Have a great month.

www.greaterdandenong.com @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

My City Dancers in traditional dress were among attendees at the Seniors’ Multicultural Dance at the Springvale Town Hall last month. Here dancers line up for a photo opportunity to promote the dance, which is a popular night out for Greater Dandenong’s diverse community.

council@cgd.vic.gov.au

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

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Front Cover: Greater Dandenong seniors, including Noel and Julie Carter, are looking forward to celebrating the Seniors Festival this month. See page 8 for more information on local events. Picture: Hilton Stone.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

News

THE CITY

The Greater Dandenong Mayor is inviting the whole community to the newly refurbished Springvale Town Hall for an afternoon of fun.

“It’s a great opportunity to catch up with family and friends, and of course I would love for everyone to come and say hello.”

The Mayoral Family Fun Day will feature a range of fun activities for the whole family.

You can also view plans for the Springvale Community Hub which is due to open in 2021.

Mayor Jim Memeti said everyone was welcome to the event on Sunday 8 October, from 12pm–4pm.

Free activities include: ► Rock climbing wall ► Pony rides ► Facepainting ► Balloon artist ► Animal farm.

“We have just refurbished the iconic Springvale Town Hall, so we want the whole community to come and check out the beautiful building and have some great, free fun,” Cr Jim Memeti said.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

CITY HA LL Greater Dandenong a sustainable city The City of Greater Dandenong has featured strongly in the prestigious Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award.

At the time of publication, Council was named a finalist in the Sustainable City of the Year and Sustainable City Council categories at the prestigious environmental awards.

Athol Road Primary School was also shortlisted for the Active Schools Award. The school was named Greater Dandenong’s most sustainable school at this year’s Greater Dandenong Sustainability Awards.

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association, also a finalist in our Sustainability Awards, is in the running for the Community action and Leadership Award for its Sustainable Living Project.

Local business Biofuel Innovations was named a finalist in the Environmental Sustainability category. Last year the company was awarded a Small Business Grant by Council to help grow their business.

The Sustainable Cities Awards were due to be announced in late September. Visit greaterdandenong.com to see how Council and other local nominees fared.

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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

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

s who attended eti with familie Mayor Jim Mem e Healthy Waterways Video of th the screening re.

Harmony Squa in ion tit pe Com

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 OCTO BER 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

Council’s Manager of Activity Centres Revitalisation Kevin Van Boxtel, Anthony Howard QC, Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau AC and Mayor Jim Memeti in Harmony Square, before meeting with Dandenong’s Indian Cultural Precinct Taskforce.

Council Meetings MONDAY

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OCTOBER NOVEMBER

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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 October 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 9 October Monday 23 October

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

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THE CITY

Cr Jim Memeti

► Red Gum Ward

When the pitch is completed in early 2018 Council will have delivered an $11.6 million project to the Keysborough community. Council has invested $6.2 million into the project with some help from the Australian Government ($4.8 million) and the Victorian Government ($650,000).

We recently celebrated a huge milestone in one of the biggest capital works projects in Greater Dandenong.

Construction work on the Tatterson Park Pavilion has been completed, with works now underway to complete the synthetic pitch.

► Lightwood Ward Local sports teams are an important part of the community and here in Greater Dandenong thousands of people use our local sports grounds every weekend to challenge themselves, have fun and socialise.

Recently I attended the launch of an upgraded Coomoora Reserve Pavilion.

The completion of the second stage of this project has given the Coomoora Cricket Club and Keysborough Soccer Club an improved home base for training and playing. The refurbished pavilion includes a new change room, improved kitchen/canteen facilities, a new multipurpose space, store rooms and public amenities. We have invested $1.25 million over four years to improve this facility in two stages and the results are fantastic.

In Greater Dandenong there are more than 70 sports clubs playing everything from soccer and Aussie Rules football, to hockey, rugby, tennis, cricket, netball and baseball.

This wonderful sporting pavilion will not only be a home for local soccer clubs, but it will also be a facility that the wider community can use. It includes community meeting and function rooms, multi-purpose spaces, a commercial kitchen, eight unisex change rooms, umpire and official amenities, kiosks and a 500-seat spectator viewing area.

Once the pitch is completed this will be a top class sporting facility and one that is unique in the south east region.

This ground will cater for everything from grass roots sport to elite level competition and I look forward to enjoying it alongside our residents.

Residents can come and explore this new pavilion during an open day we are having on Saturday 21 October, from 11am.

Speaking of residents, I would like to extend an invitation to all residents to join me for the Mayoral Family Fun Day at the refurbished Springvale Town Hall on Sunday 8 October.

A big part of my job is attending community events and I love getting out and supporting what is happening across our great city, but this fun day is my chance to return the favour and I would love to meet as many residents as I can. So please drop by and say hello.

If you would like to talk to me about any local issues please contact me at jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au or on 0434 560 239.

Cr Sean O’Reilly Greater Dandenong Council has a proud history of being one of the leading councils in supporting local sport with funding and facilities.

Council is always looking to improve local sporting facilities for use by more players, more teams and more community groups.

Personally, I use the sauna and pool at Dandenong Oasis, and I swim at Noble Park Aquatic Centre. I also go to a gym in Noble Park and exercise during lunch time at work.

There’s always a place somewhere in Greater Dandenong for you to join in.

The weather’s getting better, so come on there’s no excuse.

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

Cr Sean O’Reilly, Coomoora Cricket Club President Michael Temby, Cr Roz Blades and Keysborough Soccer Club President Bobby Monet at the launch of the upgraded Coomoora Reserve Pavilion.

Engaging in community life through volunteering at the local club or socialising with other families can offer a lifeline for many people.

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THE CITY

Working for You

Garden project benefits community Lifelong skills and friendships were created when Council’s Horticulture team engaged with students from Emerson School.

the Mackay Street Centre, which is used

by Council’s Planned Activity Group, has received a new look courtesy of a beautiful native garden.

A recent project to revive the outside of a Council building in Springvale South was designed to give students a practical component to their accredited training, but delivered so much more.

The Planned Activity Group is a program designed to help older people and people with disabilities learn practical skills and socialise. An unexpected benefit of the project was the connection between students and participants in the Planned Activity Group, who made some lasting

The students worked closely with Council’s Horticulture team gaining valuable on-the-job experience, while

…young residents have their say

Students designed and planted the sustainable garden over several weeks, and the results have given the Mackay Street building a fresh new look.

The program was so successful that Council is now looking for other local sites that need a makeover to continue the venture next year.

Children’s Forum The City of Greater Dandenong’s second annual Children’s Forum was held recently, giving local children a chance to have their say.

About 55 children, aged 8–12 years, took part in the forum which included interactive workshops and conversations across a range of topics such as: arks and playground design P ► Library programs and spaces ► Children’s workshops and activities ► Child-friendly public spaces. ►

Mayor Jim Memeti said the forum was a chance for all children to have their voices heard.

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friendships from their interactions.

“Greater Dandenong is a child friendly city where all children are valued, respected and celebrated and this forum was the perfect opportunity for our youngest residents to have a say on the things that matter to them,” Cr Memeti said.

“It is impressive to watch these children work together and to hear their wonderful ideas for the future of our city. All of their ideas will be used to support programs and planning across Council’s services.”

Community Calendar …giving young volunteers a chance to share their stories

THE CITY

Volunteer forum for youth Volunteers are crucial in any community, and Council is joining forces with Chisholm TAFE to encourage local youth to volunteer their time.

The third annual Youth Active Citizenship through Volunteering Forum will give young volunteers a chance to share their stories. Organisations looking for volunteers will also have an opportunity to outline volunteer roles available, highlight the benefits of volunteering and outline the application process.

The free Forum will be held at Chisholm Institute Auditorium, Building A, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong, on Thursday 16 October, from 10am–1pm. For information visit youth.greaterdandenong.com or phone 9793 2155.

PROFILES

Mental Health Week Secondary school students will be encouraged to ‘Think Positive’ during Mental Health Week 2017 celebrations.

Special presentations and workshops by mental health care professionals will promote positive mental health messages to local students from years 9–12. Workshops will cover topics including art, sport, music, body image, dance, mindfulness and mental health support.

Manzoor Nazari was a 2016 Young Leaders program volunteer, which helped him develop skills in project management. In the past Manzoor has spoken at a forum to encourage young people to volunteer, and has been invited to Government House as recognition for his volunteer work.

“Being involved in community programs opens up different doors and will open up your future,” Manzoor said.

Aishwarya Pokkulori has volunteered for many organisations including Australian Red Cross, Chin Maya Mission, Melbourne Mission and Hindu Society at Monash University. Through her work she has found that often many young people don’t know what is going on in the community.

“When you are involved in the community you have to keep finding similarities within the differences to keep being connected,” Aishwarya said.

Now in her final year at university, Aishwarya has been offered a skilled volunteering position where she can apply knowledge from her studies.

She also recently spoke about her volunteering at a state-wide forum for local government professionals.

Council’s Youth and Family Services partnered with Mental Health Foundation Australia to present the Think Positive event in Harmony Square on Thursday 12 October, from 10am–2.30pm.

During Mental Health Week a series of Think Positive postcards created by young people will be released. The postcards were made as part of a design competition open to young people aged 12–25 years. Entrants were asked to create an original artwork and pair it with a quote about “what keeps them positive”.

Visit youth.greater dandenong.com for more information.

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SENIORS FESTIVAL A full program of events will encourage all senior Greater Dandenong residents to celebrate Seniors Week this month.

events happening across Seniors Week

Council is committed to ensuring that all residents are supported, valued and encouraged to remain active members of our community, and one way we do this is to support the annual Victorian Seniors Festival.

Now in its 35th year, the Festival will run from 7–13 October.

You’re welcome to join in with any of the 60 events and activities taking place during the week of celebrations.

For more information or to get a copy of the festival booklet phone 8571 5204.

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SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER, 9.45AM–1.45PM Road Safety Driving Expo for seniors Lexington Gardens Retirement Village 114 Westall Road, Springvale Ph: 1800 550 550 SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER, 2.30PM The Russian National Ballet presents The Nutcracker Drum Theatre 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong $60 for Seniors Card holders Ph: 8571 1666

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MONDAY 9 OCTOBER, 10AM–12PM Understanding your pension information session Dandenong Library, Ph: 1300 630 920

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TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER, 10AM–12PM Smartphones for Seniors Springvale Library, Ph: 1300 630 920 WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER, 10.30AM–12.30PM

Visit greaterdandenong.com to view the booklet, or for more ideas of what is happening outside Greater Dandenong visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Garden Tour 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong Cost $6.50 including morning tea Ph: 8571 1666 THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER, 8.30AM

Chat with the Commissioner

Afternoon Dance Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North 12pm–3pm Ph: 8571 5204

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Follow Your Waste Tour Leaving from Springvale Town Hall car park 397–405 Springvale Road, Springvale Free including lunch Ph: 8571 1702

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FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER, 9.30AM–2.30PM

The Commissioner for Senior Victorians will host a chat with local residents about later life and other things that are on your mind. Topics of conversation include planning for your future, staying connected – social and community participation, and your voice.

Commissioner Gerard Mansour will be at the Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Friday 3 November, from 11am–1pm. No bookings are required and the event is free. For more information phone 1300 135 090.

Community Calendar

THE CITY

Creative approach to Healthy Waterways Two competitions have encouraged young people to use their artistic skills to share an environmental message.

Local primary school children were invited to create a banner highlighting the importance of keeping litter and pollution out of our stormwater drains.

Springvale Rise Primary School Grade 4 student Mihn (pictured right) created the winning design, which will be turned into a pull up banner for use at Council events. Mihn’s design included the City of Greater Dandenong’s own Lily Litter, a lady bug who spreads the message that everyone can stop litter where it starts.

Mihn’s Grade 4 school mates will also receive an incursion from the Dolphin Research Institute as part of the competition funded by Melbourne Water’s Living Rivers program.

Another creative competition encouraged youth who live, work or play in Greater Dandenong to make a short video exploring environmental themes.

GRAFFITI

KITS Council is committed to keeping our city clean from graffiti and residents can play a part.

Free graffiti removal kits are available to residents to help keep their properties clean from this sort of vandalism. The kits are designed to remove small areas of graffiti from brick, metal cladding, concrete and unpainted metal surfaces.

Visit one of Council’s customer service centres for a free kit, or to report graffiti phone 8571 1000.

The Healthy Waterways video competition was also funded by the Living Rivers program, and offered a major prize of $1000 and a people’s choice award of $250.

winning design

Jeannie Psomoulis won the major prize for her film Pantalones, and Wooranna Park Primary School Year 2 students Bethany Pik and Luka Stakic won the People’s Choice Award for their video Protect our Dandenong Waterways.

Council is running the video competition again for 2018 with entries open from Monday 2 October.

Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information or to view the finalists’ videos.

#msnobutts makeover One of Council’s costumed litter warriors has had a makeover and is taking her environmental message on the road.

#msnobutts will be able to travel far and wide after Council received funding to create several new costumes.

The City of Greater Dandenong received a Litter Innovation grant from Sustainability Victoria to expand the #msnobutts program and create nine costumes for use in Greater Dandenong and by surrounding councils.

The program encourages people to dispose of cigarette butts the right way, and distributes free butt bins to smokers on the streets of Greater Dandenong. Council is hoping people will share the environmentally friendly message on social media with the hashtag #msnobutts.

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Community Calendar

Event Calendar / October 2017 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

30 31 ► Learn

French Springvale Neighbourhood House 46–50 Queens Avenue 6pm–9pm Ph: 9548 3972

► Top

Cat Rock and Roll Swing Dance Classes Edinburgh Hall, Springvale North 7.30pm Ph: 0413 393 345

► Burden

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

Dandenong Wet

lands

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► Combined

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

► Children’s

Festival Snakebusters Dandenong Library 2pm Ph: 1300 360 920

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► Career

Support Service Dandenong Library 10am–1pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Combined

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

► Council

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

Evening View Club Dandenong RSL, 44–50 Clow Street 7pm Ph: 9560 9717

Festival Pilates/Yoga Springers Leisure Centre 9am Ph: 9701 5900

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street, 7pm

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Amazing Giant Girl Drum Theatre 10.30am and 1.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

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

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

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► Bilingual

► Seniors

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

Business Bus Visit Douglas Street, Noble Park 10am–4pm Ph: 132 215

Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 6pm 0414 274 878

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

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► Learning

Help for Adults Dandenong Library 2pm–5pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Declutter

and Simplify Life Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 8571 1702

► Keysborough

St Andrews Masonic Lodge Community Meeting Corner Greens and Perry roads, Keysborough, 8pm–10.30pm Ph: 0488 782 392

24 Business in a Digital World Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 6pm–8pm Ph: 8571 1550

Festival Afternoon Dance Jan Wilson Community Centre 12pm–3pm Ph: 8571 5204

► Noble

► Greater

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

► Your

Rowe Drum Theatre 10.30am Ph: 8571 1666

Storytime – Vietnamese Springvale Library, 10.30am

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► Council

► Super

► Dandenong

► Conversation

Park Country Women’s Association Annual General Meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 10am Ph: 9547 7261

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

► Normie

► Peer

► Noble

Spoken Word

► Thursday

► Interfaith

► Small

► [ SUB]URBAN

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► Seniors

► Small

2 Peer Homework Club Dandenong Library 4pm–6pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Hill Museum and Historic Garden Tour 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10am Ph: 8571 1666

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16 Business Bus Visit Multicultural Place, Springvale 10am–4pm Ph: 132 215

► Heritage

► Dandenong

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► Social

Knitwork Dandenong Library 10am (every Wednesday)

► Baby

Bounce Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Wednesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

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► Conversation

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

► Ballroom

Dancing Keysborough Senior Citizen’s Hall, 352 Cheltenham Rd 8pm (every Thursday) Ph: 0428 549 995

Community Calendar

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Contact:

1

► Greater

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

October

Festival Little Day Out Ross Reserve, Noble Park 11am–4pm

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► Children’s

Festival Wildflower Walk Alex WIlkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South 10am Ph: 8571 1702

7

Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920

National Ballet Theatre: Romeo and Juliet Drum Theatre, 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Family

► Bollywood

► Me

► Little

India Cultural Tour Central Dandenong 6pm Ph: 9771 5777 Noble Park Community Centre Art Show Opening Night Memorial Drive, Noble Park 7pm Ph: 9547 5801

of Mercy English Tutoring Dandenong Library 9am (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920

► Strength

Training Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am (every Friday) Ph: 9795 9279

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

22

► Springvale

Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm Ph: 0425 806 006

► Robotics

Workshop Springvale Library 12.15pm–2pm Ph: 1300 630 920

27

► Sisters

Chi Qi Gong Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46–50 Queens Avenue 10am (every Sunday) Ph: 9548 3972

Mandolin Music Group Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46–50 Queens Ave 1pm–3pm (every Saturday) Ph: 9548 3972

► Annual

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21

► Chinese

Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279

► Tai

and My Dad: Digital Microscopy Dandenong Library 3pm Ph: 1300 630 920

20

Heritage Hill Ph: 9793 4511

National Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker Drum Theatre 2.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

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

Dancing Springvale Neighbourhood House 46–50 Queens Ave, Springvale 4pm–6pm Ph: 9548 3972

Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920

► Russian

14

► Baby

Family Fun Day Springvale Town Hall 12pm–4pm

► Russian

13

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► Mayoral

SENIORS WEEK BEGINS

City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000 Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666

► Children’s

THE CITY

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

28 29

► Keysborough

Resurrection School Community Swap 414-418 Corrigan Road, Keysborough 10am

► Chinese

Tai Chi for Everybody Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46–50 Queens Avenue 3pm (every Sunday) Ph: 9548 3972

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

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Libraries go back to school As the final school term kicks off for 2017, students find themselves focussing on exams and assignments.

Greater Dandenong Libraries are here to help students, whether it is with books, a quiet space to study or electronic resources, there is something to support everyone at your local library.

$1,000

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

in prize money up for grabs

Students can access peer study support throughout the school year through the Peer 2 Peer study program which runs at Dandenong Library every Monday from 4pm–6pm.

For those wanting expert academic assistance the online program YourTutor can be accessed for free through the library website.

YourTutor connects students with academic advisors who provide guidance and assistance with homework problems and essays.

This year the libraries have added a VCE English collection for students wishing to borrow VCE listed novels and study guides.

For those unable to visit the library in person they also offer some great eresources which can be accessed from home with a library membership.

Library staff are always around to offer support and can help students access all of these resources as they strive to finish the academic year on a high.

Visit greaterdandenong libraries.com for more information or visit the Springvale or Dandenong libraries to become a member.

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Get active these school holidays and show your soccer or skateboarding skills at two special holiday events.

Council’s Youth and Family Services and Shredability will host the King of Street skateboarding competition at the world-class Noble Park Skate Park on Sunday 1 October.

This competition will follow the Olympic Games skateboarding competition format, and will include four divisions, including 12 and under, 16 and under, ladies and open.

There will be $1000 in prize money up for grabs, and registrations will cost $5 and open from 10am on the day.

The competition will run from 11am–5pm. For more information phone 9793 2155.

Council’s Youth and Family Services are also partnering with Entrepreneurship Movement Club (EMC) to host the 2k17 Street Style Soccer Tournament on Friday 6 October.

The tournament, which will be held at Pop Up Park in Dandenong, from 9am–6pm will feature four categories, including under 14s, under 16s, open female (17–25 years) and open male (17–25 years).

Visit youth.greaterdandenong.com or phone 9793 2155 for registration forms and more information.

Community Calendar

THE CITY

Declutter workshop Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of ‘stuff’ in your life?

You’re not alone.

Decrease your stress levels, clear your mind and save valuable time and money by learning strategies to better organise and manage your household clutter at this free workshop.

Time to play in Greater Dandenong The City of Greater Dandenong boasts more than 600 hectares of open space, including 102 playgrounds.

Each year Council sets aside money in our annual Budget to upgrade playgrounds, and in 2016/17 $510,000 was put aside for this task.

One of our biggest projects was the renewal of the Lois Twohig Reserve playground, in Carlton Road, Dandenong North, which took about six months to complete.

The family friendly reserve now includes a barbecue, seating, shelter and drinking fountain for picnics and gatherings in the park.

The new play area also features a range of fun equipment designed for children up to the age of 12 years. All abilities access pathways also make the playground more accessible for the whole community.

Interpretive signage explains the history of the reserve and new fencing separates the car park and main road entry from the play equipment, making it a safer experience for all.

Join Tanya Lewis from Eco Organiser for this two-hour interactive workshop which will give you practical tips to help organise your home and life.

Because life really is too short to be looking for stuff.

The Declutter and Simplify Life Workshop will be held at Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Thursday 19 October, from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Bookings are essential on 8571 1702.

The future of Dandenong Oasis The much-loved Dandenong Oasis is nearing the end of its life and Council is planning a new and improved centre for the future. To assist us with our planning we would like residents to tell us what you would like included in the new centre and if the current location is the best place for the aquatic centre.

Visit greaterdandenong.com and fill in the survey to have your say and be in the running for a free 12 month Dandenong Oasis membership.

Immunisation Timetable – October 2017 Date

Time

Location

Monday 2 October

4.30pm–6.30pm

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

Tuesday 10 October

10am–11.30am

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

Wednesday 11 October

4pm–6.30pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Monday 16 October

1pm–1.45pm

Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North

Monday 16 October

4.30pm–6pm

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

Wednesday 25 October

10am–11.30am

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

Saturday 28 October

10am–11.45am

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Business News

Join the Lions Club The Lions Club of Noble Park/ Keysborough is looking for community minded men and women of all ages to join their team of volunteers.

Small Business support in Greater Dandenong

The Club has been providing a community service for 47 years, and strives to make a difference in local, national and international communities by providing programs to help those in need.

Lions Clubs across the world offer members the chance to try new challenges as well as a chance to meet new people all while giving back to the community.

Contact the club for more information.

Phone: 0400 062 613 Email: kerrbelinda@ hotmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/ LionsClub201v5

Digital Workshop series Local businesses are encouraged to explore the digital world through a two part Digital Workshop Series.

Running a business online entails more than just having a website, and through this series you can explore blogs, social media and online advertising from the perspective of an expert with real small business experience.

Part one of the workshop series will be held at Dandenong Civic Centre, on Tuesday 24 October from 6pm–8pm.

Cost is $20.

Part two of the workshop will be held at Dandenong Civic Centre, on Tuesday 14 November from 5.30pm–9pm.

Cost is $30.

If you book into both sessions you pay a discounted rate of $30.

Phone 8571 1550 for more information or visit greaterdandenong.com/ events to book.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Are you thinking about starting a small business, or looking to grow an existing small business but don’t know where to start?

A mobile support service run by the Victorian State Government is on its way to Greater Dandenong.

The Small Business Bus is helping businesses throughout Victoria by providing free mentoring and face to face assistance.

Delivered by experts from the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS), the on-board mentoring sessions can help identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop an action plan to achieve your goals.

One 45 minute session is available for each business and all mentoring sessions are private and confidential.

Services include: ► Free

confidential mentoring provided by a small business specialist

► Advice

on developing your business idea, formulating a business plan, marketing your business, improving your understanding of cash flow management and more

► Further

information about support programs and services.

Bookings are essential, but appointments are free. Visit www.business.vic.gov.as/sbb or phone 132 215.

The bus will be at: ► Multicultural

Place, corner Buckingham and Balmoral avenues, Springvale on Monday 16 October, from 10am–4pm

► Noble

Park Civic Space, Douglas Street on Tuesday 17 October, from 10am–4pm.

Community Community Calendar News

THE CITY

Community meeting The Keysborough St Andrews Masonic Lodge will hold a free community meeting to discuss laws around Powers of Attorney.

Representatives from the State Trustees will help explain the changes, alongside the president of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices, a representative of the Office of the Public Advocate, and a number of lawyers to offer advice on the subject.

A panel style discussion will be followed by the opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

All are welcome to the meeting, which will be held at the South Eastern Masonic Centre, corner Greens and Perry roads, Keysborough, on Wednesday 18 October, at 8pm. A light supper will follow and the masonic club bar will be open.

For more information contact Colin Rimington, Worshipful master of the Keysborough St Andrews Daylight Lodge on email crimojustice@yahoo.com or phone 0488 782 392 (during business hours) or 9795 3203 (after hours).

Community Art Show Enjoy the work of some accomplished and emerging artists as part of the free Noble Park Community Centre Art Show.

The annual event is open to artists of all skill levels and age groups, and has something for all art lovers.

See the show at the Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October, from 10am–4pm both days.

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Visit www.noblepark communitycentre.org.au for more information.

Street Dreams are made of this Community dance and music classes are giving Greater Dandenong kids the chance to dream big.

Krystal Thompson (Bachelor of Psychology with Honours) has been a part of the Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) program in Dandenong since the start of the year, and has proudly seen the project make a difference in many young lives.

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dream ★ big ★

The MMAD music program operates weekly out of a shopfront at the Dandenong Plaza, while the MMAD dance program ‘Street Dreams’, run in partnership with the Salvation Army, is held at the Salvation Army Hall in James Street, Dandenong.

Ms Thompson said that while music and dance skills were taught at the classes the real focus was on giving the participants life skills and the confidence to achieve their dreams.

“Whether that dream is to have a career in music and perform on the world stage, or to have a job, a house and a car. Those goals are different for each young person,” Ms Thompson said.

“We have had some really great success stories and I have seen some of these young people who have been through the program now take on leadership roles themselves, some even becoming staff.”

Ms Thompson said she grew up in Mildura and went to university in South Australia, and had never been to Greater Dandenong before she started working here.

“I have been really impressed with this community. There are a lot of different cultures here, and that is what makes it so special. The kids really appreciate what we are doing and they all support each other so well.”

Visit mmad.org.au to find out more about the program.

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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Mayoral Family Fun Day Sunday 8 October 12pm-4pm Springvale Town Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale

CITY HALL

Free activities include:

Rides • Rock climbing wall • Pony rides Facepainters • Balloon artist • Animal farm Food and drinks will be available for purchase.