The City - August 2016

August 2016 Cultural Threads page 3

Council Elections page 7

Community Satisfaction Survey page 9

Small Business Festival page 14

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong

Hello and welcome to the August edition of The City.

This month we celebrate Cultural Threads, with workshops, public art installations and activities designed to encourage cultural connections through art.

See page 3 for more details.

Springvale customer service 397–405 Springvale Road Springvale

We are gearing up for the Council Elections in October, and I encourage residents to make sure their details are up to date on the electoral roll. Residents often ask me what a councillor actually does, and you can learn more about the role of a councillor on page 7.

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

This month Australian athletes are competing for Olympic glory in Rio, but local residents can try their hand at a range of Olympic sports right across Greater Dandenong. Turn to page 13 for more information.

August is also a month to celebrate small businesses, with the Small Business Festival running across the state. Greater Dandenong is hosting several events which you can read about on page 14.

As winter comes to a close, I wish you a great month and hope you enjoy reading this magazine.

Phone: 8571 1000

Fax: 8571 5196 www.greaterdandenong.com

Mayor Heang Tak

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

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency calls Police/Fire/Ambulance.................... 000 Street lighting faults/ non-operational United Energy ........................ 13 20 99 Traffic signal faults/ non-operational................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline.................. 1800 333 000 Hard waste collection WM Waste Management Services......... 9721 1915

my CITY These beautiful trees have seen a lot of growth and change in Dandenong.

They stand proudly in front of Laurel Lodge at Heritage Hill, and are this month part of an art installation for the Cultural Threads program. They are also a really lovely canopy under which you can enjoy a lazy lunch and watch the world go by.

Front Cover: Olympic swimmer Josh Beaver took a dip at the Noble Park Aquatic Centre before he left for Rio. The backstroker is making his Olympic debut in the 200m race. Picture: Kylie Grinham.

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

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This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Artist Kristin McFarlane with dresses from the historic Dorothy Hart collection, which she will use as part of the Here and Now art installation.

CULTURAL THREADS A

rt has popped up all over the City of Greater Dandenong as part of the Cultural Threads program.

A series of creative installations, all with input from the general public, will be on display during August. The Cultural Threads program, celebrates textile art and cultural diversity. The biannual event is running for the second time after winning an award for the inaugural 2014 program.

Residents and community groups have already taken part in workshops and activities to help trade skills, share

stories and interweave their cultures.

The Tree of Life in Harmony Square represents the symbolic significance of trees as a symbol of antiquity and enduring strength.

Led by artists Margaret Summerton and Robina Summers, the trees’ roots, trunk and branches has been created by local schools and community groups.

The Tree of Life will continue to grow throughout the month of August and eventually blossom into a magical white tree, bursting with flowers and butterflies.

INSTALLATIONS Here and Now at Drum Theatre. A curtain of etched glass panels represents the significance of fabric and pattern with the Greater Dandenong community.

All her thoughts are so tactile at Heritage Hill. A large scale embroidery engaging with the history of Laurel Lodge, speaking directly to ideas of ‘women’s work’ and traditional girls education.

Greater Dandenong Community Peace Quilt at Dandenong Library. An evolving large scale textile work constructed from recycled fabric.

Greater Dandenong Patterns at various locations. Through the craft of embroidery, Dandenong Patterns will highlight various historical details found around the Greater Dandenong landscape.

Friendship Garden at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre. The Friendship Garden uses colours inspired by

elements of the Australian environment to create a multi-faceted, three dimensional artwork.

Making Culture in the Harmony Square exhibition windows. An exploration of cultural expression through the medium of fashion and accessories.

And the stories still remain in the Harmony Square exhibition windows. An exploration of language and story, amidst the common form of printed paper.

Home and Community Care (HACC) Paper Garland at Springvale Library.

This paper garland celebrates the threads that connect life and community.

Exhibitions will be held at Walker Street Gallery and Heritage Hill, while a range of workshops will also be held for adults and children across the month. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ culturalthreads for more information.

OPEN DATA

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ouncil has released a large amount of information which could come in handy for university students, app developers and programmers. More than ten nonsensitive data sets have been released, giving information about things like cat and dog registrations, public toilets, playgrounds and garbage collection. The information is available for free via the data.gov. au website and can be combined with data from other local government areas to give a larger picture.

TECH SAVVY SENIORS

G

reater Dandenong Libraries are working to reduce the digital divide for residents aged over 60. The Tech Savvy Seniors program gives older people the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence to use technology for socialising, accessing important services or conducting personal business. The free face to face training is being offered in partnership with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Telstra and Public Libraries Victoria. Visit www. greaterdandenonglibraries.com for more information. the CITY 3

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

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

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

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

The August meetings will be held: • Monday 8 August • Monday 22 August Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our webcast service?

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

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

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

Cr Angela Long and Mayor Heang Tak attended the launch of the NBA Basketball Without Borders Camp at Dandenong Stadium. A who’s who of NBA and NBL champions attended the camp to help talented young basketball players improve their skills.

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

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

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Mayor Heang Tak, Cr Angela Long and Cr Matthew Kirwan with Aboriginal elder and performer Kutcha Edwards who spoke about reconciliation to a large group at the Dandenong Library.

Lightwood Ward

Cr Loi Truong Dear Residents

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ime has flown! I have been your councillor for nearly eight years. Through the two terms and my 2012 survey of Lightwood Ward residents I have listened and responded to your needs and wishes to ensure that council services serve you best. I’m aware that our council staff performance is good. All of the councillors have tried to listen to residents, council staff and each other to support residents and the future of our city.

Sometimes councillors’ votes could not make everyone happy, but I can assure you that we put residents’ interests first because our decisions help shape the future of our city, they affect all residents.

Together, residents and councillors have achieved much, including the start that we have made on the $40 million Springvale Master Plan. But a few things could not be completed during this term, such as the “Give Way” signs for both sides at the corner of Heatherton Road and Corio Drive in Springvale South. I believe this issue could be solved in the next year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Lightwood Ward residents for your support. I thank council staff for their professionalism, and thank fellow councillors who worked with me to fulfil our duties to residents.

Paperbark Ward

Cr Peter Brown NOBLE PARK: NUMBER 1 PRIORITY

S

KYRAIL: as a Council, we are aware of some residents’ criticisms of the Government’s Skyrail program. In this column, I will note some of its strengths. Gone will be the railway trench and infrastructure. In its place will be public open space and direct pedestrian connection on landscaped parkland to the Ian Street shops on the eastern side now cut off by the railway line. The railway authority will construct a road linking Ian Street to Douglas Street and probably Leonard Avenue. Instead of a shopping centre split by a railway line, there will be one united Noble Park shopping centre. Mons Parade precinct will play a critical role in the rejuvenation of the whole centre.

ROSS RESERVE SKATE PARK: substantial landscaping works approved in the 2016-17 Budget will continue, including the addition of seats and tables under cover with barbecue facilities to strengthen the family experience at the Skate Park.

KEYSBOROUGH RESERVE AND BOWLS CLUB: the new budget also sees funds allocated for extensive improvements to the sum of $134,000 at the Reserve plus shade cloth provided for the Bowls Club.

YARRAMAN KINDERGARTEN: this year’s Budget has provided $672,000 for the renovation and refurbishment of the preschool centre. Discussions are well advanced to build a new preschool on another Yarraman site, rather than retrofit and renovate the old building. Watch this space!

The Mayor, Heang Tak, Councillor Blades and I have worked as a team for four years. We have been committed to ensuring Paperbark Ward got its fair share of resourcing.

The Noble Park Aquatic Centre, the Skate Park and the works detailed above will have made and will make a great difference for many people. I for one, will work with the State Government and Council to ensure the Skyrail project unites Noble Park to make it Number 1 for all.

HARRISFIELD: in addition to funding already provided for critical capital works at the Noble Park Tennis Club, a further $200,000 has been allocated for reconstructing the car park and landscaping the area in front of the tennis club on Ellendale Road.

To contact me phone 0408 138 939 or email me at peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au the CITY 5

working FOR YOU

Recycle more products with Council W

hat do you do with your old batteries? They aren’t good for landfill and you can’t recycle them… or can you?

than them being lost to landfill via the waste stream:

The City of Greater Dandenong is encouraging residents to recycle more items with the introduction of a recycling station located near the customer service desk at the Dandenong Civic Centre.

• Mobile phones and mobile phone chargers and accessories

The recycling station will provide an opportunity for residents to dispose of the following items for recycling, rather

• Batteries – household batteries only

• CDs and DVDs • Light globes.

The introduction of this service will help residents transition to the State Government’s ban on ewaste to landfill by 2017. The ban includes the above

items and other household electrical appliances soon to be confirmed by the State Government.

All the materials disposed of in the recycling station are collected by Ecoactiv who transport the materials to reprocessing facilities where they are separated and remanufactured into a wide range of products.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ wasteandrecycling for more information about how to recycle.

Register for one stop shop T

he City of Greater Dandenong is making it easier for people to make electronic payments and keep track of documentation relating to properties in a one stop shop.

Register at the mygreaterdandenong. com portal to make payments for rates, fines, home care and animal registrations in one easy place. People who need to make a one off payment, for example a parking fine, can also make a payment as a guest.

Property owners can register each property with the service to keep track

of historical rates notices, payment history, and permit application payments. The portal allows property owners the chance to see everything that relates to their property in one easy place.

The website also has a shopping cart function which allows you to pay several bills at once.

The portal is constantly being updated with new functions being added all the time. Visit www.mygreaterdandenong.com for more information and to register.

Ratepayers who no longer wish to receive their rate notices in the post can now register to receive notices via email.

Simply register your details on our website and your next rate notice will be conveniently delivered to the email address you provide.

Alternatively you can register for BPay View, which will send your rate notices to your internet banking portal and provide email or SMS reminders.

For more information on this or to register visit greaterdandenong.com/rates

Council programs recognised at national awards

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youth program run by the City of Greater Dandenong’s Youth and Family Services has been recognised as one of the country’s most innovative programs.

Creating Change is a youth-specific, social cohesion program creating opportunities for young people to make meaningful connections that cross cultural barriers.

Another Council program was highly commended at the awards, which were held in Canberra. Walkfest was recognised in the Disability Access and Inclusion category.

The Creating Change: Social Cohesion program received the top award in the Multicultural Australia – Strength in Diversity category at the National Awards for Local Government.

The program seeks to engage young people to effect change across the community on topics such as strengthening diversity and building community resilience.

The awards celebrate local government’s achievements in delivering quality support and services to their communities.

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News

Council elections E

lections for the City of Greater Dandenong will be by attendance voting on Saturday 22 October. Below is some essential information about these elections.

Recently changed address?

If you have recently moved into Greater Dandenong, or moved within Greater Dandenong, you will need to fill out a New Enrolment Form. You can obtain an enrolment form from Council’s customer service centres, any Australia Post Office, Centrelink or by contacting the VEC at www.vec.vic.gov.au or on 131 832. To be included on the roll for this election the form must be submitted by 4pm on Friday 26 August.

Want to vote early?

Early voting will be made available at the VEC election office, which will be located at the Dandenong Civic Centre, from Wednesday 21 September to Friday 21 October. Early voting can also be done at Council’s Springvale

customer service centre, from Monday 10 October to Friday 21 October.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ election for business hours. If you are unable to vote at an early voting centre or on Election Day, then you may apply directly to the VEC for a postal vote using the postal vote application available at www.vec.vic.gov.au from Wednesday 21 September.

Compulsory voting If you are enrolled to vote for the State Election and are a Greater Dandenong resident then you are automatically enrolled to vote at the Council Election on October 22. It is compulsory to vote in the Council election.

• how to nominate as a candidate • what’s involved in running a campaign • voting.

The Returning Officer will make available the VECs Candidate Handbook and will be available at this session to schedule appointments for prospective candidates during the nomination period.

Nominations open at 9am on Thursday 15 September and close at 12pm on Tuesday 20 September.

For more information visit www.vec.vic.gov.au or www.greaterdandenong.com/election or phone Council’s Governance Unit on 8571 5216.

Want to run for Council?

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is holding community and candidate information sessions across Victoria as part of the preparations for the October elections. One will be held on Wednesday 14 September, from 7pm9pm, at the Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

This sessions will cover: • eligibility requirements for running as a candidate in a Council election

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Great Bites Hidden Gems

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here are two types of travellers – the ones who return to the same destination time and time again and those who are keen to explore somewhere new.

With our city undergoing a significant transformation in recent years now is the ideal time to step off the beaten track and discover some of Greater Dandenong’s hidden gems.

Great Bites Hidden Gems is the latest culinary offering from the City of Greater Dandenong which challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and start exploring. Discover cuisines from across the globe in some of our city’s small neighbourhood shopping centres.

some of our city’s lesser known haunts where you can experience some diverse food offerings from across the globe.

Cuisine from Turkey, the Balkans, Persia, Samoa, Argentina, Northern India, Malaysia, China and the Middle East – just to name a few – are all here.

We encourage you to take a detour and discover some of Greater Dandenong’s hidden food gems.

All of the ground work has been done for you. We have compiled a list of

We promise it will be an adventure you will never forget.

T

he City of Greater Dandenong will welcome one of the world’s biggest film industries this month when the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne comes to town.

Harmony Square will come to life on Saturday 13 August with Bollywood dancing, film screenings, live crosses to Federation Square, food stalls and entertainment.

The home of Victoria’s first Indian Cultural Precinct, Dandenong will be the satellite location for the 2016 festival.

Special film screenings will also be held at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre on Monday 15 August – Indian

Support for small business T

and stimulate business and employment growth in Greater Dandenong.

he City of Greater Dandenong is proud to offer small and start-up businesses the opportunity to benefit via a competitive grants program.

Grants of up to $8000 are offered to each successful business, plus a business mentoring and marketing package valued at approximately $2000.

The grants aim to attract investment 8 the CITY

Grant categories include: • Start-up (under six months of operation) • Growth (including graduation from home-based to commercial premises) • Relocation to Greater Dandenong (some exclusions apply) The 2015-16 program gave grants to six local businesses, including biodiesel producer Biofuel Innovations;

Independence Day – and Saturday 20 August.

This year’s film festival has a theme of female empowerment, and will showcase women in cinema and beyond.

Visit greaterdandenong.com or iffm.com.au for more information. middle eastern food manufacturer Arabian Bites; LED screen and security product supplier Global Communications; bespoke furniture maker and joiner Silkwood Furniture; CFO (financial) service provider Billson Business Advisory; and ballet school operator Melbourne Ballet School.

Expressions of interest for the 2016-17 program close on Friday 26 August at 4pm. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ businessgrants or phone 8571 1550 for more information.

Community Satisfaction Survey T

he City of Greater Dandenong has scored well above the state averages across all topics on a state-wide Local Government Satisfaction Survey.

Council Score

Metro average

State Average

Overall performance

65

66

59

The survey is conducted each year

by JWS Research on behalf of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and 69 of Victoria’s 79 local government areas took part this year.

Community consultation

62

58

54

Advocacy

61

56

53

Making community decisions

61

59

54

Sealed local roads

66

67

54

The survey assesses Council’s performance across a range of measures and seeks to find ways to improve service delivery.

Customer service

76

73

69

Overall Council direction

61

55

51

The 2016 results of this survey show that Council’s performance was similar to 2015, and once again when comparing the City of Greater Dandenong to other local governments Council scores well.

Council scored significantly higher than the state average across all categories,

Performance Measure

and scored better in comparison to other metropolitan councils in all but two categories.

Our overall performance is six points higher than the state average, while community consultation is eight points higher when compared to Victoria’s other local governments.

CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK E

ach year the Children’s Book Council of Australia encourages young people to love books by celebrating Children’s Book Week.

Children’s Book of the Year winners will be announced on Friday 19 August, and Children’s Book Week commences on Saturday 20 August.

During this time schools, libraries, booksellers, authors, illustrators and children celebrate Australian children’s literature.

Dandenong and Springvale libraries will celebrate with a full week of activities, including book displays, appearances by children’s book authors and theatre shows.

Across the country, children take part in activities relating to the book week theme. This year’s theme is Australia!

Story Country.

Council’s overall direction is 10 points higher than the state average and six points higher when compared to other metropolitan councils.

The same questions were asked across each municipality, but Greater Dandenong residents were also asked a question relating to perceptions of safety in their neighbourhood at night.

The question has been asked for the past three years, and this year’s result (47) is seven points higher than the 2014 survey.

Residents were also asked to identify their favourite aspects of Council and listed diversity, parks and gardens, and community facilities as their top three.

Visit www.greaterdandenonglibraries. com for more information.

Council is committed to keeping our streets clean and free of litter. These posters were created with a State Government Litter Hotspots Grant and have been put up around Greater Dandenong to encourage residents and visitors to do the right thing and bin their butts.

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community CALENDAR

AUGUST MONDAY

TUESDAY 1

Combined Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble 10am Ph: 95462346

WEDNESDAY

Dandenong Evening View Club Dandenong RSL 7pm Ph: 9560 9717

2

8 Noble Park Country Women’s Association Craft Day Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 10am Ph: 9547 7261 Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

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

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne screening Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666

9

16

22 Springvale Evening View Club Greyhounds Entertainment, View Rd, Springvale 6.30pm Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

29

18 Choir of Hard Knocks 10th Anniversary Hope and Inspiration Tour Drum Theatre 10.30am Ph: 8571 1666

24

25 Leasing a Premise for your Business Seminar Dandenong Civic Centre 6pm-7.30pm Ph: 8571 1000

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

30

Annie by Killester College Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

17

23 Top Cat Dancers Rock ‘n Roll and Swing classes Edinburgh Hall 7.30pm-10pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 0413 393 345

11 Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 6pm (every Thursday)

Top Social and Digital Marketing Tips Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre 6pm-7.30pm Ph: 8571 1000

Makerspace Tech Tuesdays (12-25) Dandenong Library 4pm-5.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Business Planning Essentials workshop Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8.30pm

10

Noble Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 6pm

Art Series Dandenong Library 6.30pm

4 Comic Book/Zine Making (16+) Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8.30pm (every Thursday) Ph: 1300 630 920

Interfaith Network Tour 39 Clow Street, Dandenong 8.30am-3pm Ph: 8774 7662

Tender Writing Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre 9am-11am

15

3 Social Knitwork Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Wednesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

Makerspace Tech Tuesdays (12-25) Dandenong Library 4pm-5.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Business Program: Start your Business Right Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

THURSDAY

31

Gaming Development for ages 9+ Dandenong Library 4-6pm (every Monday) Ph: 1300 630 920 Toddler Time Springvale and Dandenong libraries 10.30am (every Monday)

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Submit your community event online at www.greaterdandenong.com

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

2016 FRIDAY

SATURDAY 5

Seussical the Musical Drum Theatre 7pm Ph: 8571 1666

6

7

Seussical the Musical Drum Theatre 2pm and 7pm Ph: 8571 1666

Family Fun at the Library Dandenong Library 4pm (every Friday)

12 Progressive Polish Food Tour Central Dandenong 10am-1pm Ph: 8571 1377

13 Family Fun at the Library Springvale Library 11am (every Saturday)

19

14 Winter Music Sessions Dandenong Market 11.30am-2pm Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am-2pm

20

26

Drum Theatre 8571 1666 Dandenong Library 1300 630 920

21

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne screening Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666

California Dreaming Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

✆ City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000

Me and My Dad - States of Matter Dandenong Library 2pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Baby Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am (every Friday)

Legally Blonde the Musical

by Mentone Grammar Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

SUNDAY

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511 Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279 Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 8571 1436

27

28 Winter Music Sessions Dandenong Market 11.30am-2pm Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am-2pm

Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900 Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441 Dandenong Market 9701 3850 Cultural Tours 8571 1666 Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au the CITY 11

TOP CHEFS TOUR SPRINGVALE S pringvale has been described as a “playground for chefs” by top international chef Richmond Lim. Mr Lim, executive chef at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, led the team which organised top Asian chefs to visit some of Victoria’s rich agricultural sector, hosted by the Victorian Agribusiness Council in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

The City of Greater Dandenong was invited to organise a day trip for the 11 participating chefs, and took the group to Melbourne Barra farmed fish in Bangholme, Caprilac’s Keysborough goat milk processing facility and food packaging manufacturer CMTP.

through the area and finishing with a tea ceremony at Milan Tea House.

Rosie Yong, MLA Country Manager based in Malaysia said all Chinese visitors would come to Springvale (if they knew about it), and all of the chefs were delighted by the variety of produce sold in the suburb.

The visit was designed to open doors for local businesses to export to international markets and was described as a great success by all involved. It showed once again that Greater Dandenong is becoming more broadly recognised as a city ‘connected by food’.

Afterwards the group lunched with Melbourne cooking identities Elizabeth and Angie Chong at My Cambodia in Springvale, before taking a walking tour

Karl Lim from Springvale restaurant My Cambodia hosted top chefs from Malaysia.

POETRY SLAM S

peak, scream, howl, whisper or even sing your poems, stories, lyrics and monologues in the Australian Poetry Slam 2016 – a live literary performance competition where the audience is the judge!

Slam heats will be held across Victoria during July and August, including a heat at Dandenong Library on Friday 26 August. Two winners from each heat will qualify to compete at the Victorian State Finals at the State Library on Friday 2 September.

If you have never “slammed” before, here are some basic rules: • Two minute performance limit • Work must be original and have been written in the past 12 months • No musical accompaniment, props or costumes allowed • Five judges will score the work out of 10.

Winners from the state competition will compete in the national finals in October, with the opportunity to perform and present workshops at international writers’ and readers’ festivals in China and Indonesia in 2017.

Visit www.greaterdandenonglibraries.com for more information.

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Young soccer players join coaching staff from Melbourne Victory for soccer clinics at Pop Up Park every week.

A victory for local soccer players

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ity of Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services has partnered with A-League team Melbourne Victory to deliver a soccer program for young people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The program aims to connect young people and give them opportunities to build resilience and protective factors by giving them networking opportunities. It also aims to connect the youth to local service organisations,

all while teaching them some mad soccer skills through practice and friendly games.

The program runs every Thursday from 4pm-6pm at Pop Up Park in Foster Street, Dandenong, until October. It is free for young people aged 12-25 from the Greater Dandenong area and no registration is needed, just drop in and play.

For more information phone Youth Services on 9793 2155.

COME AND TRY

OLYMPIC SPORTS

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ore than 200 countries are competing in almost 40 different sports during the Rio Olympics and you can join the fun by taking part in come and try events across Greater Dandenong.

Two weeks of sporting fun kicks off with the live screening of the Opening Ceremony on the big screen in Harmony Square at 9am on Saturday 6 August.

Then take inspiration from the sporting greats and come and try a variety of sports, including field hockey, swimming, weightlifting, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and triathlon.

Olympic swimmer Josh Beaver (pictured) tested the waters at NPAC before heading off to Rio this month.

Search the calendar below or sessions, and visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more details and how to book.

AUGUST Monday

Tuesday

1 Boxing and weightlifting Oasis

Wednesday

2 Table tennis Oasis

Cycling and rowing Oasis 15

3 Volleyball Springers

9

8

Thursday

Water polo and synchronised swimming NPAC 16

Basketball Springers

Badminton Springers

O

n Tuesday 9 August 2016 Australia will conduct the Census, which gathers important information about all people and households across the nation.

Mayor Heang Tak is urging all residents to complete the Census, which will provide an important snapshot of the people of Greater Dandenong.

5 Gymnastics Endeavour Hills

11 Swimming NPAC

17

Saturday

4

10

Census takes snapshot of our community

Friday

Martial arts Springers 12

Athletics NPAC 18

“The Census helps to count the number of people in our community and reveals their diverse backgrounds, needs and circumstances,” Mayor Tak said.

“The Census also plays a vital role in helping Council to secure funds to address the needs of our community.

Council and other governments use Census data to plan family services, settlement assistance, health care, education and other services for residents.”

Australia has a long and proud history of Census taking. Since the first national Census in 1911, Census data has

Sunday

Opening Ceremony Swimming live viewing Oasis Harmony Square Field hockey Oasis 6

7

Football Springers 13

Triathlon Oasis 19

14

Closing Ceremony live viewing Harmony Square 20 21

played an important role in charting Australia’s history and shaping its future.

For the first time people have the option of completing the Census online, which will be quick, easy and secure.

Instructions about the Census will be delivered to every household ahead of Tuesday 9 August, including a unique login and advice about how to complete the forms online.

Residents who prefer to complete the Census on paper can have a form delivered to their household and collected after it is completed.

IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – August 2016 The Immunisation Timetable for the City of Greater Dandenong is available from Council’s customer service centres or Maternal and Child Health centres and online. Phone Council on 8571 1000 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com/immunisation for more information on the upcoming immunisation sessions:

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

1 August

5pm–6.30pm

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

3 August 9 August 11 August 16 August 17 August 24 August 27 August

10am–11.30am 10am–12pm 10am–11.30am 10am–10.45am 4.30pm–6.30pm 10am–12pm 10am–12pm

McFees Road Maternal Child and Health Centre, 70A McFees Road, Dandenong North Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong the CITY 13

business NEWS

SMALL BUSINESS FESTIVAL VICTORIA 1–31 AUGUST 2016

S

eeking inspiration and a way to connect with other small businesses locally, then look no further than the Small Business Festival.

Running throughout the month of August, more than 450 events will be held across Victoria.

While the City of Greater Dandenong supports small businesses all year round, this month we will host a series of events to celebrate the festival.

Tendering Success Made Simple – Tender Writing Workshop

SEBN Industry Breakfast Grant ready with Matthew Fletcher.

At Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Thursday 18 August, from 7am-9am Phone 8571 1576.

Food Manufacturers Collaboration Network Are you ready for export?

At Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Tuesday 9 August, from 9am-11am

At Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Friday 19 August, from 8.30am-4.30pm

Cost $20 per person. Phone 8571 1550.

Phone 8571 1550.

Top Social and Digital Marketing Tips Workshop

Leasing a Premise for your Business (Commercial Leasing) Workshop

At Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Wednesday 17 August, from 6pm-7.30pm

At Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Thursday 25 August, from 6pm-7.30pm

Cost is $20 per person.

Phone 8571 1550.

Cost is $20 per person.

Phone 8571 1550.

WORK LOCAL GREATER DANDENONG G

reater Dandenong job seekers looking to work locally can find employment opportunities on the Work Local Greater Dandenong employment portal.

Hosted by Council, the portal brings together local ads from online jobs boards and puts them in one easy location for job seekers keen to work close to home.

14 the CITY

The website is user friendly and can be accessed from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Registering is a simple process and users can easily upload a resume.

Job seekers can also create an ‘Air CV’ which provides a visual snapshot of their work history and skills. The document will have a unique URL and can be included on job applications sent by a mobile device, for candidates applying for positions on the run.

Job seekers can also set job alerts to inform them of new opportunities when they arise.

As well as job opportunities, the website can help you get employment ready with a community noticeboard offering information, videos and useful links.

Visit www.worklocalgreaterdandenong. com.au for more information and start your job search today.

community NEWS

Residents enjoy many benefits at Southern Cross Care Dandenong.

Experience the difference

IN AGED CARE S

outhern Cross Care Dandenong, set right in the heart of this vibrant suburb, offers an exceptional standard of aged care accommodation.

The beautiful new building and luxury features are only part of the story. What makes this home truly special is the intimate, family-style approach to living.

Based on a smaller is better design concept, the home is divided into several discreet households – each accommodating 15 residents, its own kitchen, lounge, sitting and dining rooms. Other notable features include a grand entry foyer, circular chapel, café, wellness centre, hairdressing salon and smart TVs in each bedroom.

To help you stay connected, there

is free Wi-Fi access throughout the home.

When you move in to Southern Cross Care Dandenong, you become part of a vibrant community. Enjoy making new friends, trying different activities and exploring new interests. And if you are after some great tasting and nutritious food, you will be delighted with daily buffet breakfasts and delectable homecooked meals, prepared specially by their Head Chef.

Come and experience the Southern Cross Care difference, where your personal preferences and lifestyle choices are always respected. For more information, phone 9791 2777 or visit www.sccv.org.au

APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANT T he Community Support Grants Program is once again providing grants of up to $20,000 to assist local community groups and organisations with programs and events that will benefit the Greater Dandenong community.

To be considered groups must submit an application to Council by 9 September 2016.

Guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from Council’s website and are available from any Council

customer service centre, library, neighbourhood house or community centre, or can be mailed out on request.

Interested community groups are welcome to attend an information session in August. Please refer to Council’s website for details of times and venues.

For further details visit www.greaterdandenong.com or contact the Community Funding Officer by email commgrants@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 5179.

Places of Worship tour I

f you are curious about faith communities then consider joining one of the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network’s Places of Worship tours.

The tours are a unique opportunity to listen and learn from prominent local faith leaders, while promoting peace, harmony and understanding across the wider community.

This month’s tour will visit the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple (Hindu), Baitul-Salam (House of Peace), Brahma Kumaris Retreat Centre and the Khmer Buddhist Temple.

The tours cost $25 which covers transport and the ‘Many Faiths, One People’ booklet. For more information email interfaith@interfaithnetwork.org. au, or phone Helen Heath on 8774 7662 or 0421 829 563.

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. the CITY 15

dyeing

A tapestry of textile workshops, exhibitions and events 28 July – 31 August 2016

Open Studios

weaving

activities and exhibitions workshops

embroidery

knitting installations

crochełing

fashion

Find out more: www.greaterdandenong.com/culturalthreads 8571 1000 | #culturalthreads