The City - September/October 2016

September 2016 Melbourne Writers’ Festival page 3

Children’s Festival page 7

Council Elections page 14

Dandenong Market celebrates page 18 & 19

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong

Hello and welcome to a bumper issue of The City.

This month we have combined September and October events due to the Council Elections on Saturday 22 October.

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

It’s definitely festival season in Greater Dandenong and we have a range of activities designed to celebrate our amazing and diverse community.

We celebrate the start of spring with the Spring Festival at Alex Wilkie Reserve. Read more about this on page 3.

The Children’s Festival is one of the biggest events on the Greater Dandenong calendar. Now in its fifth year, the festival runs for two weeks, over the school holidays, and includes the headline event the Little Day Out for BIG Imaginations on Sunday 25 September. Turn to page 7 to read more.

The Seniors Festival (3-7 October) also offers a wide range of free and low cost activities for older members of the community. See page 16 for a rundown of what’s on across our city.

Phone: 8571 1000

By the time the next edition of The City hits the street you will have elected a new Council. I would like to take this opportunity to say it has been a pleasure to serve as a councillor and for the past year as your Mayor.

Fax: 8571 5196

Greater Dandenong is a diverse and dynamic community and I have enjoyed being at the helm.

Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au

www.greaterdandenong.com

@greaterdandy

Mayor Heang Tak

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 Public art pieces are dotted throughout the City of Greater Dandenong. This one

by Robbie Rowlands is called The Utalitarian. The work commissioned in 2011 shows a collapsed street lamp and reflects the evolving character of the street.

Picture: Ewen Bell.

Front Cover: Dennis Schwarze and Danny Luppino are two traders celebrating Dandenong Market’s 150th Anniversary. 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.

AT DANDENONG

SPRING FESTIVAL AT

ALEX WILKIE C

elebrate the start of spring with the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve opening festival and planting day in September.

The reserve closes for winter, and every spring we celebrate the new season with a fun day of indigenous planting, bushcraft activities, a live animal show and a barbecue. Guided walks and Live Steamers mini trains will also run on the day.

This reserve is one of the last remaining examples of remnant vegetation within Greater Dandenong and gives visitors an idea of what the landscape was like prior to European settlement.

While the reserve closed over winter, it is now open to the public every Friday, from 9am-3pm, and every third Sunday of the month, from 10am-5pm. It is also available for bookings at other times free of charge.

A park ranger is present during all open hours for tours and questions, and barbecue facilities and toilets are also available for use.

The Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Spring Opening Festival will be held on Saturday 3 September, from 11am-2pm.

Parking is available in Mackay Street and Harold Road, Springvale South.

Bookings for the open day are essential, on 8571 1702.

winners T

he second annual City of Greater Dandenong Sports Awards recognised the outstanding talent and commitment from local athletes, clubs, coaches, volunteers and teams across the city. Among the winners were: • Coach of the Year: Larissa Anderson (Dandenong Basketball Association) • Volunteer of the Year: joint winners Luke Sampson (Rosswood Tennis Club) and Andy Tapatuetoa (South East Titans Rugby League Club) • Club of the Year: Dandenong Basketball Association • Team of the Year: Dandenong Rangers SEABL

• Project of the Year: joint winners Noble Park Junior Football Club and Parkmore Junior Football Clubs • All Abilities Award: Bob Tyler (Dandenong Basketball Association) • Junior Athlete of the Year: Charis Ulu Peniata (Parkmore Junior Football Club) • Male Athlete of the Year: Adam McMaster (Dandenong Cricket Club) • Female Athlete of the Year: Sophie Molineux (Dandenong Women’s Cricket Club)

E

xpress yourself through words and storytelling during the Melbourne Writers’ Festival (MWF).

MWF is coming to Greater Dandenong on Saturday 3 September, and will celebrate the cultural richness of the Greater Dandenong community with a series of activities and events to inspire readers and writers of all ages and backgrounds.

Storytime at Dandenong Library, 10am Bring your child or grandchild along to the library, where you’ll see Valanga Khoza and Sally Rippin perform their entertaining new story, Gezani and the Tricky Baboon – then take part in a workshop, where kids will create their own stories with your help. Event is free. Bookings not required.

Laura Jean McKay at Springvale Library, 2pm Short-story collection Holiday in Cambodia explores the electric zone where local and foreign lives meet.

Author Laura Jean McKay discusses discovering Cambodia through the eyes of a tourist – and coming face to face with the country’s haunting past.

Event is free. Bookings not required.

Dandenong Storytelling Live: Change at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, 6.30pm Celebrate the oral tradition of storytelling with Zakia Baig, Nadia Hashimi and Diana Nguyen who’ll present stories in a form of their choice on the theme of change. With varied perspectives and tales, this is sure to be an entertaining night to remember.

This event is free but bookings are required.

Visit mwf.com.au/whats-on/mwf-atdandenong for more information or to book for the Storytelling Live session.

Read more about the winners at greaterdandenong.com/sportsawards

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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 September meetings will be held: • Monday 12 September • Monday 26 September The October meeting will be held: • Monday 10 October Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast service?

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

To view meetings online 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 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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About 40,000 people attended the Springvale Snow Fest celebrations.

With 80 tonnes of real snow transported from Mt Buller to the streets of Springvale, the snow play areas were popular for big and little kids alike. (Bottom) Mayor Heang Tak and councillors Loi Truong and Youhorn Chea welcomed visitors from the main stage.

Silverleaf Ward

Cr Maria Sampey A

s a Councillor I am privileged to represent your views and serve the needs of all residents from the very young to senior citizens. In this article I will discuss services available for senior citizens and also families of children with special needs including autism.The Commonwealth Government is taking over funding for Home and Community Care (HACC) which assists senior citizens to live independently in their homes longer. Council is currently a large service provider in this area.

The Commonwealth Government has stated that Council will be funded for HACC until the middle of 2019. I will ensure that services do not deteriorate when these changes occur so that our senior citizens are not disadvantaged.

This year I started a review of the Council transport service for senior citizens. I want to improve the availability of transportation services to all senior citizens to ensure they can easily and consistently get transported to their senior citizen clubs, cultural clubs or shopping venues with the ultimate aim of reducing the likelihood of isolation in our ageing residents. Although the current services are good, I want to ensure that further improvements will continue to be made, despite the changes to Commonwealth funding for HACC. I would also like every senior citizen involved in the current services to be able to provide feedback so that we can determine what may be lacking or where improvements can be made in the future.

As a member of the new Disability Committee I have a passion and interest in disability services. I am committed to raising the standard of services that council can offer to families of children with special needs including autism.

I would welcome any feedback on ways we can further enhance and improve the services we currently offer. By working together I believe we can continue to improve and build on the services council already offers to ensure we meet the highest possible standards of service.

Should you have any issues or concerns that you would like to discuss with me, please do not hesitate to contact me on 9790 1291 or mobile 0438 800 027.

Red Gum Ward

Cr Matthew Kirwan Dear Residents, I have been grateful to serve as one of your Councillors over the last four years. Below is the latest news across the ward.

DANDENONG AND DANDENONG NORTH For years Dandenong residents have been asking for sensible development - having apartments and dense townhouse developments in and around central Dandenong, not in distant residential streets.

The journey is not over yet but the good news is that the C182 Planning Scheme Amendment Panel, appointed by the State Government, supported most of the revised Council position that I proposed to Council in February. This involves taking streets near Dandenong Hospital, Dandenong High School and north of Hemmings St out of the Residential Growth Zone. It would be great to have even more streets taken out and mandatory height limits introduced but this is still a very signficant improvement for Dandenong residents.

In our Council budget this year there is funding for these much-needed projects in Dandenong and Dandenong North: • A pro-active dumped rubbish hot spot pick up program for central Dandenong and central Noble Park • CCTV installation in Hemmings Street, Dandenong West • Speed cushions at the Menzies Avenue shopping strip in Dandenong North to reduce speed for children and older residents

KEYSBOROUGH SOUTH

It’s all happening in the new part of Keysborough! Council is now building the new $10 million Tatterson Park Sports Pavilion and will soon start construction of the large Sarah Lands park. The new Keysborough South Shopping Centre is on it’s way – due to open in mid-2017.

But even better news is about a bus route and a school.

Since being elected I and other councillors, Council staff, Nina Kelly and the Keysborough South Action Group have been lobbying for a school and a bus for the new part of Keysborough. The State Government budget announced a bus route linking new estates with Noble Park Railway Station and Parkmore in one direction and Mordialloc Railway Station in the other direction.

They also announced funds for a primary school site which means that we can progress with planning for the long awaited Keysborough South Community Hub. A secondary school is also needed and I will continue to lobby for that, but it is good to finally get some wins on the board. the CITY 5

working FOR YOU Tatterson Park Pavilion

W

ork has begun on the $10 million Tatterson Park community and sports pavilion. The new pavilion will help turn the park into Greater Dandenong’s premier sporting and community hub, and will include unisex change rooms, community meeting and function rooms, offices, a commercial kitchen, kiosks and a spectator viewing area.

The project is expected to take a year to complete, and during that time all facilities at Tatterson Park, including Springers Leisure Centre will operate as normal. While there will be some use of the roads by construction vehicles, Council will work closely with the work crews to minimise any disruption to residents and visitors.

Heart Foundation Award

T

he health and wellbeing of Greater Dandenong residents is at the forefront of much of Council’s work. This has been recognised by a peak health body who has nominated us for a state-wide award.

We have been selected as one of four Victorian finalists for the Heart Foundation 2016 Local Government Awards.

The application showcased a number of Council initiatives including: • Ross Reserve Youth and Urban Skate Park • Greater Dandenong Walking Strategy 2015-23 • Greater Dandenong Walking Maps • Greater Dandenong Interpretative Signage • Greater Dandenong’s Open Space Safe City CCTV program.

The artwork will adorn this grey wall on the side of the Walker Street Car Park.

LANDMARK PUBLIC ARTWORK FOR DANDENONG A

large scale artwork is being commissioned for a prominent location in central Dandenong.

The work will be put on the eastern façade of the Walker Street Car Park, and will be visible from Harmony Square and several viewpoints across Dandenong.

Public art projects can be seen in all sorts of places throughout central Dandenong, adding moments of surprise and delight for residents, workers and visitors.

The direction for the artwork was created during a community-led consultation. Five highly experienced Melbourne-based artists have been shortlisted to respond to the vision.

The artists’ brief states that the work “should capture the welcoming soul of the city”. It says the work should capture the diversity of Dandenong’s residents and celebrate this as a a positive attribute.

The artwork will be “vivid, colourful and engaging during day and night”.

The five artists’ concepts will be on display from 1-15 September, in the Dandenong Library windows in Harmony Square. The community is asked to provide comments and feedback until Thursday 15 September.

An artists’ brief calls for the piece to celebrate ‘People – The Humanity of Dandenong’.

Following public feedback and input from the Public Art Advisory Committee, community representatives and councillors, one artist will be selected to create and install their artwork by early 2017. Visit greaterdandenong. com/walkerstreetartwork for more information.

Google Translate

used the service 50 per cent agreed the translations were easy to understand.

Winners will be announced this month.

Property Managers Forum

C

ouncil’s Waste Services team recently held a forum for more than 30 representatives from property manager groups to workshop amenity issues at multi-unit sites.

The forum discussed issues of hard waste dumping and contamination of recycling, waste and green waste bins.

There were many positive outcomes from the day, including discussions about a better collaboration between property managers and Council officers to keep multi-unit sites clean.

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W

ith more than 150 different birthplaces represented in the City of Greater Dandenong’s population, there are a variety of languages spoken by our residents.

Translating all our information into every different language is an almost impossible task, so we are trialling the use of Google Translate to help make our information available to all.

A small survey carried out with library users showed that 93 per cent had heard of Google Translate and 76 per cent had used it. Of those who had

We are asking visitors who use Google Translate on our website to tell us how helpful the service is, and we will continue to monitor ways to make communications with our residents easier.

Visit greaterdandenong.com for information.

News

Dive in to the 2016 N

ow in its fifth year, the Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival promises fun for our city’s youngest residents.

The festival, which runs over the school holidays, features a range of activities to entertain, educate and amuse the young and the young at heart. With the theme Under the Sea, the whole community is invited to dive in and have some fun.

activities, workshops, entertainment, games and sports. Explore interactive amusements and dance the day away, laugh with roving performers and pat Toby the friendly dinosaur, enjoy delicious food and check out the mini market village.

Under the Sea Craft Workshops

Deckchair Movies

Little Day Out – for BIG Imaginations The Children’s Festival headline event will be held at Noble Park’s Ross Reserve on Sunday 25 September from 11am-4pm.

Little Day Out is a free family event and also includes free entry to Noble Park Aquatic Centre from 1pm-4pm.

Be ready for lots of fun with free family

Under the sea and water themed movies will run daily from Saturday 17 September to Sunday 2 October (excluding 30 September public holiday), in Harmony Square at 12pm.

A number of deckchairs will be available for early birds, but bring your own chairs, rugs and snacks for a free day out.

Movies include Pan, The Little Mermaid, Nim’s Island, Happy Feet and Dolphin Tale. For a full list visit greaterdandenong.com.au/ childrensfestival

Dandenong Market will keep the kids entertained with free craft workshops on all market days from 11am-3pm.

Create magical marine creatures, from mystical mermaids to jiggling jellyfish, with simple materials and a dash of imagination. The market is open Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Planting Under the Stars Join us for a family friendly evening of fun at Pencil Park, Hidden Grove Boulevard, Keysborough, on Thursday 22 September, from 5pm-7pm.

Plant an indigenous seedling then join us for a guided tour to learn about local flora and fauna, followed by a sausage sizzle at the playground. Bookings essential on 8571 1702.

Dinosaur Dash explores Greater Dandenong C

ome along on an adventure and explore Greater Dandenong.

Dandy Pig and his dinosaur friends are looking for puzzles. Help them explore the city, complete games and puzzles and collect more puzzles along the way!

In the game, you’ll discover fun and

friendly places that you can visit, like the Dandenong Market, Drum Theatre, Noble Park Skate Park and more.

Suitable for children aged 5-12 years, but all ages will enjoy this online game.

Visit dinodash.greaterdandenong.com to play. the CITY 7

Council’s Operations Centre – getting the job done The City of Greater Dandenong is responsible for more than just roads, rates and rubbish.

If you look at the size of our municipality and the number of roads, footpaths, drains, parks and facilities our staff are responsible for, you are still only seeing half of the picture.

Council’s Operations Centre, in Bennet Street, Dandenong, is a hive of activity. Most of our on the ground staff are based here, and it is where we house our operational vehicles, gardening equipment and other tools.

Here is a snapshot of some of the work that happens from the Operations Centre and some of the numbers that matter to us:

200 litter bins are emptied each day, from more than 800 bins city-wide.

727km of roads and paths managed.

72,276sqm of local roads resealed.

2569 street trees planted.

24,179 indigenous seedlings planted.

Sweeping more than 23,000km of residential and industrial streets per year

565ha of open space maintained.

Street signs T

here were 2586 signs produced and installed around the city, including replacements, repairs and new signage in the 2015/16 financial year. This included the replacement of 269 street name signs.

Just two full time staff members are responsible for sign maintenance , with the assistance of our road inspectors who proactively monitor the city for items needing maintenance.

Ever wondered how a street got its name? Well many are named after influential people in our community, while others were decided by developers and followed a theme, for example women’s names or flowers.

Have you ever noticed the Superman-themed Lois Lane in central Dandenong? Well rumour has it the lane, which runs off Clow Street did not have a name, so parking officers nicknamed it Lois Lane, and the name stuck!

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TOUR FOOD HOT SPOTS G

reater Dandenong has become a popular destination for foodies, but there’s more to our suburbs than the popular restaurants and cafes.

While some people are happy to explore new businesses, many are unsure about what lies behind the unfamiliar front doors. If this is the case, then why not join one of our food tours.

Join an expert and explore one of the many food and cultural precincts in Greater Dandenong to enjoy food tastings, learn insider secrets and

meet the people who are the heart of our community.

In September you can take the Dandenong Food Lovers Tour.

Experience sensational food from around the world on this two to three hour tour. Sample Indian and Sri Lankan delicacies and tasty Afghan bread and food, before the tour finishes at a Polish restaurant for an authentic meal.

Learn more about shopping and dining in Springvale and all the amazing food on offer via the Sensational Springvale Tour,

which operates throughout the year.

Visit a variety of key food businesses, learn about new and interesting ingredients, and enjoy plenty of samples along the way on this three hour tour.

Dandenong Food Lovers Tour is on Thursday 22 September, at 6pm.

To book phone 8571 1666. Food tours cost $45 and starting locations will be advised on booking. Visit greaterdandenong.com/visit for more information about these and other food and cultural precinct tours.

YOUTH ART EXPLORES MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES C ouncil is asking young artists to explore ‘What Keeps you Happy and Healthy’ as part of the upcoming SELF[Y] Youth Art Exhibition.

City of Greater Dandenong.

The exhibition will be launched in Mental Health Week (October 9-15) and submissions close on 15 September.

All shortlisted work will go on display as part of the exhibition at iconic local arts venue Heritage Hill. The exhibition will be launched on 13 October and will remain on display until 4 November.

Artwork can cover a range of mediums including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking and sculpture.

Entry is open to artists aged 12-25 years who have a connection to the

A People’s Choice Award will also be decided online, with the top five images being transformed into a series of postcards promoting positive mental health.

Mental Health Week is a national event that aims to engage and educate Australians about mental health.

When developing their artworks artists are encouraged to think creatively about the behaviours, activities and habits that keep them feeling happy and healthy.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ youthservices for full guidelines and application forms, or phone 9793 2155 for more information. the CITY 9

community CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 1

5 Combined Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble 10am Ph: 9546 2346 Get Creative – Yoga for seniors Heritage Hill 2pm-3pm Ph: 8571 1666

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

Top Cat Dancers Rock & Roll Edinburgh Hall 7.30pm Ph: 0413 393 345 Creative Commune – creative vegan desserts Heritage Hill 7pm-9pm www.creativecommune.com.au Dandenong Evening View Club Dandenong RSL 7pm Ph: 9560 9717

Dandenong Art Series – Traditional Photography Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8.30pm Ph: 9706 8441

19

Simply Fitness class Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-10.30am Ph: 9795 9279

13

LOTOS (ladies social and activities group) Jan Wilson Community Centre 10am-12pm Ph: 9795 9279

Get Creative – Garden 14 Melodies with Chris Newman Heritage Hill 10am-11.30am Ph: 8571 1666 Candidate Information Session Dandenong Civic Centre 7pm-9pm 8571 1000 Noble Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 6pm Ph: 9701 5821

20

21 Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 7.30pm

Deckchair Movie: Shark Tale Harmony Square 12pm

Billiards Dandenong North Senior Citizens Centre, Latham Crescent 12pm-4pm (every Wednesday)

Kids Craft Workshop Dandenong Market 11am

26

Springvale Evening View Club Greyhounds Entertainment 6.30pm

7 Zephyr Sessions: Open art studio for emerging artists (age 12-25) Heritage Hill 4pm-5.30pm Ph: 8571 5488

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

U3A Dandenong annual art and craft show Menzies Hall, Menzies Avenue, Dandenong North 10am-4pm

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6

27 Deckchair Movie: Minions Harmony Square 12pm Yoga Jan Wilson Community Centre 7pm-8.30pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 9795 9279

8 Business workshop: prepare to expand globally and export Dandenong Civic Centre 6pm-7.30pm Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 6pm

15 Playgroup Jan Wilson Community Centre 10.30am-12pm Ph: 9795 9279 Library Storytime Dandenong and Springvale Libraries 10.30am

22

Dandenong Food Lovers Tour Central Dandenong 6pm-8.30pm Ph: 8571 1377 Planting Under the Stars Pencil Park, Hidden Grove, Keysborough 5pm-7pm 8571 1702

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

29 Deckchair Movie: Zootopia Harmony Square 12pm Adult Exercise Class Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-10.30am Ph: 9795 9279

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

2016 FRIDAY

SATURDAY 2

Get Creative - Friday morning art session Heritage Hill 10.30am-1pm Ph: 8571 1666

SUNDAY 3

Spring Festival Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve 10am-2pm Ph: 8571 1702

Kids Craft Workshop Dandenong Market 11am

Get Creative – sewing for beginners Walker Street Gallery 1pm-3pm Ph: 8571 1666

Family Fun at the Library Dandenong Library 4pm (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920

9 Playgroup Jan Wilson Community Centre 10.30am-12pm Ph: 9795 9279 Carpet Bowls Dandenong North Senior Citizens Centre, Latham Crescent 12.30pm-3pm (every Friday)

10

Me and My Dad Dandenong Library 2pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Billiards Dandenong North Senior Citizens Centre, Latham Crescent 12pm-4pm (every Friday)

11

17

18

starts

Deckchair Movie: Ponyo Harmony Square 12pm

Green Living Workshop Noble Park Community Centre 10am-12pm Ph: 8571 1702

24

Kids Craft Workshop Dandenong Market 11am

25 Little Day Out – for BIG Imaginations Ross Reserve, Noble Park 11am-4pm Chilean Latin American Festival Sandown Racecourse 10am-10pm

Dandenong Library 1300 630 920

Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279

Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900 Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441 Dandenong Market 9701 3850

30

GRAND FINAL EVE PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Drum Theatre 8571 1666

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 8571 1436

Full Moon Festival Dandenong Market 10am-4pm

Peppa Pig Live! Big Splash Drum Theatre 10am & 12.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

Chilean Latin American Festival Sandown Racecourse 10am-1am

Strength Training Jan Wilson Community Centre 8.45am-9.30am Ph: 9795 9279

City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000

Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am-2pm

23 Beauty and the Beast Jr Drum Theatre 3pm & 7pm Ph: 8571 1666

✆

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511

16 Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve open day Mackay Street, Springvale South 9am (every Friday) Ph: 8571 1702

4

Cultural Tours 8571 1666

Submit your community event online at www.greaterdandenong.com

Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au the CITY 11

community CALENDAR

OCTOBER MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

31

Submit your community event online at www.greaterdandenong.com

3 Combined Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble 10am Ph: 9546 2346 Monday Midday Movie: Take Me out to the Ball Game Walker Street Gallery 12pm-2pm Ph: 8571 1666

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

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

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

12 the CITY

Colleen Hewett Encore Drum Theatre 10.30am Ph: 8571 1666

Billiards Dandenong North Senior Citizens Centre, Latham Crescent 12.30pm-3.30pm (every Wednesday)

Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am (every Thursday) 1300 630 920

11

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

Art Series Dandenong Library 6.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

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

18

SELF(Y) Exhibition Launch Heritage Hill 6pm-9pm

19

25

20 Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am (every Thursday) Ph: 1300 630 920

Interfaith Network Annual Gathering Drum Theatre Ph: 8774 7662

Yoga Jan Wilson Community Centre 7pm-8.30pm Details: 9795 9279

13 Business Workshop: Digital Strategy and Online Marketing Dandenong Civic Centre 6pm-8pm Ph: 8571 1000

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

Top Cat Dancers Rock & Roll Edinburgh Hall 7.30pm-10pm Ph: 0413 393 345

6

An Evening with Colleen Hewett Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

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

17 Yoga Heritage Hill 6pm Ph: 0405 427 183

5

26 Follow Your Waste Tour Springvale Town Hall 9.30am-3pm Ph: 8571 1702

27 Angie Chong’s Special Sensational Springvale Food Tour 10.30am-1.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

2016 FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY 1

Deckchair Movie: Dolphin Tale Harmony Square 12pm

Deckchair Movie: Treasure Planet Harmony Square 12pm

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

7 Wildflower Walk Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve 10am Ph: 8571 1702

Kids Craft Workshops Dandenong Market 11am

8

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

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

14 Noble Park Community Art Show Noble Park Community Centre 10am-4pm Ph: 9547 5801

English in the Community and Workplace Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-12pm Ph: 9795 9279

Me and My Dad Dandenong Library 2pm P: 1300 630 920

Family Fun at the Library Dandenong Library 4pm (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920

28

Council Election Day

9

Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am-2pm

15

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

21

2

Dandenong Market 150th Anniversary celebrations 10am-3pm

16

Noble Park Community Art Show Noble Park Community Centre 10am-4pm Ph: 9547 5801 Wildflower Walk Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve 10am

22

23

Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am-2pm

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Zumba Gold Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-10.30am Ph: 9795 9279

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Voting at Council Elections E

lections for the City of Greater Dandenong will be by attendance voting on Saturday 22 October.

If you are over 70 years old you have the right to vote, but you do not have to. If you chose not to vote you will not be fined.

If you are enrolled to vote then it is compulsory to vote. If you fail to do so, you may be fined.

The VEC has published an Easy English Guide to Voting in Local Council Attendance Elections, which is available from Council’s Customer Service Centres.

If you cannot attend a polling booth on Election Day you can vote early (details below), or apply to the Victorian Electoral Commission to postal vote.

You can do this via their website, vec. vic.gov.au or by phoning 131 832, from Wednesday 21 September.

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The VEC Election office at Dandenong will not be open for voting on Election Day, however the Springvale Customer Service centre will be open for voting on Saturday 22 October.

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• 9am-8pm on Thursday 20 October

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Council’s Springvale Customer Service Centre, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale, from Monday 10 October to Friday 21 October.

• 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

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VEC Election Office, Level 4, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, from Wednesday 21 September to Friday 21 October.

Early voting is open during the following hours:

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f you cannot attend a polling booth on Election Day early voting is available at the following locations:

The VEC will also mail an Easy Vote Guide to all registered voters in the week commencing 7 October providing a list of all voting centres in your electorate and details on voting.

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Road

Sha Sarwari’s Silent Conversation.

Artist’s impression of Post Office Lane.

Laneway

Revitalisation Project T

he City of Greater Dandenong is looking at ways to enliven a key laneway in the Springvale Activity Centre.

Post Office Lane as it looks today.

Post Office Lane, at 323-325 Springvale Road, is due to get an upgrade under the Springvale Activity Centre Laneway Revitalisation Project.

A colourful concept design, which responds to what the community identified as important improvements to the laneway, has been developed and include plans for a playful canopy, garden beds and functional furniture.

Sarwari won the $3000 national art prize for his installation piece Silent Conversation, a series of postcards that he put in letterboxes with a request for them to be sent back to him explaining people’s feelings about refugees in Australia.

The $500 second prize was won by Dandenong South artist Hussein Ali Zobea, whose painting depicted his former home city in Iraq.

ASPECT Studios were engaged to consult with the local community and key stakeholders to create a vision for the future of the laneway. They gathered stories and ideas from more than 150 people and came up with the theme of “Celebrating the Vitality of the Community”.

Many spoke about the historical significance of the Post Office to the Springvale community, and emphasised the multicultural diversity of the community and how Springvale has evolved.

he inaugural winner of the Walker Street Gallery’s Home and Art Prize was named as Brisbane artist Sha Sarwari.

An Afghani refugee who came to Australia in 2000, Sarwari uses his work to “explore the contemporary discourse of refugees world-wide”.

The plan is to improve the feel of the area and make it a more functional space that builds on Springvale’s unique Asian style characteristic.

Community members and stakeholders were invited to the laneway to consider how to improve the functionality and appearance of the area. School students, community groups, local business owners and pedestrians using the laneway all took part in the group sessions.

HOME AND ART PRIZE T

Highly commended artist Mahla Karimian’s entry of a Persian miniature etching on scratchboard was rewarded with an artist in residency opportunity to further develop her art.

The canopy will be bright and visible from a distance – inviting users into the space. It will also provide ambient lighting for pedestrians and encourage use of the laneway at night.

Greenery growing from garden beds and attaching to the walls, will pair with modular seating, inviting people into the space and encouraging community interaction.

Wayfinding signage will also be incorporated into the design, encouraging people to further explore Springvale.

Visit greaterdandenong.com.au/ springvalelaneways to keep up to date with the progress of the Laneway Revitalisation Project.

As one of the most multicultural communities in Australia, Greater Dandenong is home to many people from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds. Some would say the perfect home for an art prize directed at artists from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds.

Many of these people come to our community seeking safety, protection and importantly the opportunity to rebuild their lives. The art prize recognises the key role art plays in helping to rebuild a life.

Comedian Judith Lucy was announced as the Ambassador for the 2017 Home and Art Prize. Visit greaterdandenong. com/arts for more details on this year’s winners and updates on when and how to enter next year’s prize. the CITY 15

Walk to School month G

reater Dandenong school children are encouraged to hit the pavement as part of VicHealth’s annual Walk to School month in October.

Council is supporting schools, including Yarraman Oaks Primary School (pictured), to get more active and sign up for this fun initiative.

Students are encouraged to walk, ride or scoot to and from school as often as possible during October. By signing up with VicHealth individuals and schools can win some great prizes.

Walking to school is a great way to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and sets children up with healthy habits for life.

Visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au for more information or to register.

Yarraman Oaks Primary School students prepare for Walk to School month.

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reater Dandenong seniors are encouraged to get out and about during the 2016 Victorian Seniors’ Festival.

Get active, learn something new and be entertained by a series of low cost or free events and workshops running across the week (3- 7 October).

Join in a craft session at the Heritage Hill open day, enjoy a midday movie at Walker Street Gallery, be entertained by iconic Aussie performer Colleen Hewett or join in a daily exercise session at the Jan Wilson Community Centre.

Mayor Heang Tak said the program of events had something for everyone.

“We are proud to be celebrating the 34th annual Victorian Seniors’ Festival with our residents,” Mayor Tak said.

“We encourage all Greater Dandenong seniors to get more active, try something new and meet some new friends during the week-long event.

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Highlights include: • Drum Theatre backstage tour on Thursday 4 October, 10.30am11.30am • Midday Movie: Take Me Out to the Ball Game at Walker Street Gallery on Thursday 4 October, at 12pm • Drum Theatre presents Colleen Hewett on Wednesday 5 October, at 7.30pm, and Thursday 6 October, at 10.30am.

Bookings: 8571 1666 • Follow Your Waste Tour. See where your rubbish, garden waste and recyclables go after the truck empties your bins. On Thursday 6 October, leaving from Springvale at 9am. Details: 8571 1715.

A full program of events is available at greaterdandenong. com or booklets detailing activities are available at Council’s customer service centres.

• Sustainable Community • Sustainable Development • Sustainable Business.

A new category has also been introduced. The Healthy Waterways - Video Competition invites residents to create a short video that promotes waterway health. This category is proudly funded by Melbourne Water’s Living Rivers Program.

Cr Peter Brown presents Eddie Botha with his 2016 Sustainaibility Award.

Sustainability Awards – Opening Soon A

re you a local school, resident or business helping make our community a more sustainable place to live, work and play? Or do you have a project that has embraced environmental sustainability?

Now in their third year, the awards recognise leadership and innovation in sustainability, rewarding those striving to help make Greater Dandenong one of the most sustainable cities in Australia.

Entries for Greater Dandenong’s Annual Sustainability Awards open this month.

Categories for this year’s Sustainability Awards include:

Entries are open to all schools, community groups, businesses, individuals and projects that demonstrate an innovative and inspiring approach to addressing key sustainability issues. Judges will pay particular attention to entries that help Council meet the goals and objectives in the new adopted Greater Dandenong 2016-30 Sustainability Strategy.

Entries Open – Monday 12 September 2016. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ sustainability for more information on how to enter and a link to the Greater Dandenong 2016-30 Sustainability Strategy.

ndenong Greater Da Strategy

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2016 –2030

IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE 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:

SEPTEMBER 2016 DATE TIME

LOCATION

5 September

5pm-6.30pm

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

7 September 8 September 13 September 20 September 21 September 24 September 28 September

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

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

3 October

5pm-6.30pm

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

5 October 11 October 13 October 18 October 19 October 22 October 26 October

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 Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale

OCTOBER 2016

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celebrates 150 years A

s the second oldest market in Melbourne, Dandenong Market has been a cornerstone of the community for 150 years.

Officially opened on 10 October 1866 at the intersection of Lonsdale and McCrae streets, the Dandenong Market was just a day’s travel from Melbourne by horse and cart.

Sellers travelled from far and wide to sell their goods. One Gippsland farmer recalled his regular journeys in those early days. “Carting our butter, eggs and bacon to the Dandenong Market…the journey always took three strenuous days.”

Early market traders sold livestock, fruit, dairy products and farm produce.

Before long a multicultural array of merchants joined the stalls and brought with them an amazing variety of goods.

As the community around it grew so did the market. By 1870 it was operating weekly with up to 300 vendors and buyers in attendance.

In 1926 the market was relocated to its current site at the corner of Clow and Cleeland streets. You could buy everything from fruit, vegetables and meat, to clothing, drapery, sewing machines, whips and furniture.

arket 1920’s M

In 1993 the iconic Dandy pig was resurrected and put up outside the market, where it still sits today.

The Dandenong Market has continued to flourish and is still a relevant and popular service for Greater Dandenong and the wider community.

It now operates four days a week and has been modernised by a $26 million redevelopment which took place between 2005-2010.

1970’s M arket

1960’s Marke t clot hing

1960’s Market bird stall

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In 1958 the livestock section moved to the Cheltenham Road stockyards.

1970’s Market

Memories Celebrations A

hard cover coffee table book commemorating the anniversary has been published and will be launched at the market on Tuesday 13 September.

A large photographic mural will also be launched on this day. The mural will contain a collage of photos, a timeline and written accounts of the market’s evolution.

The community is invited to a free day of celebrations on Sunday 16 October, from 10am. The event will be a celebration of what makes Greater Dandenong unique and the role the market has played as a key attraction for the area.

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ruit and vegetable trader Danny Luppino, Luppino Fresh. “I have been here for 54 years, the longest of all the traders. I have never worked for a boss one day in my life. I was supposed to retire 10 years ago, but my son wanted to take over the business and it is too much work for him, so I have stayed. I still get up at 1am go to the wholesale markets and come here. I put in 17-18 hour days. We used to sell from the top of our trucks parked around the football ground, so times have changed, but I have always been proud to work at Dandenong Market.”

Dandenong Market will partner with local community groups to deliver a day of cultural performances, workshops, children’s activities and world food. Multicultural Arts Victoria will provide the live entertainment.

An artistic tribute will also be launched in November. Artist Anne Ross is working on “M is for Market”, a permanent piece that will be installed in Market Square and bring the stories of the market to life.

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ishmonger Dennis Schwarze, Schwarze Seafoods. “I have worked here for 40 years, but my family have been trading here since 1930. I love the Dandenong Market, I have been coming here since the day I was born. I used to come here on school holidays and I would play with the other stall holders’ children.

Then I worked alongside mum and dad. Now we employ 15 people.

I am up at 2.30am to go to the wholesale markets and start buying – I handpick everything myself.

Dandenong is so multicultural and many residents are originally from places where they only shopped at markets, so this is a bit like home for them.”

Other market events A

visit to the market is not complete without a visit to the Dandee Donut van, but who can stop at one? On Sunday 4 September you can eat your fill of hot jam donuts as part of the Dandee Donut Eating Competition.

The competition starts at 12pm, and entrants will be selected randomly before the day.

Celebrate the Full Moon Festival on Sunday 18 September. This traditional Chinese festival symbolises peace, prosperity and family reunion. Discover the many delicious flavours, aromas, sounds and colours of this free celebration. Join us from 10am-4pm for performances and displays.

Councillors Youhorn Chea, Angela Long, John Kelly, Jim Memeti, Maria Sampey, Peter Brown and Roz Blades at the 2010 launch of the upgraded Dandenong Market.

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Australia Day

Award nominations I

t’s time to recognise the exceptional people in our community who work hard to make Greater Dandenong a welcoming place.

“If you know someone who contributes to our great community and inspires others then we want to hear about them,” Mayor Tak said.

Nominations are now open for the 2017 Australia Day Awards.

The award categories are: • Citizen of the Year • Young Leader of the Year (Under 25) • Volunteer of the Year • Leadership Award • Multicultural Award

Mayor Heang Tak called on everyone to consider the people who make a difference to community life and consider nominating them for these awards.

• Sportsperson of the Year • Corporate Citizen of the Year.

Winners will be selected by a community panel and will be presented with their awards at a community celebration on Australia Day, Thursday 26 January 2017.

Last year’s winners included Fr Jean Mawal, who was involved in the Challenge Family Violence campaign, Tracey Walden who has spent 35 years volunteering with the Noble Park Junior and Senior Football clubs and Sportsperson of the year Aaliyah Corles (pictured below with the Mayor).

Nominations close on 2 November.

Visit greaterdandenong.com or phone 8571 1000 for nomination forms.

Australia Day Awards Sportsperson of the Year Aaliyah Corles with Mayor Heang Tak at the 2016 Australia Day celebrations.

GREEN LIVING

Workshop 20 the CITY

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earn some great tips on how to reduce your waste and live a greener lifestyle with a free workshop on green living.

This free workshop will teach you: • how to reuse and recycle better at home • how to reduce food waste • to grow your own herbs • sustainable shopping tips

The Green Living Workshop will be held on Saturday 17 September, from 10am-12pm, at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park.

Morning tea will be provided and a lucky door prize will also be up for grabs. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Phone 8571 1702 to register or for more information.

business NEWS

RECIPE

MOONDARRA CRANBERRY MACADAMIA CHEESECAKE Ingredients • 360g Moondarra Cranberry Macadamia cream cheese, softened • 250g sweet biscuits such as Digestives • 150g unsalted butter, melted • 395g canned sweetened condensed milk • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1/3 cup fresh roasted macadamia nuts, roughly chopped • 1 cup dried cranberries

Method Grease and line a 20cm springform cake tin.

Place biscuits in a snap lock bag and seal. Using a glass, press biscuits until finely crushed. Place in a bowl and add melted butter, stir to combine.

Using the glass, press mixture into the bottom of the prepared tin and along the sides. Refrigerate shell for at least 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat Moondarra Cranberry Macadamia cream cheese with handheld mixer or with a whisk until softened and resembles a pourable batter. Add condensed milk, lemon juice and ½ of the dried cranberries and continue to beat until fluffy.

Spoon mixture evenly into tin and refrigerate overnight.

Serve scattered with roasted macadamia nuts and cranberries.

Nick Katis and Matt Freeman with some of their Moondara Cheese products.

DANDENONG SOUTH SAYS CHEESE M

oondarra Cheese has gone from a backyard bungalow to a 4000sqm custom built factory with 40 full time staff in Dandenong South.

Matt Freeman and Nick Katis have watched their company grow to be the biggest producers of flavoured cream cheeses in Australia.

Mr Freeman said a move to Dandenong South in 2012 gave them the room to expand their growing business. The south east of Melbourne is well known as a manufacturing heartland, and Mr Freeman said manufacturing was alive and well in Australia.

“I think we are seeing a transition from one manufacturing sector to another. There is a move away from heavy industry…and there is a big switch to food manufacturing,” Mr Freeman said.

The Moondarra brand is sold nationally through Woolworths stores and exports to New Zealand, Russia, the US and Asian countries.

Mr Freeman said the range covered a wide variety of flavours from chocolate and walnut, to garlic and chives, and the top seller for all

countries – apricot and almond.

He said new flavours were developed by the team, and were only released after extensive testing.

He said all staff were welcome to make suggestions and give feedback on the flavours, and two new flavours about to be released were maple syrup and pecan, and bacon and parmesan.

The Moondarra crew were recently filmed as part of a documentary series called Industry Leaders, which talks to passionate small business owners. The series was shown on Channel 183 Aurora.

Visit moondarracheese.com.au for more information. the CITY 21

community NEWS

LEARNING FOR ALL

T

he Keysborough Learning Centre is a not-for-profit organisation which offers a diverse range of educational and community programs.

The centre offers certificate programs in aged care, children’s services, information technology, computers and business skills. There are also art and craft classes, basic computer skills, health and wellbeing classes, and English for beginners.

Community programs include a men’s shed, community visitor’s scheme, emergency food relief and a counselling support program for children and teens experiencing loss.

During October the centre will run a Thai and Asian cooking class with an experienced chef and teacher.

The small hands-on classes involve active participation, with step by step guidance to create delicious meals.

You will learn to prepare dishes from scratch, using traditional Asian cooking methods. So come along and learn to dazzle at your next dinner party. The eight week course starts on Wednesday 5 October, 9.30am-12pm. The course costs $107 or $85.50 for concessions.

So whether you are looking to build skills for your career, expand your computer knowledge, explore your creative side, or learn to cook like a pro, there is something for everyone at Keysborough Learning Centre.

Visit them at 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough, or phone 9798 7005 for more information. Visit www.klckeys.com.au for a full list of educational courses and community programs.

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Dandenong Ranger’s Sara Blicavs in action at Dandenong Stadium last season.

RANGERS SEASON LAUNCH T

he Jayco Dandenong Rangers are looking forward to the launch of the WNBL season on the weekend of 7-9 October.

The fixture for the 2016-17 season is still being finalised, but the Rangers invite the whole Greater Dandenong community to get behind them as they kickstart the new season from a strong position.

The team finished third in last season’s competition and is looking to go even further, with the core of the 2015-16 team returning for this season.

Co-Captains Aimie Clydesdale and Stephanie Cumming are back, as well as Sara Blicavs (pictured), Lauren Scherf, Jacinta Kennedy, Amelia Todhunter and Chloe Bibby. Import guard Natalie Novosel will also return

to the Rangers after a season with the Townsville Fire, and the team’s second import will be Ally Mallot who is coming off a season in the US WNBA with the Washington Mystics.

The winner of the City of Greater Dandenong Sports Awards Coach of the Year, Larissa Anderson, will also head into her second season as head coach.

Gerry Ryan and the team from Jayco have signed on as the team’s naming rights sponsor for a further two seasons, making the Rangers partnership with Jayco the longest naming rights sponsorship in WNBL history.

Visit www.dandenongbasketball. com.au to see the Rangers fixture for season 2016-17.

Community Art T

he Noble Park Community Centre Art Show celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, and attracted a record number of entries and visitors.

This year’s show is now seeking entries from artists of all ages and experience levels. Entries close on Thursday 15 September and cost is $5 per artwork. The show will be held on October 15-16, from 10am-4pm, at Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Entry is free.

Open prize is $500 and junior prize is $150. Entries from schools, aged care facilities and all ability groups are also welcome. For more information visit nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au/art-show-0 or phone 9547 5801.

Cr Roz Blades AM and Interfaith leaders at a previous Interfaith Network Annual Gathering.

Interfaith Network ‘Heartbeat of Life’ T

he 27th annual gathering of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong will take place in October.

to establish the Greater Dandenong Combined Schools Interfaith Gathering.

This work with students is particularly important said Mayor Heang Tak.

At this meeting, themed ‘Heartbeat of Life’, faith and community leaders will gather to renew their commitment to working together in promoting peace and harmony in the city. During the ceremony leaders sign the Common Statement which is then presented to the Mayor.

“When students see faith and spiritual leaders working together it sends a powerful message about peace, harmony and respect. Leaders encourage children to embrace and accept diversity and to form friendships with children from different backgrounds,” Mayor Tak said.

In recent years the Interfaith Network has worked closely with local schools

Established in 1989 as the first interfaith

network in Australia, the Network consists of various faiths and spiritual traditions that meet regularly. Some of the many activities organised by the Network include running public tours to places of worship, celebrating festivals and events, sharing of faith beliefs and practices, participation in the annual induction of the new mayor and offering of prayers at Council meetings.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Annual Gathering, on Wednesday 19 October at Drum Theatre. Details: 8774 7662.

JUMP into LIFE! H

ealth statistics show that more than 50 per cent of Greater Dandenong residents are not eating enough fruit and vegetables, and 25 per cent are not doing enough physical activity each day.

Dandenong dietitian Silva Nazaretian said a lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and being overweight or obese are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

“I have been working in the Dandenong community for over 10 years and I have seen a rise in patients being referred to me with chronic illnesses such as diabetes

and cardiovascular disease,” Ms Nazaretian said.

Ms Nazaretian runs the Life! program, a lifestyle modification program funded by the Victorian Government and managed by Diabetes Victoria that supports and motivates participants to live a healthier life.

The program is free for most and teaches participants more about nutrition, physical activity, stress management and goal setting in a fun and supportive environment.

“The major benefit of the Life! program

is that it provides very effective tools and strategies that can be used by participants to reduce their risk of developing these chronic diseases. Some participants find it daunting to change their diet or exercise routine. The advice I offer is to work on small, achievable goals as every small positive change is a step in the right direction,” Ms Nazaretian said.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the program and visit the website to check their own risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For more information visit www.lifeprogram.org. au or phone 137 475.

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 23

17 September – 2 October 2016 Events • Exhibitions • Activities • Performances • Games • Workshops HEADLINE EVENT:

Little Day Out Sunday 25 September, 11am-4pm, Ross Reserve, Noble Park

greaterdandenong.com/childrensfestival 8571 1000