THE

CITY

Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2018

Victorian Youth Week PAGE 7

Most multicultural city

Get active in April

Holiday fun

►► PAGE 3

►► PAGE 8

►► PAGE 12

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THE CITY

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

Mayor ’s message Welcome to the April edition of The City. This month there is so much to celebrate, starting with Easter and the school holidays. Our libraries, youth and family services and Heritage Hill are hosting a range of fun activities across the two week holiday period. Turn to page 12 to see some of the highlights. Autumn is such a beautiful season and to celebrate it we are once again holding Autumn Fest in Keysborough. Find out more about the family and pet-friendly event on page 9.

Mayor Cr Youhorn Chea

If you want to get moving, why not sign up to the Premier’s Active April and join in some free exercise sessions held in Dandenong’s Harmony Square throughout the month. Turn to page 8 to read more. Also on the calendar this month is Victorian Youth Week and the Heritage Festival. Our young residents are an important part of our community and we take this opportunity to celebrate the contributions they make across all aspects of society. See what events are planned for both celebrations on page 7. This month South East Asian countries (including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka and India) celebrate Songkran New Year. I hope you enjoy getting out and about in our great city this month and enjoy reading this edition of The City.

facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 relayservice.gov.au TIS: 131 450 council@cgd.vic.gov.au

My City The Springvale Botanical Cemetery contains a special area to honour servicemen and servicewomen. The Australian War Graves area includes more than 600 graves of soldiers who died during WWII. The cemetery is also the location of the Victorian Garden of Remembrance. Australia commemorates Anzac Day on Wednesday 25 April.

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

Front Cover: Members of the Entrepreneurship Movement Club have organised the 2K18 April Street Style Soccer Tournament as part of Victorian Youth Week celebrations. Picture: Hilton Stone.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

News

Rates and Charges Hardship Policy

THE CITY

Australia’s most multicultural city

#1

The City of Greater Dandenong can offer support to ratepayers suffering financial hardship via its Rates and Charges Hardship Policy. While Council offers a range of payment options, including quarterly payments and a direct debit plan spread out over nine months, some ratepayers might qualify for further support. Under the Local Government Act Council has the ability to defer rate payments or, under exceptional circumstance, waive a portion of your rates.

If you can prove that paying rates will cause undue financial hardship, you may be able to have part, or all, of the total bill deferred, or a portion of your rates waived. Applications must be made in writing and will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Applications that are supported by financial counselling are preferred and may be required by Council.

Greater Dandenong is now Australia’s most culturally diverse community. The latest Census figures reveal the level of diversity in Greater Dandenong is the highest in the country – closely followed by the Sydney areas of Strathfield, Burwood and Cumberland.

Greater Dandenong has long held claim to being the most culturally diverse city in Victoria, but Mayor Youhorn Chea said this was the first time in the city’s history that it had ranked number one nationally.

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

“The latest census data shows the City of Greater Dandenong has residents from 157 different birthplaces and more than half of our residents are born overseas,” Mayor Chea said.

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

“More than four in five residents in Greater Dandenong have at least one overseas born parent.” The latest Census data also revealed the following interesting facts about the City of Greater Dandenong:

► In

2016 more than 70 per cent of residents spoke a language other than English – the largest in Victoria and more than double the metropolitan average of 31 per cent.

► The

top birthplaces recorded in Greater Dandenong are Vietnam, Cambodia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Great Britain.

► Widely

spoken languages in Greater Dandenong include Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese, Greek, Punjabi and Sinhalese.

► There

are almost 2,000 Asylum Seekers in Greater Dandenong – the highest of any Victorian municipality.

In Victoria the most diverse municipalities after Greater Dandenong are Melbourne, Monash, Brimbank and Wyndham. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ statistics for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY Cr Matt hew Kir wan, Cr Roz Blades Mayor Youho Commu celebrate the rn Chea and nity We llbeing launch of the Plan 20 17–21 .

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

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

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

Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM Ph/Fax: 9701 5821 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

Cr Matthew Kirwan, Mayor Youhorn Chea, Cr Sean O’Reilly and Cr Angela Long at the 2018 Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival.

Council Meetings MONDAY

MONDAY

TH URSDAY

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APRIL

Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month, at 7pm. All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong. The April meetings will be held: Monday 9 April Monday 23 April

APRI L

NOVEMBER

M O N DAY

10 APRIL

The general public is always welcome to attend meetings, but did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast service? You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community. To view meetings online simply go to greaterdandenong.com/ councilmeetings

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Cr Maria Sampey Consultation for the plan identified a major concern around the negative impacts of social isolation in frail aged residents, and how the provision of transport can help alleviate social isolation. In response to this Council is working with the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee, of which I am a member, to trial some new social activities and programs during 2018. This includes using Council’s existing Community Bus Fleet as a transport option.

As a councillor who is committed to supporting older residents I am pleased that Council’s new Positive Ageing Strategy was endorsed late last year. This strategy provides Council with a roadmap on how to support good health and wellbeing for our older residents.

The Greater Dandenong Multicultural Seniors Dance that was held in September last year was a huge success with over 300 attendees. Please save the date – FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2018. I would like to remind older residents that may need some assistance to remain living in their own home to contact the Commonwealth Government My Aged Care via telephone on 1800 200 422. My Aged Care will

When works on the open space are completed the area will tie in with the surrounding land that makes up Ross Reserve, and will increase the amount of open space available to the community of Noble Park. Council is always working to improve perceptions of safety in the community, and the Safe City CCTV program is very active in this area of Noble Park. Cameras operate throughout the Noble Park Central Activity District, which includes the Noble Park Skate Park. If you want to learn more about the CCTV network you can visit greaterdandenong. com/cctv for more information. On a different note, the latest census data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Greater Dandenong is the most culturally diverse community in Australia.

provide advice and referrals for assessments and services. I am also an active member of Council’s Disability Advisory Committee. Together with Council officers we are currently developing the plan for the Year One actions of the recently endorsed Disability Action Plan. One of the biggest issues this year will be identifying how we can best support our residents with disabilities to transition to the new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that is due to commence in Greater Dandenong in September this year. Council will work with registered providers to ensure residents are kept informed. For information visit ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110. You can contact me on email at maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0438 800 027.

Cr Heang Tak

► Paperbark Ward By now commuters will be very familiar with the new raised train station at Noble Park. While the station was completed several weeks ago, Council is looking forward to seeing the land underneath the raised train line takes shape.

► Silverleaf Ward

This is something that Council is very proud of. We have residents who come from 157 different birthplaces, speaking more than 200 languages and following over 100 different faiths. More than half of our residents were born overseas. I truly believe that our diversity is our strength, and this is what makes Greater Dandenong such a great place to live, work and visit. As we all know, communities with a high multicultural population are good places to experience just about anything and everything – singing, dancing, food and a lifestyle that comes with living happily together in harmony. We are definitely a city of celebrations and we are home to some of Melbourne’s most well attended cultural festivals. Last year more than 100 cultural festivals and events were held across Greater Dandenong. For more than 20 years the Springvale Lunar New Year Festival has been attracting crowds from across Melbourne, and this year’s February 11 event was celebrated by more than 70,000 people.

I am extremely proud to represent this vibrant community of ours. If you would like to contact me you can email me at heang. tak@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0403 072 291.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Working for You

Local Government working together The City of Greater Dandenong has joined forces with Cardinia Shire and Yarra Ranges Shire to save ratepayers money on a building maintenance contract. The three south east Melbourne councils collaborated on the tender process, awarding the same company a new building maintenance contract for the next three years. Greater Dandenong Council Chief Executive Officer John Bennie said in light of the current economic climate, and following the introduction of rate capping, councils were looking at innovative ways to save money.

Slow down in central Dandenong Recently an area-wide 40km/h zone was introduced in central Dandenong.

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The City of Greater Dandenong, together with the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council, is working towards bringing the A-League to the south east region. This campaign is known as Team 11. The three councils have a vision to make south east Melbourne home to a new club with A-League, W-League and National Youth League teams, with the aim of becoming Australia’s football heartland.

Visit weareteam11.com to find out more and show your support.

Register your pet Owning a pet comes with responsibilities, including the need to register your pet with Council. The deadline for pet registrations falls on 9 April. Registering your pet has many benefits, including giving our animal management officers the ability to reunite lost pets with their owners quickly. Pet registration fees also help pay for our rangers to deliver Animal Management Services. If you have always wanted to own a pet, The Lost Dogs’ Home in Cranbourne is having a cat and kitten adoption drive

this month. (Council’s pound services are run through The Lost Dogs’ Home.) The Home will halve the fee to adopt a cat or kitten for anyone who is ready for a new pet, on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April, from 9am to 4pm.

The Lost Dogs’ Home is running a mobile cat desexing service in Burden Park, Springvale on 2 and 3 May. The $60 fee also includes microchipping and one year Council registration. Visit dogshome.com for more information.

E IV

www.greaterdandenong.com

Football heartland

DR

The new zones were implemented in February and will be followed this year by the installation of raised pavements at some intersections and raised platforms to slow down approaching vehicles.

“The successful tenderer has committed to giving one per cent of the total revenue generated from each council back to the community in the form of grants or sponsorship,” he said.

This innovative move was also nominated for an industry award at the recent Local Government Professionals Awards for Excellence.

ON TI

Community consultation held between August and October last year supported the reduced speed limits.

Mr Bennie said working together had cut the tender costs significantly for the three councils – saving approximately $50,000 in total – and also brought other benefits to each municipality.

OP

VicRoads statistics show that between 2012 and 2016 there were 38 recorded crashes involving pedestrians in the Dandenong Central Activity Centre, which left 16 people seriously injured.

“We have been able to maintain the high standards of service delivery our community expects, while also saving money.”

“They have also agreed to employ at least two homeless or disadvantaged people from each council area, ensuring at least six long-term unemployed have ongoing work.”

AD

The 40km/h zone was installed as part of the State Government’s Towards Zero project to reduce the road toll and protect pedestrians and cyclists.

“All three councils were able to deliver better outcomes for their local communities,” Mr Bennie said.

Community Calendar

THE CITY

Sukart Alex, Sukart Abdalla, Guy Chuol and Aban Fadalla warm up for the 2K18 Street Style Soccer Tournament.

…join in some fun activities

YOUTH WEEK Join us to celebrate the positive contribution young people make in the Greater Dandenong community during Victorian Youth Week (April 13–22). Council has organised two big events to help bring our youngest residents together.

The 2K18 April Street Style Soccer Tournament This free event is the 7th street style soccer tournament held in partnership between Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services and the Entrepreneurship Movement Club (EMC). On Friday 13 April, from 9am-5pm, at JC Mills Reserve, Cleeland Street, Dandenong. Divisions include under 14, under 16, open male and open female. Register at surveymonkey. com/r/april2k18 or contact Youth and Family Services on 9793 2155 for more information.

Floor Wars – Breakdancing Competition This free event will feature 2V2 freestyle dancers battling it out on the dance floor. On Sunday 15 April, from 10am– 3pm, at the Dandenong Market. Phone Youth and Family services on 9793 2155 or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/cgdyouth services for more information.

Before Youth Week kicks off, you can make the most of the school holidays by joining in some fun activities. See our online calendar at greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Heritage Festival Celebrate Dandenong’s heritage during this year’s Australian Heritage Festival. My Dandenong, My Story covers the suburb’s transformation from a country market town to the diverse, bustling regional capital of Melbourne’s south east.

The exhibition is made up of oral stories and photographs from Council’s Civic Collection. This photo shows a group of local youth on a truck in Lonsdale St, Dandenong, just in front of the Town Hall (now the Drum Theatre). It was taken in 1978 by renowned photographer, the late Graham Southam. The exhibition will be on display from 18 April to 13 July. Heritage Hill is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am–4pm. A special oral history event will be held to launch the exhibition in Laurel Lodge on Wednesday 18 April from 10am–1pm. An exhibition by the Dandenong and District Historical Society will also be on display, sharing insight into the people that have helped shape Dandenong’s history and heritage. Heritage Hill is at 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Active April

Free classes Start your fitness journey or just get more active during the week by joining these free group fitness classes during April. Held in Harmony Square, these YMCA-run 30 minute workout sessions can contribute to your Active April daily quota or can help you explore some fun ways to be more active. Starting on Tuesday 3 April and finishing on Thursday 29 April, these classes will run every week at the same time. ► Circuit,

Tuesday 7am Wednesday 12pm ► Boxing, Thursday 5pm ► Yoga,

Harmony Square is at the corner of Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. For more information visit greaterdandenong.com or phone 8571 1000.

Every person who registers will receive: ► 10

free YMCA passes

► 15%

discount at Sportsmart

► 2

This month you are encouraged to get out and enjoy half an hour of physical activity every day as part of the 2018 Premier’s Active April. Register now as an individual, family or team to take part in the campaign, and enjoy some of the many benefits being offered to participants. The campaign began in 2008 with 28,500 registered participants, and last year more than 112,000 people joined the fun. Simply undertake 30 minutes of activity every day. You could walk the dog, play kick to kick with the kids or get out in the garden. You could also form a workplace team and get out for lunchtime walks, or come to Harmony Square for some free mid-week classes – the opportunities are endless.

www.greaterdandenong.com

for 1 ticket offers for SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne

► Discounts

for netball programs, including Rock Up Netball and Netball Victoria school holiday programs

► Free

group dance lessons with Dancesport Victoria

► Discount

for MyGolf Junior program

Participants will also go into the draw for some great prizes. Visit activeapril.vic.gov.au for more information or to register.

Live Life Get Active Continue your active journey beyond April and join in a series of free outdoor fitness camps in Keysborough. A private social initiative supported by corporate businesses and local governments, the Live Life Get Active program offers free fitness and nutritional advice for everyone. The program’s vision is to build a fitter, healthier and happier Australia. Fitness camps are popping up in neighbourhoods all over Australia, and recently one started in Frederick Wachter Reserve, Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough. Sessions start at 9.30am every weekday and run for 45 minutes. Mondays and Wednesdays are cross training, Tuesday and Thursday are boxing classes and Fridays are yoga. Register to book into sessions. Visit livelifeget active.com for more information.

Community Calendar

THE CITY

Twilight Fun Run Join friends and family for a fun evening out at this year’s Twilight Fun Run. Organised by the YMCA-managed Greater Dandenong Leisure Facilities and supported by the City of Greater Dandenong, the Twilight Fun Run gives participants the chance to walk or run a 3km, 5km or 8km course.

The event will be filled with fun free family activities, including entertainment, prizes and giveaways, as well as food for sale. Visit dandenongoasis.com.au/ TwilightFunRun for more information and to register.

…fun for the whole family

Autumn Fest Keysborough’s biggest day out returns this year with fun for the whole family, including the four-legged members. Join us for the annual Autumn Fest, with live entertainment, pet-friendly fun, as well as free workshops and activities covering everything from arts and culture to sports and games. Enjoy the family fun of the day including live performances, rides such as the fun house maze, and an animal farm and wildlife display. Council’s animal management team will be there on the day to check your pets microchip and registration details and help you keep on top of your pet’s care. The event will also have all of your festival favourites such as face painters, roving performers and food and market stalls. Autumn Fest Sunday 8 April 11am–4pm Frederick Wachter Reserve, Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Community Calendar

Event Calendar / April 2018 MONDAY

TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

► L  ibrary

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

2 3 4 5

EASTER MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

► F  antastic

Fungi workshop Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 11am–12.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

► W  eaving

► F  ree

► F  ree

Fitness Circuit Class Harmony Square, Dandenong 7am (every Tuesday) Ph: 8571 1000

with Rachel workshop Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 11am–12.30pm Ph: 8571 1666 Fitness Yoga Classs Harmony Square, Dandenong 12pm (every Wednesday) Ph: 8571 1000

► B  allroom

Dancing at the Keysborough Senior Citizen’s Hall 352 Cheltenham Road 8pm–11pm (every Thursday) Ph: 0428 549 995

► F  ree

Fitness Boxing Class Harmony Square, Dandenong 5pm (every Thursday)

9 10 11 12 ► C  ombined

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

► Council 

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

► Monster 

Pots workshop Heritage Hill 11am–12.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Declutter 

Your Kitchen and Reduce Food Waste Workshop Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 8571 1702

► I nterfaith

Network Tour Tirhatuan Reserve, Kriegel Way, Dandenong North 11am–2pm Ph: 8571 1702

► D  iscover

► N  oble

► L  ibrary

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

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

16 17 18 19 ►  T oddler

Time at the Library Springvale and Dandenong Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

► L  earning

► P  eer2Peer

► C  onversation

Study Dandenong Library 4pm–6pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Help for Adults Dandenong Library 1pm–3pm Ph: 1300 630 920 Circle – Advanced Dandenong Library 6pm–7.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► M  y

Dandenong, My Story exhibition Laurel Lodge, Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10am Ph: 9793 4511

► G  reater

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

► H  ow

Sweet It Is – Frankie J Holden and Michelle Pettigrove Drum Theatre 10.30am Ph: 8571 1666

► T  op

Social and Digital Marketing Tips for small business Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 6pm–9pm Ph: 8571 1550

23 24 25 26 ► C  ouncil

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

► B  usiness

Session – Effective Record Keeping Dandenong Library 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

www.greaterdandenong.com

ANZAC DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

► S  torytime

Springvale and Dandenong Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

Community Calendar

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1

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THE CITY

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

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► A  lex

► A  lice

► A  utumn

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

in Wonderland Drum Theatre 11am and 1pm Ph: 8571 1666

Fest Frederick Wachter Reserve, Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough 11am-4pm

Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511 Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279

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► 2k18

► Springvale

► Floor

Street Style Soccer Tournament JC Mills Reserve, Cleeland Street, Dandenong 9am–5pm Ph: 9793 2155

Community Garden Open Day 1–7 Morwell Parade, Springvale 10am–12pm Ph: 8571 1702

Wars Breakdancing Competition Dandenong Market 10am–3pm Ph: 9793 2155

► Heritage

Hill Open Day 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 11am–4pm Ph: 8571 1666

Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900

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► L  anguage

► F  amily

Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441

► T  wilight

Dandenong Market Ph: 9701 3850

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

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Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436

Fun at the Library Springvale Library 11am Ph: 1300 630 920 Fun Run Tirhatuan Park, Dandenong North 5pm Ph: 9767 3100

Cultural Tours Ph: 8571 1666

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► S  isters

► T  he

► Tai

of Mercy English Tutoring Dandenong Library 9am–11am Ph: 1300 630 920

Think Tank: Hydroelectric Generator Workshop Dandenong Library 3pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Chi Qi Gong Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46–50 Queens Avenue 9am and 10am (every Sunday) Ph: 9548 3972

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

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g n o n e d n a D r e t a e r G in School holidays Keeping the kids busy these school holidays has never been easier. Join some fun and creative workshops at Heritage Hill, or enjoy some light entertainment at one of our libraries. But don’t forget to book as these programs are popular.

Heritage Hill Fantastic Fungi Tuesday 3 April, 11am–12.30pm Ages 5–10 Cost $7 Weaving with Rachel Wednesday 4 April, 11am–12.30pm Ages 5–12 Cost $7 Ceramics Wednesday 4 April, 2pm–4pm Ages 12–18 Cost $10 Bird Menagerie Mobiles Thursday 5 April, 11am–12.30pm Ages 2–5 Cost $7

Heritage Hill Open Day Sunday 15 April, 11am–4pm (Free event) Explore the beautiful Benga House and Laurel Lodge, meet the Artist in Residence, take part in free art and craft activities, or enjoy a picnic in the gorgeous gardens. For more information and to book visit greaterdandenong.com/ schoolholidays or phone 9793 4511.

Greater Dandenong Libraries Some of the Easter Bunny’s relatives will be visiting Springvale Library across the school holidays. See mother rabbit and her babies at this interactive display. Ask library staff about specific times for patting and holding the bunnies. Let’s Go VR (virtual reality) Dandenong Library Tuesday 3 April, 2pm–3.30pm Ages 12–25

Singalong with the Bookends Springvale Library Monday 9 April, 2pm–2.45pm Age 5–12 Creative Spirit Figure Workshop Springvale Library Wednesday 11 April, 2pm–3.30pm Age 12–25 Sam Chipolata Dandenong Library Thursday 12 April, 2pm–2.45pm Age 5–12 Robogals Dandenong Library Friday 13 April, 2pm–4pm Age 7–12

Drum Theatre Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR Presented by Masquerade Youth Productions and featuring some of the best local talent. Saturday 14 April, 11am and 3pm Cost $18.50, or $16 for Drum friends Bookings: 8571 1666

Monster Pots Tuesday 10 April, 11am–12.30pm Ages 5–12 years Cost $7 Reuse Art Wednesday 11 April, 11am–12.30pm Ages 4–12 Cost $7 Paper Marbling Thursday 12 April, 11am–12.30pm Ages 5–12 Cost $7

www.greaterdandenong.com

The Amazing Mr Twist Springvale Library Wednesday 4 April, 2pm–2.45pm Ages 5–12 Carp Productions: Game On Dandenong Library Thursday April 5, 2pm–2.45pm Ages 5–12 Mr Ants and the Slapstick Circus Springvale Library Friday 6 April, 2pm–2.45pm Age 5–12

Alice in Wonderland This Australian adaptation stars Dubs Yunupingu as Alice. Saturday 7 April, 11am and 1pm Cost $25 adults, or $80 for family of four Bookings: 8571 1666

Community Calendar

Reduce food waste

THE CITY

Open garden

Did you know the average Victorian household throws out $2,200 of food every year – that’s $42 of waste every week.

Statistics show that 20 per cent of the yearly grocery budget is wasted, while $700 million worth of leftovers are collectively thrown out each year. Want to know what you can do about reducing that wasted food, and wasted money? Professional Eco Organiser and author Tanya Lewis returns to share her tips on how to declutter your kitchen to save time, money and space. The Declutter your Kitchen and Reduce Food Waste workshop will be held at the Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, on Tuesday 10 April, from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Bookings are essential. Phone 8571 1702 for more information and to book you place in this popular workshop.

Springvale Community Garden is inviting the community to discover their passion for gardening at an open day this month. Meet members of the community garden, get some great tips on growing your own veggies at home, learn about bee keeping and find out about composting and worm farms. There will also be entertainment for the whole family, including a children’s activity supported by Springvale Bunnings. The event will help raise funds for the upkeep of the community garden, including the purchase of new equipment and the cost of water and electricity.

You can purchase a raffle ticket for some great prizes, buy plants and produce, or enjoy a sausage in bread for lunch. All money raised will go back to the community group. The Springvale Community Garden Open Day will be held at 1–7 Morwell Parade, Springvale, on Saturday 14 April, from 10am–12pm. For more information phone 8571 1702.

Immunisation Timetable – April 2018 Date

Time

Location

Tuesday 10 April

10am–11.30am Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park

Wednesday 11 April

4pm–6.30pm

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

Monday 16 April

1pm–1.45pm

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

Monday 16 April

4.30pm–6pm

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

Saturday 28 April

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Business News

Touring Greater Dandenong

Tales of Brick and Mortar In an age of modern technology, a partnership of the old and the new is coming together on a website. Aron Lewin is a modern day journalist and he is using social media to introduce businesses that have been trading for many years and are part of the fabric of communities across Melbourne.

Greater Dandenong is fast becoming a favourite among foodies and you can find out what all the fuss is about on one of Council’s cultural and 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. On Thursday 19 April you can take the Afghan Bazaar Cultural Tour. Your friendly tour guide will lead you on a journey to a far flung corner of the world, throwing light on the captivating Afghan culture. The tour includes visits to specialty shops, an introduction to Afghanistan’s long history with Australia, intriguing rugs and carpets, and a variety of delicious food samples. Then share the fun of the tour over a delicious meal in a local Afghan restaurant. The tour runs from 6pm–8pm. Next month you can explore South East Asia on the Dumplings and Desserts Tour in Springvale.

www.greaterdandenong.com

…learn insider secrets and meet the people who are the heart of our community Join your tour guide on Friday 4 May (from 11.30am–1.30pm) for a journey to four fabulous venues to enjoy mouth-watering dumplings, and finish the tour with a delicious dessert that you won’t forget. If your tastes are broader, join the Daytime Food Lovers Tour of Springvale on Friday 1 June, from 10.30am–12.30pm. Visit restaurants featuring Cambodian and Vietnamese/ Chinese cuisines. Taste some amazing flavours and speak to business owners about the food and their culture. If you can’t make these particular tours, why not organise a group of family or friends and book in a tour at a time that suits you? Visit greaterdandenong.com/ tours or phone 8571 1377 for bookings.

Aron started the website Tales of Brick and Mortar in May 2017 profiling Melbourne’s longstanding retail outlets and has visited and interviewed over 30 businesses so far. Recently Aron completed three interviews of iconic Greater Dandenong businesses including Roshans Fashions based in Little India cultural precinct on Foster Street, established in 1995, Dandee Donuts in the Dandenong Market, established in 1968 and Afghan Rahimi Restaurant on Walker Street, Dandenong, established in 2001. Aron works with a professional photographer, and captures the essence of the business owners from when they first set up their business and their journey along the way. If you are a retail business that has been around for a long time and have a story to tell, contact business@cgd.vic. gov.au talesofbrickandmortar. wordpress.com

Community Community Calendar News

THE CITY

Tours promote harmony Visit local places of worship and learn more about some of the many faiths practised in Greater Dandenong. For nearly 30 years, the Interfaith Network of Greater Dandenong has been bringing peace, harmony and understanding to our community. Every year they run several Public Tours to Places of Worship and this year’s first tour will be held on Wednesday 11 April. The tour departs from Dandenong at 8.30am and finishes at 3.30pm. To book email interfaith officer@interfaithnetwork. org.au or phone 8774 7662.

Open Day Springvale Fire Brigade is hosting an open day with station tours, live demonstrations and kids’ activities. With something for the whole family, visit the CFA station at 518 Springvale Road, Springvale South, on Sunday 15 April, from 10am–2pm. Visit sfb.org.au for more information.

Anzac Day The Keysborough Saint Andrews Daylight Masonic Lodge will host a special meeting this month to commemorate Anzac Day. The Laying of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vacant Chair Ceremony will be held at the South Eastern Masonic Centre, corner Greens and Perry roads, Keysborough, on Wednesday 18 April from 10am.

Come and play netball Netball has been played in the Greater Dandenong area since the 1920s and is still going strong today. The Dandenong and District Netball Association was formed in the 1960s, and in 1980 was given a permanent home at Greaves Reserve when 15 asphalt courts were constructed. In 1996 the Gloria Pyke Netball Complex was built, adding four indoor wooden courts for all weather playing. Today more than 2000 players take to the courts for competitions every week. The Winter Night Season launches on April 16 and runs until mid-September, excluding school holidays. The women’s competition runs Monday-Wednesday while a mixed competition runs on a Thursday.

The colourful ceremony has been carried out by a Masonic team all over the world, and will be attended by Greater Dandenong Mayor Youhorn Chea, Cr Angela Long and members of the State RSL.

A Saturday youth competition also runs from February to June, with seven different clubs fielding teams across Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 19 age groups. Players of all abilities and ages are encouraged to get involved in netball. Umpires are also sought to help out across all competitions. Phone 9794 6168 or visit netballdandenong.com.au to find out more about the clubs involved in the Saturday competition, or to find out how to enter a team into the weekday competitions.

An invitation is extended to the wider community, including people who are not freemasons, as well as ex-service men and women and those who are currently serving. A light lunch will be served after the ceremony. For more information contact Colin Rimington, Worshipful Master, on 0488 782 392.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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