Kingston Your City - Winter 2024

kingston.vic.gov.au

cityofkingston

kingstoncouncil

kingstoncitycouncil

info@kingston.vic.gov.au

PO Box 1000, Mentone, 3194

Bunurong Country

CUSTOMER CARE

1300 653 356

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Next Council meetings: Monday 24 June, 7pm

All other meeting times and dates and the link to live stream a meeting can be found on our website.

KINGSTON YOUR CITY EDITOR

comms@kingston.vic.gov.au

Kingston encourages you to reprint articles and photographs from this publication, but permission must first be sought from the Editor.

Acknowledgement of the source must be provided.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The City of Kingston proudly acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past and present and emerging.

COVER PHOTO

The wonderful Wall to Wall festival at Mordi Village getting underway.

OUR COUNCIL PLAN’S

OBJECTIVES

pool

We’re excited to be building a new aquatic and leisure centre in Mordi, and it needs a name that is welcoming, easily recognisable and memorable.

We want something with an approachable and positive feel that creates a connection with the community through place and environment.

We’ve been working with our Community Reference Group and industry experts to shortlist five names for the new centre.

During workshops it was suggested that ‘Mordi’, the

abbreviation of Mordialloc, gives locals a sense of connection, ownership, and pride and captures the suburb’s easy-going, warm vibe.

The Indigenous name included in the list of names was endorsed by the Bunurong Land Council.

your turn to help us decide!

The Names:

BAAM* AQUATIC CENTRE

Celebrating the heritage significance of the area, the local indigenous word means waterhole, supporting the idea of the new centre as a place to connect and belong.

MORDI BAAM* AQUATIC CENTRE

Matching the local Indigenous word (see above) with the pool’s location.

Find out more and cast your vote by Sunday 30 June at:

* Pronounced barm

Scan the QR to find out what they mean.

MORDI POOLS

Simple and straightforward, this pre-empts the name that locals will give it (whether it is official or not). The plural highlights the larger offering of the centre.

MORDI AQUATICS

Direct and descriptive, this highlights the key purpose and offerings available at the new centre.

MORDI AQUATIC CENTRE

A straightforward name covering location and purpose.

Inspirational local women

Nimita Bagadia, Senior Lead, Energy Management at Telstra InfraCo and Amy Salisbury, founder of Mordi Sea Dippers, are the 2024 City of Kingston Women of the Year.

Our wonderful awards, now in its sixth year, celebrated the remarkable contribution of women across Kingston. Other award winners were honoured across four categories:

Courageous Commitment, Excelling in Art & Sport, Inspiring Innovation, Success in STEM.

Read more at kingston.vic.gov.au/ news

Above: Kingston Women of the Year Nimita Bagadia (left) and Amy Salisbury.

SLOW DOWN AT SCHOOLS

We are working with primary schools on the campaign Thank you for driving safely around our school

Remember – especially in winter’s darker, wetter days – we share the road with pedestrians and cyclists of all ages. If you’re leading the traffic outside a school, slow down, encouraging others to follow suit. Thanks to all of you who drive cautiously – keeping our children and crossing supervisors safe.

WINTER BEACH FUN

Foreshore regulations have changed. So, more off leash play time with your dog! Check out the dog zones at kingston.vic.gov.au/offleash

REFLECTION AND CELEBRATION

The 2024 NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’.

Celebrations take place annually from the first Sunday in July. Go to page 11 to see how you can be involved.

SUPPORTING YOUNG LEARNERS

Almost 200 of our old laptops have found a new life in local schools.

Thanks to South East Local Learning and Employment Network’s This Is IT initiative, the laptops were gifted to students from families experiencing financial hardship or other disadvantage.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The next Kingston Council elections will be held in October 2024 via postal vote.

Find out about our Wards, voting entitlements and enrolments at kingston.vic.gov.au/councilelections

Celebrating our volunteers and high achievers

Academic, educator and entrepreneur Dr Dolly Daou is Kingston’s 2024 Citizen of the Year and Mordialloc Theatre Company has been awarded Community Group of the Year.

The Kingston Community Awards was a highlight of our annual Volunteer Appreciation event.

The evening was a celebration of those making a positive impact on our community.

Dr Daou has been lauded worldwide for her experience in connecting higher education, industry, and government. Her impactful, ecoeconomical projects in interior architecture and food management have earned her awards in Europe, Asia and the Middle East including the highly regarded AI-Safeer Congress Ambassador Award.

Enjoying considerable success over almost eight decades, critically and at the box office, Mordialloc Theatre Company, based at Shirley Burke Theatre in Parkdale, has presented more than 500 quality theatre productions and encouraged community interest in all aspects of theatre.

Our Volunteer Appreciation events, with the Kingston Community Awards, is a way to let community members know how valued they are and acknowledge the outstanding impact they all make.

Above left: Mordialloc Theatre Company, Kingston Community Group of the Year 2024.

Above right: A night of acknowledgement and thanks for our many volunteers and outstanding community members.

Kingston Citizen of the Year 2024 Dr Dolly Daou.

Love local for work, rest and play

We Love Local and we’re striving to create neighbourhoods you love, too.

Our Love Local initiative is designed to support our community, promote local businesses and celebrate our wonderful places and spaces.

We’re undertaking streetscape improvement works at three local shopping precincts this winter.

In Mentone we’re adding the charm into Charman Road by replacing the footpath, landscaping, installing fencing and adding street furniture. We’ll also be replacing an unstable footpath in front of shops 10–40 in Como Parade West. We’re working to construct a footpath to improve safety and access on Clayton Road between Victory Road and Kingston Road, Clarinda.

We recently asked for your input on improving the Chelsea Heights Precinct and we’re now going

through your feedback, with the aim of starting shopping strip works early next year as part of the upgrade.

And we’ll soon be opening the next stage of community consultation on the $3.4 million Edithvale Shopping Strip Revitalisation Project which will start mid next year.

We are aiming to keep access open to businesses – and would love you to shop local and keep supporting local businesses as we undertake the street enhancements.

Come say hi!

We’ll be on Nepean Highway, Edithvale, on 8 July to get your feedback on the look and feel of the upcoming works.

Accessible, modern sports grounds

Recent sporting pavilion and sportsgrounds improvements are game changers for local clubs and community.

A new and improved pavilion at Regents Park in Aspendale has modern change areas for male and female cricketers and footballers, accessible toilets, female-friendly facilities, and a shared multipurpose function room for community use.

GR Bricker Reserve in Moorabbin now has a wonderful new pavilion, upgraded cricket nets, sports lighting, improved pedestrian pathways, new oval fencing, an athletic storage shed, and car park upgrades – all vastly improving things for the resident cricket, rugby, athletics and dog clubs.

Delighted players at Le Page Park, Cheltenham and Highett Reserve,

More places to play

We’re continuing to upgrade playspaces and develop designs for new ones.

We’ve recently completed a wonderful all-abilities outdoor gym at GR Bricker Reserve, Moorabbin and a super new Mentone Foreshore Playground.

McDonald-Healy Reserve in Parkdale and Brownfield Street Reserve in Mordialloc will soon have fabulous new playgrounds. We are reviewing your feedback on planned playgrounds for Dowling Road Reserve in Oakleigh South, Meribah Court Reserve, Parkdale, Glyn Court/Chelsea Street Reserve and Judd Parade Reserve in Cheltenham and Sheldon Place Reserve in Clayton South.

And a big thanks to our 230+ young Playground Inspectors for their valuable feedback.

A public pocket park is planned for the Moola Court bowl in Cheltenham, adding extra green space near the apartment development.

Highett are loving their new scoreboards and young athletes at Chelsea Little Athletics, Edithvale, have upgraded javelin, high jump, discus and shot-put facilities.

We’ve installed eco-friendly LED lights at the Mordialloc Bowls Club, improved sports lighting at Walter Galt Reserve, Parkdale, and the Bonbeach St Chad’s Baseball Club is benefiting from new lights at Bicentennial Park, Chelsea Heights.

Our new playgrounds are winners!

Elder Street South Reserve in Clarinda has won the Environmental Stewardship Award at the Parks & Leisure Australia Regional Excellence Awards. Jean Street Reserve/Garfield Lane, Cheltenham received a commendation and Peter Scullin Reserve, Mordialloc was nominated for a Playspace Award.

Highett Football Netball Club junior players love their new scoreboard.

Cooper trying out the new GR Bricker Reserve outdoor gym.

New planning for vibrant neighbourhoods

Kingston is proud to report that the Victorian Government has approved our new planning rules and residential zones, which were created following six years of deep community consultation.

Thank you to the enormous crosssection of residents, community groups and local businesses who helped shape this important work.

It is a key part of planning a bright future for Kingston – with vibrant neighbourhoods that meet the needs of our diverse community.

We know Melbourne can’t keep sprawling outwards and the Victorian Government requires all Councils to take their fair share of growth.

After listening to community feedback, we have settled on a plan that balances government requirements while protecting quieter residential areas. We’ve worked hard to channel required growth into the right places – near train stations, activity centres and major roads. This will play a part in addressing Melbourne’s housing crisis while also protecting the things we love about Kingston.

For more on our new planning rules and residential zones visit:

Our new housing rules will:

% provide for a mix of house sizes to meet different needs

% help our shopping centres thrive and attract new businesses

% direct new growth to the right areas

% encourage new affordable homes in the right places so key workers like nurses, firefighters, manufacturing workers and teachers can live close to the communities they serve

% help us play our part to address the housing crisis, delivering new homes without sacrificing our beautiful green open spaces such as golf courses

% provide for more energy efficient housing to cut costs of living

% direct key issues such as building heights, setbacks and landscaping

% and ensure we focus on growing our tree canopy in new development.

Meeting community needs

Finding employees has been a real struggle. We’re supportive of the plan to increase housing supply in the right areas near public transport and shops.

– Samantha, Casfico manufacturing

Accommodating growth near local businesses, the station and services is going to create really lively shopping strips and help keep local businesses alive.

– Rory, The Fruitmen, Cheltenham Twenty years ago all our workers lived locally. Now they’re coming from the fringes of Melbourne where it’s more affordable and we’re losing key workers as they look to work closer to home.

– Mike, McKinna Group manufacturers

I think it worries a lot of young people that it’s not an option to live where they grew up. If there were more affordable options, I’d be back in a heartbeat.

– Imogen

Our new planning and residential zones are just a part of the services, builds, improvements and more of this Council term. Turn the page for more of what we’ve achieved for our community.

New budget delivering for our community

Community and connection is at the heart of the 2024/25 Budget with over 459 community suggestions submitted via Talking Kingston helping shape it.

We heard you would like your rates invested in playgrounds, parks, new cycling and walking paths, shopping strip upgrades and facilitating stronger community connections –plus so much more.

The recently adopted 2024/25 Budget reflects that, with dozens of local projects on the agenda.

We continue to build a connected community with top-quality facilities and infrastructure and have budgeted for an $85.7 million capital works program.

kingston.vic.gov.au/budget

Investing in our community

In the past year an array of projects and services big and small means we’re delivering on our commitment to build a vibrant, healthy, safe, prosperous and sustainable Kingston. Here’s a snapshot.

Completed $12.3m local roads and footpath improvements.

Conferred Australian citizenship on 3,108 Kingston residents.

Endorsed the Wayfinding Strategy.

LIVEABLE

Constructed 18 high-quality walking and cycling paths.

Placed 30 new employer registrations on the Kingston Local Jobs Portal.

Completed GR Bricker Reserve and Regents Park pavilions.

Welcomed 55,000+ people to Mordi Fest, Pet Expo and Carols by Kingston.

Supported 20,000+ babies and children through the childhood immunisation program.

Added electric vans and utes to our fleet.

Distributed 5,000+ free plants to our community.

1,300+ environmental education workshops for residents.

PROSPEROUS

20+ annual business support events held.

We’re planting 4,500+ trees annually.

SUSTAINABLE

Transformed a 4-hecatre landfill into the beautiful Elder Street South Reserve!

Completed

Chandler Street, Parkdale and Centre Road, Clarinda shopping centre enhancements.

$1.6m in community grants distributed.

HEALTHY & INCLUSIVE

21,000 pets registered.

600,000 visitors to Waves Leisure Centre.

Constructed a beautiful pop-up park in the heart of Highett.

16,000 carers and children attend story time events.

With great community engagement, we’ve completed our Play Your Way Strategy.

Helped more than 80 people who are homeless of at risk of homelessness.

Held 190 road safety sessions and delivered the Primary School Road Safety Program to 34 schools.

$2.5m invested in drainage improvements to reduce flooding 2023-24.

14 sports reserves got new lights.

SAFE

WELLGOVERNED

Completed new Mentone and Carrum Life Saving Club buildings.

Supported two youth advisory committees, bringing a young voice to our planning and decision making.

Responded to more than 100,000 phone enquiries and 13,000 chatbot questions.

Developed an organisation-wide Child Safe Standards Strategy and Action Plan.

Smug adds the finishing touches to his stunning mural at Wall to Wall.

Urban art trail wowing visitors

Mordi Village is now an exciting urban art trail attracting street art lovers from all over Kingston and beyond.

Thanks to the thousands of you who turned out to enjoy the weekendlong Wall to Wall festival.

The event saw award winning street art network Juddy Roller engage Australian and Internationally renowned artists – George Rose, Adnate, Smug, Blo, Fred Battle (Zoer), Justine McAllister, Filthy Ratbag, Tommy Day, Drez, Jason Parker and Kyle Brightside – to paint stunning murals on ten walls. Huge crowds watched them work and enjoyed great music and food and drinks.

Local traders Urban Ground, Saint Felix Distillery, Le Studio Art Space & Gallery, BrightSide Art, Bikecraft, Braeside Brewing Co, Glittery Tapping Wonderland, Guras Cacao Chocolatier, Hansa’s Steak & Grill, The Mordi Picker, Mordialloc Vintage Market and Wildsoul Wellness were incredible hosts and continue to support the ongoing transformation of Mordi Village.

Explore local art

Right across Kingston our ever-developing public art trail celebrates the history, cultures, stories and places of our area.

In the past year, several significant new pieces have been added, cementing our reputation as an art-trail hot spot.

In Elder Street Reserve, Clarinda Melanie Caple’s huge mural Flight Paths is a beautiful addition to the recently upgraded reserve.

In Cheltenham, the stunning Work Play Connect by Hayden Dewar adds colourful drama to the new Jean Street Reserve playground.

Artist Damian Vick has added a third Monarch butterfly to the popular sculpture at Horscroft Place, Moorabbin.

These works and 11 others, such as community developed interactive A Little Piece of Home by Carla Gottgens on Follet Rd, Cheltenham and Community Hub and Paul Johnson’s Tillage at Dingley Village make up a rich creative collection of public art for everyone to enjoy.

Others are underway.

Why not plan a day of discovery.

Find out more and download our art trail map at:

The stunning Work Play Connect by Hayden Dewar in Jean Street playground.

Unukomuno by Ian Bracegirdle at Westall Library. Damian Vick’s Monarch butterfly at Horscroft Place.

Muralist George Rose at Wall to Wall in Mordi Village.

Celebrating sustainability in business

Save the date! We’re gearing up for another exciting gala event to recognise local businesses doing important work in sustainability.

Nominations for the Kingston Sustainable Business Awards 2024 are in, and the judging process, conducted by the Banksia Foundation, is underway.

The awards recognise and celebrate the efforts made by businesses in Kingston to make the world a better and safer place.

Last year Reluv Clothing, Moorabbin, Dingley Village’s EcoSoulife, Brainwave Bikes, Dingley Village, Darren Whittaker from Azolla Certified, e2environments engineered and 2 Brothers Brewery took home trophies.

This year, winners will be chosen for Waste Reduction and Recycling Solutions, Diversity and Inclusion, Small and Medium Business Leadership, Towards Net Zero, Innovation and Technology and Young Changemakers and Innovators.

We are pleased to announce Community Bank Parkdale as our major sponsor for the awards.

The Awards Presentation

Gala Event is on Wednesday 28 August.

Say no to problem plastic

Let’s start with our morning coffee!

Did you know Australians use an estimated 1.8 billion disposable coffee cups each year? Most of these end up in landfill. Single-use coffee cups have a plastic liner, so they can’t go in recycling bins. Even those labelled ‘compostable’ can’t go in our food and garden bins.

This July, we’re partnering with the Plastic Free Foundation to promote, inspire, and encourage our community to participate in the Plastic Free July challenge to reduce plastic waste. Switching to reusable coffee cups can minimise waste in landfills, save natural resources, protect the planet, and save you money.

Will you make the simple switch? Learn how you can get involved in our Plastic Free July events, giveaways and more! kingston.vic.gov.au/plastic-free

GROWING OUR URBAN FOREST

You’ve been helping expand our urban forest.

We gave away close to 5,000 plants for your gardens at events in May, with residents eligible to collect up to five tube stock plants. Our annual native plant giveaway helps increase tree cover and vegetation across the city and forms an important part of our Urban Forest Strategy.

To mark National Tree Day, Sunday 28 July, we’ll have a series of planting events. Visit treeday.planetark.org for more information on getting involved.

School Tree Day is on Friday 26 July and we will have trays of seedlings to give to schools. Contact ourplace@kingston.vic. gov.au

HAVE YOU MET OUR GARDENS FOR WILDLIFE OFFICER?

Eryn is extremely knowledgeable on all things plants and animals and loves sharing her expertise with the community through our Gardens for Wildlife program. The program helps you develop wildlife-friendly habitat in your gardens – small gardens and balconies too!

Book a free visit from Eryn.

What’s On

JUNE

MONDAY 17

MOVIEHOUSE

10.30am

Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin

Film noir/thriller Dark Passage starring Humphrey Bogart. (members only)

Details: kingstonarts.com.au

TUESDAY 18

MORNING MELODIES

10.30am I $15

It’s De-Lovely – A Celebration of Cole Porter. International cabaret performer and jazz singer Belinda Hanne-Reid, pianist Mark Bradley, and a special guest. Morning tea served.

Details: kingstonarts.com.au

JULY

LIVE AT CITY HALL

Various times & events

Kingston City Hall, Moorabbin

Stay warm and enjoy live music this winter at Kingston City Hall.

» SATURDAY 6

ESKIMO JOE

» FRIDAY 26

ELLA HOOPER

Tickets: kingstonarts.com.au

WEDNESDAY 17

THE GRANDPARENTS CLUB:

A COMEDY MUSICAL

3pm and 7pm

Kingston City Hall, Moorabbin

Adult/Full $69.50

Pensioners $64.50

Groups 10+ $64.50

A show that celebrates Grandparenthood! Music from John Field and a script by comedy legend, Wendy Harmer.

Details: kingstonarts.com.au

FRIDAY 28

WINTER 2024

REFUGEE WEEK CELEBRATION 12.20pm–1.30pm Westall Primary School (main hall)

SATURDAY 29

DETOX YOUR HOME 9am to 3pm Parkdale Family & Children’s Centre (car park)

Safely dispose of unwanted chemicals.

Details: kingston.vic.gov.au/ detox-your-home

NAIDOC WEEK: SUNDAY 7–14 JULY

UNTIL 2 JULY

COLLECTION OF THE LAND // RAIN SHAKER 5pm–7am daily

1 JULY – 15 SEPTEMBER

PHOTO COMP

Win up to $5,000 with Kingston’s signature photographic competition, OptiKA.

Details: kingstonarts.com.au/ optika-2024

SATURDAY 27

ARJ BARKER: THE MIND FIELD

8pm

Kingston City Hall, Moorabbin

Adult/Full $54.90

Group 10+ $49.90

Pondering some of Life’s Biggest Questions: Are we alone in the Universe? Why does it hurt when we pee?

Recommended for mature audiences.

Details: kingstonarts.com.au

3 JULY – 3 AUGUST

COLLECTION OF THE LAND // TIME & TEMPO 5pm–7am daily

The Bridge, Kingston City Hall, Moorabbin

Alternative, digital projections by artist Nathaniel Stewart. Details: kingstonarts.com.au

The bridge art is part of a range of activities and events to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Details: kingston.vic.gov.au/naidoc-week

ONGOING

MONDAY EVENINGS

LANEWAY LEARNING

Every Monday 6pm – 8.30pm

Kingston Arts for workshops ranging from pottery to soy candle making. Laneway Learning is on every Monday 6-8.30pm, $20 (unless otherwise stated).

Details: kingstonarts.com.au

Our library events are free, fun and informative! Come on in, we’d love to see you.

Details: library.kingston. vic.gov.au

school holiday boredom with, engaging local activities.

FRESH FOOD AND MORE!

3RD SATURDAY OF MONTH

DINGLEY VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET 8.30am – 1pm

Details: dvnc.com.au/ farmersmarket

1ST SATURDAY OF MONTH, EXCEPT JANUARY

KINGSTON FARMERS’ MARKET 8am – 12.30pm

Details: kingston.vic.gov.au/ farmers-market

2ND SUNDAY OF MONTH

BONBEACH FARMERS’ MARKET 8.30am – 12.30pm

Caring for Kingston

Across our 22 suburbs, more than 22,000 people generously give their time, talent and knowledge to our community.

They help make Kingston a wonderful place to live and work by looking after our precious flora and fauna, caring for our more vulnerable residents, keeping our sports clubs thriving, cleaning up our streets, ensuring a connected, social community and so much more. With this small snapshot, we proudly celebrate the hundreds of volunteer community groups and their invaluable contribution to our city. Visit mycommunitylife.com.au

A welcome on the mat

Food and friendship are on offer every Tuesday from 11.30am and 1.00pm at Matt’s Place, Chelsea for people experiencing hardship or social isolation. Guests can enjoy a 2-course meal and a chat with others. Take away meals are also available and Allied Health services such as dental and hearing checks and vaccinations are on offer during the year. Matt’s Place also offers a service in Cheltenham on Thursdays from 11.30am – 1.00pm. Call 9772 1251.

Keeping Kingston clean

Rain or shine, a bunch of dedicated locals take to the streets of Highett on the third Saturday of the month to pick up litter. Rubbish in our streets and parks will eventually end up in our waterways and beaches with things like plastics and cigarette butts damaging our environment and wildlife. The 3190 Love Our Streets group is part of the Beach Patrol movement.

beachpatrol.com.au

Skills for young riders

Mentone Pony Club, Patterson Lakes is a not-forprofit organisation providing horsemanship and riding skills to young people. Young riders receive coaching in dressage, showjumping, cross country or mounted games in a fun, safe environment. The club offers quality facilities and instructors at an affordable price to members, who are aged from 5 years through to 18. Their horses range from small ponies to large off the track thoroughbreds.

mentoneponyclub.com.au

Friendly Matt’s Place volunteers cooking a tasty lunch.

Mentone Pony Club riders enjoy a monthly meet up.

Dedicated members of 3190 Love Our Streets prepare to clean up Highett shopping area.

Early morning mood boost

The Icebergers are all about fun, friendship and good health. Three or four times a week – in all seasons – the hardy crew swim at dawn in Port Phillip Bay.

The Icebergers group has existed for more than 40 years and for the past 15 years has had an informal affiliation with Mentone Life Saving Club.

The swimmers dry off over a warming cuppa at Chain of Fools café. Another group of locals, bonded by a love of cold water dipping, Mordi Sea Dippers, meet at Mordi Pier.

mentonelsc.com/mentone-ice-bergers mordialloc.com/mordi-sea-dippers/

Connection and companionship

Every Tuesday, from 8.30am to 1.30pm, the Greek Orthodox Community Centre in Clayton South comes alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

Greek Seniors of Clayton gather every week for a delicious lunch, games and outings. Everyone is welcome.

Call 0412 345 223.

A village pride

Helping make Dingley Village a great place to live is what Dingley Village Community Association members strive for. This group of residents meet regularly to identify and campaign for things such as housing, parks, infrastructure and services that will enhance the village lifestyle and character. dvca.info

Dingley Village Community Association members at a crossing they worked with Council to have installed on Centre Dandenong Road.

Right: There’s plenty of food and fun when the Greek Seniors of Clayton get together.

The hardy Icebergers crew enjoying a dawn swim.

A sporting community

This large family club, with a home ground at Kingston Heath Reserve, fields more than 35 teams in Juniors, Men’s, Women’s and Masters’ competitions. Southern United Hockey Club attracts players of all abilities from across Melbourne, as well as interstate and overseas. suhc.com.au

60 years of service

Mordialloc Community Centre is a thriving place of fun, fitness, learning and more. A range of classes and holiday programs keep younger and older residents connected and active.

This year the centre celebrates 60 years of passion, energy and volunteerism.

Through the years, thousands of volunteers have given their time and expertise to make the centre a special community space.

mordialloccommunitycentre.org.au

There are too many community groups to mention but we warmly thank all of them for their important role in keeping communities thriving.

Places like Clarinda Tennis Club, Edithvale Aspendale Sporting Club, Save Kingswood Group, Mentone Community Garden, Friends of the Grange, Friends of Kingston Heath, Cheltenham Community Centre, Dragons Abreast Patterson Lakes or Mordialloc Life Saving Club show just how diverse our groups and clubs are.

In a huge array of ways they keep us active, keep us learning, keep us connected to others and above all bring joy.

For many more visit mycommunitylife.com.au

A popular gymnastics class underway at Mordialloc Community Centre.

Women from Southern United Hockey Club prepare for a game.

Lend a hand

Our volunteers know the value of giving a little time and effort to others –not only to the people they help but to themselves. Many of our community groups would love more volunteers. Why not put your hand up. You’ll learn more about yourself, connect more with your community, and help make Kingston the best it can be.

Visit kingston. vic.gov.au/ volunteer

Hubs of activity and connection

Across Kingston neighbourhood houses, hubs and community centres support our community in so many ways.

These welcoming, versatile spaces encourage our community to get or stay active, meet new people, build friendships and learn new skills. They play a crucial role in helping us build a connected, resilient, healthy and sustainable community.

A hive of learning and laughs, with a focus on inclusion and access for all, these spaces offer a wide range of classes and holiday programs that keep younger and older residents connected and active.

Twenty wonderful years

Let’s celebrate Kingston Farmers’ Market which turns 20 this year!

Run in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Chelsea, the market not only sells incredible produce but also provides community groups with much needed funds.

Rotary collects a $2 donation from shoppers and that is used to support local groups who volunteer their support at the market. Recent

recipients were Bonbeach YCW Junior Football Club and Kingston Scouts. Bonbeach will use their $2,816 to help buy new team jumpers.

There are between 40 to 60 stallholders at the Farmers’ Market which runs every first Saturday of the month (except January) at Kingston Heath Reserve from 8am to 12.30pm.

If your community group would like to help out at the market to raise some funds contact us at business@kingston.vic.gov.au

Did you know they also have rooms of various sizes for hire and some have study spaces, printing facilities, free wi-fi and children’s corners?

Call in to your local hub to see how we can support your wellbeing. Call 8551 1200 or visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ communitycentres

And: chn.net.au/kingston

Kingston Farmers Market with brass band.

Harmony Day at Westall Community Hub.

Connection and fun

We caught up with lively members of Pilipino Elderly Association of South East Region (PEASER) at Clarinda Community Centre recently to learn about costumes and dance.

PEASER is a social group of Filipinos and other nationalities who get together for fun, health and fitness and to help with accessing services and share information.

A members’ dance group performs cultural dances from different regions of the Philippines, performing at functions and festivals around Melbourne.

CR HADI SAAB

9581 4706 or 0437 885 142 hadi.saab@kingston.vic.gov.au

We’re well on our way to delivering a wonderful new preschool for North Cheltenham!

The modern building with indoor – and flexible outdoor - learning spaces is almost completed.

This $4.6 million project, which will provide increased capacity for three and four-yearolds, is being funded by Council with a $982,000 grant from the Victorian School Building Authority.

I can’t wait to visit North Cheltenham’s little learners later in the year and see how they’re enjoying their new preschool.

New and redeveloped parks and playgrounds are a big part of creating an active, connected community.

We’re planning to upgrade the playground at Glyn Court/Chelsea Street Reserve in Cheltenham, building an inclusive, fun space with a carousel, tri-swing set with basket swing, nature play and more. A draft design was released for community consultation. Thank you for all your thoughts and suggestions. Your feedback will help shape the final design. Last year I was thrilled to launch our inaugural Sustainable Business Awards. And I’m more thrilled to say, save the date! We’re gearing up for another exciting gala event. The awards, presented across six categories, are a wonderful way for us to celebrate local businesses who are building sustainability into their practises and a wonderful way to encourage others to start moving in that direction.

I’m looking forward to hearing the fascinating ways sustainability has been incorporated into a range of businesses.

I hope to see you there.

The group meets every Sunday at the Sundowner Centre, Clarinda. Everyone is welcome to join.

CR STEVE STAIKOS

0447 896 643

steve.staikos@kingston.vic.gov.au

Social and Affordable housing

I recently wrote about how new tenants had been welcomed into the modular homes in Oakleigh South which were commissioned to support people exiting homelessness in Kingston. The six homes provide quality accommodation, helping to address short to medium term homelessness. I care passionately about delivery of social housing and I am happy to report our work to help address housing need in Kingston. We are in discussions with leading community housing association, Launch Housing Limited about the prospect of two Council-owned vacant properties in Edithvale and Mentone being developed for social housing.

Improving playgrounds

We’re planning the upgrade of the playground at Dowling Road Reserve in Oakleigh South. The new playground area has been designed to offer inclusive play and new elements include nature play, trampolines, climbing net with slide, a tri-swing set with basket swing. And combination unit suitable for younger and older children. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts on the draft design. It is important these projects are done in conjunction with our community, and we are lucky we have a passionate, engaged neighbourhood prepared to work with us.

Celebrating our community

We’ve just had another great day acknowledging those who help make Kingston a great place. Our Volunteer Appreciation event and Kingston Community Awards do just what the names suggest – it gives us an opportunity to say acknowledge and say thank you to those who make a positive impact on our community and neighbourhoods. Congratulations to all those nominated and to those who received awards!

Call 0448 818 740 or follow them on Facebook.

CR GEORGE HUA

0429 171 449 george.hua@kingston.vic.gov.au

This winter we’re working to complete construction of a new shared user path between Boundary Road, Dingley Village (at Lake Drive and Redwood Drive).

The work is part of our Walking and Cycling Plan which includes 40 projects suggested by our community and 28 other projects currently being designed or investigated, including new crossings, footpaths, shared paths, bicycle lanes, traffic signals, street and shopping precinct upgrades.

The five-year plan is part of our commitment to making Kingston more cyclist and pedestrian friendly.

We will also add bike parking, repair stations, signs and ongoing monitoring and advocate to external authorities on 14 other related projects.

We are reconstructing the shared user path at 250 Centre Dandenong Road, Dingley Village.

Don’t let winter keep you indoors! Wrap up and explore your neighbourhood.

In that vein, why not include the Dingley Village Market in your exploration. Rain, hail or shine it brings you fresh food straight from the farmers.

My thanks to everyone who works hard to make the market happen every month. It’s a wonderful addition to our beautiful village.

I’m looking forward to our next Kingston Sustainable Business Awards. It was wonderful last year to see Dingley Village’s EcoSoulife and Brainwave Bikes take home trophies.

The awards celebrate businesses making strides in sustainability. The awards presentation gala is on Wednesday 28 August.

Cr Hadi Saab enjoying a catch up with members of PEASER.

CR CAMERON HOWE 0429 498 028

cameron.howe@kingston.vic.gov.au

As your local independent, I walked every street recently, reporting incidences of footpaths requiring replacement or other maintenance issues.

I have challenged policy with the potential to reduce costs or provide better value for us, while also maximising opportunities for funding. I believe that has seen record investment and more infrastructure built for the Patterson River suburbs of Carrum, Patterson Lakes and Bonbeach in the three years of my councillor term than in the past 20 years.

Households have received the infrastructure programme this year (available at camhowe. com/community). Additionally, a new webcam will monitor live conditions at Carrum beach and Cirrus Street pedestrian and road safety improvements at Bonbeach PS are being consulted upon.

New eateries coming to Carrum beach and the promenade include The Galley and Rhythm & Rye, while Patterson Lakes is welcoming Cragens Bar and Restaurant, Summer and Smokin’ Joe’s. Meanwhile, Saki Souvlaki has joined Bonbeach near the everpopular Little French Deli.

Upcoming events include the Carrum Winter Solstice Swim at Carrum SLSC on Friday, June 21, 5pm and the Bonbeach Farmers Market at Bonbeach PS, 8:30am until 12:30pm on June 9 and July 14. Home senior football games – both with a 2pm start – for the Bonbeach Sharks are June 15 and June 29, while for the Carrum Patterson Lakes Lions next one is June 22. Facebook pages: Cameron Howe Instagram: @camhowe

Protecting a precious asset

We are incredibly lucky to have the Edithvale-Seaford Wetland – the largest natural wetland of its type in the Port Phillip and Westernport basins –right on our doorstep.

In 2001 the wetlands were listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The animals (including more than 100 species of birds and a mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos) and the precious plants of the wetlands need friends.

CR DAVID EDEN

0422 557 917

david.eden@kingston.vic.gov.au

Work is continuing on a program of major works to improve the local drainage network in Edithvale, to help minimise the impact of severe weather events.

With the Montrose/Keith Avenue stormwater drainage project completed, we are now starting work on the Kinross to Lochiel portion. And we’ll soon be opening the next stage of community consultation on the $3.4 million Edithvale Shopping Strip Revitalisation Project which will start mid next year. We want to create a welcoming precinct that offers a positive shopping and visitor experience and helps to boost the local economy.

We’ve been investigating streetscape design, stormwater drainage, public art, landscaping, accessibility and more.

Last year we ran two community engagements to discover what traders and locals want from this revamp. We’d love your input on this next stage, too.

It is fabulous to see how much water has returned to the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands. The wonderful volunteers of the wetlands ‘Friends of’ group have been welcoming visitors back to the Bird Hide to see the incredible birdlife.

Thank you to everyone who volunteers to help look after this precious local area (101 hectares in Edithvale) – listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Fun fact for you – it is estimated that at any one time, as many as 7,000 birds make these wetlands their home.

CR GEORGINA OXLEY 0429 222 504

georgina.oxley@kingston.vic.gov.au

Thank you so much to everyone that has got involved and had their say on what they love and value in Chelsea as part of our This is Chelsea project.

Some of you will remember that we started developing a plan for the future of Chelsea back in 2019, but due to the accelerated timeframes for the level crossing removals our work was put on hold. With the State Government’s crossing project now complete, we’re keen to hear from the community about any new issues or opportunities that also need to be considered as part of the process. There’s still a few days left to get involved in this stage of consultation – but don’t worry, you’ll also have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plan before it is adopted. Find out more at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/ this-is-chelsea

We’re very proud to have again partnered with local charity This is IT to donate almost 200 end of life laptops to local secondary students, including in Chelsea, for families experiencing financial hardship or other disadvantage.

Doing our bit to help solve inequity in schools is incredibly important. This small act has a big impact on young lives.

We have again celebrated incredible women in Kingston at our Women of the Year event. Huge congratulations to the wonderful Amy Salisbury and Nimita Bagadia who are Kingston Women of the Year 2024. You can read more about them at kingston.vic.gov. au/women-of-the-year

The men and women who make up Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands give up their time to

help protect and improve this precious asset.

For more visit edithvale-seafordwetlands.org

Cr Chris Hill visits volunteers at Edithvale Seaford Wetlands.

Preserving our past

In an old brick bakery on a Mentone laneway, a group of passionate history buffs are working hard to help preserve important aspects of our local past.

The Mordialloc and District Historical Society has a large collection of artefacts and photographs relating to Mentone, Mordialloc and Parkdale and organises exhibitions for the public at its museum.

An interesting look back at the development of land in the area and a wonderful display covering the incredible story of Violet and Bill Murrell and racehorse

CR CHRIS HILL 0437 913 851 chris.hill@kingston.vic.gov.au

It was great to get the news that the Victorian Government has finally approved our new planning rules and residential zones.

It’s been a long journey spanning more than a decade, with unprecedented levels of consultation and I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the thousands of people who responded, for their input into this incredibly important work.

We now have the guidelines in place for planning for our neighbourhoods, with growth in the right places, a mix of housing to meet the ever-evolving needs of residents, whilst still protecting the amenity of our quieter residential streets.

A big shout out to Kingston’s community groups! For many people these groups provide an opportunity to come together and escape loneliness. For some they’re spaces for learning new skills and for others places to connect with like-minded people and campaign for their neighbourhoods.

In my area, Friends of Mentone Heritage Station Gardens, Mentone Community Garden Club, Mentone Public Library, and Mordialloc & District Historical Society Spring to mind, but there are plenty more also. Have a look to see what groups are out there, it’s a great way to connect with people in your community and have influence on the local issues that are of most interest to you.

It’s good to see the owner of the Mentone Hotel starting a marketing campaign to secure a tenant for the public hospitality part of the development. Like so many of you, I look forward to the doors reopening and this local icon once again being a meeting place for our community to enjoy.

Garryowen have enthralled visitors recently.

The group also holds history walks in conjunction with Heart Health and Rotary.

MAYOR

CR JENNA DAVEY-BURNS 0437 859 749 jenna.davey-burns@kingston.vic.gov.au

Wow! Kingston was electrified by Wall to Wall – an unforgettable weekend that has left its mark!

Who knew an old industrial area could be turned into an epic underground art destination. With such world class artists, you have to get down and check out the transformation at Mordi Village.

On to our tireless volunteers and community groups – thank you for being the epicentre of our neighbourhoods!

I truly love what you do, providing connection, education, play, opportunities for creative expression, sporting pathways and so much more.

Across Kingston, thousands of volunteers keep the doors open and importantly, the smiles and warm words delivered. We can’t do it without you.

Visiting schools is always rewarding. Never underestimate the wisdom of children and teenagers. Their passion for the world around them, curiosity and sheer energy is infectious. The future of Kingston is in good hands. Council elections will be held in October and I’d love to see more women Councillors! Women deserve to be at the decision-making table and deserve to be heard and respected. There’s plenty of help to get you started. Jump on mav.asn.au to find out about information sessions for prospective candidates. One is hosted by City of Kingston, is for women candidates. It is truly a wonderful role – a chance to effect change and help shape your community. I am incredibly proud of what this Council has achieved since we took our seats in 2020 (check out at pages 6 and 7 for a snapshot).

If you haven’t been to this great museum, put it on your to-do list. Open Sundays 11am – 3pm. Contact 0402 531 442

CR TIM COCHRANE 0437 843 837 tim.cochrane@kingston.vic.gov.au

Our new street art trail

I am so pumped to see Mordi Village now home to a sensational street art trail.

Talented muralists from all over the world have turned drab empty walls into an outdoor gallery, completely reinvigorating this precinct. The weekend Wall to Wall festival in late April was a fabulous community event.

My thanks to the thousands of you who turned out to enjoy the food and music and cheer on the artists.

For years I have been talking to traders and the broader community about my vision for reinvigorating this wonderful industrial precinct. We want to aid the fantastic existing businesses while attracting exciting and interesting new businesses.

The talented street artists from Juddy Roller pushed the transformation forward in the coolest possible way.

If you haven’t been to see the finished murals yet, please go. It’s well worth a visit.

Go on an art hunt and then explore the wonderful businesses and all that Mordi Village has to offer.

Keeping community central

While we’re excited about level crossing removals, we’re still advocating to the LXRA about the closure of Bear St, Mordialloc. We’re listening to concerns from traders and community members of serious traffic impacts from the closure. Be assured we are relaying that to the LXRA.

This project has a lot of potential if done right! Aquatic Centre update

The planning permit for the new aquatic and leisure centre has been approved. We expect to award a construction contractor later this year. Exciting times!

Mordialloc and District Historical Society members, from left, Wayne Imlach, John Macnaughtan, Rob Linnell and Dorothy Booth proudly show the museum’s latest exhibits to Mayor Cr Jenna Davey-Burns.

CR TRACEY DAVIES

0438 108 611

tracey.davies@kingston.vic.gov.au

It’s hard to believe I’m almost seven months into my term as Deputy Mayor. I am truly enjoying the role. Accompanying Mayor Cr Jenna Davey-Burns to events and community visits or standing in for her, for example, at a Citizenship Ceremony has given me an opportunity to meet more people and local groups across Kingston.

We live in a wonderful place and our community is a diverse and incredible one. Being a Councillor allows me to do my part to help create the healthy vibrant Kingston we all love to live in.

And we don’t by any means do it in a vacuum.

As you’ve seen, this edition of KYC celebrates our community groups and the volunteers who keep them running.

A big thank you to them for their passionate commitment to improving their neighbourhoods and helping others thrive. These incredible people make our municipality better.

Did you know Kingston Farmers Market turns 20 this year. Happy Birthday to them! If you haven’t enjoyed a trawl through the market yet, I thoroughly recommend it. On the first Saturday of every month it’s fresh-produce heaven on Kingston Heath Reserve.

Speaking of the reserve. Thanks to all who turned out to make our latest Pet Expo a hugely successful one.

And speaking of pets, don’t forget foreshore regulations have switched to winter mode. If you’re a dog owner that means more beach access and more off-leash play time. All the details are on kingston.vic.gov.au

Collaborating for community success

Improving community services and facilities is what Aspendale Gardens Residents Association (AGRA) members are all about.

And collaboration is key. The group works with industry, government and other local groups and organisations to ensure planning and development meet community needs.

AGRA says it also works to foster a spirit of community involvement.

CR TAMSIN BEARSLEY

0430 170 210

tamsin.bearsley@kingston.vic.gov.au

It’s winter already! I said in my previous column, 2024 was likely to be a busy one and it certainly is.

We are getting on with making things better. Footpath upgrades, streetscape improvements at shopping strips to assist local businesses, ongoing drainage work, tree planting, sportsground upgrades and so much more.

I love seeing you all enjoying the Kearney Drive Reserve playground installed late last year and we are still rolling out new play spaces and improving others across Kingston.

All of this work is done in conjunction with our community. One of the reasons I stood for Council was to help improve community consultation and I’m happy to say that is a central tenet of decision-making at Kingston. Supporting community groups is also important to me.

Groups such as the Aspendale Gardens Residents Association (above) are invaluable. They work hard to help improve their neighbourhoods and they ensure Councillors hear what communities need.

My thanks to all such groups for their dedication.

Our advocacy to the Victorian Government on behalf of our community on Mordialloc and Aspendale level crossing removals is ongoing and as robust as ever.

We will continue to keep you posted. Finally, I have decided not to stand again at the upcoming Local Government elections. I have been honoured to serve my community for 12 years. A warm thanks to everyone who worked with me on so many projects that helped improve our wonderful Yammerbrook Ward and the wider Kingston.

For detailed maps of your ward see kingston.vic.gov.au/wards

The association meets monthly and all residents are welcome to attend.

AGRA is one of many active residents groups, so find if there’s one near you!

Councillors Tamsin Bearsley and Tracey Davies with Aspendale Gardens Residents Association members.