Next Planning meetings: Wednesday 18 September Wednesday 27 November
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
Residents celebrate 30 years of Kingston.
Virtual fun for seniors
Our Library Seniors Engagement team is bringing the world to aged care residents via VR headsets. The technology allows seniors to enjoy a joyful experience they can no longer participate in.
Virtual reality is a powerful and accessible way for aged care facilities to help boost brain health, increase bonds between residents through a shared experience and reconnect people with former hobbies and interests.
The residents at Bolton Clarke Avonlea in Mentone have loved their VR experiences and are keen to do more.
One man who was a pilot in his younger years was thrilled to virtually fly a plane to Bermuda – and pop into the airport for a post-flight cocktail.
Marion (pictured) travelled to a beautiful tropical island and swam with the fish.
The headsets were purchased to add a little fun to a digital literacy program for seniors at our libraries. They take participants on a range of experiences from flights to museum visits and tropical island stays, with more to be added.
Connect for fun
Our team is looking for another aged care facility who can bus residents to Cheltenham Library, to take part in brain training and social sessions every second Tuesday.
For more call 1300 135 668.
Our Seniors Fest returns next month! See pages 6-7.
Your Kingston Your Choice
The next Kingston Council elections will be held in October via postal vote.
Have you considered becoming a local Councillor?
Candidate nominations close on Tuesday 17 September and the list of candidates will be available on vec.vic.gov.au from Wednesday 18 September.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will post ballot packs to all enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
How to vote
Follow the instructions in your ballot pack and make sure you post it or drop it off at the election office before 6pm on Friday 25 October. Check the collection time on your post box to make sure your vote is in the mail on time.
It will contain a ballot paper (and envelope), candidate statements, a reply-paid envelope (for your ballot paper envelope to go in) and a leaflet with instructions.
Kingston has 11 Wards with one Councillor elected to represent each. More at:
If you’re going to be away from your enrolled address between Monday 7 October and Friday 25 October, you may still be able to vote. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for options.
Marion enjoying her tropical island visit and a trip to Cairo museum.
Sprinting ahead with aquatic centre build
Our largest ever project – the new Aquatic and Leisure Centre – has taken another giant step towards the finishing line. We’ve appointed ADCO to construct the contemporary, accessible and environmentally sensitive centre.
Construction at the Governor Road site is expected to begin before the end of the year, with completion scheduled for mid-2026.
ADCO is an industry leader in Victoria, having completed more than 50 large scale aquatic and community leisure developments in the past few years.
ADCO was chosen following a thorough and independently monitored, assessment of requested criteria by the Tender Evaluation Panel and was then endorsed by Council.
Bringing the community on the journey through frequent, meaningful and thorough engagement has been a real focus of this project. More than 10,600 community submissions across six stages of consultation have helped shape the new facility.
Delivering this important investment in the health and wellbeing of Kingston was initially estimated at a total project cost of $79.2m, however further detailed design, which included the addition of a future expansion zone to the health and fitness spaces and increased structural stability with the piling
LOOKING AFTER OUR OPEN SPACES
We all love our parks and beaches and they’re for everyone to enjoy. Please help us keep them clean by remembering to scoop the poop.
Free biodegradable dog-litter bags are available at our customer service centres and selected reserves around Kingston. Ensure animal waste is place in a landfill bin and not in a food or garden (green lid) bin.
depth extended to 30 metres, increased the project value.
Following a competitive procurement process we have confirmed a total cost of $87.5m, which also includes sufficient contingency allowances to accommodate the continued volatility of the construction market. We’ve secured $20 million from the Australian Government for this popular community project and will be seeking further funding from the Victorian Government.
Thoughtful design
% A welcoming, open look and a sensitive connection to the neighbouring Jack Grut Reserve and Mordialloc Creek.
% Environmentally sustainable design and features such as solar, stormwater management, rainwater harvesting, e-water for cleaning and electric vehicle charging.
% A contemporary change village to meet the needs of families, the elderly, those who are less mobile and who identify as non-binary.
BETTERING LIVES
Our blueprint for improving the lives of those living with disability has been finalised after a second round of community consultation.
The four-year All-Abilities Action Plan was developed with a team of 16 local people who either have a disability or care for someone with a disability.
The co-design team said this is a plan for everyone who lives, works, studies or visits Kingston.
What to look forward to Four pools
(multi-purpose lap swimming pool (50m), learn-to-swim pool, warm water exercise pool, and leisure pool)
Gym and fitness facilities
Spa, sauna and steam room
Café
Ample parking.
Your excitement grows
“We can’t wait to use the warm water. I have bad hips and Jordan lives with Angelman Syndrome and we love to do our therapy in the warm water.”
“I’m looking forward to riding my bike there.”
“We had a great time at Don Tatnell and can’t wait to go to the new centre there with our workout buddies.”
Watch out for updates, including the centre’s name at:
A boost for local community groups
Seniors and multicultural groups, neighbourhood houses, artists, sporting groups and social welfare organisations are among those sharing in more than $1.7 million from our grants program.
In all, 135 organisations will receive funding to support their operations, projects, activities.
The grants program is about building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods by investing in our wide range of community groups and clubs. The grants were made in these categories – Operational and Partnership Grants –Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres, Specialist Community and Welfare Services, Community Interest Organisations and Multicultural and Seniors Groups; Community Festivals, Events and Creative Activities Grants and Community Bi-annual Grants.
Round 2 of the Bi-annual Grants is now open
Our Community Small Grants and Individual Development Grants are open for applications all year round.
For more go to: kingston.vic.gov.au/ community/grants community@ kingston.vic.gov.au 1300 653 356
From paths to pavilions, we’re getting it done
Whether you are walking, scooting, biking, in a wheelchair or pushing a pram, you can easily access the beach and lower bay side path at Parkdale.
The new accessible ramp at Parkdale Yacht Club is just one of a raft of projects underway or recently completed.
Extension of the Carrum Boardwalk towards Patterson River begins this spring, along with improvements to the accessibility of connections between the boardwalk, Stephens Street Carpark and Beauty Spot.
At Bicentennial Park, Chelsea, new netball courts at the Chelsea Sportswomen’s centre are in use, with an interim surface. As the weather warms up, we’ll lay a synthetic surface.
Our major drainage improvements are continuing at Sherwood Avenue and Bicentennial Park, Chelsea and we’ve upgraded the drainage infrastructure at Kinross Avenue, Edithvale.
And Stage Two of a $3.6 million drainage project to connect our recently constructed pumping station at Bonbeach Reserve to the Melbourne Water Drain is underway.
Following streetscape enhancements at Charman Road, Mentone, we’re now upgrading footpaths at Como Parade West, Mentone.
The redeveloped Ken Lyons Pavilion and tennis courts at Regents Park Aspendale are being enjoyed by the clubs that train and play there and we recently formally launched the wonderful, revamped pavilion and grounds at GR Bricker Reserve in Moorabbin.
Stay up to date at:
Getting to the beach is easier for everyone with the new ramp at Parkdale Yacht Club.
The redeveloped Ken Lyons Pavilion and tennis courts at Regents Park Aspendale.
Happy club members help launch the redeveloped GR Bricker Reserve pavilion.
Tackling litter together
With more bins in hot spots and more collections, our beaches will be cleaner than ever this summer.
The number of visitors to our beaches increases in summer and our existing bin system is not coping with the amount of rubbish that brings.
Our contractor waste vehicles can’t safely access crowded beaches which results in full and overflowing bins.
We are now joining other coastal councils around Australia in taking bins off the sand and placing them at key access points along the foreshore.
This means we can easily increase our bin collections and significantly increase the amount of rubbish that can be removed from the beach.
It also makes any required additional collections easier and faster.
We will continue to monitor bin usage with our bin reporting system and new bin sensors so we can continue to adjust our service to ensure it works efficiently.
Talk to us about waste
We want to hear from you as we begin planning for the future of waste in Kingston.
We have an opportunity to improve sustainable management of Kingston’s waste and understanding how you use our waste services is key to planning how best to do this.
Reducing the amount of waste we send to landfills will be a strong focus of our plan because this is where we have a chance to make the biggest impact.
We want to hear your values and preferences on reducing and disposing of waste.
Together with our community, we can get this right.
Talk rubbish with us at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/ future-waste
Don’t forget to download our waste and recycling app, Binston – your buddy for all bin-related info including collection times and what to put in which bin!
We care passionately for our coastline and we’d love you to join us in taking action this summer to reduce litter.
Please use the bins provided when visiting our beaches or take your rubbish home.
If you don’t bin it, you’ll end up swimming in it.
In the latest episodes we talk all things plastic free with Dingley Village business EcoSouLife founder Sharon. Keiran from Brainwaves Bikes tells us how they’re keeping hundreds of bikes from landfill.
Sophie, Olivia, Matilda and Victoria from Aspendale Beach Patrol (who meet every 3rd Sunday at 10am at Gnotuk Ave, Aspendale) taking action to help reduce litter on our beautiful beaches.
Laugh, play, learn at Kingston Seniors Fest
Bigger and better Seniors Fest
The Kingston Seniors Festival returns with more than 138 free and low-cost events and activities – the most we’ve ever had.
We have a month of wonderful events and activities to boost social connection for the over 55s.
The festival in October celebrates ageing positively and recognises the important contribution older people make to our community.
It is an opportunity to get out and try new things, meet new people and have fun. It’s also a time to learn about the activities available in the community and to join clubs and groups.
Social isolation can have a negative effect on mental and physical health and it has long been established that socially engaged older people are happier and healthier.
Working with local community groups, seniors’ clubs, and community centres we’ve put together a calendar of exciting activities.
Free public transport
The State Government is providing eight days of free travel from Sunday 6 October to Sunday 13 October.
For more visit seniorsonline. vic.gov.au/free-travel
A taste of what’s on offer
Aged Care Information Session
Join our AccessCare team to learn all about in-home care -how to apply and how we can help you or a loved one aged 65 years+ to keep living at home for longer.
34 Brindisi Street, Mentone Wednesday 9 October, 2–3pm and 7–8pm Bookings essential on 1301 819 200 or info@accesscare.org.au
Free Swim
Residents aged 60+ can use the pool for free at Waves Leisure Centre on Wednesdays during October.
Join us for a free fabulously musical festival opening. Morning tea provided.
Clarinda Community Centre
58 Viney Street, Clarinda
Tuesday 1 October, 10am – 11.30am Bookings via 9556 4440 or kingstonarts.com.au
Ask & Connect Services Expo
Learn about services, low cost activities, exercise and employment opportunities.
Kingston City Hall
Tuesday 12 November, 10am – 3pm More on page 20.
There’s so much more
All events are listed in our official Seniors Festival Booklet available at Kingston Libraries, Chelsea Activity Hub, Westall Hub, Patterson Lakes Community Centre and selected supermarkets.
Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ seniors-festival or call 1300 653 356.
Continuing to care for our seniors
While some councils have stopped offering aged care services, we are committed to looking after our older residents through our in-home care service, AccessCare.
We no longer conduct eligibility assessments because of Australian Government reforms in the sector but our dedicated AccessCare team is still providing quality services and taking new clients. We also offer support to navigate the Commonwealth Government My Aged Care Portal and arrange an assessment.
Live your life your way
with
Celebrating 30 years of Kingston
Take a walk down memory lane as our residents and local legends share their stories, best-kept secrets and the places that make Kingston home.
Whether you or an elderly loved one needs in-home or community support services or you want more information about changes in the sector, we are here to help.
Call us Monday-Friday or visit a free drop-in information session.
Visit or call 1300 819 200
DOROTHY BOOTH Friends of Mentone Heritage Station & Gardens
Kingston is more a feeling than words.
Dorothy loves the outdoors, including our beautiful coast, with her favourite memory jumping off the pier at Mentone beach as a young girl.
She has been an active volunteer with the Friends of Mentone Heritage Station & Gardens and has served on the Mentone Parkdale Village Committee.
Dorothy hopes the city’s warm, unique character will remain unchanged for future generations.
MICHAEL EDDINGTON City Works Manager, City of Kingston Epic beaches, great parks and open spaces.
Michael loves the variety Kingston offers – beaches, great parks, and open spaces that foster a genuine community feel.
In his perfect day, Michael starts with swimming lessons at Waves with his daughter, followed by a coffee at home, a leisurely stroll with his dog around Bicentennial Park, and an afternoon swim at the beach.
Looking ahead, he hopes Kingston’s outdoor spaces will be cherished by the community for years to come.
City of Kingston is established.
First recycling service. A warm shower in the gas crisis.
Kingston Arts Centre’s Wurlitzer organ listed on Victorian Heritage Register. Waves makes a big splash.
Our home care service AccessCare launches.
First Mordi Fest. Nepean Highway bridge built. Karkarook Park opens. The City of Moorabbin built an Olympic-length swimming pool on Turner Road, Highett in 1964. It was extensively refurbished and opened as Waves Leisure Centre in 1995.
We opened pavilions for free hot showers in wake of Melbourne’s gas crisis when supply reached a critically low level and was shut down.
CELEBRATE KINGSTON’S 30th WITH US!
RUSSELL REES former president of the Mentone Life Saving Club
It’s a great place to visit.
Russell loves being on the beach with the sun going down on a warm summer night, watching families and groups relax and paddle in the water. Kingston Heath Botanical
Gardens is also a favourite and Russell says Moorabbin Airport is a great place to visit to watch planes, have a drink at the Aero Club, and visit the museum.
ADRIANNE FLEMING founder of Tristar Aviation
A place to preserve Australian aviation history.
A perfect day for Adrianne is taking off from Moorabbin airport when the sky is blue, the air smooth, and the bay like glass and flying along the coastline. Adrianne met her husband at Moorabbin Airport,
sparking the opportunity to set up their flying school business.
Going to the football with her grandfather at Moorabbin Oval and watching the aeroplanes fly overhead is a favourite childhood memory.
did you Know?
UNCLE DES local Elder
Playing bowls at Mordialloc Bowls Club.
A popular school crossing supervisor and member of the DerrimutWeelam Gathering Place Steering Committee, Uncle Des’s most treasured memories are of driving tractors and working horses at the old Epsom Racecourse, which closed in 1988.
JOHN BERTRAND AO yachtsman
Today, he loves the Mordialloc Bowls Club, where a perfect day would be “beating Beaumaris”.
Uncle Des looks forward to the removal of the Mordialloc level crossing which he says will make our city more accessible for everyone.
It’s the sand and water I love most.
Not surprisingly, the man who led Australia II to victory in the 1983 America’s Cup loves our coast.
He fondly recalls the freedom of growing up in Chelsea, where he would explore all day and only return when hungry.
Chelsea’s Yacht Club served first as a makeshift kindergarten where John attended and was later the launchpad for his extraordinary career. John enjoys sailing his dinghy and says the talcum-powder like sand along Chelsea Beach is like nowhere else.
The noice four-bedroom house in Patterson Lakes was used as Kath & Kim’s “Fountain Lakes” home in the long-running comedy. It was bought for $1.48m in 2016 and bulldozed in 2022. The Masonic Hall is offered for sale via expressions on interest in 2011 and a local push to ‘rescue it for community use’ begins. We took over management of Sundowner Community Centre which operates as a Neighbourhood House. The centre in Clarinda runs a fabulous range of programs, classes and activities for the community.
of Mentone Station & Gardens officially forms
gives generously to Tsunami Appeal.
rock band settles on its name, Jet.
starts on Waterways.
Waves wins award.
Masonic Hall, Mordialloc up for sale.
Final Kath & Kim series airs.
Heritage listing for Mentone Station and Gardens.
Patterson Lakes library open.
Council assumes management of Sundowner Community Centre.
Peter Maddison, who began hosting popular TV show Grand Designs in 2010, grew up in Parkdale.
An ideal location and wonderful community.
Vibrant 102-year-old Edith’s fondest memories date back to the 1930s, visiting Chester Road’s famous markets. These days she enjoys her days out on the council bus, whether to take in the beautiful coastal views, have lunch, or take part in social activities.
Edith loves that Kingston is close to the beach, city and green spaces.
ANNA WANG Kingston Chinese Citizens Club president
A focus on culture, belonging and diversity makes this a special place to live.
A day of fun activities at the club, such as Tai Chi, language classes or Chinese New Year and Harmony Day celebrations, followed by a shared meal, means a lot to Anna.
She enjoys the happiness and connection it brings to people.
Anna’s hope is it continues to grow in Kingston for years to come.
I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of connections, dance, and community spirit.
Business woman Wendy has lived in Kingston since she was five years old.
She has operated the Chelsea Picture Theatre, hosted public dances with the Dennis Farmington Orchestra, and taught dance classes at the iconic Balmoral in Aspendale. Wendy’s favourite place is Woodlands Golf Club and she says Parkdale’s “fabulous” shopping strip is thanks to a kind and helpful business community.
TESS ASHLEY former Junior Mayor of Kingston
Kingston is great for brunching and market hopping.
Tess has a deep connection to the Kingston community and continues to impact the lives of local people through her work in childhood development.
Her hot tip is the vibrant Kingston Farmers Market and Mentone’s Hunter Markets are the best spots to shop small and support local.
current (fourth) Mordialloc Life Saving Club opens.
81 opens for Youth Services. Dales Park Pavilion, Oakleigh South is built.
Chadwick Dog Park gets tails wagging in Dingley Village.
The sensational Wall to Wall festival in Mordi Village is a smash hit.
Carrum SLSC relocated to Evesham/Marcus Roads.
Beautiful new mural for Cheltenham. Our first Family & Children’s Centre opens in Parkdale. Carrum Family & Children’s Centre opens.
Kilda FC returns to a revamped Moorabbin Oval, now RSEA Park.
Moments in Kingston –
Public
Bus Tour receives rave reviews.
Ceremonies go online.
beautiful Bay Trail is completed. New parks at Elder Street South, Clarinda and Tarella Road Reserve, Chelsea.
After extensive refurbishment, our wonderful Shirley Burke Theatre relaunched in 2012 as a state-of-the-art multipurpose arts venue for the community. It features a street front gallery, studio space and 167 seat theatre.
81 (in the former Masonic Hall) is a fun, inclusive safe space for young people to engage with our Youth Work Team and get involved in activities and social events.
Two Acre Village, by local artists James Beattie and Andrew Bourke, reflects Cheltenham’s history, from the bush, parkland and local Indigenous culture, through to early shopfronts and iconic local residents. Two Acre Village is the name once given to Cheltenham.
The beautiful multifunctional Elder Street South Reserve was once a 4-hectare landfill.
In 2015 singer Eddie Perfect wrote an ode to Mentone –Mentone! Oh Mentone!
WENDY FORD hairdresser and local business identity
EDITH WOOD centenarian
Reopening of refurbished Shirley Burke Theatre.
Congratulations to our Olympians
Tell us more!!
We’ve come a long way in 30 years and have much to be proud of!
It’s been fun pulling our timeline together and chatting with locals but we know there are so many more stories. Tell us yours at yourkingstonyoursay.com. au/30years for a chance to win a birthday prize.
APRIL AND JAKE SMITH eco warriors
We love Karkarook Park with its lake, biking track and gentle horses.
April and Jake are young advocates for a cleaner, greener Kingston. The siblings love to chat with the bin truck drivers and are avid recyclers.
They also love a visit to the Farmers Market and a thick shake at Edithvale Beach.
We’ve got a great cafe and restaurant scene.
Chris is proud of our sporting facilities and clubs and loves coaching his son’s basketball team. On weekends before shooting hoops, you’ll find him enjoying a great local eatery. His current favourites? Frank’s and Two Bob Snob in Cheltenham, Urban Ground in Mordialloc, Teo’s and Chilpa in Highett and Wilbury and Sons and Comma in Moorabbin.
GEORGINA DAY St Kilda FC Museum curator
The Danny Frawley Centre is Kingston’s best kept secret.
Georgina happily remembers the excitement of the Saints 1966 Grand Final and the Town Hall draped in red, white, and black.
Her perfect Kingston day would start with a win shared at the club
with local members or a leisurely lunch at Southland.
Georgina hopes for another AFL premiership win soon!
What you’ve been sharing
Carrum beach is a place of endless fascination for my 6-year-old son, from collecting seashells to spotting crabs scuttling along the shore.
– Ben
We have lived in Dingley – now officially a Village – for thirty-six years and enjoyed a culture that is family oriented and has a touch of yesterday with its gardens and history.
– Warren
I moved to Moorabbin in 2000 and I’ve loved exploring eateries that have opened in the industrial areas. Fat Bob’s Burgers, Stomping Ground, Grape and Grain, Two Brothers Brewery are all great!
– Tracey
We are committed to growing a healthy and active community.
As we continue to upgrade our sports grounds and pavilions and soon begin construction on an exciting new Aquatic and Leisure Centre, it’s fitting to take a moment to applaud all the young athletes from Kingston who went to Paris to represent their country.
We’ve absolutely loved watching you take your sporting prowess to the world stage.
Well done everyone!
I bought my first home here in Chelsea Heights, raised my family in Aspendale Gardens and connected with people in the community which made it feel just like the country town I left.
– Jayne
My wife very sadly passed away 9 years ago at 53 years only. I continue to live here and frequent facilities like Waves and participate in arts activities like OptiKA ... My life, my wife, my Kingston.
– Tony
Did you know?
We have a wide range of sports grounds and facilities used by hundreds of local teams and community clubs – that’s thousands of participants – right across Kingston.
Have a look:
kingston.vic.gov.au/women-of-the-year
Once again, we’ve launched our search for outstanding Kingston women.
Nominations are open for the annual Kingston Women of the Year Awards which recognise women making a notable contribution to our local industry, community and society.
We are looking for women who make a difference to our community and inspire others through their exceptional professional or personal achievements.
Our 2024 theme ‘inspiring inclusion’ and the Women of the Year Awards were announced in a ceremony celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March.
Mordi Sea Dippers founder Amy Salisbury and Senior Lead, Energy Management at Telstra Nimita Bagadia were our 2024 Women of the Year.
Previous winners have included aviation educator and business owner at Moorabbin Airport Adrianne Fleming and Simone Hardman, recognised for her volunteering efforts with Dingley Village Inc, Mindful Makings Inc and raising awareness for mental health.
Do you know someone who should be celebrated? NOMINATE TODAY.
Kate McDonald, gymnastics.
Amy Lawton, hockey. John Peers, tennis doubles.
Nathan Ephraums, field hockey.
Brock Batty, trampoline gymnastics.
Claudia Hollingsworth, athletics.
CHRIS DEVANNY basketball coach and dad
Advocating for our future
We’re working together with the Victorian and Australian Governments to get the best deal for our City.
We are so pleased to have recently sought and gained:
• $20 million in financial support from the Australian Government for our new Aquatic and Leisure Centre
• $1.1 million from the Australian Government to help with the costly task of fixing the intersection of Rowan Road and Westall Road Dingley Village –one of our worst black spots.
This helps make Council dollars go further in maintaining and upgrading the other 800km of roads across Kingston.
We are constantly in touch with our state Members of Parliament, advocating for funding that can help take the pressure off ratepayers, by helping fund sporting pavilion upgrades, new sportsground lighting, female-friendly sports facilities – even library books and local playgrounds.
Advocacy also means working with other councils and government departments to get the best outcome for our community when new government policies are announced on everything from housing targets to aged care.
Hello from our young leaders
ISABELLA KOUKOUMANOS JUNIOR MAYOR
Hello, I am Bella.
I play basketball with Mentone Mustangs, Beaumaris Sharks and in the Victorian Junior Basketball League for a team at Sandringham Sabres.
I am trialling for a place in the Future Development Program with Basketball Victoria which is exciting!
I go to Antz Pantz Dance in Highett and love taking part in concerts, school performances and the Wakakrri – a nationwide live story-dance. Raising awareness of reconciliation with the Indigenous community is especially important to me. I spent the last year in my leadership role as a F.I.R.E Carrier at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Primary School in Cheltenham dedicated to this.
The F.I.R.E Carrier program promotes respect, fairness and inclusion for Indigenous people. I wrote a letter to Eddie Betts and received a video and letter from him, which was wonderful.
I am thrilled to be Junior Mayor.
It’s great to be a youth voice in Council and I am excited to share concerns of young people and share ideas that could improve and shape a future Kingston.
LUCIAN HENDRICKS DEPUTY JUNIOR MAYOR
Hi, I’m Lucian.
I love acting and recently performed in To Kill a Mockingbird with Peridot Theatre & Encore Theatre. I’ve just started rehearsals for School of Rock with PLOS Musical Productions. I’ve acted in a few feature and short films, TV shows, music videos and TV commercials.
I’m also a model and have modelled for brands such as Moose Toys, Fila Australia, Myer and Target. I enjoy runway modelling and have taken part in shows such as Top Model Australia
I’ve been playing piano since I was young and I love creating art, cooking, swimming, playing soccer and bike riding.
It is so exciting to be Deputy Junior Mayor for a year and I’m really looking forward to learning all about the Council and offering my ideas.
I’m also a marine ambassador for the Dolphin Research Institute and keeping our lands and waterways clean and safe for all living creatures is incredibly important to me.
As a Junior Council member, I hope to raise this important issue and also explore opportunities for arts and theatre within Kingston.
Junior Mayor Isabella Koukoumanos (l) and Deputy Junior Mayor Lucian Hendricks.
Our new aquatic and leisure centre is one of the major projects we can achieve when working with other levels of government. (Artist impression).
Spotlight on sustainability
We are delighted to have again celebrated outstanding local businesses at our annual Kingston Sustainable Business Awards.
Businesses doing remarkable things in this space have been recognised in style for their important work at our second gala event.
The awards give businesses an opportunity to showcase how they incorporate sustainable practices into their operations.
Six categories opened the field for a wide range of nominees, allowing diverse businesses to easily find one that suits their sustainable methods.
As always, we were impressed by the innovation, creativity and the passion to create a better, safer world for future generations. So many businesses are successfully proving profit and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Our awards presentation gala acknowledges them and shows others what can be done.
A big thanks and hearty congratulations to all nominees, finalists and award winners.
The winners
Waste Reduction and Recycling Solutions
Humanitarian and environmental not-for-profit Soap Aid
Diversity and Inclusion
Gifts and education resources, Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs
Sustainable construction products manufacturers, Casafico
Young Changemakers and Innovators
Razi Pilli – from personal safety trainers, LiveSafe
Keeping Kingston vibrant
Our city has long been one of south east Melbourne’s vibrant employment hubs and we love to see local businesses thrive.
It’s important we offer support by staying abreast of changing needs, talking with trader and business associations and ensuring our shopping strips or industrial precincts places where businesses want to be.
We offer a raft of support measures – from help with permits to mentor programs and outdoor activations, to name a few.
A range of workshops and events are held every year to assist networking and to bring our huge range of manufacturers, retailers and hospitality offerings to the attention of our community.
Earlier this year, hundreds of people flocked to Mordi Village for the sensational Wall to Wall festival putting the exciting pocket precinct – home to innovative and creative makers and producers – on the map. Moorabbin Junction was transformed (pictured above) recently into an interactive neon wonderland by artist Carla O’Brien. The beautiful lights, delicious dishes from Moorabbin eateries, live music, late-night retail and more created the wonderful winter Moorabbin Junction After Dark event.
Did you know?
Find out more:
Kingston contributes about 2.48 per cent of Victoria’s Gross State Product – estimated at over $12 billion.
This happy pair joined thousands of others to enjoy the lights, music, food and family fun of our Moorabbin Junction After Dark winter festival.
GET SNAPPY TO SHOW OFF OUR BIODIVERSITY
Join us in competing with neighbouring Councils to see who can record the most flora and fauna in their city. You’ll be contributing to community science and showing the world the amazing biodiversity Kingston has to offer.
Help us win!
Download the iNaturalist app
Join the ‘Biodiversity Blitz 2024 – City of Kingston’ project
Look out for plants and animals when outdoors in Kingston
Upload your photos!
Learn more at kingston.vic.gov. au/biodiversity-month
ON YOUR BIKE FOR FREE FITNESS AND FUN
We’re taking part in Biketober to promote health, wellness and sustainability, and you’re invited!
It’s just one of the ways we’re committed to creating a pedestrian and cycling friendly Kingston.
The national, month-long challenge held during October, encourages you to get on your bike (whether you are a regular or new rider) and log your rides for a chance to win great prizes.
We’ll be working with schools and our local community to encourage cycling as the preferred method of transport for all commutes. Chat to your local school about what they’re doing.
Register yourself or rally your workmates to join the fun, friendly competition at lovetoride.net/kingston
Benefits of bike riding
% Supercharges your mental and physical health.
% Saves money on travel.
% Protects our planet by reducing carbon emissions.
% Brings out your competitive side, apparently.
Let’s welcome native wildlife
Spring is a perfect time for gardening – and we’d love you to think about planting to support wildlife.
Regardless of size, there are many elements you can add to provide shelter, nesting habitat and food sources for native animals.
With some help from our Gardens for Wildlife program, Anna Welsh (pictured) recently developed her dream garden while keeping native wildlife in mind.
Anna visited the Indigenous nursery in Carrum, buying tube stock to create her garden.
Anna takes part in an annual bird count and is delighted to note an increase in birds to her beautiful new space.
Frogs, the occasional lizard and a variety of nocturnal natives are among the garden visitors.
Our Gardens for Wildlife program is free.
We offer a helping hand in developing a wildlife-friendly garden that will attract beautiful beneficial insects, birds, bees and butterflies.
Book a visit from a Gardens for Wildlife Officer or fill in our online form to have a report produced to help you create a wildlife haven.
kingston.vic.gov.au/g4w
Anna and Ben with dog Luna in their beautiful wildlife friendly garden.
Food, music and family fun at Spring Fair
Save the date! Our jam-packed day of games, music, food and more returns to Keeley Park next month.
The ever-popular Spring Fair is a community celebration for all age groups.
There’ll be live entertainment across, food and beverage trucks, workshops and plenty of activities for the whole family.
As always, we’ll have lots of information for you about our great rang of community services.
There is something for everyone. So, tell your family and friends to keep Saturday 19 October free and prepare for a fabulous day out.
You’re welcome to bring a picnic and there’ll be plenty of seating areas. Best of all, it’s a free event! S aturday 19 October
TRAVEL TIP
To reduce your carbon footprint, consider coming by public transport, car sharing, walking or cycling.
kingston.vic.gov.au/spring-fair
Keeley Park, Main Rd, Clayton South
THE ULTIMATE DAY OUT IN KINGSTON FOR YOU AND THREE FRIENDS
A HELICOPTER JOY RIDE
DELICIOUS BRUNCH AT FRANK’S
CELLAR DOOR AND BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCE AT NON HQ
STREET ART TOUR AT MORDI VILLAGE
DINING EXPERIENCE AT CHEF-HATTED COMMA FOOD & WINE
Free presentation on growing some of your own food.
Bookings: library.kingston.vic.gov.au/
REMEMBERING VIOLET AND GARRYOWEN 1pm
Mentone Heritage Station Gardens
Followed by the official opening of a display of Garryowen memorabilia
WEDNESDAY 9
OPTIKA 2024 EXHIBITION
Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin
OptiKA photography award invites artists of all skill levels and ages to capture and interpret a theme. Selected work will be exhibited until Saturday 9 November. Free.
Details: kingstonarts.com.au
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
ONGOING
MONDAYS
MOVE AND CONNECT 10am–11am Chelsea Activity Hub
A movement to connect with your mind and body. $5/session.
PILATES 9.45am–10.30am Westall Activity Hub
BYO mat and water bottle. $5/session.
TUESDAYS
CALM & CONFIDENT KIDS 4pm–4.45pm Patterson Lakes Community Centre
