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
Festival goers loving live music at Mordi Fest 2024.
Future Kingston
Council is working closely with our state and federal politicians to advocate for our community.
Your new Councillors met with state and federal MPs from across the political spectrum to advocate for Kingston on key issues.
Front of mind was how to maintain Kingston’s liveability into the future.
From road maintenance to recycled water, parkland and planning, to pathways for cyclists, members
of state and federal parliament from all political parties joined our councillors for a working breakfast to talk about the big issues. The theme was how to ensure the liveability of our suburbs as they grow and change.
See pages 4 and 5 for more about some of the issues discussed at the Future Kingston breakfast.
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Happy New Year Kingston!
Firstly, an enormous thank you to Longbeach Ward for entrusting me to represent you as your Councillor. It’s also an enormous honour to serve my third term as Mayor of our wonderful city.
Our new Councillor team is hard at work. There is, as always, plenty to be done –new projects to kick start and ongoing ones to progress and complete.
Following an election, Councils must develop a Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan to establish strategic directions, objectives and strategies and contribute to our Community Vision.
This work is well under way and the plan will be out for public exhibition in coming months.
Thank you to everyone who’s had their say on what they love and value in Chelsea as part of our This is Chelsea project.
We received 481 submissions via surveys, email and at pop-up consultations. How much you value the beach, the coastal village feel of the centre, your love of parks and wetlands and the importance of community connectedness were among key themes. Improvements to the commercial centre, better pedestrian crossing and traffic flow, more street trees and updated services and activities were just some suggestions.
Community feedback will be used to help develop a draft Structure Plan. Read more at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/ this-is-chelsea
Engaging with our community helps us shape decisions and I hope we hear more from you on a range of issues this year.
MPs and Councillors gather for a working breakfast at Kingston City Hall.
Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley
Celebrate local women with us
Kingston Women of the Year Awards celebrate the outstanding contribution women are making to our local industry, community and society – women who make a difference and inspire others.
Award winners will be announced at our International Women’s Day Civic Event on 7 March.
We’d love you to join the celebration at City Hall from 10am–12pm.
Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/womenof-the-year
Excitement building for new centre
Behind the colourful hoarding, work is progressing well on the Mordi Aquatic Centre.
Following site establishment and earthworks, construction company ADCO will soon begin major building work.
The hoarding at the Governor Road site has a fun and energetic feel in keeping with this exciting project which will deliver four pools (multi-purpose lap swimming (50m), learn-to-swim, warm water exercise and leisure), gym and fitness facilities, spa, sauna and steam room, a café and plenty of parking.
We’re excited to see this project come to life.
Engagement with the community has been a focus throughout this project, with more than 10,600 community submissions across six stages of consultation helping shape the new facility.
This will be a big year for the project and we’d love you to stay up to date on its progress at kingston.vic.gov.au/newcentre
Meet the builder
Keen to know more? Come chat to our builder, ADCO in February at our Meet the Builder session. Keep your eye on kingston.vic.gov.au/newcentre for details.
Deputy Mayor
Cr Chris Howe
0499 776 893
chris.howe@kingston.vic. gov.au
Happy New Year!
With the highest primary vote in City of Kingston’s history of 61.4%, I want to thank Carrum, Patterson Lakes and Bonbeach for their support. The $300 campaign did not waste money on glossy posters, fridge magnets or large boards.
My straightforward approach to enhance suburb presentation and accessibility is progressing. Works on the previously-funded Carrum Foreshore boardwalk began late 2024 with completion due early this year. Harbour Plaza, Patterson Lakes boardwalk is in the final planning stage and construction should start soon. I have led meetings with Patterson River Secondary College, who support a wider Kananook Creek bridge, providing safe accessibility for anyone from pedestrians with prams, young children to cyclists and wheelchair users.
Ahead of elections, I met with state and federal politicians about funding for state-managed Thompson Road and McLeod Road. Investment is required to duplicate the bridge, improve freeway access and upgrade intersection safety. At McLeod Road, new traffic light sequencing and timing, turning and clearer signage are considered to improve navigation and reduce congestion.
Pedestrian crossings will commence at Cirrus Street, Bonbeach Primary School and Alkira Court/Gladesville Boulevard, Patterson Lakes. A crossing safety refuge will be installed at Dahmen Street/McLeod Road, subject to Department of Transport planning approval. I have supported vulnerable community members to access Council and Federal services. I’m doing exactly what I said I would, with a lens on public safety, community connection and supporting others to improve their condition, value, and skill. Email is best for contact.
BANKSIA WARD
Pictured top right: Nimita Bagadia (l) and Amy Salisbury our 2024 Kingston Women of the Year.
Colourful new hoarding.
Full steam ahead at Mordi Aquatic Centre site.
Speaking up for you
We’re ensuring your voice is heard by the Australian and Victorian governments. Take a look at some of the issues and projects at the heart of our advocacy and how we’re getting things done for our community, including more than $14 million from the Australian Government for major projects.
Rossdale Golf Club
We have flagged serious concerns about Rossdale Golf Club’s hopes to have its Aspendale site rezoned and sold. We provide important local knowledge to the Victorian Government and ensure decisions on the site’s future are not rushed.
Le Page reborn
We’re looking forward to a revamped Le Page Park, Cheltenham following $5.8 million in funding from the Australian Government for the upgrade, including upgrading tired tennis and cricket facilities and space for climbing, informal ball sports and more.
Reimagining Namatjira
“Its upgrade has been announced as a successful recipient of $9.1m from the Thriving Suburbs Program. Incredible news for everyone who knows, loves and wants to enjoy Namatjira Park” Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Member for Hotham Hon Clare O’Neil.
We envisage multiple sports facilities, gym equipment, secure paths and more for the Clayton South Park.
Keeping Kingston moving
Our major roads carry thousands of trucks a day and wear and tear are inevitable. The state of our roads is important to us and we urge the Victorian Government to stay on top of repairs.
Pump track example.
Mordi Aquatic Centre
“It’s fantastic to see this much-anticipated project coming to life, and I’m delighted that the Albanese Government has committed $20 million to developing this new facility in our community,” Attorney-General of Australia and Member for Issacs, Hon Mark Dreyfus MP.
Construction is underway on the four pools and fitness facilities. We would welcome Victorian Government partnership on the project.
Protecting water supplies
The Victorian Government has allocated $72 million to the ‘purple pipeline’ which will deliver recycled water (reducing the use of drinking water) to irrigate large areas of open space, including reserves, golf courses, market gardens and nurseries.
Chadwick, Heatherton Recreation, Kingston Heath, Victory Road, Elder Street and Rowan Road reserves are expected to benefit.
Revamping an ageing icon
Kingston City Hall needs modernisation.
Built in 1963, the hall is used by a wide range of our community – for concerts, performances, school events, conferences and more. The much-loved venue is ripe for a renovation to take it into a new era.
Bridging the Nepean gap
Part of our push for best outcomes for our community from the Level Crossing Removal Project is a shared-user path bridge across Nepean Highway to create an unbroken pathway between Highett and Frankston.
Chain of Parks
We continue to work with the Victorian Government for new playing fields/sports grounds to realise our vision for the Green Wedge Chain of Parks trail.
Bridge example.
Great work!
A litter-free beach helps keep our bay clean.
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Cr Tony Athanasopoulos
0400 396 723
tony.a@kingston.vic.gov.au
A New Year and Era for Kingston: New Year and Post-Election Reflection HNY, Kingston! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. If you haven’t made your way down to Mordi yet, I hear the beach is calling, and it’s not asking for your New Year’s resolutions! I recently joined our community at the Pongal festival, where we celebrated, ate too much, and boogied. These events highlight our unity and cultural richness, even if my dancing skills don’t. The election has ushered in an exciting new era. Thank-you for trusting me to help steer this ship. My focus is on keeping the cost of living in check, maintaining pensioner rebates, and making our waste services so efficient, you’ll think they disappeared. Infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon – think roads so smooth you’ll forget potholes ever existed. We’re all about keeping costs low and spirits high, we’ll also ensure Kingston keeps its unique charm while we grow responsibly because nobody wants a high-rise blocking their sunset view, am I right?
Looking ahead, the 2025 to 2029 Council Plan is shaping up to be a masterpiece focused on sustainable development, community wellbeing, and economic growth. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, celebrate our wins, and make Kingston the envy of every other council!
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead –let’s make it one to remember!
Thanks all for helping keep our beaches clean and thriving
Together we’re better
A huge thank you for looking out for each other and our precious foreshore this summer.
Thousands of people flocked to our beaches and it was wonderful to see people doing the right thing by swimming between the flags, respecting our foreshore regulations and taking responsibility for their waste.
It was also great to see you all looking out for others.
This summer, we’ve had a 43% reduction in reports of overflowing bins, compared to this time last year and we’ve seen a decrease in
rubbish left on our beaches thanks to an increase in bin collections.
Late last year families, lifesavers and swimmers got behind our Bin it or Swim in it campaign to help protect our beautiful beaches. That community pride in our 13 kilometres of coast means together we can continue to protect and enhance it.
Visiting our beaches? Find your nearest bins: kingston.vic.gov.au/ public-bins
Young enviro warriors
At Mordialloc Sailing Club, junior sailors are doing their bit for a cleaner environment. The kids have Pick-Up-Plastic (PUP) events in the club surrounds.
The dedicated youngsters have recently been cleaning up around the rigging and beach area of the club.
In December MSC’s PUP collection campaign picked up more than 20 kilograms of plastic waste and hope to have collected 50 kilograms by the end of April.
Thankyou MSC Puppers!
BUNJIL WARD
Junior Mordialloc Sailing Club members who help pick up plastic from the foreshore.
Supporting community
Our Charitable Fund and Bi-annual Grants programs are now open for applications.
These programs enrich our city across health, welfare, sport, recreation, arts, culture, education, and the environment.
Helping us create an even better Kingston
Your enthusiastic engagement with Talking Kingston is helping shape the 2025/26 Budget.
More than 700 of you – the most feedback we’ve ever received on a budget consultation – have told us what matters most to you.
Traffic and road improvements, clean public spaces, public toilets, and mowing were among your key issues.
Expanded recycling, tackling dumped rubbish, tree planting, sustainable buildings and more active recreation (e.g. BMX tracks, basketball facilities, walking/cycling paths and upgraded playgrounds) are also important to you.
Community connections, sporting facility upgrades, supporting local business and over development in the wrong areas were recurring themes in submissions, too.
We will be releasing our Draft 2025/26 Budget in late April or early May.
More at yourkingstonyoursay.com. au/talking-kingston
In 2024/25, just over $220,000 of funding was allocated through the Community Bi-annual Grants program to support 40 not-forprofit organisations and individuals in Kingston.
As always, a big thanks for the compliments about so many services and projects including libraries, events, parks, beaches, the ability to provide feedback and general community pride.
Last year, the Kingston Charitable fund awarded over $72,000 to 11 charities. Applications close Friday 21 February.
Community Bi-annual Grants first-round applications close Friday 28 February.
Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/grants
Cr Caroline White 0499 776 885 caroline.white@kingston. vic.gov.au
It’s been an absolute whirlwind since being elected! I’m humbled to be elected by the Caruana community and excited to work with Council to make improvements in the organisation. Alongside induction, endless pages of reading and Council meetings, I’ve met with schools, businesses, charities and worked closely with leaders of community groups to see how I can best facilitate the support they need.
There’s been a massive shake up in local governments across Victoria and we’ve already had some big wins in Kingston City Council this term. We elected a Mayor and Deputy who are providing leadership that’s moving us in the right direction, and I passed a motion of refusal for inappropriate residential overdevelopment on Centre Dandenong Road Dingley Village in line with our community’s wishes of sustaining the liveability of our area. Behind the scenes I’ve been focused on other hyper local issues such as the upgrade of Tootal Road. Moving into 2025, I’m mindful of delivering on my election promises particularly surrounding Kingswood and reducing cost-of-living for residents. There’s lots in the pipeline to get excited about too, including basketball courts as part of Stage 2 of the Hawthorn Football Club site.
Residing in Mentone, I’m also involved in finding solutions to foreshore issues. Working as a team, we have added bins to the Bay Trail path, placed extra bins at the Life Saving Club and a temporary towable skip bin on the sand during the peak summer period to ensure our environment is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
All the best in 2025. Reach out if you need anything.
, SUP at Carrum Beach
FUN
13km of coast: picnic, swim or play
Dingley Village: Goanna Golf
Braeside: Garden World
Clayton Sth: UFO playground
Oakleigh Sth: Olympic Iceskating Centre
Mordialloc: Skateworld
Moorabbin: Twisted Science
Moorabbin Airport Museum
Heatherton: Activate by Hardrock
NATURE CALLS
Braeside: The Phar Lap Track
Dingley Village: Doggy Play Park
Aspendale: Seasoul Sauna
Heatherton: Karkarook Park
Chelsea: Bicentennial Park
Cheltenham: Jean Street Reserve
Edithvale: RAMSAR Wetlands
Clarinda: disc golf at Bald Hill
Aspendale Gardens: Yammerbook
Nature Reserve
local Family thrill
FLAVOUR
fix
Mordialloc: Bruno’s Chicken
Waterways: Nest Cafe
Mentone: Applehead Deli
Clayton Sth: 1985 Kafé
Mentone: Sunnyside Sliced
Highett: The Pocket
Braeside: Ivan’s Pies
Oakleigh Sth: King of the Roast
Carrum: The Kitchen Container
THIS! IS KINGSTON
Kingston is buzzing! Take a fresh look at those hidden gems in our local area. Rediscover our neighbourhoods and share your finds this.is.kingston
SHOP
Mentone: Hunter Markets
Dingley Village: Edwin Fox Furniture
Cheltenham: Bayside Rack Exchange
Mordialloc: Little Birdie Markets
Chelsea: The 5ifth Market
Moorabbin: Southside Collector
Parkdale: Hello Annie Boutique
Mordialloc: Lima and Co
Bonbeach: Farmers Market
MUSIC SCENE
Cheltenham: Naked Racer
Parkdale: Parkers Pavilion
Heatherton: Arcobar
Highett: Hawker Typhoon
Moorabbin: LOEV
Moorabbin: Lucky 13 Garage
Carrum: Beach Bar
Braeside: Boatrocker Brewery
Patterson Lakes: Beer & Wine Co
SEEKER
Moorabbin Airport: learn to fly
Cheltenham: Flow Climbing
Parkdale: kite boarding
Moorabbin: The Smash Room
Patterson Lakes: fishing charters
Mordialloc: Rooftop drinks
Moorabbin: PowerPlay go karts
Highett: Moorabbin Archery Club
Aspendale: social sailing
, Goanna Golf, Dingley Village
, Hunter Markets, Mentone
, Seasoul Saua, Aspendale
, LOEV, Moorabbin
, The Kitchen Container, Carrum
, Flow Climing, Cheltenham
SATURDAY 1, 11AM–10PM + SUNDAY 2 MARCH, 11AM–7PM
Getting to Mordi Fest
Walking, cycling or via public transport is the best way to get there.
Mordi Fest is a short walk from Mordialloc Train Station. Buses 705, 706, 708, 709, 811, 811/812, 812 and 903 all go to Mordialloc. Plan ahead: ptv.vic.gov.au
Food and drinks
Food trucks, licenced sites, pop-up restaurants and more! Wander the festival site and savour what’s on offer.
There will also be free water stations dotted throughout to keep you hydrated.
KILLING HEIDI
Two days of music, food and fun on Mordialloc foreshore.
Everyone’s favourite festival is a sensational collection of great bands, fabulous food and tasty beers and wines. We will also have an alcohol-free, family-friendly zone, fun rides and roving entertainers.
Over two nights on four stages, the best of live music will drift out over Port Phillip Bay.
Alex Lahey and Killing Heidi headline the main stage with The Belair Lip Bombs and Katy Steele as delightful supports.
Saturdays Pier Stage will have us straddling indie, pop and punk with Alex Lahey. This much loved, ARIA-nominated multiinstrumentalist, producer, and songwriter comes to you fresh off the plane from LA. Let’s give her the warmest welcome home.
Maisie, Mike, Jimmy and Dev –are four local friends that make up indie rock group, The Belair Lip Bombs – just home from a massive European tour.
THE BELAIR LIP BOMBS
Sunday’s headliner, Killing Heidi, are one of Australian music’s most remarkable success stories. Ella and Jesse Hooper were teenagers when they first stole our hearts. Like fine wine they’ve gotten better with time.
Savour a taste of the new album from one of the most undeniable voices in the country, Katy Steele. As lead singer for ARIA nominated Little Birdy, we witnessed her explosive talent. Let’s see what her exciting new chapter has in store.
Moorabbin Music + Arts
Back for its second year, this jam-packed community celebration runs from Friday 21 February to Sunday 23 February.
We have an eclectic line-up of some of Melbourne’s most talented creatives, including many local artists.
Enjoy live music, interactive installations, innovative arts and crafts, free family activities and food trucks.
COUNCILLORS
Cr Jane Agirtan
0499 770 391 I jane.agirtan@kingston.vic.gov.au
As your local independent, I’ve wasted no time rolling up my sleeves and getting busy assisting residents of Chicquita and the neighbouring wards. Following Oath of Office I was run off my feet with drainage issues, local laws enforcement, managing unsightly and dangerous premises, flooding, footpath repairs, securing increased lighting, improved parking signage, fresh landscaping and issues with trees.
My approach in life, in business and on Council will always be to listen to your concerns and needs, communicate in a clear and timely manner and problem solve – delivering outside the box solutions. As for back-to-basics approach, we have advocated for additional bins and increased foreshore cleaning and maintenance over Christmas and New Year period. Santa, Auntie Jane, my fellow Councillors and wonderful
Council staff have worked extra hard to deliver additional bins at Parkdale Bay Trail. Much to our excitement, each bin hub will be equipped with sensors indicating when bins are full.
Overall, it has been a busy yet rewarding few months and I look forward to meeting our sporting clubs, community and non-for-profit organisations and seeing how we can best collaborate and support them.
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year with sporting facilities at Kingston Heath Reserve getting a major makeover thanks to record grants secured by City of Kingston – we will be investing in women’s soccer facilities and hockey, with a few other exciting outdoor sporting projects in the works.
ART
Kingston Arts Centre galleries will be open 11am–4pm for people to explore the latest exhibitions, including Déjà vu by Mark Forbes and Noitsuahxe by Nahbananas.
FAMILY FUN
from 12pm
Play a plant-based musical instrument, enjoy magical theatre and find a new twist on the classic kaleidoscope. And there’s facepainting, of course.
LIVE MUSIC
Friday 21 February, 6pm
Local emerging musicians Tristan Heath and Harley Luscombe, DJ Glow and emerging R&B and soul artist Wild Gloriosa open the festival.
Saturday 22 February, 4–7pm
An evening of soul and funk from Harry James Angus (The Cat Empire), party band Fulton Street, and legendary 13-piece Grand WaZoo.
Sunday 23 February, 3pm
Explore the intersection between cultures through traditional music from award-winning Amaru Tribe.
PERFORMANCE
Sunday 23 February, 4–5pm
100 Local Voices
One hundred women from Kingston unite in harmony, lead by Danielle O’Keefe and her team of conductors.
Entry to the Arts Precinct area is free, some performances are ticketed. More at kingstonarts.com.au or call 9556 4440.
CHICQUITA WARD
Protecting our waterways
Every year an estimated 100 tonnes of sediment are prevented from entering the bay by our 197 raingardens.
Raingardens are vegetated areas that remove pollutants (including heavy metals and oils from our roads) from stormwater runoff by trapping litter, leaves, and sediment.
Renewal works are underway on these water-cleaning gardens, with 88 undergoing upgrades and the rest to be completed in the next few years.
We’re enhancing soil layers, flushing associated pipes and replanting with native plant species.
We are leaders in stormwater management with raingardens and integrated water strategies playing a crucial role in protecting the bay.
Our water planning and management have been recognised as among the best in Australia, winning a national award in 2024.
HELP US PREVENT WATERWAYS POLLUTION BY:
% putting leaves/grass clippings into green bins (not the roadside)
% washing your car on grass or gravel or at a carwash that recycles the water
% reducing pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser use
% directing rain runoff from paved areas into garden beds
% creating raingardens in your yard
% and having a rainwater tank connected to your toilets and for watering your gardening.
Learn more at kingston.vic.gov. au/environment/sustainability/ water-management
Native plant giveaway
We’re increasing tree cover and vegetation in Kingston and to help that we offer a free plant giveaway every Autumn. You can collect up to five free tube stock native plants per household. More at kingston.vic.gov.au/free-plants
Cr Chris Hill 0437 913 851 chris.hill@kingston.vic. gov.au
Thanks to everyone in Como Ward for your continued support, it’s great to be back again representing our Mentone, Cheltenham and Parkdale residents!
The next four years will no doubt be as busy as ever and I look forward to working together with my Councillor colleagues and our amazing staff, to continue to deliver the first-class projects and services that make Kingston such a great place to live.
We are so fortunate in Kingston to have so many incredible community groups and volunteers who give their time so generously, so to help us strengthen our volunteering programs and community-achievement celebrations, please take a moment to give us your feedback.
We really want to ensure these programs, including our Community Awards, Women of the Year Awards, Youth Awards and Sustainable Business Awards continue to recognise and celebrate the fantastic work of our volunteers, residents, workers and young people.
We’d love to hear from you, so look out for the upcoming consultation and you could even win a $200 voucher! Keep an eye on the Your Kingston Your Say page on our website kingston. vic.gov.au for this and other consultations – Have your say, it’s important!
Lastly, I’d like to wish you all a happy, healthy 2025 and I’ll look forward to chatting with many of you in the coming months.
Pictured above: Chelsea Heights resident Margaret has told our Horticultural Team she loves the gardens and their important environmental role.
Plenty of play on the way
Right across Kingston, we are continuing to upgrade playgrounds to ensure play spaces for all ages and abilities.
Play provides children with opportunities to build relationship, language and problem-solving skills, as well as learn what their bodies can do.
We’re excited to say, there are six new playgrounds coming soon, with another six in the planning stage and our younger community members are already discovering the joy of rejuvenated playgrounds at McDonald-Healy Reserve, Parkdale and Brownfield Street Reserve, Mordialloc.
PLANNING UNDERWAY!
» Doug Denyer Reserve, Mordialloc
» Gartside Reserve, Dingley Village
» Balcombe Road Reserve, Mentone
» Victory Park, Chelsea
» Carrum Foreshore, Carrum
» Keith Styles Reserve, Mentone
COMING SOON!
» Bourke and Patty Street Reserve, Mentone
» Judd Parade Reserve, Cheltenham
» Sheldon Place Reserve, Clayton South
» Meribah Court Reserve, Parkdale
» Glyn Court Reserve, Cheltenham
» Dowling Road Reserve, Oakleigh South
NOW OPEN!
» McDonald-Healy Reserve, Parkdale
» Brownfield Street Reserve, Mordialloc
Family-friendly Kingston
Across Kingston an array of programs and services are keeping our younger community members learning and playing.
Our libraries are, of course, a treasure trove of information, fun and connection for young people of all ages.
Try the online resources in the digital library, story times for the littler family members, including sensitive story time for children who prefer less noise and crowding and story times in AUSLAN.
The libraries have a whole program of children’s events, activities and competitions through the year. library.kingston.vic.gov.au
Kingston Arts has a great Youth Program and look out for theatre performances for the whole family. kingstonarts.com.au
Keep children entertained during the school holidays with our School Holiday Program which operates at Chelsea Primary School and Southmoor Primary School, Moorabbin. The program is packed full of fun activities, incursions and exciting excursions.
kingston.vic.gov.au/schoolholiday-program
From swim lessons to splashinggood watery play and our wellstaffed creche, Waves Leisure Centre is a safe family-friendly place for active fun.
kingstonactive.com.au
Did you know, we have a range of high-quality education, care and play-based childcare and kindergarten options to suit children from birth to five years of age.
We also offer family support services, immunisations, Maternal and Child Health services for newborns and parents.
Cr Hadi Saab 0437 885 142 hadi.saab@kingston.vic. gov.au
Hello everyone. I hope 2025 is shaping up well for you so far.
This new Council is a few months into our four-year term and there is plenty to be done in these challenging times. We will work hard as always to support this wonderful community, adding to and improving services, programs and infrastructure that sustain and grow a healthy, vibrant, multicultural community.
Prior to my re-election to Karkarook Ward, I spent a lot of time out in the community listening to individuals, families, community groups, volunteers, educators – people from all aspects of life – and I’ll continue to do that.
Community engagement has long been integral to our decisionmaking at Kingston, so please keep giving your feedback. Our webpage yourkingstonyoursay.com.au will keep you informed of our consultations.
Our Talking Kingston platform is also a great way to help make Kingston the best place to live, work and play. Submissions to the year-round platform feed into our budget process. Visit yourkingstonyoursay. com.au/talking-kingston
I love our community and am committed to championing the issues important to you. The energy and commitment we applied to the previous four-year Council term reaped wonderful results. I look forward to continuing working to deliver for you with this new Council team and I look forward to hearing from you about the things that matter in your neighbourhoods.
KARKAROOK WARD
Urban art trail to grow
Thousands of you turned out last year for our weekend-long Wall to Wall festival, launching an exciting street art trail in Mordi Village.
Since then it has been attracting street art lovers from all over Kingston and beyond. So, we’ve decided to add to it.
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Cr Tess Law
0429 278 769 tess.law@kingston.vic. gov.au
Happy New Year, Mordialloc/Parkdale!
It’s been an eventful summer in Melaleuca Ward, with exciting developments and community initiatives underway.
At the December Council meeting, I supported funding for several projects, including an accessible beach wheelchair for Mordialloc Life Saving Club, a playground upgrade at Mordialloc Neighbourhood House, and a kiteboarding event at Parkdale Yacht Club.
Walter Galt Pavilion is getting upgraded facilities and changerooms. Doug Denyer Reserve received part of a $750k Victorian Government grant for a new playground, with community feedback planned for 2025. Gerry Green Reserve will soon benefit from new sports lighting and upgraded netball storage, funded by the State Government.
The Mordialloc underpass saw around 1,000 daily users this summer, with nearly 3,000 on New Year’s Eve. I’ve asked for continued monitoring of its usage. We’ve asked the Australian Government for a shared user-path bridge across Nepean Highway to continue the path that runs along the train line all the from Cheltenham to Frankston.
I’m advocating for safer crossings at Warren Road near St John Vianney’s PS and footpath upgrades in Parkdale after LXRP works. Construction at the Mordi Aquatic Centre and Epsom Wetlands accessibility improvements continue.
We’ve enjoyed Mordialloc Summer Carnival, Parkdale Beachside Gift, and the First Nations Family Day at RSEA Park.
Upcoming Events:
Feb 22: Mordy Summer Music & Market
Feb 24: Public meeting on the community budget
Mar 1–2: Mordi Fest
Please get in touch with any queries.
Wall to Wall Festival 2025 is coming to Mordi Village the weekend of April 5 and 6. You can again watch the incredible street artists at work and enjoy great music, food and drinks.
Internationally renowned artists from the Juddy Roller collective will add more murals to the precint’s walls.
Local traders such as Urban Ground, Saint Felix Distillery, Le Studio Art Space & Gallery, BrightSide Art and Wildsoul Wellness will continue to support the ongoing transformation of Mordi Village.
Stay tuned for more.
kingston.vic.gov.au/wall-to-wall
MELALEUCA WARD
Family fun at
0484 605 156
kirralee.ashworth-collett@ kingston.vic.gov.au
We had a huge turnout for last year’s Pet Expo and we’d love to see you all again.
Our free and family-friendly event is for animal enthusiasts, pet owners and, of course, their four-legged friends. We’ll have pet competitions, kids’ activities, demonstrations, interactive talks – and opportunities to find out more about all the petrelated services we offer.
For Kingston pet owners we’ll have some fantastic goodie bags and competition prizes up for grabs. To go into the running for a great prize, simply visit us at Pet Expo and sign up to receive your annual pet registration renewal notice via email; or bring and pay your registration renewal notice.
You’ll have a chance to win:
• a $300 voucher to a local pet store
• a hamper filled with fantastic goodies for pets and humans
• 2 Gold Class movie vouchers.
SATURDAY 29 MARCH I 9am to 1pm Kingston Heath Reserve, Cheltenham
Thank you, Sandpiper Ward! It’s an incredible honour to be elected as your local councillor, and I want to express my gratitude for your trust and confidence in me. The past few months have been a whirlwind of learning and training in the exciting world of local government and I’ve been busy working with everyone at Kingston to tackle my long to-do list. I’ve really enjoyed meeting with local community leaders from Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, Edithvale Primary School, Chelsea Football Club, and Edithvale Public Golf Club. Hearing their insights and ideas firsthand has been invaluable. The Kingston Council Grants Program is open for applications. These grants provide a fantastic opportunity for local clubs and community groups to secure funding for projects that bring people together, improve our shared spaces, and make a real difference in our day-to-day lives. There’s more information on our website: kingston.vic.gov.au/community/ grants
You may have seen the recent update on the Rossdale Golf Course. This space is a valued community asset, and I’ll continue advocating for its importance. Environmental spaces like this are crucial for the benefit of future generations.
I’m looking forward to Mordi Fest, one of Kingston’s standout events! I can’t wait to enjoy this sensational festival of live music, food, and family fun — and hopefully see many of you there!
If we haven’t met yet, I look forward to crossing paths soon. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any ideas, or concerns, or just to say hello.
New toilet bins
We’ve recently updated our public toilets and those in Council buildings with bins for the co-disposal of sanitary, incontinence and nappy material. By supporting the Bins4Blokes campaign, we’re improving the inclusion and wellbeing of many residents and visitors.
Councillors were sworn in in November and we immediately set upon the tasks ahead of us.
Early resident requests in the Wattle Ward have already seen positive results. In conjunction with Cr Hadi Saab from Karkarook, new signage highlighting one direction of travel and pedestrian crossings has been approved to address safety and speed around Friendship Square, particularly turning left into Argus Street. Reducing speed is for VicRoads to assess.
Following another request, the Urban Forest team has removed trees on Nepean Highway between McFarlane Court and Rowans Rd, Highett which were too close to the intersection and will need to be removed.
Turning left from Henry Street onto Highett Rd will be easier, with the intersection line moving forward across Henry Street, improving visibility. Further down the Nepean Hwy in Cheltenham, Council has worked with the owner to remove a large vehicle. A number of other requests are currently being attended to also.
On the Saturday before Christmas, I was delighted to meet the three jolly singing elves, who appeared with Santa on Highett Road shopping precinct. It was a pleasure to meet locals and raise Councillor requests, as well as chat about how they would like to see Kingston improve.
I am looking forward to regular Meet n Greets. A huge thank you to local business owners Mohit and Manu for allowing me to meet with locals in front of their business.
I look forward to reading residents ideas on how to improve Kingston, in council.
Child safety program wins award
Educators from our Edithvale Family and Children’s Centre have won national recognition for a training package they developed.
Charlotte Hood and Gina Courtney picked up the Early Learning Association of Australia’s Organisation Innovation Award for creating practical tools and training sessions for educators which are now being shared across the sector. The training package – to support the safety and autonomy of children – was introduced to complement existing child safety standards and body safety programs.
Charlotte and Gina will present this year at the Child Australia Early Childhood Learning and Development Conference.
Did you know?
All three of Kingston Family and Children’s Centres – in Parkdale, Carrum and Edithvale – are ranked among the country’s best, with all rated as exceeding National Quality Standards.
Quality childcare wins national recognition
Kingston’s Family Day Care (FDC) service has been rated as Exceeding National Quality Standard.
The Assessment and Rating Report said FDC educators and coordinators’ drive to make a positive difference in the life of every child was evident through partnerships embedded across the scheme, including educators’ relationships with families, children, other educators and the leadership team.
Feedback also said ‘warm, caring relationships with children contributed to a welcoming and inclusive environment in each residence’.
Educators’ continual work to understand the diverse cultures of families and children within the service was also praised.
Family Day Care has 30 educators offering education and care in the educators’ homes to over 200 families across Kingston.
Charlotte Hood and Gina Courtney from our Edithvale Family and Children’s Centre.
Social links and volunteerdelivered meals
Did you know our AccessCare team offers a Social Links program for those aged 65 and over?
The program matches people with a dedicated volunteer to spend quality time together. This could include going for lunch or a walk, attending a class at the local community centre, or simply having a cup of tea and a chat at home.
AccessCare also offers a delivered meals service, so those with mobility
or health issues that make cooking difficult can still have nutritious food. Volunteers delivering meals also give valuable social connection and emotional support.
If you know someone who could benefit from AccessCare services, or you’d like to volunteer, call AccessCare on 1300 819 200.
Community connection
Welcoming, versatile spaces across Kingston are hives of activity, fun and learning.
Our hubs, neighbourhood houses and community centres are there for you to use in so many ways.
They are central to our neighbourhoods, offering opportunities to meet new people, build friendships and learn new skills. 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.
Cr Sarah O’Donnell
0499 770 523
sarah.odonnell@kingston. vic.gov.au
It’s an absolute honour to be elected as your Ward Councillor for Yammerbook. This election has seen some big changes to Kingston Council and I look forward to working with Kingston residents over the next four years.
Summer is here and the weather has been amazing, we have had many fantastic beach days. Christmas and New Year celebrations saw so many families enjoying our beaches. With this comes excess rubbish to our beaches. Councillors are currently monitoring and working together to resolve waste management issues on our beaches.
It was great to attend the AGRA Community Day in November, so much fun and the weather didn’t deter so many locals from attending. Waterways Residents Association held their Christmas Festival – heaps of fun activities for families. I loved seeing the canoes and kayaks on the lake.
The Victorian Planning Minister has acknowledged our planned environmental assessment of Rossdale Golf Course. Experts have been engaged to undertake the assessment to examine the significant environmental values of the golf course. As Council is the relevant planning authority, we will continue to engage with the club and recognise the significant local community interest and concern. Thank you for your feedback and concerns, we will keep you informed. Level crossing removal will be underway in Aspendale North and Mordialloc very soon. I have spoken with many residents regarding this project and will continue to advocate on behalf of all residents.
Enjoy the remains of the warm weather and stay safe.
AUTUMN 2025 What’s On
MARCH
SUNDAY 2
COLOURS OF CULTURE
11am Druze Community Centre 256 Hutton Road, Keysborough
A family festival with rides, market stalls, food and performances.
Visit: druzevictoria.org.au
THURSDAY 6
ARTZ BLITZ
6pm Kingston City Hall, Moorabbin
Celebrate the prize winners of this fun competition which is a race against the clock.
Free
Details: kingstonarts.com.au
Celebrate
MONDAY 17
BILINGUAL STORY TIME (SPANISH)
11–11.30am
Cheltenham Library, 12 Stanley Avenue, Cheltenham
AUTHOR TALK WITH DAIZY MANN
6.30–7.30pm Cheltenham Library, 12 Stanley Avenue, Cheltenham
TUESDAY 18
BOLLYWOOD INFUSION
10.30am–12pm Clarinda Community Centre, 58B Viney Street, Clarinda
FRIDAY 14
COMEDY AT SHIRLEY
7.30pm
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale
An unforgettable evening of gutbusting humour, from Annie Louey, Tony Martin and Jude Perl.
Full $30
Concession $25
Groups 4+ $25
Book: kingstonarts.com.au
MONDAY 24
ENERGY SMART LIVING
6.30–7.30pm
Parkdale Library, 96 Parkers Rd, Parkdale
Tom Curtis and James William of Australian Energy Assessments talk about boosting home energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability.
APRIL
MONDAY 14
EUROVISION EXPERT
JULIE KALMAN
6.30–7.30pm
Parkdale Library, 96 Parkers Rd, Parkdale
Prof. Julie Kalman, a historian at Monash University, on the cultural and political impact of the Eurovision Song Contest.
WEDNESDAY 16
DINOSAUR TIME MACHINE 11am–1pm
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale
Exciting young audiences with up-to-date science and discoveries about dinosaurs.
Full $20 I Concession $20 I Groups 4+ $15
Book: kingstonarts.com.au
CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK
CREATIVE DANCE –POLYNESIAN SPECIAL 4–5pm Westall Community Hub, 35 Fairbank Avenue, Clayton South
WEDNESDAY 19
KIDS ART CLASS – EXPRESS YOUR CULTURE
4.15–5.15pm Westall Community Hub, 35 Fairbank Avenue, Clayton South
THURSDAY 20
BILINGUAL STORY TIME (INDONESIAN) 11–11.30am
Westall Library, 35 Fairbank Road, Clayton South
MOVIE – IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
12.30–3pm (light refreshments at 12.30pm) Chelsea Activity Hub, 3–5 Showers Ave, Chelsea
FRIDAY 21
FRIDAY FRIENDSHIP GROUP & CULTURAL CELEBRATION 10am–12pm Westall Community Hub, 35 Fairbank Avenue, Clayton South
MAY
SATURDAY 24
KING CON! 10am–4pm
Cheltenham Library, 12 Stanley Ave, Cheltenham
Comics, pop culture, and fun! Guest authors, Artist Alley, cosplay, gaming, LEGO, and more. Perfect for all ages.
Artisans, makers and plenty of family fun at Little Birdie Market, George Wood Reserve, Mordialloc (littlebirdiemarketing.com.au) and Mentone Heritage Station Arts & Craft (mordiallocrotary. org.au) Market. Food and more at Kingston Farmers Market, Cheltenham (kingston.vic.gov. au), Dingley Farmers Market (dvnc.com.au/farmersmarket) and Bonbeach Farmers Market (bonbeachfarmersmarket. weebly.com)
SUNDAY 23
FLAGS OF THE WORLD: GUESS & CELEBRATE 3–5pm Platform 81, 81 Albert Street, Mordialloc 17–23
LIVE AT KINGSTON CITY HALL: SUNDAY SOUNDS – GLOBAL SOUNDS 2–6pm
