KINGSTON Your City AUTUMN 2022
kingston.vic.gov.au
PAGE 6
Back to School in Kingston PAGE 8
Local events in 2022
NEWS
CONTACT US kingston.vic.gov.au cityofkingston kingstoncc kingstoncouncil kingstoncitycouncil info@kingston.vic.gov.au PO Box 1000, Mentone, 3194 Bunurong Country CUSTOMER CARE 1300 653 356 COUNCIL MEETINGS
Charge your electric vehicle while out and about
in Kingston
Kingston will soon boast several new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, thanks to Council investment and Victorian Government grant funding. Powered by renewable energy and offering multiple plugs for different electric vehicle types, the first charging station provided by Evie can be found in the car park behind Woolworths, on Bath Street in Chelsea.
These stations will provide important charging pit-stops for anyone enjoying a coastal drive along Nepean Highway and are a short detour from EastLink and the Mordialloc Freeway. Transport currently makes up 17 percent of Kingston’s carbon emissions. Sustainable transport will play an important role in reducing emissions over the next decade. We hope more public charging stations will help future car buyers make the move to electric or hybrid vehicles.
The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Monday 28 March, Tuesday 26 April and Monday 23 May at 7pm. The next Planning Committee Meetings will be held on Wednesday 23 March and Wednesday 20 April.
A second public station will soon be added at Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc, thanks to the Victorian Government’s $5 million Destination Charging Across Victoria (DCAV) program.
WATCH LIVE
City Assets & Environment General Manager Samantha Krull and Mayor Steve Staikos at the new EV charging station in Chelsea.
View our Council Meetings live at stream.kingston.vic.gov.au You can also access earlier meetings you may have missed. 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
Crossing supervisor Jodie assists Westall Primary School students as they cross the road on their way to school. Read on to find out more about the variety of services Council provides to assist all-ages of education in our ‘back to school’ special, featured in this edition.
Grant applications closing soon Submissions close in March for Kingston’s annual Community Grants and Kingston Charitable Fund Grant submissions. Annual Grants Last year local social welfare groups, schools, theatres and sporting clubs shared in over $1.6 million to continue their great work thanks to Kingston’s annual community grants program.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online before midnight Thursday 31 March. For more information, or to apply, visit kingston.vic.gov.au/grants Charitable Fund Grants Since 2007 the Kingston Charitable Fund has been awarding grants to charities that help local Kingston residents. The 2022 Grants Program is open until 5pm Friday 18 March. Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/KCF for information on how to apply.
NEWS
Supporting our community to take climate action Kingston is launching its ambitious Climate and Ecological Emergency Response Plan to encourage residents and businesses to pledge climate actions they are willing to commit to, to help Kingston reach net zero emissions by 2030. The Climate and Ecological Emergency Response Plan focuses on six priority areas, identified in consultation with the community, which can have the biggest impact on reducing emissions in the shortest amount of time. These are:
Our targets are: • Net zero Council emissions by 2025 • Support the community to reduce emissions by 40% by 2025 • Net zero community emissions by 2030. Those who make a pledge to be involved will be kept up-to-date on Council and community progress towards reaching our goals. Supporting businesses to reduce energy use Small businesses may be eligible to receive up to $2000 on energy upgrades as part of a joint initiative between Council and the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA).
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER! Council is joining the community in making a pledge. Among our many commitments we will: • Reduce Council’s fleet of petrol vehicles • Expand our electric vehicle charging network
OptiKA This year’s OptiKA Photography Competition theme is 'Focus on 2030': designed to inspire and support our path to a zero emissions future. Prizes of up to $4,000 are available to be won. Find out more at kingstonarts.com.au
The Small Business Energy Saver Program helps businesses to save on future energy bills. This program is made possible through Victorian Energy Upgrade funding. Visit seccca.org.au for more information.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: You can make a pledge to reduce your emissions. Simple actions like catching a train to work and using green bins for organic waste all help to make a difference. Scan the QR or visit yourkingstonyoursay.com. au/netzero2030
• Protect and expand Kingston’s urban forest • Install solar panels on suitable Council buildings • Continue to purchase renewable energy for Council buildings and street lights and much more.
Did you know? You can build your skills and knowledge in sustainable living by attending one of Council's upcoming community events! Check the What’s On guide on our back page, or visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ sustainabilityworkshops for more info. kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 3
NEWS
Kingston’s Award Winners 2022 Kingston Citizen of the Year Ted Gibbs
A tireless volunteer who has incredibly been serving the local community since the late 1930’s has been named Citizen of the Year in the City of Kingston’s 2022 Awards. Ted Gibbs devotes his time to the St Augustine’s (Mentone) and St David’s (Moorabbin) Anglican Churches. He has acted as the district chairman of the Salvation Army for over 20 years, was President of the 8th South Moorabbin Scouts and was President of the Advisory Committee at Moorabbin High School. Ted was also a co-founder of the Mentone Women’s Refuge, the inaugural President of the City of Kingston Interfaith Network, and previously served as the President of the Kingston for Human Rights Committee – he is currently Treasurer of this committee. Congratulations to Ted, whose numerous roles include dressing as Santa to distribute gifts in the church playgroups every year.
2022 Kingston Outstanding Citizen of the Year | Robyn Cochrane The extraordinary support Robyn Cochrane has provided to Kingston community organisations over the past 25 years was recognised with the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.
which supports young people to find alternate pathways; volunteered with local footy, netball and cricket clubs and Highett Preschool; and coached basketball.
Robyn has served as chair of the Highett Bendigo Bank for 13 years, achieving substantial growth in the community grants program and the funding of a community outreach officer at the branch.
A driving force behind the Higher Ground and Livingston Street Festival events, Robyn also extended her work to the running of the ‘Hullo Neighbour’ campaign that focused on helping isolated people in the Highett community during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
She has also served as Secretary of the Bayside Glen Eira Kingston Local Learning Education Network 2022 Community Group of the Year | Pets of the Homeless Australia Pets of the Homeless was established in 2015 by Yvonne Hong after she recognised the lack of resources for pet owners who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Page 4 | Kingston Your City - Autumn 2022
Pets of the Homeless Australia provides food, veterinary care and other support to the pets of people experiencing or facing homelessness. They believe in keeping pets and humans together through difficult times.
Extra collections being considered We’re hoping to modernise our hard waste collection service to suit the community’s needs and lower instances of illegally dumped rubbish in Kingston. With the proposed hard waste service upgrade, Kingston would replace our annual city-wide collection in September/October, with a more flexible option where you would get two hard waste pickups a year, at a time of your choosing. The hard waste disposal guidelines would stay the same – you would have the same service, with more booking flexibility. Thank you to all in the Kingston community who took the time to share your thoughts on a hard waste service upgrade. We are going through the responses now
and will share the news of whether we will be going forward with the proposed upgrade soon (and what that change might look like for you). For more information about Hard Waste Collections and how to book a pickup visit kingston.vic.gov.au/hardwaste or call 1300 653 356.
Suburban Rail Loop Thanks to the 180+ people who contributed feedback to Council’s draft concept designs to advocate for the best outcome for the Suburban Rail Loop projects, planned for the Sir William Fry Reserve in Highett and at the proposed train stabling yard in Heatherton. Council has taken on board your feedback, which was included in our submission to the Environmenal Effects Statement process on the proposed Suburban Rail Loop. Our Vision Sir William Fry Reserve:
HAVE YOUR SAY Share your thoughts on every consultation we run in Kingston yourkingstonyoursay.com.au
• Integrate parkland to retain views and green space • Better pedestrian connections • Improve bus connections • Include additional station entries & underground connection to Southland • Create more open spaces • New skate park, open space, reshaped lake, trees, paths, dog park and BBQs
We're one step closer to delivering a new Aquatic and Leisure Centre Thanks to everyone who attended and provided feedback at our recent community information sessions. We've undertaken an extensive site assessment process and there's been some exciting developments in the last few months. We are now a step closer to delivering Kingston's new districtlevel aquatic and leisure facility. Find out more and join us on this journey. Scan the QR code or visit kingston.vic.gov.au/newcentre for more information.
Heatherton Stabling Yards:
Nina is our local 'Best Friend' Congratulations to the local recipient of the Victorian Environmental Friends Network’s Best Friend Award, Nina Earl. Nina received the prestigious award at Victorian Landcare Awards Ceremony in November 2021. A member of the Friends of Bradshaw Bushland Reserve (FoBBR) since 1999, Nina was recognised for her longstanding commitment to improving environmental outcomes through volunteer work, advocacy and education. To join a local Friends’ Group, visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ friendsofparks
Council opposes the Delta site being used for a train stabling yard. Instead of the long-awaited Chain of Parks. However, if the project proceeds steps should be taken to minimise the negative impact on nearby homes and our Green Wedge. This could be achieved by building green roofs over the train line and maintenance yard to create attractive visual barriers and making one of these (the maintenance yard roof) accessible public open space. We also want to: • create a wetlands area in the north-east of the site for water management Find out more about this project at kingston.vic.gov.au under ‘latest news’.
kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 5
EDUCATION
Back to school Kingston runs a number of services to support local schools, families and children.
One of the first friendly faces to greet your child upon their return to school will be a Crossing Supervisor. Kingston runs 83 crossings within the municipality every weekday during the school term, from 8am to 9am, and from 3pm to 4pm. Kingston’s Before and After School Program provides plenty of activities, games and social opportunities to entertain the kids! With a great mix of structured activities and time to relax, the program runs at five local schools and is designed to provide a safe environment for your child with full supervision from our caring, fully trained staff.
In order to support safe travel for students of all ages, Council and local schools will team up again in 2022 to promote traffic safety.
We also run School Holiday Programs at Southmoor and Chelsea Primary Schools - and child care subsidies are available to assist families with the costs. Keep an eye on our website a month or two ahead of holidays, to check out our fun activities and excursions.
Our Place The Our Place Partnership at Westall Community Hub is now well underway as construction commences for the new hub link connecting Westall Primary School to the Hub. Our Place is a place-based approach to supporting the education, health and development of children using Page 6 | Kingston Your City - Autumn 2022
Road Safety programs include, ‘Preschool Education’ (for three and four-year-olds), ‘Safe Routes to School’ and ‘Kiss and Go’ (for primary school students), the ‘Active Youth’ program (for secondary school students) and ‘Looking after our mates’ (which is targeted at Year 12 students). For more information on these and other community road safety programs visit kingston.vic.gov. au/roadsafety
the universal platform of a school. The Our Place team collaborated with the school, kindergarten, Kingston Council and other stakeholders to make the Westall Community Hub the central place for learning and support services. The new single entrance will make it easier for our community to access what they need. The Our Place team overseeing the project.
There are many programs in Kingston designed with teens in mind. The Universal Magazine Committee is a crew of creative and passionate young people who develop four print-based editions of the youth magazine 'Universal' each year.
For those musically inclined, the FReeZA Committee supports and promotes the talents of local young musicians. It runs a variety of music, cultural and recreational events for young people within Kingston. In other youth news, Youth Services’ HQ Platform 81 in Mordialloc will get its long-awaited official opening this autumn! The Kingston Youth Services team works with young people offering help accessing information, support and referrals on a range of issues affecting young people. For more information including free counselling, visit kingstonyouth. org.au or, contact the Youth Team on 1300 369 436 or email youth. services@kingston.vic.gov.au
Junior Mayor and Junior Council Each year, Kingston elects a Junior Mayor and Junior Council. This exciting program aims to educate young people about how local government works and encourages them to engage in the community. The program is offered to grade six students at local primary schools. The Junior Mayor is elected by peers following speeches by selected students from each school.
Another group is Queer In Kingston, which is a free, confidential, weekly social support group for young people aged 12-17 years who may identify as same-sex attracted, gender diverse or questioning their sexuality and gender.
Our current Junior Mayor, Amelia Holko.
kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 7
CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY We are crossing our fingers and toes that no more lockdowns are needed, as 2022 looks set to bring us a full year of events for the community to enjoy in Kingston.
Page 8 | Kingston Your City - Autumn 2022
EVENTS
MORDI MOVIES Enjoy an outdoor cinema experience this March at Mordi Movies! There will be both matinee and evening sessions available, with a selection of family-fun movies to choose from. We’re proud to partner with Melbourne Queer Film Festival on opening night – starting with an evening session on Thursday 10 March. We look forward to bringing you five days of films, food trucks and fun – with appearances from roving entertainment and local performers. Tickets are just $5 and can be redeemed for treats at the Candy Bar – with proceeds going to the Kingston Charitable Fund.
mordi MOVIES
IRONMAN 70.3 IRONMAN 70.3 is coming to Melbourne on Sunday 20 March! The clockwise course will take cyclists south along the coast of Port Phillip Bay, before turning around just prior to the Mordialloc Life Saving Club. ironman.com/ im703-melbourne
Date: Thursday 10 - Monday 14 March Location: Peter Scullin Reserve, Mordialloc kingston.vic.gov.au/mordimovies
PET EXPO Kingston’s annual much-loved Pet Expo is back! Animal enthusiasts, pet owners and their four-legged friends are invited to join us for a day of pet competitions, kids’ activities, demonstrations, and interactive talks.
GNOME AND FAIRY FESTIVAL Mordialloc Rotary’s Gnome and Fairy Festival will be back at George Woods Reserve in Mordialloc on Sunday 20 March! Recipients of a $4,000 Community Grant in 2021, this is a fun-filled event for the whole family. Dress up and join the flitting fairies and curious gnomes for a day of amusement rides, great prizes and cuddly farm animals. Details at mordiallocrotary.org.au
Date: Saturday 2 April Location: Kingston Heath Reserve, Cheltenham kingston.vic.gov.au/pet-expo
SPRING FAIR
CHRISTMAS IN KINGSTON
This free, one-day event will offer an array of family-friendly activities, giant games, sports workshops and live entertainment. Amongst the action, there will also be several stalls where visitors can find out information about what’s on offer from services across the community.
Keep your Christmas calendar free for the return of Carols by Kingston! Our festive community event will have plenty on offer with fantastic performers, food trucks, amusement rides and a visit from Santa. We’ll also be spreading the cheer during the festive period, with more details to come.
Date: Saturday 22 October
Date: Sunday 11 December
Location: Keeley Park, Clayton South
Location: Bicentennial Park, Chelsea
EISTEDDFOD BY THE BAY The 67th annual Eisteddfod by the Bay will be held at Kingston City Hall and Kingston Arts Centre in May, June, August and September this year. It offers young and talented actors, singers and musicians the chance to perform for an audience in a professional space, assisting them in their performing arts journeys. Sponsored by the City of Kingston. eisteddfodbythebay.com.au
kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 9
COMMUNITY
Off-leash fun for dogs at Roy Dore Reserve The off-leash dog park at Roy Dore Reserve in Carrum has been significantly upgraded, offering dogs a variety of surfaces to interact with, including grass, granitic gravel and mulch, and ‘nature play’ activity areas featuring logs and boulders.
PLEASE REMEMBER When dogs are off-leash they must remain in sight and under effective voice or hand control at all times. Be sure to carry a leash and litter removal device and keep your dog under effective control near any occupied sportsgrounds, playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas or organised events.
Council was awarded funding for the upgrade as part of the State Government’s Local Parks Program. Did you know Kingston has more than 30 off-leash dog parks? Find one near you at kingston.vic.gov.au/offleash
Winter foreshore restrictions are coming into effect Kingston’s foreshore regulations vary by location, with different access hours for dogs at Kingston's various beaches. From 1 April - 31 October inclusive: • 24-hour off-leash play Residents can take their dogs to the Mentone foreshore (Charman Rd to Plummer Rd) or Carrum foreshore (Southern end of Old Post Office Lane car park to Osprey Lane) for 24hr off-leash play • Dogs not allowed Dogs are not allowed on the Mordialloc foreshore (between the end of Bay St and Mordialloc Creek) • Limited off-leash play In all other foreshore areas, dogs are permitted off-leash before 11am and after 3pm.
Annual pet registration reminder Don’t forget, annual pet registrations are due in April.
Cr Tim Cochrane on the Parkdale foreshore with good boy Charlie.
If you recently purchased a dog or cat and your pet is three months or older, they must be microchipped and de-sexed when they are registered. Micro-chipping and registering your pet is the best way to ensure you are reunited if they are lost or run away. Page 10 | Kingston Your City - Autumn 2022
Pet registration fees also fund off-leash dog parks and dog exercise equipment, education programs for the community and services to deal with nuisance problems like barking dogs, cat trespass and abandoned animals. Find out more at kingston.vic.gov.au/pets
Enjoy the great outdoors in Kingston Kingston offers a variety of ways for residents to get involved in enhancing our natural environment, from developing wildlife-friendly habitat gardens at home or in the community, to nurturing local flora via working bees at parks, reserves and foreshore areas. Gardens for Wildlife Gardens for Wildlife is a free program that encourages and supports residents to develop wildlife-friendly habitat in their gardens. Whether you have a large established garden or a small balcony, there are many ways you can enhance your space and provide shelter, nesting habitat and food sources for native wildlife. The Kingston Gardens for Wildlife program offers: • Free garden assessments where you can receive tailored advice about what to plant and how to add habitat elements
Patterson Lakes Community Centre Saturday 19 March | 10am-12.30pm Melaleuca Activity Hub, Clarinda Saturday 2 April | 10am-12.30pm Community planting day A fun community planting day. All ages welcome. Patterson Lakes Community Centre Saturday 7 May | 10am-12.30pm Melaleuca Activity Hub, Clarinda Saturday 7 May | 10am-12.30pm Book a garden assessment or register for upcoming events at kingston.vic.gov.au/g4w
You may wish to join us at one of our upcoming events:
Help design our native gardens at Patterson Lakes Community Centre and Melaleuca Activity Hub, and learn tips and tricks to use when designing your own native habitat garden.
Join a volunteer working bee at a park, reserve or beach near you for an enjoyable day out in the great outdoors. You can meet people in your community while making a positive difference to the environment. Volunteer events are held throughout the year including:
• Mordialloc Catchment (activities are undertaken at Mordialloc Creek Reserve, Yammerbook Nature Reserve & Epsom Grassland & Wetland)
Native plant species for your wildlife garden
Community native habitat gardens - design and planning
Working Bees
• Kingston Heath Reserve, Heatherton
• Volunteer opportunities.
Melaleuca Activity Hub, Clarinda Thursday 10 March 5.30pm-6.30pm
Volunteer
• Bradshaw Bushland Reserve, Mordialloc
• Educational workshops
Author, horticulturist and conservationist AB Bishop will show examples of native plants and discuss their role in supporting wildlife.
Don’t forget Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday 6 March this year. Find out which sites in Kingston are hosting activities or check out other sites at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
Are you planting a tree? Watering your garden with captured rainwater? These are just a couple of the ways you can help Kingston reach net zero emissions by 2030! Pledge your commitment to these actions and more, and stay up-to-date on how our community is progressing towards this important goal at yourkingstonyoursay. com.au/net-zero-2030
• The Grange Reserve, Clayton South • Rowans Woodland, Dingley Village • Aspendale Foreshore, Aspendale • Carrum Foreshore • Bonbeach and Chelsea Foreshore View dates and meeting points for each venue at kingston.vic. gov.au/friendsofparks
kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 11
Ward News
Bunjil Ward | Karkarook Ward
Celebrating the arts in Kingston We want to redevelop the Kingston City Hall into a destination for large-scale live music, theatre, community events and functions.
A redeveloped Kingston City Hall would also serve as a better home for our mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ - a rare and amazing instrument
featuring around 1500 pipes and 20 percussive instruments to replicate an entire orchestra.
We’re calling on all state and federal election candidates to match our $5 million commitment to deliver a regional-level arts precinct that supports Victoria’s creative community while also creating a heart for the cultural and civic needs in Melbourne’s south east. Mayor Steve Staikos and Cr Hadi Saab with organist Scott Harrison. Harrison celebrates his 35th anniversary playing the Wurlitzer organ this year.
CR STEVE STAIKOS
CR HADI SAAB
0447 896 643 steve.staikos@kingston.vic.gov.au
0437 885 142 hadi.saab@kingston.vic.gov.au
As you would be aware, 2022 is a state and federal election year. In this edition of Kingston Your City, Council is getting our city’s important advocacy work underway, in a bid to secure much-needed funding for many important projects in Kingston. These priorities include the delivery of the Sandbelt Open Space Project – Chain of Parks plan, our brand-new aquatic and wellness facility to replace Don Tatnell, a revamp of the Kingston City Hall to transform it into a centre for performing arts and the delivery of a project to bring recycled water to the market gardens, sporting precincts and golf courses across the city. As your Bunjil Ward Councillor, I am focused on the delivery of the Namatjira Park Master Plan. Recently endorsed by Council, this Master Plan aims to deliver improved sporting facilities, a modern pavilion, cricket, gridiron, soccer and bowls facilities, play spaces, skate park, public tennis/ futsal/basketball courts and support the natural habitat of Namatjira Park for future generations to enjoy. Kingston has experienced population growth in recent years. There is a greater demand for playing fields, change rooms, playgrounds, walking trails, cycling paths and other public facilities to support the community. The draft program plans for construction to commence in 2023-24 but a commitment to funding from the state government is needed. Council has committed $7.3 million to the delivery of this project and calls on the Victorian Government - and any state election candidates - to pledge $5 million to make this happen.
The Kingston City Hall redevelopment project (featured in the article above), sits in the Karkarook Ward, but would bring benefits to the entire region. By creating a regional-level arts and events facility, we would create opportunities for musicians, actors, artists, event organisers, hospitality businesses and other creatives in the south east region to have their talents showcased. Given these flow-on benefits this would bring to the south east, this project has attracted the support of our neighbouring councils in Glen Eira and Bayside. I hope that this project attracts the funding it deserves: and federal and state candidates all make a pre-election commitment of $5 million. I would also like to see a $2 million Victorian Government commitment to fund the redevelopment of Le Page Park. The Master Plan created for this local site includes dedicated tennis courts and multi-purpose tennis/netball courts with a focus on supporting community members and visitors of all abilities, and a range of ancillary park upgrades. This work is vital as there is currently a shortfall of accessible sporting options in the region - and providing suitable netball and tennis courts would go some way to fill that gap. There has also been a growing demand for sport and recreation in Kingston, which is coupled by population growth in the area. If the $2 million in funding is committed, we aim to commence the draft program for construction in 2023-24.
Page 12 | Kingston Your City - Autumn 2022
City of Kingston Wards! OAKLEIGH SOUTH
CLAYTON SOUTH
Bunjil Ward MOORABBIN CLARINDA
Karkarook Ward HIGHETT
Caruana Ward HEATHERTON
Wattle Ward CHELTENHAM
Chicquita Ward
MENTONE
MOORABBIN AIRPORT
DINGLEY VILLAGE
Como Ward Melaleuca Ward PARKDALE
BRAESIDE MORDIALLOC
Yammerbook Ward
WATERWAYS ASPENDALE GARDENS ASPENDALE
Sandpiper Ward EDITHVALE CHELSEA HEIGHTS
CHELSEA
Longbeach Ward
BONBEACH
Banksia Ward CARRUM
PATTERSON LAKES
For detailed maps of your ward see kingston.vic.gov.au/wards
Ward News
Chicquita Ward | Yammerbook Ward | Caruana Ward
CR TRACEY DAVIES
CR TAMSIN BEARSLEY
CR GEORGE HUA
0438 108 611 tracey.davies@kingston.vic.gov.au
0430 170 210 tamsin.bearsley@kingston.vic.gov.au
0429 171 449 george.hua@kingston.vic.gov.au
We’ve been advised that there needs to be at least one hockey pitch for every 40,000 people to adequately provide access to our local community. There is currently a shortfall in Kingston. To meet current and future needs, there is a significant need for the creation of an additional hockey pitch within Kingston and the broader south eastern area of Melbourne. We’re happy to pledge $2.05 million to make this happen. We call on the Victorian Government incumbent and state election candidates to commit $1 million for the development of a new pitch at Kingston Heath Reserve. This site, in my ward, was chosen after an extensive site selection process. Council considered the suitability of eight sites within Kingston to accommodate additional hockey facilities. This process identified Kingston Heath as the preferred location for the development of an additional hockey pitch. The site presents the opportunity to re-purpose existing sporting fields from baseball to hockey use whilst having minimal impact on the current other uses at the Reserve. But it won’t mean that baseball is being short-changed. Modifications can also be made to the sporting field areas to relocate and consolidate baseball facilities to maintain baseball and other sporting uses e.g. cricket activity. This is a great opportunity to improve facilities at Kingston Heath and offer more to users of the park. If we secure the funding needed for this project, the draft program plans for construction to commence in 2023-24.
I would like to see the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning commit to the creation of a new Master Plan for the Mordialloc Creek. The previous Master Plan ‘Pride of the Bay’, is now out of date, and does not respond to the significant changes we’ve seen in the area, since it was published. DELWP is currently assessing all assets along the creek to inform future management and asset renewal and we want them to go one step further, and create a Master Plan which outlines their vision and the controls that they will put on Mordialloc Creek. I would also like to advocate for the extension of the wetlands to reduce the silt building up in the creek The development of a Master Plan should include community consultation and input from key stakeholders. It should also ensure current and future strategic planning will meet the substantial growth Mordialloc is experiencing. I understand the scale of this request, but this natural asset is too important to leave unprotected. As a teacher and a councillor, I would also love to see more collaboration between local schools and Council to develop art installations in parks and public spaces. There have been some lovely examples of this type of collaboration working, such as the mosaic BBQ tiles by St Andrews Primary School, in Namatjira park. And the stencil art created and installed by students from Kilbreda College, ahead of the delivery of the new Mentone Piazza.
Despite the many challenges experienced by our community members, it has been an exciting 12 months for projects in the Caruana Ward, with a significant number of important works either nearing completion or underway: from Chadwick Reserve to the Dingley Village Library, Dingley Recreation Reserve works and the development of the new community facility and oval at the Hawks’ site on Tootal Road. Seeing the Mordialloc Freeway opening up has vastly improved travel times for many community members in Clayton South and Dingley Village. However, there is still a long way to go to get this project right. We are calling on the Victorian Government to complete this job and extend Westall Road from Dandenong Road to the M1 to create a seamless connection with the new Mordialloc Freeway. This is an imperative next step to futureproofing access through the region, and keeping thoroughfare and congestion off suburban roads. I would also like to see a $2 million commitment pledged from state government candidates, to the delivery of the Dingley Village Community Precinct project. This precinct is being developed to better meet the needs of our current and future Dingley Community. Stage two will progress the vision of an intergenerational community hub through the creation of an Early Years Hub and additional community meeting space. The draft program plans for construction to commence in the next financial year (2022-2023).
Recycled water for our Green Wedge Council with South East Water have proposed a ‘purple pipeline’ that will save thousands of litres of valuable drinking water, while providing a costeffective water source for the area’s growers and parklands. Businesses in Kingston’s Green Wedge currently use a mix of drinking water and storm water, but with increasing demand and changes to our climate, water is a scarce and expensive resource. The market gardens, nurseries, golf courses, parkland and sports fields all require water to thrive.
Council would like to see an investment made into building a new pipeline to provide recycled water to Kingston’s Green Wedge.
Council has committed funding towards the project and is looking to the Victoria Government to support the project’s delivery.
Cr Tracey Davies meets with Kingston Heath Golf Club’s General Manager Andrew Taylor to discuss the purple pipeline.
kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 13
Ward News
Banksia Ward | Sandpiper Ward | Longbeach Ward
A bigger, better, sporting precinct for Bonbeach We want the Victorian Government to partner with us to deliver a $14.5 million project at the Bonbeach Sports Reserve.
We hope to future-proof the site and provide long-term opportunities for young players.
Our plans can be viewed at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/ bonbeachmp
This important site houses the Bonbeach YCW’s junior football, cricket and netball programs for 1300 members and the St Brigid’s/St Louis Cricket Club, which has a 45-year association with Bonbeach. After talking to our community, we hope to deliver a new pavilion, car park, a multipurpose training station, fitness equipment and major upgrades to Oval 5. Cr David Eden and Cr Georgina Oxley at the Bonbeach Sports Reserve.
CR CAMERON HOWE
CR DAVID EDEN
CR GEORGINA OXLEY
0429 498 028 cameron.howe@kingston.vic.gov.au
0422 557 917 david.eden@kingston.vic.gov.au
0429 222 504 georgina.oxley@kingston.vic.gov.au
Please note: the following article includes references to trauma and suicide.
People enter politics for different reasons. After violence and trauma culminated in chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I turned to the community, helping other people to help myself with my media skillset to campaign for local and regionally significant projects. An unconscious emergency department visit, light coma, frequent overdoses, near misses with vehicles and other events dogged this suicidal period. News Corp reported in 2020, I had led several of the region’s largest projects and later almost half of the electorate supported my election, but my real success came when I began to master my mind through structure from running and gym to psychotherapy. When you know what it feels like to both love and feel nothing, there is nothing to be lost and everything to be gained, which was my mentality when I nominated for election, and is each and every time, I put up a cause to be voted on in the chamber. At my lowest, I break the cycle of spiralling thoughts with cold water swimming, I psyche myself back into a structure and I force myself to internalise negativity projecting positive energy. Perhaps I do this less now, but anxiety in life is unavoidable. Ahead of the elections investment in Patterson River, owned and managed by the state government is overdue, and partnership funding of local, state and federal levels for Bonbeach Reserve is being sought. FB (pages): Cameron Howe Insta @camhowe. If you or anyone you know needs help please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14
Many businesses locally have been negatively impacted over the last two years, by both COVID-19 closures and disruptions created by Level Crossing works.
Happy New Year! With a State and Federal Election upon us – Council has a number of priority advocacy areas around Longbeach Ward.
Whilst the latter has paved the way for future opportunities, we need to work with our community to support local businesses in bouncing back. I’ve been pushing for Council and the Victorian Government to partner together to commit to stimulus efforts - and to undergo works to revitalise our local shopping strips like Edithvale. I hope to have an announcement on this soon.
The Chelsea Surf Life Saving Club plays a vital role in community safety, both on the water and throughout the surrounding beach/Victory Park precinct. But the current facilities need major works to future-proof it for Life-Saving Victoria’s needs, for future population growth, the changing coastal environment and to support broader future redevelopment within the Chelsea retail, commercial and beach precinct. Council would like the incumbent Victoria Government and state election candidates, to make a pre-election commitment of $3 million to see this work get underway as soon as possible.
Council is also pushing for some sporting infrastructure upgrades to Local Little Athletics Clubs and Netball Clubs. Upgrades like this are vital in supporting community connection and healthy bodies and minds. Along with upgrades to our cycling infrastructure along the Longbeach Trial – Sandpiper Ward has some strong advocacy priorities in 2022. Council also continues to advocate for changes to be made to legislation on Poker Machine venues. Kingston residents lose $85 million a year to poker machines, some of the highest losses in the state. For more than two years, we have urged the Victorian Government to introduce legislative changes, which would reduce the number of poker machines allowed in Kingston. This needs to be addressed and a commitment needs to be made to cap the number of machines to 898 (the current number of licences). This would stop any new machines being introduced into the city. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! I hope 2022 is a happy and healthy one!
Page 14 | Kingston Your City - Autumn 2022
Together with upgrade and revitalisation works to The Strand and the Chelsea Shopping Strip, the Chelsea precinct could become a vibrant and bustling strip, a destination and a place to be. Recently I asked Council to commence some stronger advocacy on revitalising some tired and rundown shopping strips in the South including Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Bonbeach and Edithvale – which was unfortunately not supported by Council. Our community around Chelsea, Edithvale, Chelsea Heights and Bonbeach have made it clear that revitalisation of our shopping strips is important – we want safe, accessible and vibrant shopping strips locally – and I’ll be working with neighbouring ward Councillors and the Local MP to seek investment into these areas for our community to enjoy. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss any issues or have a chat!
Ward News
Como Ward | Wattle Ward | Malaleuca Ward
CR CHRIS HILL
CR JENNA DAVEY-BURNS
CR TIM COCHRANE
0437 913 851 chris.hill@kingston.vic.gov.au
0437 859 749 jenna.davey-burns@kingston.vic.gov.au
0437 843 837 tim.cochrane@kingston.vic.gov.au
I would like to use this space to voice Council’s and our community’s concerns over the Level Crossing Removal Project’s decision to implement an elevated rail solution to level crossing removals at Parkers Road, Parkdale and Warrigal Road, Mentone. When we conducted an online survey to gauge community feedback, we received 1150 responses from community members. Seventy six percent of those who responded told us that they opposed raising the railway line, as part of the level crossing removal works. In September last year, Councillors voted unanimously to write to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure and the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) to request the Victorian Government detail their plans for a meaningful consultation on the proposed level crossing removals and provide engineering reports to the public. We are pleased to see that this has resulted in a number of community consultation opportunities. However, so far no changes or alternative options have been flagged by the LXRP about their decision to raise the railway line. As your ward councillor I will continue to work to achieve the best outcomes possible and hope that any local candidates consider taking this onboard as an issue in the leadup to the Victorian Government election. I am also personally committed to advocating for additional open space as part of the LXRP works in Cheltenham and Mentone and would like to see the VicTrack site on La Trobe Street used as a dog offleash area.
We urge the Victorian Government to commit to adding Highett Road and Wickham Road to the level crossing removal works schedule. These level crossings cause major delays for the Highett community. Congestion and traffic banking up onto Nepean Highway, a major safety concern on an 80km road. This will only worsen as apartments are built on the CSIRO site in the City of Bayside and the Highett Gasworks site on the Kingston Council side of the railway. It is also imperative that State government candidates commit to early childhood care in Highett. Last year we undertook community consultation around what residents would like to see in a Highett Hub. We hope to establish a community centre that provides kindergarten services, child care, maternal child health and the potential for other co-located community services. Council is committed to building these services for our community but funding will also be needed from the State government to make this project happen. In the meantime, we continue our work to meet the needs of our community. Another project I’m delighted to see get underway in 2022 is revitalisation of small local shopping strips, which includes Highett Road and the Follett Road Streetscape improvement project in Cheltenham. The Follett Road shopping strip is an important meeting point and we want to support the local businesses to make it even more welcoming. We will plant more greenery, installing artwork, adding COVIDsafe seating and better signage, to enhance the appeal and further celebrate these local precincts.
With uncertainty around the level crossing removal and station redevelopment works in Parkdale, I feel like the community is in a holding pattern, unsure of exactly what the future will bring to the vibrant vicinity. However, please know that I am committed to creating the best outcomes for the Malaleuca Ward - and hope that the upcoming state election brings funding opportunities and negotiating power, for our local community. First up, I would like to see the Victorian Government (and state election candidates) make a $4.7 million commitment to fund the redevelopment of the Parkdale Library. It is important that this community hub is upgraded to deliver modern community facilities and contemporary library services. If state funding is secured, Council would make a $14.8 million contribution to get construction works underway in the 202627 financial year. Secondly, I understand minor capital improvement works around the Parkers Rd/ Como Pde intersection have already been funded, however I’d like to expand on this and investigate whether we could secure additional funding to create more parking spaces on the land between Como Pde west and the Parkdale Train Station. I’d also like to upgrade footpath and public toilet facilitates in the area to help improve the village we all love.
Let’s get this right Council has been speaking up to achieve the best outcomes for the community, in connection to the Victorian Government’s level crossing removals. We want to see more level crossings removed along the Frankston line, by adding Highett Road and Wickham Road to the Level Crossing Removal Project’s (LXRP) works schedule. Community members have told us that this would significantly improve safety and reduce congestion.
Cr Chris Hill and Cr Jenna Davey-Burns at the Highett Road Level Crossing.
Last year we called for more consultation around level crossing removals at Parkers Road, Parkdale, and Warrigal Road, Mentone. The LXRP has announced that an elevated rail option is their preferred
design solution. If this proceeds, Council is advocating to preserve the Parkdale heritage station precinct and has been working on design suggestions to suit our community’s needs.
kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 15
AUTUMN 2022 MARCH Trash and Treasure Market
What's On SUSTAINABLE LIVING EVENTS THIS MARCH AND APRIL
Every Sunday morning 8am - 1pm | Corner of Atherton Rd and Hanover St, Oakleigh
Build your skills and knowledge in sustainable living by attending one of Council’s upcoming community events.
The main fundraiser of Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale, this is a thriving and well-loved Trash and Treasure Market that brings the community together.
Bike Maintenance and Repairs Workshop Saturday 5 March Mentone Hub, 2.30 - 5pm; Booking essential via kingston.vic.gov.au/ sustainabilityworkshops
KINGSTON WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY The recipient of the 4th annual Kingston Woman of the Year Award will be announced at the event which showcases the achievements of local women in all spheres of community life. Hosted by 2021 Kingston Woman of the Year Award finalist Miko Morell, the event will feature a panel discussion, a dance performance and a musical performance. The event is free however bookings are essential. Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/kwa
KINGSTON Pop-up parks: Highett Village Common and Owen Street Piazza Visit the colourful and fun temporary community spaces, set up at Highett Library, ‘the Highett Village Common’ and at Owen Street, ‘the Owen Street Piazza’. Both pop-ups feature seating, tables, lawn, and festoon lighting. Made possible under the State Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund and is part of the City of Kingston’s Outdoor Activation Program.
mordi MOVIES
Solar and Batteries Expo Saturday 19 March, Kingston City Hall Moorabbin, Banquet Room, 10am - 3pm (dropin any time); Book your attendance at kingstonarts. com.au/whats-on
Transition Streets - one approach to taking climate action locally Thursday 7 April, 10.30am-12pm, Cheltenham Library; Bookings now open via kingston.vic.gov. au/library THURSDAY 10 MARCH Native Plant Species for Your Wildlife Garden Melaleuca Activity Hub 5.30 - 6.30pm Presented by author, horticulturist and conservationist AB Bishop. Register at kingston.vic.gov.au/g4w
THURSDAY 10 MONDAY 14 MARCH Labor Day Long Weekend A free outdoor cinema experience for all ages, on the beautiful foreshore at Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc. Come join us for Opening Night on Thursday 10 March from 6pm! For more information and to check out other dates in March, visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ mordimovies
FRIDAY 18 MARCH Charitable Fund Grants accepting submissions now! The 2022 Charitable Fund Grants Program closes at 5pm on Friday 18 March 2022. Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/KCF for information on how to apply.
NEWS
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SUNDAY 20 MARCH IRONMAN 70.3 Ironman 70.3 will bring competitors in the cycling leg through Kingston. Cheer them on as they travel past the southern point of Beaumaris, before turning around prior to the Mordialloc Surf Club. Details at ironman.com
SUNDAY 10 APRIL Dog and cat registrations Don’t forget that owners must renew current animal registrations by April 10 each year. See the Dog and Cat Registrations page at kingston.vic.gov.au for more information.
APRIL Foreshore Dog Regulations We’re switching to winter foreshore dog restrictions from 1 April which means the times your dog is allowed on our local beaches will change. Check the signage at our beaches or visit kingston.vic.gov.au for more information.
WEDNESDAY 4 MAY Westall Connect Group 10am - 4pm, Westall Community Hub
SATURDAY 2 APRIL
Social group open to all! Come and meet new people, have fun and learn new things.
Kingston’s Pet Expo
For details call 9581 3050.
Kingston Health Reserve, Cheltenham
SATURDAY 7 MAY
Kingston’s annual Pet Expo is back! There will be new pet registrations, demonstrations and interactive talks, and much more including kids’ activities and free show bags. Details at kingston.vic.gov.au/pet-expo
Kingston’s Farmers Market 8am to 12.30pm (first Saturday of the month) Sir William Fry Reserve, Nepean Highway, Highett. Entry by $2 donation to Rotary.
The Kingston Toy Library can keep your children stimulated, while saving money and reducing waste. This community-based organisation opens Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.Find out more at kingstontoylibrary.com.au
Discover Kingston’s many fantastic community groups, events and activities with mycommunitylife.com.au It’s 100% local and easy to search by location, date or type of activity you’re looking for. There is no easier way to make stronger connections in your local neighbourhood.
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