Kingston Your City - Winter 2022

KINGSTON Your City WINTER 2022

kingston.vic.gov.au

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Our Reconciliation Action Plan PAGES 6 & 7

Enjoy winter in Kingston

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

The next Ordinary Council Meetings will be held on Monday 27 June, Monday 25 July and Monday 22 August at 7pm. The next Planning Committee Meetings will be held on Wednesday 22 June, Wednesday 20 July and Wednesday 17 August.

WATCH LIVE

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

Proud Indigenous Australians former Australian Netball Player Zali Mifsud, and Hawthorn Footballer Chad Wingard are ready to enjoy winter in Kingston including local NAIDOC Week events.

Investing in our community - Budget 2022/23 Each year your rates help support hundreds of vital community services and facilities that make Kingston such a fantastic place to live.

Council is working hard to develop a responsible Budget that secures our city’s financial sustainability while also continuing to provide high-quality support services to assist our community as it continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In all we do, Council is working to meet the goals of our Council Plan 2021-2025, which was developed in partnership with our community: • Our city will be a vibrant, enjoyable, and easy place to live.

• We prioritise our environment and reduce our impact on the earth.

• We will embrace the concept of a 20-minute neighbourhood, support the ongoing process of decentralisation and support people to live and work locally.

• We are progressive, inclusive and prioritise the wellbeing of all members of our community.

• Our community will feel safe, and be safe, in all aspects of their lives.

Did you know?

Council sets aside a portion of your rates each year to invest in our beautiful foreshore and green wedge spaces.

Thanks to the investment in the Green Wedge Fund and the Foreshore Fund over many years, we have been able to deliver a host of projects including:

• Council will be collaborative, accountable, transparent, responsive, well-informed and efficient.

Each year your rates help fund important work in our community for those in need including at-home care for older people and residents with additional needs, our delivered meals program, childhood immunisations, maternal & child health support, senior citizen centres and much more.

We are also incredibly proud to embark on the biggest project in Kingston’s history – delivery of a new district-level Aquatic & Leisure Centre for our community to replace the former Don Tatnell Leisure Centre. We’re excited to be able to kick-off this huge investment in our community with funding included in this Budget to purchase a site and begin design work. We are also proud to deliver millions of dollars in capital works for the coming year to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure to serve our community.

The Draft Budget is available to view for comment until 10 June at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au Councillors are expected to consider the draft for final adoption at the June 27 Council meeting.

• Thousands of plants and trees added to the foreshore and Green Wedge to beautify and stablise the fragile environments • Investment in community infrastructure on our beaches including upgraded Life Saving Clubs, boardwalks and improving disability access • Creation of new parklands in the Chain of Parks including the Spring Road Reserve and Elder Street South Reserve.

NEWS

Site chosen for new aquatic centre We are thrilled to announce that Kingston’s new aquatic and leisure centre will be built on Governor Road in Mordialloc.

You can help shape your new aquatic and leisure centre by letting us know what’s important to you and how you want it to look, feel and function.

Scan the QR code to stay up to date with all things ‘new aquatic centre’ and complete our survey.

After a thorough independent assessment process and valuable feedback from our community, we are now moving forward to buy the site, located next to Jack Grut Reserve, and design a great new facility for the community.

Meet Kingston’s 2022 ‘Women of the Year’

Your opinions and input will play a vital role in the design process as we focus on delivering a centre that meets the community’s needs now and for decades to come.

Working towards reconciliation Kingston Council is now a step closer towards achieving reconciliation, with the adoption of the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024.

Land Council, Boon Wurrung Foundation, Reconciliation Action Group and Reconciliation Advisory Group. The Plan follows strategic advice from Reconciliation Australia, which provided conditional endorsement of the RAP in October 2021.

This is the second of four steps towards reconciliation and will see Kingston Council:

Ngata (hello)

• Implement a tried and tested framework, that is proven to drive reconciliation through practical actions.

• Formalise Council’s commitment to reconciliation.

• Enhance our ability to partner with key external stakeholders.

• Ensure more effective and relevant service delivery to the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The work to get the Plan to this point has been extensive, led by Kingston's Indigenous Portfolio Officer Zali Mifsud, who has worked with the Bunurong

Zali Kirrae Mifsud joined City of Kingston in March 2020 as Council’s first ever identified Indigenous Portfolio Officer.

A proud Gundjitmara woman from the Eastern Maar Nation, Zali is not only working to introduce the city’s Reconciliation Action Plan, she also proudly represented Australia in netball.

Bronwyn Currie and Paula Westhead have been named as joint recipients of the Kingston Woman of the Year Award for 2022.

Bronwyn is a passionate advocate for animal protection and has worked in social justice for many years. She is the Director of the National Board and Convenor of the Animal Justice Party in Victoria, President of the Chelsea Heights Community Centre, a Kingston Residents Association committee member and a mentor for Kingston’s Young Women’s Mentoring Program.

Paula has over 25 years’ experience in the child and family services sector. She is a dedicated supporter for women and children and is constantly seeking innovative ways to assist family violence survivors and strengthen the sector. She works as part of the Safe and Equal Implementation Champions Group and Specialist Family Violence Services Leadership Group, Chair of the Bayside Peninsula Integrated Family Violence Partnership and as a member of the Kingston Council Family Violence Working Group.

kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 3

We’re committed to an accessible Kingston in Mordialloc, facilities have also been added at Riding for the Disabled, Moorabbin and at Bicentennial Park.

The new purpose-built changing places toilet at Peter Scullin Reserve, pictured nearing completion in April.

Bicentennial Park playground features an accessible Liberty Swing and a new accessible playground will be installed at Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc.

Major upgrades have taken place at community and sporting facilities across Kingston to make sure they are welcoming to all - including female athletes and people of all abilities.

We are now on-track towards our goal of establishing a fully accessible city by 2035.

We’re proud to be making headway to close the gap and make Kingston a city that provides equal opportunities for everyone.

Every new Council building project meets Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) accessibility standards and we have been working to upgrade existing infrastructure across Kingston. This is a huge task that will cost tens of millions of dollars. We are already about halfway there, which puts Kingston on track to meeting our goal of achieving full accessibility compliance by 2035.

Recent DDA-compliant construction projects include: Platform 81 New lift, ramp and other DDA measures

Chelsea Yacht Club New ramp and internal lift Mentone Life Saving Club Changing Places toilet for people with high support needs and a separate wheelchair-friendly pedestrian ramp with access to the foreshore

We also have plans to improve beach access at elevated locations across Kingston, by installing DDA-compliant ramps that are safer to use with wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams. New projects also include additional accessible car parks.

Visit our website or scan the QR code below to find out more: kingston.vic.gov.au/accessibility

Peter Scullin Reserve Purpose-built Changing Places toilet and public toilet facilities, built in art-deco style to complement the local area Chadwick Reserve Pavilion Accessible public toilets and change rooms Parkdale Beach Thanks to everyone who provided feedback improving access to Parkdale Beach. We are now designing final concept plans for an accessible pedestrian ramp connecting Parkdale Yacht Club to the beach, with the hope to commence work in late 2022/ early 2023.

Kingston has been investing strongly to upgrade sports clubs and community buildings to make them accessible and female-friendly.

Council has partnered with the Victorian Government to install Changing Places toilets across Kingston. In addition to new facilities at Peter Scullin Reserve

Before and after pics of some of the work being undertaken to improve accessibility at the Chelsea Yacht Club, which is now having the final finishing touches done.

Extensive work completed to improve access to our website We have redeveloped our entire website, to make information current, simple to understand and easier to find.

Many community members generously volunteered their time to share feedback about the previous website and provide insights into how they usually find and sort information.

JA

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We cut out the jargon, to ensure that the website is simpler to understand and can be easily translated into other languages.

Once we were ready, we went back to the community to test it out, before we went live.

Thanks to all our community members who helped create our new website. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Last year Better Boating Victoria funded an accessible floating pontoon at Hazel Pierce Reserve, Mordialloc.

If you have any other feedback or suggestions about our website, please contact comms@kingston.vic.gov.au

Work is underway on the new Mentone Life Saving Club.

kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 5

COMMUNITY

Get out and about this wi NEW PLAYGROUNDS Rug up and get ready to explore! Kingston has put on the finishing touches for several new playgrounds including: • Le Page Park (Cheltenham) • Harbour Town Park (Patterson Lakes) • Williams Reserve (Dingley Village) • Amaroo Reserve (Chelsea Heights) • Hendon Court Reserve (Clarinda) • Sherbrook Avenue Reserve (Oakleigh South)

ARTS IN KINGSTON

local tip Nat Wilson is the founder of the Kingston Collective, an integral member in the creation of the Bayside Beer Belt, which recently secured Victorian Government funding.

“Moorabbin to Seaford is the best beer district in the State of Victoria… but very few know it! Kingston is the centre of this Bayside Beer Belt, a network of 10 local craft breweries and distilleries. This little pocket is the go-to ‘beercation’ destination this winter for both enthusiasts and casual beer drinkers.”

Page 6 | Kingston Your City - Winter 2022

This year’s OptiKA exhibition (24 June to 23 July) features over 40 new artworks responding to the theme FOCUS ON 2030: Inspiring a Zero Emissions Future by photographers, videographers and digital artists of all ages and skill levels.

Renowned Aboriginal singersongwriter Kutcha Edwards performs his new album Circling Time at the Kingston City Hall (24 June).

If you’re looking for something to enjoy with the kids ROLF (Rolling On The Floor Laughing) is the freshest double-act sketch comedy in kids’ entertainment coming to Shirley Burke Theatre (6 July).

Visit kingstonarts.com.au for event listings and details.

Don’t miss OptiKA Up Late from 23 June. There’ll be impressive light displays projected onto local buildings.

Follow @KingstonArts on socials for details.

BOOK LOVERS Curl up with a good book from Kingston Libraries this winter.

Our Warm Winter Read runs from Wednesday 1 June to Saturday 31 July.

This NAIDOC-Week (3-10 July), visit Kingston Libraries for indigenous storytimes and drop-in craft sessions.

Visit library.kingston.vic.gov.au for details.

COMMUNITY HUBS If you’re looking for local fun, there’s always a lot to offer at Kingston’s Community Hubs. Visit mycommunitylife.com.au for event listings and details.

inter in Kingston EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY WITH OPEN HOUSE MELBOURNE Take a sneak peek inside some of Kingston’s historical buildings in a special event on Sunday 31 July.

Kingston is taking part in the renowned Open House Melbourne Weekend that allows the public to discover the history and architecture of three key Kingston buildings:

Mentone Station Gardens Balcombe Rd Mentone 10am-3pm When the Mentone station was first established in 1881, a strip of land was left vacant. When the original building was rebuilt in 1914 following a fire, a garden was planted in the vacant land and the Mentone Station Gardens were born. openhousemelbourne.org You can also explore more of Kingston’s rich local history at localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au

Chelsea Court House 6 The Strand, Chelsea 10am-3pm Built in 1927/28 in a sophisticated neo-classical style.

Mentone Old Bakery Museum 9 Old Bakery Ln, Mentone 10am-4pm Discover the 1920s bakery that has become the home of the Mordialloc Historic Society.

Mentone Old Bakery Museum.

WINTER SPORTS

One of the best ways to enjoy the winter months is to rug up, grab some warm food and support a local sports match in Kingston.

From footy to soccer, netball, rugby and more. Many games are free or cost just a gold coin donation. So why not head down to your nearest sporting ground and cheer on the local team every little bit of support helps.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Make a splash these school holidays at Waves! Enjoy the indoor heated pools while you play inflatable games, bodysurf the wave pool and dance with Ollie the Octopus at the famous aqua disco.

Visit kingstonactive.com.au Southmoor (Moorabbin) and Chelsea Primary Schools will also be running school holiday programs from Monday 27 June to Friday 8 July. kingston.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidayprogram

Welcome Hawthorn player Chad Wingard is proud of his First Nations heritage. He is a Kaurna Ngarrindjeri man – and shares this with his father and many others who have come before him.

Chad says that he's looking forward to the team's move to their new HQ in Dingley.

"I know there are plenty of quality cafes and open spaces to discover and I can’t wait to check them out. With so much of my life revolving around footy, I really like switching off when I’m away from the club. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog Spike, and shooting hoops with friends or family."

"NAIDOC Week is a really important week for me, as it gives us a chance to respect and acknowledge all Indigenous heritage and culture. It’s about making all of Australia equal, and for everyone to walk together as one. I’m sure Hawthorn will be doing some events that I’ll be very proud to be a part of."

What's On

Celebrate NAIDOC Week 3-10 July 2022

Find out more about local events, on page 16.

kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 7

Our Sustainable Future

Page 8 | Kingston Your City - Winter 2022

EDUCATION

Kingston’s Early Childhood Centres are promoting nutritional education through play. The new Veggie Hero program focuses on childhood nutrition, by bringing healthy food education into the classroom.

The program, led by Kitchen Supervisor and qualified chef, Tegan Laird, is designed to combat issues surrounding inadequate vegetable consumption in children.

According to 2018 statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare less than one percent of Australian children eat enough vegetables every day.

Veggie Heroes is a holistic solution that goes further than healthy eating, by promoting the skills little ones need to plant and harvest their own produce. The team are using hands-on activities, games, and books to spread the healthy eating message and teaches the children specific benefits of many vegetables based on their colour and vitamin content.

The centres have veggie garden where children can grow their own produce. And educators involve children in cooking with vegetables.

Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ earlylearning for details.

Tips from the team to help promote vegetables at home:

• Storytime. Make fruits and veggies your little one’s new favourite characters.

• Grow your own. Start a garden or herb garden – even a single pot could be a great addition to the house.

• Play foodie games. Ignore the old saying ‘don’t play with your food.’

Try alphabet vegetable flashcards or naming veggies of a certain colour.

LET’S GROW TOGETHER National Tree Day Sunday 31 July We’ll be hosting a range of community planting events at our beaches and reserves. Join in and help plant tubestocks in our beautiful open spaces! All equipment will be provided.

Please wear appropriate closed toe, sturdy shoes.

Visit treeday.planetark.org to register your attendance.

Schools

• It’s not you, it’s them. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself.

Parents/carers roles are to provide what, when and where but ultimately a child will decide how much and if they will eat their veggies.

Schools can participate in their own National Tree Day event at their school with Schools Tree Day on Friday 29 July this year.

Trays of up to 50 seedlings will be available to Kingston schools, however stock is limited.

• Pickers and choosers. Let little ones pick the veg they want for dinner. They may be more likely to eat a veg they have chosen.

Register your interest to collect a tray from Council’s nursery at ourplace@kingston.vic.gov.au

• Change the way you speak.

Instead of saying “I don’t like mushrooms”, try saying “I haven’t learnt to like mushrooms yet.”

Little ones are sure to follow.

Find out more about healthy eating and exercise for kids by scanning the QR code:

• Don’t give up if they reject them.

It often takes 10-15 times for a child to try a new food.

• Veggie superpowers. Make sure your little ones know the benefits of certain veggies and their colours – their superpowers! For example, orange vegetables are great for eye health.

Schools can learn how to create a sensory, well-being, indigenous, habitat or edible garden through CERES’ school garden program.

Among other things, research shows school gardens can: • increase students’ nutrition knowledge and willingness to eat fresh produce • improve science achievement scores • develop a sense of community and responsibility • instil an appreciation of nature Visit sustainability.ceres.org.au

Join the Our Place sustainable community Kingston offers a range of sustainability workshops and events, including: • sustainable gardening • energy efficiency and low carbon living • waste reduction and composting

• movie screenings PLUS community events to improve our local natural environment and biodiversity Subscribe to Kingston’s ‘Our Place’ eNews to be notified, kingston.vic.gov.au/ourplace

CONSULTATIONS

And due to their success – the Highett Village Common and Owen Street Piazza are now here to stay!

I'll be back!

Thank you for loving local, Kingston! As part of our ongoing effort to help the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the Love Local Kingston campaign, an initiative designed to support our local businesses that make Kingston a wonderful place to shop, stay and love.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT Over the warmer months, we introduced pop-up parks and eating areas including the colourful Highett Village Common and the bustling Owen Street Piazza. We also scattered 100 picnic tables across our parks and reserves - providing even more shared outdoor seating options for you to enjoy.

Feedback from residents and traders was extremely positive.

While the 100 picnic tables have been removed for the winter period, we look forward to permanently welcoming many of them back this spring! Our community will once again be able to grab their picnic goodies from their local traders and spend the day outdoors at one of our many parks and reserves.

These initiatives were all made possible under the State Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Action Fund, and we’re delighted that Kingston can continue to come together and gather safely in these spaces.

Please keep loving local, support your favourite local businesses and keep an eye out for the Love Local Kingston heart while you shop and dine locally this winter.

Want to run an event here?

Over Easter the Mordialloc Traders Association ran an event at the Owen Street Piazza.

It was a huge success, with the community encouraged to shop locally then meet-up for activities and fun.

Page 10 | Kingston Your City - Winter 2022

Over the last few months we ran consultations on many topics, which ranged from the draft ten-year Asset Plan and Improving Streetscapes in Local Shopping Strips to the 2022-26 Youth Strategy.

Thanks for all of your input. These consultations have now closed and community feedback will be considered before each project moves forward.

Aquatic Centre With the Governor Road Mordialloc site now confirmed Kingston’s new district-level aquatic centre, work is now getting underway on assessing exactly what we need (and what you’d like to see) as part of the city’s new aquatic centre.

This consultation is now open and accepting submissions. Please visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au to provide feedback.

Fire pits Following strong community support, Kingston has amended its local laws to allow the use of backyard fire pits. If you enjoy a fire pit in your backyard, please make sure to consider fire safety and minimise any impacts on your neighbours who may have sensitivity to smoke. yourkingstonyoursay/ backyard-fire-pits Net Zero 2030

Owen Street Piazza is a flexible space situated in the middle of the Mordialloc Main Street shopping precinct. Featuring picnic tables, greenery and festoon lighting – you may want to consider it for your next event, whether it’s a function, fashion show or fundraiser!

Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/events to find out more.

CONSULTATION UPDATE

Scratchie the Rabbit at the Owen Street Piazza as part of a local Easter event.

Over the last few months we’ve been taking pledges from community members, who are joining Council in doing their bit to help reduce emissions.

These pledges have been made through Net Zero 2030, a platform for community members to join us in working towards achieving net zero emissions by 2030. If you haven’t had a chance to make a pledge yet, please visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/ netzero2030

LOCAL FACES

Partnering with our Community Council is delighted to welcome many new and returning faces as members of Kingston’s seven new Advisory Committees.

We are committed to partnering with our community on key decisionmaking. Our advisory committee members generously provide hours of their time to meet and consider the needs of the communities they represent, to provide feedback and advice to Council. Here are just two of more than 60 advisory committee members, making a difference in Kingston in 2022:

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH We’re stepping up our efforts to reduce gambling losses in Kingston.

Since 2019 we’ve been saying ‘Enough is Enough’, calling for major reforms on pokies to reduce the harm of gambling in Kingston.

23-year-old Max Timuska-Carr has been involved in Kingston’s Youth Advisory Committee since 2018.

Max is completing his final year of a Law/Commerce Degree at ACU. He enjoys the learnings and the friendships the Youth Advisory Committee brings. Max has been happy that the committee has affected real change, by naming ‘Platform 81’, instigating an informal book drop-off and pick-up system at the youth HQ at 81 Albert Street Mordialloc and establishing Blind Date with a Book, through Youth Services.

Kingston’s Access and Equity Committee member Yuki Wei is passionate about providing opportunities for people with a disability, especially those from multicultural backgrounds who may face language barriers.

She is the Performance and Partnership Leader with Community Solutions Group and and advocates for multicultural seniors in two other volunteer roles. Yuki is fluent in Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and Hakka), with excellent cross-cultural communication skills.

Congratulations!

The Moorabbin Area Toy Library has taken out top honours at Toy Library Australia's recent awards, named Toy Library of the Year.

Congratulations to the team who were commended by the judging panel for their ability to quickly adapt and keep their service running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. They kept the community of local families supplied with important new play opportunities, even when children were mostly restricted indoors.

And with sports betting a growing industry, attracting around 28 percent of all gamblers, we urge regulators to hear our calls for action and stem the flow of losses, by reducing the number of allowable Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) in Kingston, and the operational hours, of pokies venues in Kingston.

In March, Council committed to stepping up this advocacy, by increasing our lobbying efforts to limit the opening hours at venues and reduce the number of the Kingston Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) that can be legally operated in Kingston, down to the current number of electronic gaming machines.

Council has joined a Supreme Court appeal which is scheduled to be heard this July to challenge a decision to approve a supermarket/retail development across the carpark from the Chelsea Heights Hotel. And will be bringing back Chelsea Twilights, to provide safe and fun alternative evening activities to gambling.

One positive that came out of the COVID lockdowns was that venues were forced to to close their doors, last year we saw a significant drop in gaming, from $60.1 million in 2019/20 to $44.2 million in 2020/21.

More information can be found at moorabbinareatoylibrary.com kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 11

Ward News

Wattle Ward | Karkarook Ward

Follett Road Shops to receive upgrades We’re upgrading the Follett Road Shops in Cheltenham, which serve as a key community meeting place, to deliver:

The upgrades are part of Kingston’s Small Shopping Centres Improvement Plan

to keep our local shopping precincts looking their best.

• new accessible parking bay and re-marking of parking bay lines • new circular seating to encourage ‘gathering’ areas • increased greenery with the planting of new trees, planters and garden beds • new street furniture such as bench seating, bicycle racks and bins • public art Councillors Jenna Davey-Burns and Hadi Saab visit the Follett Road shops.

CR JENNA DAVEY-BURNS

CR HADI SAAB

0437 859 749 jenna.davey-burns@kingston.vic.gov.au

0437 885 142 hadi.saab@kingston.vic.gov.au

Hello Kingston residents – especially our newest citizens who I loved welcoming at the recent citizenship ceremony! You certainly have picked the best place to live in the world.

As the weather gets a bit chillier there is lots on offer from our fabulous team at Kingston Arts. Over the last few months, we have hosted incredible performances at the Grand Hall in Moorabbin, including Kate Cebrano who brought down the house.

With so many local artists and residents who, like me, are passionate about the arts, we are building a reputation for performing and creative arts excellence.

If you haven’t been to Highett Reserve, Friday night Auskick at Highett Football Club is a great family friendly event to join. Dating back a few decades, the club rooms are in urgent need of an upgrade. The Mayor and I visited with local MP for Bentleigh Nick Staikos to hear about what is needed. With so many community groups sharing and collaborating across the three ovals, this sporting precinct is a hidden gem and well deserving of some long awaited investment.

Advocacy on Highett level crossing removal is top on the agenda: I met with MP for Sandringham Brad Rowswell, Bayside Councillor Hanna El Moulamein and our Mayor. With Suburban Rail Loop planning underway now is the time to get this upgrade done!

I am proud of Kingston for approving our Reconciliation Action Plan at our April meeting. In this time of truth and Treaty, we are all part of the journey.

Page 12 | Kingston Your City - Winter 2022

Winter is coming Kingstonians (Kingstonites, lets workshop this) - grab your coats but not your swords!

In March I joined our Mayor and a coalition of other Victorian Mayors and Councillors in the Back Your Neighbour Campaign in Canberra to advocate for better support for Asylum seekers and seek support from all parties for reforms for Refuges, Asylum Seekers and our Visa processing. I am passionate about this issue and also took the opportunity to advocate for the Lan family who live in my ward and raised their case as an example of how harsh and difficult these processing times and visa determinations are.

We met with the Shadow Minister for Immigration and citizenship and Home Affairs Kristina Keneally from the ALP, Senator Janet Rice the spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Multiculturalism from the GRNs and Russell Broadbent from the LIBs. I also wanted to report that we have gone through one of the largest Environmental Effects Statements process with the Suburban Rail Loop, where Council put forward a very strong case that our conceptual support for the project is subject to two key points.

1. our strong opposition to the proposed location of the stabling yard 2. the necessity for substantial improvements to the proposed Cheltenham station I want to acknowledge the efforts of our community at Kingston RAID and the Move The Train Yard group for their representation at the panel hearing and their continued advocacy.

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

Banksia Ward | Sandpiper Ward | Longbeach Ward

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

Hello Patterson Lakes, Carrum and Bonbeach residents in my first 18 months, I’ve filed a record 25 motions for debate, which recently included a services financial review, Christmas decorations (2023), music festival organiser outreach, a basketball facilities review, Pantry 5000 food-bank partnership (139% increase from FY20/21), and state government intervention to either force the sale or acquire for parkland, Patterson River’s derelict Berkeley Living complex.

Our infrastructure delivery schedule, includes: PL town centre landscaping (mid 2022), PL Primary School car park (late 2022), Roy Dore Reserve tennis and netball courts (late 2022), Roy Dore Reserve tennis clubhouse (mid 2023), Kananook Creek viewing platform (TBC), Carrum SLSC extension (2023), PL plaza boardwalk (TBC), Carrum northern boardwalk extension (2023) and Beauty Spot revitalisation (2023).

Hot election issues include: the stateowned Patterson River, after campaigning recently received $3.5m, but requires further investment supporting the masterplan, while a state co-contribution is required for the Bonbeach Reserve masterplan now with completed eastern clubhouse renders.

Meanwhile, MW are seeking funding for a replacement Patterson River litter trap and the Bonbeach Reserve recycled watersupply is expected in 2023. After the blaze, we’ve worked closely with Harbour Plaza, and are in contact with Lakeview SC’s body corporate for improvements, but please note all four PL shopping complexes including the car parks are privately-owned.

As an arts committee member, I am also pleased we’ll start work on the Patterson River sculpture trail by December. FB (pages): Cameron Howe. IG: @camhowe.

I’m incredibly excited to announce that after a long fight - Council have finally approved upgrades to the Edithvale Shopping Strip to see revitalisation and re-energising of the Edithvale Shops!

Council will deliver new landscaping, street furniture and paving, along with streetscape upgrades, along the Nepean Highway between Bank Road and Carrington Street.

These $2.3m works are being made possible after the Victorian Government agreed to increase their allocation towards maintenance costs for assets Council has inherited as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) along the Frankston Line.

As the Sandpiper Ward Councillor I would like to thank the local businesses, residents and community groups that worked alongside council to achieve this fantastic outcome for the local area with the help of the state government. A massive congratulations to the Edithvale Collective for their campaign and success.

This is a great example of what can be achieved when the community and government engage constructively and collaboratively. I look forward to seeing the works commence.

The Chelsea Men’s Shed Inc is a step closer to its new, permanent home at Catherine Avenue in Chelsea after Council voted in April to accept the community consultation findings, progress further design work, and put the works to tender. This new permanent home will allow for an expansion of their programs and membership. The $600,000 approx. redevelopment will include a purpose-built workshop, and community room and transforms a rundown old kinder site into a wonderful community asset.

Good things come to those who wait! In August 2020 we were preparing to open Platform 81 in Mordialloc, the new home of Kingston Youth Services, when we were thrown into the thick of yet another COVID-19 lockdown. But in autumn we were finally able to officially open our new Youth Hub in Mordialloc in the former Masonic Lodge - an absolutely beautiful building which has been transformed into a community hub for young people.

When I was 14, I made some great friends and connections through Youth Services and served on the Youth Advisory Committeee and it’s so fantastic to be a part of opening this new space!

After advocacy from Cr David Eden the Edithvale Collective, Council recently voted to allocate $2.3 million to upgrade and revitalise the Edithvale Shopping Strip.

This is fantastic news for Edithvale. We’ll soon be launching a campaign to upgrade and revitalise Chelsea and the Strand so please follow my social media for more details: @goxley2014

Edithvale shopping precinct funding announcement The Edithvale shopping precinct will get a $2.3 million makeover, which will stretch all the way along Nepean Highway, from Bank Road to Carrington Street.

Council approved the use of funds allocated by the Level Crossing Removal Project, to maintain local sites.

The Edithvale shops will receive a makeover, including: urban design streetscape features, street furniture, landscaping and the replacement of brick paving.

Cr David Eden and Cr Georgina Oxley celebrate the announcement of improvement works at Edithvale shops.

kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 13

Ward News

Bunjil Ward | Caruana Ward | Yammerbook Ward

Streetscape works at Melaleuca Drive, Clarinda In an exciting new initiative, Council is planning streetscape improvements at Melaleuca Drive and Centre Road, Clarinda.

These include installing: • a social gathering space with seating, a new pram ramp and bike racks • a new disabled car parking space, parking for motorbikes and new wheel stops added to existing car parking spaces • tree and garden bed planting to provide shade and beautify the shops.

There will also be artwork coming soon, as a part of the streetscape works.

Cr George Hua (left) and Mayor Steve Staikos enjoy a treat from Vicky at Dolce Fantasia.

This will help create welcoming spaces where neighbourhood businesses can thrive and people can enjoy time with family and friends, while shopping locally.

The initiative is part of the City of Kingston’s Outdoor Activation Program and is made possible under the State Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund (Part B).

CR STEVE STAIKOS

CR GEORGE HUA

CR TAMSIN BEARSLEY

0447 896 643 steve.staikos@kingston.vic.gov.au

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

0430 170 210 tamsin.bearsley@kingston.vic.gov.au

In April, Council voted to adopt an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024. This is the second stage of a four-step process and brings Kingston a significant step closer towards achieving reconciliation.

This Plan is the result of an extensive consultation process undertaken with the Bunurong Land Council, the Boon Wurrung Foundation, Reconciliation Action Group and Reconciliation Advisory Group. It also follows strategic advice from Reconciliation Australia, who provided conditional endorsement of the RAP in October 2021. I would like to thank our Indigenous Portfolio Officer Zali Mifsud, who has led this work to date.

It has been an extremely busy year for Dingley Village, with many major project redevelopments in varying stages of completion, including the new Dingley HQ for the Hawks, the Kennedy Community Centre.

With the Hallam Landfill set to close in 2025, there will soon be no landfill sites available in Melbourne’s south-eastern or eastern suburbs. This means we have reduced access to waste disposal, and limited options for recycling. We are concerned that Victoria is in a waste and resource recovery crisis, as the State Government is escalating the landfill levy year on year. In response to this crisis, Council has been pursuing sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional waste disposal options, and is proud to commit to the South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing Project, which will convert waste to energy. I look forward to the project’s success and look forward to other Councils signing on to partner with us on the project.

We are also buoyed by the huge take-up of organic waste recycling within Kingston, since its introduction in 2019. By properly separating food and organic waste into our green bins, our community has helped to greatly reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.

At the time of going to print we were still waiting to hear the outcome of the recent hearings into the proposal to rezone and redevelop the Kingswood Golf Course for a residential development, overseen by the Victorian Government’s Golf Course Redevelopment Standing Advisory Committee, which was appointed by the Planning Minister. Council invested significant time and effort into the hearings, appointing experts to speak on behalf of the area’s significant wildlife, indigenous heritage, planning requirments and the need for open space to be retained.

Page 14 | Kingston Your City - Winter 2022

This year we also plan to develop a state of the art sports pavilion at Dingley Reserve to meet growing demand for cricket and AFL facilities and provide more sporting and community facilities for the Dingley community. This $6.3M project is jointly funded by Council ($1.7M), the State Government ($4.5M), along with contributions from local sporting clubs.

In April, Council approved the conditional sale of a portion of a reserve in the industrial estate at 40 Redwood Drive, Dingley to an adjoining property. This sale was made on the condition that the money secured would be used for open space works and maintenance in Dingley. Along with this, the remaining parkland on Redwood Drive will have seats installed, for workers in the area to enjoy on their lunch break.

I’m looking forward to the amazing programs coming to Kingston’s libraries this winter. During NAIDOC week, they will hold Storytimes with a NAIDOC theme, including drop-in craft sessions at some branches.

Kingston has begun the process of planning to upgrade the Libraries’ website, which will make it easier to access information on all of the amazing programs on offer.

Some things to look forward to? Warm Winter Read and National Science Week are just a couple of examples of how our libraries continue to service the community, offering welcoming spaces that strive to enrich and inspire.

A great opportunity to learn about indigenous history will be with Dr Tyson Yunkaporta, Senior Lecturer, Indigenous Knowledges in June. His breadth of knowledge and experience promises to be engaging, interesting and informative.

I’m especially looking forward to Plastic Free July, when our libraries will be encouraging the municipality to participate in helping our environment by reducing the use of plastics.

Make sure you check in to one of our libraries when you can. They are a tremendous resource with such great programs. I am so proud of the work they have done and look forward to what they have to offer in the future. These libraries offer an incredible, quiet space to gather thoughts, great ideas, and incredible books.

Ward News

Como Ward | Malaleuca Ward | Chicquita Ward

CR CHRIS HILL

CR TIM COCHRANE

CR TRACEY DAVIES

0437 913 851 chris.hill@kingston.vic.gov.au

0437 843 837 tim.cochrane@kingston.vic.gov.au

0438 108 611 tracey.davies@kingston.vic.gov.au

DDA-compliant access to the beach along the 4km stretch of foreshore north of Mordialloc Creek is a hot topic with many residents, particularly those who live in the Como and Melaleuca Wards.

A number of access points along the Mentone, Parkdale and Mordialloc foreshore were altered when the Bay Trail was constructed, resulting in steeper ramps and, in two locations, steps down to the beach.

Feedback on the Coastal and Marine Management Plan (both in person and via the community consultation) confirms there’s a need to improve access to the foreshore. In December last year, Council committed to improve beach access in six locations and increased the budget allocation, by $1.9M over five years.

Therefore, in addition to the new DDA ramp that will be delivered as part of the redevelopment of the Mentone Life Saving Club, we have identified six priority sites for accessible ramps: the Rennison Street Car Park and Parkdale Yacht Club, the Bay Street Car Park, Antibes Street Car Park, Dixon Street Car Par and the Parkdale Café and War Memorial site.

Ensuring safe access to the foreshore for all beachgoers is an important goal of Council, and beyond the scope of this 5-year project, further locations have already been flagged.

Given the scale and projected cost of these works, there will a staged roll-out of the delivery of these projects, commencing with the Mentone Life Saving Club, Parkdale Yacht Club and Rennison Street sites.

Council will update the community with details ahead of each project.

In May, Council held a special meeting to commit to moving ahead with the purchase of the preferred site for a new districtlevel aquatic centre, on Governor Road in Mordialloc. This is a welcome step towards the city creating a new centre which fills the gap left after the former Don Tatnell centre was forced to close, with the site no longer fit for use & unable to house a suitable sized facility without displacing the Mordialloc Community Centre. The precinct selected for the new site offers many benefits to the community: It is situated next to the Jack Grut Reserve and the Mordialloc Creek trail, is easy walking distance to Mordialloc’s rapidly growing boutique industrial area which offers dining, indoor skate parks and vintage shopping options, plus it is easily accessible by communters using major arterials.

Following the LXRP’s decision to commit to elevated rail at Parkdale, Council has been advocating to achieve the best outcomes for the community – and appointed design consultants, Oculus, to provide a concept that will minimises the impact of the station on the village-feel of Parkdale. Their concepts include providing an additional tree canopy for the precinct, reducing traffic and creating better pedestrian connections between the station and shops. This work was presented to the community led, Parkdale Open Space Advisory Panel for consideration.

Over the warmer months we converted Owen Street in Mordialloc into a pop-up park, as part of Love Local Kingston (our city’s outdoor activation campaign). I am delighted that, following strong positive feedback, we have decided to make this a permanent space for the busy Mordialloc Main Street. It just makes sense!

Kingston Council has been lobbying over the past 18 months to stop over development of non-aviation structures at Moorabbin Airport. It was fantastic news when the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce - who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development – recently refused the draft Moorabbin Airport masterplan.

Council and local aviation representatives had advocated for its refusal due to the following safety concerns: • significant safety risks posed by commercial buildings being built close to airport runways • large-scale factories being built metres from adjoining established homes • reduced land for aviation purposes compromising the medium to longer term intent of the land for aviation • inability to provide surety of tenure for aviation businesses, at reasonable rental rates, whose survival is reliant on existing on the airport site.

We hope the Moorabbin Airport Corporation will listen to these concerns as it prepares to submit a revised plan. Council staff have devoted many hours on this issue must be thanked. In particular, I would like to thank Mr Jonathan Guttmann and Ms Sarah Capenerhurst who have worked tirelessly to protect our residents and aviation tenants.

Those of you who’ve visited Kingston Heath Reserve know what a fantastic park it is. Council recently hosted its Pet Expo at the park and it was a huge success. With the upcoming elections we continue to advocate for funding for a new hockey pitch at the Reserve.

Chandler St Streetscape improvements As part of the city’s efforts to upgrade local shopping strips across Kingston, this winter work is nearing completion on streetscape improvements at Chandler Street in Parkdale.

These works include introducing new permanent outdoor seating and tables, planting new trees and garden beds, the installation of new 30 degree angled parking and a one-way road to improve safety and the potential for footpath and road artwork combined with a structure for children’s games. The initiative is part of the City of Kingston’s

Outdoor Activation Program and is made possible under the State Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund (Part B).

Cr Chris Hill and Cr Tim Cochrane explore the Chandler Street shops, which are situated in the Chicquita Ward.

kingston.vic.gov.au | Page 15

WINTER 2022

What's On

JUNE

FRIDAY 24 JUNE Kutcha Edwards, Circling Time

Foreshore Dog Regulations Winter is here, which means there are less restrictions around the times you can take dogs onto Kingston’s beaches. But there’s still mixed access and some remain off limits. Please read the signage at our beaches or visit kingston.vic.gov.au for more information.

Kingston City Hall | 7.30pm Join renowned Aboriginal singer/songwriter and proud Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari man, Kutcha Edwards, for a performance of his new album Circling Time.

Kutcha Edwards combines songwriting and activism. In 2002, he created his first solo album, Cooinda, with the support of his friends Paul Kelly and Paul Hester (Crowded House). kingstonarts.com.au

Regenerating Australia

Chelsea Twilights JULY

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 C A

B

This winter, Mordialloc residents will receive an information pack about preparing for floods (and what to do if a flood hits), from the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES). Kingston has many low-lying areas so it’s always great to be prepared - and to know who to call in an emergency.

AUGUST

During NAIDOC week, Kingston libraries will be running Storytimes with a NAIDOC theme, some of our libraries will be running indigenous craft workshops where all are welcome to drop in to take part.

Line Dancing Wednesdays

Open House Melbourne

Friday 1 July | 6pm The Dingley Hotel

10am - 3pm

Flag raising ceremony Monday 4 July Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place Family Day Wednesday 6 July Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place All events run by the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place will be listed on their facebook page as the details are confirmed.

Please follow @derrimutweelam gatheringplace for details.

Chelsea Heights Community Centre every Wednesday 1-3pm | $12 per session Learn to bootscoot and have some fun along the way, a great way to exercise and improve your coordination.

Phone 9772 3391 to book.

SUNDAY 31 JULY

Launch event

Join the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place for a dinner dance, in celebration of the commencement of NAIDOC Week in 2022.

SCAN HERE!

Kingston Libraries

For details on these events, please visit the Kingston Libraries’ website: library.kingston.vic.gov.au NAIDOC WEEK 2022

OptiKA is an award dedicated to excellence in photography, videography, and digital art.

In 2022, the award has been opened to all artists living in Victoria. Over $9,000 of prize money will be awarded to finalists. With a creative focus on 2030, it is designed to inspire and support our path to a zero emissions future.

Visit kingstonarts.com.au

SES TARGETING MORDIALLOC ABOUT FLOOD-READINESS

Anyone from Mordialloc who doesn’t receive a kit, or anyone interested from other suburbs, who would like to find out more, can visit:

Enjoy a film followed by Q and A with guest panellist from Climate for Change, for a week from 6 June at the Shirley Burke Theatre.

Visit kingstonarts.com.au/ Regenerating to book.

Join us at Chelsea Twilights on Tuesday evenings to take part in a range of activities including movie screenings, trivia nights, book chats and guest speakers.

For more information go to kingston.vic.gov.au/twilights

FRIDAY 18 MARCH

This year Open House Melbourne is putting the spotlight on three historic (and iconic) Kingston landmarks: the Chelsea Court House, Laura and Charles Ferguson Museum (Mentone Bakery) and Mentone Station Gardens. Take part in a tour of each to find out their unique and significant histories.

Visit openhousemelbourne.org for details.

Cultural Dancing for Kids Westall Hub every Wednesday 3.45 - 4.30pm Learn cultural dances and make new friends at Westall Hub. These free classes run after school hours and are open to everyone who loves to dance.

Any child under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please BYO water bottles.

National Tree Day Community members are welcome to participate in National Tree Day on Sunday 31 July. Roll up your sleeves and make a difference.

All equipment will be provided.

Please wear appropriate closed toe, sturdy shoes.

Visit treeday.planetark.org to register your attendance or search for local sites near you.

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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