Kingston Your City - April/May 2019

Official Journal of the City of Kingston • April / May 2019

KingstonYourCity

Living Links

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Creating a web of green spaces across Kingston

Woman of the Year Page 2

ANZAC Day services Page 3

Kingston NEWS

Contact us kingston.vic.gov.au cityofkingston kingstoncc kingstoncouncil

kingstoncitycouncil info@kingston.vic.gov.au PO Box 1000, Mentone, 3194 CUSTOMER CARE 1300 653 356 COUNCIL MEETINGS Everyone is welcome to attend our Council Meetings, which are held at the Cheltenham office at 1230 Nepean Highway. The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 23 April. The next Planning Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 17 April at 7pm.

Watch live Council Meetings Go to kingston.vic.gov.au to watch live or view previous meetings.

KINGSTON YOUR CITY EDITOR editor@kingston.vic.gov.au Kingston encourages you to reprint articles and photographs from this publication but permission must first be sought from the Editor. Acknowledgment of the source must be provided.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Council acknowledges the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the municipality is a part and pays its respects to the Elders past and present. Council is a member of the Inter Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee (ICACC).

COVER PHOTO Throughout April – September local students and environment groups will get their hands dirty, planting trees around the City of Kingston, as part of the Living Links Program. Pictured on the front cover is local St Louis de Montfort students Millie Marshall and Hunter Ayoub, Principal Tom Lindeman, Sarah Maclagan, Environmental Projects Coordinator, Port Phillip & Westernport CMA and Elliot Brooks from the City of Kingston.

KINGSTON’S LANGUAGE LINE People of all languages can now contact Kingston’s Language Line on one number 131 450 Per contattare il Comune, chiamateci al numero 131 450 Чтобы связаться с Городским Советом, звоните нам по телефону 131 450 Για να επικοινωνήσετε με το Δήμο, καλέστε μας στο 131 450 Để liên hệ với Hội đồng, gọi chúng tôi theo số 131 450 要聯絡市政府，請給我們打電話 131 450 如要联系市议会，请致电131 450

Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

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Kingston’s first Woman of the Year announced Kingston celebrated International Woman’s Day in March with the announcement of the inaugural Kingston Woman of the Year Award. The awards celebrate the outstanding contribution women make to our community across a range of spheres. Council was thrilled with the strong community response, with 25 nominations received for women excelling across a broad range of areas but with each making a positive difference to the community. The 2019 Kingston Woman of the Year Award was given to Emma Gierschick, who uses her own experience as a family violence and cancer survivor plus parent of a disabled child to advocate for increased support, information and awareness in the community. Recognised by the Australian Financial Review as one of the top 100 Women of Influence in 2018, Emma has been a leading voice presenting to parliament, the Royal Commission into Family Violence and is a sought-after advisor to MPs, service providers and local government – including Kingston Council where she serves on the Kingston’s Family Violence Working Group. With such a strong field, Councillors found it difficult to single out just one winner and also honoured an ‘Honourable Mention’ across the following categories:

• Inspiring Innovation Alecia Minster Entrepreneur and founder of Girl Bosses Australia, Alecia inspires and supports thousands of women to realise their dreams in business. As president of the fundraising team at Bayside Treasures, Alecia has lead the group to raise $55K for mental health charities over the past 4 years.

Mayor Cr Georgin a Ox Gierschick, Kingsto ley with Emma n Woman of the Ye ar.

• Humanitarian Anna Wang Anna has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting multiculturalism in the City of Kingston since arriving in Australia 32 years ago. Anna founded and is president of two Chinese Senior Citizen clubs, coordinates cultural festivals and community events that provide opportunities for all members of the community to connect and celebrate our cultural diversity. • Champion of Change Sarah Loh As the first female CEO in the AFL, Sarah has excelled, demonstrating great leadership and business acumen for the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL). She has improved both the safety and health environments of all 25 clubs (more than 11,500 children) by eliminating junk food sponsorship and being the first league to implement the Victorian Governments Child Safety Standards. Motivated by her experience as a young girl who excelled at and loved football but was unable to play AFL past the age of seven, Sarah has been instrumental in making sport accessible for all, and over the past year has improved facilities and structures to enable 30 new girls teams to participate.

• Excelling in Arts and Sport Cindy Rella Cindy’s drive to excel in any pursuit, has seen her successfully represent Australia and gain World Championship status in Karate and Kettlebells. As a Movement and Lifestyle Athlete and Coach driven to overcome personal, physical and mental health challenges, Cindy generously supports and inspires people of all ages and abilities to attain their sporting aspirations and develop mental fortitude. • Success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) - Shauna Moore & Marissa Palamaras Shauna and Marissa provide expert co-ordination, leadership, design advice and community engagement, whilst leading the delivery of an environmentally aware, paperless project for the construction of the Patterson River Bridge. They proactively mentor and promote younger engineers, women in construction in general, and encourage children, particularly girls, to take up maths and science subjects.

Calling for urgent investment into Victoria’s recycling industry Kingston Council has joined with the Municipal Association of Victoria, other local councils and environmental groups in calling on the State and Federal Governments to urgently invest in Victoria’s recycling industry.

Kingston Council was one of around 25 Councils impacted earlier this year when one of Victoria’s three recycling providers was temporarily closed, following action by the EPA requiring urgent clean-up works at the operator’s facilities. Council was extremely disappointed that the closure had forced items collected by residents for recycling to be instead diverted to landfill. Kingston Council was able to negotiate an urgent arrangement with one of the remaining two providers to ensure that not all recycling was sent to landfill. At first 20% of all recyclable materials were sent for proper processing to Polytrade each day.

That later increased to 70% and then we were pleased to have 100% accepted. The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has said that the crisis had been partly caused by a a decade of underinvestment of landfill levy revenue by successive state governments. They called for stronger state action and for the Sustainability Fund – which holds more than half a billion dollars collected from landfill levies – to be used to invest in waste and resource recovery initiatives to help stabilise the industry.

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Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

Kingston NEWS

Land purchases today help create a bright future for Kingston Kingston Council is investing millions into property to provide new open spaces and opportunities for the future. Over the past 18 months Council has invested $13 million to futureproof the area. Funding for the new parks has largely been sourced from contributions made by developers when major new housing projects are built. Every time a new housing development of two lots or more is subdivided, a public open space contribution of either land or funds must be provided to meet the needs of new residents. Council has been putting those funds towards priority

projects. Recent purchases have included: • 52 and 60 Victory Road Clarinda for a combined price of $2.6m. The two properties, in Kingston’s Green Wedge adjoin the future Victory Road park, which will be created once rehabilitation works on the former landfill site are complete. The key sites could be used for parkland, agricultural use or sporting facilities. Funding for the purchase was drawn from Council’s Green Wedge Reserve Fund which was established to implement Council’s vision for the Green Wedge of Kingston. • Two neighbouring house blocks in Barker Street Cheltenham, to provide residents with a brand-new park of around 1100sqm of open space, close to the heart of the activity centre. The $2.9m purchase was paid for using developer contributions from the area. The new park is expected to open in

Living Links

late 2019. • Two properties at 245-247 Charman Road for $1.85m. This will help create the best outcome for the community when the level crossings in Cheltenham are removed. It will feature a fantastic open space area, good pedestrian access to the new station and improved links between the shopping precinct and Cheltenham Park in coming years. • An industrial property at 43 Garden Boulevard Dingley Village that will allow its existing three depots to be consolidated onto one site. Currently Council has a combined annual rental bill for its three depot sites of $375,000. The $5.7m purchase will allow Council to bring together staff on one site to provide a more effective and efficient service to the community and convert rental payments into an asset for the future. Links corridor from the planning stage into a reality, by interconnecting parks through the Green Wedge from Karkarook Park to Braeside Park. By linking up parks, reserves and other natural places in the south east, Living Links aims to make the area a world-class urban ecosystem, improve habitat for wildlife and make it easier for people to connect with nature as part of their daily lives. Anyone who is keen to get involved in a local Living Links Program can contact Kingston’s Parks Team on 1300 653 356 or visit mycommunitylife.com.au If you would like to find out more about the Living Links Program, please visit livinglinks.com.au

Anzac Day 2019

Anzac Day commemorations pay tribute to Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country. Anzac Day is marked annually on the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign of World War I in 1915. Local RSL and Rotary Clubs in Kingston will hold Anzac Day services on Thursday 25 April 2019. Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL 5.45am Dawn service to be held Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL Branch, 289 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham. 1.50pm Afternoon March from the corner of Grange and Centre Dandenong Road followed by ceremony at Cheltenham Moorabbin RSL Branch. c 9583 1775 w cheltenhamrsl.com.au Clayton RSL 5.45am Dawn service in the Memorial Park Remembrance Garden on Carinish Road. c 9544 1035 w claytonrsl.com.au Dingley Rotary Club 5.30am Dawn service at Dingley Village Memorial, 31 Marcus Road, Dingley. c 0477 682 576 w rc-dingley-village. org.au Highett RSL 5.45am March from the corner of Station Street and Highett Road followed by dawn service at Highett RSL, 1 Station Street, Highett. c 9532 1357 w highettrsl.com.au Longbeach RSL 6am Dawn service to be held at the cenotaph outside LF Payne Hall in Station Street in Chelsea. 9am (for 9.30am departure) March from Swanpool Avenue and Station Street to the cenotaph outside LF Payne Hall in Station Street in Chelsea (meet at 9am). The laying of floral tributes and ceremony will commence immediately after the march. The service will continue inside the Town Hall and this year’s Anzac Day speech will be presented by two year six students from a local primary school.

From left: Cr Tamsin Bearsley, Cr David Eden and Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley.

Throughout April to September many local students and environment groups will get their hands dirty, planting trees around the City of Kingston. Council hopes that the trees and shrubs they plant will eventually grow into a green canopy which helps to cool the urban environment, and offer shade for community members to enjoy when visiting one of our city’s most beautiful natural corridors. The tree plantings have many benefits, including meeting one of the aims of

the Council Plan, to expand the tree canopy cover across Kingston. It will also take place as a part of the Living Links, a program which brings together 10 councils, several Victorian Government agencies, schools and community-based environment and recreation groups who all share the long term aim of creating a web of green spaces across Melbourne’s south east. Kingston is currently home to five major nature reserve corridors which the Living Links Program will focus on improving first. These include: Mordialloc Creek, the Port Phillip Bay Foreshore, Patterson River and Long Beach Trail which includes the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands. And with the Victorian Government’s election commitment to implement the Sandbelt Open Space Chain of Parks project, Kingston is looking forward to taking the remaining Living

c 9772 1873 w longbeachrsl.com.au Mentone RSL 6am Dawn service at the memorial park in front of Mentone RSL, 9 Palmero Street, Mentone. 8.40am March 9am Commemorative Service c 9583 2841 w mentonersl.com.au

From left: St Louis de Montfort students Hunter Ayoub and Millie Marshall.

For further information, please contact the RSL or Rotary Club directly.

Kingston NEWS

Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

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Kingston Junior Mayor and Junior Council As Alice Roberts winds up her time as Junior Mayor, she reflects proudly on the last 12 months.

Emergent Theatre - a place to be heard A brand new and exciting initiative in collaboration with Kingston Arts and Culture, Emergent Theatre Co aims to provide a platform for young adults to upskill and establish themselves in the theatre world.

“It’s been a big year, I’ve been involved with lots of things like citizenship ceremonies, openings, awards ceremonies, all sorts of things really. It’s amazing how many people I have met along the way.” Since being sworn in, Alice’s proud mum Jacqui has been documenting her time as Junior Mayor. Her large scrap book is filled with everything from photos of Alice at official functions, to her first public speech. They pause on photos of the Westall Hub’s first birthday celebration. “That really was a great event,” said Alice, “It brings together so many different community members. It might be our City’s most important building.” The words of the Year 7 student belie her years. “Alice has developed a real confidence in this role,” said her mum Jacqui. “Not a loud confidence, but she’s willing to stand up and speak in front of others.” Alice said that having had the opportunity to act as Kingston’s Junior Mayor has taught her a lot, including how to interact with others.

Artists have free access to industry professionals, performance spaces, festival entry, and much more.

Junior Mayor, Alice Roberts with her mum Jacqui. “The two Mayors I’ve worked with during my time as Junior Mayor taught me how to look at people and smile. My cheeks hurt at the end of events.” Alice was first appointed as Junior Mayor when she was in grade six and winds up her term as a year seven student. “It’s been a big year and full of changes. I’ve made a lot of friends on the Junior Council and am happy that I’ve had a chance to learn more. I might even consider another leadership position.” Mum Jacqui said that it’s been nice to find out a bit more about Council. “I used to just think Council was about waste and parking fines. It’s so nice to see there’s a lot, lot more to it.”

Kingston’s new Junior Mayor will be elected on Thursday 16 May. Kingston thanks Alice and the Junior Council for their hard-work and efforts to date: • Alice Roberts, Junior Mayor (Central Ward) • Keira Wilson (Central Ward) • Tori Edmunds (Central Ward) • Ella MacDonald (South Ward) • Mia Espinoza (South Ward) • Tom Curtin-Daffy (South Ward) • Amelia Lea (North Ward) • Jesse Thomas (North Ward) • Mali Sullivan (North Ward).

Parent Education Programs Kingston Family Support Service offers a number of Parent Education Programs and Support Groups throughout the year. Upcoming programs include: Pit Stop Parenting

Strengthening and Raising Healthy Families

Kingston Family Support Service has partnered with Better Men Australia to bring the Pit Stop Parenting Program for men in Kingston in 2019.

The new Strengthening and Raising Healthy Family Program will provide parents with support and education in raising healthy children and families. The weekly sessions will assist parents to undertake positive parenting through mutual respect, assist in developing an understanding of the ages and stages of child development, and learn positive strategies and boundaries that will yield better outcomes in their children’s behaviour.

Pit Stop Parenting was created by men for men, to get a better handle on what fathers can do to help raise happy and healthy children. Pit Stop has something for dads with children of all ages. The program provides strategies to: • develop healthy parenting styles • improve family communication • steer children through stressful stages • provide strategies to help address challenging behaviours • balance life, work and family • motivate dads to be committed, confident, capable and caring. The next Pit Stop Parenting Program runs for six weeks commencing on Tuesday 30 April. Sessions run from 7pm - 9pm and are at held at Westall Community Hub, 35 Fairbank Road Clayton South.

The program is structured to train and educate parents in the implementation of strategies and techniques that will enable them to understand these crucial stages in their children’s development, increase their community resources awareness and service utilisation. The Strengthening and Raising Healthy Family Program runs for 10 weeks commencing on Wednesday 1 May. Sessions run from 9.30am - 10.45am at Westall Community Hub, 35 Fairbank Road Clayton South.

For more information Kingston Family Support Service c 9581 4860 Contact Ranka Trisic on c 8551 1202 m cf2fs@kingston.vic.gov.au

Workshops are held every Tuesday from 6pm - 8pm at the Kingston Arts Centre. Open to young adults aged 17 – 25 years with a connection to the City of Kingston. Visit kingstonyouth.org.au/emergenttheatre-co/

The Content Creators and Media Crew Kingston Youth Services is on the hunt for Content Creators, Social Influencers, Videographers and Photographers, aged 16 – 24, who have a connection with the City of Kingston. To register your interest or find out more visit kingstonyouth.org.au/ content-creators-social-mediainfluencers

Applications for 2020 kindergarten places opening soon Applications for four-yearold kindergarten places in Kingston in 2020 will open soon. Council offers a central enrolment scheme, which covers 27 local kindergartens and ensures a fair allocation process based on a series of set criteria, including residential proximity and prior connection to the service. Parents can nominate their three preferred kindergartens. Last year, 97 per cent of families received a place at their first choice of kindergarten. Applications for the 2020 first-round allocation will be accepted from 1 May to 30 June. All applications that meet this deadline will be included regardless of the date they are received. To be eligible for funded four-yearold kindergarten, children must turn four by 30 April in the year they start kindergarten. For more information or to complete an Enrolment Application Form go to kingston.vic.gov.au/kindergarten

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Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

Kingston NEWS

News Planning for Kingston’s in brief Future Keeping you informed of important news, information and events

Mentone Renaissance update Works are on track to improve the streetscape and pave the way for a new community piazza between Kilbreda College and the ‘triangle’ building. Upcoming traffic changes: following the reopening of Mentone Parade, the section of Florence Street between Mentone Parade and Como Parade West will close permanently. Mentone Parade between Florence Street and Como Parade West (southbound only) will transition to a bus lane only. Details: kingston.vic.gov.au/mentonerenaissance

Sea Shanties Sign-On and Singing workshop Join Kingston Arts to celebrate the joy of singing in an inclusive and supportive environment. Australian singer-songwriter Fred Smith, renowned choir-leader Katrina Waters and Andrew Price, leader of the legendary Men in Suits have joined forces for Kingston Sea Shanties. Saturday 4 May, 10am – 12:30pm. To book and for more information visit: kingstonarts.com.au

Premier’s Active April at Kingston’s Leisure Centres Premier’s Active April encourages all Victorians to do 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Waves and Don Tatnell are celebrating Active April with a range of fun offers and free activities, including a family health and wellbeing seminar at 6pm on Wednesday 3 April with former AFL footballer and best-selling author of ‘Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health’, Mark Bunn. For more information and to participate please visit: kingstonactive.com.au

Protecting neighbourhood character while accommodating new growth is a key challenge facing Kingston. How do we keep what we love, while making positive change for the future? In 2017, Council began work on a Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study to help us answer these questions. The project aims to:

• Develop a Housing Strategy to guide future housing growth and change across the municipality for the next 20 years. • Prepare a Neighbourhood Character Study that reflects the development conditions and aspirations of Council and the community. • Provide updated and refined preferred neighbourhood character statements and guidelines for development for all residential areas. • Recommend and develop planning scheme controls and other implementation measures.

Key themes and principles to date The key findings of the community panel consultation undertaken include:

Residents value the low-density character of their neighbourhoods and the general ‘village feel’.

Generous setbacks and spacing of dwellings, along with landscaped gardens and trees contribute to neighbourhood character and are worth protecting.

Street trees contribute significantly to neighbourhood character.

Engaging with the community Council is working collaboratively with our community to help us address these issues. In late 2017 we held a series of Ward meetings, early in 2018 we consulted the broader community through online and hard-copy surveys, listening posts, guided and self-guided walking tours and in July last year we established a Community Panel – representing a wide cross-section of Kingston residents. Our efforts to collaborate with our community have produced some great results, which are now informing the study’s first draft.

Established neighbourhoods with consistent neighbourhood character should be protected from inappropriate development.

Housing growth and change is acceptable in appropriate locations close to services and train stations.

Upgrades to community facilities, road infrastructure and public transport are required to support housing growth and increased densities.

Level Crossing Removal update Level crossing removal works are well underway at Carrum. The first major project milestone is complete with the opening of Karrum Karrum Bridge – linking the Bonbeach and Carrum communities and enabling the future closure of the Mascot Avenue, Bonbeach level crossing. Initial works are also starting at Cheltenham and Mentone. Visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au for project updates.

Wiser Driver course Kingston is running Wiser Driver, a fourpart refresher course for responsible older drivers. Attendees will upgrade their knowledge and build on their experience to keep driving safely. Topics covered include driving in 2019, safety tips, safety rules, car safety features, being roadworthy and planning for the future. Dates: 23 and 30 May and 6 and 13 June, 10.30am – 12.30pm. For more information or to book please call 9581 4372 or email info@kingston.vic.gov.au

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Support the Kingston Charitable Fund and win! We’re raising money so that the Kingston Charitable Fund can keep supporting our community through its Annual Grants Program. Buy a raffle ticket for your chance to win a dining package at some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurants, and a range of other great prizes! Tickets are priced at $20 each. Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/raffle to find out more.

Townhouses and apartments offer a greater diversity and housing choice, which contributes to housing affordability. Apartment and townhouse developments should be constructed with high quality materials and greater consideration given to quality and design. Next steps We are currently incorporating the community feedback we’ve received into a draft Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study. Once a draft is finalised, we will present it to the community via yourkingstonyoursay.com.au and invite feedback. For more information visit kingston.vic.gov.au/ planningforourfuture

The diagram above represents the number of times a particular key word was mentioned at our Ward meetings, either positively or negatively and provides a broad overview of the significance and relative importance of topics that emerged during the consultation. The size of the circle represents the popularity of the topic mentioned. Therefore, the larger circles represent a higher number of mentions, whereas smaller circles represent less mentions. The diagram also shows the variations between the three Wards meetings.

Kingston NEWS

Kingston Your City - April / May 2019 The process includes both broad and deliberative engagement. The broad engagement phase will seek to include a wide range of perspectives through engagement with people from all walks of life.

Keep informed on current and future consultations in the City of Kingston. Register today at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au Kingston Library Strategy The City of Kingston want to deliver a library service where our community can be connected to information, knowledge, resources, creativity and each other.

Council is undertaking a Library Strategy via a collaborative engagement process that involves the local community, including library users and non-library users, and internal stakeholders.

The deliberative engagement phase aims to involve and collaborate with a representative sample of the wider community by convening a panel to provide input to help inform a new strategy. The new strategy will provide a strategic and integrated framework for the ongoing provision of relevant, contemporary library service and facilities that meet the needs of the Kingston community. Council is keen to hear from the community during the development of the Library Strategy. Visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au to share your views.

The new committees feature a group of independently recruited community members that mirror our diverse community. The three committees – one each for the North, Central and South Wards – will provide a direct link between Council and the community. They will meet four times a year to give community feedback on a range of Council projects, policy initiatives and issues impacting the local community and are an important link in Council’s consultation process The committees were independently

and randomly selected by an external contractor with 30,000 invitations sent randomly to community members and then interested participants selected to reflect the demographic makeup of Kingston. They each reflect Kingston’s diverse population with a mix of ages, genders, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds from across different suburbs. Council was overwhelmed by the strong level of community interest in joining the innovative new representative consultation groups. Council also seeks feedback from the community in a number of other ways including: • Council’s online community consultation website yourkingstonyoursay.com.au

Throughout the year a wide range of projects and initiatives are listed for community feedback including changes to traffic management, new sporting facilities, how we provide community services, and much more. • Council’s advisory committees. Kingston has a number of expert committees that provide key advice on a range of topics including sport & recreation, arts, equity, business and economics, youth issues, open spaces and more. Council is currently seeking new members, who are suitably qualified, to take part in the following committees: Access and Equity, Business and Economic Development, Sport and Recreation. For details see kingston.vic.gov.au/ advisorycommittees

New sporting facilities on the way for Aspendale Gardens

Council has also committed to maintaining, and where possible improving, the reserve’s current facilities including walking paths and picnic facilities.

Community feedback has helped shape a new sporting facility from the ground up.

While design works in the redevelopment are underway, the existing oval has been requested for use during this winter as an overflow venue for site for local sporting use. Council is currently assessing these requests as part of the winter allocation of all sporting reserves within the City.

Consultation undertaken last year regarding a proposed new sporting facility in Kerr Crescent Reserve, Aspendale Gardens has helped the future direction of the project. Council is moving forward with the key new sporting facility, which is essential to meet sporting demand both now and into the future. A revised concept plan for the site has been developed following feedback from the community on a range of issues including the preferred pavilion location, car parking location, traffic management and more. Work will now begin on detailed designs for the site – with further consultation to take place to help lock-in details of the redevelopment including:

• Pavilion – exploring an appropriate design and provision of future tenancy arrangements i.e. hours of use and possible liquor licensing arrangements; • Car parking – exploring an appropriate design layout to enable the safe access and exiting of vehicles and pedestrians and mitigation of noise, particularly impacts upon surrounding properties. • Sports lighting – ensuring the sports lighting design minimises glare into surrounding properties, as per relevant Australian Standards and establishment of responsible management practices i.e. use of timing devices to regulate the hours of use.

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Other recent consultations • We sought community views on proposed lighting upgrades at Jack Grut Reserve • Ideas were invited to help shape the future of the Moorabbin west precinct • Feedback was requested on proposed traffic safety upgrades on Thames Promenade • A shortlist of four artists presented ideas for a permanent artwork in the Mentone Renaissance area, for community thoughts and feedback • Feedback was sought on Council’s mycommunitylife.com.au website • Business owners and operators were invited to participate in a survey to ensure Council is providing them with the right services to succeed.

Consultation ends on Tuesday 16 May.

Ward Committees off to a great start Kingston Council welcomed its new-look Ward Committees at their first meeting recently.

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Working to stem the harm caused by pokies Council is working to help reduce the harm caused by pokies in our community. Kingston has some of the highest losses to pokie machines in the state – with annual losses of more than $86million. There are 898 poker machines at 16 local venues, yet under Victorian Government laws our area could have up to 1,213 electronic gaming machines (EGMs). And this number could grow further as our population increases. This is despite the fact that Kingston consistently rates third in the state for the highest number of licenced venues, the sixth highest for number of poker machines and within the top 10 for amount of money lost. Last year the amount lost to poker machines in Kingston jumped almost 4% in just 12 months. Enough is enough. Council and our community are calling on the Victorian Government to make urgent changes to gaming laws to reduce the devastating impact of poker machines in Kingston. Council has also joined forces with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a national organisation working to minimise harm caused by poker machines. Over the next few years we’ll be working to • raise community awareness of the harm caused by pokie machines in our community • build community support for our campaign

t more find ou roject at the p u about .com.a oursay y n o t s g yourkin

• call on the Victorian Government to introduce stronger controls to minimise the number of pokie machines in Kingston • help people find other ways to spend their time and make community connections. Free call Gambler’s Help Line: 1800 858 858 (24 hours)

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Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

Kingston NEWS

Building Kingston Council is committed to providing Kingston residents with modern and innovative facilities. Here’s just a taste of some of the many projects currently underway across Kingston.

• accessible toilet and office • refurbishment of the existing building including painting, floor finishes and lighting. The project was jointly funded between Council and the State Government. Kingston would like to acknowledge the Washington Drive Preschool and Clayton South Kindergarten staff teams and communities for their partnership and support. The collaboration ensured all children in the community had access to a kindergarten program in 2018, whilst the refurbishment took place. The upgraded Washington Drive Preschool will provide a more inclusive and accessible facility, which will see an increase in licenced spaces from 29 to 33. New Changing Places facility in Bicentennial Park

Cr Steve Staikos and Cr Tamara Barth visit the upgraded pre school. Washington Drive Preschool Upgrades Washington Drive Preschool has undergone an upgrade and major face-lift that will serve the local community for many years to come.

ensuring that families have access to quality early childhood care and education services and facilities within their neighbourhood. The upgrade also included: • increased learning space area

As part of regular improvements to local parks, Council is installing an all-accessibility facility at Bicentennial Park. The Changing Places facility has been designed to ensure people of all abilities have access to public toilets while using the popular Bicentennial Park playground. It includes an adult changing table, wall-mounted privacy screen and hoist. The facility will be locked when not in use and can only be accessed by using a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) that enables people with disabilities to access public facilities.

New state-of-the-art Mentone Reserve Pavilion Kingston Council has been working closely with local sporting clubs on plans to restore and enhance the ageing GH Soppett Pavilion, at the Mentone Reserve. Plans for the $7m pavilion upgrade include top-quality facilities for both male and female athletes that will serve our community for years to come, whilst retaining and conserving the historic grandstand. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2020. The project also includes: • increased space and number of change rooms and amenities to support female participation • increased social room space • larger undercover spectator area and first floor viewing deck. Dingley Library and Harold Box Hall Major improvement works will take place at the Dingley Village Library and Harold Box Hall. The $5M project has been funded by Kingston Council and the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries fund. The improved centre will feature: • upgraded library • new outdoor space • improved community meeting rooms • new kiosk / kitchen and reception areas

The upgrade has increased the capacity of early years services to reflect the increasing population of young children in the local area,

• undercover entrance area

Green thumbs up for new volunteer program

Thousands of dollars on offer for local community groups

Kingston has launched a brand-new program where volunteers are assisting people with a disability and residents 65 years and over, to keep their garden flourishing. The new gardening program is being offered on a short-term basis, approximately 12 weeks in length, to support eligible residents to get back on their feet again after an illness or injury. Together residents and volunteers carry out light tasks include weeding, planting and watering, and get to know each other over a cuppa. This service is only available to people who are either on a Home Care Package or receiving Kingston City Council home or community support under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. To find out if you are eligible for this new service or if you’re interested in volunteering please call AccessCare, City of Kingston on 1300 819 200 or call My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422.

• renovated children’s bathroom upgrades

• new Maternal & Child Health rooms

Local community groups, schools, sports clubs, kindergartens, non-for-profit groups and charities looking to raise much needed funds for projects or initiatives, take note! Kingston’s Farmers Market is looking for community groups to get involved in running the monthly famers’ market on the first Saturday of the month, for three months. By volunteering, your group could support the Rotary Club in running the market and take a share in the gold coin donations visitors pay upon on entry. Since it started, approximately $500,000 has been donated to local community groups.

your interest today. There are two spaces available: • July, August and September, and • October, November and December. To find out more about eligibility and register your groups’ interest, please email business@kingston.vic.gov.au

If you’re interested and are able to commit 6-12 volunteers being available on the first Saturday of every month, for three months, between 6am and midday, please register

The Mentor Partners Program Kingston and Glen Eira City Councils’ Mentor Partners Program has assisted more than 500 small and medium sized businesses with a diverse range of solutions since 2002. Recently benefiting from the Program is Tiko Gawin of A Tech Recycler, an IT equipment and electronics recycler. Tiko had a strong sales background and was able to quickly build a supply chain of equipment suppliers and buyers. However, Tiko realised the success of the business would benefit by being better organised with stronger processes.

Tiko applied for the Mentor Partners Program and was matched with mentor David Lennon. “David is great! He has helped me to identify the areas that were limiting the growth of the business, and guided me as I implemented new structures and processes,” said Tiko. Tiko has now organised and expanded his warehouse, taken on new staff and implemented processes to empower staff to undertake their tasks. “I would highly recommend the program to other business owners. You can’t be good at everything, and it’s great to get help from someone who has faced and overcome the same challenges as you.”

For more information, please visit mentorpartners.com.au or contact the Program Coordinator on c 0438 507 010

INFORMATION SPOTLIGHT:

KINGSTON’S WAR ON WASTE Every year, Australians generate millions of tonnes of waste in food, fashion, packaging and more. The amount of waste we produce is growing. In the past 20 years Australia’s population has grown 28 per cent – yet the amount of waste we produce has increased by a staggering 170 per cent. The average Australian produces many hundreds of kilograms of waste each year, with most of this sent to landfill which is costly, takes up valuable land space and has significant negative impacts on our environment. Tackling our waste problem will take a major combined effort from federal, state and local governments; from businesses and from every single community member. In an ongoing series in KYC throughout 2019, we’ll look at Kingston’s waste challenges including rubbish, recycling, garden waste, e-waste, dumped rubbish and more. We’ll outline what action Kingston Council will be taking and provide practical tips on how we can all play a part to reduce, re-use and recycle.

A LOAD OF RUBBISH Kingston offers most households a three-bin option – red-lid bin for landfill waste, a yellow-lid bin for recycling and a green-lid bin for garden waste.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ITEMS TO BREAK DOWN IN LANDFILL?

Think of them as a traffic light system for your waste.

Green = Go for garden waste processing.

Pastic bottles

450 years

Aluminium

80 - 200 years

Glass

+1 million years

Paper

6 weeks

Food

1 - 6 months

Polystyrene

never

Yellow = Caution for recycling. Red = Stop for landfill. Over the coming few editions of Kingston Your City we’ll look in detail at each of these services so that we can all be clear on what items go in each bin, and how we can reduce the amount of waste we produce.

WHY SHOULD WE BE MINIMISING THE AMOUNT OF WASTE WE SEND TO LANDFILL? There are many downsides to sending our waste to landfill including environmental impacts, the effect on neighbouring areas and high costs of landfill. Landfill sites can produce carbon dioxide and methane gases, contaminate soil and water and cause odour and litter issues. These issues must be carefully managed and are regulated by the EPA. Kingston was historically home to many landfill sites – which are thankfully now at the end of their lives – so our community knows all too well the negative impacts on the local community including odour issues, dust, truck traffic and pests including seagulls. While we are celebrating the end of landfill in Kingston, we must remember that our rubbish has an impact elsewhere.

WHERE DOES THE WASTE IN MY RED BIN GO? Rubbish collected from all of Kingston’s red-lidded bins is taken to Suez Landfill in Dandenong South.

PART 2 OF 5 2.

1. A LOAD OF RUBBISH

3. SPOTLIGHT: GENERAL WASTE

4. SPOTLIGHT: RECYCLING

SPOTLIGHT: GREEN WASTE

5. SPOTLIGHT: DUMPED RUBBISH

HOW CAN I REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WASTE I SEND TO LANDFILL? Make sure your red-lid bin only contains items that CAN’T be recycled or processed by your green waste bin. The items that SHOULD NOT be put into the red-lid landfill bin:

X

X

X

%

%

%

Recyclable items (paper, hard plastic, steel, aluminium and glass) these should go into your yellow lidded recycling bin.

Compost your food waste rather than putting it in the bin. Use a compost bin, worm farm or bokashi bucket to turn your food waste into a valuable resource for your garden. Keep an eye on Councils website for upcoming Composting, Worm Farming and Bokashi workshops held in May as part of International Composting Awareness Week’.

Plant material that can be put in the Chemicals and E-waste (i.e. green-lid bin. anything with a cord or a battery) refer to Kingston website for disposal information.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce by avoiding single-use items like plastic plates, straws, nappies, paper towel and wet wipes.

NOT FILLING UP YOUR RED-LID GARBAGE BIN EACH WEEK? Did you know you can reduce the size of your landfill bin to a 120L bin and save up to $40 (depending on your current bin combination). Send a request to info@kingston.com.au and one of our staff will be in touch.

Take all soft scrunchable plastics to your nearest Coles or Woolies for recycling.

What should I do if my rubbish bin isn’t collected? Each week we collect over 63,000 bins, and unfortunately sometimes our collectors miss a few. Simply give us a call on 1300 653 356 within one business day of your bin being missed so we can arrange another collection. You can also lodge a request online. Once reported, please leave your bin out on the kerb and do not remove it until it has been emptied. If it has been longer than one business day, you will need to wait until your next collection for your bin to be emptied.

Find out more at kingston.vic.gov.au/waste

Ward COLUMNS

Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

Which Ward do you live in? Your Councillors’ individual views on the various issues and events in your community. OAKLEIGH SOUTH

0417 870 350

Walk through autumn for great health Blue skies, crisp breeze, falling leaves – walking in autumn is not only enjoyable, convenient and free, but a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Walking is the most effective form of exercise you’ll consistently perform. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Unlike some other forms of exercise, walking is free and doesn’t require any special equipment or training. And, even better news - you don’t have to do 30 minutes all in one go. Research shows that walking for ten minutes, three times per day is just as beneficial as walking for 30 minutes in one hit. That could be walking

tamara.barth@kingston.vic.gov.au

to and from the train station, parking a bit further away from work, or walking up the street to grab the milk instead of jumping in the car. With some minor routine changes you can be well on the way to getting your recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise. Community In addition to health benefits, walking also builds a strong sense of community. The more we walk, the more we discover about our municipality - and the people we share our neighbourhood with. You might stumble upon a great new coffee spot, or meet a neighbour you didn’t know before. The better we know our neighbours, the safer we feel and the safer we feel, the more we can get out and walk! To find out more or to discover walking routes and groups, please visit: victoriawalks.org.au I’ll be hitting the pavements this autumn and I look forward to seeing you out there too!

Cr Steve Staikos - North Ward

North Ward

CLAYTON SOUTH

HEATHERTON

HIGHETT

CLARINDA

Chain of Parks Following the Victorian Government’s $25 million election commitment to fund the Sandbelt Open Space Chain of Parks in the Green Wedge, we are another step closer to delivery of the project with Council engaging a consultant to develop detailed plans for a Chain of Parks Trail. The trail will provide for pedestrian, cycling and equestrian access, taking into account wildlife corridors. The Chain of Parks project marks the end of landfill in our northern suburbs, with former waste sites making way for linked open spaces for the community to enjoy, from Karkarook Park to Braeside Park. Council has refused permission for the owners of the former Carroll Road landfill site to keep 188,000 cubic metres of excess material at the site. The community will be notified of any removal works that are likely to cause disruption.

CHELTENHAM DINGLEY VILLAGE

MOORABBIN AIRPORT MENTONE PARKDALE

Central Ward BRAESIDE MORDIALLOC

WATERWAYS

ASPENDALE

ASPENDALE GARDENS

South Ward NORTH WARD Suburbs: Moorabbin, Highett, Oakleigh South, Heatherton, Clarinda, Clayton South, Dingley Village.

CENTRAL WARD

CHELSEA HEIGHTS

CHELSEA

BONBEACH PATTERSON LAKES CARRUM

Suburbs: Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Waterways, Edithvale, Chelsea Heights, Chelsea, Bonbeach, Carrum, Patterson Lakes.

Cr Hua’s ward column will not appear this edition, as per Council policy, as he has been confirmed as a candidate in the upcoming Federal election.

EDITHVALE

Suburbs: Cheltenham, Mentone, Parkdale, Moorabbin Airport, Mordialloc, Braeside.

SOUTH WARD

Page 10

Cr Tamara Barth - North Ward

0447 896 643 MOORABBIN

|

steve.staikos@kingston.vic.gov.au

Reducing the harm caused by pokies Kingston has some of the highest losses to poker machines in the state, totaling a whopping $86 million per year. Council and our community are calling on the Victorian Government to make urgent changes to gaming laws to reduce the devastating impact of poker machines in the municipality. Council is working closely with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a national organisation working to minimise harm caused by poker machines, to raise public awareness of the real cost of pokies in our community and lobby for more support for anyone with a gambling addiction. Disposable dog-bag trial at Natmatjira Reserve and Spring Road Reserve Residents are fed up with people not picking up dog droppings, so Council has determined to provide trial access to free, environmentally friendly disposable dogpoo bags at a number of parks throughout Kingston including Natmatjira Reserve, Clayton South and Spring Road Reserve, Dingley Village.

Page 11

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Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

Ward COLUMNS

Cr Ron Brownlees OAM - Central Ward 0418 172 725

Ward Committees Council has now decided on the structure and membership of our new Ward Advisory Committees and I would like to thank and congratulate all those who put themselves forward to participate in this important process. I look forward to working with the Central Ward Committee as we move forward with some exciting new municipal projects. Mordi Fest The Mordi Festival took place recently and whilst the weather was extremely hot, many people attended to take part in the great food and entertainment on offer over the weekend. Well done to all involved in organising such a large and popular event. The ‘water misters’ certainly helped make the conditions bearable.

ron.brownlees@kingston.vic.gov.au

Mentone Renaissance Works are progressing on the Mentone Renaissance project and the local traders have made some reasonable suggestions for traffic diversion trials, in the form of a petition, to help local residents adapt. I understand the difficulty these realignments and diversions have caused and the inconvenience to traders, but it is hoped that when the project is finalised – including the new café – Mentone will be a re-vitalised, improved, and thriving shopping centre. Many of you will have read about the recent announcement that proposes to build a $100 million leisure and recreation ‘Water Theme Park’ in Heatherton. Whilst the area proposed is in the Green Wedge, it has raised the eyebrows of some and brought smiles and joy to others in our community. The project has a long way to go as it progresses through the usual statutory planning and approval processes.

Cr Rosemary West OAM - Central Ward 9776 2819, 0418 554 799

Kingston’s Green Wedge is currently threatened by proposals for: The Mordialloc Freeway, which to me is clearly a noisy, polluting, unnecessary freeway that will bisect the Green Wedge, disrupt the connectivity for endangered birds between Edithvale Wetlands, Braeside Park, Woodlands and Waterways Wetlands while ruining the amenity and impacting the health of local residents. Council advocated at the EES panel to mitigate the harm, but this is a State Government decision. Whitehorse residents had the Healesville Freeway Reserve handed over for parkland. Why can’t we? Alex Fraser is offering Council $2.5 million and the land title to extend their concrete crusher permit for 10 years to 2033, which will virtually make it permanent. The last concrete crusher application provoked 2000

rosemary.west@kingston.vic.gov.au

objections. The Pellicano waterpark application looks more appealing, but indoor recreation facilities are prohibited in Green Wedges to retain their rural open spaces. Hawthorn Football Club’s proposal for indoor basketball and netball courts and a community centre on their Green Wedge land breaches the same rule. Pay close attention to Council’s draft Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategies when they are released for consultation soon. I moved for a Neighbourhood Character Study to give residents more say, but Council must also adopt a new housing strategy to justify adopting our new residential zones. State Government has increased the height limits of the new zones, so we could end up with more overdevelopment, unless we ensure that all of our current incremental housing change area (GRZ3) goes into the new Neighbourhood Residential Zone and our increased diversity area (GRZ2) is not rezoned to Residential Growth Zone, which permits four storeys.

Cr Geoff Gledhill - Central Ward 0427 102 926

geoff.gledhill@kingston.vic.gov.au

Cr Tamsin Bearsley - South Ward 0430 170 210

tamsin.bearsley@kingston.vic.gov.au

tamsinbearsley.org crtamsinbearsley tamsinbearsley

World’s Biggest Playdate A day of carnival fun, great rides, entertainment and tasty food comes to Aspendale Gardens Community Centre. The World’s Biggest Playdate will be held on the Sunday 7 April from 11am - 3pm. It’s hosted by the Miranda Foundation and every dollar you spend raises much needed funds for Monash Children’s Cancer Centre. ‘Market3196’ Indoor Market Opens its Doors Don’t miss this exciting new local market. Market3196 located at 279 Wells Road Chelsea Heights is an indoor market open 7 days with loads of independent stalls including arts & crafts, furniture, memorabilia, retro, clothing, vintage, harvest, homewares, pop culture and food trucks. Dragons Abreast If you have been affected by breast cancer and want to get fitter, make new friends

and have fun, then join our local women at Dragons Abreast - Pink Lotus who meet every Sunday morning on the Patterson River at 9:30am for a 10am start. This Dragon Boat movement has helped many breast cancer sufferers to regain their fitness and confidence. It’s a fun and social way to meet other women and promote an active lifestyle after diagnosis. For more information call Anne on 0417 545 872. Public Art Bus Tour Jump on board our magical public Arts Bus tour throughout Kingston. It’s a guided tour through some of Kingston’s most interesting and infamous local stories featuring new music, video, sculptures and performances. Running during the last two weekends in May – there will be four tours daily. Book now at kingstonarts.com.au Full $10. Conc. $7.50 and family of three $25.

Cr David Eden - South Ward 0422 557 917

david.eden@kingston.vic.gov.au davideden.org davideden2012 DEden2012

Activity in the South Ward Kingston’s South Ward has been a hub of activity in recent months, with LXRA works on local level crossing removals and Carrum Station underway; along with the Victorian Government’s hearing into the Mordialloc Freeway Environmental Effects Statement (EES). Kingston Council and the community joined forces to lobby for the Mordialloc Freeway to be delivered with the best possible outcome for our area. We undertook community consultation about the freeway and integrated public feedback into Council’s submission to the EES hearing, which we delivered when we spoke in March. Council’s submission addressed several issues in association with the development of the Mordialloc Freeway. These included:

• factoring in effective sound and acoustic screening • ensuring high quality design that suits and complements the environment • the integration of a flood plan • measures to reduce deterioration in air quality and environmental impacts • creating shared pathway connections which continue to allow pedestrian access and provide opportunities for the construction of future pathways, and • ensuring there are safety measures, such as adequate lighting, incorporated into pedestrian pathways.

Mayor, Cr Georgina Oxley - South Ward 9581 4706, 0429 222 504

georgina.oxley@kingston.vic.gov.au georginaoxley.com goxley2014

Cr Gledhill has chosen not to run his column in this edition.

Kingston Junior Mayor I would like to extend my thanks to Alice Roberts who has served the City of Kingston as Junior Mayor over the last 12 months. From the very beginning of her tenure, Alice won over the crowd with her speech which addressed “What does hope mean for our community?” and she has continued to impress during her term. Alice has been involved in a range of activities and events across Kingston, including citizenship ceremonies, openings and awards ceremonies and it has been great to see her confidence grow and develop during this time. Alice has been as asset to the community and a pleasure to work with. I thank her for all her hard work and contributions during her time as Junior Mayor. International Women’s Day I was extremely proud to present the inaugural Kingston Woman of the Year

Award to Emma Gierschick, at Council’s International Women’s Day community breakfast on Friday 8 March. Emma was recognised for her advocacy of increased support, information and awareness of family violence, disability support and cancer. The awards received a strong response, with 25 nominations received for women excelling across a broad range of areas. Congratulations is due to all nominees, honourable mentions and our winner – for more, please read the full story on page 2. Chelsea Ladies Probus Club Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank the Chelsea Ladies Probus Club who have been providing activities to seniors for the last 35 years. They held their last meeting in March, and I would like to recognise and thank them for the very important role they have played in our community over the years.

Have your say WIN! Kingston Council Communications Survey

Complete the survey to go in the draw to win one of five Gold Class double passes.

Please tell us what Council news you want to hear about and how we can best deliver that information to you.

Cut this page out and return to us: Mail to: Communications Survey, PO Box 1000 Mentone VIC 3194 Drop in: to our Customer Care Centres in Cheltenham or Chelsea About you Your age: Under 24 years ­ 25 - 34 years ­ 35 - 44 years ­ 45 - 54 years ­ 55 + years ­ Prefer not to say How long have you lived in Kingston? ­ 0 - 2 years ­ 2 - 5 years ­ 5 - 10 years ­ 10 - 20 years ­ 20 + years Which suburb do you live in? ­ Aspendale ­­ Aspendale Gardens ­­ Bonbeach ­­ Braeside ­­ Carrum ­­ Chelsea ­­ Chelsea Heights ­­ Cheltenham ­­ Clarinda ­­ Clayton South ­­ Dingley Village ­­ Edithvale ­­ Heatherton ­­ Highett ­­ Mentone ­­ Moorabbin ­­ Mordialloc ­­ Oakleigh South ­­ Parkdale ­­ Patterson Lakes ­­ Waterways

General communication feedback 1. How well informed do you feel you are about Council activities? ­ Very informed ­ Somewhat informed ­ Not informed ­ Not informed and not interested 2. How satisfied are you with the information you receive from Council? ­­ Very satisfied ­­ Satisfied ­­ Neither satisfied or dissatisfied ­­ Dissatisfied ­­ Very dissatisfied 3. Have you had direct contact with Kingston Council in the past 12 months? ­­ Yes ­­ No - go to question 5 4. If yes, how so? ­­ Chelsea customer care centre Cheltenham customer care centre ­­ Attended a Council event or festival ­­ Other face to face contact ­­ Email ­­ Phone ­­ LiveChat via Council’s website ­­ Social media e.g. Facebook, Instgram ­­ Other please specify

5. Where are you most likely to hear about Council activities? ­­­ Word of mouth ­­­ Local newspapers ­­­ Council’s website ­­­ Council’s Facebook page ­­­ Council’s Twitter page ­­­ Direct mail (flyers in your letterbox) ­­­ Council’s newspaper, Kingston Your City ­­­ At Council’s locations (i.e. Customer Care Centre, library, childcare and senior centres) ­­ One of Councils’ e-newsletters ­­ Other - please state below:

Local Papers 6. Which of the following local newspapers do you read? ­ Mordialloc Chelsea Leader ­ Moorabbin Kingston Leader ­ Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 7. Do you recall seeing our regular Council advertisement in any of these publications? Yes ­ No

Council’s community consultations 8. Do you feel like you have the opportunity to provide your comment on Council’s plans and strategies? ­ Yes ­ No 9. Have you ever visited the ‘Have Your Say’ section of Council’s website? ­ Yes ­ No 10. Have you read about or taken part in community consultation in the past 12 months? ­ Yes ­ No 11. How did you find out about the last community consultation you were involved in? ­ Through the ‘Have Your Say’ section of Council’s website ­­ Word of mouth ­­ Local newspapers ­­ Council’s website ­­ Council’s Facebook page ­­ Council’s Twitter feed ­­ Direct mail (flyers in your letterbox) ­­­ Council’s newspaper, Kingston Your City ­­­­ At Council’s locations (i.e. Customer Care Centre, library, childcare and senior centres) ­­ Other - please state below:

Comp surveyleote the nline

kingston au/have .vic.gov. yoursay

Council newsletters

Social Media

12. Do you receive Kingston’s newspaper Kingston Your City in your letterbox? ­­­ Yes ­­­ No

20. Are you active on social media? ­­­ Yes ­­­ No

13. What best describes your reading habits of Kingston Your City? ­­­ I read it cover-to-cover ­­­ I flick through it ­­­ I flick straight to a particular section ­­­ I never read it

21. Tick which platform(s) you use: ­­­ Facebook ­­­ Twitter ­­­ Instagram ­­­ YouTube ­­­ Snapchat ­­ Other - please state below:

14. How well does Kingston Your City keep you informed about Council activities? ­­ Very well ­­ Somewhat informed ­­ Not informed at all 15. How often would you like to receive Kingston Your City? ­­ Every second month ­­ Quarterly ­­ Twice a year 16. In what format would you like to receive Kingston Your City ­­­ Hard copy in the mail ­­­ Hard copy that I can pick up from a Council office ­­­ Via e-mail ­­­ Online at Council’s website ­­­ I do not want to receive it 17. What types of stories would you like to see? ­ More community stories ­ More events in and around the area ­ Council projects and upgrades ­ Updates from your local ward councillors ­­ Other - please state below:

18. Do you currently subscribe to any of our e-newsletters? ­­­ Yes ­­­ No 19. Which ones? ­­­ Kingston Arts e-news ­­­ Kingston Business e-newsletter ­­­ Moorabbin Junction updates ­­­ Mentone Renaissance updates ­­­ Cheltenham Central updates ­­­ Moorabbin Reserve updates ­­ My Community Life ­­ Other - please state below:

22. Please tick which of Council’s social media sites you follow: ­­­ Kingston Council Facebook ­­­ Kingston Council Twitter ­­­ Lost and Found Pets ­­­ Kingston Arts Facebook ­­­ Kingston Arts Instagram ­­­ Kingston Business Facebook ­­­ Kingston Festivals Instagram ­­­ YouTube ­­ Other - please state below:

23. How often do you visit Council’s website? ­­ never once a year ­­ a few times a year ­­ monthly ­­ more than once a week 24. What do you mostly visit Councils’ website for? ­­­ Online services ­­­ Online payments ­­­ To report an issue ­­­ Change address ­­­ Council news ­­­ Council events ­­­ A career at Council ­­­ Council tenders ­­­ Know your bin day ­­­ Get planning advice ­­ Other - please state below:

25. What do you think council can do to improve its communication and how information is delivered to you?



thank you for your feedback

Page 13

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Kingston Your City - April / May 2019

Kingston NEWS

Six moments in Kingston - a big bold public art bus tour Take a ride through Kingston’s history this May, and join the biggest, boldest public art program ever seen in our municipality. Over two weekends in May, buses departing from the Kingston Arts Centre will tour six public artworks, responding to some of the most interesting and bizarre stories from Kingston’s history in the 1970s and 80s. This ambitious public art project features new music, video, sculpture and performance works dotted throughout Kingston. The public art bus features voice-over stories told by legendary Australian actor Michael Caton, and stops off at mystery locations where each story originally occurred. The City of Kingston received a $65,000 Creative Suburbs grant to create this unique arts

experience, curated by Dr David Cross and Dr Cameron Bishop. The infamous stories depicted from Kingston in the 1970s and 80s, include:

and replaced with the Moorabbin Police Station. • The protest movements that mobilised Moorabbin, including the tent protest against homelessness by two teenage girls, protests for fair wages and anti-nuclear armament marches. The six artists selected to depict these significant moments include video artist and animator Laresa Kosloff, ‘craftivist’ Tal Fitzpatrick, curator and artist Spiros Panigirakis,

multidisciplinary collective Field Theory, conceptual artist Steven Rhall and performance artist Shane McGrath. Step back in time and climb aboard Kingston’s own magical mystery bus tour! Dates: Saturday/Sunday 18, 19, 25 and 26 May 2019. Four bus tours depart Kingston City Hall each day at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm. More information: kingstonarts.com.au

• The mysterious disappearance of aviator Fred Valentich who flew out from Moorabbin airport in 1978 never to be seen again • A celebration of globally successful Parkdale-raised rocker Rick Springfield • The election of Moorabbin’s first female councillor and mayor, Julie Cooper, in 1976 • VFL player Phil Carman’s notorious head-butting incident at Moorabbin Oval, which resulted in a 20-week suspension. • The story of The Grange, a homestead built on the Nepean Highway in the late 1800s, controversially demolished in 1983

Cr Geoff Gledhill and Cr Ron Brownlees OAM taking in the history of Moorabbin airport.

Volunteer as a citizen scientist and Port Phillip Bay Coastal help protect our beaches Pollution from stormwater drains can impact the water quality of our beaches and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)’s Drain Detectives project will help provide a better understanding of drain pollution, so that it can be effectively managed. The City of Kingston is supporting the project by assisting with the sourcing of volunteers for the Drain Detectives project. If you’d like to help protect Mordialloc and Mentone beaches, EPA is inviting members of the public to volunteer as citizen scientists. Volunteer ‘Drain Detectives’ help monitor water quality by collecting water samples and taking photos of stormwater drains. Every piece of information helps protect our beaches, and Victorians, from the harmful effects of pollution.

Want to get involved? Here’s how: 1. Register your interest at epa.vic.gov.au/draindetectives with your name and preferred beach. You’ll be updated with training sessions and other ways to get involved. 2. You will need to complete a 1.5 hour sample collection training session. The next training sessions will be held later in 2019. 3. Choose any of the beaches being monitored under the project and monitor at times that suit you. 4. Take water samples and smartphone photos when you pass drains flowing in the vicinity of the beach. 5. Keep an eye out for Drain Detectives signs at other beaches requesting your photos of stormwater flow.

Winter foreshore dog regulations return With the colder weather approaching, foreshore winter dog restrictions are now in force from 1 April until 31 October – allowing more time for dogs to be exercised on Kingston’s beaches. Owners are reminded that all dogs must be on leash until they reach the sand area and must remain under effective control at all times. From April, dogs must be on leash between 11am and 3pm at: • Mentone, Parkdale and Mordialloc (Plummer Rd, Mentone to Bay St, Mordialloc) • Aspendale, Edithvale, Chelsea, Bonbeach and Carrum (Mordialloc Creek to McLeod Rd, Carrum).

The 24-hour dog off-leash beaches are still active at: • Mentone (northern end of beach from Charman Rd to Plummer Rd) • Carrum (southern end of beach from Old Post Office Lane to Osprey Lane). Dogs are not permitted at any time in the ‘no-dog zone’ designated between Bay Street and the Mordialloc Pier.

The no-dog zone includes the sand, foreshore reserve and the Peter Scullin Reserve. Council reminds dog owners that they must carry a device (e.g. a plastic or paper bag) to pick up after their pet at all times while they are out and about. People who fail to produce such a device if requested by an authorised officer, or who fail to pick up after their dog could face an on-the-spot penalty of $148.

Hazard Assessment With significant population, infrastructure and assets located along its coastline, it’s important to understand the impacts of climate change on Port Phillip Bay. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is leading a project to define the extent of land, around Port Phillip Bay, predicted to be threatened by the coastal hazards of inundation, erosion and changes in groundwater under a number of different climate scenarios. The information generated will facilitate planning for, and management of, current and future natural, cultural and economic assets, and the setting of state, regional and council priorities. The City of Kingston is working in partnership with the Department to deliver the hazard assessment. For more information about the Port Phillip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment, please visit: coastsandmarine.vic.gov.au/ coastal-programs/port-phillip-baycoastal-hazard-assessment

What's On April

Saturday 4

Thursday 25

G3 Artspace Parkdale: Screen Glow 22 March - 27 April see kingstonarts.com.au

Monday 1 Winter Foreshore Dog Regulations Return 1 April until 31 October see page 13 for details

mycommunitylife.com.au

For more information and events go to

April / May immunisation schedule

Anzac Day Local RSL and Rotary Clubs in Kingston will hold Anzac Day services (see page 3 for details)

KINGSTON VENUES no bookings required

Thursday 4

Tuesday 30

Shirley Burke Theatre: Underground 7.30pm see kingstonarts.com.au

Westall Community Hub: Pit Stop Parenting 7pm - 9pm (see page 4 for details)

Saturday 6

May Applications for 2020 kindergarten Places Open Applications for first-round allocation will be accepted from Wednesday 1 May to Sunday 30 June. For more information or to complete an Enrolment Application Form go to: kingston.vic.gov.au/kindergarten

Sunday 7

THE BIGGEST PLAYDATE

The Miranda Foundation, Aspendale Gardens Community Centre 11am - 3pm w mycommunitylife.com.au

Wednesday 10

Westall Community Hub: Strengthening and Raising Healthy Family Program 9.30am - 10.45am (see page 4 for details)

Friday 3 Parkdale Library: Walking the Camino 10.30am - 11.30am (see page 15 for details)

=Don’t forget yout Dog & Cat registration renewal w kingston.vic.gov.au/pets

Saturday 4

Friday 19

Kingston City Hall: Sea Shanties Sign-On and Singing Workshop 10am - 12.30pm (see page 5 for details)

Chelsea Activity Hub 3-5 Showers Ave, Chelsea 9581 4956

Chelsea Heights Community Centre Beazley Res, 160 Thames Prm, Chelsea Heights 9772 3391

Cheltenham Community Centre 8 Chesterville Rd, Cheltenham 9583 0095

NO SESSION

Sat 18

10-11am

Cheltenham

1-2pm

Tue 9

Tue 14

10-11am

Wed 10

Wed 8

Chelsea

5-6pm

Thur 11

Thur 9

Clarinda

10-11am

Sat 13

Sat 11

Edithvale

1-2pm

Tue 16

Tue 21

Moorabbin

10-11am

Wed 17

Wed 15

Parkdale

5-6pm

Thur 18

Thur 16

Parkdale

10-11am

Sat 6

Sat 4

Kingston City Hall: Six Moments in Kingston 18, 19, 25 & 26 May - Four sessions each day at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (see page 13 for details)

Chelsea

10-11am

Wed 24

Wed 22

Tuesday 21

SUPPORT THE KINGSTON CHARITABLE FUND AND GO INTO THE DRAW TO

Wednesday 8 Budget Information Session City of Kingston, Cheltenham Office 6pm - 7pm w kingstonbudgetinfo.eventbrite.com.au

Friday 17 Chelsea Library: Meet Garry Disher 2pm -3pm (see page 15 for details)

Kilbreda College Open Morning Kilbreda College, 118 Mentone Pde, Mentone 9am - 10.15am bookings required w kilbreda.vic.edu.au

Tuesday 23 Mordialloc Neighbourhood House: Wiser Driver Course 23, 30 May & 6, 13 June 10.30am - 12.30pm bookings required (see page 5 for details)

kingston.vic.gov.au/immunisation

WIN

MELBOURNE ICONS DINING PACKAGE VALUE $3,000 KINGSTON.VIC.GOV.AU/RAFFLE

Friday 31

= Rates Instalments 4th payment due

TICKETS

20

$

Happy Easter Aspendale Gardens Community Centre Kearney Dve, Aspendale Gdns 9587 5955

Thur 6

Parkdale

Saturday 18

Wednesday 1

Thur 4

5-6pm

Dingley Village

Kilbreda College Open Morning Kilbreda College, 118 Mentone Pde, Mentone 9am - 10.15am bookings required w kilbreda.vic.edu.au

Thur 23

Mentone

Monday 29

Cheltenham Library: Understanding Your DNA Results for Family History 2.30 -3.30pm (see page 15 for details)

NO SESSION

5-6pm

Shirley Burke Theatre: Buying the Moose, a comedy by Michael Wilmot Mordialloc Theatre Company 26 April - 11 May, Bookings required see mordialloctheatre.com

Health and Well-being Seminar with Renowned Speaker Mark Bunn Kingston Town Hall, 985 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin 6pm (see page 5 for details)

MAY

Westall

Friday 26

Wednesday 3

APR

Clarinda Community Centre 58-70 Viney St, Clarinda 8551 1200

Dingley Village Neighbourhood Centre 31B Marcus Rd, Dingley Village 9558 1866

Highett Neighbourhood Community House 2 Livingston St, Highett 9555 3797

Longbeach Place Inc 15 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea 9776 1386

Mordialloc Community Centre Warren Rd, Mordialloc 9580 3675

Mordialloc Neighbourhood House 457 Main St, Mordialloc 9587 4534

To add your event to the calendar, go to

Patterson Lakes Community Centre Thompson Rd, Patterson Lakes 9772 8588

Sundowner Community Centre 24 Sundowner Ave Clarinda 9551 8711

kingston.vic.gov.au/KYCcalendar

Free and low-cost events running all month at Kingston’s Neighbourhood Houses To celebrate Victoria’s Neighbourhood House Week this 10-17 May, Kingston’s Neighbourhood Houses are giving the community more opportunities to try everything they have to offer, with a special month-long calendar of free or low-cost activities and events all throughout May.

Kingston boasts ten Neighbourhood Houses, each delivering fun, interesting and educational classes and courses, connecting groups of people of all ages. From adult learning to school holiday activities, men’s sheds, music classes and community gardening, there’s something for everyone. Approximately 12,000 residents use these wonderful, welcoming facilities each week, which are run by volunteer-based groups and funded by organisations such as Kingston Council and the Victorian Government.

The May celebrations will showcase each of the Neighbourhood Houses’ programs and offer insights into the diverse services our Neighbourhood Houses provide, enabling Kingston residents to experience a little bit of everything in a fun and informal environment, while getting to know other local community members. Visit www.mycommunitylife.com.au/ nhmonth to find out more about the great calendar of events on offer all throughout May and plan your visits today.

Swimming and water safety – skills for life

Kingston Libraries

read, live, learn, collaborate, experience! library.kingston.vic.gov.au

kingstonlibraries.net

1300 135 668

Not just a summer-time activity, swimming is also great way to stay active during the cooler months and get out of the house on cold or wet days. Learning to swim and understanding water safety are essential life skills, which are particularly relevant given Kingston’s proximity to the beach, and confidence in the water could one day save lives. Knowing what to do in case of an emergency and having the confidence to stay calm in those situations could one day prove vital.

Understanding Your DNA Results for Family History

Maintaining swimming lessons throughout the year will help ensure you and your loved ones are prepared if something goes wrong, or someone requires assistance, and unlike other sports which get called off in bad weather, you can keep swimming indoors at any of Kingston’s Leisure Centres in rain, hail or shine! Swimming is also great for your general health, and classes are a great way to connect with others in your local community.

How do you use your DNA to further your family history research? Jenny Redman, President of the Genealogical Society of Victoria, will be providing tips to help you. Note this is a presentation only.

Kingston’s Leisure Centres offer competition-length lap pools as well as dedicated learning pools and lanes, and swimming lessons are available for all ages and abilities seven days a week. Special needs can also be catered for.

Cheltenham Library Wednesday 3 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Walking the Camino

Meet Garry Disher

Author Noel Braun shares stories from his journeys along several of the major Camino walks. Based on his books, The Day was Made for Walking and I Guess I’ll Just Keep on Walking. Talk followed by book sales and signings.

Acclaimed Australian writer Garry Disher will talk about his career and latest crime novel, Kill Shot, as well as his new literary novel Her, listed for the prestigious International Dublin Literary Award. Talk followed by signings and book sales, courtesy of Dymocks Southland.

Parkdale Library Friday 3 May 10.30am - 11.30am

Chelsea Library Friday 17 May 2pm - 3pm

Find out more and book a free swimming skills assessment today a kingstonactive.com.au

Tips for kids learning to swim: • Repetition and consistency is the key to progression and building confidence, as well as long-term retention. • Children are more likely to continue swimming as a form of exercise into adulthood if a routine is established early. • Children learn different skills depending on their age group. To find out what skills each age group is learning, view the progression charts at kingstonactive.com.au/learn-to-swim/ swimming-levels.

Bookings essential for all events Check out our other activities listed in the calendar (left). Further information at library.kingston.vic.gov.au or 1300 135 668

Kingston Libraries Chelsea: 1 Chelsea Rd Clarinda: 58A Viney St Highett: 310 Highett Rd Parkdale: 96 Parkers Rd Westall: 35 Fairbank Rd

Cheltenham: 12 Stanley Ave Dingley Village Neighbourhood House: 31B Marcus Rd Moorabbin: Shop 5, 1 Taylor St Patterson Lakes: 54 Thompson Rd

• Children’s swimming skills will improve through play, so head to the pool outside swimming lesson times to enjoy time in the water as a family, as you watch their confidence grow.

y swim il m a f e e r f a enjoy

Culture that captures the imagination

Theatre, Music, Film, Visual Arts, Public Programs, Creative Development

At Kingston’s Leisure Centres you can enjoy a free family swim before and after any lesson, and enrolled students can also benefit from free practice swims outside lesson day!

As it was

Six Moments in Kingston

Underground

Screen Glow

Thursday 4 April, 7:30pm.

Four tours daily depart Kingston City Hall, Saturday and Sunday 18, 19 and 25, 26 May

Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale

Exhibition Opening Thursday 21 March, 6-8pm. Exhibition runs from Friday 22 March to Saturday 27 April. School holiday workshop Thursday 11 April, 10am -12pm. Tickets for workshop are on sale now. G3 Artspace, Parkdale

Tickets Full $10 | Conc. $7.50 | Family & Group tickets are also available

A magical mystery bus tour! Six Moments in Kingston is a dazzling public art project that celebrates Kingston’s rich history. Artists including Shane McGrath, Tal Fitzpatrick and Steven Rhall along with local residents, create extraordinary events in secret locations around Kingston.

Mentone Beach, 1940

Audiences hop on board a mobile art bus with recorded commentaries around each work, grab a sausage at Moorabbin Oval and laugh, sing and tour their way around secret destinations from Moorabbin to Parkdale.

Tickets Full $35 | Conc. $25 | Group 6+ $25

This is the story of an adventurous, iconic Australian woman during one of history’s darkest periods. But Nancy Wake doesn’t want another layer of gold paint added to the legend of The White Mouse. What happened in France in 1944 changed her forever but this time no-one is messing with her story… she tells it her way, with trademark roguishness. She evaded capture by the Gestapo and was one of only thirteen female special agents to survive the war. In this hallucinatory review of her life directed by Sara Grenfell, Nancy’s story unfolds with humour and pathos, together with a cast of comrades from the forests of France.

Screen Glow is a solo exhibition by Arite Kannavos and a digital imprint of her everyday life through the lens of technology. Using installation art, the artist invites you to navigate new and imaginary worlds in bold patterns and colours, inspired by her work as a commercial textile designer. The exhibition seeks to explore the way in which the artist integrates time, space, and memory in her practice through digital collage, painting and video animation. Book your spot for the Screen Glow School Holiday Workshop on Thursday 11 April, 10am - 12pm with Arite Kannavos.

How many changes can you identify with the beach today? Courtesy: Mordialloc and District Historical Society.

Bookings

9556 4440

kingstonarts.com.au

Kingston Arts Centre (G1 and G2) 979 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin Shirley Burke Theatre (G3) 64 Parkers Rd, Parkdale Kingston City Hall 985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin

Celebrating International Woman’s Day, with a community breakfast. Congratulations to the Woman of the Year Award winner and honourable mentions. Please see the story on page 2 for more.

MORDI FEST Market goers shopping up a storm at the Kingston Farmers’ Market. Check out the story on page 7 to get your local school, sports club, kindergarten, non-for-profit or community group involved in the market.

23,000 community members braved the heat to celebrate music, food and wine at Mordi Fest. Despite high temperatures, Mordi Fest attracted tens of thousands of food, wine and music lovers.

Event-goers stayed refreshed with free water refills thanks to the South East Water Hydration Station, were cooled off by misting water fans, and were covered with 752 square meters of shade cover at the event. Celebrations kicked in on Saturday night and crowds hit the dancefloor when headliners Vaudeville Smash hit the main stage. Steady crowds built throughout the day Sunday, and culminated with the last few acts of the night: 19-Twenty, Mia Dyson and Ash Grunwald.