Kingston Your City - Autumn2023

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 meeting is Monday 27 March 2023. All other meeting times and dates and the link to live stream a meeting can be found on our website.

KINGSTON YOUR CITY EDITOR comms@kingston.vic.gov.au

Kingston encourages you to reprint articles and photographs from this publication, but permission must first be sought from the Editor. Acknowledgement of the source must be provided.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The City of Kingston proudly acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past and present and emerging.

COVER PHOTO

Revelling in the live music and fun at our fabulous Mordi Fest.

Mordi Fest - Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March.

Planning panel to assess zones

New planning zones and updated rules for Kingston (Amendment C203) will go to an independent planning panel for assessment next month.

We’ve been working alongside our community over several years to develop these new planning rules and we are now at the pointy end of the process.

Our most recent consultation period (late last year) attracted more than 500 submissions presenting a variety of divergent views and highlighted the importance of getting this right.

All community members who made a submission regarding this important city-shaping amendment are encouraged to present their views to the planning panel to ensure their feedback and experiences are properly considered in the process.

KINGSTON, REPRESENT

Join our Representative Community Panel before 27 March Express

Only registered, formal submitters will be invited to present to the panel, which will meet at our Cheltenham office in late March.

C203 updates local planning policy and existing planning controls to reflect the objectives, directions and actions of our adopted Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study.

As the formal framework for housing over the next 20 years, it includes priorities needed to make housing more affordable, diverse, environmentally sustainable and matched to the changing needs of our community.

The amendment includes new format residential zones and overlays, as required by the State Government, that will direct key issues including building heights, setbacks, and landscaping in local streets and neighbourhoods. Find out more yourkingstonyoursay. com.au/c203

New Aquatic & Leisure Centre design to start soon

We’re one step closer to delivering a fantastic new aquatic and leisure centre for our community to enjoy.

Designs for the new centre will start soon after Council appointed a lead architect and consultant design team.

The creative team will help develop a fun, sustainable, inclusive and accessible place that integrates with the beautiful neighbouring Mordialloc Creek area.

Our Community Reference Group will be a key voice in helping develop the draft concept design.

We are looking forward to sharing the draft plans later in the year for your feedback.

This is the biggest project ever delivered by Kingston Council and we are working closely with our community to create a centre for everyone to enjoy.

Kingston Council is proud to partner with the Australian Government, who has committed $20m to help deliver the fantastic new facility.

The district-level Aquatic & Leisure Centre will be built on Governor Road in Mordialloc, next door to Jack Grut Reserve.

Scan here to keep updated with the project, including opportunities to get involved.

Iconic clock restored

The historic Nylex clock in Mentone is displaying the time and temperature once more. It fell into disrepair after the Nylex factory closed in 2006.

The clock was previously heritagelisted under our planning scheme and we have been working towards its restoration for several years.

Find out more about the project at kingston.vic.gov.au/newcentre

Community helps shape new pool

The Community Reference Group (CRG) has met several times to help ensure the new centre meets the needs of our diverse community.

The group has helped develop the vision, purpose and design principles for the new centre by considering industry information, demographic data and results from earlier rounds of community consultation on the project. They also drew on their local insights, user experience and discussions with local networks.

The CRG will be in place for the duration of the project design, providing valuable input.

Thank you to the 25 people selected to be on the group.

SPEAKING UP FOR OUR COMMUNITY

We want you to tell us what you value and love about Highett and we’ll use your information in our advocacy to the Level Crossing Removal Project for enhanced landscapes and infrastructure. We will be carefully exploring areas including urban design, landscape design and traffic to assist us in putting forward community ideas to the LXRP. Later in the year, we’ll seek feedback on the Mordialloc and Aspendale crossing precincts.

Watch out for our Highett level crossing removal consultation in coming months at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au

SUPPORT FOR KINGSTON’S YOUTH

We now have a Youth Strategy to support, empower and advocate on behalf of young people in Kingston. This was developed not only for young people, but also co-designed with them. It shows our commitment to support young people to achieve their goals. It prioritises programs, services and initiatives that support mental health and wellbeing, youth voice, participation and meaningful engagement.

VOICING OUR RECONCILIATION RESOLVE

The Mordialloc and District Historical Society has been advocating for the clock to be brought back to life again.

The clock took its place on the Nepean Highway in 1967.

We have endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart as part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. We also support the Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement which provides support for constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament. We are also committed to providing opportunities to raise awareness about the upcoming referendum so people can make an informed decision when voting.

For more on these stories and all our news visit kingston.vic.gov. au or register for our enews letter at kingston.vic.gov.au/enews

Keeping Kingston clean

New life for public space

Our Graffiti Action Plan commits to removing any illegal graffiti from Council assets within seven days of a report and obscene or offensive graffiti within 24 hours. We also work on prevention by establishing creative outlets, such as graffiti art programs, to divert people who are likely to engage in tagging.

Graffiti art programs, mentorship opportunities and graffiti education workshops can effectively redirect young people towards permissible street art.

While our Graffiti Rapid Response team keeps our assets clean, we also have free graffiti removal

kits for residents and businesses at our Customer Service Centre, Cheltenham and Westall Community Hub.

Community groups wanting to remove graffiti from a community space, can call 1300 653 356.

Did you know?

We have joined five other Melbourne inner-city councils in a collaborative approach to tackling graffiti. The Urban Canvas project - part of the Inner South Metropolitan Mayors Forum - will see new art created and graffiti vandalism removed on Victorian Government and third-party assets such as post boxes and substations.

Collaborative effort on street art

We

Carla worked in collaboration with Cheltenham East Primary School students and local traders to design My Little Piece of Home - four painted electrical poles and activation of the footpath.

They shared their thoughts of, and history of, Follett Road and their cultural diversity also informs the work. The pavement art is a puzzle with pairs of fence posts - the floral

emblems on one representing the birth country of a mother and the second of the father. Vibrant colours represent the students’ journeys to school. Follett Road also has new seating and planter boxes.

Well-designed streetscapes provide a wealth of benefits for our local communities. With your input, we’ve created safer and more accessible spaces for our community, which in turn supports local traders.

Clarinda

We’ve revamped the outdoor area off Centre Road and Melaleuca Drive, creating a social gathering space with seating, bike racks and accessible parking. We’ve added beautiful plants and footpath painting featuring native flora.

Parkdale

You can now enjoy the inviting space surrounding the Chandler Street shops. We’ve improved safety by introducing a one-way road and coloured bollards. We’ve added picnic tables, planting and footpath painting, incorporating a game for children.

Mordialloc

The Owen Street Piazza has had a fabulous makeover. We’ve created a permanent space with shading, picnic tables and footpath painting. Solar powered lighting ensures the space is well-lit at night for the traders and those who enjoy Main Street in the evenings.

Graffiti is not just ugly but can have a significant impact on community perceptions of safety. That’s why we work hard to reduce it.

were delighted to engage artist Carla Gottgens to create insightful art to complete the Follett Road, Cheltenham streetscape.

Artist Carla Gottgens workshops ideas with Cheltenham East PS students.

Bernie and Steven from our graffiti cleanup Rapid Response Team.

Enjoying a coffee at the beautifully revamped Owen Street piazza in Mordialloc.

Investing in our communities

Modern new clubs at Mentone, Aspendale and Carrum will give lifesavers fit-for-purpose buildings to be proud of.

The leading-edge facilities are part of an exciting $14.5m redevelopment of the Mentone Life Saving Club precinct (See page 12) and a $4.5m revamp of Aspendale Life Saving Club

A $4.4m expansion of Carrum Surf Lifesaving Club has also just got underway. With $80m committed to capital works this financial year, we have many other significant projects either underway or starting soon. Construction starts this autumn at GR Bricker Reserve, Moorabbin. The $9.8m project, undertaken in partnership with the Victorian and Australian Governments, will deliver a new sports pavilion, upgraded carpark and pathways, new sports lighting, trees and oval fencing.

Straight after Mordi Fest, the creation of a new playground for Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc will begin. This exciting space will have an inclusive experience for children of all ages, with water play, climbing ropes, slides, swings, sensory play and accessible equipment. This $1.8 million project is supported by a $300,000 Victorian Government grant. Construction of the $8.94m Regents Park pavilion is underway to meet the growing demand for netball, cricket and AFL facilities, particularly female participation. Works are anticipated to be completed in late 2023.

At Bonbeach Sports Reserve, we will build a concrete pumping station in the parking area outside the Council depot in Stage One of drainage work. Later in the year, we’ll connect the pumping station to the Melbourne Water drain adjacent to the reserve.

Did you know?

In Chelsea, another significant drainage project commences soon, helping reduce the impact of flooding into low-lying properties on Sherwood Avenue, next to Bicentennial Park Stage one will include building a concrete pumping station and installation of a drain and outlet that can send water to Melbourne Water’s main drain. The Longbeach Trail improvement, between Edithvale and Mordialloc (near the pedestrian bridge) is now complete. Works have included resurfacing of the granitic-sand path, drainage improvements and bicycle-safe fencing.

Funding for this project has been provided via an Australian Government ‘Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program’ grant. This autumn, construction of a permanent carpark at Parkdale Yacht Club will begin. It includes an accessible parking bay, parking for rescue boats and will reduce congestion on Beach Road. An accessible pedestrian ramp to allow wheelchairs and prams safe travel between the Bay Trail and the beach below will also be built. This year will also see construction of Roy Dore Reserve’s new tennis pavilion and oval scoreboards as part of the of the $12.5m Carrum Sports Precinct development. Traffic lights installation in Chelsea and major improvements to the road and footpath at Church Road, Carrum

A big thanks to everyone who provided feedback on these projects and for your patience as we carry out all this community-benefiting work.

The Mentone Life Saving Club has a history stretching back to 1920, with the first dedicated clubhouse built in 1928.

The Parkdale Yacht Club.

Save lives, not time!

Along with passionate students and teachers, we’re calling time on dangerous driving near schools.

With reports of drivers running red lights at school crossings, speeding in school zones and refusing to stop for crossing supervisors, our school communities are pushing the importance of safe driving around schools, especially at drop-off and pick-up times.

Our crossing supervisors have reported many frightening traffic incidents and sadly, a few have reported being subjected to verbal abuse from irate drivers.

The ‘Save lives, not time!’ campaign messaging designed by Westall Secondary Student, Sunny Zhang, is being installed outside every Kingston school. At St Bede’s College in Mentone, the Active Youth Student team worked with our Traffic Safety Officers to create an education program that included the slogans ‘Be aware. We all

share the road’ and ‘It can’t happen to me... until it does’

They want to educate motorists and students on bikes of the dangers of not being aware and respectful of each other.

Thanks to VicRoads funding, we worked with the students to arrange the design, printing and installation of banners around the college.

A similar education program has been undertaken at Westall Secondary College. The student slogans on bright, colourful posters outside the college and Westall Primary School, include ‘Life is not a game, don’t play it’ and ‘Take action, stop the distraction’

Find out more about road safety in Kingston!

Safety first for little learners

Our local kindergartens and early childhood centres have received road safety classroom sessions and have been provided with traffic-safety stickers with fun designs such as a helmeted dinosaur on a scooter and the message ‘Stop. Look. Listen. Think.’

Keeping kids safe

Students crossing at the corner of Centre and Eskay Roads in Oakleigh South (pictured above) are now in the safe hands of a Kingston Crossing Supervisor. We placed a supervisor there last year in response to community concerns about speeding and inattentive drivers. The schools are not in Kingston but a section of road is and the safety of our young road users is paramount. We manage 100 crossings and have more than 84 crossing supervisors – and we’re on the hunt for more.

If you want to play an important role in your community, visit kingston. vic.gov.au/careers

When you’re on the road during school hours, slow down, be patient and respect our crossing supervisors.

Crossing supervisor Joe assists children in Oakleigh South.

Tell us your ideas for Kingston

Community ideas for new services, initiatives and projects to be considered for annual budgets will be captured 365 days a year thanks to our new consultation Talking Kingston.

Community members are invited to provide year-round feedback for immediate action or to be considered for funding in future budgets. This is a great way for us to capture a wide mix of ideas well before we start drafting our budget. It ensures that we have the community’s suggestions for the future if an idea can’t be implemented in the short-term.

Talking Kingston is part of our commitment to partnering with the community to shape Council services, projects and initiatives.

Picnic, play and shop

Beautiful Kingston Heath Reserve is now home to our beloved Kingston Farmers’ Market.

The reserve will be bustling with local fresh produce suppliers on the first Saturday of every month.

The Kingston Farmers’ Market relocation to Kingston Heath Reserve will ensure the market can continue to operate as construction begins on the new Suburban Rail Loop East station at Sir William Fry Reserve. With natural shade, extensive paths, public toilets and plenty of seating, Kingston Heath Reserve is the ideal new space for the market.

A popular playground, extensive paths, barbecues, picnic settings, public toilets and seating mean you can make market

day a fun family day out.  Entry is $2 donation to the Rotary Club of Chelsea.

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

Doggy dos

Whether visiting a market, a park or elsewhere, please pick up after your pooch! Carry a poop scoop, such as a biodegradable bag, when out with your dog to help keep our streets and open spaces clean.

And remember summer rules are still in place to guide when and where dogs can be on the foreshore.

yourkingstonyoursay.com. au/talking-kingston

New social space

We have created a beautiful gathering and play space in a once under-utilised grassy area. The large Vanessa Court Reserve in Oakleigh South is now a place to meet, relax and let the kids have fun.

Following consultation with the community, it features a beautiful nature-based play space, 32 new native trees, shrubs, a drinking fountain and picnic seating. An arbour surrounded by beautiful native planting provides a wonderful entry.

Safety first

Kingston’s commitment to child safety is being further strengthened through the implementation of a new Child Safe Strategy & Action Plan. The strategy responds to the 11 new standards introduced by the Victorian Government last year. Among other important features, the new strategy puts a renewed focus on the active support for and inclusion of children with diverse needs and from different cultures. kingston.vic.gov.au/childsafe-standards

Be water wise

There’s plenty of warm weather still to come and many of you will spend a few more days at the beach.

We want you to get out and enjoy what’s left of the summer and the lovely days of early Autumn but please be water safe.

Find details about patrolled beaches and simple tips to stay safe at lsv.com.au/summersafety

- city of kingston presents -

SATURDAY 4 & SUNDAY 5 March

peteR

scuLlin resErve • MORDIALLOC

JOIN US!

A fun-filled return of our much-loved Mordi Fest

We’re proud to once again deliver the best of the region’s gourmet food, wine and entertainment and bring Mordialloc’s foreshore to life.

Mordi Fest, our premier event, returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March and we’d love to see you turn out to welcome it back!

Enjoy the food, the live music and the stunning location, and we have a family-friendly alcohol-free area for those who prefer.

Mordi Fest brings together delicious food with regionally made wines and boutique Melbourne beers to suit all tastebuds. The festival also features roving performers and kids’ activities providing plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

Food and drinks

We have a great selection of food and drinks on offer for you this year including some of Melbourne’s favourite food vans, restaurant pop-ups and licenced sites. Please bring a bottle of water and keep it topped up at the free Water Station on site.

Freeza Chill-out Zone

Escape the hustle and bustle in the Freeza chill-out-zone run by Kingston Youth Services.

Enjoy live acoustic music in an alcohol-free area, where you’re welcome to simply relax and enjoy the performances.

Getting to Mordi Fest

Walking, cycling or using public transport is the best way to get there.

Mordi Fest is a short walk from Mordialloc Train Station. The following buses also travel to Mordialloc: 705, 706, 708, 709, 811, 811/812, 812, 903.

Plan your journey at ptv.vic.gov.au

Musical magic

Mordi Fest includes two unforgettable nights of non-stop music and a fantastic line-up featured across four live stages. Our headliners include British India, Frente and 1927.

Local band British India formed during their time at St Bede’s College and within 10 years, headlined more than 800 shows around Australia and major festivals.

Award-winning Melbourne rock band 1927 won a following with hits such as That’s When I Think of You and If I Could. Their album … ish peaked at number one for four weeks in1989 on the ARIA Album Charts.

Frente’s blend of alternative and folk pop has drawn fans the world over. This year they celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of their era-defining record ‘Marvin the Album’.

COMMUNITY

Heart of our neighbourhoods

At Patterson Lakes Community Centre, a thriving veggie garden represents the power of community and volunteering.

The new community garden group has kicked off and is now meeting every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm. Three Community Garden volunteers - Suzi and Rick Little, and Robyn Summers - are leading the group.

The tomatoes and potatoes are growing, there are fresh new natives in the patch, and still plenty of work to be done to create a thriving garden space.

We support a range of Neighbourhood Houses and Community centres across Kingston with venues and grants. Most of these centres are run by many of our more than 22,000 volunteers and therefore reflect their community and provide activities in response to local need.

Neighbourhood House Week, happening across Australia from 9 to 15 May, is a good time to

have a look at the centres near you and what they have on offer.

It’s a nationwide initiative to celebrate the role of more than 1,000 Neighbourhood and Community Centres.

National Volunteer Week follows, from May 16 – 22.

Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to support their local community, gain skills and experience, and meet like-minded people.

We have many volunteer opportunities to suit different types of experience, skills and commitment. Find out how you can get involved and use your knowledge and passions to gain volunteer experience in a range of areas.

Visit kingston.vic.gov. au/community/getinvolved

Don't miss Kingston's fifth annual Women of the Year Awards at Kingston City Hall from 9.45am to 12.30pm on International Women's Day (Wednesday 8 March). We will recognise 38 outstanding nominees and announce the winner. The event is free and will include a light lunch, but bookings are required.

Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/kwa

Life changing help

We have committed $20,000 to deliver the Spirit of Transformation Program in 2023. The Women’s Spirit Project is launching the free 11-week program for women in the Kingston and Frankston region from March to June. It's designed for women aged 25 years+ who have experienced life challenges. Learn more at womensspiritproject.org/ spirit-of-transformation-2023

Did you know?

There are more than 100 volunteer organisations and committees across the municipality and more than 22,000 individuals generously giving their time and expertise in a huge variety of roles.

Volunteer Carrie Law enjoys time in the Patterson Lakes Community Centre garden. If you’d like to help, call 9581 3040

Partnering with our community

Applications are now open for our annual grants program, helping local community groups, artists and children’s organisations build a stronger, healthier and socially connected Kingston.

Last year social welfare groups, schools, theatres and sporting clubs across the municipality shared in just over $1.62 million to continue their great work, and applications are now invited from groups and individuals seeking financial support.

We are proud to partner with the many local community groups providing high-quality and important services that help make our community a great place to live. Applications are now open for:

Annual Grants

Up to $10,000 for not-forprofit community groups and organisations for activities that contribute to the social, health and economic wellbeing of Kingston’s residents. Call 9581 4676 or email community@kingston.vic. gov.au for more information

Arts Grants

Up to $5,000 for individual artists, not-for-profit art groups and organisations to support arts projects, community arts projects, mentorships and/ or residencies. Call 9556 4440 or email arts@kingston.vic.gov. au for more information

Hard waste made easier

This year, we’ll be providing greater flexibility for households and working to reduce illegally dumped rubbish.

A change to our hard rubbish collection service begins in July, offering residents two free, on-call collections per financial year.

Local Makers and Creative Businesses Grant

Up to $4,000 for Kingston based makers and creative business owners to provide funding and business mentoring to support the showcasing and marketing of a product to the public within a creative and/ or professional business space within Kingston. Call 9556 4440 or email arts@kingston.vic.gov. au for more information

Children’s Week Grants

Not-for-profit community groups and organisations that plan to deliver a one-off event or activity that celebrates Children’s Week in October are eligible to apply for up to $1,000 to help create opportunities for families and children to participate together in activities in their local community. Call 9581 4885 or email partnerships@kingston.vic. gov.au for more information

Applications close midnight Thursday 30 March 2023.

For more information visit kingston.vic.gov.au/grants

Tackling textile waste

We’ve partnered with local business UPPAREL which gives pre-loved clothing a second life. Simply box your unwanted items, book your collection and leave your box at your front door.

Fit-for-wear items go to charities and damaged items are recycled. Kingston residents are eligible for a discounted collection fee. Visit upparel.com.au/cityofkingston

Are you a local business doing great things in sustainability or recycling? We’d love to hear about it.

business@kingston.vic.gov.au

Learn more about waste and recycling in Kingston on our free podcast Trash Talk

This fully ‘on demand’ service is replacing the annual spring collection. You can dispose of e-waste, white goods, furniture and mattresses, among other approved household items. Illegally dumped rubbish costs ratepayers more than $200,000 annually and expanding our hard waste service will hopefully reduce illegal dumping and the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Subscribe for hard waste updates at kingston.vic.gov. au/hard-waste

Single-use plastics alert

The Victorian Government ban on the sale and supply of plastic straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, cotton bud sticks and expanded polystyrene drink containers is now in force. See vic.gov.au/plastics

City of Kingston employees visit UPPAREL in Braeside.

CR CHRIS HILL

0437 913 851

chris.hill@kingston.vic.gov.au

Council remains in contact with the State Government and the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) and are awaiting a response to our letter requesting changes to the most recent plans for the Parkdale and Mentone crossing removals.

The proposed closure of the Latrobe Street level crossing has also caused a lot of community concern. How you move through the area and concerns about the impact on traffic flows in the Cheltenham and Mentone activity centres are key issues in the feedback we’ve received. We share the disquiet about the lack of engagement and have asked the LXRP to explain. We want genuine community consultation on the Latrobe Street proposal and would like alternative options to be fully investigated. We have also requested that as much information as possible be made available to the community. If you have any feedback on the government’s plans, we encourage you to contact the LXRP by emailing contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

In other news, I was thrilled to recently attend the switch on of the historic Nylex clock on Nepean Highway, Mentone.

It was great we received such strong community support and advocacy from the Mordialloc & District Historical Society to get the clock running again.

I have a personal connection, as my dad worked at the Mentone site for a decade in the 60’s and 70’s.

It’s exciting to see the clock fully restored and I hope it sparks interest in the history of Nylex - a manufacturing icon in our local economy for over 60 years.

New life for historic club

The Mentone Life Saving Club and surrounding precinct are set for many more years of community service.

A $14.5 million redevelopment provides a new club building, a Changing Places facility providing toilet and changing facilities for people with high support needs, modernised public toilets, outdoor showers and change rooms, and a wheelchair-friendly pedestrian ramp with access to the foreshore.

CR TIM COCHRANE

0437 843 837

tim.cochrane@kingston.vic.gov.au

The plans for an exciting new Aquatic and Leisure Centre continue apace. We have appointed an architect to lead the design development of this new centre. I have met with the Community Reference Group and their energy and passion for this project was great to experience. The 25-strong group is a representative sample of the different ages, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of aquatic centre users. They’ll help shape important decisions in delivering the new centre. The new centre will be in Melaleuca Ward – adjacent to Jack Grut Reserve on Governor Road, Mordialloc – so I share their energy and passion for this. I was truly interested to hear the early ideas of this group and look forward to hearing how these develop. A big thanks to them all for committing to this. In other good news, Walter Galt Reserve in Parkdale will enjoy a facelift, including a revamp of the changerooms and the addition of female-friendly facilities. We will budget $1.95M funding across 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, adding to the Victorian Government’s $750,000 commitment. I know you’ll all be delighted to know work on the $1.8 million redevelopment of the playspace at Peter Scullin Reserve will begin soon. We held off to allow for the busy summer holiday period and the wonderful Mordi Fest on the Reserve in the first weekend in March. I’d love to see you there to help make the festival’s comeback a great success.

CORRECTION

In the Summer 2022 KYC, sections of Cr Cochrane’s column were published without approval due to editorial error. Read the corrected version at: kingston.vic.gov.au/kyc

A publicly accessible roof top viewing deck crowns the modern new building which has rainwater tanks, solar panels, energy-efficient glazing, and water efficient fittings.

A significant drainage upgrade will improve stormwater quality to Port Phillip Bay.

For detailed maps of your ward see kingston.vic.gov.au/wards

The Victorian Government has contributed $2 million and the Australian Government $500,000 to the project.

Construction of a wonderful, accessible children’s playground, further landscaping and a BBQ area will start this year.

Councillors Chris Hill and Tim Cochrane check out progress on Mentone Life Saving Club with MLSC President Russell Rees, Chair of the building committee Kate Bell and hardworking lifesavers.

Como Ward | Melaleuca Ward

On the road to healthy options

We

Our draft five-year Walking and Cycling Plan will help shape our decision-making and investment in road and path projects.

We recently pledged a major makeover to Bourke Road in Oakleigh South which will improve safety and increase connectivity.

CR STEVE STAIKOS

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

Textile Recycling Done Right Reducing waste to landfill is a crucial goal for us at Kingston. Among many other initiatives, we’ve partnered with local business UPPAREL to make it easy for people to give their pre-loved clothing a second life. They’re also giving Kingston residents a discount on their collection and processing service. You can learn more about Upparel – at their website at upparel.com.au/cityofkingston  Sustainable and Integrated Transport

In Oakleigh South, Council is improving safety and increasing connectivity. We are constructing a concrete shared user path on the south side of Bourke Road to connect to the planned bike lanes on Old Dandenong Road and the existing Dingley Bypass shared user path. This $1.5 million project also includes the laying of a new asphalt surface between 93 Old Dandenong Road and Clarinda Road, line marking, the installation of two new concrete bus stops, new kerb, vehicle and pram crossings, traffic islands, and a stormwater drainage system.

Mavis Hutter Reserve Update This project has been delayed as Council has experienced lead time delays for play equipment, work is scheduled to begin in March 2023. The renewal features accessible play items such as a basket swing, cubby, activity panels, musical play instruments, ground spinner, climbing nets, new park furniture, a new picnic shelter, picnic tables and BBQ. New garden beds and shade trees are also planned. The fence along the northern boundary is also in the process of being realigned to the correct title line between Council’s land and the private land to the north of the site.

The construction of a concrete shared user path on the south side to connect to the future bike lanes on Old Dandenong Road and the existing Dingley Bypass shared user path is the centrepiece of the $1.5 million project.

A new asphalt surface, line marking, two concrete bus stops,

a new kerb, vehicle and pram crossings, traffic islands and stormwater drainage will also be added.

We’re keen to hear your feedback on the Cycling and Walking Plan.

For more information visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au

CR

HADI SAAB

9581 4706 or 0437 885 142 hadi.saab@kingston.vic.gov.au

We’ve settled into another new year and are already getting things done.I have been serving you as Mayor for a little more than three months now. It has been a busy time and I have loved it.

We are ramping up our advocacy to the Level Crossing Removal Project on the Victorian Government’s plans for Highett, Mordialloc and Aspendale. Watch out for upcoming consultation this year because we want to do this with you, the community.

Our role in this is to champion the needs and desires of residents in these suburbs.

Thank you also to everyone who took time to tell us what you think about the proposed changes to Kingston’s residential zones and overlays.

We have now requested the Minister for Planning appoint an independent Planning Panel to which submitters can present their views. The panel will then provide advice to Council.

More broadly, I am proud to say we have endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart and agreed to support the Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement. That endorses the Uluru statement and provides support for constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament. In the climate-action space a new Integrated Water Strategy and protection and expansion of our Urban Forest are underway.

On the fun side of things, the fabulous Mordi Fest returns on the first weekend in March at Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc. I’d love to see you there!

CR GEORGE HUA 0429 171 449 george.hua@kingston.vic.gov.au

The Christmas shopping frenzy is far behind us now, but it’s important to still consider how we can keep supporting our local businesses. There are so many great Kingston businesses, from small retail to cafes and restaurants to manufacturing operations. Let’s make 2023 the year we consider local when we shop or eat and drink out. The Dingley Village Shopping Centre, for example, has an Instagram page where you can browse the variety of businesses and what they have to offer. Our Love Local Kingston initiative is designed to support our community, promote our local businesses, and celebrate the spaces and places that make Kingston a wonderful place to shop, stay, play and love. This year, get to know your local area and celebrate businesspeople from your community and help build a thriving local economy. Those of you who love your neighbourhoods and communities and take a keen interest in what we are doing at Council, should take a look at our new ongoing Talking Kingston consultation. This is a great opportunity to get involved in making our municipality the best it can be.

We’re inviting you to share ideas and feedback, and suggest new projects, facilities and initiatives year-round to help us make Kingston the most liveable city. Your suggestions will go to the relevant department for consideration and will be used to help draft future Council budgets.

We’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about this initiative at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au

Bunjil Ward | Karkarook Ward | Caruana Ward

are committed to a connected, integrated and sustainable transport network that is safe, healthy, accessible, reliable and efficient.

Mayor Cr Hadi Saab and Cr Steve Staikos share a greeting on a walking-cycle path in Heatherton.

Ward News

Kick off for Regents Park revamp

Work is now underway on our exciting redevelopment of Regents Park sporting facilities.

The $8.94 million project is driven by a need for more infrastructure to meet a growing participation in netball, cricket and AFL, particularly female participation.

The redevelopment of the pavilion gives us the opportunity to provide an all-inclusive space with all-gender change rooms, toilets, medical room, showers, bar, social space and storage.

Community use of the park will be enhanced by improved lighting, walking paths, landscaping and a new playground. Improvements to vehicle movement and car parking will also be made. Access to Regents Park will be maintained, and sporting activities

at the site will proceed as usual, with temporary facilities provided during construction. The redevelopment is being jointly funded by Council, the Victorian Government ($3.3M) and sporting club contributions. Completion is due late this year.

0438 108 611

tracey.davies@kingston.vic.gov.au

Happy New Year, I hope you’ve had a relaxing summer after the often-hectic Christmas and New Year period. To me summer is a time to catch up with friends and family, hopefully some time off work and a chance to enjoy our local beaches.

I am excited about our plans for 2023. Last year we engaged in community consultation about developing new sporting facilities at Kingston Heath Reserve. Over 80 per cent of respondents expressed strong support. That strong community interest and feedback gives me confidence we’re balancing the need for sporting infrastructure with ensuring open space is maintained at Kingston Heath.

Council has now approved a three-stage project. Stage one includes a new additional synthetic hockey field, sports lighting, new shelters, goals and netting. This stage will now be included as a priority project for consideration when we prepare our Budget. Another exciting change for the reserve is the arrival of Kingston Farmer’s market.

I am sure locals and visitors to the park will love to see our great market.

It’s a pity it had to be moved from Sir William Fry, but I hope it flourishes in its new location.

In February councillors and council staff will spend a weekend planning the years ahead. Setting aside a weekend means we will all be focused on ensuring the key resident needs and priorities are established and planned for. If you have projects or issues you’d like included for consideration please contact me. I am happy to discuss how I can assist.

CR TAMSIN BEARSLEY

0430 170 210

tamsin.bearsley@kingston.vic.gov.au

In the previous edition I wrote about the great new Aspendale Gardens Sports Ground. Now, I am happy to report the $8.94 million redevelopment of Regents Park is underway and due to be finished later this year. As with Aspendale Gardens Sports Ground, we will provide an allinclusive space with all-gender change rooms and toilets. Encouraging more girls and women into sport is important and that can only be done by ensuring inclusive, safe sporting environments. Excitingly, the new Aspendale Life Saving Club is finished and the lifesavers are loving their new home. The modern building incorporates public toilets and outdoor showers and includes sustainability features such as rainwater tank, low consumption LED lighting, glazing to achieve maximum sunlight and water efficient fittings.

In line with our commitment to sustainability and recycling, we recently partnered with Braeside textile recyclers UPPAREL which aims to eradicate textile waste from landfills. The company is a great fit for Kingston as we share their passion for reusing, recycling and reducing the waste we send to landfill. Late last year, another business with sustainability at its core, Pianos Recycled, officially opened in Braeside.They recycle pianos that are beyond repair (some becoming art pieces) and retune the rest, giving them more years to be played and enjoyed. Some of the restored pianos go to schools.

It is wonderful that Kingston is home to these businesses and I am sure there are many others in our communities with an ecologically friendly ethos.

Councillors Tracey Davies and Tamsin Bearsley visit Regents Park, Aspendale as fencing is erected before redevelopment gets underway.

CR CAMERON HOWE

0429 498 028

cameron.howe@kingston.vic.gov.au

Hello Patterson Lakes (PL), Carrum and Bonbeach residents, my ward meeting is March 15, 6-7:30pm at PL Community Centre and congratulations to Junior Mayor, Eli Murphy of Carrum PS, one of 24 schools who took part. In much of our locality, the Victorian Government is either the landowner or a decision maker sparking campaigning, including a big win with our end of Patterson River receiving $3.5m ($6.5m total), including street-to-trail ramps, picnicking upgrades, pedestrian lighting, multipurpose office plans, entrance road redesign and investigation of a Bonbeach riverside boardwalk over the next two years. The Minister for Roads’ office confirm monitoring of the Thompson Road bridge, curbing PL town centre congestion including to “explore funding opportunities”, while the McLeod Road intersection is now a “high priority” for safety and congestion improvements.I also continue to press for a replacement Patterson River heavy-duty litter trap upstream. The riverside (condemned) 39-lot Berkeley Living complex, forced to close in 2017, awaits Supreme Court proceedings to force the sale, after the appointment of lawyers in December to compensate multiple owners, before a new property landowner can act. The Victorian Government has ruled out acquisition for parkland. Bonbeach LSC recently rebuilt has its Open Water Swim on March 9, and the Bonbeach Farmers Market is on March 12. Please celebrate and support all returning and new ventures at Harbour Plaza following the blaze; and perhaps pop into Patterson River Country Club for a hit or a pint. FB (pages): Cameron Howe. IG: @camhowe.

Chicquita Ward | Yammerbook Ward | Banksia Ward

CR TRACEY DAVIES

Happy New Year!

We constructed our first permanent Disc Golf course in 2019 at Bald Hill Park, Clarinda. The 9-hole course with two tee pads for each basket is home to the Melbourne Disc Golf Club. Following ongoing community interest in Disc Golf, we set up a trial 4-hole course in Bicentennial Park, Chelsea.We received positive feedback from our community and engaged a specialised consultant to conduct a site feasibility assessment for a second permanent course in Kingston, with Bicentennial Park identified as an ideal location. Contributions from a recent round of consultation are now being reviewed and I’ll be able to report back on key outcomes soon. Disc Golf is a fun recreational activity for people of all ages and this project is part of our commitment to providing active recreation spaces and activities in our reserves.

Late last year I was proud to help launch round two of the powerful Spirit of Transformation Program, which kicks off in March. We have committed $20,000 to deliver the grassroots, volunteer-led program in 2023. It is about lifting women up and transforming lives through fitness and health pursuits.

It is open to women aged over 25, from the Kingston or Frankston areas who have experienced challenges in life.

The 30 women learn to face obstacles and build resilience as they strive for an end goal – a 3-day, 60 kilometre walk from Frankston to Cape Schanck Walk. I wish them all the best of luck.

We constructed our first permanent Disc Golf course in 2019 at Bald Hill Park, Clarinda. The 9-hole course with two tee pads for each basket is home to the Melbourne Disc Golf Club. Following ongoing community interest in the activity, we set up a trial 4-hole course in Bicentennial Park, Chelsea.

We received positive feedback from our community and engaged a specialised consultant to conduct a site feasibility assessment for a second permanent course in Kingston, with Bicentennial Park identified as an ideal location.

CR

DAVID EDEN 0422

Happy New Year to you all.

A little good news to share – our plan to give Edithvale shopping strip a major facelift is moving forward. We want to deliver new landscaping, street furniture and paving, along with streetscape upgrades, along the Nepean Highway between Bank Road and Carrington Street. A preliminary concept design is being prepared and will be shared with the community for feedback. I will keep you updated.

To those of you who offered feedback on our important draft Urban Forest Strategy, thank you. We plan to plant more trees on Council land and in streets and protect and maintain existing public and private trees and vegetation. An urban forest helps to provide cool streets, shaded walkways, comfortable homes, clean air and habitat for biodiversity. It benefits the whole community and it’s important we protect and expand it! Our open space team has been busy last year, too, planting 4200 trees in our streets, parks and reserves this year. Trees absorb carbon, provide shade, habitat for birds and improve the aesthetic of our neighbourhoods.

We are now reviewing your comments on the Urban Forest Draft Strategy and the outcomes of the consultation will be documented on our website. Keep an eye out for it at yourkingstonyoursay. com.au/urbanforest. You can also watch the short video to find out more about the importance of our trees and vegetation and what we’re proposing to do to protect and enhance the urban forest in Kingston.

Disc Golf plan for Bicentennial Park

Contributions from a recent consultation are being considered by Council.

With so much happening across Highett and Cheltenham, it feels like a busy time and I know it will get busier. There are a few major State government projects in this area. It is vital our community is kept informed and that the various state bodies talk to each other to ensure the best possible outcomes for residents and minimise disruption. That’s why I have been working so hard to make sure local voices are heard and we have an opportunity to provide valuable insight into the Highett and Wickham Roads level crossing removals. Maximising sustainable transport outcomes through the precinct is important - integrated planning of the shared user path to open up this transport corridor. It is important the LXRP engages and involves the community in early planning on these impactful projects. In exciting news, the Follett Road shopping strip in Cheltenham has undergone a wonderful rejuvenation. New seating, planting, bike racks and improved parking are among the upgrades.

Artist Carla Gottgens worked with young students and traders on themes for four painted electrical poles and pavement art. The cultural diversity of the students, their families and the traders is woven into the beautiful work.  Colour and similarities between one garden and another evoke a connection despite the differing cultures.

Disc Golf is a fun recreational activity for people of all ages and this project is part of our commitment to providing active recreation spaces and activities in our reserves.

Ward News

What’s On

MARCH

WEDNESDAY 1

HOMELESS BREAKFAST

7am - 10am

3-5 Blantyre Avenue, Chelsea

Chelsea Community Church of Christ and CareWorks provides a free weekly Big Breakfast for those who are homeless and ‘doing it tough’ in today’s environment. The 3-course breakfast provides a menu style hot breakfast in an environment of compassion and respect. For details call 0423 375 714

THURSDAY 2

PICKLEBALL

6 - 9pm | $5 per entry

Patterson Lakes Community Centre

A sport which brings together elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Pickleball is growing in popularity worldwide and only takes minutes to learn. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Call 9581 3040 for details.

WEDNESDAY 8

9.45am - 12.30pm

Kingston City Hall, 979-985

Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin

The free event will recognise 38 outstanding nominees and the winner of 5th annual Kingston Women of the Year Award will be announced. Light lunch included but bookings are required. Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/kwa

FRIDAY 10

AUSLAN STORYTIME 10.30 - 11.30am

Cheltenham Library

Come and experience a visual language and join in for some stories and songs! Auslan storytime is held on the second Friday of each month during our regular storytime and is also live-streamed.

Details library.kingston. vic.gov.au/whats-on

APRIL

MONDAY 3

SOCIAL TENNIS

9am - 12pm

Chelsea Lawn Tennis Club, 13 Beardsworth Ave, Chelsea

Free tennis on first visit. Equipment can be provided. We are a friendly group of adult members who meet up on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9.00am for a game of tennis and a cup of tea or coffee together. Details 0412 603 254.

MONDAY 3 & TUESDAY 4

WALLFLOWERING

7.30pm (Monday)

11am (Tuesday)

TUESDAY 4

COMPUTER CLASSES

COMPUTER CLASSES

9.30am - 12pm

9.30am - 12pm

Clarinda Community Centre, 58B Viney Street, Clarinda

Clarinda Community Centre, 58B Viney Street, Clarinda

Computer classes for absolute beginners in a friendly, relaxed environment. Held every Tuesday of the school term. Details 0412 603 254.

Computer classes for absolute beginners in a friendly, relaxed environment. Held every Tuesday of the school term. Details 8551 1200.

MAY

FRIDAY 26 & SATURDAY 27

HOUSE OF HEART

FRIDAY 17

GARRY STARR PERFORMS

EVERYTHING

Shirley Bourke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale

Full $35 | Conc $30

Group 4+ $30

Disgraced actor Garry Starr (the alter-ego of Australian/British actor and comedian Damien Warren-Smith) defies his critics by performing every genre of theatre possible, thus saving the performing arts from its inevitable extinction. Starr tears through genres with little regard for personal safety and even less regard for art!

Details kingstonarts.com.au

SATURDAY 25

A BOY CALLED SAILBOAT

Kingston City Hall, 979-985

Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin

Full $25 | Conc $20

Child U18 $10

We are excited to announce that for one-night only, Kingston Arts will play host for some of the biggest names in comedy, alongside illustrious festival favourites and some of the country’s best talent.

Details kingstonarts.com.au

Shirley Bourke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale

Full $35 | Conc $30 | Seniors $20 | Group 6+ $30

This award-winning play by Australian playwright Peta Murray about an ordinary, suburban, middle-aged couple...who once were ballroom dancing champions. Details kingstonarts.com.au

8pm | Shirley Bourke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale

Full $35 | Conc $30 | Seniors $20 | Group 4+ $30

From internationally acclaimed and multi-awarded immersive cabaret legends Finuane & Smith comes a heady cocktail of cabaret for the head, the heart and all the senses. Details kingstonarts.com.au

SATURDAY 4 MARCH

KINGSTON FARMERS’ MARKET

Fresh produce from local suppliers on the first Saturday of every month from 8am to 12.30pm at our great new venue - Kingston Heath Reserve.

Kingston Farmers’ Market Kingston Heath Reserve, Cheltenham

$2 donation to Rotary.