Maroondah news Your community newsletter
February 2022
Congratulations to our 2022 Maroondah Australia Day Award recipients – Event of the Year Ringwood Eisteddfod (represented by Bernie Capicchiano), Young Citizen of the Year Lily Van Sui Cer Kingbawl and Citizen of the Year Terri Verberne.
Maroondah honours its top citizens on Australia Day Maroondah’s most inspirational community members were honoured at an Australia Day event held at Ringwood Lake Park on Wednesday 26 January. Councillor Mike Symon, Mayor of Maroondah, announced the 2022 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year during a special awards ceremony, where 57 people also received their Australian citizenship. Maroondah’s Australia Day event is a chance to honour some of Maroondah’s most outstanding residents and celebrate those becoming Australian citizens. Each year we invite the community to nominate an individual or community group, someone who they think is deserving of a Maroondah Australia Day Award. This year’s recipients have been awarded for their leadership, resilience and passion for the community.
Citizen of the Year – Terri Verberne Terri Verberne was recognised as the 2022 Citizen of the Year for her incredible service and leadership in the community. Terri Verberne
Terri has contributed 20 plus years of service to Scouts Victoria, including five years as Maroondah District Commissioner. She is a mentor to over 20 adults and is currently a Group Leader. Continued page 2
Welcome to Maroondah news Hello and welcome to the February edition of Maroondah news. This offering complements our range of digital and print news publications, including our quarterly Maroondah News magazine, our eNewsletter, and regular updates via our website and social media. Our aim is to ensure we are reaching all members of our community to keep them informed and engaged with the range of Council’s services, events and programs. If you haven’t already, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au and subscribe to our regular eNewsletters, or keep up to date on our social media channels.
Page 4: Improvements in your local neighbourhood Page 6: Composting made easy Page 7: Stay active this February with Maroondah Leisure!
Council meetings Council meetings are generally held on the third Monday of each month. The meetings are live-streamed via Council’s website. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions may result in the public gallery being closed. Please check Council’s website for updates. Council’s February meeting is on Monday 21 February Meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in the Council Chamber at Realm.
continued from front page Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, Terri showed impeccable leadership, resilience, care and initiative. From continuing to champion the 600 youth and 130 adults through Zoom meetings, to working on multiple hall upgrades for our young people, Terri epitomises what it means to be a dedicated volunteer.
Young Citizen of the Year – Lily Van Sui Cer Kingbawl
Council opening hours Our customer service centres are here to help. See our operating hours below or visit our website.
Lily Van Sui Cer Kingbawl was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her passion and commitment to supporting the broader Maroondah community.
Realm Ringwood Town Square, 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood (opposite Ringwood Station).
Lily Van Sui Cer Kingbawl
Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, then 9am to 8pm from Tuesday 14 February. Open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm, and public holidays.
Lily is an active member in Council’s Youth Services programs and is involved in Eastern Access Community Health’s campaigns to raise awareness of safety over the continued effects of the pandemic.
Croydon Library 5 Civic Square, Croydon Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Closed on all public holidays
• live chat via our website, www.maroondah.vic.gov.au
Lily is strongly connected to her Chin (Myanmar) culture and is a Chin Cultural Liaison, supporting many young Chin students and their families. Lily is also an active member of the Chin Family Strengths and Project Advisory Group with Foundation House. She has recently become the Assistant Secretary of the Youth Department in the Australia Chin Community Eastern Melbourne Inc.
Hours are subject to change, please keep an eye on our website for up-to-date information.
Lily also volunteers her time at the Victoria Chin Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school to children.
You can also contact us by: • phone 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598 • email maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au • SMS 0480 020 200
Maroondah City Council CityofMaroondah maroondahcitycouncil Maroondah City Council
This magazine is printed on FSC paper using certified mixed sources that is made with Elemental Chlorine Freepulps using Environmental Management system ISO 14001.
The information provided in this newsletter was accurate at the time of print. For the latest information visit Council’s website.
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Community Event of the Year – The Ringwood Eisteddfod The Ringwood Eisteddfod was one of the very few community
competition events able to take place in 2021. With a large span of awards in performing arts as well as music, the The Ringwood Eisteddfod Committee Eisteddfod provided the opportunity for over 700 community members to participate. Not just an event for young aspiring musicians—the Ringwood Eisteddfod offers awards which are open to any age, encouraging an inclusive opportunity to compete in skill level, not just age. As lockdown hit in June, rather than cancel, the Eisteddfod committee worked around the clock to quickly modify performance schedules to be COVID-19 safe and fit with the rapidly changing regulations. All the sections of the event were delivered “in-person”; a rare and epic effort in this current climate. Congratulations to all our deserving recipients and nominees. Visit Council’s website to learn more about our Maroondah Australia Day Award recipients.
Maroondah welcomes 57 new citizens on Australia Day As part of our annual Australia Day event, we welcomed 57 Maroondah citizens as they took the Australian citizenship pledge before their family and friends. At the event we witnessed people from many different countries, including Sudan, Sri Lanka, Germany, Iran, Myanmar, Tonga, Lebanon, Thailand and United Kingdom; embrace Australia and Maroondah as their new home. The Maroondah Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony were held in accordance with strict COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Rates payment friendly reminder Maroondah ratepayers who have elected to pay their rates in one lump sum are reminded that payment is due by Tuesday 15 February 2022.
For anyone paying their rates by instalment, the third instalment is due by Monday 28 February 2022. Council offers a range of payment options to make the payment of
rates as simple as possible. Visit the rates page on our website for details. Council sends a rates reminder notice before each quarterly instalment is due. If you have not received a reminder notice, please call 1300 88 22 33, email us at maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au or text us on 0480 020 200.
Wonga Road
Choosing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 will help keep you, your family and community safe. However, having a COVID-19 vaccination is a personal choice. It is important to talk to your doctor about your personal situation and any existing medical conditions to find out if vaccination is suitable for you. For more information on getting vaccinated including locations, eligibility how to prepare and what to expect, visit the Department of Health website, www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Childhood COVID-19 vaccination bookings now available Vaccinations for COVID-19 are now available for children aged 5 to 11 years old. Children will receive two doses of the vaccine, eight-weeks apart. The children’s dose is one third of the dose for people aged 12 years and over. Children are able to receive vaccinations through GPs, state-run clinics, pharmacies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Commonwealth Vaccination Centres. You can find a local vaccine provider and book in for an appointment using the Vaccine Clinic Finder, covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/ booking. If unable to find a suitable appointment, please check back regularly as more appointments will become available.
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COVID-19 update Vaccinate Maroondah
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For further information on voting eligibility and requirements, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website, www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/ current-elections/maroondah-cityMitcham council-wonga-ward-by-election
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Have you booked your booster?
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Bookings for COVID-19 boosters are now available. If you are aged 18 and over and you had your second dose three or more months ago you are due for your third dose now. For more information including finding vaccine providers visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/third-dose
MaroondahConnect— community support phone line Our MaroondahConnect service can help you access a range of emotional, practical and social supports. More details at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or call 1300 22 33 or 9298 4598.
Using the Victorian Government QR code
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The VEC will post ballot packs to all enrolled voters for the Wonga Ward from Tuesday 22 February to Thursday 24 February.
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How to vote in the by-election
Follow the instructions on the ballot pack to complete your vote. Make sure you post or hand-deliver it to the election office before 6pm on Friday 11 March.
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Following the resignation of former Councillor Nora Lamont, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) will be managing a by-election for the Wonga Ward. Voting in the Wonga Ward by-election will be by post.
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New social script for low-sensory children aged 5 to 11 now available A new social script is now available for low-sensory children who may find theWantirna process of getting a COVID-19 vaccination stressful. Social scripts are story-based strategies using images and descriptions to explain new experiences and social environments. These social scripts help to prepare children and caregivers for vaccination and reduce anxiety. The script can be applied to any situation where someone is receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, as the process is consistent across Australia. Access and download the social script by visiting the Department of Health website, www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ vaccination-information-people-disability
Checking in is a simple step we can all take to continue to protect our businesses, communities and each other. The Victorian Government is asking everyone to download the Service Victoria app, link your digital vaccination certificate, and to check in when visiting supermarkets, shops, cafes, businesses, community venues, places of worship and workplaces—regardless of how long you spend at the venue. You can download the latest version of the Service Victoria app onto your smartphone from the App Store or Google Play. You can link your digital vaccination certificate using the step-by-step instructions on the coronavirus website, www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
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Improvements in your local neighbourhood Council continues to make important upgrades and improvements to various areas in Maroondah based on our community’s needs and feedback. These works, as part of our Capital Works program, include major upgrades, new constructions and minor advancements that all make a difference to our community. Here’s some of the works we have recently completed: • Warranwood Road, Warranwood – a new footpath between Plymouth Road and Leena Court. • Nangathan Way and Exeter Road, Croydon – asphalt resurfacing of the roundabout. • Drainage relining program – 514 metres of drainage pipe relining in Warranwood, Croydon Hills, Heathmont, Croydon and Ringwood North. • Devon Street, Croydon – asphalt resurfacing works. • Kulpunya Walk, Ringwood – footpath construction within the laneway. There’s more on the way, check out the upgrades and projects in your area that have just started or will begin shortly: • Wingate Avenue, Ringwood East drainage upgrades – stage 2 of flood mitigation works are progressing. • Sherbrook Catchment drainage upgrade, Ringwood (stage 2) – construction of a new stormwater drainage system in New Street, Ringwood near the Nelson Street intersection.
• Kalinda Road Ringwood/Croydon improvements – upgrading the school crossings at Kalinda Primary School and Yarra Valley Grammar to improve pedestrian safety. We will also be constructing kerb outstands at Hunter Street and Robinson Street to improve road safety. • Arnold Street, Ringwood – reconstructing and widening the road. • Yarra Road, Croydon footpath works – constructing footpath on the north side of the road between Power Street and Knee Lane. • Poynton Avenue, Ringwood – upgrading the entrance into Poynton Avenue from Loughnan Road. • Tarralla Kindergarten carpark and footpath improvement works – we are extending the current carpark to provide an additional seven carparking spaces and improved footpath connections. • Todd Court, Croydon – starting stage 2 of the easement stormwater drain upgrades in Todd Court. • Murray Road, Croydon – upgrading the easement stormwater drain. • Ambrie Reserve playground renewal – upgrading the playground equipment, providing a concrete footpath connection, and replacing the existing timber seats and picnic table.
Warranwood Road, Warranwood
Nangathan Way and Exeter Road, Croydon
Devon Street, Croydon
Kulpunya Walk, Ringwood
Investing in the future of Maroondah infrastructure Council, in partnership with the Victorian and Australian governments, has completed works on multiple large-scale projects in Maroondah. Griff Hunt Sporting Pavilion
McAlpin Reserve playspace
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Have you been out and about over summer and come across some of these recently finished redevelopments?
Works are also continuing on the following major projects in the community that will be completed over the coming months:
• McAlpin Reserve playspace, Ringwood North • Griff Hunt Sporting Pavilion, Croydon North • Springfield Sporting Pavilion, Croydon
• HE Parker Scout Hall • Tarralla Kinder & Maternal Child Health Centre • Proclamation Park Sporting Pavilion • Dorset Recreation Reserve
Sporting clubs, user groups and the wider community have been enjoying these new facilities over summer and will continue to for years to come.
To keep up-to-date with the current status of projects, visit the Maroondah Projects page on Council’s website.
Get ready for the City Nature Challenge 2022! Love nature and want to learn more about Maroondah’s local biodiversity? Get back to nature and be involved in a global challenge to record and photograph as much local biodiversity as possible. In partnership with fellow metropolitan Councils, Maroondah is helping represent Melbourne to compete against over 400 cities globally in the 2022 City Nature Challenge.
Last year, Maroondah was one of eight councils working together for the first time in this international competition, with over 80 local observers from entomologists to children and citizen-scientists snapping the unique flora and fauna in our local area. Across the challenge, over 2,600 observations were made in Maroondah, with over 570 species recorded. This year is set to be even bigger, with events and guided walks hosted by local experts planned during the challenge.
Thanks for sharing your opinions! We value our community’s input at Maroondah. We have just finished consulting on a range of exciting new projects: • Yarrunga Reserve – proposed mountain bike/BMX trail and reserve improvements • Evelyn Reserve – proposed purpose-built bike track • Woodland Park Enhancement Plan • Proposed Parkwood Dog Park The project teams will be reviewing all feedback, and will touch base with the community very soon regarding the consultation outcomes, so keep an eye out on Council’s website for project updates and next steps. For more information on these, or other consultations, visit www.yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au
The City Nature Challenge will take place from Friday 29 April to Monday 2 May and is open to all residents, who are encouraged to find, photograph and record native flora and fauna in Maroondah. Download the iNaturalist app to begin observing! You don’t have to wait for the challenge to be involved. Simply download the iNaturalist app and begin logging your observations as you explore the different trails, parks and reserves that Maroondah has to offer. For more information, visit www.citynaturechallenge.org
Talking nappies! Do you have a child in nappies? Have you used reusable nappies in the past five years? We’d love to hear from you! Maroondah has partnered with 11 other councils to research and understand how to implement a best-practice reusable nappy program to reduce waste to landfill. We’re calling on parents, primary carers and soon-to-be mums and dads to find out more about how you decide which nappy to use. We want to hear from everybody— whether you’ve only used disposable nappies, you’ve tried reusable nappies and decided they aren’t for you, or you’re a full-blown reusable nappy user and lover. Your input will support research on a reusable nappy program that aims to reduce household waste that ends up in landfill.
To have your say visit, www.yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ nappies. Share your ideas by Monday 21 February 2022. This project is supported by the Recycling Victoria Councils Fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
With your help, we can gain valuable insights into how Council can better support residents to make environmentally-friendly choices.
If you would like to share your thoughts as part of an interview with the project team, please email waste.education@maroondah.vic.gov.au
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International Women’s Day Save the date! Council is hosting our popular International Women’s Day breakfast on Wednesday 9 March at Karralyka. Bookings are essential. Tickets will go on sale in early February, so keep an eye on Council’s website for more information on the guest speaker.
Be prepared this fire season
The CFA has declared a Fire Danger Period from Monday 10 January to Sunday 1 May 2022. There are things you can do to prepare your property in the event of a fire. Visit our Fire ready in Maroondah page, www.maroondah.vic.gov.au
Supporting local businesses Whether you’re thinking of starting a business, wanting to expand or pivot your services, or need more space outside of the home, our Bizhub Maroondah team can help. For a range of information and upcoming events, visit www.bizhubmaroondah.vic.gov.au
Helping our young people to thrive Our Maroondah Youth Services team is available for every young person aged 10 to 25 who lives, works, studies or plays in the City of Maroondah. You can connect with us to make a difference, learn new skills, get support, build your wellbeing, and create the future you want! Find out more at www.maroondahyouth.com.au
Composting made easy Did you know that Council is offering Maroondah residents up to 60 per cent off a range of home composting systems? By composting at home, you can help to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill. As part of the Compost Revolution program, you can purchase a system that suits your needs including: • • • • • •
compost bins worm farms Bokashi bins pet-poo composters green cone solar composters composting accessories
Want to learn more? Council regular hosts information sessions on a variety of waste and recycling topics, including composting. Visit the School and Community Waste Education page on our website to keep up to date with upcoming sessions.
To order a system, or for more information on the available products, visit the Compost Revolution page on Council’s website.
Sons of the West comes to Maroondah Council is partnering with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation to host a free men’s health program starting in March. Sons of the West is an 10-week program aimed at helping men to learn more about their health in a safe, inclusive space while connecting with new friends. There are a number of benefits of the program including learning more about how to look after your nutrition and mental health; the impacts gambling and alcohol can have on your health; developing connections with local support groups; and being more active with a range of exercises to suit your fitness level.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the program, you can find out more on Council’s website or call the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation on 9680 6355. Places are limited and will fill fast so be quick!
It’s time to Celebrate Maroondah! To encourage more people to get out and about in their local parks and reserves, we are hosting a series of Celebrate Maroondah activities this month. The family-friendly events will have a COVID-Safe plan to ensure we can all enjoy the activities safely. The events will include free children’s rides, roving performers and art and craft activities. We will be giving away some free treats or bring along your own picnic to enjoy on the lawns. For more information on the events, please visit Council’s website.
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Join us for a Mad Hatters Tea Party! Sunday 20 February Warrien Reserve 18-52 Warrien Road, Croydon North 11am to 2pm.
Movie Night – Jumanji, The Next Level (PG) Saturday 26 February McAlpin Reserve 73-75 Wonga Road, Ringwood North 6.30pm for an 8.15pm movie start.
What’s on
Composting forum Thursday 17 February 6.30pm to 7.30pm Online via MS Teams Have you started composting, but something isn’t working correctly? Regardless of if you are a beginner or a seasoned composter, this session is for you. You will discover how to reduce your food waste using a compost bin, worm farm or Bokashi bin. This session will cover how to correctly compost at home, common troubleshooting issues and tips.
To view more events and activities in Maroondah, visit the What’s on in Maroondah section of Council’s website. Subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Décor with chalk paint and transfers with Melinda Saturday 26 February 9.30am to 12.30pm Wyreena Community Arts Centre Hull Road, Croydon Learn the basics of chalk painting and how to apply a gorgeous transfer to a serving tray or hanging board. Materials included, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Decor-withChalk-Paint-Transfers for details.
The science of stress Monday 28 February 10am to 11am Realm, Ringwood Town Square Join Lived Experience Practitioner Victoria Carrier from LifeConnect for a free workshop on the topic of stress. This workshop aims to strengthen resilience by enhancing our understanding of what stress is and how we might be able to manage it.
Stay active this February with Maroondah Leisure! There are lots of ways to stay active in Maroondah this February. Biddy Ball Term 1 has begun
Aquabuddies
Try your hand at Pickleball
The Rings Canterbury Road, Ringwood
Thursdays, 7.15pm to 8.15pm Aquahub, Civic Square, Croydon
Mondays and Fridays, from 10am to 12noon indoors Tuesdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm outdoors Maroondah Nets Heathmont Road, Heathmont
The range of Biddy Ball programs for Term 1 have just begun! Biddy Ball offers children the opportunity to learn the basics of basketball with expert coaches in an air-conditioned and safe environment. Visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au for program times and enrolment options. To find out more about becoming a Maroondah Leisure member, visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au
Aquabuddies is Aquahub’s casual swimming program for adults with disabilities. Sessions are held in the warm water pool with music and are facilitated by our fully-qualified swimming teachers. No booking is required, just come along and join our fun and friendly group!
Social Badminton and Table Tennis Thursdays, 10am to 12noon Maroondah Nets Heathmont Road, Heathmont Join us for a match or challenge your friends to a game of badminton and table tennis every Thursday during the school term.
Pickleball is the low-impact racquet sport taking the world by storm! Pickleball is easy to learn at almost any age and is hosted in our climate-controlled stadium. Join one of the social sessions on a Monday or Friday, or put your skills to the test in a relaxed, social match on a Tuesday.
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Tickets on sale! Karralyka unveils 2022 theatre season Karralyka is bounding into 2022 with the launch of a bold and inspiring new theatre season program. A spectacular line-up of Australia’s best talent will delight and excite audiences of all ages— from musical drama to comedy and song, and everything in-between. Karralyka will officially launch its 2022 theatre season on Tuesday 15 February! But for a taste of what’s to come, we can reveal that the year will kick-off with a special concert from well-known broadcaster and television host, Denis Walter, performing songs from his brand-new album, Yesterday Once More. The event celebrates Walter’s illustrious music career, spanning over four decades.
Your Councillors
And in an exciting first, popular children’s author-illustrator pair Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton are bringing to the stage their first-ever play on Wednesday 13 April. Adapted from the multi-award winning book The 13-Storey Treehouse, the play will
take audiences through their wild and wonderful world with flying cats, a mermaid, sea monster, invasion of monkeys and a giant gorilla! Following two sold-out tours of The Beatles’ Abbey Road live in 2019/20, ARC is returning in 2022 to present the final Beatles album in all its glory – Let It Be on Friday November 25. Collectively known as ARC, the group will feature Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet), Davey Lane (You Am I) and Darren Middleton (Powderfinger). Together they’ll perform Let It Be in full, from start to finish, followed by a second set covering the breadth of the Beatles’ rich catalogue. Karralyka is also excited to welcome back seniors to its popular Morning
Music program (formerly Toe Tapping Tuesday), with music and complimentary tea, coffee and treats throughout the year. And for younger theatre-goers, Karrakids has an exciting line-up of fun interactive educational performances, with art and craft sessions prior to each show. You can visit Karralyka’s website from February 16 for a full list of the 2022 theatre season. Get your tickets Visit www.karralyka.com.au to view the full 2022 theatre season and book your tickets. Karralyka is located on Mines Road, Ringwood East.
Barngeong Ward
Bungalook Ward
Jubilee Ward
McAlpin Ward
Tarralla Ward
Cr Marijke Graham 0418 109 015
Cr Tony Dib OAM JP 0438 515 089
Cr Mike Symon Mayor 0436 002 080
Cr Suzy Stojanovic 0429 916 094
Cr Paul Macdonald 0436 001 760
Wicklow Ward
Wombolano Ward Yarrunga Ward
Wonga Ward (vacant) For all enquiries relating to Wonga Ward, please call Council on 1300 88 22 33.
Cr Tasa Damante 0438 704 819
Cr Kylie Spears 0436 003 660
Cr Rob Steane Deputy Mayor 0407 519 986
Contact Council on 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598, online at maroondah.vic.gov.au email maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au or visit one of our service centres. Croydon Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
Realm 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood (opposite Ringwood Station)
Maroondah City Council is committed to providing equitable service to all in our community. Please contact us on 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598 if you would like to receive this newsletter in a different format.