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Maroondah news

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Supporting our community

Eighty-one community groups will benefit from close to $200,000 in Council funding through the 2025/26 Community Grants program.

The funding will support a range of community projects and initiatives, help improve services and provide essential support to groups offering emergency relief services.

Community Houses Association of the Outer-eastern Suburbs is among this year’s recipients. The group will use their grant to deliver the ‘Living our Best Life’ project to help increase social connection in older people through a new talking café with Central Ringwood Community Centre.

Project Lead, Maureen McLaughlin, said talking cafés can help improve health outcomes for older people by reducing loneliness.

“Being active and connected can support older people to lead meaningful active lives and, through better health outcomes, support people to remain living in their own home for longer.” Maureen said.

Other projects that will be supported by the grants include a youth-driven volunteer food relief agency, a homework club to support children and young people in the Zomi community, and a Festival of Netball focusing on people with a disability.

Council will also support seven projects through the 2025/26 Arts and Cultural Grants program.

Projects include a 15-week wellbeing program offering weekly music sessions for people with dementia, an inclusive community art competition celebrating cultural diversity, a mural to support early years education of First Nations history and reconciliation, and accessible, all-abilities workshops and public performances to amplify the voices of artists with disabilities.

Visit Council’s website to learn more about this year’s recipients.

Welcome to Maroondah news

Thanks for reading the August edition of Maroondah news

This is one of many ways that you can keep informed and engaged with the range of Council’s services, events and programs.

We also provide other digital and print news publications, including our quarterly Maroondah news magazine, our eNewsletter and regular updates via our website and social media.

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 3: Celebrating 10 years of Aquanation

Page 4: Inspiring women in business

Page 8: Save the date for Run Maroondah

Council’s funding will support a range of initiatives, including a new ‘talking café’ to help increase social connection in older people.

Council meetings

Council meetings are generally held on the third Monday of each month from 7.30pm in the Council Chamber at Realm and are live-streamed via Council’s website.

Upcoming dates are:

Monday 25 August

Monday 22 September

Monday 27 October – for the purpose of adopting Council’s Annual Report

Council meetings are open to the public and are promoted across a range of channels, with an open invitation to attend. If attending in person, please arrive on time for the start of the meeting. Agendas are made available online on the Friday before the meeting date.

Council Customer Service opening hours

Our Customer Service team is here to help. Visit us at:

Realm

Ringwood Town Square

179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood (opposite Ringwood Station)

Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm

Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm Open 10am to 5pm on the Grand Final Eve public holiday, Friday 26 September.

Croydon Service Centre

Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon

Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Closed on all weekends and public holidays, including the Grand Final Eve public holiday, Friday 26 September.

Get in touch with us

Live chat via our website www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

Phone 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598

SMS 0480 020 200

Email maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Mail PO Box 156, Ringwood, VIC 3134

Subscribe to Maroondah eNews

Scan the QR code to subscribe to Maroondah eNews, our digital community newsletter that features a range of news, consultations and events to keep you connected with what’s happening in and around Maroondah.

New projects for community and sporting groups

Council will support 13 community and sporting groups to renew and improve their facilities through the Capital Funding for Community Groups program for 2025/26.

The program is a great way for Council to assist community groups with improving their existing facilities in order to allow them to continue to meet the needs of our community, as well as the groups and organisations that use them.

A total of $190,300 will be distributed among community and sporting groups to support a variety of projects that will benefit our community.

Among the recipients is Heathmont Cricket Club, which will receive support for the installation of fly netting over the club’s practice facility. President, Matt Carr, said the grant will assist the club to complete this important safety upgrade.

“Heathmont Cricket Club continues to work with Council to provide the best facilities for the community. The grant will assist the club by providing funding for the installation of fly

netting over the practice facility,” Matt said.

“The nets are an integral part of training for our cricketers and it is important that they are fit for purpose, as they are also used by the wider Maroondah community. The nets will provide a safer and more enjoyable environment for all those who use the facilities.”

Other projects to receive funding include a playground replacement at Heathmont East Pre-school; the design of an accessible outdoor ramp at Pinemont Preschool; the relocation of a shade shelter to provide shelter on the lower green at Ringwood Bowls Club; and the replacement of a synthetic cricket pitch at Eastfield Cricket Club.

Visit Council’s website to learn more about Capital Funding for Community Groups.

Upgrade your workout experience

Maroondah Leisure has upgraded cardio equipment in the gyms at Aquahub and Aquanation, enhancing the workout experience and providing members with access to the latest fitness technology.

Members can now access brand-new Technogym equipment, featuring high-definition consoles, as well as industry-leading Concept2 machines, rowers, ski ergs, and spin bikes.

In addition, the new Technogym check up assessment device, with its increased functionality, is providing broader insights into the impacts of training, including body composition, mobility, balance, mind/cognitive function, strength and cardio.

These changes across both centres also improve ease of access for all

members, including Active Adults and people with a disability, with positive feedback received from members following these upgrades.

Visit the Maroondah Leisure website www.maroondahleisure.com.au for details.

Please recycle this publication.

Maroondah City Council is certified for its organisational operations.

Tell us what you think!

Do you have a topic that you’d like to see covered in Maroondah news? Email us at news@maroondah.vic.gov.au

The information provided in this newsletter was accurate at the time of print. For the latest information, please visit Council’s website.

Celebrating 10 years of Aquanation

Join the Family Fun Day celebrations on Sunday 31 August to mark 10 years of Aquanation!

Since opening with a splash in 2015, Aquanation in Ringwood has been serving the Maroondah community with world-class aquatic and leisure facilities. The centre offers something for everyone, from the 66.5 metre 10-lane pool and diving boards to gym spaces, accessible features and more.

To celebrate its 10-year milestone, there is a Family Fun Day on Sunday 31 August from 12.30pm to 3pm. Bring your family along and enjoy a range of activities, including

Rates notices arriving soon

Maroondah ratepayers will soon receive their 2025/26 rates notice.

Ratepayers will also receive a four-page brochure that highlights how rates are allocated and information about some key community services and projects.

If you wish to pay your rates by instalments, the first instalment should be paid on or before 30 September 2025. If you are paying your rates in one lump sum, the full payment is due on 15 February 2026.

Visit the ‘Rates’ page on Council’s website to learn more about rates in Maroondah.

Prefer to receive future rates notices via email?

Council offers an eRates alternative where your rates notice is delivered to your nominated email address. By registering for this service, you will have access to the eRates portal, where your past and current rates notices are stored.

Visit the ‘Receive your rates or animal registration notices by email’ page on our website to register.

water games, inflatables, Bike n Blend smoothies, giant outdoor games and a live DJ. Special membership offers will be available on the day. Come along and join in the fun. A 30 per cent discount applies for all casual entries –$7.50 per person or $21 for a family rate (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children).

No bookings are required for the Family Fun Day, so make the most of the day and celebrate this much-loved community facility with friends and family.

Loved by the community and user groups, Aquanation has been described as “the greatest place for water play in Melbourne’s East” by popular online platform Mama Knows East. Join us in celebrating 10 years of Aquanation and see for yourself why this facility is so popular.

New chapter for Croydon Library

Council has received $1million in funding from the Victorian Government towards the development of the new library in Croydon.

The funding was announced by the Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Nick Staikos in Croydon, and is from a state-wide pool of $4 million as part of the Victorian Government’s 2024/25 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

Council is excited to receive this funding, which will assist in the delivery of the essential elements of the new Croydon library that will be built as part of the Cultural Hub in the Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct (CCWP).

Located on the corner of Mt Dandenong Road and Civic Square, the Cultural Hub will serve as a central gathering place and offer a range of services for the community.

Along with the new library, the Hub will include Council’s customer service centre, performance and events spaces, multipurpose rooms, meeting spaces, a café and more.

With this funding and this approach, the Cultural Hub within the CCWP will meet the needs of our community while increasing community accessibility to services and providing opportunities to promote learning, culture and social connection.

Early works will soon be underway, with construction expected to commence in September. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Visit Council’s website to find out more about the Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct.

the Maroondah Leisure website

Connecting and inspiring women in business

Join an inspiring morning designed by and for women who understand the unique challenges of running and managing a business or organisation, while managing everything else life throws at you.

‘Women in Business: Connect and Inspire’ brings together the local business community for genuine connection, practical insights and the kind of support that makes all the difference.

Join us on Thursday 21 August, 9.30am to 12.30pm, at Sage Hotel, Ringwood, and hear from award-winning author, podcaster and business mentor Fiona Killackey of My Daily Business in an interactive workshop.

There will also be a panel discussion featuring successful local businesswomen and leaders from various industries, who will share the real strategies behind building thriving businesses while juggling life’s demands.

Come ready to connect and learn, and leave feeling supported and inspired.

Tickets are $55 per person, including morning tea and a light lunch.

Scan the QR code or search for ‘Women in Business’ on Council’s website to learn more and register.

Reusable nappies slash waste in 14 Victorian Councils

In 2023, a coalition of 14 Victorian Councils, including Maroondah City Council, helped families reduce disposable nappy waste going to landfill by 75 per cent thanks to a community education program. Disposable nappies make up a significant portion of plastic waste that enters landfill. Led by Glen Eira City Council with funding from Sustainability Victoria, The Nappy Project was designed to make it easier for parents and caregivers to choose reusable nappies and help reduce this.

The targeted education program provided workshops and trial packs of reusable nappies for expecting parents, with over 1,000 families participating in the project.

Through The Nappy Project, 80 per cent of participating families started using reusable nappies either full-time or part-time. This led to a 75 per cent reduction in waste from disposable nappies going to landfill.

Following the completion of The Nappy Project, Council is continuing to work with our community to help reduce disposable nappy waste. Our next reusable nappy webinar will be held on Tuesday 12 August.

Visit Council’s website to register or read on for more information.

Scan the QR code or visit the Sustainability Victoria website www.sustainability.vic.gov.au to read the full article.

Discover the world of modern cloth nappies

Join a free webinar to learn everything you need to know to get started with reusable nappies.

Join Elana from Cloth Nappy Workshops Melbourne on Tuesday 12 August, 7.30pm to 9pm, for a free Reusable Nappies 101 webinar.

Elana will take you through everything you need to know to get started with reusable nappies, including how to wash them, where to buy them and what to look for, and will dispel common myths about cloth nappies.

You can also learn about different styles of modern cloth nappies and ask questions to help you feel more confident with using cloth nappies.

Maroondah residents who participate in the webinar may receive a free nappy pack on completion of a survey.

Bookings are essential.

Scan the QR code or visit Council’s website to learn more and register.

Fiona Killackey, award-winning author, podcaster and business mentor of My Daily Business, will be leading the interactive workshop.

New exhibitions to experience

Council is pleased to present two new exhibitions exploring sound, satire, and alternate realities, hosted at the Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery in Ringwood.

Psychology of Sound

This exhibition by Ourania (Rani) Amvrazis features immersive, thought-provoking and playful works that transform sound and light into three-dimensional forms and bodily encounters. Each work in Psychology of Sound becomes an algorithmic meditation on what our future response to political, social and economic forces may be.

An Alternative Prehistory (Reality Optional)

Matt Bissett-Johnson showcases a selection of acrylic paintings alongside animated short films. The exhibition constructs an alternative history, or false palaeontology, offering a sensory experience with satire and an alternate reality.

Visit Council’s website for more information and to view gallery opening hours.

More than a meal

It’s National Meals on Wheels Day on Wednesday 27 August. The day celebrates the invaluable contribution that Meals on Wheels volunteers make throughout Australia.

Council’s 89 Meals on Wheels volunteers generously give their time to deliver nutritionally balanced meals and ‘safe and well’ checks to Maroondah residents who are experiencing difficulties preparing their own meals.

For many clients, the volunteers provide much more than a meal.

“The volunteers are fantastic. They’re always positive, always nice and have time to talk to us,” said Frankie, a Meals on Wheels client.

Council’s Meals on Wheels volunteers are individuals and couples from all walks of life, including people who are supported by their carer, a group from a Special Developmental School, Eastern Ranges School, and more.

For the volunteers, their role is a rewarding way to help others and make connections in the community.

“The clients are so appreciative of what we do. I would recommend to anyone to

Council’s Meals on Wheels volunteers give their time to support Maroondah residents.

be a part of this service,” said one Meals on Wheels volunteer.

“Meals on Wheels is a fantastic service. It is a privilege to be part of something that is so essential for local residents,” said another Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Become a volunteer

Can you spare a few hours a week, a fortnight, or a month? Our Meals on Wheels team needs volunteers to assist in delivering meals to clients.

If you would like to volunteer, please call our Meals on Wheels team on 9294 5632.

Visit Council’s website or call us on 1300 88 22 33 to find out more about Meals on Wheels. Scan the QR code to watch our Meals on Wheels service in action.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Know an excellent business? Nominate them today

Do you know, run or work for an excellent Maroondah-based business? Nominations are open for this year’s Maroondah Business Excellence Awards.

Nominating takes less than a minute and unlocks exclusive business development and marketing opportunities for the businesses you love.

Nominations close on Sunday 17 August. To find out more and nominate a business, visit Council’s website.

Safely collect and store your old household batteries

Batteries should never be put in any bin, as they can cause fires in your bins and in the trucks that collect them. They can also leak toxic substances into the environment. There are drop-off points in Maroondah where you can dispose of them safely, including Council’s Recycling Station at Realm in Ringwood Town Square.

To find a local battery recycling dropoff point, visit the B-cycle website bcycle.com.au

Visit Council’s website to learn more about how to safely recycle old batteries.

Community members who are residential customers of Yarra Valley Water are encouraged to find out about financial support options that may be available to them.

There are a large number of residential Yarra Valley Water customers who are also eligible to register their concession card and potentially save up to 50 per cent on their water and sewer charges.

Visit the Yarra Valley Water website www.yvw.com.au or contact them on 1300 304 688 to check your eligibility or update your existing concessions.

What’s on in Maroondah

Visit Council’s website for more information about these and other events. Hosting a community event? Visit our website and add your event to our online ‘Events calendar’.

29 Aug

Bohemian Nights at Wyreena Music Café

Friday 29 August, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Wyreena Conservatory Café, Croydon

Ernie Gruner (violin, mandolin, vocals) and Phil Carroll (accordion, vocals, ney) play Gypsy, Klezmer, Turkish, French, Italian, Russian, jazz and tango music, which ranges from soulful to wild. Bookings are required. Tickets are $45 per person and include entertainment and supper.

Scan the QR code or visit Council’s website to learn more and book.

Richard Clapton

19 Sep

Friday 19 September, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Karralyka, Ringwood East

Don’t miss Aussie music icon Richard Clapton, performing powerful covers of ’60s legends like Bob Dylan, The Byrds and The Doors, plus his own timeless hits. The night begins with a support act from 7.30pm to 8pm, followed by an interval and Richard’s full set from 8.20pm to 9.30pm.

Scan the QR code, visit the Karralyka website or call 9870 2888 for details and to book.

Sep

Calling all carers

Various dates and times in September Realm Library, Ringwood Town Square

Throughout September, Realm Library is hosting a series of events designed to support those who care for others. Whatever your loved one’s age and circumstances, Realm Library can help you in your caring journey.

Scan the QR code, visit the Your Library website www.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au or call Realm Library on 9800 6430 to find out more and register.

Body safety essentials webinars for parents

1 Oct

Growing Wellbeing Activity Day

Wednesday 1 October, 11am to 2pm Realm and Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood

Experience ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing while discovering tips for supporting your family and friends. There will be fun, free activities for all ages, and you can also learn about some local support services and programs available to you.

Scan the QR code or visit Council’s website for details in the coming weeks.

Tuesday 2 and Thursday 4 September, 7pm to 9pm, Online via Zoom

Presented by Body Safety Australia, these free parenting webinars will equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to discuss body safety and consent with the young children in their care. There are two separate webinars available: one focusing on pre-school aged children and the other on primary school aged children.

Scan the QR code or visit Council’s website for details and to register.

2 & 4 Sep 9 Nov

Maroondah Festival

Sunday 9 November, 10am to 4pm Town Park, Croydon

Save the date and get ready for a fun-filled day when Town Park comes to life for Maroondah Festival 2025!

With live music, food trucks, artisan markets, thrill rides, community activities and more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Scan the QR code or visit Council’s website for details in the coming weeks.

Keep up your exercise routine with extended lighting

Council’s extended lighting program provides an opportunity for community members to exercise outdoors in the evening.

As part of the program, lights will be on at the Town Park athletics track in Croydon from 5.30pm to 8.30pm each Thursday until October.

The athletics track is conveniently located behind Civic Square shops, with entry from Norton Road. The track is flat and provides an ideal surface for walking and running, with access

for a range of community members, including those using prams and wheelchairs.

Visit Council’s website to find out more.

Making progress in Maroondah

As part of Council’s $46.03 million Capital Works Program, projects are continuing to take shape.

Car Parks

Ringwood Activity Centre car park

Ringwood Activity Centre car park is nearing completion, with the brick facade now complete and surrounding works underway.

As part of the project, traffic safety improvement works are about to begin at Station Street and the intersection at Bedford Road and Greenwood Avenue. These important upgrades will reduce congestion along Station Street, provide alternative paths for cyclists and create safer crossing conditions for pedestrians. Pedestrian access will be retained throughout the works; however, detours will be in place and access to Greenwood Avenue will be limited.

The car park and road works are due for completion in late 2025.

View detour maps and find out more online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ Ringwood-Activity-Centre-Car-Park

Drainage

Mullum Mullum Road stormwater infrastructure improvements

Works to construct a new stormwater retarding basin in Ringwood on Mullum Mullum Road, adjacent to Mullum Primary School, are almost complete. These works will improve stormwater capture, reduce road flooding and provide greater flood protection for local properties.

Find out more online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ mullum-mullum-road-works

Short Street, Ringwood East

Drainage improvement works have also recently commenced in Short Street, Ringwood East. The works include the renewal of existing infrastructure and the installation of additional drainage within the roadway to improve stormwater capture and reduce instances of road flooding.

Roads

Victoria Street works

Road reconstruction and improvement works will soon be complete at Victoria Street, between Knaith Road and Railway Avenue, and at the intersection of Victoria Street and Railway Avenue, in Ringwood East. These works include the reconstruction of kerb and channel, vehicle crossings and pedestrian kerb ramps. Find out more online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ Victoria-Street-reconstruction-works

Kalinda Road new school crossing

Council has installed a school crossing on Kalinda Road in Ringwood to improve pedestrian safety. In collaboration with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and following assessment by an expert traffic safety engineering consultant, the recommendation was made to install a new crossing to the north of the school main entrance.

The strategic location of the crossing will align with existing school gates, minimise traffic flow impacts, and provide the best safety outcomes for pedestrians and motorists. The school crossing is supervised by a Council School Crossing Supervisor during the morning and afternoon each school day.

Find out more about school crossing safety online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ school-crossing-safety

Save the date for Run Maroondah!

Grab your runners and start training for Run Maroondah, coming up on Sunday 5 October at HE Parker Reserve in Heathmont.

Join in the fun at this family-friendly event that encourages individuals, families and friends to take part in physical activity together and have fun.

Run Maroondah is all about challenging yourself within a supportive environment where all ages and athletic abilities are welcome.

You can choose from a variety of runs and run/walk events, including the 15km run, 10km run, the 5km run/walk, and the kids’ 1.2km race. Races will be staggered from 9am.

Registrations

Registrations are essential for this event.

There are a variety of registration options available, including concession, family and children’s registrations.

Registrations can be made via Council’s website and will close on Tuesday 30 September.