Maroondah news Your community newsletter
June 2022
Maroondah Leisure has launched a new All-abilities soccer program. Read more page 6.
Lifting the spirits of Maroondah This month we are launching a new Maroondah-wide project to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our community. The Maroondah Lift Project is an evidence-based mental health and wellbeing program that brings together scientifically proven strategies from the fields of neuroscience, positive psychology and lifestyle medicine. The program has been created by Dr Darren Morton, International Lifestyle Medicine Expert, to help people improve their outlook on life by reducing depression, anxiety and stress. “My research has shown me that despite our life circumstances and genetics, which determines about half of our happiness, we get to choose the other half through our daily choices. “I invite you to join me on an educational adventure where we will talk to renowned experts, conduct fun experiments and discover simple, but scientifically proven strategies that can lift your mood and your life.
“And I’ll show you what these strategies are and also why and how they work,” Dr Morton said. By registering for the program, each week you will receive a free video with different wellbeing lessons. To share your learnings and support others in the community you can also join our community Facebook page. The program starts on June 19 and is being offered free to all Maroondah residents as part of our COVID recovery strategy. Council has also organised some face to face sessions for people to work through the topics together. To find out more or to register for the Maroondah Lift Project visit Council’s website.
Welcome to Maroondah news Hello and welcome to the June 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: Walk and Talk for young people Page 4: Plastic Free July Page 7: Planting season has begun
Council meetings Upcoming Council meeting dates are: Monday 27 June Monday 18 July
Celebrating our top citizens and volunteers
Meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in the Council Chamber at Realm.
Applications are now open for our annual Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award and our 2023 Australia Day Awards.
Council meetings are open for the public to attend and are also live-streamed via Council’s website.
The Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award recognises an individual who has provided excellent volunteer service and had a positive impact on the Maroondah community.
Council opening hours Our customer service centres are here to help. Visit: 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 most public holidays. Croydon Library 5 Civic Square, Croydon. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Closed on all public holidays.
Nominations for the Australia Day awards can be made until 5pm, Sunday 4 December, with the awards presented at our Australia Day event in 2023.
Nominations for the Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award are open until November, with the winner announced at this year’s Volunteer Recognition Function, to be held in December. The Australia Day Awards have three categories — Community Event of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. For further information on the application process and the award, visit Council’s website or call 1300 88 22 33.
Get in contact with us Call 9298 4598 or 1300 88 22 33 SMS 0480 020 200 maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au Subscribe to Maroondah eNews via our website. Maroondah news is 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. Maroondah City Council CityofMaroondah maroondahcitycouncil Maroondah City Council Maroondah news 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. Visit Council’s website for the latest information.
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Let’s Get Neighbourly, Maroondah! Help build a community you’d like to live in while making new friends and meeting others with similar interests with the Let’s Get Neighbourly program. We are seeking committed local people with a welcoming and inclusive attitude, a willingness to work with others and a love for their community to join the Let’s Get Neighbourly program.
Upcoming workshops Arrabri Community House, Bayswater North Saturday 10 September and Saturday 5 November To find out more about Let’s Get Neighbourly, Maroondah please contact Neighbourhood Connect on 0413 706 233 or our Be Kind Maroondah Facilitator on 1300 88 22 33; email bekind@maroondah.vic.gov.au
As part of this exciting project, part of our Be Kind Initiative, participants will complete an initial training workshop and then be provided with ongoing support, tools and tips to create a gathering of neighbours and continued group activities. By completing the Let’s Get Neighbourly program, you will become a Community Connector with the skills to bring your neighbours together and host activities and events.
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
Convenient meals with K Meals Get healthy and nutritious meals delivered to your door with Karralyka’s meal service, K Meals. The new winter menu has just been released and includes popular favourites roast lamb, corned beef and Thai yellow curry. K Meals are a healthy and convenient option for people who are time poor, living alone, struggling with food preparation or have specific dietary needs. It means they can still enjoy restaurant-quality meals straight from the Karralyka kitchen. The meals are cooked fresh each day and snap frozen and can be cooked to meet individual dietary modifications. What’s more, all meals are nutritionist tested and follow Australian National guidelines. Retiree Kurt is a regular K Meals patron who loves the convenience.
Walk and Talk for young people
Living on his own, K Meals help Kurt reduce his food waste by not over-purchasing at the store and are a healthy alternative to regular pre-packaged meals. “I love the convenience of K Meals. They are so much better than the frozen dinners you get at the store; they are wholesome, taste amazing and always look appetising,” Kurt said. K Meals are available for pick-up in Ringwood East, or speak to a Karralyka team member to discuss delivery options. You can browse the extensive menu options and find out how to order by visiting Karralyka’s website www.karralyka.com.au or phone them on 9870 2888.
The recent Walk and Talk in April.
Do you know a young person between 15 and 25 who would benefit from a mental health chat? Running fortnightly on a Wednesday, Council’s Walk and Talk youth group is a supportive and welcoming space for all young people with lived experience of mental health related challenges or looking to make connections within the community. The group provides a safe space, open for all kinds of conversation while being supported by a Youth Worker, a Mental Health Worker and their therapy dog! Upcoming walks in June: Wednesday 15 and 29 June 4.30pm to 5.30pm Meet outside EV’s Youth Centre, 212 Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon for a walk along the Tarralla Creek Trail. Visit www.maroondahyouth.com.au and search ‘Walk and Talk’ to find out more and register your place.
Flu vaccines and COVID-19 update Free Flu vaccines Due to significant increase of cases of the flu, for the month of June, all Victorians over six months of age will be able to get free flu vaccines at GP clinics and pharmacies.
COVID-19 vaccinations
Have you booked your booster? If you’re over 16 and have received your COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago, you are now eligible for your next dose. Find a local vaccine provider and book in for an appointment using the Vaccine Clinic Finder.
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 situation and any existing medical conditions to find out if vaccination is suitable for you.
There will be some local pop up clinics at Maroondah venues during June, keep an eye on our social media pages for details.
For more information on getting vaccinated including locations, eligibility, how to prepare and what to expect, visit the Department of Health website at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Vaccinations for COVID-19 are available for children aged 5 to 11 years.
Childhood COVID-19 vaccination bookings
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
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 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.
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.
June 2022 | 3
Get ready for Plastic Free July! Lose the cling wrap and join the Plastic Free July global movement. As part of our Waste, Litter and Resource Recovery Strategy 2020–2030, we are committed to ensuring that all Maroondah households have the tools and resources necessary to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. Join us in an interactive, three-part workshop series run by leading low-waste expert, John Rbeiz, and learn how you can be part of the plastic-free challenge and discover simple ways to reduce your plastic waste.
Part 2: Four steps to low-waste Monday 27 June 6.30pm to 8pm Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Whether you’re looking to get started or take your efforts to a whole next level, this workshop is designed to move you into action right away. In this 90-minute workshop, you will get the guidance to develop your own low-waste plan, and answers to all those questions related to zero-waste living.
Part 3: Check-in session Monday 4 July 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Compete to be plastic free Make a pledge to help end plastic waste, and you could win one of our Plastic Free July prizes! To enter, simply: • Make a pledge about how you’re going to reduce your plastic waste • Photograph yourself holding the pledge or show us your pledge in action! • Visit our website to make the pledge and enter the competition. For more information and to register, visit the Waste Education webpage on our website, or email Council’s Waste Education team at waste.education@maroondah.vic.gov.au
Online
Part 1: Introductory session Monday 20 June 6.30pm to 7.30pm Online
In this participatory session you can share your experience, wins and challenges. You will also hear from others and benefit from their discoveries along the way. With the right blend of motivation and information, John will make sure you leave the session ready to complete your Plastic Free July challenge.
Join this session to learn more about John’s low-waste journey and his four simple steps to help you to achieve low-waste living.
Become a solar saver Save money on your electricity by becoming a solar saver!
I’m all right mate – a new support program for men Council has partnered with Realm Library to host a new men’s health program which helps participants keep their bodies and minds healthy. The program supports men to explore their health and wellbeing and get some tips and tricks to be the best men they can.
Council, in partnership with the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA), is participating in the Solar Savers Program which allows households and businesses to install quality and affordable rooftop solar.
future-proof against increasing energy costs, while supporting a transition to clean, renewable energy. Solar Savers is also able to help you with technical guidance and advice, available rebates and financial support.
Installing rooftop solar can be a great way to reduce energy bills and
To find out more, visit the Solar Savers page of our website.
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The monthly sessions begin on Tuesday 21 June, with topics including living a healthy lifestyle; heart health and how to train your brain to better handle emotions and manage relationships. For find out more or to book your place visit Realm Library or call 9800 6430. Morning tea will be provided.
Free webinars for parents and carers
NEWS IN BRIEF New track a big hit!
We’ve partnered with Yarra Ranges and Knox City Councils to host a series of parenting events in June. The free webinars are aimed at parents and carers with teenagers and younger children.
young people and becoming an ally for gender and sexually diverse teenagers.
Topics include staying positive post-COVID; the safe use of social media; relationship building with
For more information or to book your place visit Council’s website and search for ‘parenting webinar.’
What’s On To view more events and activities in Maroondah, visit the What’s On in Maroondah section of Council’s website.
21 June Dear Doris Tuesday 21 June 9.30am morning tea for a 10.30am start Karralyka Mines Road, Ringwood East Enjoy an intimate morning with acclaimed Melbourne jazz vocalist, Tamara Kuldin, and an eight-piece ensemble as she takes audiences on a journey through Doris Day’s most iconic hits. Tickets: www.karralyka.com.au
24 June
The Sapphires Friday 1 July 8pm to 10pm Karralyka Mines Road, Ringwood East The Sapphires is a funny, heart-warming tale inspired by the true story of writer Tony Briggs’ mother. It tells the incredible journey of four Yorta Yorta women, who sing classic soul hits against the backdrop of personal change and massive social upheaval. Tickets: www.karralyka.com.au
The new Yarrunga Bike Track has been well and truly worn in, with bike enthusiasts from around Maroondah enjoying the new jumps. This bike track was jointly funded by Council and the Victorian Government. Check it out at Barwon Court, Croydon Hills.
Get into Golf this June
Liz Frencham and Robbie Melville Friday 24 June 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Dorset Golf and Ringwood Golf
Wyreena Community Arts Centre 13–23 Hull Road, Croydon Come and see Liz Frencham and Robbie Melville perform at the Wyreena Conservatory Café. Each month on a Friday, Wyreena hosts a live musical event featuring some of Victoria’s most talented artists. Bookings: www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ Wyreena-Music-Cafe
1 July
Yarrunga Reserve bike track, Croydon Hills
Bookings are now open for our June Get into Golf adult clinics at Dorset Golf and Ringwood Golf. Head to the golf section of the Maroondah Leisure website to book your session. Visit www.maroondahleisure.com
Keeping active this winter — extended lighting
4 July Create a unicorn or dragon artwork Monday 4 July 10am to 11.30am (5 to 7 years) and 12.30pm to 2pm (8 years and over) Wyreena Community Arts Centre 13–23 Hull Road, Croydon Come along and copy a drawing of a unicorn and/or dragon and then colour and decorate it with glitter, ribbons and other fun stuff.
Monday and Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8.30pm, June to September To help you stay active in the colder months, lighting will be available at local walking tracks including Springfield Park in Croydon and the Mullum Mullum Reserve in Ringwood. To find a location near you, visit the Walking in Maroondah webpage on our website.
Details: call Wyreena on 9294 5590.
June 2022 | 5
Have Your Say Maroondah Disability Action Plan Have your say until Sunday 19 June Consultation is now open for our draft Disability Action Plan 2022–2026. The draft Disability Action Plan 2022–2026 is Council’s plan for reducing barriers for people with a disability and supporting a more accessible and socially inclusive community. The Action Plan replaces and builds upon our previous Disability Policy and Action
Plan 2019–2021 and is Council’s vision for disability and inclusion for Maroondah, with equitable opportunities for people of all abilities, their families and their carers to actively and fully participate. We want to hear your thoughts on the draft policy and action plan, visit yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au to provide your feedback.
Bayswater Road traffic improvements Council has developed plans to enhance the safety, connectivity and road operation of Bayswater Road, Croydon South near The Mall Shopping Centre and Lucille Avenue. We are seeking community feedback on these transport, pedestrian and traffic improvements. Your feedback will assist in our proposal to advocate for approval and funding from the Victorian Government and Department of Transport (DoT) to make upgrades to this precinct.
Bayswater Road, including its intersections, is owned and managed by the DoT and any upgrades to this road are ultimately subject to their review and approval process. Currently there is no funding committed to the project by the DoT as the responsible road authority. In order to progress these important works, Council has prepared designs that address issues identified by Council’s engineers and incorporate many of the opportunities recognised in the Croydon South 20-minute Neighbourhood Pilot Program.
To view the designs and provide your feedback, visit the Bayswater Road Improvements page at www.yoursay. maroondah.vic.gov.au
Ringwood East Station and Dublin Road Level Crossing Removal design The Victorian Government has released the initial concept design for the new Ringwood East station and level crossing removal at Dublin Road. Community engagement is underway, with feedback on the design from the
community and local traders welcomed by the LXR authority until 12 June. For more information, or to view the concept design and provide feedback, visit the Engage Victoria website at www.engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-dublin-road
Have you heard about our All-abilities sport programs? Did you know our Maroondah Leisure facilities offer tailored, positive and inclusive programs? Our range of accessible programs provide adults and children with disabilities the opportunity to learn a new skill, make new friends and be involved in the broader Maroondah community. The weekly sessions are conducted in a fun, social and relaxed environment utilising different teaching methods to stimulate participants’ learning processes.
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Adults and children can participate in aquatics at Aquahub and basketball at The Rings, plus a new adult soccer program at Maroondah Nets. Maroondah Leisure facilities accept the nationally recognised Companion Card or Carers Card for free entry. For full details visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au
Progress being made on major projects Check out some of the exciting upgrades and developments that are happening as part of Council’s $48.2 million Capital Works Program. Parkwood Dog Park
Ainslie Park Pavilion
Cheong Park Pavilion
Dogs and dog lovers alike will be excited to know that Parkwood Dog Park will be opening in late June! The fenced area will include a digging pit; dog education/training items, a dry creek bed and rock clamber mound for sensory play; perimeter walking/jogging track and water/drinking area. Keep an eye out on our website and social media platforms for the opening date.
Construction has started on the redevelopment of the sporting pavilion at Ainslie Park that will see female-friendly facilities, accessible amenities and a large social space for the clubs to enjoy.
Work is underway at Cheong Park to redevelop the sporting pavilion. The works will create new female-friendly change rooms, a modern social space, kitchen, kiosk and accessible facilities. The pavilion is expected to be completed later this year.
Town Park sports field redevelopment
Following the installation of a new stormwater harvesting system, the Town Park sports field inside the athletics track in Croydon will undergo redevelopment from June to October. These works will include new drainage, irrigation, sand profile, goal posts and will be topped with drought tolerant couch grass for all year round usage.
With the structure underway and fit out expected to be completed in July, the pavilion is planned to open in September.
Dorset Recreation Reserve
The synthetic soccer pitch has recently been installed, along with volleyball and multipurpose courts. The pavilion is also nearing completion with final fit out expected to be completed by the end of June. Carpark and surrounding landscape works will then begin and expected to be completed by end of September.
Jubilee Indoor Cricket Training Centre
Works are progressing at Jubilee Park to create a purpose-built indoor cricket training centre. The concrete slab will be poured over the coming weeks and construction of the five-lane indoor cricket hub will then begin. Expected to be completed in December, the centre will enhance the existing sporting facilities at Jubilee Park including the new RO Spencer Pavilion, and upgraded lights installed at Russell Lucas Oval.
Planting season has begun in Maroondah Our Tree Maintenance team will be out and about until September planting over 1,200 new trees in Maroondah. Winter is the perfect time to plant new trees to ensure they have the highest success rate and growth. Council maintains all new street trees planted but we encourage residents to water any newly planted trees to make sure they are as healthy as possible. This year’s street tree species have been chosen for their shape, environmental benefits, drought resistance and ease of maintenance. Factors such as tree height, spread, form, growing space, powerlines, drains and traffic are also considered when selecting street trees.
More information is available on Council’s naturestrip trees webpage.
Walk to School route tree planting As part of this year’s planting season, Council will be infill planting 600 trees along the walk to school routes of Kalinda, Mullum Mullum and Ringwood Heights primary schools. These routes were identified by Council as part of Council’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan. We have worked with each participating primary school
to ensure these routes will have enough shade and canopy cover to make walking to school as safe and enjoyable as possible. This is just one of the ways we are encouraging families to actively travel to school.
June 2022 | 7
Over 340 species identified during 2022 City Nature Challenge! Thanks to everyone who took part in the 2022 City Nature Challenge – your efforts will allow scientists to better support the biodiversity in our area. The City Nature Challenge is an international effort to document nature in cities, with this year’s event tallying over 1.6 million observations globally. During the four-day challenge period, from 29 April to 2 May, a total 1,183 observations were made in Maroondah and over 340 species recorded, with local nature-lovers uploading their photos of wild plants, animals and fungi using the free iNaturalist mobile app.
Your Councillors
The more commonly observed species included the humble Magpie and Rainbow Lorikeet, as well as Sweet Bursaria and Cherry Ballart. There were, however, a few unusual sightings too.
Although common elsewhere, the discovery of a Hydrobiosid caddisfly in the urban section of Brushy Creek even came as a surprise to waterbug specialist, Eddie Tsyrlin. The challenge saw Maroondah team up with 20 other councils across Melbourne to represent Greater Melbourne on the global stage, finishing 33rd out of more than 440 cities for the most observations made. Of the 21 Melbourne councils, Maroondah ranked 3rd for the most species identified and the most observations made, while coming in top spot for the most people making observations. Thanks to the community’s participation in the challenge, we can continue to build a record of the stunning biodiversity found in Maroondah, which increases our ability to both manage and protect it.
To see all species that have been observed in Maroondah, visit inaturalist. ala.org.au/projects/nature-in-maroondah
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 Wonga Ward
Cr Tasa Damante 0438 704 819
Cr Kylie Spears 0436 003 660
Cr Linda Hancock 0473 194 871
Yarrunga Ward
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.