Maroondah news - Spring 2022

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 17 October

Wednesday 9 November (election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor)

Monday 21 November

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 in time for the start of the meeting. Agendas are made available on the Friday before the meeting date.

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.

Get in contact with us

• phone

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Mayor’s message

Welcome to the spring edition of Maroondah News

This will be my final printed Mayor’s message for this Council term. It has been a pleasure to represent our community as Mayor over the past 11 months. This period has certainly had its ups and downs, but throughout everything I’ve been extremely proud of how the community has emerged from the challenges and impositions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have had a very productive year at Council, with our key achievements and positive financial management outlined in our Annual Report 2021/22 which is now available to view on Council’s website. I encourage you to take the time to read the Report as it is a reflection of the many things we have accomplished over the past financial year. Despite a challenging year, we have continued to deliver on our more than 120 core services, an extensive capital works program, coordinated relief and recovery support, and supported our community with new programs and initiatives.

In this edition of Maroondah News, you will also find updates on our upcoming community events. Our major event for

the year is Maroondah Festival, coming up on Sunday 6 November at Town Park in Croydon. Last held in 2019, the festival will be back better than ever! I know I’m looking forward to being able to see our community come together and celebrate all of the things our local area has to offer – including food trucks, performers, interactive activities and market stalls. You can read more on page 19.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the passing of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. As a sign of respect and mourning, our flags were flown at half-mast and we held a minute’s silence at our September Council meeting. We welcome the proclamation of Charles III as King and we look forward to his service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

Regards, Cr Mike Symon Mayor of Maroondah

Nominate a community hero for local Australia Day Awards

Shine a light on a local hero by nominating them for a 2023 Australia Day Award!

The Citizen of Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year will be named at an official Council Australia Day Awards ceremony to be held at Ringwood Lake Park on Thursday 26 January 2023.

Maroondah’s Australia Day awards are an opportunity to recognise the achievements of people making extraordinary contributions to the Maroondah community.

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Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 4 December 2022 and can be made online, mailed to Council, or delivered to one of Council’s customer service centres.

For details, search ‘Australia Day awards’ at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 88 22 33.

Anyone can be nominated for an award, with categories ensuring that everyone’s contributions can be celebrated in any area of community life.

All nominees, and the person who nominated them, will be invited to attend the ceremony, with each nominee to be presented with a certificate by the Mayor of Maroondah.

The information provided

to current COVID-19

delay in delivery may have occurred. We apologise

latest information, visit Council’s

Mayor, Councillor Mike Symon

2022 Maroondah Australia Day Award recipients

Shine a light on a community volunteer

Don’t miss your chance to nominate an exceptional volunteer for the 2022 Bill Wilkins Volunteer Award.

Named in honour of community stalwart Bill Wilkins OAM, the annual award recognises those in our community who inspire and embody the spirit of volunteerism through their positive contribution to Maroondah.

Nominations close 5pm Sunday 23 October 2022, with the winner to be announced at a special volunteer awards function in December.

For more details and to make your nomination, visit Council’s website or phone 1300 88 22 33.

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

2021 Census update –What’s happening in your city?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released population data from the 2021 Census of Population and Housing, undertaken in August 2021.

Here are some interesting things about Maroondah discovered in the 2021 Census:

• A total of 115,043 residents were counted in the Census, up 4.2% since the 2016 Census.

• The City of Maroondah had a similar proportion of children (under 18) and a higher proportion of persons aged 60 or older than Greater Melbourne.

Council offers a range of volunteering

Community Care, Social

COVID-19 update

COVID-19 vaccinations

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.

For more information visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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.

Many venues provide a sensory area which provides greater access for people with a disability or sensory needs and anyone who may need additional support.

Childhood COVID-19 vaccination bookings

Vaccinations for COVID-19 are available for children aged 5 to 11 years.

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 can 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

• The median age of residents is 39, which is slightly older than that of Greater Melbourne.

• Ringwood has seen the largest increase in population, up 8.8%, particularly among residents aged 35 to 39.

• There are 46,933 private residential dwellings in Maroondah. Most of these are separate houses, and most houses have 3 or 4 bedrooms.

• Approximately 19.8% of our residents speak a language other than English at home, with Mandarin being the second most spoken language after English.

You can learn even more about our city on Council’s website. Visit the Explore tab to learn about Maroondah’s history, cultural heritage, and other interesting facts.

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.

Celebrate Children’s Week

Enjoy fun, free activities during Children’s Week

Children’s Week 2022 runs from 22 to 30 October, and is the time to celebrate the rights, achievements and talents of the youngest members of our community.

This year’s theme is ‘All children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development’.

To celebrate the week, Council is hosting various events to provide opportunities for children and their families to enjoy fun, engaging experiences, including interactive musical performances and craft activities.

22 Oct

Celebrate Children’s Week in Croydon Park, 11am to 2pm, with free entertainment, including performances by Real Dinosaurs, Afrobeat drumming and hip hop, as well as face painting, sensory and nature play, and more!

This event is proudly sponsored by EastLink and presented in partnership with Karralyka.

A boost for arts and community projects

A range of creative arts projects will be rolled out over the next 12 months thanks to more than $23,000 allocated under Council’s 2022/23 Arts and Cultural Grants Funding Program.

Among this year’s successful initiatives are a free jazz performance at Ringwood Town Square; a new public artwork, Blossoms of Life, to be installed at Ringwood Lake; and a collaborative community art sculpture project celebrating Yarrunga Community Centre’s 25 years of service to Maroondah.

The funding program supports individual artists and not-for-profit groups and organisations to deliver arts and cultural activities that reflect the diversity of the Maroondah community.

For more on the Arts and Cultural Grants Funding Program and to apply for future grants, visit Council’s website.

Thursday 27 October

Oct

Join in one of two nature play pop-up events from 10.30am to 12 noon and 1pm to 2.30pm at Warrien Reserve, Croydon North. Bookings are essential.

Full details on activities during Children’s Week are on Council’s website www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ childrens-week-2022

Supporting our community

An organisation providing support to disadvantaged and vulnerable youth to access food and pre-employment training is among 73 local groups to share in more than $208,000 in community grants.

Each year, Council offers eligible not-for-profit groups with limited access to financial resources the opportunity to share in funding made available through its Community Grants Funding Program.

This year’s recipients come from a broad range of community groups, with a significant amount of funding being allocated to emergency relief, and programs that support children, youth, seniors and disability groups.

A program to promote active participation in community sport for people with a disability, community learning opportunities to support positive ageing, and programs helping settlement of newly arrived migrants are among other projects to be funded.

The grants will also assist community groups to upgrade and improve programs, fund equipment purchases and assist with providing emergency relief.

For more on Maroondah’s Community Grants Funding Program, visit Council’s website.

National Recycling Week

National Recycling Week, established by Planet Ark, will be held from Monday 7 November to Sunday 13 November.

The theme for the 2022 National Recycling Week is ‘Waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted’.

Before throwing things away, we should think about how we can give things a second life, recycle where we can and do so correctly.

The message from Planet Ark this year is all about quality over quantity – it is not about recycling more, but recycling better.

The message is also to reduce the amount of items we purchase in the first instance.

Council events to get involved in

E-waste (+ more!) collection day

Saturday 22 October 8am to 2pm

Maroondah Council Operations Centre 24-28 Lincoln Road, Croydon

E-waste – or electronic waste – is growing three times faster than any other waste stream. E-waste contains potentially hazardous and valuable materials, which don‘t belong in landfill.

Help protect our environment and recover precious resources by dropping off your e-waste on our collection day. We can also accept residential quantities of clean polystyrene, cardboard and textiles.

Registration is essential and bookings are limited. Only residential quantities will be accepted.

Visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ eWasteCollection or scan the QR code to secure your booking and to find out more about how your waste will be recycled.

Recycling workshops

Session 1: Monday 7 November 6.15pm to 7.30pm

Meeting Room 6, Level 3 Realm 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood

Session 2: Friday 11 November 10am to 11.15am

Glen Park Community Centre Kemp Hall, 30 Glen Park Road Bayswater North

Each workshop will cover what can go in your blue-lid recycling bin as well as what to do with other hard to recycle items.

Beeswax wrap workshop

Saturday 12 November 10am to 12pm

Central Ringwood Community Centre Rosewarne Lane, Ringwood

Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to cling wrap or foil, as they can be reused. Register for this workshop with Ben’s Bees to learn how to make your own beeswax wraps.

Council’s Waste Education Officer will be on hand in this session to chat with you about further ideas to reduce plastic use.

Learn more about recycling in Maroondah

If you’d like to learn more about recycling in Maroondah, visit our recycling webpage or you can check out our A-Z guide of waste disposal. We will also have a recycling display in the foyer of Realm from Monday 31 October to Monday 14 November.

To register for any of the above sessions, visit Council’s school and community waste education webpage.

New look for garden organics bins

Under the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Policy, all Councils must standardise their bin lids. Lime green is the standard colour for food and garden organics (FOGO) bins. This means that from 16 January 2023, Council will replace all maroon-coloured garden bin lids with a green lid. Check your letterbox in the new year for details about when to leave your bin out and what to do if your entire bin needs to be replaced.

All maroon-coloured lids and parts from damaged bins will be recycled.

Make a difference –join a Council advisory committee

If you’re interested in having more of a voice in your community, now is your chance.

We are seeking expressions of interest to join a range of community advisory committees which aim to build partnerships that enhance arts and culture, community wellbeing, liveability and inclusion in Maroondah.

The Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee provides knowledge and advice to Council to assist in realising the community’s vision for its creative future, as outlined in key strategies and policies including our Maroondah 2040 community vision and the Maroondah Arts and Cultural Development Strategy.

The Maroondah Access Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee provides input and advice to Council on a broad range of issues, initiatives and services relating to accessibility, equity and social inclusion.

The Maroondah Community Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee provides advice to Council and informs social policy, community service delivery, advocacy and partnership activities on a broad range of community health and wellbeing matters.

Disability Advisory Committee members Gemma (community representative) and Michelle (EACH representative).

The Maroondah Liveability, Safety and Amenity Advisory Committee provides advice to Council and informs activities relating to community liveability, safety and amenity matters.

To submit an expression of interest, visit Council’s website. Applications close on Wednesday 26 October 2022.

For more information, contact Council’s Integrated Planning or Arts and Culture teams on 1300 88 22 33.

National Tree Day reflection

National Tree Day was held on Sunday 31 July this year at Eastfield Park and along the Tarralla Creek Trail.

Thank you to the 300 people who helped plant 4,500 indigenous plants in 45 minutes! The event was a collaboration between Council, First Friends of Dandenong Creek, Friends of Tarralla Creek and Friends of Eastfield Park.

Community environmental groups and volunteers are extremely important in helping Council ensure our parks and bushland areas are well-looked after.

Discover nature on your doorstep

Delve into, explore and learn about the rich biodiversity in Maroondah during the Great Southern BioBlitz 2022.

More than ever we are appreciating the benefits of getting outdoors, so we are inviting our community to join us in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest citizen science activity.

During the four-day BioBlitz period (28 to 31 October) residents are encouraged to head out to their local areas to photograph a range of biodiversity: including insects, birds, moths and other wildlife.

You can then document your observations of Maroondah’s native flora and fauna using the iNaturalist app.

The event aims to highlight both the immense biodiversity spread across the Southern Hemisphere in the flourishing springtime, as well as to engage the public in science and learning about nature.

Many groups hold annual or biannual planting days with the assistance of Council and are a fantastic way to get involved in the community and learn more about our native plants and environment.

For a list of local environmental and ‘Friends of’ groups in Maroondah, visit Council’s website and search for ‘natural environment community groups’.

Thanks to the community’s participation in last year’s challenge, we’re continuing to build a record of the stunning biodiversity found in Maroondah, which increases our ability to both manage and protect it.

To follow or be part of the project, search for ‘Great Southern BioBlitz’ on Council’s website.

Progress on projects in your area

Check out some exciting projects taking shape through Council’s $48.25million Capital Works Program.

Jubilee Indoor Cricket Training Centre

Dorset Recreation Reserve redevelopment

JW Manson Reserve pavilion redevelopment

Construction of the five-lane indoor cricket training centre is progressing well. Following the concrete slab being poured the new cricket hub is set to take shape. Expected to be completed in the first half of 2023, the centre will complement the impressive cricket facilities at Jubilee Park including the new RO Spencer Pavilion which opened in December 2021 and upgraded lights at Russell Lucas Oval installed in March 2022. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.

Ainslie Park Pavilion

The upgraded soccer facilities at Dorset Recreation Reserve in Croydon are taking shape. Car parking and landscaping works are underway and once complete will allow the reserve to become a hub for sport and the Eastern Burmese Ethnic Community. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Australian and Victorian Governments.

Cheong Park Pavilion

Redeveloped Cheong Park pavilion in Croydon South will be operational soon. The upgraded facilities include a modern social space, kitchen, kiosk as well as female friendly and accessible amenities with an enhanced spectator viewing area to be completed soon. This upgrade complements the recently completed sporting oval works and lighting upgrade. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Australian and the Victorian Governments.

Construction is complete on the new sporting pavilion at Ainslie Park in Croydon. The new female friendly facilities, accessible amenities, large social space and kiosk will provide an impressive facility for cricket and football clubs, with a great viewing area for spectators. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Australian Government.

Town Park sports field redevelopment

Following the installation of a new stormwater harvesting system in Croydon, the Town Park sports field is undergoing redevelopment and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year (subject to weather conditions).

These works include new drainage, irrigation, sand profile, soccer goal posts and will be topped with drought tolerant couch grass for all year-round usage. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.

Springfield Park safety fencing

Installation of a safety fence has recently been completed at Springfield Park in Croydon. The fence is installed at the southern end of the ground and measures 44 metres long and 18 metres high. This fence will ensure gridiron can be played safely at Springfield Park and will assist with ball management.

JW Manson pavilion in Wantirna, owned and operated by Maroondah City Council, will be redeveloped with construction scheduled to begin later this year. The building modules are currently being built off site and will then be delivered and installed, reducing construction time and disruption to user groups. The new pavilion will include female-friendly player and umpire change rooms, a first aid room, accessible shower and toilet amenities, match day public toilets, a 200sqm multipurpose room, kitchen, bar and kiosk, office space and storage rooms, accessible entry ramp from carpark, balcony, lift and covered verandah. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.

Engineering works update

Council is continually improving Maroondah’s roads, drains and footpaths to ensure safety and accessibility. The following works are underway or expected to start soon:

• Eastfield Road, Ringwood East infrastructure enhancement works

• Yarra Road, Croydon footpath works – final stage

• Alexandra Road and Scenic Avenue, Ringwood East flood mitigation works

• Parkwood Reserve, Ringwood North access improvements

• Springfield Pavilion, Croydon carpark extension

• Devon Avenue, Dresden Avenue, Erica Crescent, Leoni Avenue and Viviani Crescent, Heathmont footpath construction

• Belle Vue Avenue, Pearwood Street and Lavender Street, Ringwood footpath construction.

Giving thanks to our incredible seniors

Please join us this October as we celebrate the seniors in our municipality.

The 2022 Maroondah Seniors Festival celebrates positive ageing and wellbeing during October. It is run in conjunction with the Victorian Seniors Festival, which turns 40 this year!

The annual Seniors Festival encourages Maroondah residents aged 60 and over to discover terrific activities and community groups available to them. It also allows the community to acknowledge the importance of our older residents.

Seniors Wellbeing Expo

We’re once again hosting our Seniors Festival Expo from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday 25 October at Karralyka.

The free event is an opportunity for Maroondah residents aged 60 and over

Helping seniors move around Maroondah and beyond

to find out more about the opportunities and supports available to seniors in Maroondah. There will be a range of stallholders and prize give aways.

Community luncheon

Seniors who are residents of Maroondah are also invited to a free community luncheon on Tuesday 25 October from 12.30pm to 2pm, including a two-course meal and a special appearance by the Victorian State Ballet.

Tickets are limited and bookings are essential. For tickets visit www.karralyka.com.au or call 1300 88 22 33.

Kerrabee: providing vital social connections for older people

Council’s social support programs help our residents who are older, have a disability or who are socially isolated receive the support they need to remain independent and participate fully in the community.

Council’s Kerrabee social inclusion and wellbeing centre in Croydon is key to bringing social connection to life for seniors in Maroondah. Weekly and monthly social groups, short-term programs and one-off activities in the community, together with support for people with low-level needs, enhances wellbeing and genuine connection with others in meaningful ways.

If you’re an older resident looking to reduce your driving or simply want alternative transport options to maintain a healthy lifestyle and your independence, be sure to pick up a copy of Council’s Seniors Transport Guide.

The Seniors Transport Guide has everything you need to know to easily, and confidently, move around Maroondah and Melbourne.

The guide includes information on senior travel discounts, using a myki card, transport options available and other helpful travel tips. It also contains information on catching public transport, such as trains,

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buses and trams, which is especially helpful for people who have never used these services before.

The booklet is available at Council service centres or you can download a copy from our website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au You can also contact us on 1300 88 22 33 to request to have a copy posted to you.

If you know a Maroondah resident who is aged 65 years and over (50 years and over if of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity), they may be eligible for subsidised access to the program through the My Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Program. Modest fee applies.

To find out more about the social support program, visit Council’s website or call 1300 88 22 33.

acknowledge

people

communities and raise awareness about issues such

and elder abuse.

Caring for our carers

It’s National Carers Week from 16 to 22 October - a time we pay tribute to and acknowledge the tremendous work of the many unpaid carers in Maroondah who make an invaluable contribution to our community. Council offers a range of services and support for carers to assist them in their caring role, recognising that a carer’s emotional health is just as important as the care they provide to someone.

Maroondah Carers Group

The Maroondah Carers Group is a free peer support group for carers living within Maroondah to share experiences, gain support from others, and be connected to other resources and activities to help them with their caring role.

The group, which is co-facilitated by EACH and Council, meets on the second Thursday of each month at Council’s Kerrabee social inclusion and wellbeing centre in Croydon.

For more information about joining the group, call Kerrabee on 9294 5531.

Fast Fact

Akuna Carer Group

The Akuna Carer Group is run in partnership with Donwood and offers support to carers of people with memory loss.

The group meets monthly on the third Wednesday from February to November. They meet at Donwood, 11 Diana Street in Croydon, with group sessions running from 10.30am to 12noon.

For more information, please call Kerrabee on 9294 5531 or Donwood on 9845 8500.

Pathways for Carers walks

Pathways for Carers is a free program led by carers, for carers. It provides carers with the opportunity to walk, talk and share their experiences all while learning about support services available to them. Each walk is facilitated by a guest speaker/walker.

The group meets at Bark and Silk Cafe in Croydon and walks are usually along the Mullum Mullum Creek trail. Anyone who is a carer is welcome to join and is invited to stay on after the walk for a free morning or afternoon coffee/tea. Walks are suitable for all fitness levels and no bookings are required.

October and November walks:

• Saturday 22 October, 1pm

• Tuesday 8 November, 10am

• Saturday 26 November, 1pm

More than 10,800 (12%) of people over the age of 15 in Maroondah provide unpaid care to someone with a disability, long-term illness or who is elderly.

Ditch four wheels for two for National Ride2Work Day

Join us for a free community breakfast as part of National Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 19 October.

Maroondah residents are encouraged to hop on their bikes and get active for their commute to work for National Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 19 October.

In support of the nationwide event, Council will be treating riders to a free hot breakfast served with barista coffee at Caffe Stazione, between 7am to 8.30am at Ringwood Town Square (outside Realm).

Riding to work is one of the easiest and most time-efficient ways to fit exercise into a daily routine. Aside from the health benefits, it can save you on fuel and parking costs, and being a pollution free

mode of transport means you’re also helping the environment!

For those with a long journey to work, Parkiteer bicycle parking cages (at Croydon, Heatherdale and Ringwood stations) provide a convenient, undercover and secure place to park your bike and use public transport part of the way. Even if you’re working from a home office, why not go for a ride before work or head out at lunchtime.

You can register your participation in National Ride2Work Day on Bicycle Network Victoria’s website www.bicyclenetwork.com.au

People who cycle to and from work can save as much as $15,000 a year on transport costs.Fast Fact

For details or to join a walk, visit the What’s On section of our website, or visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pathwaysforcarers

To help plan your route to and from work, view the Maroondah interactive transport map for details on cycling tracks and trails, as well as public transport timetables, located on our website.

Supporting sustainable business

Baywater Businesses Precinct is leading the way when it comes to energy efficiency.

A recent Clean Energy Event, hosted in partnership with Solar Savers and local business EVO Power, provided businesses in the eastern region with the information they need to reduce their carbon footprint.

Baywater Business Precinct Coordinator, Amy Harris, said the event provided an opportunity for businesses, big and small, to learn simple changes they could make to their business operations – that are not only good for the planet, but also create cost-savings.

“Solar Savers also explained the solar options available to business owners, which can help to future-proof against increasing energy costs, and support a transition to clean, renewable energy.”

There are a number of state and federal government initiatives currently available to provide advice for businesses to access energy efficient upgrades and financial assistance.

Participants at the Clean Energy Event hosted by Bayswater Business Precinct

“EVO Power is just one of our local small businesses that are working in the sustainability space. They are producing world-class energy storage systems right here in Bayswater. At the event they explained how other businesses could make the switch to batteries over other less-sustainable power options,” Amy said.

Barngeong Ward Bungalook Ward

To find out more about these initiatives, or other activities in the Bayswater Business Precinct, visit www.bbpconnect.com.au or follow BBPConnect on LinkedIn.

Did you know?

There are electric vehicle charging stations at Croydon Devon Street carpark.

Jubilee Ward

Cr Marijke Graham

Mobile: 0418 109 015

As a mother I know the importance of our Maternal and Child Health services. The free service offers families information, advice and personal support to care for their children.

To ensure we can continue to provide such a high level of service, Council co-signed a letter to the Victorian Government to raise our concerns about the lack of funding. Historically there had been a 50/50 funding split, however recently this has changed to Council’s funding more than 60 per cent. This service is so important. Our nurses are fully trained specialists who are on the front line playing a vital role to support parents and babies during the key developmental stages.

You can visit our website for more information on our Maternal and Child Health Services.

Cr Tony Dib OAM JP

Mobile: 0438 515 089

tony.dib@maroondah.vic.gov.au

It is exciting to see that the works at Dorset Recreation Reserve are nearly complete, with the construction of a new car park and landscaping works to be completed shortly.

The synthetic soccer pitch is already being used by Croydon City Soccer Club and the Eastern Burmese Ethnic Community (EBEC). I am looking forward to visiting in the coming weeks to watch the soccer club and the EBEC go head-to-head in a friendly soccer match to celebrate the new facilities.

The double storey pavilion is a great spot to watch games on both the synthetic pitch and natural grass ground, as well as the multipurpose courts where the Eastern Burmese Ethnic Community play volleyball, chilone and futsal.

It’s great to be able to provide first class facilities to support our strong sporting culture in Maroondah, especially the growing popularity of soccer in our municipality.

Cr Mike Symon - Mayor

Mobile: 0436 002 080 mike.symon@maroondah.vic.gov.au

It is great to see so much work happening in the Jubilee Ward to make it easier for people to get around. We are committed to constructing footpaths to improve pedestrian access and safety.

In Ringwood, footpaths are being constructed along Lavender and Pearwood Streets and Belle Vue Avenue. And in Heathmont along Devon, Dresden, Leoni Avenues and Erica and Viviani Crescents.

We are also reconstructing vehicle crossings to ensure the footpaths and crossovers meet at compliant grade, along with modification of pedestrian crossings to create safer areas for both motorists and pedestrians.

Thanks to the residents for their patience as we make these important upgrades For more information on these projects, and all other projects in Maroondah, visit the projects page on Council’s website.

Diving into success in Birmingham

Our Ringwood Diving Club divers continue to perform on the world stage with club alumnae Anabelle Smith and Charli Petrov both representing Australia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Both divers have trained at Aquanation throughout their career – making use of our state-of-the-art 10 metre diving tower and dry-diving area.

At 14, Charli was Australia’s youngest athlete in the 2022 Games when she took home the gold in the women’s 10m platform synchronised final with Melissa Wu.

Charli started with Ringwood Diving Club in 2016 and trained with them until she moved to the Victorian Institute of Sport and made her Nationals debut in April 2018. Since then, she has competed in Junior and Open Nationals, including the Open Nationals Commonwealth Trials in June this year, which secured her spot in Birmingham.

Fellow alumna Anabelle Smith won the women’s 3m springboard synchronised final and finished fifth in the mixed 3m springboard synchronised final. Birmingham was Anabelle’s fourth Commonwealth Games, having debuted with a bronze medal in the 10-metre synchronised platform at Delhi in 2010.

The Club has a rich history of success since it began in 1986, with other former members including Olympians Grant Nel, Jaele Patrick and James Connor.

Head of Coaching and Operations for Ringwood Diving Club, Phil Wood said their success reflects the culture and coaching of the club.

“Stories like these [show] we are providing high quality coaching to young children who can go on to represent their country at the highest level and in Charli and Anabelle’s case, win medals not just for Victoria, but also Australia.

“Ringwood Diving Club’s values have always been fun, friendship and fitness – which has seen the Club grow from 64 members to 249 members.”

Ringwood Diving Club is based at Aquanation in Ringwood. The Club offers a variety of programs including lessons for beginners, children, adults and a talent squad. New divers to the Club can register for a free trial class. Find out more via the Ringwood Diving Club website www.ringwooddivingclub.com.au

Do the right thing and help look after our environment

Dog owners are being encouraged to pick up after their pets and ensure that any waste is placed in a bin.

Pet owners are reminded to carry appropriate receptacles, such as a bag or pooper-scooper, to remove or dispose of any dog waste when out walking.

Here’s how picking up after your dog helps our community:

• Prevents parasites, bacteria and viruses from infecting people or other pets. The longer waste is left out, the more infective and hazardous it becomes.

• Mitigates soil contamination and helps reduce faecal matter in our waterways.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Maroondah Extreme Sports Strategy

• Lowers the risk of other dogs getting sick, as some dogs can carry worms and diseases.

• Ensures our Parks and Bushland team can maintain our parks and reserves safely, without coming into contact with dog droppings.

• Helps ensure our children can play in our reserves safely, as well as people using our sporting grounds.

Dogs must also be kept on a lead at all times when out in a public place, except in areas that are marked ‘off-leash’.

Picking up after your dog is each owner’s responsibility and makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of our reserves for all users.

Council formally adopted the Maroondah Extreme Sports Strategy on Monday 29 August 2022.

The strategy recognises the growth of participation in extreme sports in Maroondah, and included detailed consultation and research.

The strategy will help Council to support changing needs and trends while continuing to provide extreme sports facilities that balance the thrill of extreme sports with necessary safety measures.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

You can read the Maroondah Extreme Sports Strategy on Council’s website.

Sustainability Strategy 2022-2031

Maroondah’s Sustainability Strategy 2022-2031 was formally adopted by Council on Monday 29 August 2022.

The strategy presents a vision to support environmental, social and economic sustainability across both Council and the Maroondah community over the next 10 years. It was developed following extensive background research, community consultation and a thorough review of the Sustainability Strategy 2016-2020

Thank you to our Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee and the many community members who contributed to the strategy during the consultation phases.

Visit Council’s website to read the Sustainability Strategy 2022-2031 and find out more about our work in this space.

Lap up the fun at Croydon Memorial Pool

As we head into the warmer months, there’s no better place to cool off than at Croydon Memorial Pool, with its pool season set to open from November until April 2023.

Whether it’s taking a refreshing dip in the 50-metre outdoor heated pool or getting a group of friends or your family together for a picnic on the poolside lawn, Croydon Memorial Pool has plenty of space – and shade – to lap it up or just make a splash.

Croydon Memorial Pool offers casual entry, giving you the flexibility to choose when you visit. You can even purchase a season pass, which entitles you to unlimited pool access as well as low-impact aqua aerobics classes on Saturdays.

For information on casual swim session rates, purchasing a season pass and pool operating hours, visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au or phone 9294 5630.

Get moving with Maroondah Leisure!

From Thursday 6 October until Wednesday 3 November, Maroondah Leisure is offering no joining fee and two weeks free on any Fitness Plus membership!*

No matter your needs and interests, there’s a membership to suit. Enjoy full access to gym, group fitness and aquatic facilities with Fitness Plus individual; exercise during the day with Off Peak Fitness Plus, or get the whole family involved with Family Fitness Plus. There’s even an option specifically for teens aged 12 to 15 years.

All Fitness Plus members have access to an initial assessment with a qualified gym instructor to set goals and develop a personalised program, so you’ll be training safely and effectively from day one. Plus, reassessments every six weeks will keep you on track to achieve your goals.

Visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au/ memberships for more information and to sign up.

*12 month minimum term. See www.maroondahleisure.com.au for full terms and conditions.

Free catch-up immunisation session in November

The protection provided by some childhood immunisations fades over time, so it’s important they are continued during adolescence.

Young people who have missed important vaccinations provided at school can book into our free catch-up immunisation session on 16 November 2022. The session will be held between 4pm to 6pm at Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.

Recommended vaccines are routinely provided free of charge to all Victorian secondary school students in Years 7 and 10 (ages 12 to 14) under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This includes adolescents (10 to 19 years) not currently enrolled in secondary school.

Secondary school adolescents are at an age when vaccines will be most effective and provide protection before possible exposure to a disease.

Check the NIP schedule at www.health. gov.au and talk to your local council immunisation provider or your doctor if your child/adolescent has not received all the recommended vaccinations. You can also check your immunisation history by logging onto MyGov, Medicare or Centrelink, or by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.

You can book into the dedicated school vaccination catch up session online through Council’s website www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or speak to our Community Health team on 1300 88 22 33.

Free, safe and reliable immunisation service

Families in Maroondah can access vaccines at no cost to protect babies and children against infectious diseases during their most vulnerable years of life.

Council’s free public immunisation sessions are offered at various locations in Maroondah as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The sessions cover the immunisation schedule for babies and children aged between six weeks and four years, as well as for adolescents and adults.

Victorian Government legislation (No Jab, No Play) requires that all children must be fully vaccinated before enrolling for childcare and kindergarten, unless they have a medical exemption.

Immunisation is the best defence against the return of highly contagious diseases such as measles, rubella and whooping cough.

Our online immunisation booking system makes it easy to book an appointment at a time and venue that suits families.

Visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 88 22 33.

Celebrate Halloween at Wyreena

Monday 31 October, 4pm to 8pm Wyreena Community Arts Centre 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon

Include the Halloween House at Wyreena in your Halloween plans this year! Best suited to families with children 5 to 12 years old, guests can dress up, discover vintage thrills and gentle haunts, participate in a scavenger hunt and games, and enjoy entertainers and photo opportunities.

Tickets are $5 per person for a 25-minute timeslot. Bookings are essential and limited, so book early via Council’s website.

NEWS IN BRIEF

30 Years of U3A Croydon

Congratulations to U3A Croydon, who is turning 30 this year! To celebrate this special anniversary, U3A is holding an Open Day on Thursday 20 October in and around Keystone, Civic Square, Croydon.

University of the Third Age (U3A) Croydon began in 1992. It connects Maroondah residents aged 50 and over with fellow seniors and provides great opportunities to make friends, learn skills and find interests. New members are welcome.

Visit u3acroydon.org.au or call 9724 9544 to find out more about U3A Croydon.

Tarralla Kinder and Maternal Child Health Centre completed.

The Kinder upgrades include new storage, renovated office space, exterior facade improvements and the expansion from two rooms to three rooms, which will allow an extra 35 children per year to attend the centre. The upgrades also complement the expansive outdoor area, shaded by trees with plenty of play areas for the children.

The Maternal Child Health Centre has also been modernised and includes three consulting rooms, a play group room and a parent education room.

This project was funded by Maroondah City Council in partnership with the Victorian Government and the Australian Government.

Entrance and new facade for Tarralla Kinder and Maternal Child Health centre.

Make mental health a priority this October

October is National Mental Health Month, which is an important reminder to take care of our mental health and wellbeing.

National Mental Health Month encourages the community to raise awareness about mental health and advocate for better mental wellbeing for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This year’s theme ‘Tune In’ emphasises being aware of your thoughts and feelings, what’s happening around you and how you can help others. It asks us to think about how stigma around mental health and wellbeing can impact people’s ability to live the lives they want.

To help Maroondah residents ‘Tune In’, Council is delivering free wellbeing workshops in partnership with LifeConnect and Communities of Wellbeing to encourage our community to discover new ways to live well, even when things aren’t going to plan.

McAlpin Ward

Your Councillors

Mobile: 0429 916 094

suzanne.stojanovic@maroondah.vic.gov.au

The Mullum Mullum Creek flows through Maroondah, but its condition as natural habitat could be improved. To realise its potential, Council is working to create a biolink in collaboration with a reference group who are passionate about protecting our habitat corridor. We have already started to create a shared vision for the biolink including developing actions that will help to enhance the existing habitat areas and create new ones.

Some species we hope to attract back to Maroondah include Platypus, Powerful Owl, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Spotted Marsh Frog and Blotched Bluetongue Lizard.

I’m looking forward to seeing this project progress, and the impact that it will have on our local flora and fauna. Visit Council’s website to find out how you can get involved in activities that support our local environment.

The workshops offer practical skills to grow from life’s experiences, enabling participants to access support while learning about a range of mental health topics and helping to reduce the stigma often associated with mental health problems.

Mental health and wellbeing continues to be a priority for Council, with the workshops addressing a desire for further mental health and wellbeing support – one of the top needs highlighted by community members in the COVID-19 community consultation report.

By delivering workshops to guide residents in building resilience, Council is providing opportunities for our community to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Workshops are being held throughout October, with sessions available in person and online. For details, visit Council’s website or scan the QR code.

Tarralla Ward Wicklow Ward

Cr Paul Macdonald

Mobile: 0436 001 760

paul.macdonald@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Our local sporting grounds have been a flurry of activity recently, with four of Maroondah’s facilities hosting the Eastern Football Netball League football finals.

East Ringwood Reserve hosted the Under 17s grand final, while Quambee Reserve in Ringwood North and HE Parker Reserve in Heathmont hosted both senior women’s and veteran’s finals each weekend in August. Jubilee Park in Ringwood also hosted four days over three weekends of finals.

With the 2022 footy season now wrapped up, we are preparing the grounds for the 2022/2023 cricket season. This is no mean feat as we have about 40 sporting grounds that need to be switched over. This can include the removal of the football and soccer goal posts and creating new turf wickets. The outfields will also be prepared which might involve some returfing.

Cr Tasa Damante

Mobile: 0438 704 819

tasa.damante@maroondah.vic.gov.au

It’s important to support our local businesses, and in Maroondah there are many hidden gems that offer unique and bespoke items or services. As part of our commitment to support local businesses, we are undertaking improvement works at many of our centres in Wicklow Ward – with more also planned over the next 12 months.

Paul Street shopping centre in Croydon has recently benefitted from an extensive upgrade, including a new footpath, seating, garden beds and landscaping. A shared community parklet was also installed at Ryland Avenue in Croydon. Plans to improve the amenity of Kent Avenue, Churchill Way and Lincoln Road shopping centres are also underway and will occur over the next year.

For more information visit the projects page on Council’s website.

Cr Suzy Stojanovic

Don’t miss: What I Wish I’d Told You

What I Wish I’d Told You, by Claire Bridge and Chelle Destefano with Deaf community, centres Deaf voices, identity, language and culture, transforming the Art Space into a Deaf space and Deaf Cultural experience.

Auslan storytellers affirm Deaf experiences and diverse, complex identities, in an immersive exhibition of large-scale video projections, which bring visitors into a Deaf world.

In this collaboration of over 70 Deaf and hearing allies, empowered Deaf storytellers draw on decolonising strategies of truthtelling, provocation, and self-representation, to challenge audist colonisation of Deaf lives, bodies, language and knowledges.

“In Auslan, we pass stories from hand to hand. Our stories cannot be put on a page, detached from us. When we tell stories through sign language, our whole body, mind, emotion, and inner self is also expressed. Our signed stories carry culture. They are a site of resistance and pride.” -- Chelle Destefano.

Shared with humour, wit, courage, and care, What I Wish I’d Told You transforms the Art Space at Realm into a Deaf space and Deaf Cultural experience.

What I Wish I’d Told You runs until Sunday 20 November. You can view the exhibition at ArtSpace at Realm from Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, or Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Visit Council’s website or call 1300 88 22 33 to find out more.

New citizens call Maroondah home

Maroondah is set to welcome an additional 200 new Australian citizens at a formal ceremony next month. This will bring the total number of new citizens to more than 760 people for 2022.

At the ceremony, people make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to Australia and are presented with a Certificate of Australian Citizenship by the Mayor of Maroondah.

At our November ceremony we will be welcoming people who originate from all over the world, including Myanmar, Malaysia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and Venezuela.

Dates for your diary

Tri & Duathlon Maroondah

Sunday 23 October, 7am to 9.30am Town Park and Aquahub Civic Square, Croydon

Running a course around Fred Geale Oval in Croydon and swimming at Aquahub, this is a great event for all fitness levelswhether you’re a seasoned runner, keen cyclist, or just starting out. Team entries are also welcome in the TriTeam or Duathlon Dash. Register by Friday 21 October via Council’s website.

For more information on how to apply to be an Australia Citizen, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

For more information about these and other events, please visit Council’s website.

Thursday’s Child at Wyreena Music Café

Friday 28 October, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Wyreena Conservatory Café 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon

Thursday’s Child is a vibrant group that brings together contemporary and jazz a capella music with folk and world influences. Tickets are $35 per person and include entertainment and supper. Book online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or call Wyreena on 9294 5590.

ARC - Let It Be

Friday 25 November, 8pm to 11pm

Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East

Let It Be by The Beatles turns 50! Watch ARC – musicians Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet), Davey Lane (You Am I) and Darren Middleton (Powderfinger) –perform the album in full, followed by a second set of Beatles songs.

Tickets are $80 each. Buy tickets on the Karralyka website or call 9870 2888 to find out more.

Claire Bridge and Chelle Destefano, Deaf and Visible, with Catherine Lillian in What I Wish I’d Told You, 2022, video still

Plan, prepare and play it safe

Community Safety Month is held every October and reminds us that we all have a role to play in keeping Maroondah a safe place to live, work, play and visit.

Be StormSafe

Storms can occur anywhere and at any time, so it’s important to plan for extreme weather events and be prepared.

Between October and March is considered storm season, with the increased risk of storm activity including strong winds, flash flooding, large hailstones and lightning.

The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) ‘Plan and Stay Safe’ campaign helps at-risk communities, like Maroondah, prepare for storm events.

Prepare for the storm season by pruning tree branches, mending loose roof tiles, clearing gutters and drains, and if a storm is predicted, securing trampolines and outdoor furniture.

To find out more about storm safety, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe

Be FloodSafe

Managing our stormwater

Understand your bushfire risk

Storm season also brings the heightened risk of flash flooding. Flash flooding can occur quickly due to heavy rainfall, and you may not receive an official warning.

Here’s what to do if a flood occurs near you:

• Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater

• Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded

• Call 132 500 for emergency assistance from VICSES

• Call Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening emergencies

• Follow the advice of authorities (including any requests for evacuation)

To find out more about flood safety, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/ emergencies/flood

Significant rainfall events are becoming more common. Council’s stormwater drainage network is designed to cater for the majority of storm events, however in significant events the capacity of Council’s stormwater drainage network can be exceeded, leading to stormwater flowing over land, along roads, through reserves and through private property, depending on the landscape of the surrounding land.

Council endeavours to minimise the impact of flow paths on private property and dwellings where possible and is actively working to map areas impacted by flooding. Council’s annual capital works program also includes major investment in upgrading and renewing drains to lessen the risks of flooding.

Residents can help to minimise risk around their property by maintaining private property drainage systems, regularly cleaning gutters and not sweeping leaves and other debris down Council’s stormwater drains.

Thunderstorm asthma

Grass pollen season brings an increase in asthma and hay fever. It also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life-threatening.

If you’ve ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself. Remember, taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.

If you suffer from hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer – which is available from a pharmacy without a prescription. And finally, where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms – especially during wind gusts that come before a storm. Stay indoors, keeping all doors and windows closed. If you have an air-conditioner, turn it onto recirculate.

For more about thunderstorm asthma, and how to protect yourself, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

You can reduce the risk of fire to your home by preparing your property before bushfire season starts.

Maroondah is impacted by declared fire seasons, which last an average of four months, usually from December through to April each year.

Preparing your home against embers and cleaning up your property before summer is essential. You can use Council’s fortnightly green waste collection service to remove excess vegetation and reduce solid fuel.

Fire clearance notices are sent to owners of properties considered a potential fire risk. Failure to comply may result in fines.

Visit the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au for advice on preparing for bushfire season and developing a Bushfire Survival Plan that includes your animals. You can also attend a CFA bushfire planning workshop.

Food Safety

If your power goes out, follow the 2-hour/ 4-hour rule to ensure food safety. For perishable food items (such as milk), the rule states that if the power is out:

• For less than 2 hours, it’s okay to refrigerate or consume the food

• Between 2 and 4 hours, the food is okay to consume but don’t put it back in the fridge

• For more than 4 hours, discard the food

Keep fridge and freezer doors closed if possible, as this helps to maintain cold temperatures. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours.

An unopened, fully stocked freezer will retain its temperature well enough to preserve food for two days, while a half-stocked freezer can do this for about 24 hours.

The wonder of our wetlands

Wetlands help to improve water quality, leading to a healthier environment for both people and animals to enjoy and use.

While our parks, lakes and bushland are regularly enjoyed by the community, many of us don’t understand the importance of wetlands, and may see them as simply a jungle of dense, tangled weeds.

You may be surprised to learn that wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs.

Wetlands are a critical part of our environment. They absorb pollutants and improve water quality, help reduce erosion and flooding, provide habitats for

Fast Fact

Vegetation in and around wetlands helps to prevent harmful algal blooms such as Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which can produce biotoxins and adversely affect the health of people and ecosystems.

biodiversity and threatened species, and enhance community wellbeing by offering recreational and tourism opportunities.

Council maintains several wetlands across Maroondah including The Range Estate in Croydon; Narr Maen Reserve in Croydon Hills; and Yanggai Barring in Warranwood.

For a wetland to function properly, it requires dense vegetation over the surface – this can be up to 70% – around the fringes and within its ponds.

So, the next time you see tall reed-like plants – scientifically known as Typha, Phragmites, Eleocharis and Cyperus species – in a wetland or around water, know that there is more than meets the eye, and these indigenous species are critical to a healthy local ecosystem.

Maroondah libraries - more than just a place to borrow books

Local public libraries at Realm and Croydon have grown into much more than just repositories of books.

With more than 95,000 memberships and growing, Maroondah’s libraries are proving to be more popular than ever.

Our libraries continue to prove to be a vital asset that not only offer residents universal access to information but also a safe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning, and rich cultural experiences.

Maroondah’s two libraries at Realm in Ringwood and Civic Place in Croydon provide free access to a vast collection of books, more than 50,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks, over 300 eMagazine titles, DVDs, console video games, music and more.

Both libraries also provide social programs, storytime for children, author talks, historical information and research tools and free computer and WiFi access.

Maroondah’s libraries are managed by Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation, which also provides library services to Knox and Yarra Ranges.

To discover more about Realm and Croydon libraries, visit www.yourlibrary.com.au

Realm Library is located on Level 1 at Ringwood Town Square (opposite Ringwood Station).

Croydon Library is located at Civic Square, Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon.

Councillors

Playground upgrades in your area

Renewals to playgrounds in Maroondah

have recently been completed, just in time for the warmer weather!

Reserves in Ambrie Avenue, Ringwood; Packham Place, Wonga Park; and Munro Street, Ringwood; have been revitalised, with new and exciting playground equipment including:

• Combination play units

• 2 seat swings

• Mini rockers and spinners.

Works to enhance the existing open space infrastructure have also taken place, including updated landscaping, planting, concrete paths and modern seating, making the area safe and accessible for all users.

Council is committed to ensuring all our playgrounds are safe and well-maintained, so it is great to see children out and about enjoying these renewed playgrounds.

Wombolano Ward Yarrunga Ward

If you haven’t visited one of our local libraries in Croydon or Ringwood recently, I encourage you to take the time to pop in and check out their range of offerings.

During October they are celebrating a Sustainable Spring with seed libraries and activities to help you save money while leaving a much lighter footprint!

In keeping with the sustainability theme, the library has also launched a world first biodegradable book covering. Each year ERL cover 30,000 books with traditional coverings – this plastic-based material can take more than 100 years to break down.

The new Bioguard material has started to be rolled out on the new books. The material is fully recyclable and decomposable and has no harmful contaminants or micro plastics. I am so proud that we have been able to support this first for libraries in Australia.

Wonga Ward

Cr Linda Hancock

Mobile: 0473 194 871 linda.hancock@maroondah.vic.gov.au

There have been some exciting upgrades in Wonga Ward, including major drainage works near New Street and the Mullum Mullum Creek. This project is being delivered over multiple years and will reduce the risk of flooding. Works are planned for early 2023, which will see upgraded drainage installed along New Street up to Bond Street.

Improvements have also been made to Arnold Street in Ringwood to ensure safety and accessibility for all. Works included construction of a kerb and channel, pavement reconstruction and widening, and vehicle crossing construction.

It’s been great to see children enjoying the upgraded playground at Munro Street in Ringwood. There’s a new combination play unit, two seat community swing, comet spinner and mini three seat rocker, along with landscaping, seating and concrete paths.

Cr Rob Steane - Deputy Mayor

Mobile: 0407 519 986 rob.steane@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Spring is here! And while it’s nice to be able to spend more time outdoors, it’s also important that we remember to maintain our gardens.

We want everyone to be able to move around our streets safely, so please make sure that you are keeping the footpath clear of any overhanging branches, shrubs and plants. While it might not appear to be a big issue, it can be extremely dangerous.

People with a vision impairment or people who rely on mobility aids and even parents with prams can be injured or forced onto unsteady ground, or even the road, if the footpaths are blocked. So please make sure that you regularly check the footpath is clear of any overhanging branches.

Visit Council’s website or contact Council on 1300 88 22 33 if you have any questions or would like to report a property with overhanging vegetation.

Cr Kylie

Munro Street playground

Packham Place playground

Maroondah Festival is back!

Lock Sunday 6 November in your calendar!

And make sure you don’t miss out on our 2022 Maroondah Festival.

The family-friendly festival will include:

• Live music on the Hoskins Main Stage

• Eastland Fun and Fitness area

• Canterbury Caravans Health and Wellbeing area

Sustainability area

Youth area and thrill rides

Kids Kingdom and free rides

Food trucks

Artisan market

Come and try sports

For more information visit Council’s website or call 1300 88 22 33.

Marveloo

To support everyone to attend the festival, Marveloo will be available to cater for the needs of people with severe or physical disabilities and their carers. The Changing Places facility includes a tracking ceiling hoist, height adjustable adult-sized change table, additional circulation space and an accessible toilet. Find out more on Council’s website.

Join in the Cosplay!

This year we’re encouraging the community to come along dressed as their favourite character from a film, book, or video game.

Not only is this a fun way to get into the spirit of the festival, it is also a popular activity for people on the autism spectrum who seek comfort in being able to adopt a new persona in what would otherwise be a confronting setting. The costumes often given them increased confidence and allow them to participate more openly in the festivities. Please dress appropriately for a family-friendly community event.

Freedom of entry

The 22nd Engineer Regiment will be performing a Freedom of Entry ceremony as part of this year’s festival. This is a formal ceremonial event which will involve a parade followed by a ceremonial handing over of a scroll by the Mayor, which signifies the bestowing of Freedom of Entry to the City.

The 22nd Engineer Regiment is based in Ringwood East and is primarily made up of Australian Army Reserve soldiers.

Café Consult

Come along and have your say on Council projects and initiatives. This year we will be seeking feedback on how we can help people to be more active; creating 20-minute neighbourhoods; our Climate Change Plan and how we can better support our young people and families.

If you complete three consultations you will receive a voucher for a free coffee, tea or cold drink.

To see our current consultations, visit www.yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au

19 to 27 October

Maroondah BizWeek, the must-attend premiere week for businesses in Melbourne’s East, is back and you’re invited!

Join us for a week of events and 14 workshops to learn skills to help your business now and get ready for future success.

Be inspired, connect with other businesses, and gain tips from experts, inspirational speakers and workshops.

28 major events, workshops and mentoring clinics

19 OCT 25

The Frenchams Brunch with Aimee Stanton Dare to be different 10am to 12 noon

Maroondah Business Group Dinner with Mark Wales Forging resilience, finding purpose and mastering transformation 6.30 to 8.30pm

The Sebel Friday Afternoon ‘Wine Down’ Build your business connections 3.30 to 5.30pm OCT 21

OCT 27

Maroondah Business Excellence Awards Gala Get ready to celebrate business success in Maroondah 6.30 to 11pm

your tickets now for Maroondah BizWeek 2022

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