Maroondah news Your community newsletter
April 2022
The new RO Spencer Pavilion which was officially opened in March.
New cricket training centre at Jubilee Park Jubilee Park will soon be home to a new five-lane, state-of-theart, multi-sport indoor cricket training centre. Members of the sporting community were delighted at the announcement of the training centre, to be constructed at Jubilee Park in Ringwood. Minister for Community Sport the Hon. Ros Spence visited the site on Tuesday 1 March to announce $2.9 million funding towards the $4.1 million facility. Council will add a further $1.2 million to the indoor cricket training centre project, which will ensure that the new facility is first-class and a great addition for sport in Maroondah; solidifying its place as a regional cricket hub in the East. Following the completion of the new RO Spencer Pavilion (stage 1), the training centre is stage 2 of Jubilee Park’s enhancement plan, and will connect to the new RO Spencer Pavilion. This accessible, five-lane indoor cricket training facility will also enable multisport and recreation capabilities to come to life.
Artists’ impression of the new indoor cricket training centre.
The new facility will cater to both male and female cricketers in a bid to expand female participation in the sport.
Welcome to Maroondah news Hello and welcome to the April edition of Maroondah news. This is one of a range of digital and print news publications, including our quarterly Maroondah news magazine, our eNewsletter and regular updates via our website and social media. Our aim is to ensure we are reaching all members of our community to keep them informed and engaged with the range of Council’s services, events and programs.
President of the Ringwood Cricket Club, Stuart Baum, was ecstatic about the funding.
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.
“It is incredibly exciting to see Ringwood being one of four cricket hubs in the Metropolitan area,” he said.
Page 4: Wyreena’s Music Café is back!
The project is set to begin shortly, with a completion timeframe set for the end of 2022. To find out more about the redevelopment, visit the Projects page of Council’s website.
Page 6: Keep entertained these school holidays Page 8: Volunteers wanted: Kerrabee Centre
Council meetings
On behalf of Council and our Councillors, we wish all Maroondah residents a safe and happy Easter.
Council meetings are generally held on the third Monday of each month. The meetings are live-streamed via Council’s website. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions may result in the public gallery being closed. Please check Council’s website for updates. Upcoming Council meeting dates are: Monday 11 April Monday 16 May
For those travelling during this time, please stay safe on the roads.
COVID-19 update Have you booked your booster?
Meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in the Council Chamber at Realm.
If you’re over 18 and have received your second COVID-19 vaccine at least three months ago, you are now eligible for your third dose.
Council opening hours
Use the table to check when your third dose is due:
Our customer service centres are here to help. See our operating hours below or visit our website. 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. Closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Anzac Day. Croydon Library 5 Civic Square, Croydon. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Closed on all public holidays. Get in contact with us 9298 4598 or 1300 88 22 33 SMS 0480 020 200 maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au Subscribe to Maroondah eNews via our website. Maroondah City Council CityofMaroondah
If you received your second dose in:
Have your third dose in:
January 2022
April 2022
February 2022
May 2022
March 2022
June 2022
Find a local vaccine provider and book in for an appointment using the Vaccine Clinic Finder, https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect. gov.au/booking/ If unable to find a suitable appointment, please check back regularly as more appointments will become available.
Face masks Maroondah City Council is taking action to contain the spread of the virus and reduce risks to the health of our community. Face masks are no longer required in most indoor settings, however, our communityfacing employees will still be wearing masks.
maroondahcitycouncil
MaroondahConnect— community support 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.
QR check-in at our facilities The Victorian Government’s check-in rules have changed for our centres and facilities. Checking in and proof of vaccination is still required for the below facilities: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Realm Library Croydon Library Maroondah Nets The Rings Ringwood Golf and Dorset Golf Aquanation Aquahub Karralyka Maroondah Federation Estate Wyreena Community Arts Centre Kerrabee Centre EV’s Youth Centre Community centres
Translated information Translated information, including information about COVID-19 vaccines, is available on www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au To speak to someone in your language, call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 and select option 0. You can also request an interpreter be at your vaccine appointment.
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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Pet registration renewals due Maroondah pet owners are reminded that pet registration renewal payments are due by Sunday 10 April. Registration and microchipping greatly improve the chances of your pet being returned to you if they become lost. There are many payment options
available, both online and in-person at one of Council’s service centres. To find out more, contact our Local Laws team on 1300 88 22 33 or visit our website.
Protect yourself this flu season Flu vaccinations are now available through Council’s immunisation service. Protect yourself and others from the flu this year by booking an appointment online for one of Council’s public immunisation sessions. Council offers payable and free flu vaccines to eligible persons through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Visit Council’s Immunisation webpage for eligibilty and to book your flu vaccine appointment today.
COVID-19 and the flu vaccine COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with a flu vaccine, meaning that it is safe to have both injections on the same day. There may be a slight increase in mild to moderate after-effects following the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, so your annual flu vaccination is still recommended.
Free vaccines for teens Appointments are now available for missed adolescent vaccinations. Council is running a free immunisation session for missed adolescent vaccines on Tuesday 10 May, 4pm to 6pm at Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Adolescents (10 to 19 years) not currently enrolled in secondary school are also eligible. To book an appointment, visit www. maroondah.vic.gov.au/Immunisation
Did you know?
For further information on adolescent vaccinations, please visit health.vic.gov.au
Not sure if you are up-to-date? You can check your immunisation history through Medicare online, your My Gov account or the Medicare App.
Council provides free adolescent immunisations for those aged between 10 to 19 years old through the secondary school program in Year 7 and 10 each year.
Community and Arts and Cultural Grants applications now open Are you a community group, artist or arts and cultural group? Applications are now open for Community Grants Funding Program and the Arts and Cultural Grants Funding Program. Funding is available for not-for-profit, incorporated groups to assist with projects or programs that make a positive contribution to the Maroondah community, as well as arts projects such as creative developments and presentations.
Applications for 2022/23 funding can be made online until 4pm, Wednesday 27 April. For more information such as eligibility, application guidelines and assessment criteria, visit Council’s website. Alternatively, you can contact our Community Development Officer or Community Cultural Development Officer on 1300 88 22 33, or email maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au.
Glen Park community centre members enjoying their new outdoor seating.
Pop-up park Members of the Glen Park community centre were delighted with the installation of three outdoor seating spaces and leant a helping hand in deciding where the park would be placed. This pop-up park was made possible through an Outdoor Activation Fund grant from the Victorian Government.
Andy Drewitt, The Chemist, 2021, exterior acrylic paint. Funded through the Arts and Cultural Grants Program.
For more information on Glen Park Community Centre, visit their website at www.glenparkcc.com.au
April 2022 | 3
Wyreena’s Music Café is back! Wyreena’s much-loved Music Café events are starting again this month. From April to November, audiences will be treated to performances from eclectic local artists at Wyreena’s Conversatory Café. So, come along, soak up the melodies and enjoy a light supper in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. To view the 2022 program and to book, visit Wyreena’s Music Café webpage on Council’s website.
April performance: Saoirse Friday 29 April, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Saoirse are a vibrant vocal and dance group from Melbourne. Saoirse delight their audiences with beautiful renditions of traditional Irish ballads and original works. They also join hands to offer some spirited jigs and reels to get audience’s feet tapping. Vocal and dance group, Saoirse.
Did you know?
Along with musical performances, Wyreena Community Arts Centre hosts arts and crafts events and activities, is home to many community groups and has an exciting playspace for children to enjoy.
Have your say We’re planning for the future and want to hear from you!
Anzac Day services This 25 April, we reflect on the sacrifices of those who have bravely served our nation in wartime, and to the men and women who continue to serve in military conflict and peacekeeping operations around the world. Council is presenting a wreath to commemorate the day.
Anzac march and commemorative services Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) community survey
Extreme Sports Strategy
Survey open until 13 April
Do you live and breathe parkour, skate or BMX? Or are you tempted to give them a go?
Reducing waste to landfill is one of the priority actions of Maroondah’s Waste, Litter and Resource Recovery Strategy 2020–2030. From 1 May 2023, Maroondah households will be able to place their food scraps in their garden organics bin in addition to their garden materials. We’re calling on all Maroondah residents to share their insights, so we can provide the community with the information and tools they need to make the change to this new service. To find out more or have your say www.yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au/fogo to have your say.
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Survey open until 5pm, Friday 29 April
Tell us what facilities or areas you currently use and ways you think they can be improved. Or do you have ideas on what facilities we need in Maroondah so you can explore these sports further? Your feedback will inform our draft Extreme Sports in Public Places Strategy and help us know what we can do to meet the community’s needs. To find out how you can get involved and share your feedback, visit www.yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ extremesports
Ringwood RSL Sunday 24 April 9.30am to 11am Assemble at Ringwood Square (New/Seymour Street), Ringwood. Croydon RSL Sunday 24 April 2.30pm to 3.30pm March starts at the corner of Hewish Road and Main Street, Croydon.
Anzac dawn services Ringwood RSL Monday 25 April 5.45am start Ringwood Clocktower Maroondah highway, Ringwood. Croydon RSL Monday 25 April 5.45am to 6.30am Croydon War Memorial, corner Kent and Croydon Road roundabout.
Do the swap and minimise waste This April, start making simple swaps in your daily routine to minimise waste. As part of Council’s Waste, Litter and Resource Recovery Strategy 2020– 2030, we are aiming to halve our waste to landfill by 2030. An easy way to reduce your daily waste is to do ‘the swap’. There are lots of simple things you can swap for reusable options: • Swap buying bottled water to using a reusable water bottle. • Swap using disposable coffee cups to reusable coffee cups, or sit down and enjoy your coffee instore. • Swap plastic straws to reusable metal straws.
• Swap plastic produce bags to reusable cloth bags. • Swap plastic cutlery to reusable cutlery sets such as stainless steel or bamboo. • Swap balloons for bubbles and paperbased, reusable decorations. • Swap disposable nappies for reusable nappies. • Swap disposable sanitary items for reusables such as period underwear or a cup. You can even swap pre-loved clothing through online community pages or borrow toys at your local toy library.
Explore the great outdoors this Nature Play Week What better time to enjoy Maroondah’s more than 400 parks and reserves than Nature Play Week! Running from 6 to 16 April, Nature Play Week is a national initiative that encourages younger generations to explore their natural surrounds and enjoy the many untapped benefits of spending time with Mother Nature. In Maroondah, we have lots of great natural spaces including: • Ringwood Lake Park (Ringwood) • Candlebark Walk Reserve (Croydon Hills) • Hochkins Ridge Flora Reserve (Croydon North) • Warrien Reserve (Croydon North) • BJ Hubbard Reserve (Ringwood North) • Mullum Mullum Creek Trail (Ringwood to Croydon) • Wombolano Park (Ringwood East) • Bungalook Conservation Reserve (Kilsyth South) So, lace up your walking shoes and visit a new park or reserve in Maroondah this month.
For more ways to reduce your waste and to read our Waste, Litter and Resource Recovery Strategy 2020– 2030, visit the Waste and Rubbish webpage on our website.
Get set for an active April Get moving this Active April with 30 minutes of exercise a day. There are lots of ways to be active in Maroondah. You could:
Locals capturing photos of biodiversity during last year’s City Nature Challenge.
To find out more about our parks and reserves, visit the Parks and Playgrounds webpage on our website.
• Try your hand at pickleball at Maroondah Nets • Make a splash in an aqua aerobics class at Aquahub or Aquanation • Land a slam-dunk at Maroondah Rings • Make long-lasting fitness goals with a Maroondah Leisure personal trainer • Improve your swing in a golf clinic at Dorset Golf or Ringwood Golf.
Keep discovering nature during the City Nature Challenge Friday 29 April to Monday 2 May
Nature activity ideas
Get involved in the City Nature Challenge by observing and recording natural flora and fauna on the iNaturalist platform and app.
There are lots of great ideas and activity packs available on our website to inspire your nature play. Visit our Nature Play in Maroondah webpage for details.
Maroondah is teaming up with 20 councils to represent Greater Melbourne and compete against over 450 cities in this global citizen-science event. A number of nature discovery events will be held across various locations around Maroondah over the four days. To book your place at a nature discovery event, visit the City Nature Challenge webpage on our website.
“Come and try” walking sports for seniors Wednesday 6 April Maroondah Nets Heathmont Road, Heathmont Council is hosting a “come and try” walking sport showcase and launch of our Positive Ageing Framework and Action Plan 2021–2025 at Maroondah Nets. See the different walking events on show such as walking cricket, netball, football, pickleball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis.
April 2022 | 5
What’s on
Keep entertained these school holidays
To view more events and activities in Maroondah, visit the What’s on in Maroondah section of Council’s website. Subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Check out the range of activities available these school holidays! Wyreena Community Arts Centre
Wyreena Community Arts Centre is hosting a range of different family-friendly creative activities to keep children entertained these school holidays. Get crafty in the following workshops: • Pottery workshop – make a ceramic candle holder. • Creative workshop – create a handmade art book. • Clay workshop – make a cactus pot • Painting workshop – breathe new life into an old artwork. Visit the Wyreena School Holiday Program webpage on Council’s website to book your place.
Addressing anxiety workshops
Reusable cloth nappy workshop
Wednesday 6 April 10am to 11.30am Realm Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood.
Wednesday 20 April 7pm to 8.30pm
Tuesday 26 April 7pm to 8.30pm, Online. Presented by Michelle Graeber from Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic), these important workshops will cover the topic of anxiety and offer helpful management techniques.
Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Join us to celebrate Cloth Nappy Awareness Week and find out everything you need to know about reusable or cloth nappies. Spaces are limited, so book your space via the event’s webpage.
Registration for the first workshop is available until Tuesday 5 April. Registration for the second event is open until Monday 25 April. Visit Council’s events webpage to book your place.
Maroondah Leisure
Feast your senses at Gluttony At both The Rings and Maroondah Nets, there’s a great range of holiday programs for children from 5 to 14 years old. Our sport programs are a great way to keep kids active, entertained and socialised during the school holidays—no matter the weather. School holiday sporting programs are available for basketball, netball, volleyball, tennis, soccer and multi-sports. To find out more and book your place, visit the School Holiday Programs webpage at www.maroondahleisure.com.au
Did you know? 6 | Maroondah news
Make sure you don’t miss Gluttony this April! Cyclo Illuminato Saturday 9 and 23 April 11am, 12 noon and 1pm Sunday 10 and 24 April 11am, 12 noon and 1pm Friday 22 April 5pm, 6pm and 7pm Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood. Enjoy this roaming performance on a super-enhanced tricycle by performance artists Thomas and Wells. All performances run for 40 minutes.
Wednesday 6 April to Sunday 10 April Croydon Park, Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon. From Wednesday 6 April to Sunday 10 April, Croydon Park will be transformed into a feast for the senses for lovers of the arts and food; aptly named ‘Gluttony’. With food vendors and the best acts of the Adelaide Fringe, book tickets and plan your Gluttonous experience at www.karralyka.com.au/gluttony
Aquanation offers both sessional and occassional care for children aged six months to primary school age during the school holidays. Visit the Aquanation Childcare and Occassional Care webpage at www.maroondahleisure.com.au
New projects underway Check out the latest works happening around Maroondah as part of our $48.25 million Capital Works Program. Tarralla Creek stormwater harvesting Works have commenced at Town Park on the Tarralla Creek Stormwater Harvesting System which will irrigate the surrounding sportsfields: Fred Geale Oval, Croydon Oval, Springfield Park and Town Park field. The new pavilion at Dorset Recreation Reserve is quickly taking shape.
Dorset Recreation Reserve Dorset’s new pavilion is quickly taking shape, with the building’s modular framework craned into position during February and the natural pitch rolled out in March. This new, multipurpose community and sports hub will be home to Croydon City Soccer Club and Maroondah’s Burmese/Myanmar community. Funding partners: • Maroondah City Council: $4 million • Australian Government: $2 million • Victorian Government: $2 million Total project cost: $8 million
Parkwood Dog Park Following community consultation last year, construction of the Parkwood Dog Park is in full swing, with an expected completion date of July 2022. Parkwood will be Maroondah’s second exclusive dog park. Funding partners: • Victorian Government (Suburban Parks Program): $275,000 Total project cost: $275,000
This investment will save approximately 13 million litres (five Olympic-sized swimming pools) of potable water per year. Funding partners: • Victorian Government (DELWP): $1.575 million • Maroondah City Council: $310,000 • Yarra Valley Water: $310,000 • Melbourne Water: $310,000 Total project cost: $2.505 million
Cheong Park Pavilion Cheong Park’s sporting pavilion has also begun redevelopment, with works currently underway. Home to the Croydon South Cricket Club, Croydon South Football Club and the U3A Croydon, the new sporting facility will have female-friendly and umpire change rooms, as well as upgrades to the multipurpose room and accessibility. Funding partners: • Maroondah City Council: $975,000 • Australian Government: $500,000 • Victorian Government: $325,000 Total project cost: $1.8 million
Yarrunga Reserve Bike Track and reserve improvements
Ainslie Park Pavilion
View of the Yarrunga Reserve Bike Track during construction.
Following an official sod turning in February, construction of Ainslie Park’s new pavilion is in progress. Once completed, the pavilion will have female-friendly player and umpire change rooms; first-aid room; accessible shower and toilet amenities; match day public toilets; large social space; kitchen; and kiosk. Funding partners: • Maroondah City Council: $1.4 million • Australian Government: $500,000 Total project cost: $1.9 million
The Yarrunga Reserve Bike Track is nearing completion and will be ready for bike enthusiasts to enjoy, pending finalising some ancillary works to complement the track. The bike track features a large circuit with a jump loop, pump track and opportunities for spectating. Improvements are also being made to the tennis courts, landscaping, bridge, paths and desilting works to the wetlands which will be completed in the coming months. Funding partners: • Maroondah City Council: $300,000 • Victorian Government: $300,000 Total project cost: $600,000
New deadlines for pool and spa owners Any residents who own a pool or spa registered with Council must have their safety barriers inspected and certified by a registered building practitioner. The Victorian Government requires swimming pool and spa barriers to be inspected and certified by a registered building surveyor or a registered pool/ building inspector. Certification must be lodged with Council before the following dates: • Pools constructed on or before 30 June 1994 or as nominated on the confirmation letter must lodge certification by 1 June 2022.
• Pools constructed on or after 1 July 1994 but before 1 May 2010 must lodge certification by 1 June 2023. • Pools constructed on or after 1 May 2010 but before 1 June 2020 must lodge certification by 1 June 2024. To check whether your pool or spa requires registration, or to register your pool or spa, visit Council’s Swimming Pool and Spa Registration webpage.
April 2022 | 7
Volunteers wanted: Kerrabee Centre Are you outgoing, caring and love meeting people from all walks of life? Kerrabee Centre needs you! Kerrabee in Croydon has been running social inclusion and wellbeing programs for over 25 years. The sessions assist residents that are frail/aged, have a disability or are socially isolated to remain independent, receive support and continue to participate in the community. Kerrabee has a range of activities including weekly shopping and library trips; online and in-person social groups; monthly outings; craft; and guest speakers.
To support Kerrabee’s programs and activities, they are in need of passionate and caring volunteers.
Retired Engineer, John, says the best part about volunteering at Kerrabee is spending time with the members.
Most importantly, Kerrabee is looking for volunteers who are prepared to drive a 12-seater bus for the shopping trips and monthly outings.
“The social interaction with the guys and being able to still be involved in areas I’m passionate about is what I love most about Kerrabee,” John said.
Bus volunteers must have a car driver’s licence, with training on how to drive the bus provided.
Volunteer applications are also welcome to help maintain Kerrabee’s fast-growing garden. To become a volunteer, visit the Volunteering webpage on Council’s website. If you would like more information on Kerrabee, please call the Social Inclusion and Wellbeing team on 9294 5531. There are many different volunteer opportunities available around Maroondah. Visit the Volunteer webpage on Council’s website for details.
Your Councillors
Kerrabee is looking for volunteers to drive their 12-seater bus.
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.