Maroondah news Your community newsletter
May 2022
Tarralla Creek’s regenerated wetland space.
Reimagining Tarralla Creek Over the past 18 months, a section of Tarralla Creek and the Croydon Wetlands have undergone major enhancement works to create a natural oasis for the community to enjoy. Tarralla Creek is the third site to be delivered in Melbourne Water’s Creek Naturalisation Program. Starting in 2020, the project sought to reimagine Tarralla Creek and its surrounds through an integrated partnership between the community; Council; Melbourne Water; Yarra Valley Water; and the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP). Located between Norton Road and Vinter Avenue, just walking distance from Main Street, Croydon, the site has been completely transformed with the existing wetland reconstructed and extended to provide increased habitat and biodiversity. Within this section of the creek, the underground concrete drain has been removed and replaced with a natural channel. Over 80,000 ephemeral, terrestrial and aquatic plants are also
being introduced to the wetland and surrounding area, further encouraging natural fauna to return. A new bridge has been constructed over the wetland and a number of stop off points with furniture, landscape structures and amenities have been installed to inspire quiet moments by the water. Member of the newly formed Friends of Tarralla Creek group, Mel Klamt, is looking forward to seeing the community enjoy the new space. “It is so great to see Tarralla Creek back to a more natural state, and what a fantastic space! “We can’t wait to see more people connecting to nature and with each other in this space,” Mel said. To find out more, visit the Tarralla Creek project webpage on Council’s website.
Welcome to Maroondah news Hello and welcome to the May 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 services, events and programs. If you haven’t already, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au and subscribe to our regular eNewsletters, or keep up to date on our social media channels.
Page 3: Celebrating gender diversity with IDAHOBIT Day Page 4: Have your say this May Page 8: Ageing positively in Maroondah
Council meetings Upcoming Council meeting dates are: Monday 16 May Monday 27 June Meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in the Council Chamber at Realm Council meetings are open for the public to attend and are also live-streamed via Council’s website.
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 Call 9298 4598 or 1300 88 22 33 SMS 0480 020 200 maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au Subscribe to Maroondah eNews via our website. Maroondah News is our digital community newsletter that features a range of news, consultations and events to keep you connected with what’s happening in and around Maroondah. Maroondah City Council CityofMaroondah maroondahcitycouncil Maroondah City Council Maroondah news is printed on FSC paper using certified mixed sources that is made with Elemental Chlorine Freepulps using Environmental Management system ISO 14001.
The information provided in this newsletter was accurate at the time of print. Visit Council’s website for the latest information.
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Join our community planting day at Tarralla Creek Celebrate Maroondah
From the director of 2040 and That Sugar Film
Damon Gameau
Sunday 15 May, 10am to 12 noon Fred Geale Oval carpark, Norton Road, Croydon. As part of Council’s Celebrate Maroondah series, we are hosting a Tarralla Creek Community Planting Day in partnership with Melbourne Water and Friends of Tarralla Creek. Bring your gardening gloves and learn more about the native flora and fauna around the area by helping plant over 400 tubestock of indigenous plants. The following species will be available for planting: • Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieri) • Velvet Tussock Grass (Poa morrisii) • Purple Coral Pea (Hardenbergia violacea) • Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia) • Tasman Flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) • Common Correa (Correa reflexa) • Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata) There will be roving performers, face painting, coffee van (BYO takeaway cup), free sausage sizzle, wildlife display, film screening and the fabulous Karralyka KarraVan pop-up performance space to celebrate.
Film screening — Regenerating Australia(PG) Join us for a special community screening
Screening time: 10am start for 10.12am screening regeneratingaustralia.com
#Jointheregeneration
startregenerating
startregenerating
_regenerators
Featuring a host of well-known Australian faces, Regenerating Australia is a 17-minute short film based on a four month ‘listening campaign’ with a diverse group of Australians who shared their hopes and dreams for the country’s future. For more information, visit the ‘What’s On’ section of our website.
View of Tarralla Creek’s restored wetlands.
Happy Mother’s Day On behalf of Council and our Councillors, we wish all Maroondah mums, grandmothers, caregivers and maternal figures a very happy Mother’s Day on Sunday 8 May.
MCH support for parents Our Maroondah Maternal and Child Health Service provides free programs for all parents, from parent groups, sleep and settling talks to toddler talks. We wish all our parents a special day and celebrate the special relationships around you. Visit the Maternal and Child Health webpage on our website for more information.
Tell us what you think! Do you have a topic that you’d like to see covered in Maroondah news? Email us at news@maroondah.vic.gov.au
Celebrating gender diversity with IDAHOBIT Day Celebrate IDAHOBIT Day with us this month! Maroondah City Council is an inclusive organisation that recognises and supports the diversity of our community. Every 17 May, Council celebrates IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia). IDAHOBIT Day recognises LGBTQIA+ people around the world and acknowledges the work that still needs to be done to ensure true inclusion and acceptance within the community. There are many ways you can show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community this 17 May: • Learn about the different flags, terms and pronouns • Wear rainbow-coloured clothing • Bring family and friends together by hosting a get-together or LGBTQIA+ themed movie night • Donate to Minus18, a charity that supports LGBTQIA+ youth • Share the love by using the hashtag #IDAHOBIT
See Council’s community events and activities below:
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Youth
Exhibition — Conscious Projections
Tuesday 17 May, 3pm to 5pm The Friendship Ninja Zone Level 2, Eastland Shopping Centre Maroondah Highway, Ringwood.
Open until Sunday 22 May ArtSpace at Realm Maroondah highway, Ringwood. This exhibition draws together the work of innovative Naarm/Melbourne based multimedia artists Alison Bennett, Roberta Joy Rich, Jonathan Homsey and Diimpa to explore intersections of queerness, gender, race and neurodiversity.
In conversation with artists Jonathan Homsey and Roberta Joy Rich Monday 16 May, 6pm to 7pm ArtSpace at Realm Maroondah highway, Ringwood. To celebrate IDAHOBIT Day, join Conscious Projections artists Jonathan Homsey and Roberta Joy Rich in conversation about their works in the exhibition, and their wider artistic practices through frameworks of Black Feminism and Queer People of Colour. The artists will be introduced by exhibition Curator Narinda Cook, followed by a live performance of Dodgeping by Jonathan, a conversation between the artists and an audience Q&A.
Celebrate IDAHOBIT Day with glitter makeup sessions, free pride doughnuts, drag performers and a photo booth at the Friendship Ninja Zone.
LGBTQIA+ Council support groups for young people MY Pride (10 to 13) Sage (14 to 18) Mondays after school, fortnightly, EV’s Hangout, Croydon. These groups are for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ or who are exploring their identity. To join the groups, fill out an expression of interest form on Council’s Youth services webpage, www.maroondahyouth.com.au
50 plus LGBTI+ peer social support group Last Friday of the month 10.30am to 12 noon Kerrabee, Louisa Street, Croydon. This group is for LGBTI+ residents aged 50 plus and their allies to connect in a safe and social space. To find out more and to join, visit Council’s website and search for the LGBTI peer social support group.
Show your support online for IDAHOBIT Day.
COVID-19 update Translated information
Have you booked your booster? 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. 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.
Translated information, including information about COVID-19 vaccines, is available on www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
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.
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.
May 2022 | 3
Love your scraps Realm Library is helping you to compost this May! In conjunction with International Composting Week (1 to 7 May), Realm Library is going green throughout the month of May! Come along and learn simple composting and sustainability practices that you can do at home. For more information and to book your space, visit the What’s On section of our website.
Composting at home
Clear out unwanted packaging and e-waste from your home
Saturday 7 May 10am to 11am Learn how to set up, maintain and use a compost bin at home.
Worm farming at home Saturday 7 May 11.15am to 12.15pm Learn how to set up, maintain and use a worm farm at home.
Digestion composting Saturday 7 May 12.30pm to 1.30pm Learn how digestion composting systems can help reduce your food waste at home.
Saturday 28 May, 8am to 2pm
Upcycle it! Turn T-shirts into tote bags Monday 23 May 5.30pm to 6.30pm Ages 12 to 18 Bring along your old or loved T-shirts to this session and learn how to turn them into a reusable bag.
Join the Compost Revolution! Council is offering Maroondah residents up to 60 per cent off the purchase of a range of home compost systems, including compost bins, worm farms, bokashi bins, pet-poo composters, green cone solar composters and compost accessories.
Seedling planting Monday 16 May 5.30pm to 6.30pm Ages 5 to 12 (parental supervision is required) Learn about food waste, composting and how to make a seedling pot from recycled newspapers. All participants will receive a seedling to plant in their garden.
Visit the Discount Compost Systems webpage on our website for details and to purchase your system.
Did you know? Victorian households throw out 250,000 tonnes of food each year? That’s enough to fill the Eureka Tower!
To help residents dispose of e-waste and packaging from electronic goods, we are hosting a free e-waste collection event this month in Croydon. Acceptable items include: • Any item with a battery or cord, with the exception of whitegoods or items that two people cannot pick up • Fluorescent light globes, including compact and tubes • Household and car batteries • Gas bottles (up to 9 kg) • Clean packaging polystyrene from small and large appliances (without tape or labels) • Flattened cardboard All waste collected at the event will be broken down and recycled. Registrations are essential with limited spaces. To book, visit the Electronic Waste page on our website. Location will be provided at time of booking.
What is e-waste? E-waste is anything with a plug, battery or cord that is at the end of its useful life.
Have your say this May Draft Sustainability Strategy 2022–2031 Have your say until 23 May. This strategy presents a vision for environmental, social and economic sustainability across Council and the Maroondah community over the coming nine years. The strategy takes an evidence-based approach to identify and inspire opportunities to further improve sustainability within Maroondah. The Draft Sustainability Strategy 2022–2031 was developed following
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two years of review, research and stakeholder consultation and will seek to build on the achievements and outcomes delivered during the Sustainability Strategy 2016–2020. We want to hear from you on whether the Draft Sustainability Strategy 2022–2031 reflects your expectations, and how you would like to see the strategy implemented.
Visit yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ sustainability to have your say.
Goats in the city Croydon has recently welcomed new residents—a herd of goats. Wander to the rear of Aquahub’s carpark, and you may hear the clip-clop of hooves in Council’s Croydon retarding basin.
A herd of Boer goats are currently feasting on blackberries, the bulbs of onion weed and a tangled assortment of other problem plants in a managed weed control program. Goats naturally eat weeds and are an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way to remove undesirable vegetation without the use of herbicides. They are also able to reach areas that machinery and people cannot.
A friendly Boer goat at the Croydon retarding basin.
The goats will be enjoying the weed buffet at the Croydon Retarding Basin until June.
Community OutReach with Maroondah Leisure As part of our Community OutReach program, Aquanation Group Fitness Coordinator Emma led an outdoor group exercise session for migrants in the community. With the aid of an interpreter, the group had a wonderful time learning new stretching and mobility exercises, with lots of laughs included! Sign up and save $99 on a Maroondah Leisure membership Maroondah Leisure is offering no joining fee and no commitment when you sign up to a Fitness Plus membership until Sunday 8 May.
NEWS IN BRIEF Upgrading infrastructure in Maroondah As part of Council’s $48.2 million Capital Works program, we are continuing to make improvements and upgrades to roads and footpaths in Maroondah. Look out for works being done in the following areas: New Street, Ringwood — road rehabilitation • Arnold Street, Ringwood — road reconstruction • Murray Road, Croydon — easement drain upgrade • Yarra Road, Ringwood/Croydon — footpath works • Pippin Court, Wonga Park — waste vehicle turnaround improvements • Power Street, Croydon — footpath construction • Eastfield Road — infrastructure enhancement works
Winners
Community OutReach exercise session.
A Fitness Plus memberships gives you access to Aquahub, Aquanation and Croydon Memorial Pool, as well as the gym and group fitness classes. Visit www.maroondahleisure. com.au/memberships to view our different membership options and sign up today!
Find a job that suits you
Deakin Community Award winners, Alyssa Solidaga and Jackson Smith.
Congratulations to Maroondah Youth Wellbeing Advocates, Alyssa Solidaga and Jackson Smith, who were awarded Deakin Community Awards, Youth Category, for their leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Maroondah’s young people.
Reflecting on
Do you need help finding a job in Maroondah? Come along to Croydon Library and Realm every Wednesday between 10am and 2pm for free assistance in job seeking with Jobs Victoria Advocates. Jobs Victoria Advocates can help you find work by connecting you to skills, training courses and services that assist with applications.
Jobs Victoria Advocate sessions in May Wednesday 4, 11, 18 and 25 May 10am to 2pm Croydon Library and Realm Library
Did you know?
Don’t Look Away, 2022, Bron Elmore. One of the many helpful Job Advocates, Sean Downie.
Visit events.yourlibrary.com.au for more information and to book your place. Walk-ins welcome.
Our BizHub team are here to help support local businesses, with a coworking space and regular business events, workshops, networking and mentoring sessions. Visit www.bizhubmaroondah.com.au to find out more.
The 27th annual Mayoral Art Exhibition acquisitions for 2022 have been announced! Congratulations to Bron Elmore, Tiziana Borghese and Simone Melville, whose pieces will become part of Council’s permanent art collection. Visit Maroondah Federation Estate to see artwork from the Reflections exhibition until Friday 17 June.
May 2022 | 5
Lift your spirits with the Maroondah Lift Project
Pathways for Carers program
Learn simple and easy strategies to improve your mental wellbeing with The Maroondah Lift Project.
Do you care for older people, people with a disability or people with mental illness?
Registrations open Monday 23 May. The Maroondah Lift Project is a seven-week, evidence-based mental health and wellbeing program that brings together scientifically proven strategies from the fields of neuroscience, positive psychology and lifestyle medicine with the aim of improving mental wellbeing. Participants will receive 10 free videos over the course of the project, with
different wellbeing lessons released each Sunday. Residents also have the option of joining a face-to-face group in various locations throughout Maroondah. To find out more about this program and book your place, visit the Maroondah Lift Project page on Council’s website.
What’s On To view more events and activities in Maroondah, visit the What’s On in Maroondah section of Council’s website.
12 May Good food for me Thursdays 12, 19 and 26 May; Thursday 2 June 9.30am to 11.30am
Our Pathways for Carers program is an opportunity for carers to connect, exercise and learn about new services and support. Each walk is facilitated by a guest speaker/walker. The walks are suitable for all fitness levels and no bookings are required.
May walks: Tuesday 10 May 10am to 12 noon Saturday 28 May 1pm to 3pm For more information or to join a walk, visit the What’s On section of our website.
13 May
17 May
MDMS presents Les Misérables
Compost, worm farm and Bokashi workshop
Friday 13 to Saturday 21 May
Tuesday 17 May 9.30am to 11.30am
Kerrabee, 3 Louisa Street, Croydon.
Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East.
The Good Food for Me program is aimed at helping seniors gain knowledge to take charge of their nutrition and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Bookings are essential.
Come along to a night of music and theatre with this new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Misérables. Tickets are selling fast!
21 May
Central Ringwood Community Centre Bedford Park, Ringwood. Discover how to reduce your food waste using a compost bin, worm farm or Bokashi bin. Registration is essential.
27 May
8 June
Paper Peony Workshop with Louise
Vardos at Wyreena Music Café
Women on the Go: Step Ahead
Saturday 21 May 9.30am to 11.30am
Friday 27 May 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Wednesday 8 June 9.30am to 12 noon
Wyreena Community Arts Centre 13–23 Hull Road, Croydon.
Wyreena Community Arts Centre 13–23 Hull Road, Croydon.
Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East.
Create your own peony using luxurious imported Italian crepe paper. Bookings are essential.
Come and see folk group, Vardos, perform live at the Wyreena Conservatory Café. Spaces are limited. Bookings are essential.
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Take some time out to connect and learn with like-minded business women at Women on the Go: Step Ahead. Four local business women will share their secrets to business success while maintaining a work-life balance. Registration and bookings are essential.
New facilities for the community to enjoy Check out the latests spaces that are now being used by sporting clubs and community groups in Maroondah. Proclamation Park Pavilion, Ringwood
Eastfield Park Sporting Pavilion, Croydon South
All six courts have now been converted to synthetic and provide a great space for the Chin Community to use and enjoy.
Tarralla Kindergarten and Maternal Child Heath Centre, Ringwood East
Proclamation Park multipurpose pavilion.
Newly refurbished pavilion at Eastfield Park.
The new $3.25 million pavilion has been designed and positioned to provide 180-degree views of the field. In addition, there are female-friendly change rooms, accessible amenities, multipurpose space, kitchen, kiosk and storage for the community clubs that tennant Proclamation Park pavilion.
The pavilion abutting Benson Oval has undergone a $1 million redevelopment to meet the growing needs of the community. The pavilion now includes female-friendly player change rooms and bathrooms, umpire change rooms, first aid room, accessible shower and toilet amenities, match day public toilets, extended storage as well as a refurbished multipurpose space, kitchen and kiosk outdoor improvements.
3rd Heathmont Scout Hall
Arrabri Kindergarten playspace, Bayswater North
Barngeong Reserve, Croydon
View of the new baseball dugout and fence at Barngeong Reserve.
Just in time for the 2022 winter baseball season, the new diamond baseball fence, dugout and seating at Barngeong Reserve will be used by Croydon Rams Baseball Club for many years to come.
This $2.2 million project has seen construction of a new, modern Maternal and Child Health centre with three consulting rooms, a play group room and parent education room. The kindergarten has also undergone a facelift, expanding from two rooms to three, allowing over 90 three and four-year-old children access to kinder services each year.
Shopping centre improvements
Inside the newly refurbished 3rd Heathmont Scout Hall.
A $450,000 refurbishment of the much-loved hall at HE Parker Reserve has recently been completed. The upgrade includes a new acoustic ceiling in the main hall, accessible amenities, kitchen and the addition of new mirrors and dancing bars in the dance hall used by Jamie’s Academy of Dance, as well as three new meeting rooms. Along with repainting all areas, the timber floors have been resurfaced and LED lights have been added.
Front entrance of the new Tarralla Kindergarten and Maternal Child Health centre.
Arrabri Kindergarten’s new swing set.
The children who attend Arrabri Kindergarten are now enjoying a newly refurbished playspace. With a focus on natural and recycled materials, the playspace includes a new swing set, play unit, log scramble, teepee and a storytime gathering circle. Relocated plants, soft fall and mosaic tiles also complement the area.
Hughes Park tennis courts, Croydon North
One of six tennis courts at Hughes Park, Croydon North.
Three en-tout-cas tennis courts at Hughes Park have recently been converted to synthetic grass for the Australian Chin Community to play volleyball, chinlone, tennis and futsal.
One of the garden beds at Paul Street shopping precinct.
The shopping precinct at Paul Street, Croydon, has recently been upgraded as part of Council’s Shopping Centre Improvement Program. The program focuses on improving pedestrian safety and access, renewing the infrastructure of the centres and supporting local Maroondah businesses who have experienced hardship over the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upgrades to Paul Street include new footpaths, seating, garden beds and landscaping works.
May 2022 | 7
Ageing positively in Maroondah Council’s Positive Ageing Framework and Action Plan 2021–2025 has officially been adopted. Last month, we launched our Positive Ageing Framework and Action Plan 2021–2025 at Maroondah Nets. Positive ageing embraces the idea of being active, connected, valued and respected as we grow older in our community. The Positive Ageing Framework and Action Plan 2021–2025 aims to build on the
foundational success Maroondah established in the Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative 2015–2020, and addresses the current challenges faced by an ageing population. To read, search Positive Ageing Framework and Action Plan 2021–2025 on Council’s website and download the PDF, or pick up a copy from one of our service centres.
Dreaming for the future of education This Education Week, students and seniors will work together for the future of education. Running from Sunday 22 to Saturday 28 May, Education Week is an opportunity for all primary and secondary schools, higher education providers, early childhood education and care services to commemorate the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future of education in Victoria.
Your Councillors
Kerrabee member and local student at a recent event.
To celebrate this year’s theme ‘150 years of public education’ Council has teamed up with Maroondah Positive Education Network (MPEN) and the Communities
of Wellbeing to host intergenerational sessions where local students meet with seniors to share the highlights and stories of their education. Based on these shared experiences, the group will form ideas and recommendations to continue to improve education which will be presented to the Department of Education and MPEN. Keep an eye on Council’s website for the wrap-up of the sessions and the group’s dreams for the future of education.
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.