Maroondah news - November 2022

Maroondah news

New Mayor Cr Rob Steane to lead Council for 2022/23

We have a new Mayor! Cr Rob Steane was elected as Maroondah’s 27th Mayor during a special ceremony livestreamed to the Maroondah community. This is Cr Steane’s third term as Mayor.

He will be supported by Cr Tasa Damante, who was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor. It is the first time she has held this position, which will provide support to the Mayor in a busy year for Council.

Cr Steane said it was an honour to represent the Council and he looked forward to a very productive term.

“I am immensely proud to be given the opportunity to lead our Council for 2022/23. Representing the community is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to make decisions that have a positive impact on our city’s future.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for entrusting me to lead this Council and our vibrant and diverse City. Together I know we will strive to make

Maroondah a better place for our community. I will continue to advocate for our community needs and build on the work that has been done over the years,” Cr Steane said.

Cr Steane thanked the outgoing Mayor Mike Symon for his strong leadership, passion and dedication.

Cr Steane said one of his first priorities would be the continued implementation of the actions identified in the Council Plan, which is the blueprint for the fouryear Council Term, and is underpinned by the community vision, Maroondah 2040: Our future together.

“I look forward to meeting many members of our community and to serving our community with energy, passion, commitment and integrity.”

Welcome to Maroondah news

Hello and welcome to the November edition of Maroondah news

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

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

If you haven’t already, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au and subscribe to our regular eNewsletters, or keep up to date on our social media channels.

Page 2: Council wins Tennis Victoria award

Page 3: Asbestos - know the risks

Page 5: Ideas for summer holiday fun

Maroondah’s new Mayor, Cr Rob Steane, and Deputy Mayor, Cr Tasa Damante.

Council meetings

Upcoming meeting dates: Monday 21 November Monday 12 December

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.

Council wins Tennis Victoria award for Local Government

Council was delighted to receive the Supporting Tennis - Local Government Award at the Victorian Tennis Awards in October.

The award recognises Council’s support of tennis within our local community across a variety of initiatives including consultation and engagement, partnerships with local tennis clubs, club development and advocacy.

Council was also acknowledged for our strong partnership with Tennis Victoria. This partnership has seen Council lead a regional tennis governance review, undertake a

facility infrastructure audit and the Thriving Tennis Communities Project as a pilot Council.

In addition to this, Council collaborated with Tennis Victoria to engage with local tennis clubs to develop the Maroondah Tennis Strategy.

Keep an eye on Council’s website for the Draft Maroondah Tennis Strategy, which will be available to read soon.

Maroondah’s Business of the Year

Coy’s Constructions took out the prestigious title during the Maroondah Business Excellence Awards gala evening at Karralyka on 27 October.

The construction company is passionate about providing clients with an excellent building experience while delivering energy efficient homes. Judges were impressed with many of their automated processes, as well as their vision and commitment towards passive homes that are healthier and more comfortable for their occupants, which saw Coy’s also take home the Construction, Trade and Related Supply Chain award.

Read more about the awards and all of the winners on the Maroondah BizHub website, www.bizhubmaroondah.com.au

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.

Category winners were also announced for Environmental Sustainability; Innovation and Technology; Service Excellence; and Retail and Hospitality.

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

Check out our Maroondah Festival moments

Asbestos – know the risks

It was wonderful to see our community enjoying the much-loved Maroondah Festival on Sunday 6 November in Civic Square, Croydon. There was so much to see and do! With live music and entertainment, rides for children and thrill-seekers alike, food trucks, market stalls, a Freedom of Entry ceremony with the 22nd Engineer Regiment, Cosplay, roving performers and more, there was something for everyone to enjoy!

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.

Check out some of our favourite photos and moments from Maroondah Festival in our Flickr album or visit Council’s social media channels to see photos we shared on the day.

November is National Asbestos Awareness Month, which acknowledges the dangers of asbestoscontaining materials and aims to prevent asbestos-related diseases through education.

With recent floods in Victoria and parts of Maroondah, Council is strongly urging property owners and residents to be aware of potential hazards caused by asbestos-containing materials that could have become eroded, disturbed, broken or friable, posing significant health risks if not managed and disposed of safely.

Before cleaning up flood debris, renovating or making repairs, residents should visit the Asbestos Awareness website, www.asbestosawareness.com.au, for information about identifying and managing asbestos safely, with a residential checklist, a 20-point safety check for renovators and tradespeople, and a comprehensive database of products that could contain asbestos.

If you suspect asbestos, do not touch it. It is a risk to your health and that of your family and community.

Visit the Environment Protection Authority Victoria website and the Department of Health’s Asbestos in Victoria website for information and advice about what to do if you suspect asbestos.

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 are able to receive vaccinations through GPs, state-run clinics, pharmacies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Commonwealth Vaccination Centres.

You can find a local vaccine provider and book in for an appointment using the Vaccine Clinic Finder, covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking

MaroondahConnect community support phone line

Our MaroondahConnect service can help you access a range of emotional, practical and social supports. More details at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or call 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.

Children chasing bubbles at Maroondah Festival 2022

Hard waste and bundled prunings collection –tips and tricks

Spring is the perfect time to declutter and get rid of unwanted items. Each Maroondah household with a Council waste service can book two hard waste collections per financial year.

Think it’s time you booked? Here are some tips and tricks to ensure an easy collection process:

• Consider what items can be given away, donated or sold prior to booking.

• Familiarise yourself with what goods are accepted and what goods are not accepted.

• Keep your pile neat, tidy, stick to the size limit and only place acceptable items out for collection.

• Place mattresses to the side of the pile.

• Place all e-waste together.

• Remove fridge and freezer doors.

• Make sure there are no hazardous or unacceptable items.

• Place small loose items in a nonreturnable box (not in plastic bags).

Did you know?

If your booking is for bundled prunings, remember that:

• Prunings must be bundled and tied with natural string or twine (no synthetic or metal wire).

• Bundles are to be no more than 1.5m long and 300mm wide.

• Single tree limbs need to be smaller than 200mm wide and 1.5m long (no branches attached and neatly stacked).

• All materials must be able to be handled safely by two people.

• Make sure there are no unacceptable items and that your pile is within the size limit.

Make sure you have booked your collection before you place your waste on the nature strip so that we know it is not illegally dumped waste. Place your hard waste materials or bundled

prunings out no earlier than the weekend before your collection is due to take place.

New to your hard waste service!

You can now use one or both hard waste bookings for the collection of bundled prunings.

A new hard waste booking system is available making it easier for residents to book online.

You can still book via our Hard Waste webpage or by calling Council on 1300 88 22 33.

Scan the QR code to find out more on Council’s website.

Households with a Council waste service now also have access to up to two additional paid hard waste collections per financial year. For more information, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Residents-property/Waste-rubbish

New lids for garden organics bins in

2023

Have you seen our new truck fleet?

Each truck features an action that you can take to help us minimise waste to landfill.

Visit our website or scan the QR code to find out more about waste services in Maroondah.

From early January, Council will replace all marooncoloured bin lids with a lime green lid, in line with the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Policy. Check your letterbox in January for details about when to leave your bin out on your kerbside for the changeover.

Summer holiday fun

School holidays are just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to enrol your child in some fantastic summer holiday programs.

Keep an eye on the Maroondah Leisure website www.maroondahleisure.com.au for booking dates and details.

The Rings – summer holiday program

Take the plunge at our aquatic facilities

Protect yourself from thunderstorm asthma

Don’t miss our popular junior basketball holiday program for children aged 5 to 12. The program is offered daily from 18 to 25 January 2023 with experienced coaches in an airconditioned and safe environment.

Your child will learn to play in a team, develop aerobic fitness, learn basketball skills and, of course, have fun!

There is also a one-day netball program on 17 January, where your child can improve strength, speed, agility and balance through skills sessions and match play with high-level coaches.

Ringwood Golf coaching

Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced player looking to improve specific aspects of your game, golf lessons are a great way to ensure you achieve your goals.

PGA Professional Darren Rowland has over 20 years’ experience in coaching golf and enjoys working with players of all ages and abilities.

Ringwood Golf offers private golf lessons as well as group clinics, where you can book in to improve your swing technique or to tidy up your short game. They also provide correction with video analysis and golf simulator/ball flight data. The right club is essential, so ask for a club fitting to ensure your golf clubs are suitable for your needs.

Call 9298 4500 to book your next lesson or visit www.maroondahlesiure.com.au

Did you know?

Aquanation at Ringwood offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, with lap swimming, children’s splash play, diving platform, waterslides, a learn to swim pool and a warm water pool.

Aquahub in Croydon is a year-round facility for water sport and recreation.

The play area is a great option for families, while the leisure pool offers a variety of programs including swim lessons. Did we mention the beachstyle entry pool?

The outdoor Croydon Memorial Pool is the perfect spot to cool off on those extra hot days. Grab your picnic rug and swimming gear and enjoy lap swimming, leisure and toddler pools.

For timetables and bookings, visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au or phone 1300 88 22 33.

Vacation Care

Council’s summer school holiday Vacation Care program for primary school aged children will run from Tuesday 3 to Friday 20 January 2023, with activities between 8am and 6pm weekdays.

Visit our School Holiday ProgramPrimary School webpage, complete an online enrolment and get in quick when bookings open soon.

Thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

The Department of Health issues ‘Epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasts’ twice daily during grass pollen season (October to the end of December).

Visit the Better Health Victoria and Department of Health websites for more information and sign up to the VicEmergency website and download the VicEmergency app to receive up to date forecasts.

2021/2022 Annual Report endorsed Council recently endorsed its 2021/2022 Annual Report highlighting Council’s accomplishments and activities throughout the past financial year.

The Annual Report 2021/2022 is Council’s most comprehensive report to the community. You can read it on our website or in Council’s customer service centres.

Pool season opening soon at Croydon Memorial Pool

Maroondah Leisure offers sessional childcare and occasional care at Aquanation so you can enjoy your morning workout while your child is cared for by qualified childcare professionals. Find out more at www.maroondahleisure.com.au

Make a splash this summer!

The outdoor pool offers flexible, casual entry and season passes for unlimited pool access and to low-impact aqua aerobics classes on Saturdays.

Visit the Maroondah Leisure website or call 9294 5630 for details and operating hours.

New facilities to enjoy

Council was delighted to formally open both Parkwood Dog Park and improvements to Yarrunga Reserve on Wednesday 29 September.

The projects were funded by the Victorian Government through the Suburban Parks Program.

Parkwood Dog Park

Parkwood Dog Park is Maroondah’s second dedicated off-leash park, developed with community consultation following the success of the Eastfield Dog Park.

The fully fenced park is ideal for dogs, with digging pits, tunnel mounds, a rock clambering mound for sensory play, wide open space, a perimeter walking track, and a quiet area for younger and smaller dogs.

Visit Parkwood Dog Park at 35-39 Tortice Drive, Ringwood North.

Yarrunga Reserve

Works included the installation of high-quality, purpose-built bike jumps; a new bridge over the waterway; resurfaced and refenced public tennis courts; tree planting; landscaping; and desilting works to improve water quality for wildlife.

The bike jumps were developed in consultation with bike enthusiasts and the wider community, whose feedback and design ideas informed Council’s final designs.

Yarrunga Reserve is at 6 Barwon Court, Croydon Hills.

Have your say

Council is seeking feedback from children, young people, families and important people in their lives to help us develop two new Action Plans to support our Children and Families Strategy and our Youth Strategy.

Our aims are to:

• Support Council to raise the wellbeing of Maroondah’s children, young people and their families.

• Develop a strong base of evidence to help Council meet the needs and aspirations of Maroondah’s children, young people and their families.

• Actively engage children, young people and families in the development of the Action Plans.

• Guide and focus Council’s work with and for children, young people and families into the future.

For more information or assistance with sharing your views, call Council on 1300 88 22 33 or email maroondah@ maroondah.vic.gov.au

Visit our Your Say Maroondah website yoursaymaroondah.vic.gov.au to share your thoughts. Consultation closes on 30 November 2022.

What’s On

To view more events and activities in Maroondah, visit the What’s On in Maroondah section of Council’s website.

25 Nov

at Wyreena Music Café

Bhantre

Friday 25 November 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Wyreena Conservatory Café 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon

Bhantre is a unique, exciting band that performs traditional Irish tunes and original material with a strong Celtic flavour. The concert will also include some Christmas cheer and a singalong. Tickets are $35 per person and include entertainment and a delicious supper.

Visit Council’s website to book or call Wyreena on 9294 5590 for more information.

The Resilience Project

Wednesday 30 November 7pm to 8.30pm

Karralyka Mines Road, Ringwood East Also available online

Presented by former AFL player and inspirational speaker Martin Heppell, this session will explore evidence-based approaches to building resilience to help you develop and sustain positive mental health.

Tickets are $10 and include light refreshments. Visit Council’s website to book or call 1300 88 22 33 for more information.

Change Makers in Maroondah

Thursday 1 December 2pm to 4pm

Karralyka Mines Road, Ringwood East

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability and hear from three local Change Makers who are leading the way in advocacy for people with disabilities. You can also learn about disability organisations and services in Maroondah.

Bookings close on Friday 25 November. Visit Council’s website to book.

Exciting times for Maroondah projects

Projects in Maroondah are progressing well, with some major upgrades recently completed as part of Council’s $51.69 million Capital Works Program.

Ainslie Park Pavilion

Cheong Park Pavilion

Tarralla Creek Stormwater Harvesting system

The redevelopment of Ainslie Park Pavilion in Croydon has recently been completed. The upgraded facilities now include accessible and female friendly amenities, four change rooms, a large kitchen and kiosk space as well as a multipurpose room that leads out to the covered viewing area. This project has been funded by Council in partnership with the Australian Government.

Dorset Recreation Reserve redevelopment

The brand-new first-class soccer facilities at Dorset Recreation Reserve in Croydon are nearly complete. With internal fit out of the pavilion to begin shortly and the final works on the landscaping and car parking progressing well, the space has been transformed into a first-class soccer facility and hub for the Eastern Burmese Ethnic Community. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Australian Government and Victorian Government.

Jubilee Indoor Cricket Training Centre

Cheong Park pavilion in Croydon South is now operational. The enhanced facility includes a modern social space, large kitchen, bar and kiosk, as well as female friendly and accessible facilities. The covered spectator viewing area will be completed shortly and will provide enhanced viewing of the recently upgraded oval. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Australian Government and Victorian Government.

JW Manson Reserve pavilion redevelopment

Work is nearly complete on Council’s first major stormwater harvesting project, which will capture, store and treat stormwater to replace potable water for irrigation of four Council sports fields in Croydon. Most of the system sits underneath the Town Park Sports field in Croydon, with a large water storage tank at Croydon Park to help save approximately 13 million litres (5 Olympic sized swimming pools) of drinking water per year. This project is funded in partnership with the Victorian Government, Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water.

Engineering works update

The construction of the new five-lane indoor cricket centre at Jubilee Park in Ringwood is taking shape. The steel structure and roof are now in place and further external works will be undertaken over the coming weeks. Expected to be completed in April/May 2023, the centre will be a state-of-the-art indoor cricket training facility for the East. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.

Owned and operated by Council, JW Manson pavilion in Wantirna will be redeveloped in 2023, with demolition of the current building to be completed by the end of year. The building modules are currently being built off site and will then be delivered and installed on site, reducing construction time and disruption. The new pavilion will include female friendly player and accessible facilities, a firstaid room, a multipurpose room, kitchen, bar and kiosk, balcony, and covered veranda. This project is funded by Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.

East Ringwood Community Hall demolition

The community hall in Knaith Road Reserve has been maintained to the end of its useful life and will be demolished in late 2022. The area will be returned to open space with grass and native plants for residents to enjoy.

Council is continually improving Maroondah’s roads, drains and footpaths to ensure safety and accessibility of residents and visitors. Check out the works that have recently been completed in your area:

• Munro Street Reserve, Ringwood playground renewal

• Packham Place Reserve, Wonga Park playground renewal

• The Gateway, Croydon South raised pavement renewal

• Montana Parade, Croydon laneway works

The following works are currently underway or expected to start shortly:

• 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

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

• Paxton Street, Ringwood footpath construction

Celebrate the festive season with Maroondah Carols

Join

on Saturday 3 December for Maroondah’s much-loved Christmas carols event. Maroondah Carols is the perfect opportunity for our community to get together and celebrate the festive season. Enjoy pre-show entertainment from 6pm and sing along with the Maroondah Carols Band from 7.30pm. There will also be food trucks onsite, a free kids’ zone and a spectacular fireworks show to light up the Maroondah night sky. Join us at Croydon Park, Hewish Road, Croydon, from 6pm.