FOGO is coming to Maroondah

We’re putting our food and garden organics to good use

From May 2023, Maroondah households will be able to recycle food waste as part of the food and garden organics (FOGO) waste collection service. All maroon garden waste bin lids will change to lime-green and become FOGO bins.

The service will complement home composting and allow for other food scraps, like dairy, meat and spoiled food, to be diverted from landfill. By going FOGO, we’re taking advantage of a big opportunity to reduce our carbon emissions and achieve our strategic aim of halving waste to landfill by 2030. To help residents collect food waste, households will be provided with a kitchen caddy and compostable liners. There will be an opportunity for residents to opt-out of receiving a caddy if they wish. If you can’t wait until May 2023 to start recycling your food waste, join the Maroondah Compost Revolution! Simply sign up to receive 60% off a range of home composting systems, including free delivery to your door. Want to keep up to date?

Visit the Food and Garden Organics Service webpage on Council’s website and sign up to our e-newsletter, Maroondah News.

Did you know?

• Over 40% of Maroondah’s waste (by weight) that’s sent to landfill is compostable. We can turn this into compost to support farmers to grow fresh produce and keep our public spaces blooming. • Food rotting in landfill releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that is 25 times stronger than carbon dioxide. • Australian households throw away around $3,800 worth of food each year which is the equivalent of one in five grocery bags.* *https://www.ozharvest.org/

Grants to boost Maroondah’s 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 is a free public jazz performance; a new public artwork, Blossoms of Life, to be installed at Ringwood Lake; and a collaborative project between students considered to have disabilities and artists to create an accessible musical instrument. The funding program supports artists, and not-for-profit groups and organisations to deliver arts and cultural activities that reflect the diversity of the Maroondah community. Grants are offered annually to groups whose project or program can demonstrate an increase in community participation in arts and cultural activities, and which strengthens the identity and profile of the arts in Maroondah. For more on the Arts and Cultural Grants Funding Program, visit Council’s website.

Grants to support 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 eligible groups to cover small equipment purchases such as computer technology, defibrillator, tools and educational toys, as well as to help cover administrative costs. For more on Maroondah’s Community Grants Funding Program, visit Council’s website. Applications for the 2023/24 grants will open in March 2023.

Winter chill brings at-home fire risk

Winter is here and that means heaters, electric blankets and hot water bottles are coming out of storage or being purchased. Winter also brings more preventable house fires than any other season.

Victoria’s fire services respond to more than 3000 house fires across the state each year, with many caused by heating systems, appliances, and equipment. Many accidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Heaters – No matter what type of heater you have, always check that it is safe to use. Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended. Ensure fireplace embers are distinguished before leaving your house or going to bed. Gas heaters should be professionally serviced at least every two years by a licenced or registered gasfitter. Electric blankets – It’s important to inspect your blanket carefully before plugging it in. Look for tears, exposed wires, or scorch marks and discard the blanket if you see any signs of damage. Faulty electric blankets can overheat, cause an electric shock, spark, and potentially cause a fire. Always turn off blankets before going to bed or leaving the house. Hot water bottles – Each year, around 200 people in Australia are admitted to hospital with serious burns related to hot water bottles. Hot water bottles can lead to third degree burns if not used correctly. Don’t overfill or use boiling water to fill your bottle. Do not lie or put weight on a hot water bottle as the pressure may cause it to leak or burst. Drying clothes – Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Keep clothing, curtains or toys one metre away from heaters. Children’s clothing with ‘low fire danger’ label is still flammable so always keep children away from open heat sources. Most importantly, have an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms installed throughout your home and make sure you test them regularly. To make sure your home is safe, take the Home Fire Safety Checklist at www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Use wood heaters correctly for safe, clean air

As the cold snap of winter sets in, the incorrect use of wood heaters can affect air quality and potentially compromise our health.

If your home has a wood heater, there are things you can do to increase its efficiency, reduce the air pollution it produces and protect the health of people, including those with compromised respiratory systems such as asthmatics, the elderly and children. Check your chimney regularly to see how well your fire is burning. If there is smoke coming from your chimney, increase the air supply to your fire. Your fire should only smoke when you first light it and when you add extra fuel. To minimise possible risks caused by smoke, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) advises regular cleaning and maintenance; burning dry wood with a bright flame; not cramming the firebox, not allowing the fire to smoulder overnight; and never burning rubbish or treated wood. If you are buying a wood heater, make sure it has a compliance plate showing it meets Australian Standards. You may want to consider other heating alternatives. If you’re concerned about smoke from your neighbour’s wood heater, first try talking to them as they may not be aware there is a problem. Alternatively, you can report your concern to Council’s Environmental Health team on 1300 88 22 33. For more tips to reduce wood smoke this winter, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au

Another Commonwealth Games for Ringwood alumni

Australia’s best divers were competing at Aquanation in June as part of the Australian Open Diving Championships. The Championships served as the selection and qualification event for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 FINA World Championships.

An alumni of the Ringwood Diving Club, Anabelle Smith, 29, qualified for the Birmingham team, which will see her compete in her fourth Commonwealth Games after debuting with a bronze medal in the 10-metre synchronised platform at Delhi in 2010. Anabelle started with Ringwood Diving Club at age 11 and has had further success with bronze medals at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018. She has also performed with distinction at Olympic and World Championship levels. Good luck in Birmingham Anabelle! We are also keeping our eye on the achievements of Olivia Roche, a current member of the Ringwood Diving Club, who made it through the finals placing 8th on 1m and 9th on 3m. Currently training with the Victorian Institute of Sport, Olivia will be competing for a place at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Have you heard about our great range of All Abilities sport programs?

As part of our ongoing social and economic inclusion and services for our residents with a disability, our Maroondah Leisure facilities offer tailored, positive and inclusive programs for the community. New – All Abilities Soccer

Thursday mornings, 10.30am to 11.30am at Maroondah Nets, Heathmont. All Abilities Soccer introduces adult participants to soccer with the opportunity to develop important coordination, motor and social skills.

Swimming

Lessons

Available at Aquahub, Croydon and Aquanation, Ringwood. Children and adults with a disability are supported by our teachers, who are experienced in providing tailored, positive and inclusive programs. We also offer 1:1 lessons.

Aquabuddies

Thursdays, 7.15pm to 8.15pm at Aquahub, Croydon. Aquabuddies is a casual swimming program for adults with disabilities. The program focuses on inclusion, physical activity and socialisation. The water relieves stress and helps the body move without assistance.

Basketball

Biddy Ball Skills (AAA – Access All Abilities)

Mondays, 4.10pm at The Rings, Ringwood. Biddy Ball Skills (AAA) is a term-based program designed for children with a disability. The program helps children progress in a way that suits their individual abilities and needs using modified teaching methods to deliver this fun-filled development program.

All Abilities Basketball

Friday mornings, 10.30am to 11.30am at The Rings, Ringwood. All Abilities Basketball introduces adult participants to basketball with the opportunity to develop important coordination, skills and social skills.

Healthy pet checklist for responsible pet ownership

Have you recently welcomed a furry friend into your family? You’re not alone!

In Maroondah, there are more than 20,000 pets registered with Council. But do you know if your pet has been ethically bred? With demand for pets increasing during the pandemic, there has also been an increase in scams and illegal behaviour. The Victorian Government has recently released a Choosing a Healthy Pet checklist to help combat scammers and dodgy breeders, which encourages prospective pet owners to make informed decisions when looking for a furry friend. It’s important to ask the right questions to identify dodgy breeders and avoid pet scams. Some things to look out for include: • Always meet the pet, and its parents if you can, and ask to see their current living conditions. • Check that the advertisement includes a source number and is valid on the

Pet Exchange Register website. Carers visit free

All Maroondah Leisure facilities accept the nationally recognised Companion Card or Carers Card for free entry. This card must be presented to gain complimentary access to the facilities. Find out more about Maroondah Leisure’s facilities and services on the Maroondah Leisure website, www.maroondahleisure.com.au

• Make sure to get proof of vet checks, microchipping and vaccinations. Find out more about responsible pet ownership on our website.

Do you suspect dodgy breeding?

Residents who suspect illegal breeding activity are encouraged to make a report to the RSPCA, visit www.rspca.org.au

Caring for our four-legged friends, and community

Council values pets in our community and considers animals as part of the family. We encourage responsible pet ownership through registrations, microchipping and desexing of your pets.

There are many benefits to owning a pet, but with pet ownership comes certain responsibilities, including being mindful of other dog owners and those without pets. Dog owners are encouraged to show courtesy to their fellow community members by picking up after their pet. Dog droppings contain harmful bacteria, and this can end up in our local waterways via the stormwater system if left behind. Owners are encouraged to carry appropriate receptacles, such as a bag or pooper-scooper, to remove or dispose of any dog waste when out walking. Dogs must also be kept on a leash at all times when out in a public place, except in areas that are marked off-leash. There are off-leash areas in Maroondah where you can exercise your dog without a lead however, you need to be aware of the off-leash rules, including the need to stay 15 metres from playgrounds and picnic facilities. Dogs must always be kept on a leash while on shared pathways. There are also some reserves where dogs are not permitted to protect areas of conservation significance and biodiversity. For more information on responsible pet ownership and off lead parks, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

Major projects taking shape

Check out some of the exciting upgrades and developments that are making progress as part of Council’s $51.7 million Capital Works Program.

Jubilee Indoor Cricket Training Centre

The original grandstand at Jubilee Park has been demolished to make way for the purpose-built indoor cricket centre, a first for Maroondah and Melbourne’s East. The new concrete slab has been poured to start construction on the five-lane indoor cricket hub. Expected to be completed in early 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.

Ainslie Park Pavilion

Construction is progressing on the new sporting pavilion at Ainslie Park. The structure is now in place and fit out will begin shortly. The pavilion is scheduled to be completed by August and open in September in time for the 2022 cricket season. With new female friendly facilities, accessible amenities and a large social space for the clubs to enjoy, the pavilion will provide great viewing to the sporting oval.

Cheong Park Pavilion

The redevelopment of Cheong Park Pavilion is taking shape. Expected to be opened in September, the pavilion will be updated to include a modern social space, kitchen, kiosk as well as female friendly and accessible facilities. The upgraded covered viewing area will also ensure spectators enjoy watching football and cricket on the recently enhanced sporting oval and lighting. Dorset Recreation Reserve

Set to be the first-class soccer facility of Maroondah, Dorset Recreation Reserve is nearing completion. Both the synthetic and natural pitches are currently being finalised with netting, goal posts and line markings. The pavilion’s internal fit out is also progressing well with the social space carpet being laid and final kitchen and bathroom fit outs under way. Carpark and surrounding landscaping will begin in August, with the clubs being able to utilise the facility by October.

Town Park sports field redevelopment

Following the installation of a new stormwater harvesting system, the Town Park sports field in Croydon will undergo redevelopment from July to October (subject to weather conditions). These works will include new drainage, irrigation, sand profile, goal posts and will be topped with drought tolerant couch grass for all year-round usage and an enhanced playing experience for the user groups and sporting clubs. Engineering works update

Council is continuously improving Maroondah’s roads, drains and footpaths as part of our ongoing Capital Works program. Check out the works that have recently been completed in your area: • New Street, Ringwood road rehabilitation • Arnold Street, Ringwood reconstruction • Murray Road, Croydon easement drain upgrade • Tarralla Creek Trail Site 3 improvements The following works are currently underway or are expected to start shortly: • Eastfield Road, Ringwood East infrastructure enhancement works • Todd Court, Croydon easement drain upgrade • Munro Street Reserve, Ringwood playground renewal • Packham Place Reserve, Wonga Park playground renewal • Yarra Road footpath works final stage • Pippin Court, Wonga Park - waste vehicle turnaround improvements • Power Street, Croydon footpath construction

Parkwood Dog Park is now open!

Dog lovers and their furry friends can now enjoy our new purpose built, fully fenced dog park in Ringwood North.

Large in space and with plenty of sensory play, Parkwood Dog Park is a dog (and dog owners) dream. Part of the former Parkwood Secondary College site has been transformed into an oasis for dogs to run off leash, play with others and stimulate their senses. With a sand digging pit, sensory tunnel mound and rock and log clamber mound among the many features, as well as a quiet area for younger dogs, this park becomes the second dedicated dog park in Maroondah. Council was successful in obtaining funding from the Victorian Government’s Local Parks Program for this off leash dog park which was then built by Council’s Operations team. We ask that all dog owners practice responsible pet ownership and follow the park rules to ensure all visitors have an enjoyable experience. Further pathway, road and carpark upgrades will also be undertaken over the coming months. Visit our social channels to see a short video of the park or visit the Parkwood Dog Park page on our website for more information. Parkwood Dog Park is located at 35-39 Tortice Drive, Ringwood North.