Cardinia Connect Dec-Jan

Your Council magazine

December 2014–January 2015

New civic centre now open

Introducing Council’s new home Get into green waste Now on offer Shire-wide

Lunch is served!

A special Christmas for all

Rediscover libraries More than just books

Welcome

Council contacts

Message from the Mayor

Cardinia Shire Council Civic Centre is located at 20 Siding Avenue, Officer and is open 8.30am–5pm Monday to Friday.

Address all correspondence to PO Box 7 Pakenham 3810

Welcome to the December–January edition of Connect magazine.

Phone: 1300 787 624 Fax: 5941 3784 After hours emergencies: 1300 787 624 Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au Website: cardinia.vic.gov.au National Relay Service (NRS): Customers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can call through the National Relay Service: TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1300 787 624. Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 787 624.

Connect is the official Cardinia Shire Council magazine. It is published six times each year and is distributed to more than 35,000 homes and businesses in Cardinia Shire. It is also available on audio CD from local libraries.

All images and other personal information collected for Connect will be stored securely, and be made available only in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2000 and in accordance with Council’s Information Privacy Policy, a copy of which may be obtained from Council’s website cardinia.vic.gov.au/privacy For enquiries, contact the editor on 1300 787 624 or editor@cardinia.vic.gov.au Next edition: February−March 2015 Cover photo: Council staff members at the new civic centre in Officer (from left to right): Development Construction Engineer Cathal O’ Loughlin (Lockey), Statutory Planner Ricardo Ramos, Fleet and Workshop Manager Peter Butcher, Customer Service Officer Sue Swifte, Executive Assistant to Mayor and Councillors Cathy Douglas, Compliance Services Officer Darryl McKean and General Manager of Assets and Services Mike Ellis.

Photo: Hilton Stone Printing: Blue Star Print is a Forest Stewardship Council, Chain of Custody certified company. All processes are controlled via our Environmental Management System which is certified to ISO 14001.

Printed on ecoStar paper made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste.

Connect with Council facebook.com/ CardiniaShireCouncil twitter.com/CardiniaShire

I AM very proud to have been elected Mayor on 10 November. I thank my fellow councillors for their confidence in me to do the job and commend Cr Graeme Moore for performing the role with such commitment and passion over the past year.

My family and I have called Cockatoo home for 23 years. Whether you live or work here, Cardinia Shire is a great place to be and as your Mayor I will work hard to make it an even better one.

I look forward to meeting many of you and discussing your priorities and hopes for our Shire.

Council moved to the new civic centre in Officer on 17 November. Prior to the move, Council’s indoor staff members were spread across a number of locations. To improve our efficiency and productivity it was time to move to larger

Cardinia Shire has its very own Christmas angel – Sue Johns! Sue regularly hosts a lunch on Christmas Day for those without people to share the celebrations with, or who can’t afford a Christmas meal. Council is pleased to support this marvellous initiative which helps people in our community to connect with others at this special time of year.

I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

Mayor Cr Leticia Wilmot

Must do …

1. Council’s Youth Services team has lined up some fantastic school holiday activities in January for people aged 12 to 17. To book your place visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/youth. Hurry – places will fill quickly!

2. Get in the Christmas spirit at the many carols events happening around Cardinia Shire. See this edition’s ‘What’s on’ section for details.

3. Participate in Relay For Life in 2015. Start or join a team as part of the ‘Cardinia 2015’ relay to help other locals to raise funds for Cancer Council Australia. Walkers and runners welcome! Visit relayforlife.org.au to register and for more information.

4. Celebrate our great nation at a local Australia Day event.

See this edition’s ‘What’s on’ section for event times and locations.

5. Donate to a not-for-profit organisation that helps people in our Shire. Visit Council’s Community Directory at cardinia.vic.gov.au/communitydirectory for ideas and inspiration.

Enjoy a cuppa at Emerald Lake Park

Re a

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us

Emerald Lake Park Cafe and Tea Rooms is offering residents a free tea or coffee when they spend $5 or more during December or January.

(Dine in or takeaway; regular size only).

Present this voucher when you place your order and enjoy your drink as you take in the park’s beautiful surrounds.

Subscribe to our eNewsletters

Valid until Saturday 31 January 2015.

Emerald Lake Park Cafe and Tea Rooms Emerald Lake Road, Emerald

Ph: 5968 5113 Open every day except Christmas Day.

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App for Android and Apple devices

‘Community compass’ online mapping and information tool

premises so that these staff members could work under the same roof. You will also find the civic centre much easier to access by public transport.

News

Cr David Young disposes of some green waste.

Once collected, green waste is shredded into mulch which is then used to condition soil in gardens.

In brief ...

Anzac walk for Emerald COUNCIL is working with Emerald RSL to construct a commemorative walk to honour 32 soldiers from the Emerald region who lost their lives in World War I. The project will be completed by Anzac Day 2015.

Green waste collection on offer to all COUNCIL’S green waste bin service will soon be available to all households in Cardinia Shire. Residents who do not have a green waste bin and would like to use one can now contact Council to request their bin.

Green waste bins for new service areas ordered on or before Thursday 15 January will be delivered and emptied every two weeks from mid-March 2015.

The optional green waste bin service is being extended beyond the Shire’s urban and township areas to locations including Caldermeade, Dewhurst, Iona, Lang Lang East, Monomeith, Mount Burnett and Tonimbuk. Property owners who choose to use the service in 2014–15 will be billed $129 for the full year (or less for a proportion of the year) through their rates notices, which is less than $5 per collection.

Council has also recently introduced a bundled green waste collection through its residential hard waste collections in May and November.

By booking with Council at least two weeks before your collection date, you can have an extra three cubic metres of bundled green waste picked up for only $60.

Port Ward Councillor David Young said Council is expanding green waste services as it wants all residents to enjoy the convenience and benefits of recycling green waste.

“These services will make it much easier and cheaper for all Cardinia Shire residents to dispose of their green waste. They will mean fewer burn offs and expensive trips to the tip,” Cr Young said.

Council’s Waste Officer Melanie Kerr said recycling green waste is also good for the environment.

“When green waste goes into landfill it creates potent greenhouse gases. For this reason you should avoid putting green waste in your regular household bin. It’s much better for the planet if you deposit it in your green waste bin so it can be turned into compost and mulch,” Melanie said.

Council wants to keep green waste services as affordable as possible for residents. As part of this commitment, it has appointed a new contractor to start servicing Cardinia Shire in the new year.

Cr Young said: “The cost to put rubbish in landfill is increasing, so the more green waste we can all recycle, the better.”

If you are a ratepayer or a property manager and would like to request a green waste bin you can either:

Emerald RSL Sub-Branch proposed the memorial to Council in 2013 and has been instrumental in its delivery. Council has also consulted with Emerald Village Committee, Puffing Billy Railway and Emerald Community House to plan the $125,000 project, which is being jointly funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Veterans’ Affairs division), Cardinia Shire Council and Emerald Rotary.

Maternal and Child Health hours COUNCIL’S Maternal and Child Health Service will offer a reduced program over the Christmas and new year period.

Services will be available by appointment only on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 December at Hollins Children’s Centre, 10 Atlantic Drive Pakenham from 9am to 2pm. To book an appointment or make an enquiry call the centre on 5940 0736. Home visits to new mothers and babies will continue as usual.

All centres will return to regular hours on Monday 5 January 2015.

• fill in and post the form below to Council • email your full name and street address to mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au with the subject heading ‘Green waste bin request’ • submit an online request through the home page of Council’s website (enter ‘green waste bin request’ in the ‘details’ section) • contact Council on 1300 787 624.

YES! I am a ratepayer or property manager in Cardinia Shire and would like to request a green waste bin.

NAME: STREET ADDRESS:

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Emerald’s ‘Anzac walk’ will feature plaques, information signs, an audio tour and an unknown soldier statue. The trail will start at the cenotaph on the corner of Kilvington Drive and Belgrave–Gembrook Road, then continue along to Memorial Avenue and finish at Anzac Place, where a new place of remembrance for the community is being built.

 I live in a new green waste service area and understand that I will receive my bin around mid-March 2015.

Please post this completed form to: Customer Service Centre, Cardinia Shire Council, PO BOX 7, Pakenham VIC 3810

RememberingAsh Wednesday CONSTRUCTION of a memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives or were affected by the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983 is expected to start in January.

Council is building the memorial at the site of the former McBride Street Kindergarten in Cockatoo. About 300 local residents took shelter in the kindergarten during the fires, which destroyed much of the township and claimed six lives.

Council has worked closely with the Ash Wednesday Memorial Project Committee to help plan the community-driven project, which is being funded by the Australian Government ($500,000) and Council ($200,000).

DECEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015 | 3

Your Council

Meet … Recreation Liaison Officer Ben Fenton I have been working at Cardinia Shire Council …

For three and a half years.

My role involves …

Working with residents who volunteer on committees of management.

Committee members manage and maintain 27 sporting and recreation facilities across Cardinia Shire on behalf of Council. These volunteers also help Council plan for upgrades and respond to changes in the way facilities are used. Some help to maintain grounds by doing tasks such as mowing, and applying fertiliser and top soil.

I also directly manage five other reserves across the Shire.

I began working in this field …

Because I love sport and the many benefits it gives to people, such as increased mental health and physical fitness. Being part of a sporting club or competition is good for people of all ages; especially children. It helps them to make friends, be a ‘team player’, learn to win and lose gracefully and to be considerate of others. Working in Council’s Recreation team allows me to reach many participants across a wide range of sports.

On a typical work day …

I support the work that committee of management volunteers and sporting club members do to maintain facilities and ensure they meet users’ needs.

Each reserve and club has its own unique way of operating, which gives me new challenges and opportunities every day.

Spotlight on …

Community Directory DO you want to join or get in contact with a local community group or notfor-profit organisation? Council’s online Community Directory is the place to go!

The directory has information on almost 1,000 groups and organisations in Cardinia Shire including sporting clubs, art and craft groups, health organisations, youth services, education and learning organisations, animal welfare and environment groups, religious institutions, and aged care and disability services.

Community groups that operate or help people in Cardinia Shire can list their details for free in the Community Directory. Recent improvements to the directory mean groups can now add or update their own listings online.

New groups and those already listed in the directory must register as a user before making an update or adding a listing.

Council’s Community Strengthening Support Officer Nicole Lucas said the new-and-improved Community Directory allows community groups to take control of their listings so they are always up-to-date.

“If a community group’s phone number or website address changes, a new president is elected or services expand, it’s great that a registered user can now hop online to quickly and easily revise those details straight away,” Nicole said.

Find the Community Directory at cardinia.vic.gov.au/communitydirectory For help or more information contact Council’s Community Strengthening team on 1300 787 624 or c.strengthening@cardinia.vic.gov.au

4 | cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

I hope to see …

More people helping local sporting clubs and facilities in the future.

Fewer people are volunteering for committees of management these days, which means more responsibilities and expectations are placed on current volunteers. If you or your child is part of a sporting club, why not consider getting more involved? Every little bit of help counts!

I grew up …

In Cockatoo and recently moved to Pakenham, so I’ve lived in Cardinia Shire my whole life.

Who do you barrack for?

Go Bombers!

Community Strengthening Support Officer Nicole Lucas is happy to help groups and residents to use the updated Community Directory.

News

MEET the four Cardinia Shire businesses that won their categories at the 2014 Casey Cardinia Business Awards.

For a full list of winners visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/business

Staff at Kinders Together

Staff at Outlook Environmental

KINDERS TOGETHER OUTLOOK (kinderstogether.com.au)

(outlook.org.au)

Winner of the Health, Education and Wellbeing category

Winner of the Social Enterprise category

“Kinders Together is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation that manages 17 kindergartens in Cardinia Shire and one in Baw Baw Shire. We take care of many duties previously carried out by volunteer parent committees before their services joined us. This allows parents to enjoy their children’s kindergarten years without having the responsibility of running a small business.

“Our staff work hard to ensure that families and the wider community are involved in young children’s education, providing them with strong foundations for lifelong learning.”

Di Price, Grants and Project Development Coordinator at Kinders Together

Mia Perry from MP Talent

“Outlook supports disadvantaged people and those with a disability. We operate an employment placement service, opportunity shops, a nursery, disability services and a community centre in Pakenham. We also provide employment opportunities at our social enterprise, Outlook Environmental, which manages waste transfer sites across Melbourne. These sites recycle thousands of tonnes of materials every year.

Our businesses help the environment and build better lives. Outlook helps people restore their self-esteem and confidence, develop new skills and gain independence. We are proud to make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”

Ross Cheesewright, Business Manager at Outlook Environmental

Simon Dunstan from SJD Homes

MP TALENT

SJD HOMES

Winner of the Judges’ Recognition category

Winner of the Trades and Construction category

“MP Talent kickstarts careers for talented young people aged five to 17 in film, television, commercials, musical theatre, live performance, print and other areas. Our talent base is bursting with inspiring actors, dancers and singers.

“SJD Homes builds new homes and investment properties. In 2013 we won at the Master Builder Awards and HIA Awards for our design, workmanship and competitive pricing.

“We are proud of the ‘heart’ we put into our business – our kids are very important to us.

“We employ more than 100 tradespeople and 17 office staff from the local community, and 90 per cent of our suppliers are local. This helps the local economy to thrive which boosts the value of our clients’ properties.

Thirty-five per cent of our sales come from client referrals and repeat business. Our staff understand that building a home is a huge decision which requires absolute confidence and trust. We take this trust seriously and this is reflected in everything we do.”

(mptalent.com.au)

“To anyone considering starting a small business, I would advise you to plan well in the set-up phase, follow your instincts and keep your goals in sight.

Work–life balance and plenty of self-reflection is also essential.”

Mia Perry, Owner and Founder of MP Talent

(sjdhomes.com.au)

Simon Dunstan, Principal of SJD Homes

DECEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015 | 5

What’s on Carols by Candlelight events

December Wednesday 10

Saturday 13

Bushwalking group

Puffing Billy’s 60th anniversary of the ‘Young Sun Special’ trains

Every Wednesday 9.30am–12.30pm.

Meet at Emerald Community House, 356–8 Belgrave–Gembrook Road, Emerald. Explore the bush in locations including Gembrook and Lysterfield. Reasonable fitness required. Bring sturdy walking boots, a hat, sunscreen and water. All walkers must complete an emergency contact form before their first walk; allow 15 minutes to complete. Cost: $70 annual membership, $10 per casual walk. Contact Donna 5968 3881 or emhouse@iinet.net.au

Friday 12 Garden club Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham 1–3pm. Cost: $3 per session (additional cost for outings). Contact Outlook Community Centre 5940 4728 or communitycentre@outlookvic.org.au or outlookvic.org.au

Pakenham Blue Light Disco A drug and alcohol-free event for young people aged nine to 14. Children must be collected by a responsible adult. Pakenham Hall, corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham 6.30–9pm.

Contact Sharon Patterson or Cath Emmett 5945 2500 or bluelight.org.au

Market and festival at Emerald railway station featuring commemorative train rides, live steam displays, behind-the-scenes tours, live music and carnival rides. Event presented by Puffing Billy Young Volunteers. Visit puffingbilly.com.au for more details.

Wednesday 17 Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting Services Central, 6B Henry Street, Pakenham 10am–12noon. Contact Council’s diversity officer 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Thursday 18 Bunurong Men’s Shed

Bunyip

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am. A friendly environment for men of all ages.

Meadowvale Retirement Village, Eagle Drive, Pakenham. Contact president 5941 6869.

Koo Wee Rup

Sunday 21 Emerald Market Third Sunday of the month. Pick up some great last-minute Christmas gifts and fresh produce. Kilvington Drive, Emerald 9am–3pm.

Contact Non Blair or Michelle Perera 5968 3881 or echmarket@iinet.net.au or emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au

Cockatoo Friday 12 6pm, Alma Treloar Reserve, 73–5 Pakenham Road

Pakenham

Friday 19 5.30pm, St Marks Church, 1–3 Church Street

Sunday 18

Koowee Community Market

Pakenham Community Market

First Sunday of the month, Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup 8am–1.30pm. Contact market committee 0418 289 847 or info@kooweemarket.com.au or kooweemarket.com.au

Third Sunday of the month. Stalls available for booking for $20 (free for not-for-profit and community organisations). Pakenham Football Club, Princes Highway, Pakenham 8am–1pm.

Contact Noel 0422 822 688 or pakenhamfc.com.au

Tuesday 6

Friday 23 Marketplace Marchers walking group Keep fit all year round in air-conditioned comfort.

Meets every Friday at Pakenham Marketplace, 50–4 John Street, Pakenham 8–9am. Contact Alison Ryan 5940 4728 or communitycentre@ outlookvic.org.au

Friday 30 Dig-In Community Cafe Community dining; all welcome. Enjoy healthy, seasonal food and good company. Donations welcome. Emerald Community House, 356–8 Belgrave–Gembrook Road, Emerald 6–8pm. Contact Christina Sutton 5968 3881 or emhouse@iinet.net.au or emeraldcommunityhouse.org.au/dig-in-cafe

6 | cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

Friday 12 5pm, Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, Rossiter Road

Emerald

Sunday 4

Meets every Tuesday 9.30am at Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham. Enjoy a one-hour walk with friendly people. Contact Alison Ryan 5940 4728 or communitycentre@outlookvic.org.au

Friday 12 7pm, Bunyip Recreation Reserve, Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Road

Saturday 13 6.30pm, Toomuc Recreation Reserve, Princes Highway

January

Toomuc Valley walking group

Bring the whole family along to celebrate Christmas at one of Cardinia Shire’s many carols events during December.

Beaconsfield Sunday 21 8pm, Bob Burgess Reserve, 2 Old Princes Highway

Upper Beaconsfield Wednesday 24 6.30pm, Keith Ewenson Park, 12 Salisbury Road

Cardinia BUG (Bicycle Users Group) Meets every Wednesday 5.30pm for a 15-kilometre ride around Pakenham.

Departs from Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham.

Also meets third Saturday morning of the month for a 15-kilometre ride around Pakenham, and first Sunday morning of the month for a 35-kilometre ride around Melbourne. Contact Alison Ryan 5940 4728 or communitycentre@outlookvic.org.au for times and locations for these rides.

For more Council and community events visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/calendar Australia Day celebrations

Library news All events are free.

Bookings are essential.

To book visit www.tinyurl.com/cclcevents or phone the library.

Emerald Library 400B Belgrave–Gembrook Road, Emerald Phone: 5949 4600

Tuesday 4 December 11.15am–12noon Christmas Storytime Join us for festive stories and songs. Most suitable for children aged three to five.

Monday 26 January

Koo Wee Rup 8.15am, Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, Rossiter Road

Lang Lang 8.15am, Lang Lang Memorial Hall, 135 McDonalds Track

Cockatoo 8.30am, Alma Treloar Reserve, 73–5 Pakenham Road

Bunyip 9am, Bunyip Hall, Main Street

Thursday 11 December 4–5pm Gift making For ages five and over. Make a crafty Christmas gift and check out our Christmas books.

Pakenham Library Corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham Phone: 5940 6200

Enjoy fun family activities, welcome new citizens and acknowledge the outstanding efforts of individuals and groups in Cardinia Shire.

Thursday 4 December

Hollins Children’s Centre, 10 Atlantic Drive, Pakenham.

Wednesdays 10.30–11.30am and Fridays 12–1.30pm. (Toys cannot be borrowed on 17 or 19 December – returns only). Closed during school holidays. Contact president Chris Potter 0468 372 961.

December Wednesday 3 Issi Dye’s special Christmas show Come and enjoy morning tea with friends and sing along with Issi as he performs classic Christmas songs. Morning tea 10am; show 11am. Tickets: $15 (includes morning tea).

Sunday 14 Psychic Expo 10am–5pm. Tickets: $8, concession $5, children 15 and under free.

4–6pm Family Christmas movie – Home Alone Eight-year-old Kevin sets ‘booby traps’ to thwart two bumbling burglars when he is accidentally left alone for Christmas.

Rated PG, duration: 103 minutes.

BYO snacks.

11am, Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard

Families can borrow from an extensive range of toys and games for children aged six months to six years. New items are regularly added to the collection. Cost: $50 per year.

Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham Phone: 1300 887 624 Email: ccc@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Friday 12 December

Pakenham

Pakenham Toy Library

Cardinia Cultural Centre

2–2.45pm

January

Friday 5 December

Wednesday 21

11.15am–12noon Christmas Storytime Join us for festive stories and songs. Most suitable for children aged three to five.

Wednesday 10 December 6.30–7.15pm Christmas Storytime for all ages Wear your Santa hat and enjoy Christmas stories, rhymes and activities.

Summer Reading Club 2014–15 For ages five to sixteen. Pick up your reading log and collect stickers, bookmarks and temporary tattoos during summer.

Go in the draw to win an iPad mini!

January school holiday program Enjoy free summer activities at your local library. Visit cclc.vic.gov.au or pick up a brochure for details.

Casey–Cardinia Library Corporation operates public library services for Cardinia Shire Council in Pakenham and Emerald. Cardinia Mobile Library visits the following suburbs and townships every week: Beaconsfield, Bunyip, Cockatoo, Garfield, Gembrook, Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang, Maryknoll, Tynong and Upper Beaconsfield. Library membership is free. For more information on library services including mobile library locations, dates and times visit cclc.vic.gov.au

School holiday movie – Rio 2 10am. Tickets: movie only $3; movie, popcorn and drink $7.

For more events visit cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au

Council meetings Open to the public. Meetings are held in Council Chambers at Cardinia Shire Council Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer (unless otherwise advised. Please check Council’s website for meeting locations).

Phone: 1300 787 624 Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

December Monday 15 Council meeting 7pm

January Monday 19 Council meeting 7pm

February Monday 2 Town planning meeting 7pm

DECEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015 | 7

Feature

A new home for a bright future

COUNCIL moved into its new civic centre in Officer on 17 November. The change will lead to improved efficiency and customer service, provide residents with better public transport access to the Shire offices, and give Council the facilities it needs to guide Cardinia Shire’s current and future growth.

Since Council opened its former offices in Henty Way, Pakenham in 1983, Cardinia Shire’s population has grown from just under 18,000 to almost 87,000 residents today.

Council staff numbers have increased to keep pace with this growth, from 50 in 1983 to just over 400. This expansion means Council outgrew its former offices some years ago.

“This move makes good financial sense,” Mayor Cr Leticia Wilmot said.

“To cater for the growing organisation, Council previously rented two of its buildings, and the civic centre in Henty Way had to be supplemented by five portable buildings.

“The new civic centre will be an increasingly valuable asset for Council and the wider 8 | cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

community, and its five-star energy rating will also substantially reduce our heating, cooling and energy bills,” Cr Wilmot said.

Having all Council’s indoor staff under one roof will also allow greater productivity and better access to Council.

The civic centre is easy to get to by public transport, making it simpler for residents to stay connected with Council. The centre is located only a short walk from Officer railway station and is on a main bus route. Plenty of parking is also available on site.

The civic centre’s opening marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the Officer township; the building will take pride of place in the heart of Officer’s planned town centre.

Officer is forecast to become home to almost 30,000 people over the next 20 years. As more residents move into the area and more businesses and community services are established, the civic centre’s forecourt and its surrounds will be transformed into a vibrant and thriving space for the whole community to enjoy.

“Council is continuously working to attract new businesses and investment in the Shire, which will generate more local employment opportunities for residents and boost the local economy,” Cr Wilmot said.

“It’s an exciting time! Cardinia Shire’s future looks bright, and we hope residents feel that their new civic centre reflects that optimism.”

Feature

“… its five-st ar energy rating will also substanti ally reduce our he ating, cooling and e nergy bills.”

Council staff members (from left to right) Brett Jackson, Cathy Douglas, Roger Buhlert, Adrienne Anastasi and Andrew Barr look forward to seeing you at the new civic centre.

Where is the new civic centre?

How do I get there?

20 Siding Avenue, Officer.

This is where Council’s Customer Service Centre is now located.

By train The civic centre is located right next to Officer railway station; they are linked by an accessible path.

By car Refer to map (left). Please note that until the new signalised intersection at Starling Road starts operating, Siding Avenue can only be accessed via the westbound lanes of Princes Highway.

If you are heading west along Princes Highway (towards Beaconsfield), turn left into Siding Avenue.

If you are heading east along Princes Highway (towards Pakenham), turn right into Station Street, left into Gum Leaf Lane then right into Siding Avenue.

By bus

Car park

N

Route 926: Pakenham to Westfield Fountain Gate. The closest bus stop to the civic centre is at the intersection of Starling Road and Princes Highway, a 10-minute walk from the centre.

Have Council’s contact details changed?

Only our street address has changed. Our postal address and all phone numbers and email addresses remain the same.

DECEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015 | 9

Connections

Kinder enrolments go online COUNCIL’S new kindergarten online registration system makes enrolling your child in kindergarten easier than ever!

Parents can now submit kindergarten preferences anytime from when their child is born to the year before they start kinder.

Kindergarten placement offers will be sent by email and can then be accepted or declined online. Parents can also view and make changes to their kindergarten preferences and registered contact details.

Council’s Children’s Services team, Kinders Together, the community kindergartens and the Central Enrolment Working Party have teamed up to deliver the new kindergarten online registration system. While Council hopes most parents will use the online system, enrolments can still be made by post.

Be surprised by your local library!

To enrol your child in kindergarten visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/kindergarten For more information on kinder enrolments contact Council’s Children’s Services team on 1300 787 624 or kindergartens@cardinia.vic.gov.au

THINK libraries are just about books? Think again!

Around 28,000 Cardinia Shire residents are members of Casey–Cardinia Library Corporation, with free membership giving them access to ebooks, online learning tools, DVDs, CDs, magazines, free internet, wi-fi and more.

Cardinia Shire has libraries in Emerald and Pakenham, as well as a mobile library which visits 11 townships every week. In 2013, the three libraries attracted 422,000 visitors who borrowed about 780,000 items.

Cardinia Libraries Coordinator and Pakenham Library Manager Melissa Martin said many people who have not stepped into a library for some time are pleasantly surprised to find Cardinia Shire’s libraries are “about so much more than just books”.

“Of course, we still have a huge range of books for loan including adult, young adult and children’s fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction, as well as talking, picture and large print books.

We cater for all sorts of needs and interests,” Melissa said.

“In addition, our libraries are also lively community spaces which host many free or affordable events for all ages, such as Storytime sessions for babies and children, workshops, book club meetings, information sessions, author talks and school holiday activities.

10 | cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

“We also have quiet areas and online educational resources to help students with their studies,” Melissa said.

If it’s cutting-edge technology you are after, Cardinia Shire’s libraries won’t disappoint. The Pakenham branch has an iMac with high-end production software and a touch table, as well as a variety of game consoles. Tablets including iPads are available for use in both the Pakenham and Emerald branches.

“Many members love our SMS service which reminds them when items are due back. It means you may never have to pay another overdue library fine!” Melissa said.

Cardinia Shire Council and City of Casey jointly fund the Casey–Cardinia Library Corporation with assistance from the Victorian Government.

For more information about Cardinia Shire’s libraries and to view the mobile library timetable, visit cclc.vic.gov.au. To join the library, bring proof of address into any of our branches.

Did you know…

OUR new kindergarten central enrolment system is proving successful, with 97 per cent of families being offered a place for their child at their mostpreferred four-year-old Council kindergarten for 2015. Just over 1,000 children are already enrolled in our four-year-old kinder program for the coming year. A small number of places are still available at most centres.

Connections

(From left to right): Cr Brett Owen, Cr Graeme Moore, Sue Johns, Cr Kate Lempriere, Council’s Community Strengthening Officer Allison Howard and Cr Collin Ross. Council is proud to support the Cardinia Community Christmas Lunch.

Sue’s merry labour of love CHRISTMAS is a wonderful time for most, but for some people it can be lonely or cause financial hardship. Since 2007, big-hearted Pakenham resident Sue Johns has hosted a free lunch on 25 December so those in our local community who would otherwise spend the day alone can enjoy companionship and a hearty meal.

More than 200 residents are expected to attend this year’s Cardinia Community Christmas Lunch at Pakenham Hall. Sue and her team of wonderful volunteers will serve up beef, turkey and ham with vegetables, followed by pavlova or plum pudding, as well as fruit cake. Tea, coffee and cordial will also be provided.

Sue said the non-denominational event is for people of all cultural backgrounds.

“Everyone who comes to lunch respects and embraces each other’s differences. We’re all part of the human race!” Sue said.

“I grew up in a family of 10 children and times were sometimes tough, but we were taught to never close the door to someone in need.”

Many local organisations and businesses support the event, including Cardinia Shire Council, Rotary Pakenham and O’Connor Meats.

“If you are invited by friends or family to a Christmas celebration, I encourage you to take up the offer and enjoy it!” Sue said.

“But if you are a Cardinia Shire resident facing 25 December on your own, please join us.

No-one should be alone on Christmas Day.” To register for the Cardinia Community Christmas Lunch or to help out at the event (volunteers with food handling qualifications preferred) email Cardinia.christmas2000@y7mail. com or ask for a flyer at Pakenham Library.

Food for thought this festive season Each year we throw out 250,000 tonnes of food – that’s enough to fill the Eureka Tower! More food ends up in the bin at Christmas than at any other time of year, but with some planning and creativity you can minimise food waste and save money at the same time.

Council’s Waste Officer Melanie Kerr said Victorians throw out a staggering $4 billion worth of food and drink each year; the average household discards up to $2,000 worth.

DID you know that around 40 per cent of the waste generated by Victorian households is food waste?

“This is a huge waste of money, and of the water, soil, energy, labour and other resources needed to produce, package and transport this food,” Melanie said.

“Food waste is also harmful to the environment; rotting food in landfill gives off greenhouse gases which are 23 times stronger than carbon emissions.”

Here are some suggestions for reducing your food waste this Christmas.

• Plan meals ahead of time so you only buy what you need.

• Make a shopping list and stick to it – don’t be tempted by Christmas specials!

• Put uneaten food in containers and give them to your guests.

• Freeze uneaten food or use it in other recipes. For example, you might use leftover Christmas ham to make quiche, toasted sandwiches or fried rice.

• Compost your scraps and put them on your garden.

For more information visit lovefoodhatewaste.vic.gov.au

DECEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015 | 11

Looking forward Cr Brett Owen Ranges Ward

From your councillors

Cr Leticia Wilmot Ranges Ward

Phone: 0418 993 370 Email: b.owen@cardinia.vic.gov.au Construction of the Ash Wednesday memorial in Cockatoo will start soon.

The original and unique 12-sided building design will be retained as a feature of the memorial, which will be a place for locals and visitors to reflect and learn about the Ash Wednesday bushfires and fire safety.

Thanks to Cockatoo Township Committee Chairman Graham Simpson and other community members involved in the consultation process to develop the memorial design.

Cr Tania Baxter Ranges Ward

Phone: 0427 135 879 Email: L.Wilmot@cardinia.vic.gov.au With a dry, hot summer being predicted, now is the time to prepare your property and revise your fire plans in preparation for the fire danger period. Congratulations to the committees formed in Emerald, Cockatoo and Gembrook to proactively plan how to manage heatwave and emergency situations. You are all doing a great job!

Phone: 0427 528 358 Email: t.baxter@cardinia.vic.gov.au I am very excited about the extended opening hours for Pakenham and Emerald libraries which commenced in September.

These additional opening hours were funded

by Council as a new initiative and will be ongoing. The librarians have reported an early take-up of the extended hours and have received many positive comments from residents.

I’d like to wish all residents a safe and happy festive season.

I hope you and your family have a happy, healthy festive holiday season!

Cr Collin Ross Central Ward

Cr George Blenkhorn Central Ward

Phone: 0428 598 491 Email: c.ross@cardinia.vic.gov.au At the time of this Connect edition going to print, Cr Ross was standing as a State election candidate and consequently decided not to submit an entry for ‘Looking forward’.

Phone: 0429 139 902 Email: g.blenkhorn@cardinia.vic.gov.au Public consultation on the Pakenham Structure Plan has just finished. Thanks to those who took the opportunity to provide feedback. I fully support Main Street becoming a shared space to allow a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

If you visit Bendigo, have a look at the shared space zones and see how well they function for all users.

I hope all residents have a happy and safe Christmas and new year.

Cr Kate Lempriere Central Ward Phone: 0427 371 263 Email: k.lempriere@cardinia.vic.gov.au Some people have asked about my contribution towards Council outcomes.

2014–15 sees me once again having input into these committees and groups: Audit Committee, Australia Day Planning Committee, Arts and Culture Reference Group, Grants Evaluation Committee and the Youth Strategy Reference Group. If you have anything you’d like me to communicate to these groups, please contact me.

I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season.

Cr Graeme Moore Port Ward

Cr Jodie Owen Central Ward Phone: 0427 294 893 Email: j.owen@cardinia.vic.gov.au Residents, it’s time to clean out your gutters and clear away fuel around your property to help safeguard your family and home during the fire season. (Let’s hope we get through the summer with no fires). Very proud that Council got a crime prevention award for the work we have been doing with the Department of Justice to reduce graffiti.

I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas.

Cr David Young Port Ward

Phone: 0400 167 844 Email: g.moore@cardinia.vic.gov.au It was wonderful to see so many people at the public consultation session on Nar Nar Goon growth option plans. Thank you for your input – it will help us shape a final plan which reflects your priorities.

Looking forward to seeing residents at festive events around the Shire and at Australia Day celebrations in Port Ward.

I wish you all a fantastic Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.

Phone: 0427 455 798 Email: d.young@cardinia.vic.gov.au Spring was drier than last year but we are in better condition for fodder supplies than most of Victoria.

We are settling in at the new civic centre.

I encourage residents to attend a Council or town planning meeting to see the new facilities at work.

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a safe and healthy new year. I hope to see many of you at our Australia Day celebrations!

Views expressed in ‘Looking forward’ are those of the Ward councillors.

Cardinia Shire Ranges Ward • Avonsleigh • Beaconsfield • Beaconsfield Upper • Clematis • Cockatoo • Dewhurst • Emerald

• Gembrook • Guys Hill • Menzies Creek • Mount Burnett • Nangana • Officer • Pakenham Upper

12 | cardinia.vic.gov.au 1300 787 624

Port Ward • Bayles • Bunyip • Bunyip North • Caldermeade • Cardinia • Catani • Cora Lynn • Dalmore • Garfield

Central Ward • Garfield North • Heath Hill • Iona • Koo Wee Rup • Koo Wee Rup North • Lang Lang • Lang Lang East • Longwarry

• Maryknoll • Modella • Monomeith • Nar Nar Goon • Nar Nar Goon North • Nyora • Officer South

• Pakenham South • Rythdale • Tonimbuk • Tooradin • Tynong • Tynong North • Vervale • Yannathan

• Pakenham