VIBE Autumn 2020

VIBE AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 • APRIL – JUNE • VICTORIAPARK.WA.GOV.AU

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

SUBURB SAFETY SESSIONS | GROWTH SERIES | APRIL COUNCIL MEETINGS RELOCATION | DOG’S BREAKFAST

M AYO R ’ S M E S S AG E

I’m excited to introduce my first VIBE as Mayor. The beginning of the year already seems like a distant memory as our summer of twilight concerts and the amazing Arts Season draws to a close.

In this edition, be inspired by our cover story of Patrick Salvaris, an East Vic Park resident who has championed sustainability in his home.

Council will be hitting the road this April and holding its monthly meetings at Curtin University.

These meetings will be open to the public so please come along.

Suburb Safety Sessions are underway, providing valuable opportunities for locals to raise concerns about their suburbs.

The Library will be buzzing with activity during May Buzz Week, and Healthy Community activities include the Active Photography and Good Gut Health workshops. The Dogs’ Breakfast is also a

good chance to share the morning with your four-legged friends and neighbours.

Mayor Karen Vernon

Several major sporting infrastructure upgrades across the Town will be finished by mid-year. Higgins Park Tennis Club is looking forward to four new hard courts, floodlighting and croquet lawns ahead of the relocation of the Victoria Park Croquet Club. New floodlighting will improve amenities for Carlisle Football Club at Carlisle Reserve, while our Aqua Centre’s new submersible swim wall and diving blocks will be completed well ahead of spring.

You can check the Town’s website for more details and enjoy!

JA R R A H WA R D

B A N KS I A WA R D

YO U R CO U N CI LLO RS

Cr Claire Anderson

Cr Wilfred Hendriks

Cr Luana Lisandro

Cr Ronhhda Potter

M: 0416 199 745 E: canderson@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

M: 0403 121 543 E: whendriks@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

M: 0406 825 806 E: llisandro@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

M: 0449 730 493 E: rpotter@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

Deputy Mayor

Cr Jesvin Karimi

Cr Brian Oliver

Cr Vicki Potter

M: 0419 942 944 E: bife@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

M: 0412 047 447 E: jkarimi@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

M: 0435 229 317 E: boliver@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

M: 0433 704 140 E: vpotter@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

Cr Bronwyn Ife

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02 | VIBE AUTUMN/WINTER 2020

WHO’S IN YOUR TOWN

Going green reaps rewards Visiting East Victoria Park resident Patrick Salvaris’ property is like entering a botanical oasis: the doctor clearly possesses a green thumb and is a nature lover. He’s also become a champion of community conservation by making some changes to his home to use less power, and to have less of an environmental footprint.

“I’ve been really motivated to reduce my individual impact. Trying to find what we can do as individuals is certainly a huge motivator for me,” he said.

Mr Salvaris has lived in the Town for eight years, and for the past six, he has been converting his home to make it as sustainable as possible.

“The first thing we did was install some roof vents on the house [similar to whirlybird ventilation but more efficient]. They were pretty cheap, and are an Australian design,” Mr Salvaris said.

From there, Mr Salvaris – along with his partner Lasheta – has made additional improvements including changing his roof insulation, double glazing the windows and doors, installing solar panels, and replacing the gas hot water system with a heat pump; which he explains is like a “reverse cycle air-conditioner”.

“It pulls heat from the atmosphere and puts it into water running through compressed gas”, Mr Salvaris said.

The majority of the household’s food scraps go into a worm farm he’s had for about 18 months, and recently the couple purchased a Bokashi bin, which is a small in-house composter.

These changes have paid off: his energy bills have been reduced by half, the house is more comfortable in summer, and only one small bag of non-recyclable waste is thrown out each week.

“Most of that is food scraps that we can’t easily compost, and a little bit of plastic, but we try as hard as we can to have the plastics going into recycling. We find the less you use, the better it is – if you don’t use it, you don’t need to recycle it,” Mr Salvaris said.

He has plenty of advice for those who want to make similar changes – and said doing your research is key.

“Start with things that are affordable, but also really easy to do. The ones we found easiest were things like the vents on the roof that were really low cost, but also really easy to install. I think solar systems for houses have never been cheaper, certainly from a payback point of view, they make a lot of economic sense.”

“There’s also plenty of local inspiration to go green, and it can be as easy as having a chat with your neighbours.

“Many people around here have gardens with fruit trees. Hearing other people’s stories about what they’ve done is really good,” he said.

With lemon, lime and mandarin trees, and basil, chives, rosemary, lemongrass, and curry leaf growing in abundance in his backyard, Mr Salvaris has certainly put this into practice.

For more information on sustainable living visit www.switchyourthinking.com

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N T H E T OW N

Join Council at Curtin for meetings this April

Suburb Safety Sessions We’ve partnered with WA Police on a new initiative working with local communities to address community safety and crime prevention issues.

Local problems require local solutions, and workshops are designed specifically for residents of each suburb within the Town.

Sessions were held in St James and Bentley in March, please visit victoriapark.wa.gov.au for upcoming Suburb Safety Sessions running until June.

We’re taking Council meetings to a new venue. The Town’s Agenda Briefing Forum and Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at Curtin University in April 2020.

Agenda Briefing Forum: 6.30pm Tuesday 7 April Ordinary Council Meeting: 6.30pm Tuesday 21 April Council Chambers Building 100, Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley Meeting start times remain the same, and as always the community is welcome to attend.

Live streaming will be unavailable, however recordings will be uploaded to the website following the meeting.

It’s a Dogs’ Breakfast You and your best friend are invited to our Dogs’ Breakfast, an event for two-legged and four-legged attendees alike.

There’ll be heaps to see and do, including a doggie photo booth, stalls, activities and a pooch parade. Don’t own a dog? Don’t hold back, we’d still love to see you there.

FREE

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9–11am Sunday 24 May Zone 2X, Carlisle (dog exercise areas)

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N T H E T OW N

FREE FREE

Plan your will – it’s simple!

Who will take care of your estate? Join the team from Simply Estate for a free 90 minute seminar to learn and discuss simple arrangements you and your family can make.

Bookings are essential, and morning tea will be provided.

10–11.30am Thursday 30 April Town of Victoria Park function room 99 Shepperton Rd, Victoria Park Book online at vicpark.info/willplanning

Improve your memory Join Dementia Australia as they provide information on memory and common changes that may occur with ageing. This session will provide strategies for improving your memory, when to seek help about your concerns as well as an overview of services provided by Dementia Australia.

This session is suitable for all members of the general public who are concerned about their memory and dementia or who are worried that someone they know may have dementia.

Bookings are essential.

10–11.30am Tuesday 28 April Town of Victoria Park function room 99 Shepperton Rd, Victoria Park Book online at vicpark.info/memory

Business events There are a number of workshops that will support running your business.

• Taxable payments annual report • Running a home based business • Planning regular financial commitments • Employers: Single touch payroll • Employer essentials for small business See the full list of events at vicpark.info/businessevents

Anzac Day Saturday 25 April Memorial Gardens, Victoria Park Cnr Albany Hwy and Harvey St 6am start, gunfire breakfast at 7am All welcome

GROWTH SERIES

Planning: the key to making great places The ongoing change in our neighbourhoods is a delicate balance between how individuals use their property, the efforts of the community in delivering positive outcomes, and the planning activities of government agencies. The Town has a critical role in the process of what local governments call ‘strategic planning’; the practice of cultivating and delivering a vision for land use, as well as development and neighbourhood design to achieve sustainable growth.

is not just about numbers and targets. In planning for growth, the Town will consider the type of housing and employment opportunities the community needs, the infrastructure and facilities they will use, how the neighbourhood will be laid out and how to protect heritage, character and key environmental assets. New houses, shops, offices, parks, transport hubs and facilities should be strategically located so they can provide the most convenience and value for residents.

As an inner-city local government, it’s important for the Town of Victoria Park to think strategically about its role in the growth of the greater Perth area. One of the more interesting steps in this space is the State Government’s infill development targets released in 2015. These targets provide a minimum number of new houses for central local governments, which includes the Town, to deliver through their strategic planning. However, growth

This is where a Local Planning Strategy is vital to growth planning. It provides a big-picture blueprint to address these issues and facilitate focused, cohesive, sustainable growth. The Town’s strategic planning team is working on its first ever Local Planning Strategy. Look out for updates throughout 2020 to see how Vic Park’s future growth will be achieved, and how you can get involved.

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GROWTH SERIES

The history of planning in Perth Perth’s contemporary approach to strategic planning for growth is widely regarded as originating with the Stephenson-Hepburn Plan. Prepared in the 1950s, it proposed a highly suburban city model supported by strong road links for private vehicles. In keeping with this Plan, Perth has gradually developed as a generally low-density city stretching along suburban corridors and shopping nodes. As both the population and geographical size of Perth continued to expand, however, strategic planning has had to grapple with the negative impacts of urban sprawl and an emerging need to improve efficiency in the urban environment.

Since the 1980s and 1990s, focus began to rapidly shift to increasing density in strategic locations, such as near transport hubs and employment areas, and improving outcomes in town centres in suburban areas. This process of ‘consolidation and containment’ aims to concentrate growth within the metropolitan area rather than continually expand and suburbanise.

U R B A N F O R E S T S T R AT E GY

A Town of Vic Park Urban Forest Strategy initiative

Calling all Vic Park Urban Foresters for new tree planting grant We are pleased to introduce a new Urban Forest Grants Program for community-led projects that will contribute to our Urban Forest Strategy goal of increasing the Town’s tree canopy cover to 20 per cent.

The Urban Forest Strategy is a community initiated and driven process, focused on improving the health of our Town’s environment.

More trees and greater canopy cover in the Town contribute to a healthier and happier community and a stronger, more sustainable natural environment for everyone to enjoy today and into the future.

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Our first ever Urban Forest Grants Program provides up to $10,000 for community planting projects. Proposed projects will need to be implemented between May and October 2020.

Applications for an Urban Forest Grant are now open and can be completed online at victoriapark.wa.gov.au/grants Applications close 5pm Friday 10 April. For assistance with your application, call 9311 8111 or email admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au #GREENINGVICPARK

AU T U M N/ W I N T E R AT YO U R L I B R A RY

Busy things for kids Busy Things is for kids in their early years and has more than 100 fun learning activities that help children learn important skills in key areas such as numeracy, literacy, problem solving, creative development and communication.

The activities are directly linked to the school curriculum and subjects that your children will be learning in kindergarten and primary school.

You can connect to this for free with your library membership at vicpark.info/busythings

It’s Buzz Week 25–29 May Experience the exciting literacy and learning opportunities the library has on offer during Buzz Week. Check online at vicpark.info/buzzweek closer to the date to find out details.

Learn a new language online Digital learning, simplified

Want to learn to speak Spanish? French?

Mandarin? Learn another language easily with our free eResource, Transparent Language.

Transparent Language is an online learning system that teaches you to read, write, speak, and understand a foreign language.

Niche Academy gives Town library members access to a huge range of online video tutorials. These easy to understand tutorials give you step by step instructions on how to use the library’s collection of digital resources as well as how to use Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Ancestry, and more.

Pick from over 100 different languages, including some courses adapted for nonEnglish speaking learners.

Visit my.nicheacademy.com/vicpark to find out more.

There’s also a fun, easy to use, language learning program for kids called KidSpeak which you can access through Transparent Languages Online.

Transparent Language’s site is mobile responsive, so you can learn on the go with any mobile device.

Find out more at vicpark.info/elanguage

LEISURE CENTRES

Our outdoor 50 metre pool gets a facelift

New swim wall installed We are excited to reveal the new swim wall recently installed in the outdoor pool of the Town of Victoria Park aqua centre.

Following our latest structural audit, the Town will be carrying out works to upgrade the overflow gutters and starting platforms on the 50 metre outdoor pool at the aqua centre, which will significantly extend the life of the pool. The works will require closure of the 50 metre outdoor pool which will start at the end of March.

The pool is expected to reopen in July 2020. We’re also taking the opportunity to add a splash of colour with some new art.

You can stay up to date on the progress at victoriapark.wa.gov.au/50mpoolworks

In July 2019 the Town in collaboration with the Victoria Park Swim Club was successful in securing a $234,405 grant from Sports Australia, Community Sport Infrastructure. The grant has been put towards the installation of the new movable wall and an upgrade of starting platforms.

The new swim wall can be raised and lowered as needed allowing a greater number of participants to use the 50m pool at any one time. The improved flexibility of use will also increase scheduling options, providing the centre with the ability to add additional user groups and sports.

Swim School The Town’s Swim School caters for babies from six months through to squad introduction and adults. The school offers privates classes and Junior Lifeguard Club.

Programs run year round, including school holidays.

• N ationally recognised Royal Life Saving Society Swim and Survive levels.

• E xperienced instructors with Austswim accreditation, Working with Children cards, and National Police Certificates.

Our small classes are offered at a wide range of days and times.

For more information go to victoriapark.wa.gov.au/swimschool or contact our friendly Swim School team at swim@vicpark.wa.gov.au

Healthy Community Postnatal fitness program

LIVE LIFE WEL L

Hire our activity bundle Looking for a fun drawcard or challenging activity for your next event or party?

Our activity bundle contains all sorts of sporting and recreational equipment. It includes cricket, football, basketball, and soccer equipment, as well as totem tennis, bocce, frisbees, grip ball and lots more.

The activity bundle is available to hire at a low cost to residents, local businesses and community groups.

Sessions are designed for optimal postnatal fitness and include low-impact pram cardio, pelvic floor exercises and practical resistance training. Individual’s needs and fitness levels are catered for.

Come and exercise with your bub and be excited at the improvements each week.

Term starts Monday 1 May, with weekly classes also on Fridays. Book in early, limited spots are available.

Photography on the move

Family fitness program A specifically designed program for active babies to three year old children to exercise along with mum or dad. Sessions include a practical resistance training circuit and fun, interactive activities to include children. The program is catered to individual needs and fitness levels.

Term starts Monday 1 May, with weekly classes also on Fridays. Book in early, limited spots are available.

Put on your walking shoes and bring your camera to this four-week Active Photography Program. Each week you will walk through local areas taking snaps of the Town’s beautiful scenery and attractions. Learn how to explore light, composition and content to produce beautiful photographs. Professional Photographer Adele Miles will give participants the skills and confidence to operate their cameras more competently.

Good gut health

Participants are required to bring their own camera. Digital SLR, point and shoot, phone cameras or film cameras, it’s your choice. Bookings are essential.

You might have heard about the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, but how do we actually improve our gut health? Our dietitian will cover some top tips for using normal everyday food to achieve a healthy gut and help you navigate through the maze of information available. You’ll also get to prepare some wholesome recipes for improving your gut health to take home with you. Bookings are essential.

9–11am Sunday 3, 10, 17 and 24 May Various locations within the Town $36 (all four sessions)

6–7.30pm Wednesday 10 June Leisure Centre, East Victoria Park $8

To sign up to Goodness me! e-newsletter, make a booking or for further information about Healthy Community programs visit vicpark.info/healthytovp or call Leisurelife on 9373 5450.

Town of Victoria WH AT ’ S O N Park contact 7 APRIL 5 MAY Agenda Briefing Forum Agenda Briefing Forum information 6.30pm, Curtin University 6.30pm, Council Chambers, Town of Victoria Park admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au

99 Shepperton Road, Victoria Park Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5pm

Victoria Park Library 9373 5500 vicparklibrary@vicpark.wa.gov.au 27 Sussex Street, East Victoria Park Opening hours: • Mon, Fri: 9am–6pm • Tue, Wed, Thu: 9am–8pm • Sat: 9am–5pm • Sun/pub. hols: Closed

Aqualife admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au

9373 5400

42 Somerset Street, East Victoria Park Winter opening hours: • Mon–Thu: 5.30am–8.30pm • Fri: 5.30am–8pm • Sat/Sun: 8am–6pm • Creche Mon–Sat 8.30am–12noon Summer opening hours: • Mon-Thurs: 5.30am–9pm • Fri: 5.30am–8.30pm • Sat/Sun: 7am-6pm • Crèche Mon–Sat 8.30am–12noon

Leisurelife 9373 5450 leisurelife@vicpark.wa.gov.au Cnr Kent and Gloucester Streets, East Victoria Park Opening hours: Reception Mon–Fri: 5.30am–11pm • Sat 8am–11pm • Sun 9am–4pm • Gym Mon–Thurs: 5.30am–8.30pm • Fri: 5.30am–8pm • Sat: 8am-6pm • Sun: 8am–4pm • Crèche Mon, Wed-Fri: 9am–11am, Tues: 8.30am–11am

Victoria Park Digital Hub

Council Chambers, Level 3, Building 100, Kent Street, Bentley Public welcome

9311 8111

9329 4238

1 Harper Street, Victoria Park Opening hours: • Mon-Thu: 9am-5pm • Fri/Sat: open by appt. only • Sun: Closed

Animal Care Facility 199 Thelma Street, South Perth Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 11.30am–12.30pm (ex. some public holidays) • For lost animal and general Ranger enquiries: 9311 8171

Report It 9311 8111 (after hours message service)

21 APRIL

Ordinary Council Meeting

6.30pm, Curtin University Council Chambers, Level 3, Building 100, Kent Street, Bentley Public welcome

25

APRIL Anzac Day Dawn Service 6am, Memorial Gardens Public welcome

28

APRIL Dementia Australia information session

10–11.30am, Town Administration Centre Free, bookings are essential

30

APRIL Will planning seminar

10–11.30am, Town Administration Centre Free, bookings are essential

Town Administration Centre Public welcome

19 MAY

Ordinary Council Meeting 6.30pm, Council Chambers, Town Administration Centre Public welcome

24 MAY

Dogs’ Breakfast

9–11am, Zone 2X, Carlisle (dog exercise areas) Free, public welcome

2 JUNE

Agenda Briefing Forum

6.30pm, Council Chambers, Town Administration Centre Public welcome

16 JUNE

Ordinary Council Meeting 6.30pm, Council Chambers, Town Administration Centre Public welcome

DID YOU KNOW you can receive your rates by email?

Register online at vicpark.info/erates This information is available in alternative formats on request.

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