February 2016 - City of Greater Dandenong

February 2016
Australia Day
Awards
page 7
Drum Theatre
celebrates
pages 8 & 9
Sunset
Cinema
page 12
Lunar
New Year
page 14
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Dandenong Civic Centre
225 Lonsdale St
Dandenong
Springvale customer service
397–405 Springvale Road
Springvale
Keysborough customer service
Shop A7 Parkmore
Shopping Centre
Keysborough
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
18–34 Buckley Street
Noble Park
All correspondence to:
The City
PO Box 200
Dandenong VIC 3175
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8571 1000
W
elcome to the first issue of The City magazine
for 2016.
As I write we are wrapping up an action-packed
Summer of events and activities in Greater Dandenong.
One of the highlights of the season was the
announcement of the winners of our annual Australia
Day Awards, which celebrate those members of our
community who have gone above and beyond to help
others and make our city such a great place to live, work
and play. We’re delighted to profile the winners on page 7.
This month we turn our attention to the environment. The Sustainability Festival
on Sunday 21 February will help kick-start your sustainability journey by showing
you how to do more with less, while World Wetlands Day celebrations will
showcase the beauty and environmental significance of Tirhatuan Park’s native
wetlands (both stories page 12).
Congratulations are also in order as our very own Drum Theatre celebrates 10
years of entertainment – a wonderful achievement and a cause very worthy of
celebrations (pages 8 & 9).
I look forward to bringing you more news of Greater Dandenong’s events,
activities and achievements over the coming months.
Fax: 8571 5196
www.greaterdandenong.com
Mayor Heang Tak
@greaterdandy
facebook.com/greaterdandenong
cityofgreaterdandenong
youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong
TY: 133 677
T
Speak and listen: 1300 555 727
Internet: www.iprelay.com.au
TIS: 13 14 50
[email protected]
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency calls
Police/Fire/Ambulance.................... 000
Street lighting faults/
non-operational
United Energy ........................ 13 20 99
Traffic signal faults/
non-operational................... 8571 1000
Hoon Hotline.................. 1800 333 000
Hard waste collection
WM Waste
Management Services......... 9721 1915
my CITY
Noble Park Aquatic Centre is one of the best places to be during summer.
The iconic waterslide has been a drawcard for many years, and is still
considered one of Melbourne’s biggest slides. NPAC, in Memorial Drive, will
host an open day on Saturday 20 February to raise money for the YMCA’s
annual Swimathon.
Front Cover: This Lion Dancer entertained the crowds at last year’s Lunar New Year Festival. This year’s event
ushers in the Year of the Monkey on Sunday 7 February. Read more about the festival on page 14.
Australian Animal
Protection Society............... 9798 8415
RSPCA................................ 9224 2222
Nurse on Call.................. 1300 606 024
2 the CITY
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.
School’s in
and your
library is the
place to be
W
ith school comes homework,
and Greater Dandenong Library
members can get free, on-demand
help with study questions through
the Your Tutor program.
I
f you love to make, paint, create,
draw, sew, dance, sing or juggle, the
City of Greater Dandenong is launching
an exciting new program which will
inspire you to Get Creative.
Get Creative is a series of term-based
and one-off creative workshops
available to everyone in the community.
Activities include life drawing, crafting,
photography, circus skills, dance,
gardening, music, sewing, theatre, web
design, creative writing and more.
The City of Greater Dandenong
celebrates the arts and encourages
creative opportunities while supporting
local emerging artists. This new range
of creative programs will provide
our community members with an
opportunity to try new things, tap into
unknown talents and meet new people
with a variety of art forms for people to
Get Creative.
Come along to the Drum Theatre on
Thursday 11 February 4.30-5.30pm for
a FREE sample of Bollywood dancing,
arts and crafts, face painting and
balloon animals.
For further information about
the Get Creative program visit
www.greaterdandenong.com/arts
CHANGES TO THE GREEN WEDGE
PLANNING RULES – HAVE YOUR SAY
C
ouncil is proposing to make some
changes to the planning rules that
apply to the City of Greater Dandenong’s
part of the South East Green Wedge.
Parts of Keysborough, Bangholme
and Lyndhurst will be affected by the
proposed changes which include all
land outside of the Urban Growth
Boundary within the City of Greater
Dandenong’s section of the South
East Green Wedge. Specifically this
covers land bound by Hutton/Perry/
Glasscocks Road to Thompsons
Road and by the Mornington
Peninsula Freeway to the west and the
Westernport Highway to the east.
The northern-most portion of the
Green Wedge, known as the ‘Clarke
Road Precinct’, which is centred
around Clarke Road between Westall,
Springvale and Heatherton roads in
Springvale South will also be affected.
The proposed changes include
rezoning some land in Keysborough
from the Green Wedge Zone to the
Green Wedge A Zone, introducing a
temporary vegetation protection control
for larger native trees and updating
some of Council’s local policies and
planning guidance regarding land use
and development in the Green Wedge.
The amendment is not proposing to
change the Urban Growth Boundary
or the minimum subdivision sizes
that currently apply to these areas (of
between 4 and 40 hectares).
Find out more about the project, including
how to have your say on the proposed
changes by visiting Council’s website or
phone 8571 1000. Submissions will close
in early March 2016.
The tool is available Sunday to
Friday, from 3pm-10pm online via
The Vault, or it can be accessed
through the library computers of WiFi service from 3pm until closing.
Your Tutor connects students, from
Grade 3 through to university, to a
real life tutor who is waiting online to
answer questions covering subject
matters including maths, physics,
biology, chemistry, English, business
studies and more.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/
thevault for more information.
The emotions experienced by students
who are starting school for the first
time, moving to high school or starting
at a new school, can be extreme.
Greater Dandenong Libraries have
a host of books to help with the
transition, for both students and
parents. Here is a list of books that
might help through different stages:
PRE-SCHOOL
Monkey: not ready for kindergarten
Marc Tolon Brown
Hickory Dickory: songs from Play
School, songs from Kindergarten
[sound recording].
Going to playschool Sarah Garland
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Starting school Janet Ahlberg
and Allan Ahlberg
Birdie’s first day of school
Sujean Rim
What’s in my lunchbox?
Peter Carnavas
My First Day at School Meredith
Costain and Michelle Mackintosh
The starting school survival guide:
everything you need to know when
your child starts school Sarah Ebner
SECONDARY SCHOOL
A parent’s survival guide to starting
secondary school: ease the
transition for you and your child!
Molly Potter
the CITY 3
your COUNCILLORS
•Monday 8 February
•Monday 22 February
Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our
web-cast service?
You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from
residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving
the community.
To view meetings online simply go to www.greaterdandenong.com and look
for the ‘Watch Council Meetings Live’ page in the Your Council section.
WARD MAP
Di
ng
ley
F
Rd
wy
y
Dandenong Creek
Stud Rd
Rd
Fw
Princes H
wy
Danden
ong By
pass
Red Gum
Ward
South G
ippsland
Fwy
Springva
le
Road
Cheltenh
am
Heathert
on
sh
Claredale
Rd
CoomooraHenderson Rd
Rd
Devira St
Westall R
oa
Rd
s Rd
Dandeno
ng-Hastin
g
To
ota
l
ay
hw
4 the CITY
Paperbark
Ward
wa y
Free
Silverleaf Ward
Cr Maria Sampey
Ph: 9790 1291 Fax: 9790 6104
0438 800 027
[email protected]
Fw
y
on
a
Carlton Rd
Sylvia St
sula
enin
ton P
Silverleaf Ward
Cr John Kelly
Ph: 9793 1777 Fax: 9706 0186
0418 350 743
[email protected]
y
M
ning
Mor
Red Gum Ward
Cr Jim Memeti
Ph: 9792 4683 Fax: 9792 4683
0434 560 239
[email protected]
gl
e
Heatherto
n Rd
g
Hi
Red Gum Ward
Cr Matthew Kirwan
0403 072 295
[email protected]
in
s
ce
Red Gum Ward
Cr Angela Long
Ph: 9795 6574 Fax: 9795 4412
0466 004 616
[email protected]
D
Silverleaf
Ward
Lightwood
Ward
d
ll R
sta n
We ensio
t
Ex
Paperbark Ward
Cr Heang Tak - Mayor
0403 072 291
[email protected]
Police Ro
ad
wa
y
in
Pr
Paperbark Ward
Cr Peter Brown
Ph/Fax: 9584 5149
0408 138 939
[email protected]
es
Hi
gh
Gladston
e Rd
Pr
inc
d
Paperbark Ward
Cr Roz Blades AM
Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 5927
0417 053 612
[email protected]
The February meetings will be held:
East Link
Lightwood Ward
Cr Loi Truong
Ph: 0466 004 618
[email protected]
All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic
Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong.
East Link
Lightwood Ward
Cr Sean O’Reilly
0422 523 258
[email protected]
Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month.
Corrigan
Road
Lightwood Ward
Cr Youhorn Chea
Ph: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 3586
0417 320 645
[email protected]
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Darren Rd
COUNCILLOR CONTACTS
Thompso
ns
Road
Silverleaf Ward
Cr Maria Sampey
P
roviding increased support for our older residents is
something that I’m really passionate about. For that
reason I’m pleased to announce that this year Council will
be conducting a review of its Ageing is About Living Strategy
and Action Plan to develop the goals and strategies that will
address the needs of older people over the next 8-10 years.
The City of Greater Dandenong remains committed to a
collaborative approach to finding ways to better support
older people and to improve their health, wellbeing and
independence in the community.
During February and March Council will be conducting a
number of community consultations with residents and
local service providers to gather ideas about how we can
address the challenges that will face older people in our
community now and in the future.
The consultations are an opportunity for members of our
community to help shape the principles that will guide
Council’s actions.
During these consultations you’ll be able to ask questions,
provide feedback, and have your say on issues that are
important to you.
Council officers and members of the Positive Ageing Advisory
Committee will visit a range of local community groups to talk to
older people, their families, and those that care and support them.
We’ll also be accepting feedback via written and online surveys.
I really encourage you to have your say on how we can
make ageing a positive experience for you and your
loved ones.
To find out more visit greaterdandenong.com or, as always,
feel free to contact me by phoning 9790 1291 or 0438 800
027 or by emailing [email protected]
Red Gum Ward
Cr Jim Memeti
G
reater Dandenong train lines are on the busiest rail
corridor in Melbourne and Council has long advocated
for improvements to help rail and road users get a clear run.
Last year a series of improvements to the Pakenham line
were announced by the State Government, including the
removal of all level crossings between Dandenong and
Caulfield stations (nine in total), and the purchase of 37 new
high capacity trains.
These improvements will ease congestion for rail and road users.
The new trains will increase capacity by 42 per cent, helping to
transport an extra 11,000 people during the morning peak.
The removal of rail crossings is also expected to help keep
traffic moving more smoothly by removing pesky boom
gates that can stay down for what feels like an eternity.
The improvements will also help boost the strong
manufacturing industry in Dandenong, with the trains to be
made by locally-based manufacturer Bombardier.
This means more job security for local workers and adds to
Dandenong’s reputation as the “manufacturing heartland”
not only for Victoria but Australia.
As the Red Gum Ward Councillor I am always available to
listen to the concerns of my community and advocate on
your behalf at all times.
The new trains are expected to be on the tracks by the end
of 2018, while work is due to start this year on the level
crossing removals.
If you would like to discuss a local issue you can phone me
on 9792 4683 or 0434 560 239 or email jim.memeti@cgd.
vic.gov.au
the CITY 5
working FOR YOU
Council officer Lucas
Sikiotis and Councillor
Peter Brown at the
Herbert Street crossing.
award as recognition it was one of
Victoria’s leading road safety initiatives.
For the safety of students, teachers
and local residents, Council installed
computer controlled automated
bollards that closed the street off
to traffic between 8am and 4pm on
school days.
This was in addition to some street
modifications, flashing lights, audible
warnings, the ability to retrieve CCTV
footage and a manual override switch
for emergency services.
SAFETY AWARD FOR
HERBERT STREET BOLLARDS
he Transport Accident Commission
(TAC) last year recognised a Greater
Dandenong road project as part of their
Towards Zero road safety campaign.
T
The Herbert Street Bollards project,
which closes the road between the
two campuses of Dandenong High
School, received a TAC Safe Roads
Launch of Draft
2030 Sustainability
Strategy
It will be used to inform decisions
and actions that will help achieve
Council’s objective of becoming an
environmentally-sustainable city.
T
o coincide with this month’s
Sustainability Festival, Council will be
launching its Draft 2030 Sustainability
Strategy which will be a key document
for the City of Greater Dandenong.
While community consultation during
2014 helped draft the strategy, Council
is now seeking community feedback
before it is finalised in July.
To ensure the community’s views
are well represented, Council will be
The result has been zero incidents
over the past two school years in
the area involving pedestrians and
vehicles, achieving Council’s primary
objective of creating a safe and
protected environment.
According to the TAC’s CEO Mr Joe
Calafiore, “Towards Zero sets an
ambitious target, but we’ve got to be
ambitious if we are going to stop lives
being lost on our roads”.
undertaking a range of activities during
February and March 2016 including
drop-in sessions at the Dandenong
and Springvale libraries on 16 and 25
February with a free children’s art activity
at the Dandenong Library.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com
for information on the ways in which
you can contribute to the Draft
Sustainability Strategy.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES
T
he City of Greater Dandenong is
proud of the contribution our six local
Neighbourhood Houses make to the
wellbeing of our community.
Neighbourhood Houses provide a safe
and caring environment for people of all
ages, backgrounds, abilities and interests
to connect, learn, and to participate in a
wide range of activities and programs.
They are also home to a range of
community groups within the City of
Greater Dandenong and offer low cost
meeting rooms and facilities for hire.
Council is committed to ensuring our
Neighbourhood House programs
continue to meet our community’s
needs and aspirations. To do this we’d
like to hear what you think.
6 the CITY
We’d like to know:
•Have you used the
programs or services of a
Neighbourhood House?
•What activities would you be
interested in taking part in at a
Neighbourhood House?
•How should Neighbourhood
House programs and services
be promoted?
Have your say at greaterdandenong.
com/neighourhoodhouses
Feedback will be accepted until
5pm, Monday 29 February. For more
information contact Leanne Malcolm
at [email protected] or phone
8571 5348.
Australia Day
Award Winners
T
he winners of The City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia
Day Awards were recently recognised for their service to
our community in a special ceremony at Dandenong Park. The
inspiring list of local residents and volunteers for 2016 include:
Citizen of the Year Fr Jean Mawal
Sportsperson of the Year –
Aaliyah Corles
A leader of the Antiochian Church,
Fr Jean Mawal has been recognised
for his influence in promoting a more
tolerant and respectful community
through his involvement with Council’s
Challenge Family Violence Project.
Award judges were impressed with
12 year old Aaliyah’s athletic ability
and particularly her willingness to
help encourage and coach younger
participants in the martial arts.
Volunteer of the Year –
Tracey Walden
Tracey Walden has been recognised
for her 35 years of service to the
Noble Park Junior and Senior Football
clubs, and for promoting community
participation in Australian Rules Football.
Leadership Award –
Hayatullah Rahimi
Mr Rahimi, himself a former refugee,
is recognised for his commitment to
raising awareness about refugee and
asylum seeker issues and for offering
ongoing support to members of the
Hazara community.
Multicultural Award –
Andrew South and Matthew
Pond, Noble Park CFA
Noble Park CFA members, Andrew
South and Matthew Pond, have
worked to increase CFA membership
by encouraging people from culturally
diverse backgrounds to join, ensuring
its sustainability into the future.
Corporate Citizen of the Year
– David Willersdorf
David Willersdorf is a highly-respected
member of Greater Dandenong’s
business community whose
philanthropic support of local charities
and initiatives has greatly benefited
our city.
Young Leaders of the Year –
Mohammad Reza Haidari and
Khalid Katikang (joint winners)
I
t’s that time of year again to
put on your gloves and grab
your clean-up kits to participate
in Clean Up Australia Day on
Sunday 6 March.
The City of Greater Dandenong
is a proud supporter of this
great annual event. Individuals,
schools or community groups can
register their own Clean Up site or
volunteer to join an existing site at
www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
Registered volunteers will receive
a dedicated Clean Up kit in
the mail, with gloves, rubbish
and recycling bags, and all the
paperwork you’ll need to plan and
organise your team on the day.
Council is also able to supply
volunteer groups with additional
gloves and bags if needed –
just contact Council’s Waste
Education Officer, Samantha
Ondrus, on 8571 1715.
We look forward to seeing you and
your team on the day for a funfilled, rewarding, clean up event.
Mr Haidari has been recognised for
his outstanding service as a volunteer
for organisations across Greater
Dandenong, including the Red
Cross and the Asylum Seeker and
Refugee Centre.
Since arriving in Australia aged 12 as
an unaccompanied minor from Sudan,
Khalid Katikang has given back to his
adopted community by volunteering
with a range of youth programs,
including developing the ‘Say No
to Crime’ program with the young
Sudanese community.
the CITY 7
C E L E B R AT E S
10 years of
entertainment
Since the Drum Theatre’s gala opening in 2006, more than
1600 theatre performances have entertained audiences.
And 2016 promises to be another fantastic
year of entertainment as Drum Theatre
celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The theatre was officially opened by
the then Mayor of The City of Greater
Dandenong Cr Peter Brown and then
Premier of Victoria Steve Bracks.
The glittering night featured James
Morrison, Sylvie Paladino, The Three
Chinese Tenors and local artists including
The City of Greater Dandenong Band, who
entertained guests well into the evening.
Legendary Australian actor Charles
(Bud) Tingwell hosted the memorable
evening and summed up the Town Hall
renovations.
Since that first night the Drum has
presented some amazing productions from
world-renowned performers, including the
Australian Ballet Dancers company, Bell
Shakespeare, Bangarra Dance Theatre,
Opera Australia and Chicago Shakespeare
Theatre.
Last year proved to be a big year for the
Drum, with performances by Circus Oz,
the Russian National Ballet Theatre and
top Australian comedians Max Gillies, Anh
8 the CITY
Do and Dave Hughes. Touring shows by
Australia’s favourite children’s entertainers
Octonauts and The Wiggles also pulled in
crowds.
While 2015 was a big year, 2016 promises
to be even bigger.
Drum Theatre marks its 10th anniversary
on Thursday 11 February 2016, but it will
be celebrating the milestone all year.
On 11 February an afternoon of ‘Come
and Try’ events will be open to the public,
from 4pm-6pm.
A free concert will be held from 7.30pm,
featuring local performers and a return by
opening night drawcard Sylvie Paladino.
Drum Theatre Director Greg Hordacre
said he joined the theatre in 2009 and was
immediately struck by the incredible work
of the dedicated staff.
“There is a great pride in all Drum does,
shared by all staff,” Mr Hordacre said.
“Drum has been filled with moments full of
laughter and smiles for 10 years now and
we look forward to welcoming everyone
here soon.”
“
“
It was a mad dash to prepare the
venue for opening night, the foyer
was cleaned up two days prior and
the gold wall was painted on the
day. Technical gear had to be hired
in and the auditorium seats were
still being screwed in as guests were
arriving. The day after opening night
we handed the building back to the
builders to finish off the construction.”
here was a real sense of teamwork
T
and camaraderie among the front
of house staff. We were proud of
the venue we worked at – it was a
beautiful building and something not
only special to Dandenong but to the
wider community.”
original staff member
Cheryl Rush.
BY THE NUMBERS
$10.5 million total income from shows and functions
$3.5 million spent in Greater Dandenong by patrons
1650 theatre performances
56,636 beverages sold at Drum Theatre
700,200 patrons walked through the doors
the CITY 9
community CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1
Simply Fitness
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30am-10.30am
Ph: 9795 9279
WEDNESDAY
2
Live cooking demonstration:
birthday cakes for kids
Dandenong Market
12pm-1pm
8
15
Library Toddler Time
Springvale and
Dandenong Libraries
10.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
29
Library Toddler Time
Springvale and Dandenong
Libraries
10.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
10 the CITY
3
9
Central Dandenong Green
Building Precinxt Tour
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
6pm-8pm
Ph: 9546 2346
Citizenship Session
Springvale Library
9.30am-11.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
Noble Park Community
Action Forum
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
6pm
Ph: 9701 5821
16
Writing Program
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 8571 1666
Citizenship Session
Springvale Library
9.30am-11.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
Save Energy, Save Money
Workshop
Dandenong Civic Centre and
Springvale Civic Centre
5.30pm-7.30pm
23
Citizenship Session
Springvale Library
9.30am-11.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
Yoga
Jan Wilson
Community Centre
7pm-8.30pm
Ph: 9795 9279
11
Drum Theatre 10th
Anniversary celebrations
226 Lonsdale St, Dandenong
From 4.30pm
Ph: 8571 1666
17
English in the community
and workplace
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30am-12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
Save Money, Save Energy
Workshop
Dandenong Civic Centre and
Springvale Civic Centre
5.30pm-7.30pm
4
10
Dandenong and District Diabetic
Support Group Meeting
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
2pm
Ph: 9546 2346
22
Council Meeting
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
7pm
Zumba Gold
Jan Wilson Community Centre
10.30am-11.30am
Ph: 9795 9279
Digital Literacy: intro to email
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 1300 630 920
Citizenship Session
Springvale Library
9.30am-11.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
Council Meeting
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
7pm
THURSDAY
18
Dandenong Food
Lovers Tour
10am
Ph: 8571 1377
Website Creation
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 8571 1666
24
Digital Literacy: intro to internet
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 1300 630 920
25
Library Storytime
Springvale and
Dandenong Libraries
10.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
Website Creation
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 8571 1666
www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar
2016
FRIDAY
All National Social Cricket
Greaves Reserve
5pm
Ph: 0430 783 526
SATURDAY
5
SUNDAY
6
World Wetlands Day
Tirhatuan Park
4.30pm-7.30pm
Ph: 8571 1702
Sunset Cinema:
Red Dog
Harmony Square
7pm
12
Springvale Lunar New Year Festival
Buckingham & Balmoral Avenues
10am
13
Live cooking demonstration:
Valentine’s Day romantic dinner
Dandenong Market
12pm-1pm
✆
City of Greater
Dandenong
8571 1000
Drum Theatre
8571 1666
Dandenong Library
1300 630 920
Heritage Hill Museum
and Historic Gardens
9793 4511
19
20
Summer Community Festival
Burden Park
5pm
Summer Community Festival
Burden Park
11am
Sunset Cinema:
The Fantastic Mr Fox
Harmony Square
7pm
Noble Park Aquatic Centre
Open Day
Memorial Drive, Noble Park
11am-2pm
26
Baby Bounce
Springvale Library
10.30am (every Friday)
14
Dandenong Market
Cleeland Street, Dandenong
10am-3pm (every Sunday)
Sunset Cinema:
Inside Out
Harmony Square
7pm
Sunset Cinema:
Howl’s Moving Castle
Harmony Square
7pm
7
Summer Community Festival
Burden Park
11am
21
Sustainability Festival
Dandenong Market
10am-3pm
Speed Date a Sustainability Expert
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
2pm-4pm
Ph: 9639 1500
27
28
YMCA Swimathon
Dandenong Oasis, Cleeland Street
11am-2pm
Jan Wilson
Community Centre
9795 9279
Paddy O’Donoghue
Centre
8571 1436
Springvale Library
1300 630 920
Springers
Leisure Centre
9701 5900
Walker Street Gallery
9706 8441
29
Dandenong Market
9701 3850
Cultural Tours
8571 1666
Submit your community
event online at
www.greaterdandenong.com
Send your
event listings to
[email protected]
the CITY 11
World Wetlands
Day
D
andenong’s Tirhatuan Park will
host a free community event on
Saturday 6 February to mark World
Wetlands Day – an international day
raising awareness of the worldwide loss
of wetlands and promoting measures
to better manage and protect these
unique natural environments.
In Greater Dandenong we’re fortunate
to have a stunning series of wetlands
that provide habitat for our native flora
and fauna while improving the water
quality of Dandenong Creek.
Tirhatuan Park is a valuable oasis for
some endangered wetland vegetation
that has been almost entirely wiped out
in Victoria, as well as an abundance of
water bugs, reptiles, birds, fish, frogs
and mammals.
The wetlands are also a great
recreational asset to our community.
Tirhatuan Park has a fantastic
playground, extensive walking and bike
tracks, BBQs and boardwalks, which
you can take advantage of on the day.
Council’s community event will be held
on Saturday 6 February, from 4.30pm7.30pm, and will include a guided
wetlands tour, a live reptile show, face
painting, children’s games and activities,
and interactive displays to keep the
whole family busy and entertained.
Tirhatuan Park is in Kriegel Way,
Dandenong North. This is a free event,
but please book for catering purposes
on 8571 1702.
2016
SUSTAINABILITY
FESTIVAL
L
earning to do more with less and
helping create a better environment is
the theme for this year’s City of Greater
Dandenong 2016 Sustainability Festival.
Dandenong partners with the
Sustainable Living Foundation – hosts
of the Victorian Sustainable Living
Festival at Federation Square.
To be held on on Sunday 21 February at
the Dandenong Market, this free family-fun
event will be action packed with activities,
programs and experts to help you to learn
more, do more, and save more.
This partnership had added some great
activities during February including a
green building and recycling facility tour,
a save energy - save money workshop
in Dandenong and Springvale, speed
date a Sustainability expert on February
21 and cooking demonstrations at
the Dandenong Market on 16 and 19
February. The full program of events
can be found on Council’s website.
The festival is now in its third year of
providing practical and environmentallyfriendly solutions for everyday home
and garden topics that will help kickstart your sustainability journey.
These include finding ways to help
reduce both your household’s bills and
environmental footprint as well as trying
out your gardening, home living and
cooking skills.
Activities include face painting and
children’s activities, pedal-powered
smoothies, sustainable product stalls,
plant your own herbs take-home
veggie plantings, and expert advice
from sustainability specialists.
While last year’s event was a huge
success, the 2016 festival promises
to be bigger and better as Greater
SUNSET CINEMA
T
at 7pm every Friday night between
29 January and 11 March.
he City of Greater Dandenong is
proud to announce the launch
of a free family movie program –
Sunset Cinema.
Deckchairs will be available in the
Square for early birds.
The Sunset Cinema will showcase
popular recent-releases as well as old
family favourites in Harmony Square
This event is proudly supported by Nova
100. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com
for more information.
12 the CITY
Bring a picnic, a blanket, and enjoy the fun
night time atmosphere with your family.
The Sustainability Festival also provides
the important opportunity to recognise
local residents, schools and businesses
for their efforts to create a cleaner,
greener community through the
annual Sustainability Awards.
To read the stories of the winners and
finalists visit greaterdandenong.com/
sustainability
When: Sunday 21 Feburary from
10am-3pm
Where: Dandenong Market – southern
upper level car park
Information: www.greaterdandenong.com
Session Times
29 January Paddington G
5 February Red Dog PG
12 February Inside Out PG
19 February The Fantastic Mr. Fox PG
26 February Howl’s Moving Castle PG
4 March
Shaun The Sheep G
11 March Tomorrowland PG
Councillor Angela Long
with staff at swimmers at
the Dandenong Oasis.
Splash out for a great cause
G
reater Dandenong’s two public
pools are supporting a national
push to help children and adults with
disabilities learn to swim.
Dandenong Oasis will host a
Swimathon on Sunday 28 February
from 11am-2pm.
The Swimathon aims to raise $800,000
nationally, and Oasis is trying to raise
$10,000 through their event. The
money will help provide specialised
TOUGHER
IMMUNISATION
LAWS
P
arents of young children risk losing
government support and access
to childcare if their children are not
fully vaccinated under tough new rules
introduced this year.
swimming lessons and pool access
equipment for up to 8000 swimmers
across Australia.
from 11am-2pm, with all proceeds
going towards the Swimathon.
You don’t even have to be a swimmer
to help the cause as other activities
in the lead up to the main event
will also raise money. Visit www.
dandenongoasis.com.au for more
information or to register.
A range of fun activities will be open to
all for a gold coin donation, including
supervised water games for the
kids, access to the newly upgraded
waterslide, inflatable fun and a
sausage sizzle.
Noble Park Aquatic Centre will host
an open day on Saturday 20 February
Visit www.nobleparkaquaticcentre.
com.au for more information.
The Commonwealth Government has
introduced No Jab, No Pay legislation that
will see family payments cut for families
who do not fully immunise their children.
across the municipality. See the
below timetable for February sessions
or visit www.greaterdandenong.com
to view the 2016 timetable.
The State Government has also
introduced No Jab, No Play
legislation that will require proof of full
immunisation to enrol children at early
childhood services.
Children born overseas can take part
in a catch-up program to make sure
their immunisations meet the Australian
schedule. Council runs catch-up sessions
every Monday, from 9.30am-10.30am,
at 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. No
appointments are necessary.
The City of Greater Dandenong
provides immunisation sessions
IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – February 2016
The Immunisation Timetable for the City of Greater Dandenong is available from Council’s customer service centres or Maternal and Child Health
centres and online. Phone Council on 8571 1000 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information on the upcoming immunisation sessions:
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
1 February
3 February
9 February
11 February
16 February
17 February
24 February
5pm-6.30pm
10am-11.30am
10am-12pm
10am-11.30am
10am-10.45am
4.30pm-6.30pm
10am-12pm
Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
McFees Road Maternal Child and Health Centre, 70A McFees Road, Dandenong North
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
27 February
10am-12pm
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
the CITY 13
SPRINGVALE
LUNAR
NEW YEAR
FESTIVAL
O
ne of Victoria’s premier multicultural festivals,
the 2016 Springvale Lunar New Year
Festival, kicks off on Sunday 7 February for its
annual celebration.
One of the most important festivals on the Lunar
calendar, this family-friendly event is traditionally
celebrated by the Chinese, Vietnamese,
Cambodian, Korean and Japanese communities
and is open to the general public.
Event organisers, the Springvale Asian Business
Association (SABA), expect this year’s festival to
be bigger than ever with the event coinciding with
Chinese New Year’s Eve and SABA President
Daniel Cheng said the association was looking to
attract over 70,000 visitors from across Victoria.
“I can guarantee that the program will be one of
the best ever with a lot of variety. We are also going
to use two big LED screens as big as the one at
Harmony Square,” Mr Cheng said.
With the support of the City of Greater Dandenong,
the Buckingham Avenue shopping precinct will be
transformed into a colourful, vibrant space from
10am until 10pm as the event celebrates the Year
of the Monkey – the ninth sign in the Chinese
zodiac that predicts a fast and energetic year for all.
Celebrating the fusion of Asian culture and
traditions with the multicultural landscape of
Greater Dandenong, more than 70 market stalls will
be on display, as well as a dazzling entertainment
program that includes traditional lion dancing,
firecracker display, games, rides, martial arts,
live band, dancing and a wide range of delicious
Asian cuisines.
14 the CITY
When: Sunday 7 Feb 10am–10pm
Where: Buckingham Ave, Springvale
Transport and parking: Patrons are encouraged to utilise the
public transport system on the day. Both trains and buses are
easily accessible and close to the event venue. Please visit the
PTV website (Journey Planner) to plan your trip. Please note that
spaces are limited and subject to availability on the day. Other
parking areas are also available around the vicinity.
For more information: Please contact [email protected]
or 9898 3918.
Free parking is also available at the Number 8 Car Park
(on the corner of Balmoral and Buckingham avenues).
community NEWS
KIDS TEACHING KIDS
S
tudents take on a leadership role
and bring environmental issues
into the classroom under the Kids
Teaching Kids program.
The program was developed by
environmentalists and educators
Arron Wood and Richard Wood, and
gives students access to tools and
resources through the Kids Teaching
Kids website.
The idea is that the program starts in
the classroom and extends into the
community where students become
leaders focused on finding solutions
to local environmental issues.
Silverton Primary School students
recently took part in the Kids
Teaching Kids Conference. Visit www.
kidsteachingkids.com.au to find out
more about the program.
CARERS OF
AFRICA
C
arers of Africa is a local not-forprofit organisation working to help
refugees and asylum seekers suffering
from mental illnesses to achieve
safer, healthier and happier lives for
themselves and their families.
Being part of Kids Teaching Kids was great because it’s important to learn
about the environment because then you will be more aware of the
issues happening in Australia and around the world.
It also teaches us about life skills like developing your vocabulary,
improving your ability to speak in front of a crowd and learning how
to teach others.
Before you can teach others you need to learn about the issue yourself
so you can then teach your peers. It’s also good to be able to teach your
peers because we know how kids like to learn.
When we delivered the workshop it made us feel special, confident,
inspired and amazing.
Kids Teaching Kids gives us an opportunity to convince other kids not to
be shy and to show them that you can achieve things that you didn’t
think you could do.
By Cassie, Fayben, Lachlan, Danni, Alicia, T.J, Josh and Angelique.
In a community where many African
refugees and asylum seekers have
arrived after suffering conflict, violence
and displacement in their homelands,
the support services Carers of Africa
offer are invaluable.
Whether clients are seeking advice
or support on settling into their new
community, or access to health and
rehabilitation programs, Carers of
Africa provide care, compassion and
guidance to address their suffering
and distress.
Clients are encouraged to get involved
in their community and to participate
in social and sporting pursuits,
for example, or to access study,
volunteering or employment pursuits
that will help them achieve their goals.
Carers of Africa also provide specific
physical, mental and drug health
support for those who need it.
To get in touch, find Carers of Africa
at 4/106 Foster Street, Dandenong.
Phone: 9706 9887
We accept submissions for the Community News page in The City every month. Email us at [email protected] to share your story.
the CITY 15
Family
SUSTAINABILITY
e
v
Learn more, do more, save more
SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2016 • 10AM-3PM
es
Hw
y

HERE
★
Lonsdale St
FOR MORE INFORMATION: PHONE 8571 1000
WWW.GREATERDANDENONG.COM
nc
KICK START YOUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY...
King St
Stuar t St
Pri
Children’s activities • Roving entertainment •
Cooking demonstrations • Pedal-powered
smoothies • Native animals up close •
Spot prizes, sustainability awards and more
FREE
ENTRY
M a r ke t S t
FREE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY...
DA
N
M DE
A N
RK O
E T NG
Cleeland St
DANDENONG MARKET
SOUTHERN CARPARK
Clow St
Event Partner