June 2016 - City of Greater Dandenong

June 2016
White Ribbon
Workplace
page 3
Refugee Week
page 7
What’s on
at The Drum
pages 8&9
Emerging
Writers’ Festival
page 12
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Dandenong Civic Centre
225 Lonsdale St
Dandenong
Hello and welcome to the June edition of The City.
This month we celebrate National Refugee Week
(June 19-25). As one of the most culturally diverse
communities in Australia, the City of Greater Dandenong
proudly extends a warm welcome to everyone who
comes here. See how we plan to celebrate our refugee
and asylum seeker communities on page 7.
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
The arts are an important aspect of community life in
Greater Dandenong, and the Drum Theatre is our iconic
arts venue. If you feel like a great night out turn to pages 8 and 9 to see what is
on at the Drum in the second half of the year.
Speaking of the arts, see page 12 for a preview of the Emerging Writers’ Festival
events coming to our city, and turn to page 13 to read about Cultural Threads,
an award winning program that is back for another year.
Council proudly advocates on behalf of our community all year round, and our
push to see a school in Keysborough South takes another step forward. Turn to
page 6 to read more about those efforts and our support of State Government
plans to boost employment in Springvale.
I hope you enjoy this issue of The City and have a great month.
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
Heritage Hill is an oasis in central Dandenong, and while it is lush and green all
year round, the historic gardens come into their own when they are in bloom.
Visit the grounds on your lunch break, or have a weekend picnic with the
families. Picture: Kylie Grinham.
Front Cover: Walk Against Family Violence is one of a number of activities Council runs in its stand against
Family Violence. Greater Dandenong is proud to be recognised as a White Ribbon Workplace
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.
Revaluations
TO IMPACT PROPERTY RATES
C
hanges to legislation around
local government rates will see
Council tighten its belt this year to
limit the rate rise to 2.5 per cent.
However, individual ratepayers may
be surprised to see this figure will not
appear on every single rate notice.
Every two years Council is required to
revalue all of its rateable properties,
meaning some properties will
increase substantially in value, while
others may increase by smaller
amounts or stay the same.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Heang
Tak said all properties had been
revalued this year, so if your property
value has increased by more than the
average in Greater Dandenong, you
will pay a higher amount in rates.
“However, if your property has
increased by less than the average
you will see a drop in your rates bill,”
Mayor Tak said.
“While we strive to make our rates
system fair and equitable, the truth
is some properties will be hit by
increases above the 2.5 per cent,
and this comes down to how much
your property is worth.”
Properties are valued by independent
valuers and take into account
total value of the land, buildings,
swimming pools, garages and any
other improvements. Valuers also
analyse sales and rental data for
each neighbourhood to determine
their final valuation.
Another significant factor affecting
rates collected by local councils are
the two levies collected on behalf of
the State Government, which are not
within the 2.5 per cent cap.
“Money collected via the Fire
Services Levy and Landfill Levy
are passed directly to the State
Government, and are not used by
Council,” Mayor Tak said.
COUNCIL ELECTIONS:
TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY
C
ouncil elections are fast
approaching (22 October) and
residents are encouraged to have
their say by voting.
The Victorian Electoral Commission
(VEC) will conduct these elections of
behalf of Council. All people who are
Australian citizens aged 18 and over and
who have lived at their current address
for at least one month must vote.
•Enrol to vote or update your details
forms are available at Council’s
customer service centres, any post
office, online at www.vec.vic.gov.
au or by phoning the VEC on 131
832. These application forms must
be received by the VEC by 4pm on
Friday 26 August.
•If you have voted before, check you
are correctly enrolled for your current
address, or to update your details
phone VEC or visit their website.
All eligible voters must be enrolled
to vote. If you fail to vote you may
be fined. Voters aged over 70 will
not be fined if they choose not
to vote.
Other people who are not required
to vote, but choose to, can apply to
be included on the Chief Executive
Officer’s List if they:
WHITE RIBBON
WORKPLACE
O
ver the past 18 months the City
of Greater Dandenong has been
working on becoming an accredited
White Ribbon Workplace.
In April Council was officially named
a White Ribbon Workplace, an
achievement described by Chief
Executive Officer John Bennie as a
step forward for the organisation and
the community as a whole.
“We should all be very proud of this
status, which formally recognises
our combined efforts, commitment
and achievements in relation to
reducing the incidence of family
violence against women and children,”
Mr Bennie said.
“We are now officially recognised by
White Ribbon Australia as a pioneer in
contributing to national cultural change
to prevent and respond to violence
against women.
“White Ribbon accreditation not only
makes a statement about the type of
organisation we are, but sends a very
strong message to our community the
Council is committed to the wellbeing
of both our staff and residents.”
Mayor Heang Tak said the honour
was incredibly significant and an
outstanding reflection on the integrity
of Council as an organisation.
“I am very proud to be Mayor for
this significant milestone and I am
proud to be part of an organisation
that is contributing to important
cultural change.”
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/
familyviolence to read more about
White Ribbon Workplaces and what
Council is doing to take a stand
against family violence.
•are a non-Australian citizen
who lives and pays rates in the
municipality
•do not live in Greater Dandenong
but pay rates on a property in the
city, either as a business owner or
business occupier.
•are a director or company secretary
of a corporation that pays Council
rates in Greater Dandenong.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/
election for more information.
the CITY 3
your COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLOR CONTACTS
Lightwood Ward
Cr Youhorn Chea
Ph: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 3586
0417 320 645
[email protected]
Lightwood Ward
Cr Sean O’Reilly
0422 523 258
[email protected]
Lightwood Ward
Cr Loi Truong
Ph: 0466 004 618
[email protected]
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month.
All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic
Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong.
The June meetings will be held:
• Tuesday 14 June (Tuesday meeting due to public holiday on the Monday)
• Monday 27 June
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/
councilmeetings
RECENT COUNCIL DECISIONS
Paperbark Ward
Cr Roz Blades AM
Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 5927
0417 053 612
[email protected]
Paperbark Ward
Cr Peter Brown
Ph/Fax: 9584 5149
0408 138 939
[email protected]
Councillors voted to conduct attendance voting for the Council Elections in
October this year.
Councillors also voted to establish a pre-poll voting centre at the Springvale
Customer Service Centre, 379 Springvale Road, Springvale, for two weeks
prior to the election, which will be held on 22 October.
The existing payment system at number 8 car park in Balmoral Avenue
Springvale will be replaced with ‘pay and display’ ticket machines to make it
easier for customers and improve access.
Paperbark Ward
Cr Heang Tak - Mayor
0403 072 291
[email protected]
Red Gum Ward
Cr Angela Long
Ph: 9795 6574 Fax: 9795 4412
0466 004 616
[email protected]
Red Gum Ward
Cr Matthew Kirwan
0403 072 295
[email protected]
Red Gum Ward
Cr Jim Memeti
Ph: 9792 4683 Fax: 9792 4683
0434 560 239
[email protected]
Silverleaf Ward
Cr John Kelly
Ph: 9793 1777 Fax: 9706 0186
0418 350 743
[email protected]
Silverleaf Ward
Cr Maria Sampey
Ph: 9790 1291 Fax: 9790 6104
0438 800 027
[email protected]
4 the CITY
Rhonda Garad, Helen Heath, Cr Roz Blades, Mayor Heang
Tak and Cr Angela Long celebrate the City of Greater
Dandenong’s White Ribbon Workplace accreditation.
Silverleaf Ward
Cr John Kelly
I
want to use my column this month to talk about the
strength of manufacturing in Greater Dandenong and
congratulate the many businesses that are creating a
prosperous future for our region.
I attended the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’
Premier Regional Business Awards recently and saw firsthand
the amazing work of some of these businesses in our city.
There is such a wide array of businesses taking locally made
products out to the rest of the world, we should be so proud
of the work that is happening in our own city.
There were about 400 guests at the Awards night which
showed that manufacturing is alive and well, but we all
need to buy Australian and buy Dandenong products where
possible. It’s important we support those around us who
provide the jobs. Something like 50,000 people come to our
city every day for work, not to mention those who live and
work here.
I have been lucky over many years to see what this great city can
produce. From a caravan to a boat, to yoghurt and electronic
signs, to powdered milk and health foods, I could go on.
Greater Dandenong is growing in terms of manufacturing.
I would like to congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on
running a wonderful evening that celebrated local industry
and the strong position we are in.
Every year Council runs a business grants program to
help local businesses get a leg up in their field. The grants
are worth up to $8000, and can include an extra $2000
marketing package, to help start ups, growing businesses
and those relocating to Greater Dandenong. Visit www.
greaterdandenong.com/business for more information.
In the meantime if I can help you with anything please feel
free to phone me on 0418 350 743.
Paperbark Ward
Cr Heang Tak
R
oss Reserve Noble Park is one of the most popular
precincts in the City of Greater Dandenong.
It is home to the Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC), the
world-class Skate Park, the Noble Park Community Centre,
an athletics track, several sports ovals and playgrounds.
In 2012 Council put together a Masterplan covering the future
of the site, and many developments have already taken place,
making the space a more vibrant community asset.
The $21 million upgrade to NPAC, which was completed in
2012, has given locals a fantastic recreation facility, which
features one of the tallest waterslides in Melbourne.
In 2015 we launched the new Skate Park to much fanfare
among the extreme sports community. Designed by world
renowned skater and Noble Park resident Jon McGrath, the
skate park is busy all day every day.
Earlier this year we extended our free Wi-Fi zone to include
central Noble Park, with the service reaching to the skate park.
Recently the State Government also announced funding to
help carry out works at Ross Reserve to make the space
feel safer. Works include lighting upgrades, completion of a
pedestrian path network, a public toilet and kiosk near the
skate park, and small shelters across the grounds.
While there is an abundance of organised sporting groups
and activities that take place at Ross Reserve every week,
the area is also popular for informal recreational uses, with
joggers, dog walkers and families making the most of this
green space in the middle of Noble Park.
I love to see how many people are looking after their health
and wellbeing and taking advantage of this wonderful facility.
If you would like to get in touch with me about any issues
please email [email protected] or phone me on
0403 072 291.
the CITY 5
working FOR YOU
GROWING
EMPLOYMENT
IN SPRINGVALE
C
ouncil is working with the State Government and two other local
councils to help boost jobs in the Monash Employment Cluster.
SCHOOL FOR
KEYSBOROUGH
SOUTH
T
he City of Greater Dandenong
continues to advocate for a
primary and secondary school in
Keysborough South.
Population figures show there are
approximately 2,040 school aged
children currently living in Keysborough
South, with that figure expected to
reach more than 2500 by 2018.
According to population estimations
there may be a need for up to 1395
primary school places and 1109
secondary school places in 2018.
While planning for a community hub in
the area, Council has also recognised
the need for other infrastructure,
including a school, to support
the growth.
Council staff have had several
meetings with the Department of
Education and Training on the matter
over several years, and Mayor Heang
Tak has written to State Government
representatives about Council’s
support for the educational needs of
Keysborough South.
Residents and members of the
Keysborough South Action Group have
also taken action, presenting a petition
with more than 1000 signatures to the
State Government.
The State Government has now
committed funding to purchase land for
a school in the May Budget. Council
will continue to work with the State
Government on future plans for a P-12
school and community hub.
6 the CITY
The cluster includes the business and industrial areas in Monash and
Kingston, as well as Springvale.
The Monash Employment Cluster has the highest concentration of jobs
outside the CBD, and has huge potential to be an even greater magnet
for investment, jobs, services, businesses, culture and entertainment.
Council has been working closely with the Metropolitan Planning Authority
(MPA) – the state government organisation charged with planning for
Melbourne’s population growth – to develop more ideas to promote the area.
The MPA recently hosted a consultation process with business owners,
workers and visitors to the precinct, to come up with ideas to improve
the area and boost job opportunities.
While the results of this round of consultation is not yet known, previous
ideas identified include better transport connections and improved amenities.
Key ideas include altering planning provisions to enable cafes, hotels,
conference centres and recreational services to be close to industry,
creating safe pedestrian and cycling environments, and encouraging
private sector investment in modern buildings.
Mayor Heang Tak said Springvale business leaders were consulted on
the project, “about how we can capitalise on the strengths of Springvale
by encouraging the diversification of employment industries in and
around the cultural hub of Springvale”.
News
T
REFUGEE WEEK
he Greater Dandenong community
is invited to help welcome and
celebrate refugees in our community
during Refugee Week (19-25 June).
Refugee Week and World Refugee
Day (20 June), commemorate
the contributions of our refugee
communities and promote Greater
Dandenong as a safe and welcoming
home for refugees.
refugees and acknowledge their
contribution to our society.
“Each year more than 2200 recentlyarrived migrants settle in Greater
Dandenong – the highest number
in any Victorian municipality. A third
of them are refugees, largely from
Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran and
Pakistan,” Mayor Tak said.
The theme for the week this year is
‘With courage let us all combine’.
This line, from the Australian national
anthem, commends the courage of
refugees and those who speak out
against persecution.
“We have approximately 3000 asylum
seekers living in the community, the
highest number in any Victorian local
government. We have a long and proud
history of supporting the settlement of
new migrants, and we are proud to be
an official Refugee Welcome Zone.”
Mayor Heang Tak said Refugee Week
encouraged all Australians to welcome
Mayor Tak urged residents to
take time during Refugee Week to
learn more about the journeys and
experiences of refugee and asylum
seekers in our community.
A range of public events will be held
to mark the week and celebrate
the contributions of residents from
refugee backgrounds.
The City of Greater Dandenong is
one of the most culturally diverse
communities in Australia, and proudly
boasts representatives from 150
different countries.
Visit http://www.greaterdandenong.
com/com/diversity to see more about
the services and support programs
Council offers asylum seekers
and refugees.
Journey of Courage:
Refugee Week Q&A Forum
Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets,
Dandenong on Tuesday 28 June. This special
event intertwines theatre and discussion with an
interactive theatre performance and Q&A panel
featuring refugee and asylum seeker advocates
and those with first hand experience.
Refugee Week Indoor Soccer Tournament
At Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham
Road, Keysborough, Saturday 9 July. Celebrate at
this annual soccer tournament run by the Southern
Migrant and Refugee Centre, in partnership with
Monash Health, ERMHA and the City of Greater
Dandenong. Featuring men’s, women’s and youth
soccer competitions, childrens activities, food,
music and live entertainment. To register email
[email protected] or phone 9793 2155.
Young people will celebrate
Refugee Week with an annual
soccer tournament run by the
Southern Migrant Refugee
Centre, in partnership with
Monash Health, ERMHA and
the City of Greater Dandenong
Life Without Barriers Luncheon
Level 2, Suite 1, 1 Langhorne Street, Dandenong,
Wednesday 22 June, 1-3pm. Life Without Barriers
will host a luncheon with local service providers.
the CITY 7
WHAT’S
ON AT
THE
DRUM
Big names, classic tales
and local storytellers will all
feature at Drum Theatre in
the second half of 2016.
The Get Creative series of
workshops will continue,
while a Free for All Tuesdays
event in July will offer free,
top quality, after work
entertainment for all.
Book Your Tickets
Drum Theatre Box Office is open
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and
one hour prior to ticketed events.
You can book in person or over the
phone during open hours, or online
24 hours a day.
JUNE
The Little Mermaid
Friday 10 to Sunday 26 June
This Windmill Theatre Company
production is based on the Disney
film of the Hans Christian Anderson
classic. A hauntingly beautiful love
story for the ages, this fishy fable
will capture your heart with its
irresistible songs.
JULY
Archè
Thursday 2 June at 7.30pm
Melbourne Ballet will enchant
you with this powerful new piece,
inspired by Swan Lake and
choreographed by Simon Hoy.
Find Drum Theatre
At the corner of Lonsdale and
Walker streets, Dandenong
8571 1666
[email protected]
www.drumtheatre.com.au
The Wiggles Wiggle Town Tour
Sunday 3 July at 10am, 12.30pm,
3pm and 5pm
Celebrating The Wiggles 25th
birthday their Wiggle Town Tour will
have you singing and dancing along
with the latest hits and Wiggles
classics. The fab four will be joined
on stage by Dorothy the Dinosaur,
Captain Feathersword, Wags the
Dog and Henry the Octopus.
Become a Drum Theatre
‘Friend’
Become a ‘Friend of Drum Theatre’
for as little as $20 per year and
enjoy benefits, including special
discounted ticket prices, exclusive
invitations to events and offers, and
regular newsletters. Call or visit the
box office to become a friend today.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
8 the CITY
Short Cuts Film Festival
Educating Rita
Friday 3 June at 7.30pm FREE event
Wednesday 6 July 7.30pm
Celebrating and supporting the
development of the dynamic local
film industry, the festival will present
films by an array of artists, providing
a platform for local community
members, emerging artists and
accomplished industry professionals
to showcase their talent and share
their stories.
What happens when Rita, a naive
hairdresser, meets Frank, a cynical,
burnt-out English professor? She has
a thirst for knowledge, but who ends
up teaching who? Two very different
worlds collide in Willy Russell’s
charming and wonderfully entertaining
comedy classic that has been loved
by audiences for over 30 years.
SEASON
HIGHLIGHTS
AUGUST
5-6 Seussical The Musical
11-12 Annie
18 Choir of Hard Knocks
The Marriage of Figaro
Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July at
7.30pm
Drum Theatre is excited to host
Opera Australia’s world premiere
of Mozart’s brilliant opera The
Marriage of Figaro. Following the
adventures of a household over
one single day. Masters are lusting
over their servants, servants are
outwitting their masters – Figaro is
the Downton Abbey of opera. This
brand new production features
stunning costumes, a clever set,
a talented chamber orchestra
and a choir of local children who
will accompany some of Opera
Australia’s finest singers.
Free for all Tuesday:
SWAY Jazz
Tuesday 26 July at 5.30pm
FREE event
Unwind after work with the
relaxed and effortless cool groove
of SWAY Jazz. Drum Theatre
foyer and bar will transform into
a cool night spot where you will
be able to hear classic, easy
listening jazz that’s passionate
and accomplished.
Cinderella
25-27 Legally Blonde The Musical
SEPTEMBER
23-25 Beauty and the Beast Jr
OCTOBER
Friday 22 and Saturday 23 July at
7.30pm
The Victorian State Ballet brings
this timeless fairytale classic to
audiences in a magnificent full
length production. Featuring
internationally recognised artists
in leading roles, this production
promises to be an inspiring,
entertaining and memorable
experience for the whole family.
19 California Dreaming
Supergirly: Return of
the Pop Princess
Friday 29 July at 7.30pm
A musical rollercoaster that will
change the way you listen to pop
music forever. This all-singing,
all-glamour laughfest has strong
language and adult themes.
6 A Night with Colleen Hewett
14-15 The Fantastic Toyshop by
Victorian State Ballet
NOVEMBER
23-24 Christmas with Silvie Paladino
the CITY 9
community CALENDAR
JUNE
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
Social Knitwork
Dandenong Library
10am (every Wednesday)
Get Creative: Life Drawing
Heritage Hill
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 8571 1666
6
8
Toddler Time
Springvale and Dandenong
libraries
10.30am (every Monday)
Interfaith Network Tour
8.30am-3pm
Ph: 8774 7662
Combined Probus Club of
Noble Park
Club Noble
10am
Ph: 9546 2346
Top Cat Dancers Rock ‘n Roll
and Swing classes
Edinburgh Hall
7.30pm-10pm (every Tuesday)
Ph: 0413 393 345
Noble Park Community
Action Forum
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
6pm
Ph: 9701 5821
Art Series
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8pm
Ph: 1300 630 920
14
Council Meeting
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
7pm
Dandenong and District Diabetic
Support Group Meetings
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre
2pm
Ph: 9546 2346
Queen’s Birthday
Public Holiday
20
Get Creative: Art Club for
school children
Drum Theatre
4.15pm-5.45pm
Ph: 8571 1666
27
Springvale Evening View Club
Greyhounds Entertainment, View
Road, Springvale
6.30pm
Special Council Meeting
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
6.30pm
10 the CITY
21
28
English in the Community
and Workplace
Jan Wilson Community Centre
9.30am-12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
9
Conversation Circle
Dandenong Library
6pm (every Thursday)
15
Baby Bounce
Dandenong Library
10.30am (every Wednesday)
16
Business seminar: Save
Money at Tax Time
Dandenong Civic Centre
9am-10.30am
www.greaterdandenong.
com/business events
Yoga
Heritage Hill
5.10pm and 6.20pm (every
Wednesday)
Ph: 0405 427 183
22
Get Creative: Garden Melodies
with Don McQueen
Heritage Hill
10.30am-11.30am
Ph: 8571 1666
Citizenship Session
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 1300 630 920
Council Meeting
225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
7pm
Library Storytime
Springvale and Dandenong
libraries
10.30am (every Thursday)
7
Citizenship Session
Dandenong Library
6.30pm-8.30pm
Ph: 1300 630 920
13
2
Archè
Drum Theatre
7.30pm
Ph: 8571 1666
23
Playgroup
Jan Wilson
Community Centre
10am-12pm
Ph: 9795 9279
29
30
Adult Exercise Class
Jan Wilson
Community Centre
9.30am-10.30am
Ph: 9795 9279
www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar
2016
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
3
4
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
Open Day
Mackay Street, Springvale South
9am-3pm
Ph: 8571 1702
Greater Dandenong
Environment Group
Dandenong Wetlands, Stud Road,
Dandenong North
9.30am
Short Cuts Film Festival
Drum Theatre
7.30pm Free event
The Little Mermaid
10
Drum Theatre
7.30pm (show runs until 26 June)
Ph: 8571 1666
11
Robotics Workshop
Springvale Library
10am-11.30am
Ph: 1300 630 920
17
✆
City of Greater
Dandenong
8571 1000
Drum Theatre
8571 1666
Dandenong Library
1300 630 920
Heritage Hill Museum
and Historic Gardens
9793 4511
18
Emerging Writers Festival
Springvale Library, Dandenong
Library and Walker Street Gallery
24
Last day of
School Term 2
12
Model Expo 2016
Sandown Racecourse
10am-5pm (Saturday to Monday)
Minecraft Modification
Dandenong Library
10.30am-12.30pm
Ph: 1300 630 920
Creators Exhibition
Heritage Hill
Until 21 June
5
25
19
Alex WIlkie Nature Reserve
Open Day
Mackay Street, Springvale South
10am
Ph: 8571 1702
Jan Wilson
Community Centre
9795 9279
Paddy O’Donoghue
Centre
8571 1436
26
Me and My Dad:
Craftpower power sailing
Dandenong Library
2pm
Ph: 1300 630 920
Springvale Library
1300 630 920
Springers
Leisure Centre
9701 5900
The Little Mermaid
Drum Theatre
1.30pm and 7.30pm
Ph: 8571 1666
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
NO BUTTS
ABOUT GREATER
DANDENONG
‘Butt it then bin it’ is the message
being sent to smokers with the
installation of over 100 new posters
aimed at reducing cigarette butt litter
at known hotspots in Springvale,
Noble Park and Dandenong.
“Cigarette butts may be small but put
enough of them in one place and you
very quickly have a significant litter
problem,” Mayor Heang Tak said.
“In a period of just 4 hours, for
example, over 5000 cigarette butts
were collected from three locations
in Dandenong and Springvale by the
city’s street cleaners.”
Cigarette butt litter not only
contributes to unsightly streetscapes
but also adds potentially dangerous
pollutants to our local environment.
When they make their way into
our waterways the toxic chemicals
contained in butts contaminate
the water and threaten the survival
of wildlife.
Dropping cigarette butts in the street
or out of a vehicle is illegal and
offenders can be fined.
To help smokers do the right thing,
Council’s Springvale, Dandenong,
Paddy O’Donoghue and Keysborough
customer services centres are offering
free personal butt bins.
For a limited time, #MSNOBUTTS
and the Litter Prevention Officer will
also be handing out free butt bins
and educating visitors at Dandenong
Market, Springvale Multicultural Hub,
Halpin Way and Harmony Square.
This litter prevention initiative
was funded through the Victorian
Government’s Litter Hotspots Program
in partnership with Butt Free Australia.
To report littering visit
www.greaterdandenong.com/request
or phone 8571 1000.
EMERGING WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
T
he Emerging Writers’ Festival is
coming to the City of Greater
Dandenong to inspire and motivate
local storytellers.
For all comic book and graphic novel
lovers, this workshop will provide
you with the skills to create your own
visual masterpiece.
Greater Dandenong and the Emerging
Writers’ Festival have partnered to
bring a day of special events on
Saturday 18 June.
Podcasting workshop
From podcasting to comic books, you’ll
have fun experimenting with storytelling
in a series of workshops for anyone with
an interest in writing or telling a story.
For those who prefer to watch or listen,
an evening of stories, readings and live
performances will cap off the day’s events
at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre.
Emerging Writers Intensive
Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale
Street, Dandenong
11am-2pm
Want to get started as a writer but not
quite sure how to go about it? This
intensive introductory workshop will
provide you with a range of creative
skills and practical knowledge to kick
start your writing journey.
Comic Books and Graphic
Novels workshop
Springvale Library, 411 Springvale
Road, Springvale
12pm-1.30pm
DETOX
your home
A
free service to help residents
safely dispose of common toxic
household chemicals will run in Greater
Dandenong in June as part of the
Victorian Government’s ‘Detox Your
Home’ initiative.
‘Detox Your Home’ makes it easier
for people to do the right thing with
potentially dangerous chemical waste.
Keep your household safe and help
your community divert waste from
landfill by bringing your unwanted
chemicals along to a designated
collection point on Saturday 18 June
where ‘Detox Your Home’ staff will be
on hand to answer your questions.
To attend you’ll need to register
by visiting sustainability.vic.gov.au/
detoxyourhome. You’ll then receive
the location of the collection point via
email or SMS.
12 the CITY
Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale
Street, Dandenong
3pm-5pm
How can you tell stories through
sound? Learn how to write, produce
and record your very own podcast in
this audio storytelling workshop.
Off the Map and Into the Stars
A Night of Stories, Performances
and Readings
Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre,
corner Walker and Robinson streets,
Dandenong
6.30pm-8.30pm
From personal tales to poetry, join
us to hear from some of the most
exciting storytellers from the Greater
Dandenong area and beyond in an
entertaining night of performances.
All events are free but bookings are
essential. All venues are wheelchair
accessible and Auslan interpreters
can be provided upon request. Visit
www.greaterdandenong.com/arts for
more information.
What can I bring?
Common chemicals such as solvents,
poisons, cleaning products, fertilizer
and car-care products are just some of
the substances that residents can bring
along to recycle. Visit Sustainability
Victoria’s website for a full list of
accepted items, or phone Council on
8571 1000.
Please note: household paint, batteries
and fluorescent lights cannot be
accepted at this mobile collection
point. Instead, these can be taken to
permanent drop-off sites that operate
all year round in the following locations:
• Hampton Park Resource
Recovery Precinct
274 Hallam Road, Hampton Park
Ph: 9799 6277
• Monash Waste Transfer Station
& Recycling Centre
380 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill
Ph: 9518 3767
• Mornington Waste Disposal Centre
134 Watt Road, Mornington
Ph: 1300 850 600
RESPONSIBLE
CAT OWNERSHIP
O
wning a pet can provide amazing
benefits, including companionship,
stress relief and unconditional love.
Cats are popular pets for residents in the
City of Greater Dandenong, but when
owners don’t take the right measures the
feral cat population can soar.
While there are about 4000 cats
registered in the city, the reality is
that there are many more that are
not registered.
Mayor Heang Tak said taking a
responsible approach to pet ownership
ensures your cat can live a long, safe
and healthy life.
unidentifiable cats being picked up on
the streets. Nuisance cats which are
found on other people’s properties
can also be picked up and taken to
the pound.
Council offers cat traps for hire to
residents who are concerned about
cats on private property.
While Council does not impose a cat
curfew, many residents choose to
confine cats to their own properties
with the help of cat enclosures.
Pet ownership in
Greater Dandenong
He said microchipping your cat or dog
was a requirement of registration in the
City of Greater Dandenong.
•All new cats and dogs must be
microchipped before they can
be registered
“As long as your details are up to date
on the microchip, this means we can
immediately contact you if your pet
is found on the street or has been
injured,” Mayor Tak said.
•Failure to register your pet will
incur a penalty
“The peace of mind this offers pet
owners cannot be underestimated.”
•Visit www.greaterdandenong.
com/animals for more
information.
Council’s animal management team
has seen a rise in the number of
•Desexed cats and dogs
are eligible for discounted
registration fees
Cultural Threads
RETURNS
T
he City of Greater Dandenong will
celebrate textile arts and cultural
diversity through the return of Cultural
Threads in August.
The exciting program was a finalist for
Vic Health’s Building Health Through
Art Award in 2015, and promises
to deliver amazing art installations,
creative programming and fun,
interactive workshops across the City
of Greater Dandenong.
Council recently put a call out for artists
to get involved with the program,
through facilitating workshops, delivering
community-based projects or creating
temporary installations. We have received
so many interesting applications.
Through the medium of textiles,
Cultural Threads will encourage people
to connect, trade skills, share stories
and interweave their cultures.
Events will be held at various venues
across the municipality, including
Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre,
the Drum Theatre, Heritage Hill
Museum and Historic Gardens, Greater
Dandenong Libraries and Harmony
Square. In addition intricate and
colourful installations will adorn our city
for the duration of the event.
A full program of all public activities,
workshops and events will be released
soon. Visit greaterdandenong.com/
culturalthreads to keep up to date
with announcements.
IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – June 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/immunisation for more information on the upcoming
immunisation sessions:
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
1 June
10am-11.30am
McFees Road Maternal Child and Health Centre, 70A McFees Road, Dandenong North
14 June
15 June
21 June
22 June
25 June
10am-12pm
4.30pm-6.30pm
10am-10.45am
10am-12pm
10am-12pm
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
the CITY 13
business NEWS
NEW TASTY
ENTERPRISE
F
Michelle Johnson
from Melbourne
Ballet School.
riends of Refugees (FOR) in
Dandenong has launched a
catering social enterprise to provide
employment and training for asylum
seekers and refugees.
The service covers the Greater
Melbourne area and offers authentic
flavours from refugee-originating
countries such as Afghanistan, Africa,
Iran, Sri Lanka and Burma. Clients
can choose from ready to-serve food
delivered to their function, through to
a fully-catered event including set-up,
waiting and clean up.
“The feedback has been that the food
is amazing,” said FOR Founder and
CEO Sri Samy.
“We don’t ‘westernise’ the food – the
only thing we change is we don’t add
much chilli if that’s requested, but
people seem to enjoy our cooking
whether it’s hot or not.
“FOR Catering offers customers
exciting, multicultural, healthy, fresh,
homemade food and excellent service
at competitive prices. We can also
cater for all dietary requirements
whether it’s corporate, boardroom or
home events.”
Ms Samy said the social enterprise
hadn’t undertaken marketing since
it launched on World Refugee Day –
20 June 2015 – but had generated
business through FOR’s networks
and supporters.
“We do want to have regular work
to provide more employment
opportunities for migrants and
refugees, so we encourage local
businesses to contact us.
“We found that when migrants started
getting work in Australia some were
being taken advantage of and getting
paid $2-$3 an hour, so we started
this social enterprise utilising our
participants’ existing skills. It provides
practical work experience along with
English language, interview skills and
resume help.”
FOR also provides social enterprise
services such as: garden maintenance;
property management; removalist
work and social support services
including emergency relief, food aid,
family literacy programs and children’s
education support. www.for.org.au
14 the CITY
Ballet school finds right
place in Noble Park
M
ichelle Johnson’s Melbourne Ballet School has experienced
phenomenal growth since she launched it five years ago to provide
ballet, jazz and tap tuition.
In November 2015, the school moved to a permanent, dedicated studio in
Noble Park, replacing the three community centres where Ms Johnson, a
local to the area, had previously rented spaces.
“We seem to double student numbers each year. A lot of it is word-ofmouth, plus we do displays and stalls at the local festival and parents often
sign up after that.
“Our students have had many achievements over the years with a top mark
of 95 per cent in the classical ballet exam – which is graded externally – plus
we have received numerous placings in Melbourne dance competitions.
“Finding the right place was difficult but students and parents love the new
studio and location. The Mayor officially opened the new school and we ran
free classes and a barbecue to celebrate.”
Melbourne Ballet School won a Business Grant through the City of Greater
Dandenong Business Grants Program.
“The grant has allowed us to buy the tarquette dance surface which is what
the professional schools and The Australian Ballet have. It’s perfect for slip
versus grip.”
The school has added boys’ hip hop classes and singing this year and now
runs 45 classes, six days a week with four teachers employed.
Ms Johnson herself has more than 18 years experience teaching dance,
working with many different schools within Victoria before opening the
Melbourne Ballet School. She has also taught dance internationally as a
guest teacher in both Europe and Asia. www.melbourneballetschool.com.au
community NEWS
PLAY AT NOBLE PARK
PRIMARY SCHOOL
by Susan Vissenjoux, Assistant Principal
A
t Noble Park Primary School, we believe that the learning
outside complements the learning inside. Play is one of the
most important methods of learning for children. It provides the
opportunity to explore, discover, solve problems, develop their
oral language, negotiate, compromise and use imagination and
creative thought.
We are embracing ‘old fashioned’ play in our school grounds.
We introduced a ‘Playworker’ approach and trained our
staff to understand the importance of play. Our teachers
are encouraged to join in and have fun, and to support and
scaffold play. The traditional yard duty has become ‘Play
Support and Relationship Building’ and is so named in all
rosters and timetabled to embed the practice in our day to
day language. The play is as free as possible and the notion of
rules and out of bounds areas is almost non-existent.
We have redesigned our outdoor spaces to enhance the
opportunity for a wide range of play experiences. We have a
forest, a Play Pod, hills and mounds to roll down, vegetable
gardens, chooks and a ‘picking garden’. In the immediate
future we are embarking on an ambitious landscaping project to
create a woodland and expansive dry creek river bed. Children
play with sticks and water, and climb trees. We even have a fire
pit where our community can enjoy the experience of fire safely.
The impact of this practice is a harmonious space, which
visitors and new staff comment upon. Despite having many
students who have experienced trauma and challenging
circumstances many of those travails are dissipated by the
opportunities children are presented with in the yard.
role in promoting peace, harmony and
understanding in our community.
The next tour, hosted by Paperbark
Ward Councillor, Roz Blades, will run
on Wednesday 8 June.
This tour will take in visits to a Sikh
Gurdwara in Keysborough, a Jewish
synagogue in Bentleigh, a Hare Krishna
Temple in Albert Park and a Buddhist
Temple in Springvale South.
The tour will also include a
vegetarian lunch provided by
Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir, the
Hare Krishna Temple.
June Places of Worship tour
A
Tours fill quickly so be sure to book early.
re you curious about the beliefs,
histories, traditions, or practices of
the diverse faith communities found in
Greater Dandenong?
prominent local faith leaders who will
each share with you an introduction
to the religious, spiritual and practical
dimensions of their faith.
Join one of our regular Places of
Worship tours and you’ll have a unique
opportunity to listen and learn from
Tours are run by the Interfaith Network
in partnership with The City of Greater
Dandenong and play an important
For further information contact Helen
Heath on 8774 7662, 0421 829 563 or
[email protected]
The cost is $25 and payment is
required prior to the tour to confirm
your booking.
Tours depart from the Interfaith
Network Office, 39 Clow Street,
Dandenong at 8.30am.
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
“Take your tastebuds on
a trip around the world
with a tour of this vibrant
area of Melbourne. There’s
nowhere like it elsewhere in
Melbourne, Dandenong is a
multiethnic smorgasbord upon
which to feast...”
TASTE, Herald Sun
Dandenong, Dan Stock
“Melbourne
has an absolute
jewel in Greater
Dandenong. I just love the
diversity and every time I
come out there’s something
beautiful, different, exotic…”
GREAT BITES
Maeve O’Meara,
SBS Food Safari
There is so
much more,
right on your
doorstep...
greaterdandenong.com/visit
A city connected by food