N ovember — D ecember 2013
Banner Banyule
P3 MA INTA INING OUR ROA D S A N D F O OT PAT H S • P5 S C O OT E R S KIL L S P9 A RTFUL RE L ATION S H IPS • p 1 0 MA L A H A N G F E S T IVA L P 13 HA PP Y NA P PIE S • P1 6 C H R IS T MA S IN B A N YU L E
The Heidelb e r g A l l sta r s • page 1 9
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Mayor’s Message
I was delighted by our recent win in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) upholding our decision to refuse a development application for the iconic Banyule Homestead. It’s a win for the community and the environment given the homestead’s location adjacent to the environmentally significant Banyule Flats. The original development proposal involved retaining the homestead, building three townhouses and subdividing the land into four lots – one for each of the buildings. Vegetation removal was also proposed. We received 37 objections, as well as a petition opposing the development, and in October 2012 refused the permit on 12 grounds. In refusing the developer’s appeal, VCAT acknowledged the land’s heritage and environmental constraints. In other development news, Banyule has now bought the three former school sites in Heidelberg Heights, Bellfield and Ivanhoe from the State Government. These sites have stood empty and subject to vandalism for more than two years. Buying these sites has given us a unique opportunity to gain ownership of important community facilities and lead local planning outcomes that will assist in offsetting some of the costs of buying and refurbishing these community facilities.
We are currently undertaking preliminary design and master planning for each site. Careful planning is required to respond to existing site conditions, local context and community needs, and a variety of housing forms are therefore being considered. We will be keeping you, and particularly local residents, informed through a combination of letter drops, community meetings and updates on our website. If you have questions or want to discuss this project, you can call Shaun Barber, our Manager School Sites Redevelopment Project on 9490 4222, or email him at shaun.barber@banyule.vic.gov.au. As part of our vision for Building a Better Banyule, we have now started planning for a new office above WaterMarc at Greensborough, which would consolidate most of our staff in one building as opposed to the current three. To this end, we are also planning for the potential sale of our Rosanna office in the next four years. In response to community feedback we are holding a series of informal local sessions where you can meet your local councillor, find out about Council services and activities, and have your questions answered. Fourteen events will be held over the next 12 months, two per ward, including at our new outdoor Movies on the Move program (see page 11). This is my last Mayoral column in the Banyule Banner, with the Mayoral Election occurring on 11 November at our Council Meeting. Thank you for all your support over the last 12 months. I wish you, on behalf of my fellow Councillors and Council staff, a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for a safe and happy festive season. Cr Wayne Phillips Mayor
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Summer hours Council is operating normal business hours over summer with the following exceptions: • Tuesday 24 December - 8.30am to Midday (including the Transfer Station) • Wednesday 25 December, Christmas day - Closed • Thursday 26 December, Boxing Day - Closed • Saturday 28 December - Closed • Wednesday 1 January 2013, New Year’s Day - Closed • Monday 27 January, Australia Day Public Holiday - Closed For urgent matters you can still reach our after hours service by calling us on 9490 4222. Check with our gyms, aquatic centres, childcare centres and other facilities for individual operating hours over summer. Any waste, recycling and green waste collection on or immediately after Christmas Day will be picked up the following day.
2014 Council Meetings Council Meetings, which are open to the public, start at 7.45pm and are preceded by an open forum at 7.30pm, which can run until 8pm if required, for questions or brief comments from the public. If you want to speak to an item on the Agenda complete a Request to Speak form available from our service centres or website. Agendas are available for viewing from Noon on the Friday preceding the Meeting from our service centres, libraries and website. All Ordinary Council Meetings are held in Council Chambers, 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe. Meeting dates for 2014 are: 3, 17 February; 3, 17, 31 March; 14 April; 5, 19 May; 2, 23 June; 7, 21 July; 4, 18 August; 1, 15 September; 6, 20 October; 10, 17 November, with the 17th a special meeting for the Mayoral election; and 1, 15 December.
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Maintaining a path to Sydney all within Banyule Did you know that our people look after nearly 1,000 kilometres of roadside footpaths which if placed end to end would stretch from Melbourne to Sydney along the east coast route? We also maintain a combined length of 550 kilometres of roads - enough to take you from Melbourne to Mildura if placed end to end. The overall management of Banyule’s major arterial roads, such as Rosanna Road, Greensborough Highway and Bell Street, is the responsibility of VicRoads. This financial year, Banyule Council will spend $1.7 million in repairing and replacing footpaths, roads, signage, street furniture and line markings. It’s all part of Building a Better Banyule. It’s a full time job ensuring that our important local thoroughfares, particularly those that take the highest road or foot traffic, are inspected regularly and are in good order.
Every repair or replacement defect is marked on detailed maps of Banyule, with markers progressing from red to yellow and finally green as maintenance teams complete the work required. In the cases of extreme defects, our crews provide a temporary fix until the more substantial repair work can be scheduled. Apart from identifying maintenance or replacement work via regular inspections, Council also logs every resident’s report of a pot hole, uneven footpath, vandalised sign, broken bench or faded line marking. So when next you venture out in Banyule, keep an eye out for repair teams working to make our roads and footpaths safer for all - residents and visitors alike. left: Rob smoothes out one section of Banyule's 1,000 kilometres of footpath.
Carsharing comes to Banyule If you only need a car occasionally car sharing is the way to go. Cheaper than owning a car, Flexicar offers more than 160 energy efficient vehicles, all less than three years old and available at locations only pay a small annual insurance fee • Westley Ave near corner with across Melbourne. before renting cars by the hour or day, Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe New to Banyule, Flexicar is launching with rates including all maintenance • Outside 86 Mount St, Heidelberg with two cars in Heidelberg and two and running costs, including petrol. in Ivanhoe. Vehicles can be booked • Burgundy St near corner with Flexicars are now available in online, or over the phone and then Stradbroke Ave, Heidelberg Banyule at: accessed from an allocated parking For more information visit space using a membership smartcard. • Kenilworth Pde near corner with www.flexicar.com.au or contact us Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe Joining the service is free and you on 9490 4222.
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Ward Rounds Cr Craig Langdon Olympia Ward There’s a grass roots revolution in postcode 3081. After a very successful eight year Heidelberg West Neighbourhood Renewal program, which ended on 30 June, a new resident formed group 3081 Connect - is continuing the work to build a vibrant, healthy and connected community. Neighbourhood Renewal brought many physical improvements, empowered people to solve problems and, perhaps most importantly, inspired the type of community spirit that led to 3081 Connect. With the support and participation of local agencies, such as Council, the Community Health Centre, Police, Olympic Adult Education and the Department of Human Services, residents have formed working groups to develop festival and events, and work on issues of safety, housing and health. 3081 Connect is also advocating – and teaching others to advocate – for individuals and the community as a whole.
4 It is a very concrete way of getting resident voices heard and is led by 3081 Connect Chairperson, Rachael Wightman, and Secretary, Helen Murphy, who are pictured with me. There are now over 60 residents involved and everyone is welcome to attend its bimonthly meetings, with the next from 4-6pm on Thursday 28 November, Banyule Community Health, 21 Alamein Road, Heidelberg West. Learn more about 3081 Connect, ask questions, raise an issue and get involved with your local community! If you want to contact me, I’m available on 0401 097 032 or via craig.langdon@banyule.vic.gov.au
Shower before you swim and stop Cryptosporidium Did you know that it’s important to shower and wash with warm water and soap before swimming in pools? This is because if you or a child are infected with parasites such as Cryptosporidium they can be transmitted directly into swimming pool water. Cryptosporidium causes gastroenteritis and is not prevented by regular chlorine treatment. Others can be infected by swallowing contaminated water, including water from
public swimming pools, back yard swimming pools, water tanks, creeks, and dams. It is also spread when people don’t wash their hands properly after going to the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, bloating, vomiting and fever. If you suspect you or a family member may have a gastro illness, don’t go swimming and see your doctor. Remember, don’t swim for 14 days after gastro symptoms stop.
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Saving lives this summer Children drown quickly and quietly and drowning is one of the leading causes of death for Australian children under five years of age, with swimming pools accounting for approximately 38% of these deaths. As part of our commitment to community safety we have joined the Play it Safe by the Water ‘Closing the Gate on Backyard Pool Drowning’ campaign. The campaign, headed by Kidsafe Victoria, is encouraging all pool owners to check the safety of their pool area. Banyule has more than 1,000 backyard pools/spas. This includes checking for common faults and non-compliance issues such as: • Gates that don’t self-latch or self-close. • Climbable objects near the pool fence, for example pot plants, chairs, pool pumps. • Excess space under the fence. • Misuse of fencing, such as propping pool gates open. There are great tips, checklists and information on regularly checking and maintaining your pool on the Kidsafe website at www.kidsafevic.com.au
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Scooter opens up life Enrolling in ‘scooter school’ has given Philip Barbeta, 89, of Heidelberg, a new lease on life and enabled him to once again go to Church or the shops. After suffering a stroke, Philip, pictured, had become virtually housebound. However, Austin Health’s scooter clinic helped him find a scooter to suit his needs and taught him to use it safely. Scooter use is becoming more popular as older people want to remain active and independent. Mobility outside the home is essential for social inclusion and is associated with many positive health indicators, such as improved quality of life. However, like driving
a car, many skills are required, such as adequate vision, strength, co-ordination, balance and memory. Austin Health’s Occupational Therapy Department’s scooter assessment and training clinic is a free (waiting times may apply depending on demand) service for current and potential scooter users. It is available for all ages if you live no more than 30 minutes from the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. If you or someone you know is interested in exploring the idea of a scooter, or would like a refresher on safe scooter use, contact the Scooter Clinic on 9496 4049.
Support for Police Showband
Banyule Council has written to “We are also writing to all Victorian the Minister for Police, Chief councils asking for their support Commissioner of Police, and local in lobbying for the retention of State Members of Parliament voicing the Police Showband and I would its objection to the disbanding of the encourage every member of our Victoria Police Showband, citing it as community to write to the Minister a major loss to the Banyule and wider for Police and their local Member of Victorian community. Parliament in support of retaining this important community asset,” The Mayor, Cr Wayne Phillips, said Cr Phillips said. the band was a popular, vibrant and left: The Victoria Police Showband dynamic group that had supported has entertained and delighted the Banyule community for many members of the Banyule community years, performing at varied events for many years, including at including the annual Banyule Seniors Festival. The band performs jazz, swing, last month’s Banyule Seniors Festival launch. contemporary pop and music from musicals and light opera.
Free child restraint safety checks
National child restraint laws, introduced in Victoria in November 2009, require all children under seven to be restrained in an approved child restraint or booster seat suitable for their age and size. The sessions are being held from 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday 16 November 2013 in the Diamond Village Shopping Centre carpark, corner Nepean Street and Medbury Avenue, Greensborough.
Have your child car restraints, harnesses and booster seats checked for safety and correct fit in just 10 to 15 minutes and for free. In conjunction with the Victorian Community Road Safety Partnership Program, we are holding these free sessions to help you find out if your child restraints meet legal requirements and to keep your chidren as safe as possible.
Image Copyright 2013 VicRoads.
Bookings are essential and places are limited. Call us on 9490 4222 to secure your free check – for your peace of mind and your children’s safety.
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Ward Rounds
It’s a date! join us for our biggest community festival Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, roll up, roll up for Banyule’s biggest weekend of music, arts and fun at Sills Bend in Heidelberg. Book the dates in your 2014 diary! We’ll bring you all the details in the February 2014 Banner. Twilight Sounds - Saturday 22 March, from 5pm Sit back on the grass and be entertained by a line-up of impressive Australian musicians. We’ll have local bands, the next big thing and a headline act that will blow your socks off! Kids ArtyFarty Fest - Sunday 23 March, 11am-4pm There’s something for kids and the kid in all of us at this impressive and enormous arts festival by the river. Things to do, things to see, things
Planning new zones The State Government has produced new residential zones for planning schemes and given Councils until July 2014 to consider how they are used.
to make, stuff to take home, rides, workshops, bands and much more. So bring the whole family and come get noisy, messy and arty! Would you like to be part of the festival? We’re looking for market stalls and food stalls for both events. Stall holders need to sell food and wares suitable for a family audience. Visit our website to fill in an online application form. Performers, musicians, artists and workshop providers interested in participating in either event can email their interest and details to Roland Fraval, Festival Coordinator, at roland.fraval@banyule.vic.gov.au above:
Enjoy all the colour and fun of our festival events, including Kids ArtyFarty Festival.
In the coming months we will be considering how these new residential zones (search ‘new zones’ at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au) may be applied to the Banyule Planning Scheme. We will use our Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Strategy as a starting point to determine the new zones.
What’s Cookin’ in Bakewell Cr Mark Di Pasquale Bakewell Ward We are fortunate in Bakewell to enjoy all that the Plenty River offers as it winds along our border with Beale Ward.The river is a focus for recreation and relaxation in our urban environment, enhancing health and wellbeing.The Plenty River Trail attracts walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. The health of this community asset has substantially improved with the completion of our Stormwater Harvesting Project, a unique partnership between Banyule Council and the Victorian and Australian Governments. While we don’t have a stormwater harvesting site in Bakewell, the Plenty River and its flora and fauna, including platypus, will benefit greatly from work at Kalparrin Gardens. Each year, stormwater harvesting at this site will remove approximately 50 tonnes of litter, 120 tonnes sediment, 700 kilograms nitrogen and 200 kilograms phosphorous from stormwater flows into Kalparrin Lake and the Plenty and Yarra Rivers. It will harvest 43 million litres of stormwater each year to irrigate parks and ovals in Greensborough, saving the cost of buying precious tap water. I’m sure that the next time you walk along our beautiful Plenty River you will agree that this major $1.9 million project at Kalparrin is an environmental and financial winner, delivering benefits for us all well into the future. If you want to contact me, I’m available on 0481 002 299 or via mark.dipasquale@banyule.vic.gov.au
There are also overlays and other controls already in the Banyule Planning Scheme that may be useful too. More information about our planning strategies is available on our website by searching ‘planning’ or by calling us on 9490 4222.
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Farming worms is child’s play It’s not often that the words ‘children’ and ‘worms’ go well together but when we’re talking gardening, it’s a match made in heaven. Children at our St Hellier Street Children’s Centre are now tending a worm farm donated by Bunnings Warehouse Northland. The centre is proud of its sustainable practices, which include a vegetable garden that children help plant and maintain. They also pick the produce for use in their meals. Centre Coordinator Amy Heritage said: “The children love nature and being involved in sustainable activities whilst learning new things.” The centre caters for 42 children per day, aged up to 5 years old, and runs a funded 4 year old kinder program Tuesday to Friday. Council’s other centres - Joyce Avenue Children’s Centre, Morobe Street Children’s Centre, Audrey Brooks Memorial Preschool and Olympic Village Preschool - also incorporate sustainable activities
above:
Meagan Lewis, Activities Organiser with Bunnings, recruited Sean, 4, and Claudia, 5, to show children what food scraps could be fed to the worms.
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Leading sustainably Would you like to help lead sustainable initiatives in your community? If so, the Sustainable Homes and Community Program wants to hear from you and offer you free training. The Community Leaders program will provide skills and training in project management, leadership, grant writing, effective marketing community group member recruitment and advocacy. Eight weekly training sessions will build on skills developed in previous sessions. It is hoped the program will provide ongoing value by allowing community groups to lead their own sustainability initiatives. For example, a local group may be able to provide help to its members in finding the best clean energy deals available. It will run from 1 February to 22 March 2014. Because this is a joint program with Darebin City Council, you can attend the course at either Ivanhoe Town Hall on Saturday afternoons or Darebin City Hall in Preston on Tuesday evenings. Express your interest to Samantha Green on 8470 8373 or via samantha.green@darebin.vic.gov.au. For more information visit www.sustainablecommunities.vic.gov.au
Grow your own and harvest a feast In just one year Mala Plymin of Macleod, went from knowing nothing about gardening to becoming a home grower supplying zucchinis and silverbeet to our annual Home Harvest Feast. Now, with a front garden full of veggies and fruit trees, Mala is encouraging others to ‘grow their own’ and sign up to supply produce for the feast on 16 March 2014. A joint initiative between Banyule and Nillumbik, March’s Harvest Month is full of local food activities and events.
Mala is proof that no matter what your experience or how green your fingers, you can get growing and enjoy the fruits of your labour as a guest at the feast where trained cooks turn your produce into culinary delights. “It was amazing to see all our produce - all food from people’s gardens - turned into such a great meal. The curries were delicious,” she said. The speed of Mala’s conversion from “knowing nothing” to becoming an ardent home grower is not lost
on her. “Seriously, I never thought I’d be shovelling horse poo and having compost bins in my garden, let alone supplying an event like this.” Go to our website and search ‘home harvest’ to view images of last year’s feast and register as a home grower at www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au. above: Last
year’s Home Harvest Feast.
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Ward Rounds Cr Steven Briffa Hawdon Ward Montmorency Junior Football Club is one of Banyule’s most vibrant sporting groups, fielding 19 junior teams last season. However, it has never had a properly equipped ground, and as a long-time advocate of the Club, I’m thrilled that we are about to start work on the redevelopment of the Simms Road Reserve where they train and play. The playing area will levelled and enlarged and a low water playing surface and efficient irrigation system installed. A new pavilion, built to meet AFL guidelines, will house change rooms, an umpires’ room, a kitchen, storeroom and, budget permitting, external toilets. It is hoped a social room can be added at a later date. More parking will be created on the river side of the reserve, with a footbridge to the ground. These changes will transform the reserve and reward a justly deserving club, which is currently making do with shipping containers.
Schooling kids to walk
They will also benefit the Monty Cricket Club and open up the ground as an overflow facility for the senior footballers. Council is contributing $800,000, while the Monty Junior Football Club has raised a huge $100,000, and the Monty Cricket Club has put in $5,000. Work to transform this important community facility starts soon and we hope it will be finished in time for the first bounce of next
We are working with local primary schools to promote this year’s Walk to School campaign which encourages children across Victoria to walk to and from school every day during November. We have partnered with the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) to promote this initiative in Banyule, raising awareness about the need for children to make walking part of their daily routine to improve fitness, friendships, their confidence and the environment. The proportion of Victorian children walking to school has declined dramatically in recent decades and obesity levels are on the rise. Walk to School is free, fun and there are fantastic prizes up for grabs. Find out more at www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au
year’s football season. I’m pictured with Club Secretary Sue Clarke. If you want to contact me, I’m available on 0429 807 052 or via steven.briffa@banyule.vic.gov.au
Win a street party To celebrate Neighbour Day on 30 March 2014 we are giving you the chance to win a Street Party, including $500 towards food, drinks, children's activities and equipment. More details on our website. To enter, write in 100 words or less why your street should be chosen. Entries must be received online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ winastreetparty by 31 January 2014. If you would like to host your own street party download our comprehensive Neighbourhood Street Party Kit from our website.
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Art captures special relationships Linda Gifford’s 87-year-old great wrote on the back of her painting: grandfather Ronald, or Poppy as she “This is a painting of me with my calls him, is special to her for many Poppy. My Poppy is special because reasons including his ‘good stories’ he was in the War. I love gardening about his life and their shared love of with my Poppy.” gardening. The competition was held in the Linda, 9, of Heidelberg Heights, spent lead up to October’s Seniors Festival two afternoons creating her artwork, so that Banyule’s children could with her efforts winning first prize in recognise the special older people in our children’s art competition. She their lives. It attracted 29 entries. Congratulations to all entrants for below: Linda with her Poppy. their amazing work and to Paige Bukovsan, 6, of Eaglemont, who won second prize and Audrey Young, 5, of Watsonia, who won third prize. To view all the wonderful entries, visit our website and search ‘children’s art competition’.
above:
Paige’s drawing of her Nanna. painting of her Poppy. left: Audrey’s drawing of her great grandmother.
top: Linda’s
Local artists make finals Two local artists, Connor Grogan and Wayne Viney, both of Ivanhoe, are among 29 finalists in Banyule’s national biennial Award for Works on Paper, with this year’s theme Of Light - Reflections on Colour. “My work explores the fractural qualities of light and colour,” Connor said of his work while Wayne said his work referenced landscape: “It has gradually moved away from a more literal depiction to a simplified format where land has become a thick central band, dividing sky and water.” The 29 finalists were selected from 178 entries from across Australia who vied for the $4,000 acquisitive prize, which at the time this edition
of the Banyule Banner went to press hadn’t been judged. View the work of the winner and all finalists at the free exhibition until 14 December, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm at Hatch Contemporary Arts Space, 14 Ivanhoe Parade, Ivanhoe. The exhibition is accompanied by satellite events, including workshops and talks based around the theme of light and colour, with the program on our website. You can also vote for The People’s Choice Award, with a cash prize of $500 for the winning artist, either at the exhibition or on our website. left: Connor GROGAN - White Light (2013) Graphite, oil and collage on paper, 106 x 75 cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
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Malahang Community Festival Sunday 17 November 2013, 10am - 4pm Malahang Reserve, Southern Road Heidelberg West This year we are celebrating a festival theme of ‘Carnival’ with Latin sounds, dance, colour, life and energy for all to enjoy. It will be an exciting day for the whole family with music, games, competitions, stalls, food and information. Bring along a picnic or grab a sausage from the community BBQ and sit back and enjoy the entertainment or get involved in an activity. The festival line-up includes live music, roving performers, games, sport clinics, skate competitions, art workshops, activities, police vehicles, a fire engine and much, much more!
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Local performers
The Salsa Foundation
include Heidi Everitt, Kathleen Cranage, The Keynote Singers and the Rhythm of Life African Drumming group who will run free drumming workshops.
with its authentic Latin sounds, will entertain you with their exciting brand of dance and provide free salsa lessons.
T3081 Fresh Food Swap Do you have too many lemons but would really like some strawberries? Bring along your home grown produce and visit the volunteers from Transition Towns in the Environment and Sustainability area to make a swap from 10am to 11am.
Jets FReeZA stage is new to the Festival this year and will feature some of the best young local musical talent and will be a youth activity hub. There will also be skate and scooter comps and a special performance from the Freestyle Academy, featuring a hip hop dance battle on the skate park, followed by interactive workshops where you can try your hand at dance and street art.
Community Busking Pitch Are you an up and coming singersongwriter, do you like to read and write poetry or can you play the harmonica? Show us your talent on the Community Busking Pitch - no bookings, first in best dressed!
Safety Festival There will be representatives from the police, fire, SES, ambulance and other services to answer your questions and give great safety advice. For more information, check out our website. above: Images
from last year's Malahang Festival
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FREE summer fun starts now! With summer nearly here, we’re delivering a host of family friendly events to get you out and about in Banyule without hurting your hip pocket! Our free or low cost events mean there’s no excuse not to enjoy our new outdoor movie program, Movies on the Move, iconic festivals such as the Malahang Community Festival, family picnics, bike maintenance sessions and more. Remember to pick up your free summer edition of our event guide, The Banyule Little Book of Things to Do, available at the end of November from our Greensborough, Ivanhoe and Rosanna Customer Service Centres.
Movies on the Move Enjoy a series of free family friendly outdoor movies across Banyule, which include fun activities and run each month until April 2014. Cut out the panel on your right and stick it on your fridge! The screening of The Sapphires on Saturday 23 November will also feature the Nymphs, a Melbournebased vocal quartet combining influences of ‘40s jazz, ‘50s swing and early ‘60s pop. With such a great movie and the Nymphs’ vintage glamour and edgy sound it’s a night not to be missed! And then on 7 December, the kids will love the Christmas movie hit Arthur Christmas, at Ivanhoe Park!
Family picnic at Ford Park Sunday 10 November, 10.30am1.30pm, Ford Park, corner Davidson and Perkins Streets, Bellfield. Pack a picnic, enjoy life size games, live music and the mobile Pod, with its high quality play materials for young and old to get creative. Win a $50 gift voucher for the best picnic hamper or enjoy a sausage sizzle from a local community club. All welcome, no bookings required.
Bike maintenance Tuesday 14 January, 10.30am11.30am, Watsonia Library. The Banyule Bicycle User Group will provide free maintenance and safety checks on your bike and there will be bicycle accessory give a ways (one per person).
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A cut above The annual Artists on Were Street competition in Montmorency attracted 36 artists, with artist Roma McLaughlin taking out the title for her paper cut ‘Saturday Morning in Were Street’. While Roma, a professional artist, lives in Box Hill she is a frequent visitor to Monty as her daughter and son in law, and their dog Frankie, who are pictured in the paper cut, live there. “I created the work after having a morning coffee in Were Street one sunny Saturday morning in winter. When I visit my family I love to have a coffee and soak up the Monty atmosphere,” Roma said.
Ward Rounds Cr Rick Garotti Grimshaw Ward I recently attended Watsonia Library (pictured right) to launch their innovative geocaching program, a real-world outdoor treasure hunt using GPS enabled devices. It’s a game families can play together and the library is also conducting classes and workshops and inviting local schools, clubs and the general public to participate. It’s amazing to see just how much, other than books, our local libraries now offer. There’s literally a world to discover. Last financial year, Watsonia Library, which opened in 1988, loaned 408,600 items, welcomed 127,000 visits, and hosted events that attracted 10,300 people. Last year
a Japanese friendship garden was created at the library with support from the Australia-Japan Foundation and Banyule City Council. The garden is a wonderful space where people can read, relax and meet friends. The future for the library is looking bright, with Council looking at a range of capital works programs for inclusion in next year’s budget and for completion in 2014/15. It is a fabulous and much loved community asset, where great things happen and I’m really looking forward to working with the library to make it an even better community space. If you haven’t been to one of our libraries for a while, I encourage you to join up and enter a world of discovery and activity. If you want to contact me, I’m available on 0402 846 845 or via rick.garotti@banyule.vic.gov.au
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Great tomato taste off
A nappier choice! Using only disposable nappies - approximately 5,000 per child between birth and three years old - could cost you as much as $4,500 and come at a high cost to the environment. Each of Banyule’s 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres is providing a nappy education stand demonstrating more sustainable options. The stands feature the most popular cloth nappies on the market as well as brochures about sustainable nappies. In Banyule, approximately 8-10% of all waste going to landfill comprises disposable nappies. To set up for full time use with reusable modern cloth nappies you need approximately 24 nappies,
costing between $400 and $1,000. Even using a mix of cloth nappies and disposable nappies, depending on your needs, is more sustainable. The nappy displays allow parents to see and feel cloth nappies, helping them choose the variety that best suits their baby. Flushable liners can also be used with the nappies. For more information about cloth nappies or to attend monthly information sessions visit www.thenappyexperts.com or call them on 1300 801 813. You can also download a ‘green babies fact sheet’ at www.sustainablecommunities.vic.gov.au above: These
mums and babies at the Viewbank Maternal and Child Health centre are just some of the advocates for today’s modern cloth nappies.
Do you love veggie gardening, new tips and good company? Then visit your local Food Swap and get inspired for next February’s Tomato Taste Off - a celebration of the superior flavour of home grown tomatoes. The Tomato Taste Off is part of the February Montmorency Food Swap on Sunday 2 February 2014 in Were Street, Montmorency. Food Swaps take place once a month and involve people bringing their own backyard produce, such as seedlings, recipes, preserves or eggs, and swapping produce with other backyard growers. No money is involved. In Banyule they are: • 1st Saturday at Olympic Village, Heidelberg West, 10am-1am. • 1st Sunday at Montmorency Primary School, 10.30am-11.30am. • 2nd Saturday at Diamond Valley Library, Greensborough, 10am-11.30 am • 3rd Saturday at Macleod, park rotunda, nr Railway Station 11am-Noon. For more information visit www.localfoodconnect.org.au
Join the recycling rumble Ever wondered where all those empty recyclable baked bean tins, jam jars and plastic milk bottles go when they are emptied from your recycling bin or what to do with your old computer monitor? Come and find out at our Rethink Centre. Enter the depths of a Material Recovery Facility, with its many trommels and conveyor belts,
and see it shake and rattle as it separates recyclable packaging waste into material types ready for new life as recycled plastic products, food and drink cans, bottles and jars. This special event, during National Recycling Week, is on from 6pm-7.30pm on Wednesday 13 November at our Rethink Education Centre and the Visy Recycling
Material Recovery Facility located on the corner of Waterdale Road and Banksia Street, Bellfield. There are only 50 places available so book now on 9490 4222. A waste wise light supper will be provided so let us know any special dietary requirements when you book.
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Fire season – be prepared Each year, usually in early November, our Fire Prevention Officer inspects properties across Banyule to help reduce the risks associated with the fire danger period over summer. Properties considered a fire hazard are given a fire prevention notice requiring owners to clean them up within 14 days of receiving the notice. If the work is not undertaken in this time, a private contractor can be employed to do the work, with the property owner invoiced and potentially fined. It is essential you clear and maintain your property, particularly vacant blocks. In October, you should have inspected your property and cut back and removed all grass, weeds and undergrowth; in November, you should re-cut if necessary; and from December to March, the most crucial period, you should continue to keep your land in a fire safe condition. Also, reduce materials around your home that could fuel a fire and minimise risk by stacking wood away from the house, cleaning out gutters, and checking smoke alarms. Residents are not allowed to use incinerators or burn off in the open air unless they obtain a permit, which is only available for large properties. For information on permits for burning off, skips and hard waste collection call us on 9490 4222. For more information on getting fire ready, visit the Country Fire Authority’s website at www.cfa. vic.gov.au; the Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s site at www.mfb.vic.gov. au; or cal The Victorian Bushfire Information Line on1800 240 667.
14 Ward Rounds Cr Tom Melican Ibbott Ward The busy Macleod Shopping Village in Aberdeen Road now has an improved outlook with the refurbishment of Macleod Park. This lovely and popular park between the Village and railway station is a place of relaxation and recreation for all ages. The free barbecue has been replaced and new picnic tables installed near the children’s playground. With the variety of traders in the Village, from butchers to bakers and greengrocers, it’s easy to buy your feast locally and enjoy it in the park. The iconic rotunda has also had a facelift and I’m sure, with its electricity supply, will soon be in demand for functions, including weddings and family reunions, with bookings taken through Council. New landscaping has also given the
9490 4222 park a very welcoming feel. The rotunda is also home to Sustainable Macleod’s food swap on the third Saturday of each month from 11am to noon. Even during winter, the swap attracted enthusiastic home producers with 33 kilos of fruit and vegetables, 36 bunches of herbs, 63 packets of seeds, 14 jars of preserves, 137 plants and 17 kilos of fertiliser swapped during one event in July. Isn’t it time you discovered all that Macleod Park and Macleod Village offers? If you want to contact me, I’m available on 0413 043 015 or via tom.melican@banyule.vic.gov.au
Keep your cool in a heatwave • Drink plenty of water (if your Summer last year saw record high doctor normally limits your fluids, temperatures resulting in five heat check how much to drink during health alerts issued in Banyule, hot weather). including as early as November 2012. While heatwaves can affect anybody, • Keep cool - spend as much time as possible in cool or air‑conditioned including the young and healthy, buildings. people most at risk are those aged 65 and over, people with medical • Stay out of the sun or stay in the conditions and people taking shade and wear a hat and light, medicines affecting the way their loose-fitting clothing. body reacts to heat. If you feel unwell in the heat contact The Better Health Channel now your doctor or call Nurse-On-Call has a mobile application to help all on 1300 60 60 24. In life-threatening Victorians remain as healthy as they emergencies dial 000. can and has a customised health For more information visit our alert - www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au website and search ‘heatwaves’. During a heatwave remember to: • Look after yourself and keep in touch with others.
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9490 4222 left: A taxi caught in Macleod Park during the Christmas Day floods of 2011. The photo was taken by local resident Greg Flynn. below:
Extreme rainfall and flooding While the approach of summer brings thoughts of bushfires, it’s also important to remember that warmer weather can also bring extreme rainfall events. While storms can happen at any time, the months of November to February are notorious for storm events, such as that on Christmas Day 2011. It’s a very good idea to prepare by checking your private drainage systems are functioning well, and that your gutters, down pipes and pits are cleared of leaves and debris.
In the event of a blockage, it’s important that excess stormwater can escape via an appropriate overland flow path. Tree roots, leaves, gravel from paths and driveways and mulch from garden beds are common causes of blockages within drainage systems. Help reduce the risk of flooding by calling us on 9490 4222 to report blocked pits in roadways and the public drainage network.
Your house number could be a lifesaver
By law, house numbers must be displayed on your property, including vacant land, and it is recommended that they are at least 75mm high,
In an emergency, the ability of police, fire and rescue workers to see the number of your home could be the difference between life or death. Finding your home, especially at night, can be challenging if your house number is unreadable, hidden, unlit or missing numbers. This could stop emergency services from getting to you as quickly as possible.
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A street drain inlet blocked by debris.
Banyule’s drainage network is not designed to cope with extreme rainfall and when it occurs stormwater will flow overland, possibly through private properties in low lying areas. If you live in a low lying area, keep stormwater flow paths clear and free of obstructions. In known flood areas, permeable fencing allows water to pass through without backing up. Remember that playing in floodwater is dangerous. There is a risk of drowning as well as injury or illness from the chemicals, raw sewage, dead animals, garbage and sharp debris that can be found in it. For emergency help during extreme weather events call the State Emergency Service on 132 500. Visit www.ses.vic.gov.au for more information on preparing for floods.
reflective and can be seen from the road by traffic approaching from any direction.
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Christmas in Banyule
Lighting up Christmas With Christmas just around the corner, residents in one pocket of Ivanhoe are gearing up for another fantastic and magical Boulevard lightshow. Running for more than 60 years, and one of Melbourne’s longest standing Christmas traditions, children and adults alike gaze in awe and wonder at the houses, gardens and windows illuminated by creative displays of Christmas lights, often with accompanying music. Boulevard Lights runs each night from Saturday 14 December to Tuesday 24 December, 8.30pm11pm. Walking along The Boulevard is the best way to experience the spirit of the lights, although cars can travel the road’s length via a one way system. Entertainment and refreshments are available. The lights are turned off at 11pm each night, including Christmas Eve, so plan your visit during the official dates and times. For more information and how best to view the lights, whether you are walking, cycling, catching a train or driving there, visit our website - just search for ‘Boulevard Lights’.
Carols by Candlelight Saturday 14 December, Greensborough Walk and Town Square opposite WaterMarc. Gates open at 6.30pm with pre-show entertainment and activities including Santa’s reindeer animal farm and workshops. The main stage show starts at 7.30pm and ends at 9.30pm. Save the date and check our website for more details closer to the day.
Charitable cards Buy Christmas cards that give in more ways than one by browsing over 100 cards from 22 different charities that are now available at Banyule Support and Information Centre, 101 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg. The centre is open from 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am1pm each Saturday in December prior to Christmas Day.
Calling for toy donations Make a difference to a disadvantaged child in your community by donating a gift this Christmas. From November, donations of quality toys and books (sorry, no soft toys) are sought for Banyule’s annual Toys for Tots program for babies to 12-year-olds. Donations can be made at our Greensborough, Ivanhoe and Rosanna Customer Service centres, as well as WaterMarc, Ivanhoe Aquatic and the Heidelberg and East Ivanhoe Community Bank Branches. The toys are wrapped by volunteers and distributed to disadvantaged children at Christmas. For more information, call Kate Beckford on 9457 9944 or visit our website.
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Christmas events while you shop Banyule’s shopping strips are once again offering a host of free family events in the lead up to Christmas, including: Greensborough Town Centre: In December, enjoy the sounds of Christmas music in the streets of Greensborough. Santa will visit Main and Grimshaw Streets with give-aways and sweets from 10.30am-1.30pm, 16-24 December. On Saturday night, 14 December Santa and Mrs Claus will visit restaurants and cafes in the strip centre along with other entertainment. There's also lots more at Greensborough Plaza. Macleod Village Christmas Fair: On Saturday 7 December, 10am-3pm, enjoy an animal farm, jumping castle, carnival rides, fairy floss, show bags, and more. Santa will visit and one lucky boy or girl will win a bike.
The newly refurbished Macleod Park rotunda will host performances and great entertainment for all ages. www.macleodvillageshopping.com.au A Merry Monty Christmas: On Saturday 7 December, from 10am-2pm, enjoy all the Christmas activities at Montmorency including, The Annual Santa Toy Run; music from the Scrimshaw Four, Black Cat Bone and local school choirs; the Big Red Fire Engine; roving Santa and Kandy Kane; belly dancing; a Santa stone statue and free family fun and giveaways. www. montmorencyshoppingvillage.com.au Lower Plenty: Check out the big surprise Christmas box on Saturday 14 December, 10am-noon, with four big surprises to be given away to unsuspecting shoppers. There will also be face painting, balloons and children’s fun. www.lowerplentycentre.com.au
Watsonia: Santa will be visiting Watsonia with children’s giveaways and loads of fun, including a roving Tallest Christmas Tree and Christmas carols by Holly & Ivies, in December on: Saturday 7, 10am-12.30pm; Thursday 12 and Friday 13, 3pm5.30pm; Saturday 14, 10am-12.30pm; Thursday 19 and Friday 20, 3pm-5.30pm; and Saturday 21, 10am-12.30pm. www.watsoniatraders.com.au
Can you sponsor a child on camp?
The community once again has the opportunity to either fully or partially sponsor the $300 - $650 cost of sending a vulnerable and disadvantaged child from Banyule on camp during the January school holidays. Each year, Banyule Council organises the camp holidays, with local schools, relief agencies and allied health professionals providing up to 100 referrals of children they believe would benefit. Last year, one child said it was a “great experience meeting new friends and having a great time.” Parents also see the benefit: “Sienna
had the opportunity to do the things we don’t do because we don’t have the money,” one parent said, while another said: “It gave my children a good experience and it also gave me a break.” Please help us continue this fantastic initiative which makes such a difference to local families. For more information, or to donate, contact Kate Beckford on 9457 9944 or email kate.beckford@banyule.vic.gov.au. left: Last year, the East Ivanhoe Heidelberg Community Bank was one of many Banyule organisations and individuals who donated so children could go on camp.
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Ward Rounds
Rate payment information Pensioner concessions Pensioners may qualify for a 50% Municipal Concession up to a maximum $202.90 for the home in which they live and a $50 rebate for the Fire Services Property Levy. To be eligible, you must hold at least one of the following concession cards: a Pensioner Concession Card from Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs; a Gold Card from the Department of Veterans Affairs specifying War Widow or Totally and Permanently Incapacitated. Payment options Council rates are payable by four instalments. Apart from direct payment, we also offer direct debit with payments deducted on the due date of each instalment or by arrangement with you on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. If you receive payments from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs, we can also assist you with Centrepay for rate payments directly from your pension or benefit. We are also now offering BPAY View, enabling you to receive, pay and store your bills in your online banking. BPAY View sends your bills and statements straight to the same online bank you use to pay them.
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Hardship arrangements If you experience financial hardship at any time please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will confidentially discuss your circumstances and a suitable payment arrangement to suit your circumstances. You may also wish to contact the Consumer Action Law Centre, a not for profit provider of phone based financial counselling services, on their free hotline - 1800 007 007 - which is open 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. For more information about rates and rate payment, call us on 9490 4222 or visit our website and search ‘rates’.
Cr Jenny Mulholland Griffin Ward Our long awaited and much anticipated $5 million Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre redevelopment is about to start. The detailed design plans are going out to tender for a builder and we hope to start construction by the end of the year and finish in the latter half of next year. Council is currently holding information sessions for local residents and centre users. Communication will continue throughout the redevelopment to update you and answer your questions. It is an exciting project that will transform this important community facility, which welcomes 400,000 visits per year. The centre now too small for the demands being placed upon it and requires this significant upgrade to ensure it can continue to serve community need. Among the many improvements, the gym will double in size and we will add new program rooms, reception, café and outside deck. There will also be a new spa, refurbished toilets and change rooms, and a birthday party room. Swimmers will also enjoy more light from a skylight in the roof. While there will be some juggling and relocation of exercise areas during the redevelopment, we are working hard to ensure you can continue your exercise programs as the new centre takes shape around you. If you want to contact me, I’m available on 0413 986 912 or via jenny.mulholland@banyule.vic.gov.au
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Community Calendar Community groups wanting their events considered for the February calendar should send their submissions to eventslisting@banyule.vic.gov.au by 24 December 2013.
2 November Olympic Village Makers Market 10am-2pm, cnr Southern Rd and Moresby Court, Heidelberg West Creative handmade items from local artisans and craft makers, live music, workshops and children’s activities. 9 November St Andrew’s Spring Fair 9.30am-2pm, St Andrew’s Anglican Church, cnr Grandview Grove and Invermay Grove, Rosanna 9 and 10 November Rotary Eltham Town Festival Noon-9.30pm Sat and 9am-5pm Sun, Alistair Knox Park, Eltham Music, entertainment, competitions, food and wine, arts and craft, kids’ activities, carnival, fireworks on Saturday. Free shuttle bus from Eltahm Station on Sunday. www.elthamfestival.org.au 10 November Arden Crescent Concert Series 2pm, Uniting Church, Arden Crescent, Rosanna Strangers in Paradise - three great musical entertainers: Ian Cousins, Raymond Khong and May Gavin with a fun vocal program. Bookings and info on 9457 2595
10 November Australian Army Band 2pm, The Great Hall, The Centre Ivanhoe Enjoy an afternoon of fine music for a gold coin donation. Bookings and info on 9490 4300. 16 November St Mary’s Fete 9am-2pm, 210 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough Rosanna Primary School Twilight Fair 2pm-8pm, Grandview Grove, Rosanna 17 November Blessing of the Animals 9.30am, Uniting Church, Arden Crescent, Rosanna – an event for all pet owners. Information on 9457 2595 21 November-7 December Heidelberg Theatre Company 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna – funny and touching show, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. www.htc.org.au or 9457 4117 30 November Strawberry Fair 9.30am-2.30pm, Uniting Church, Arden Crescent, Rosanna – wide range of goods and food. Information on 9457 2595
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3 December Banyule View Club 11am, Greensborough RSL, Main Street, Greensborough Christmas theme – call Margaret on 9439 9965 7 December Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra 8pm, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School Performing Arts Centre, Ivanhoe. Fanfare for the Common Man, with guest artist Jody Fisher on guitar. www.heidelbergsymphony.com.au 10 December Heidelberg Historical Society 8pm, Uniting Church Community Centre, Seddon St, Ivanhoe – Our Station Flinders Street, presented by Jenny Davies. 18-21 December Heidelberg Theatre Company 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna – a Christmas Panto based on the classic tale of Robin Hood and Maid Marion by Karl B. Petersen. www.htc.org.au or 9457 4117
All singing, all dancing spectacular The Heidelberg Allstars, a seniors’ song and dance troupe, have been entertaining Banyule for 21 years, including helping launch last month’s Banyule Seniors Festival. Their annual November concert series is on again in the Banyule Theatre, Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg, on Friday 15 at 1.30pm, Saturday 16 at 7.30pm and Sunday 17 at 2pm. This year’s production is ‘Bon Voyage. Welcome Aboard!!’ Bookings, with tickets $25 each except for Friday’s performance which is $20 a ticket, can be made with Campbell on 9484 7716.
The group’s choreographer is Camille Edwards, who has a long career in dance, and its singers are led by Jo Laurance, who has sung jazz, blues and more around the world. New members are welcome to this informal and friendly group, with members united by their passion for song and dance. If you are interested, call Campbell on 9484 7716 or Brian on 9682 3412. Rehearsals are in the Uniting Church Hall, Arden Crescent, Rosanna, each Monday, 10am-4pm. The Heidelberg Allstars, pictured here at the launch of last month’s Seniors Festival, are also pictured on our front cover with, from left to
right, Iris Anderson, Wendy Kershaw, Alan Currie, Brian O’Loughlin (back) and Marlene Di Battista featured.
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Ward Rounds Cr Wayne Phillips Beale Ward Banyule is lucky enough to boast some fantastic parks, reserves and sporting grounds, which help support an active and healthy community. However, given community demand for recreational space, we are always keen to develop more sports fields and provide for a diversity of sports, from Australian Rules football to cricket, soccer and baseball. Recently, an area within Greensborough’s Malcolm Blair Reserve, which already boasts a baseball field and tennis courts, was surveyed to determine the best use of the space. The conclusion was that a small soccer field suitable for juniors and for training could be developed.
Contacting us All enquiries 9490 4222 enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au www.banyule.vic.gov.au PO Box 51, Ivanhoe 3079 Council Service Centres 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe 44 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna 9-13 Flintoff Street, Greensborough Opening Hours All: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm Rosanna: Wednesday until 7pm Greensborough: Saturday 9am-noon Hearing or Speech Impaired Call us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 (TTY) or 1300 555 727 (ordinary handset) and ask for 9490 4222. Connect with us on Facebook facebook/banyulecitycouncil
20 The next step involves holding talks with relevant authorities, including Melbourne Water, determining the costs involved, consulting with the community, and then if it’s good to go, gaining planning approval and developing project timelines. We will be keeping residents and sporting clubs informed as we progress this idea. The site of this proposed new soccer field is in the flat area beneath the hilly area adjacent to Weidlich Road where we are constructing a fenced off-lead dog area in response to community demand. We have started work on the dog park and expect it to be completed by January 2014. This project alone will improve the community facilities available at Malcolm Blair Park and I’m hoping our feasibility work on the soccer pitch will deliver yet another win for the community.
9490 4222 If you want to contact me, I’m available on 0408 999 189 or via wayne.phillips@banyule.vic.gov.au
Interpreter Service