J U LY — AU GU ST 2013
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Mayor’s Message
Council has adopted its 2013/2014 Budget and new City Plan 20132017, two critical documents in ensuring you get the services you need and want. The City Plan, which all ratepayers had the opportunity to shape during our community consultations, sets a clear strategic direction for Council for the next four years. Our vision is based around an affordable, environmentally sound, liveable and prosperous city, sustaining a healthy and engaged community. As a result, our budget ensures our finances are also sustainable and can meet our City Plan objectives. The 2013/2014 budget, as well as our prospective budgets until 2016/2017, highlights Council’s strong financial position. This year, we are increasing rates by 7.95% and collecting a municipal charge which has increased by $69.67 per assessment. This enables Council to maintain existing service levels and, with a capital works assets program of $59.25 million, deliver some long awaited projects and maintain and renew ageing infrastructure. The rate increase needs to be understood in the context of a number of significant budget initiatives that cover the breadth of the municipality and all service areas. We are also buying the three disused school sites in Ivanhoe, Bellfield and Heidelberg Heights, which is
great news for the community as we can leverage residential development opportunities while retaining and improving important community facilities. More details about our budget and rates are outlined on pages 8-9 or visit our website. Over an extended period, Council has absorbed significant cost shifts from other levels of Government and we are continuing to advocate on behalf of the community to reduce this impost and to seek innovative funding sources to offset our reliance on rate revenue. As can be seen by this budget, we are focusing on delivering a range of important works and services. While rates have risen, Banyule remains one of the Councils with the lowest rates in the northern metropolitan area, let alone elsewhere in Melbourne and Victoria. I was happy to see the results of our latest Community Satisfaction Survey (see page 6), which confirms that the majority of residents are increasingly satisfied with our overall direction. While our overall performance index score is also significantly higher than the State-wide average, we are not resting on our laurels and are responding to what you have told us, particularly in relation to improving communication with you and advocacy on your behalf. This annual survey plays a significant role in our continuous improvement programs as we strive to bring you value for money and work with you to ensure that Banyule remains a sustainable and vibrant place to live, work and play. Cr Wayne Phillips Mayor
Free events to brighten winter Everything Old is New Again is an antiques and heirlooms road show Banyule style. Get an heirloom valued and advice on preserving it. There’s a limit of one item per person and scones, coffee and tea will be served. Sun 21 July, 2pm-5pm, Watsonia Library, Ibbottson St. Our Winter Games Night will bring the family together for family games, including table soccer, table tennis, chess, snakes and ladders, Connect 4, and Wii, as well as a movie and aromatic comfort food. Sat 10 August, 6pm-9pm, Watsonia Library, Ibbottson St. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential for both events on 9490 4222.
Banyule Gay Straight Alliance The Banyule Gay Straight Alliance provides opportunities for young people who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans-sexual, inter-gender and queer, as well as their friends, family and supporters to meet and gain support in a positive, safe space. Young people aged 14 to 18 can participate in a range of activities while young people aged 18 to 25 can become mentors to the younger group. All sessions are supported by youth workers and volunteers. For information contact Richo Euston, Banyule Youth Services, richard.euston@banyule.vic.gov.au or connect on Facebook at Richo Banyule-youth.
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Free skateboard workshops Free skateboarding workshops at Malahang Reserve’s Skatepark are proving a hit with young people learning or honing their skateboard skills. The fortnightly workshops are on Saturdays from 3pm-5pm throughout 2013 and are designed to provide more recreational opportunities for young people, aged 8-21, and increase their social connections and fitness. Skateboarding is growing rapidly
in popularity especially amongst 5 to 14 year olds, with 1.3 million of them participating in skateboarding regularly outside of school hours. Banyule City Council has partnered with Skateboarding Australia and the Australian Sports Commission to bring the workshops to Banyule. Australian Sports Commission accredited coaches teach skateboarding at the workshops, with a focus on getting beginners on boards and growing their skills
through regular sessions. For advanced riders, there are Game of S.K.A.T.E and Best Trick competitions, with prizes provided by Nike. Boards and helmets are provided free of charge. Young people under 18 require a guardian to sign them in. Winter workshops are on 6 and 20 July, 3, 17, and 31 August. For more information skate along to www.banyuleyouth.com
Bloggers bring Truth 4 Youth
Joely Mitchell, who recently came out the other end of VCE and lived to tell - or is that blog - the tale, provides some invaluable advice to other students. Read her tale at www.truth4youth.com.au/survivingvce and check out the other blogs. Truth 4 Youth is a SHYNE (Showcasing How Youth Inspire and Engage) project supported by Banyule Youth Services and the Victorian Government. For more information visit www.banyuleyouth.com
Truth 4 Youth is a variety hour of ideas and opinions providing quirky and relatable insight into the minds and lives of Banyule’s teenagers. From headline acts to the stuff that’s usually swept under the rug, from gaming and music, to news, views and reviews. The writers are young people who want to create a voice for themselves and interest and entertain you along the way.
below: Edan, 8, learns to skate at Malahang Reserve.
LEF T: Joely and Annie, founding members of Truth 4 Youth with the first edition of their T4Y magazine.
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Awarding the volunteers of Banyule Proudly raising the Indigenous Australian flag
The eighth annual Banyule Community Volunteer Awards in May were the biggest yet with more than 500 attendees. Actor and singer Tim Campbell was the evening’s popular MC, delighting the audience with song and dance. Banyule Mayor Cr Wayne Phillips said he was inspired and humbled reading the profiles of the 46 nominees, who came from a range of backgrounds, represented all age groups, and worked tirelessly across a diverse range of fields and organisations. “What they have in common are big hearts and an awareness of, and commitment to, meeting the needs of others,” he said.
Category winners – Community Volunteer: Jocelyn Gray, Montmorency; Mel Boak, Viewbank; Maxine Mathews, Heidelberg West. Lifetime Achievement Award: Kelvin Chamier, Eaglemont; Joy Crampton, Preston. Young Volunteer: Darren Anderson. Community Group: St John Ambulance - Banyule Division; West Heidelberg Neighbourhood Renewal. Good Neighbour Award: Pippa Griffith. Thank you to Awards sponsors: The Weekly Review – Ivanhoe & Valley; Greensborough Plaza; Greensborough Town Centre; and East Ivanhoe and Heidelberg Community Bank branches.
Can we fix-it? Yes we can!
As part of the Sustainable Homes and Communities Program, we are hosting a Fix-It Stall at the Montmorency Farmers Market on Saturday 24 August, 9am-noon. Held at Montmorency Primary School, the stall will boast a team of skilled volunteers doing their best to repair household items so they can continue to be used, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill or being dumped on nature strips or dumped broken at op-shops.
TO P : Tim
Campbell chats with nominee Lorraine Brullo.
National Reconciliation Week, from 27 May to 3 June, was an opportunity to focus on reconciliation and the cultures and histories of Indigenous Australians, including the Wurundjeri willam, the first people and traditional custodians of the land we live and work on. The raising of the Indigenous Australian flag on 28 May at our Ivanhoe Customer Service Centre by a broad range of community representatives and culminated in a morning tea. Councillor Craig Langdon said the raising and honouring of the flag is an important step in achieving just and respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Council's Commitment to Indigenous Australians, developed in 2009, is based on the principles of commitment, apology, respect, recognition, rights, participation, access and equity, reconciliation and advocacy.
Some of the items which may be repaired or mended at this event include bicycles, clothes, wooden, furniture, glassware and pottery. Book at: sustainablecommunities.vic.gov.au and find out what types of household items can be repaired.
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My Daddy is boss of the environment When Ben, the son of our • Prevent 70 tonnes of litter, 180 Environmental Sustainability tonnes of sediment, one ton of Coordinator John Milkins, told nitrogen and 250 kilograms of his teacher “my daddy is boss of phosphorus from entering local the environment and he’s fixing rivers and creeks. Kalparrin Lake”, everyone wanted to meet him. “The kids were really John was invited to teach 84 grade excited that the park and two students from Watsonia North lake they love is being Primary School about Banyule’s three water harvesting projects and looked after and that the how they are conserving precious ovals, where many of drinking water, improving the them play sport, would be health of local rivers and creeks and drought proofing sports fields. greener.” John Milkins Students also walked to Kalparrin Gardens for a closer look at work in progress. “The kids were really excited that the park and lake they love is being looked after and that the ovals, where many of them play sport, would be greener,” John said. “In July, we are inviting students to help plant indigenous vegetation in the wetland.” When complete the projects will: • Save 138 million litres (45 Olympic swimming pools) of drinking water annually.
The project is a partnership between Banyule Council, Government and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The Australian Government is supporting the project through the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan, a key component of the Water for the Future initiative. The Victorian Government has provided funding, as has Melbourne Water through its Living Rivers Stormwater Program. John Milkins demonstrates how stormwater moves though a river catchment.
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Work progressing at Kalparrin Lake.
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Community satisfaction results In the 2013 Community Satisfaction Survey, Banyule Council recorded an Overall Performance Index rating of 68, eight points higher than the State-wide average and two points higher than the inner-metropolitan council average. This annual survey of local government areas is coordinated by the State Government’s Department of Community Planning and Development, with 400 randomly selected Banyule residents surveyed between 1 February and 24 March. Banyule scored significantly higher than the State-wide and inner-metro averages for ‘Customer Service’ and ‘Council Direction Overall’. Council’s community consultation results were equal to inner-metro and State-wide results. Feedback on our advocacy role - lobbying on behalf of the community - dropped, highlighting the importance of better communicating our advocacy efforts. Performance scores met or exceeded the inner-metropolitan average in 14 out of 18 service areas, with notably
high ratings for waste management, recreational facilities, art centres and libraries, appearance of public areas, and general town planning. Respondents were also asked to rate the importance of services, with waste management, supporting the elderly, and maintaining our streets and footpaths rated the most important. We use the survey results (available in full on our website) to help prioritise and continually improve our services to you.
What you said we did well Parks and gardens Recreational and sporting facilities Waste management Customer service Community facilities What you said we needed to improve Traffic management (including congestion and local road safety) Parking availability General maintenance of public areas Community consultation Communication
Services not wasted on residents Banyule’s waste services are highly regarded by residents who also strongly support recycling programs. The results of Council's Waste Services Survey, which attracted 453 respondents, are now being used to develop a new Waste Management Plan, which will influence our policies and how we can reduce our long term reliance on landfill. The percentage of respondents very satisfied or satisfied with the three different bin collection types ranged from 79.5% for green waste bins, 88.3% for garbage bins and 90.3% for
recycling bins. For people unsatisfied with their bins, the majority wanted larger bins but at no extra cost. Interestingly, if people have more rubbish than can be fitted into their bin, 71% dispose of it in their bin over a number of weeks, while 32% use neighbouring bins and 11% visit the tip. In terms of disposing of household food scraps, 42% use a compost bin, while 54% place it in their rubbish bin and 11% give it to pets. When it comes to recycling, 88.5% of respondents knew what waste they could recycle and actively recycled,
and 92.5% said it was very or fairly important to have recycling bins at community events. The majority or residents were very keen for Council to continue promoting and supporting waste minimisation.
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It’s our time to get in shape! The $5 million Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre redevelopment is about to start, transforming the centre and adding much needed extra space and new facilities. Attracting over 400,000 visits per year, the Centre was once the site of the outdoor 50 metre pool training facility for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Last redeveloped 25 years ago, it is now showing its age. The Centre is also at capacity in terms of space, facilities and amenities. The redevelopment, expected to run from September 2013 to May 2014, includes: • Doubling gym space • New entry foyer, reception, café and external deck area • Refurbished and new change rooms • A lift between levels • A new spa pool
• New rooms for group classes, parties and meetings • Skylight in the main pool hall. Throughout the construction, gym and swim facilities will be maintained, albeit with revised arrangements, and centre users will be kept updated throughout construction. The Centre will be transformed into a modern, fit for purpose leisure
centre – a centre the community can proudly use to improve their health and wellbeing. For updates visit our website or connect on Facebook at IvanhoeAquatic-Fitness-Centre. An architectural drawing of what the centre will look like when it is finished.
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Getting connected in 3081 Neighbourhood Renewal in Heidelberg West has brought many physical improvements as well as empowering people to solve problems and inspiring community spirit. The project, supported by the Victorian Government, was implemented by Banyule City Council, Banyule Community Health, E-Focus, residents and community groups. While the eight-year project ended last month, the community is continuing to work together to tackle local issues under the new name 3081Connect. Rachael Wightman, the immediate past Chair of the Renewal Steering Committee and current Chair of 3081 Connect, has lived in Heidelberg West for nine years.
“I have seen noticeable improvements because of Neighbourhood Renewal. It has become a connected and passionate community, willing to step up and contribute,” she said. The Neighbourhood Renewal project had six objectives: • Increasing community pride and participation • Enhancing housing and environment • Improving employment, learning and economic activity • Decreasing crime levels and improving safety • Better health and wellbeing • Improving access to services and government responsiveness. Olympia Ward Councillor Craig Langdon said developing neglected Malahang Reserve into
a thriving, vibrant playground and park, establishing Buna Reserve Community Garden, and empowering local residents were highlights of the project.
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Your 2013/2014 budget wrap up Budget in brief Total operating revenue Total operating expenditure General rates and charges revenue Rate revenue as % of total revenue Fees and charges revenue Grants and subsidies revenue Debt as at 30/6/2014
$121.67 million $121.07 million $79.21 million 65.10% $20.81 million $14.31 million $60.57 million
More information: www.banyule.vic.gov.au/budgetandrates
Major capital works In 2013/14 we are managing a capital works assets program of $59.25 million including: • Redeveloping the Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre (stage one) $5.091m • Renewing roads, streets and bridges - $2.96m • Upgrading street lighting to energy efficient lighting - first stage $2.35m
• Designing and building a Child & Family Centre in Heidelberg West - $2.09m • Simms Road Reserve development - $850,000 • Completing our stormwater harvesting project - $805,304 • Upgrading the Plenty River Trail $615,000 • Capital works to Interlaken and Winston Hills Kindergartens $500,000
• Capital works to Audrey Brooks Memorial Pre School and Morobe St Children’s Centre - $456,638 • Renewing drains - $348,000 • Replacing footpaths - $300,000 • Design plans for consolidating all council offices to above WaterMarc - $400,000 • Design plans for redeveloping Ivanhoe Library - $350,000 • Upgrading five playgrounds $215,000
Your rates at work For every $100 you pay in rates and charges, we use the following proportions for: $ 12.08 waste collection, recycling and environmental programs $ 10.91 parks, reserves and street trees $ 9.08 services for children and families $ 9.00 corporate and customer service $ 8.84 aged and disability services
$ 8.83 recreation, leisure, aquatic facilities and youth services $ 7.51 roads, footpaths and drains $ 7.09 conservation and open space planning $ 5.35 library services, arts and culture $ 4.81 building control and statutory planning
$ 4.72 parking, traffic, local laws and operating civic facilities $ 4.44 property management and municipal valuations $ 4.41 debt servicing $ 2.42 governance, audit, risk management and executive $ 0.51 depot, plant and fleet maintenance
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Did you know, each year we… Welcome • 792,741 visits to WaterMarc, 400,000 visits to Ivanhoe Aquatic & Fitness Centre and 61,628 visits to Olympic Leisure Centre • 41,866 members (34% of the population) to our libraries, who make 445,896 visits and borrow 1.27 million items • 10,000 people to Twilight Sounds and Kids ArtyFarty Fest • 5,200 visitors to our Rethink Centre • 400 new Australians at our citizenship ceremonies • Families with 20,368 Maternal and • 177 children to our long day care Child Health consultations centres and kindergartens each day • Good health by administering 12,429 vaccines to the public and 5,901 at schools • 4,500 clients through our Home and Community Care program • Young people via 4,779 outreach contacts • 177 children each day at our long day care centres and kindergartens
Support
Collect • 22,430 tonnes of kerbside garbage • 15,040 tonnes of recyclable materials • 12,715 tonnes of green organic waste
Maintain • 70,000 street trees and 80,000 parkland trees • 200 parks and reserves • 164 playgrounds • 52 sports grounds • 1,100kms of pavements • 550kms of roads • 345 buildings
Manage • 141,707 enquiries through Customer Service • 51,677 property valuations • 24,944 over the counter/postal payments • 20,000 animal registrations • 7,426 building inspections • 1,583 building permits • 1,250 planning permit applications • 1,245 transport and road safety requests • 410 health/nuisance related complaints • 355 vehicles, trucks, tractors, trailers, mowers and other equipment • The registration of 700 food premises, 220 public health and wellbeing premises and 1,443 statutory inspections/assessments
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Ward Rounds Observations from your Councillors Postal address for all councillors PO Box 51 Ivanhoe 3079 Cr Wayne Phillips Mayor Beale Ward 0408 999 189 wayne.phillips @banyule.vic.gov.au Cr Craig Langdon Deputy Mayor Olympia Ward 0401 097 032 craig.langdon @banyule.vic.gov.au Cr Steven Briffa Hawdon Ward 0429 807 052 steven.briffa @banyule.vic.gov.au Cr Mark Di Pasquale Bakewell Ward 0481 002 299 mark.dipasquale @banyule.vic.gov.au Cr Rick Garotti Grimshaw Ward 0402 846 845 rick.garotti @banyule.vic.gov.au Cr Tom Melican Ibbott Ward 0413 043 015 tom.melican @banyule.vic.gov.au Cr Jenny Mulholland Griffin Ward 0413 986 912 jenny.mulholland @banyule.vic.gov.au
Mayor Cr Wayne Phillips Beale Ward This financial year will see a number of key projects delivering benefits to residents of Beale Ward, including water harvesting at Kalparrin Gardens, an off lead dog exercise area at Malcolm Blair Reserve, a regional family play space at Anthony Beale Reserve, and resheeting of roads. While big ticket items are included in Council’s Budget, there are smaller scale community needs occurring throughout the year that merit consideration and funding. With our Ward Fund allocations, $30,000 per ward this financial year, Council can allocate small grants towards projects or events benefitting the Banyule community. For example, last year the Diamond Valley Foodshare, which helps thousands of families with emergency food assistance each year, required assistance to renovate their kitchen which was no longer fit for purpose. Both I and Cr Di Pasquale used grants to help. President Ian Hemming and Secretary Robyn Davis, pictured, were delighted to show me the results which have made a huge difference to their work. For more information on Ward Fund allocations contact your local Councillor.
9490 4222 Cr Steven Briffa Hawdon Ward It is great to see children and families visiting Price Park in Viewbank and enjoying the new $135,000 playground equipment, which was recently installed. It is bright and colourful and provides children with a wide range of challenges to keep them fit and healthy. Improving this large and tranquil park has been on my agenda for the past five years. Residents too have been aware of its shortcomings but more importantly, its potential. A new playground was one of many recommendations in the Price Park Master Plan and Recovery Plan Report developed with community consultation and expert input. The previous playground was dated and didn’t cater for a broad range of age groups and abilities. Residents like Angela, pictured here with daughter Mia, and resident Anne with her neighbour’s grandson, Miller, said she didn’t visit the park much before but now does because the new playground is attracting more people. This important local park is continuing to be improved in line with the Master Plan, with landscaping works currently being completed.
Cr Mark Di Pasquale What’s Cookin’ in Bakewell Our four-year City Plan and Budget is complete. Months of community consultations, independent financial advisors and team work have delivered a budget ticking many boxes even in uncertain financial times. Managing and reducing debt, managing cost shifting from state and federal government, and the widening renewal gap of our ageing infrastructure all came under the microscope. I thank all council staff for their great work and also my fellow councillors for working so closely together to come up with such a sound, logical and realistic budget. So often we see differing opinions crippling a community and its direction but Banyule councillors are making it a priority to get along. I recently hosted the first of regular councillor dinners, with some of us pictured here with our homemade pizzas. It’s important for us to hold our ground on issues that are important to the community, come together outside the chamber and get along. Thank you to you also for being a resident and for the input you have made and continue to make as Banyule remains the best city to live!
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b anyul e .vi c .gov.a u Cr Rick Garotti Grimshaw Ward Over the last two months I have been busy consulting and engaging with the community to ensure the 2013-14 Council Budget delivers quality outcomes for residents and community groups in Grimshaw Ward. Some of the key budget initiatives include funding for a strategic plan of Watsonia Station and the surrounding shopping precinct, funding for a new school crossing at Watsonia Primary School and funding to plan a complete bike path from Plenty Road to Watsonia Station and then down to the Plenty Valley bike trail. In coming years we look forward to constructing and delivering this impressive piece of infrastructure, which will help connect communities across Banyule and provide important recreational opportunities. I am particularly pleased with the funding we have secured for a portable building at Watsonia Neighbourhood House which will enable them to improve and expand on the impressive range of services they already deliver for our community. The Watsonia Neighbourhood House Committee, with whom I’m pictured, is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to fostering a connected and inclusive community.
Cr Craig Langdon Olympia Ward The Olympic Village Makers Market is a great place to find handmade items crafted with love and care by local residents. More than a market, it is about neighbourhood, locality and renewal, and fosters a sense of community and belonging. Launched last year, it is one of many initiatives that is helping shape the future of our vibrant 3081 community. The seasonal markets transform the area into a creative hub with arts and craft stalls, music, entertainment and children’s activities. I’m pictured here with market supporter and convenor of Women of West Heidelberg, Wendy Ogden. The Olympic Village is also soon to get a BBQ, drinking water fountain and illumination of the Olympic Rings. For more information on the market, with the next on 3 Aug and 2 Nov, from 10am-2pm, visit www.ilove3081.org.au. There’s also the Ivanhoe Makers Market to check out in the Livingstone Community Centre on the third Saturday of every month, except January, from 10am-4pm.
9490 4222 Cr Tom Melican Ibbott Ward Banyule’s sporting clubs offer so much to children, teenagers and adults. This is certainly true of Macleod Junior Football Club, a great family club with 247 registered players. Although back in 1982 when I moved into the area, the club told me I was too old to play with them, they subsequently welcomed my two sons! The club has a great atmosphere and like so many others teaches children about sport as well as the importance of community. It has also launched the careers of VFL and AFL players and umpires. I’m delighted that working together, we have gained a $100,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria to install new lighting at the ground, which will boost the $175,000 contributed by Council and the Club’s $25,000 contribution. Working individually, we could not have achieved this great result. The lighting will greatly improve player safety and enable the entire ground to be used during training. Council strives to provide the best possible facilities, but it’s the volunteers, committees, coaches, trainers, parents umpires and many willing helpers that make this a great club.
Cr Jenny Mulholland Griffin Ward On 17 May, I was delighted to raise the rainbow flag to mark IDAHO Day, the International Day against Homophobia, and welcome people to our morning tea at The Centre Ivanhoe. At a recent Council meeting, I also successfully moved that we set up a reference group to help support and include members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities. While still in its early stages, the group aims to help prevent homophobia and enhance social inclusion. I’m pictured here with Heidelberg Heights resident Karen-Joy McColl, who has already put her hand up to be part of the group, and Max Walters at the IDAHO Day celebrations. There are parts of the GLBTI community that feel that they are not included and who feel socially isolated and misunderstood. We want to change that. We want Banyule to be a welcoming and safe place for residents, regardless of their sexuality, gender or ethnicity. If you are interested in being part of the reference group, please contact our Inclusion, Access and Equity Social Planner, Shawn Neilsen, on 9490 4310.
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Banyule calls ‘time out’ on youth homelessness With one in 10 secondary school students in Banyule at risk of homelessness, a new Council service,Time Out, is providing early intervention support for young people ‘couch surfing’. Many young people who are unable to live at home experience long periods of ‘couch surfing’, which sees them moving between the houses of friends. Youth homelessness is particularly worrying because of the impacts it can have on young people’s development and education. During periods of couch surfing young people often find it difficult to care for and support themselves, with basic self-care, such as eating a balanced diet and seeing a GP when they are sick, becoming a challenge. Maintaining engagement in education is also a major challenge and if they leave school they face added disadvantage when trying to gain employment.
The Time Out service helps young people remain connected with education and provides positive community supports and activities. It also provides information and support to families looking after young people who are couch surfing in their home.
For more information or support contact Banyule Youth Service on 9457 9855. above: In June, Banyule Chief Executive Officer Simon McMillan spent a night experiencing what it is like to sleep rough as he participated for the first time in raising funds and awareness for homelessness services in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
Preventing violence against women Banyule Council was one of more than 30 local government, health and community organisations from northern Melbourne which publicly committed to preventing violence against women. Banyule Chief Executive Officer, Simon McMillan, was one of many CEOs to sign a banner outlining this commitment as well as one to invest in a safer, more equitable and respectful community. Building a Respectful Community Preventing Violence against Women - A Strategy for the Northern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne 2011-2016 was featured at the event and is available, along with fact sheets, at www.whin.org.au.
Some of Banyule’s activities to prevent violence against women include: • Implementing the White Ribbon Action Team Strategic Plan and primary prevention initiatives • Participating in the North East Primary Care Partnership preventing violence against women project • Supporting Family Violence Help Cards • Support a local community group to raise awareness of the issue in November for White Ribbon Day and at community events across the year.
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Snowdomia is coming your way When it gets colder in Banyule, you know that things are about to heat up with Winter in Banyule, a very cool arts festival from 1-11 August The theme for this year’s festival celebrates the magical qualities of snow and the romance of snuggling in front of a fire. Winter in Banyule is for everyone adventurous enough to brave the elements and brings our community together in cosy indoor settings. Make your own snowdome to bring to Snowdomia. We are creating a forest of snowdomes and projections with an opening event where snow will fall indoors at Hatch Contemporary Arts Space. Giant snowballs will be placed in public spaces so you can make your own snowman or woman or whatever takes your fancy. Not everyone can get to the mountains so we are bringing the mountains to you! Look out for surprising sights, like Charlotte Raven, a 19th Century travelling writer who will compose a love letter, your own poem or the sorry note you have been meaning
to send. She is like a quality BBC period drama, but right here on the streets of Banyule. A full festival program, as well as instructions on making your very own snowdome, will be on our website from 4 July. below: Keep an eye out for Charlotte Raven, a 19th Century travelling writer.
Who do you think you are? Researching your family history can reveal amazing stories and connections. Throughout August Banyule’s libraries can help you find out who you really are and where you came from. Family History Month gives you all the information and tips you need to begin your journey into your family’s history. Learn new research skills and discover all the library resources that can help you uncover royalty or the family skeleton! Other library events in July-August include Myths and Legends Booklovers’ Festival throughout July with a jam-packed program of creative workshops and guest speakers. Also, don’t miss Rosanna Library’s 40th Anniversary celebrations on Saturday, 17 August from 11am to 3pm. This family fun day features story time, face painting and balloons, craft activities, musicians, displays and a free sausage sizzle. For a full list of FREE events on at your libraries during July and August visit www.yprl.vic.gov.au and download the events calendar.
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You can help stop tree vandalism Some of Banyule’s oldest and largest street trees have recently been subjected to vandalism, in most cases causing their death. Street trees, with an average age of 70 years, have been poisoned in Watsonia, Eaglemont, Ivanhoe East and Bellfield. Banyule’s street trees are a community asset to be enjoyed by all, brining many benefits including: • Helping to cool the earth’s surface • Reducing carbon in the atmosphere • Providing shade and wind barriers • Bringing social and health benefits by beautifying urban areas All trees in public spaces are protected by Local Laws and the Banyule Planning Scheme. The maximum fine for deliberately harming a tree is $140,000. If you have information that would help identify people responsible for tree vandalism, contact Banyule Council on 9490 4222 or Victoria Police on 9450 8000. All reports are treated confidentially. Or make an anonymous report via our website. This Smooth-Barked Apple tree in Watsonia, aged between 60 and 70 years, died after being poisoned. The photos below show what the tree used to look like and what it looks like now. B E L OW :
Top tips for your trees
Urban forest strategy
Welcome to the first in a series of tips helping you to maintain the health of your trees. In this issue we look at tree roots.
If you think looking after the trees in your garden is a big job, spare a thought for Banyule’s Tree Care team which looks after 70,000 street trees and 80,00 parkland trees! Banyule’s environment, with its extensive network of parks, reserves, gardens and trees, is much loved by residents. In our recent community consultation, we received many comments to this effect: “The greenery makes Banyule special. Wildlife abounds and we are regularly visited by parrots, possums, owls and many other types of native animals. This is something you don't get in other parts of the city.” Council is now working on an urban tree policy and management plan, as well as an urban forest strategy, which will help us care for and manage our precious trees. It will also help provide a vision for how we manage our green spaces and green infrastructure for future generations. We will be holding information and feedback sessions with the community over the next few months, providing all details on our website.
1. Tree roots need to be protected from nearby soil excavation, such as during construction projects. Root systems are generally shallow - in the top 150 to 300mm of soil - and can spread far beyond the tree canopy. Nearby excavation and compaction can severely restrict the ability of roots to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. 2. Don’t use the space under a tree to park cars or store any form of rubbish for prolonged periods. 3. Fuels and common household chemicals should not be stored directly under a tree canopy because if spilled they can be absorbed by tree roots, risking the decline or death of a much loved tree.
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Donation improves community connection
Re-Joyce, the veggies are planted The children of Council’s Joyce Avenue Children’s Centre in Greensborough will soon be eating the fruits of their labour after planting a winter vegetable garden and making a scarecrow to guard their produce. When the garden starts producing carrots, chives, lettuces, strawberries, bok choy, celery, spring onions and peas, they will be used in the children’s lunches, which are all cooked fresh on site. Zara Anderson, the Centre’s Coordinator, said the children loved planting the garden and looking after it, including emptying their water bottles on it at the end of the day, as well as tending the centre’s two apple trees and a passionfruit vine. “The garden encourages them to try different vegetables and we use it as a base to talk about sustainability
and healthy foods. We will also be planting a sensory garden with different aromatics and textured plants,” Zara said. Banyule’s four other Early Childhood Services – Audrey Brooks Memorial Pre-School, Olympic Village Pre-School, and Morobe Street Children’s Centre in Heidelberg West; and St Hellier Street Children’s Centre in Heidelberg Heights – all plant vegetable gardens and use the produce in the children’s meals. For more information about Banyule’s early childhood services visit our website. From left to right; Isabella, Rose, William and Jake in front of the vegetable garden they tend.
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Banyule’s Somali community is now more connected after Council donated 10 refurbished computers, which are now being used by adults and school children in the Heidelberg West office of the Somali Australian Council of Victoria. President of the Council, Dr Hussein Haraco, said the computers were making a great difference, particularly to community elders, students and the homework group. Banyule Councillors Rick Garotti, pictured centre, and Craig Langdon, left, helped organise the donation and recently dropped into the office to meet some of the children who are now using the computers after school
A Monty of a path It’s now easier for people to use Montmorency Oval with the installation of a new 235 metre long concrete pathway as well as three stairways leading to the path from Para Road. The $75,000 works replaces an asphalt footpath that had deteriorated because of old age and damage from tree roots. A retaining wall of sleepers has also been built along sections of the new pathway.
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Preparing for emergencies Banyule residents are not well • 96% of residents were unaware of the prepared for emergencies and Red Cross Emergency REDiPlan and would like help from Council to 87% of residents were unaware of become better prepared, according the CFA FireReady App (phone app). to the recent Community • 70% of residents would like to Emergency Preparedness Survey. receive a planning kit. Four hundred residents responded to Montmorency resident, Karyn, the survey, which revealed: pictured with partner Scott, was the • Almost 50% of residents felt they lucky winner of a $250 household were not prepared for emergencies. emergency kit offered in the survey prize draw. “The survey definitely got • 93% of residents did not have a written Household Emergency Plan. me thinking about what we might need,” she said. • 82% of residents did not have a Banyule’s Emergency Management disaster supply kit. Team is now working in consultation • 68.4% would like to know more with emergency services to develop about emergencies that might affect strategies and resources to help their area. residents with emergency planning.
Say yes to federal funding for our community Proposed change to section 96 of the Australian Constitution:
“…Parliament may grant financial assistance to any state or to any local government body formed by a law of a State on such terms and conditions as the Parliament sees fit.” On 14 September Banyule voters have the opportunity to secure a critically important funding stream for their community. While rates are used to fund local facilities, asset maintenance and a diverse range of community services, councils also rely on federal funding to help maintain local roads, build or upgrade facilities, and provide health, community and children’s services. Banyule Council is receiving $476,660 in federal Roads to Recovery funding for 2013-14, and has received $2.3m since 2009. Across Victoria, this amounts to $72.3 million a year. Another example of federal funding is the $5 million that
Banyule received from the Federal Government to help build WaterMarc, a major infrastructure project which is much used by the community. Recent High Court decisions have called into question the legality of Commonwealth governments providing funds directly to councils. Unless a small amendment is made to the Constitution (see break out box), local road and community projects that rely on Commonwealth money may be at risk. The referendum seeks to formalise what is already happening. By including local government in our Constitution, federal public funding
direct to local communities will be put beyond legal challenge. The proposed change to the Australian Constitution does not alter the existing relationship between the State Government and Victorian councils. Local government will continue to be overseen and regulated by the Victorian Government. Banyule Council encourages residents to vote yes on September 14. This small change can help protect the economic future and lifestyles of our community. ABOVE left : In
its first year of operation, nearly 800,000 people have enjoyed all that WaterMarc has to offer.
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Granting a better community and environment Environmental grants If you’ve got bold and creative ideas to make our environment more sustainable, our grants pool of $15,000 opens this month. Think energy, waste, biodiversity, water, transport, food production and environmental stewardship. The timing of Banyule’s Environmental Sustainability Grants has changed, with grants now running from 1 July to 26 August each year, starting this year. Successful applicants will be invited to receive their funds at a celebratory event in November. If you have missed out in a previous grants round, review your previous application and we can also give you feedback on how to improve your chances of success. All applicants must discuss their project ideas with kathleen.petras@banyule. vic.gov.au before submitting their applications. Information sessions are also being held – see breakout box.
Community grants Our Community Development Grant funding round is offering $140,000 to support local, not for profit groups in the Banyule community. The grant round is open to a broad range of groups including community agencies, sporting clubs, self-help, cultural and recreational interest groups provided they are not for profit and directly benefit residents of Banyule. Individuals can also apply to develop programs targeting the arts. Applications open Monday 1 July and close Monday 26 August 2013 and can only be made on line. For more information call Karen Molinaro on 9457 9955, Monday to Wednesday. To be eligible to apply for a grant you must discuss your idea with us either at the information session or by phone prior to lodging your application.
Information sessions Grant information sessions explaining the online process and giving you an opportunity to discuss your grant ideas with us are on: • Wednesday 17 July, 1.30pm-3pm • Wednesday 17 July, 7pm-8.30pm Both sessions: Meeting Room 1 Rosanna Customer Service Centre 44 Turnham Avenue. Please call Cathy Mazzeo on 9490 4222 by Tuesday 16 July to book into a session. All grants information and online applications are at www.banyule.vic.gov.au/grants
Be part of the count by diverting to a greener garden In July we have 50 free downpipe diverters to help your garden grow even greener and keep our rivers, creeks and bays healthier. The diverters are available to the first 50 Banyule residents (proof of residency required) who visit the Rosanna Customer Service Centre at 44 Turnham Avenue. If you want to check if there are any left before making the trip, call us on 9490 4222. There is a limit of one diverter per resident and we recommend that a licenced plumber installs the pipe.
You will then need to register your downpipe diversion at melbournewater.com.au/raingardens and be part of the count towards building 10,000 raingardens to help our local waterways. By diverting one or more downpipes around your property, you are allowing water to infiltrate back into the ground, creating a new water source for your existing garden and reducing the amount of stormwater flowing into our waterways.
A BOVE : An example of a downpipe diverter in action. Image supplied courtesy of Melbourne Water.
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Doing better business in Banyule
Marketing Basics seminar
Starting Your Business workshop
Banyule Business Breakfast
Find out what you need to know to make sure your new business gets off to a sound start. This comprehensive workshop, held in collaboration with Small Business Victoria, covers topics including assessing the viability of your idea, identifying the best business structure for your needs, marketing, finance, preparing a business plan and resources to support new business operators. You also get a voucher for one free mentoring session by attending this workshop.
Join Dan Gregory, a regular on the ABC’s Gruen Planet, and network with like-minded business people over a cooked breakfast. Dan, pictured above, is the co-founder and CEO of research, training and innovation think tank, The Impossible Institute. Dan is guaranteed to provide businesses with invaluable insights on behaviour, innovation and leadership to help them respond to a rapidly changing business landscape. Bookings essential.
Date: Thursday 1 August Time: 6pm – 9.30pm Venue: The Withers Room, The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe Cost: $30 per registration Register at: www.banyulebusiness.com.au
Shop local… it’s eventful! Council works in partnership with 11 individual traders associations to strengthen the local economy and develop community activities and marketing across the local centres of Bell Street Mall, Eaglemont, East Ivanhoe, Greensborough, Heidelberg, Ivanhoe, Lower Plenty, Macleod, Montmorency, Rosanna and Watsonia.
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Date: Thursday 15 August Time: 7am – 9am Venue: The Streeton Room, The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe Cost: $39 per person, includes a cooked breakfast Register by Thursday 8 August (unless sold out prior) at: www.banyulebusiness.com.au These associations work with the local business community to collectively market the precincts and provide local personalised experience and service. Some of the events and activities at your local centres in July and August include: Bell Street Mall Traders Association and Banyule Council are hosting a Ramadan Iftar Dinner on Friday 2 August from 5pm. Learn more about cultural diversity and the significance of breaking the fast together during Ramadan. There will be food and entertainment and everyone is welcome. RSVP to: stavros@marketa.com.au or call 0414 387 187.
Small businesses that succeed know the importance of marketing (letting people know you exist) so it pays to know how to do it! Traditional marketing channels such as print, magazines and newspapers are being overtaken by an array of online options, changing the way we market. At this seminar, held in collaboration with Small Business Victoria, learn practical tips and ideas about deciding which marketing tools are best for your business. Date: Tuesday 27 August Time: 6.30pm – 8:30pm Venue: Meeting Room Two, Watermarc, 1 Flintoff Street, Greensborough Cost: $20 per registration Register at: www.banyulebusiness.com.au
Free Business Mentoring Did you know that Banyule Council offers a free Small Business Advisory service? These confidential oneon-one sessions are delivered by an expert advisor from the Box Hill Business Enterprise Centre and cover a broad range of topics relevant to starting or growing a business in Banyule. For bookings and more information contact erica.hardie@banyule.vic.gov.au. Date: First Tuesday of the month
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Community Calendar Community groups wanting their events considered for the September – October calendar should send submissions to eventslisting@banyule.vic.gov.au by 31 July 2013.
2 July and 6 August Banyule View Club 11am, Greensborough RSL, Main St National Council speaker Robyn Perros (2 July) Running a boarding house, Pam Forsyth Grant (6 Aug) Margaret 9439 9965
21 July Greensborough Bowling Club Mid-year Dance Noon-4pm, 18 Liat Way, Greensborough 2 course lunch, $20, drinks at bar prices, entertainer Chris Izaacs RSVP Marion on 0408 343 595 by 14 July
7 July Birman Cat Club All Breed Cat Show 10am, St Thomas Apostle School, 251 Diamond Creek Rd, Greensborough
21 July and 25 August Arden Crescent Concert Series 2pm, Rosanna Uniting Church, Arden Cres From Bach to Bernstein (21 July) Antony Peebles Returns (25 Aug) Bookings and information 9457 2595
11-27 July Blithe Spirit, Noel Coward Heidelberg Theatre Company 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna www.htc.org.au Box Office 9457 4117 14 July, 28 July and 4 August Ivanhoe Garden Club Vegie Growing Workshops 2pm-5.30pm, Clyde Street Community Hall, 64 Clyde St, Thornbury $25 per person, payable in advance Alan 9457 2209, Susan 9459 2147, Julie 9499 4659 Friday 12 July Youth Night @ WaterMarc 6-9pm, $3 entry for 12-17 year olds (others pay normal price). Unlimited WaterSlide and pool access, DJ playing latest hits and free photobooth. www.banyuleyouth.com
We are also calling all bands, musos, cultural performers, dancers to show off their talents in Banyule’s first ever Melbourne Fringe Festival Show. Music in the Mall is a one-day mash up of food and performance in October 2013. It’ll be like WOMAD only smaller. Enquiries to rob.ball@banyule.vic.gov.au Montmorency Traders Association hosts Artists on Were Street on Saturday 17 August from 10am to 1pm, with over 40 local artists exhibiting their work in stores along the street. There will also be the ‘Longest Monty Painting’ which will involve up to 15 artists. Anna Koch's work, left, will feature.
22 July and 26 August Yarra Valley U3A Free Monday Talks 2pm, Rear, 14 Ivanhoe Pde, Ivanhoe To Drive or Not to Drive, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Ray Over (22 July) My Life with Animals, Dr Hugh Wirth, RSCPCA (26 Aug) 26 July and 30 August Ryder-Cheshire Victorian Homes Friday Coffee Mornings, $4 donation 10am-11.30am, 14 Donaldson St, Ivanhoe Respecting Patient Choices, Catherine Kelly, Austin Health (26 July) Alzheimers Victoria Overview (30 Aug) Jane Gorey 9254 2400 www.rydercheshirehomes.org.au 20 July and 17 August Ivanhoe Makers Market 10am-4pm, 1 Livingstone St, Ivanhoe
Rosanna Traders Association is opening its doors to help local community groups fundraise. Contact Maria Abadilla at marketing1@reviveprojects.com.au Watsonia Traders Association is holding its 5th annual Windows in Watsonia competition, with winners announced by Wilbur Wilde and Phillip Howe at 11am, Watsonia Pharmacy, during a community event on Saturday 27 July. $500 prizes for the best decorated window by a designer and the best decorated by a trader. T he People’s Choice Award is voted by you! Music and roving entertainment, including the Gramaphonie Brothers pictured, will add to the day’s festivities.
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3 August Olympic Village Makers Market 10am-2pm, Olympic Village, Moresby Ct, Heidelberg West 10 August Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemorative Service 11am, Greensborough War Memorial Park, Henry St, Greensborough 13 August Heidelberg Historical Society Free lecture, Princes Bridge to Hurst’s Bridge with David Watson 8pm, Uniting Church Community Centre, Seddon St, Ivanhoe 24 August Culinary Cook-off taste and cook food from around the world 1pm, Watsonia Neighbourhood House, 47 Lambourn Rd, Watsonia Bookings Beryl 9434 2031 25 August All That Jazz 8pm, The Choral Institute Melbourne & Melbourne Composers Big Band The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe Book online www.chime.org.au Every Monday Wild at Heart Community Arts 1pm-4pm, $5 for people living with mental health challenges. Scots Uniting Church Community Centre, 187 Burgundy St, Heidelberg www.wildatheart.org.au
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Are you an energy smart suburb? Heidelberg Heights is Banyule's most energy smart suburb, with room for improvement in other suburbs - particularly Lower Plenty and Ivanhoe - where the average household electricity use is well above the Go5 electricity use target of 5kWh per person per day or less. Check your power bill and see how you compare. If you want help cutting your power bills get a home energy assessment, starting at $100, by calling Positive Charge on 9385 8555 or visiting www.positivecharge.com.au Positive Charge is a new not-forprofit enterprise run by Moreland Energy Foundation and supported by local councils, including Banyule.
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
Here are some tips for saving energy this winter: • Think thermostat, timer, and zoning - you’ll save and stay comfortable if you can just warm rooms when you need them. • Avoid cheap electric radiators even if only temporary, spending a bit extra for an efficient model can save you a packet. • Staying warm is about more than just a good heater - it’s just as important to stop your home from leaking hot air and letting the chill back in, with weather sealing, curtains and insulation. • For more heating tips this winter - go to www.positivecharge.com.au
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Rate payments
1st nt instalme BER TEM 30 Sep
Council rates are now payable in four instalments and the due dates remain the same each year. The instalment due dates for payment of rates are: • 30 September - 1st instalment or one payment • 30 November - 2nd instalment • 28 February - 3rd instalment • 31 May - 4th instalment If you want to make one total payment, rather than four instalments, do so on or before 30 September 2013. For more information on paying your rates, including payment options and rebates for pensioners, visit our website.
Interpreter Service