June 2015 Nocturnal page 7
Refugee Week pages 8-9
Social media snaps pages 13
Dandenong on Wheels page 14
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Dandenong office 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong
Hello and welcome to the June edition of The City. Despite the shorter days and the cold weather, Greater Dandenong is still a beautiful, bustling city in winter.
Springvale customer service 397–405 Springvale Road Springvale
We pride ourselves on being one of the most multicultural communities in Australia and this month we celebrate that diversity during Refugee Week (1420 June). Read more about the personal journey of a refugee and find out about events happening across the municipality on pages 8-9.
Keysborough customer service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre Keysborough Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 18–34 Buckley Street Noble Park
We have made it easier to report problems while out and about in our streets through the Snap Send Solve app for smart phones. Read more about what and how you can report on page 6.
All correspondence to:
Gardens can be beautiful and edible, and Council’s gardeners have been exploring the use of vegetables and herbs in central Dandenong at Dandenong Park. Read more about the first harvest on page 3.
The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175
Enjoy reading about this great city of ours and have a great month.
Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000
Fax: 8571 5196
Mayor Sean O’Reilly
www.greaterdandenong.com
@greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TY: 133 677 T Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 Internet: www.iprelay.com.au TIS: 13 14 50 council@cgd.vic.gov.au
IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency calls Police/Fire/Ambulance.................... 000 Street lighting faults/ non-operational United Energy ........................ 13 20 99 Traffic signal faults/ non-operational................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline.................. 1800 333 000 Hard waste collection WM Waste Management Services......... 9721 1915
my CITY The Poppies for Peace project included the installation of textile flowers created in community workshops to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. The poppies were planted during a special ceremony and remained on display for two weeks. Cover photo: From top to bottom Deyong, Mahdi, Sajeeda, Fawzia, Yusoof and Youdon are students from the Noble Park English Language School. Photo by Kylie Grinham.
Australian Animal Protection Society............... 9798 8415 RSPCA................................ 9224 2222 Nurse on Call.................. 1300 606 024 This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.
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Greater Dandenong gardener Rachael White is part of the parks team that harvested colourful lettuces from Dandenong Park.
Great homes, greater neighbourhoods T
he City of Greater Dandenong is proposing to make changes to the residential planning rules to make sure the right type of housing is built in the right place. The new rules will aim to create attractive, liveable, greener and well designed homes and neighbourhoods, and may change the type of housing that can be built in your street. In order to change the residential planning rules, Council needs to change the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme, which sets out the rules for using and developing land in Greater Dandenong. To do this an amendment to the Planning Scheme is required. In this case it will be known as Amendment C182.
Council will soon be asking the State Planning Minister for permission to change the Planning Scheme. You will then be invited to have your say by making a written submission to Amendment C182 about the proposed new rules. All owners and occupiers of properties proposed to be rezoned will receive a letter from Council detailing the changes. Further information will be listed at www.greaterdandenong.com when it becomes available. If you have any questions about Amendment C182 email council@cgd. vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1000.
Protect what we love about our neighbourhoods
We need different types of homes that suit everyone’s needs
EDIBLE GARDEN IN DANDENONG PARK
A
green oasis in the heart of Dandenong, Dandenong Park has always been beautiful, but the latest plantings not only look good they are also delicious. The City of Greater Dandenong Parks team has introduced an edible garden project that has already seen hundreds of lettuces planted and harvested. The leafy green and red plants made a beautiful border around the iconic water wheel, and once harvested were donated to Dandenong not-forprofit Avocare. A tropical garden, featuring sweet potato, taro and cassava, has also attracted attention from residents who did not believe the vegetables could thrive in Melbourne. Plants for the tropical garden bed were donated by a Melbourne University study, which is looking at how tropical plants grow in cooler climates.
Create green and liveable neighbourhoods
Apartment buildings should only be allowed close to major shopping areas and train stations
Civic centre building finalist in national property awards
G
reater Dandenong’s new civic centre was one of 99 finalists in the running for a suite of prestigious national property awards. One of eight finalists nominated in the category of Best Public Building, the civic centre was opened in March 2014 providing the City of Greater Dandenong with a new council precinct, stateof-the-art library, community meeting rooms and outdoor civic space with
high-tech big screen. The Perth Arena was named the Best Public Building at the May 1 awards night. The 2015 Property Council of Australia/ Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards celebrate leading practice within Australia’s property development and investment industries. Ken Morrison, Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia, said the awards recognise excellence across the entire spectrum of the industry. “They recognise everything from large-scale commercial offices and shopping centres through to boutique
The next phase of the project will see winter vegetables, including spring onions, silverbeet, kale and broccoli, planted in a kidney shaped garden bed near the centre of the park. Once harvested these will also be donated to Avocare. The project aims to inspire Greater Dandenong residents to grow edible plants in their own gardens. residential and retirement projects.” Chairman of Rider Levett Bucknall (Oceania), Julian Anderson, said the awards honour outstanding developments and highlight the property industry’s major contribution to building great cities and communities. “The 99 finalists demonstrate our industry’s enduring commitment to building a better future for all Australians.” Surrounded by other new corporate headquarters, Greater Dandenong’s civic centre is now a landmark precinct in the revitalisation of central Dandenong. the CITY 3
your COUNCILLORS COUNCILLOR CONTACTS Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea Ph: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 3586 0417 320 645 ychea@cgd.vic.gov.au Lightwood Ward – Mayor Cr Sean O’Reilly 0422 523 258 sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au
Lightwood Ward Cr Loi Truong Ph: 0466 004 618 loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au
Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 5927 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au Paperbark Ward Cr Peter Brown Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 0408 138 939 peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au Paperbark Ward Cr Heang Tak 0403 072 291 heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au Red Gum Ward Cr Angela Long Ph: 9795 6574 Fax: 9795 4412 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au Red Gum Ward Cr Matthew Kirwan 0403 072 295 matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au
Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti Ph: 9792 4683 Fax: 9792 4683 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au Silverleaf Ward Cr John Kelly Ph: 9793 1777 Fax: 9706 0186 0418 350 743 john.kelly@cgd.vic.gov.au Silverleaf Ward Cr Maria Sampey Ph: 9790 1291 Fax: 9790 6104 0438 800 027 maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au
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COUNCIL MEETINGS Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7pm. All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong. The June meetings will be held on: • Tuesday 9 June (Tuesday meeting due to Public Holiday on the Monday) • Monday 22 June Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast service? You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community. To view meetings online simply go to www.greaterdandenong.com and look for the ‘Watch Council Meetings Live’ page in the Your Council section.
RECENT COUNCIL DECISIONS • Council voted to support naming Dandenong’s civic square Harmony Square. In 2014 Council asked the public to nominate names for the square, and Harmony was one of five shortlisted names. The community was asked to consider the five names, and Harmony Square proved the most popular. Council will now apply to the Office of Geographic Names to make the name official. • Council adopted the 2015-16 Annual Budget for public consultation, which includes a capital works program of $37.38 million and is based upon a rate increase of 5.50 per cent. Some of the key new projects include $3 million allocated to acquire land in Keysborough South for a new community hub and $1.5 million to commence the design works to implement the Springvale Civic Precinct project. • Council also adopted in principle the revised four year Council Plan. Both the Annual Budget and Council Plan will be considered by Council for final adoption at its meeting on 22 June, taking into account any community submissions received. • Council twice considered the issue of introducing paid parking into the Springvale Central Activity District and resolved to support this concept in order to address the high level of traffic congestion, particularly around Buckingham and Balmoral Avenues in Springvale. Fees will be set at a lower level than presently applies in Dandenong and funds raised will be dedicated to improving the Springvale area. Cr Peter Brown and Cr Roz Blades attended the much anticipated opening of the Springvale Asian Gateway in Buckingham Avenue, Springvale.
Mayor Sean O’Reilly enjoyed inspecting the mammoth machines on display as part of the Dandenong on Wheels event in the civic square.
Red Gum Ward
Lightwood Ward
Cr Jim Memeti
Cr Sean O’Reilly
I
was delighted to learn that Greater Dandenong’s new civic centre was recently nominated in a series of prestigious national and Victorian property awards. One of eight finalists nominated in the category of Best Public Building, the civic centre was opened in March 2014 and has provided City of Greater Dandenong with a new council precinct, state-of-the-art library, community meeting rooms and magnificent outdoor civic space. I had the privilege of being mayor during the final stages of the building’s construction and fit-out and it was an honour to officially open these magnificent premises in April last year. And I think you’ll agree that this building – which is now a stand-out, landmark precinct in central Dandenong – is an incredible asset to our city. As well as the new council and civic spaces, the library has proved overwhelmingly popular with Greater Dandenong residents and we are very proud to now have one of the highest levels of library usage in Victoria with more than one million visits each year – either in person or online. Spread over 2,500 square metres, it boasts the latest in technology and has a special focus on training, literacy support services and learning resources – and all in a modern, light-filled learning space. As a city that represents over 150 different nationalities this facility is an incredibly important learning space. The civic centre is an impressive new community facility that belongs to every resident in the City of Greater Dandenong and we should be very proud that it has been recognised at a national level for its innovation and excellence. I enjoy representing the residents of Red Gum Ward and look forward to the challenges ahead as we create a healthier, happier and more connected Greater Dandenong.
Cr Jim Memeti was Mayor of Greater Dandenong when the new civic centre was opened in 2014.
A
s I reflect on my first half-year as mayor I am reminded of the many positive aspects of living in Greater Dandenong. I’ve had the privilege of attending many events and meeting many wonderful residents who contribute so richly to our community. As a resident of Springvale and the representative for Lightwood Ward, it’s been particularly rewarding to participate in some of Springvale’s events, celebrations and projects. The Springvale Lunar New Year celebration is a spectacular annual new year highlight that showcases and celebrates the vibrancy of our Asian community. This year’s event was another wonderful celebration which attracted many thousands of visitors to Greater Dandenong. As part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Pop-Up Springvale was a highly-successful inaugural event which brought the tastes of Asian cuisine to the newly-revamped Springvale train station. Creating a buzz of excitement and colour to this precinct, this event is expected to be a much-anticipated regular highlight on CGD’s calendar. In April I was delighted to open the Springvale Asian Gateway – a joint venture between Council, the Springvale Asian Business Association and Victorian Government. This gateway, with its beautiful and unique design, is a vibrant landmark that reflects the historical development of Springvale and its migrant narrative. Good progress has been made on Springvale’s Edinburgh Reserve Sports Pavilion, a project that has involved refurbishing two existing, outdated buildings to provide an upgraded sporting pavilion for a large number of local sporting clubs. The completion of this project will allow these clubs to attract new members and improve community health and wellbeing through increased sports’ participation. I consider it a privilege to serve as both Councillor and Mayor of Greater Dandenong. Please feel free to contact me at sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au or on 8571 5230.
Cr Sean O’Reilly at Edinburgh Reserve Sports Pavilion.
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working FOR YOU
SNAP, SEND, SOLVE N
oticed some broken play equipment at your local park, or annoyed by rubbish piling up in your street? The free SnapSendSolve app can help you notify the City of Greater Dandenong and solve those problems while out and about. The app is simple. Snap a photo of the issue and add a brief description
along with your details, or make an anonymous report. Send the pic and report through the app, and the responsible authority will be alerted to the issue. You can report any safety concern, hazard or amenity issue through the app. SnapSendSolve uses your GPS
SM KING BANS N
ew laws designed to protect children will see smokers fined for lighting up around schools and hospitals. Legislation which bans smoking within four metres of an entrance to childcare centres, kindergartens and schools, came into effect on April 13.
caught lighting up in the new smoke free zones. New signs discouraging smoking say: “This is where we learn please don’t smoke here”.
The legislation also covers maternal and child health centres, hospitals, courts and police stations.
The legislation was introduced to protect our youngest residents from being exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke, and recognises that children who see people lighting up regularly tend to think smoking is not a harmful habit.
Fines of $147 can be issued to those
The legislation has also encouraged
location and complaint details to send the request to the relevant authority, and can connect to every Australian municipality and many utility companies. You can download the app for free at the Apple App Store or the Android Google Play store. You can continue to report incidents to council via the phone on 8571 1000 for fast action, or visit our website at www.greaterdandenong.com to make a report.
City of Greater Dandenong councillors to consider similar bans for shopping strips and outdoor dining areas. While many states already enforce such a ban, only a handful of Victorian councils have introduced the measures. For those who choose to smoke Council reminds you to dispose of your butts responsibly or risk fines of up to $577 for a discarded lit cigarette or $295 for an extinguished cigarette. For more information about the smoking bans visit www.health.vic.gov. au/tobaccoreforms For help to quit smoking visit www.quit.org.au or phone 137 848.
FAMILY DAY CARE GETS BACK TO NATURE G
reater Dandenong Family Day Care continues to lead the way in quality child care with a new initiative that introduces children to the great outdoors. Council’s award-winning home-based childcare program has introduced regular nature playgroups that encourage children, parents and educators to explore the natural environment. The nature playgroups offer children the opportunity to recognise and appreciate 6 the CITY
the environment as a place to enjoy, play, imagine, relax and explore.
Family day care field officer Krystal Arvanitis said activities in these playgroups were designed to foster an appreciation of nature and develop children’s environmental awareness. “It’s amazing to watch how the children engage with the environment when other distractions are removed,” she said. “They scramble over and under fallen
trees, discover the tiny creatures living in the leaf litter, hear the birds rustling through the trees and observe how the environment changes as the seasons change.” Home-based childcare is an affordable and flexible option that is available through Council’s quality and accredited family day care program. There are vacancies for all ages across all areas of Greater Dandenong and more information is available on 8571 1805.
Nocturnal –
ART AFTER DARK L
ight will cut through the night in Dandenong when the Nocturnal program returns to celebrate art after dark.
Now in its ninth year, Nocturnal is known for draping everyday spaces in an atmosphere of mystery, curiosity and intrigue. In a break from tradition the program will run for one night only on Thursday 9 July, and participants will be able to explore the installations and artworks at their own pace. The buildings and laneways surrounding the civic precinct will become the canvas for a variety of artists, with displays including art projects, light works, large scale projections and performances. The event is family-friendly, with visitors encouraged to grab a meal from restaurants and cafes in the surrounding cultural precincts. Afterwards you can get warm around the open fire pits and watch internationally acclaimed content on the Big Screen. Mayor Sean O’Reilly said the event was an opportunity to experience Dandenong in a completely different way. “Essentially Nocturnal is all about creating outdoor gallery spaces in places you would least expect them,” Cr O’Reilly said. “It is a great opportunity to explore new parts of the city that are less likely to be encountered by the public after dark and to challenge your perceptions of Dandenong.” The popular event is free, but bookings are encouraged. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/Nocturnal to book.
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refugee WEEK As a Refugee Welcome Zone , the City of Greater Dandenong has made a commitment to welcome refugees into the community, uphold their human rights, demonstrate compassion and enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community. – excerpt from the City of Greater Dandenong’s Refugee and Asylum Seeker Statement.
Emerge Festival Emerge in the South East celebrates cultural diversity through art. Presented by Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau and Multicultural Arts Victoria the event commemorates United Nations World Refugee Day. Discover the many flavours, aromas, sounds and colours of multicultural Dandenong with this free celebration of arts and culture from local refugee and emerging communities who now call City of Greater Dandenong home. Live music and dance prformances will be held at Dandenong Market on Sunday 7 June, from 10am-3.30pm. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information.
Refugee Week T
he City of Greater Dandenong has a proud history of supporting the settlement of new migrants. Each year more than 2200 recently arrived migrants are welcomed to our community – the highest number of any Victorian municipality. About one-third of those are refugees, largely from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran and Pakistan. During Refugee Week (14-20 June) we celebrate the contributions of our refugee communities and promote Greater Dandenong as a safe and
8 the CITY
welcoming home for refugees. The theme this year is With courage let us all combine, which is a line from the second verse of the Australian national anthem. Greater Dandenong is one of 90 councils across Australia which has signed a Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration. Last year Council endorsed the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Statement and prepared the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Communities Action Plan 2014-17.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Sean O’Reilly called on residents to take time during Refugee Week to learn more about the journeys and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in our community. “Greater Dandenong has a long and proud tradition of welcoming migrants. I invite our residents to continue to extend their welcome and support to our new residents.” Cr O’Reilly said. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com to find out more about Refugee Week activities across the municipality.
Zakia Baig
“Australia is a land of peace and justice and it has given rights to my family. I cannot ever say the right words to express how grateful I am to this country.”
I
Zakia said the Friendship Network empowered women to stand proud and to grasp more opportunities in their new country. Women who were once isolated by their fears are growing from the connections made through the network.
n 2006 Zakia Baig fled her Pakistan home in fear for her life and the safety of her family.
Leaving behind her 15-year-old daughter, 12-year-old son and her husband, Zakia came to Australia in search of safety. Zakia’s husband, a prominent politician and businessman in Pakistan was often threatened by the Taliban, and when Zakia established a skills training centre for women she also became a target. Desperate to find a safe haven for their family the couple discussed escaping via boats, but dismissed the option as too dangerous. Zakia eventually applied for a student visa, but had to leave her family behind. Three months later she was reunited with her children, but it would be another six years before she was to live with her husband again. A passionate advocate for refugees and human rights, Zakia is one of the founding members of the Australian Hazara Women’s Friendship Network, which won the Leadership Award at the 2015 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.
Zakia said the most important reason for coming to Australia was to give her children more freedom, but she could also see the possibilities for herself. She always had big hopes and dreams, but here she can see they are more achievable. She would love to establish more skills training centres for women here in Australia, as well as in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Zakia would also like to continue to share her story in the hope that it inspires other refugees and encourages the wider community to see refugees as fellow human beings. “If you judge people you limit them. It is up to all of us to help refugees integrate, whether that is giving them a chance at work, or just welcoming them into your community,” she said.
Every day Zakia is in contact with refugees. “We (refugees) all have a similar story. We have all come here to find safety, but we all have painful stories to tell,” she said. “When my family fled Afghanistan it was under fear, people looking at them with suspicious eyes. When I left Pakistan it was the same. Refugee Zakia Baig has big dreams for her future in Australia.
The BIG Screen T
he harrowing stories of refugees and asylum seekers will hit the Big Screen when Beyond Borders, a series of short films, is screened in Dandenong’s civic square. The Many Australian Photographers Group (MAPgroup) has collaborated with refugees and asylum seekers who have come here from countries such as Burma, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Jordan, Colombia, Iran and Somalia. Despite the beautiful imagery presented by the shorts, the stories they tell are traumatic and not normally told by the mainstream media. The screening will be held on World Refugee Day, Saturday 20 June at 11am in Dandenong civic square, 225 Lonsdale Street.
Refugees and asylum seekers tell their stories in Beyond Borders showing on Dandenong’s Big Screen. Picture: Juanita Wilson.
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community CALENDAR
JUNE MONDAY
TUESDAY
Ballroom Dancing Burden Park Bowling Club 6.30pm Ph: 9798 1784
1
Combined Probus Club of Noble Park Inc Club Noble, Moodemere Street 10am Ph: 95462346
WEDNESDAY
Healthy and Deadly Dandenong & District Aboriginal Co-Operative 62 Stud Road, Dandenong 4pm
2
9 Council Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm
Queen’s Birthday public holiday
Council Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm
16
22
Springvale View Club Greyhounds Entertainment 6.30pm Ph: 9791 5161
Follow your Waste Tour Council’s Springvale office 9.30am Ph: 8571 1702
Bilingual Storytime Springvale Library 10.30am (every Wednesday)
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30
Welcome to the Jungle Springvale Library 11am
17
18 Heritage Hill Garden Tour & Picnic 12pm Ph: 9793 4511
24 Digital Literacy: intro to mouse and keyboard Springvale Library 9.30am-11.30am 1300 630 920
Noble Park Country Women’s Association General Meeting Paddy O’Donoghue 10am Ph: 9547 7261
Sing-a-long Storytime Dandenong Library 11am
11
Digital Literacy: intro to internet 2 Dandenong Library 9.30am-11.30am Ph: 1300 630 920
23
29
10
Interfaith Network Tour 8.30am Ph: 9546 8441
Cheeky Little Monkey’s Playgroup Noble Park Community Centre 2.30pm Ph: 9547 5801
Noble Park Country Women’s Association Craft Day Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 10am Ph: 9547 7261
Burmese Women’s Alliance Friendship Group Noble Park Community Centre 10.30am, Ph: 0432 021 888
The Social Knitwork Dandenong Library 10.30am
Art Series artist talk Dandenong Library 6.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920
15
Community Action Forum Noble Park Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 6pm Ph: 0417 053 612
4
Youth Think Tank Meeting 5pm, Email: mark.carter@cgd. vic.gov.au Freeza Events Committee 5pm, Ph: 9793 2155
Unite Alliance 4.30pm Ph: 0414 015 919
Citizenship session Springvale Library 6.30pm-8.30pm (every Tuesday until June 23), Ph: 1300 630 920
8
3 Wendy Stapleton – Swinging Sixties Drum Theatre 8pm Ph: 8571 1666
Dandenong Evening VIEW Club Dandenong RSL 7pm, Ph: 9560 9717
Library Toddler Time 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920
THURSDAY
25 Heritage Hill House & garden Tour with Devonshire Tea 12pm Ph: 9793 4511 Windmill Theatre presents Guys and Dolls Drum Theatre 8pm Ph: 8571 1666
www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar
2015 FRIDAY Baby Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am PH: 1300 630 920
SATURDAY 5
Design & Create your own worm Farm Heritage Hill 10am Ph: 9793 4511
6 Model Expo 2015 Sandown Racecourse 10am
Dandenong & District Orchid Club Meeting Greaves Reserve 7pm Ph: 0412 188 263
7
Greater Dandenong Environmental Group Dandenong Wetlands 9.30am, Ph: 8571 1702
13
Me and My Dad: Plastic Fantastic Dandenong Library 2pm Ph: 1300 630 920
19
Springvale Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am Springvale Computer Market/ Swap Meeting Springvale Town Hall 10am
21
27
Dandenong Library 1300 630 920
Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279 Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 8571 1436
Sol Nation performs live Dandenong Market 11am
26
Drum Theatre 8571 1666
Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511
Detox Your Home hazardous waste collection Springvale 8am-4pm Ph: 1300 363 744 to register
Refugee Week lunchbox session Dandenong Library 12pm, Ph: 1300 630 920
✆ City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000
14
20
Windmill Theatre Company – Guys & Dolls Drum Theatre 8pm, Ph: 8571 1666
Battle of the Bands The Castle, Dandenong 7pm Ph: 9793 2155
Artist in Residence Open Studio Day Heritage Hill 1pm, Ph: 9793 4511
Emerge in the South East Dandenong market 10am-3.30pm
12
Tour of Dandenong – Artist Monica Ianculescu Heritage Hill 11am, Ph: 9793 4511
SUNDAY
28
Windmill Theatre presents Guys and Dolls Drum Theatre 2pm and 8pm Ph: 8571 1666
Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900
Craft Workshop for children Dandenong Market from 11am
Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441 Dandenong Market 9701 3850
Submit your community event online at
Cultural Tours 9771 5777
www.greaterdandenong.com
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DETOX
your home H
ighly toxic household chemicals can’t be disposed of in your regular kerbside waste collection, but an annual mobile collection service will help detoxify your home. Reduce the risk of poisoning, environmental pollution and bushfire hazards by dropping off unwanted and potentially dangerous chemicals at Springvale’s free Detox your Home mobile collection.
Road Rules:
NO STOPPING VS NO PARKING D
rivers often express confusion about the difference between No Stopping and No Parking signs. The signs have very different meanings. No Stopping simply means a driver cannot stop at all in that location. These signs are generally used in areas where safety or accessibility issues exist and may only apply at specific times of the day. No Parking signs allow a driver to stop for a short period of time, to drop off or pick up passengers or goods. The time limit that a driver is allowed to stop for is either displayed on the sign, or is set at the default two minutes (or five
minutes for drivers with a valid disability parking permit). When stopped in a No Parking area, drivers must not leave the vehicle unattended, which means they cannot move more than three metres away from the vehicle.
Registration is required, with the collection address being revealed once you have registered. The event will be held on Sunday 21 June, from 8am-4pm. To find out more information on what can be accepted at the collection or to register visit www.sustainability.vic. gov.au or phone 1300 363 744.
This type of sign may only apply at certain times of the day and is generally used near schools and sporting facilities where we want to provide an area for short term drop offs or pick ups, and prevent long term stays. If you have any suggestions for road rule articles for a future edition of The City, please write to Council’s Transport Team, PO Box 200 Dandenong 3175. See what happens to your waste once the truck has emptied your bins.
Follow Your Waste A
free bus trip is offering Greater Dandenong residents a chance to see what happens to their rubbish once their bins are emptied by the trucks. Learn more about reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and find out how to be a better recycler on the Follow Your Waste tour.
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The tour visits Polytrade Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Dandenong South, a landfill facility in Hallam and green waste recyclers NRS in Dandenong.
The Follow Your Waste tour leaves from Greater Dandenong Council’s Springvale offices, on Tuesday, 23 June at 9.30am, and will return by 3pm.
It finishes with lunch and a tour of Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve.
To make a tour booking please contact Council’s Operations Centre on 9797 1702.
S
ocial media has become a popular way for organisations like the City of Greater Dandenong to reach out to a community, but it works the other way too. The community can engage with Council, pose questions, promote events and start conversations via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
@katemc1976
Many people post beautiful photos to Instagram while out and about in Greater Dandenong and here at Council we love to see what locals are up to. @cityofgreaterdandenong
We would love to print some of the images in upcoming editions of The City, so remember to tag us in your Instagram post @cityofgreaterdandenong and #greaterdandenong and we will be in touch if we want to reprint your image.
@andykav_
@brainlys
@dandenongmarket @wayne_gainsayer
IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – JUNE 2015 The Immunisation Timetable for the City of Greater Dandenong is available from Council’s customer service centres or Maternal and Child Health centres and online. Phone Council on 8571 1000 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information on the upcoming immunisation sessions: DATE 1 June
TIME 5pm-6.30pm
LOCATION Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
9 June
10am-12pm
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park
11 June
10am-11.30am
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
16 June
10am-11am
Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
17 June
4.30pm-6.30pm
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
23 June
10am-11am
Jan Wilson Community Centre, BJ Powell Reserve, Halton Road, Noble Park North
24 June
10am-12pm
Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
27 June
10am-12pm
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
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business NEWS
Dandenong on Wheels A
n impressive show rolled into Dandenong recently during the Manufacturing: Dandenong on Wheels event. Passers-by were surprised to see trains, trams and buses in Dandenong’s civic square on 17 April. A celebration of manufacturing in the area, the day was hosted by the City of Greater Dandenong in partnership with the Committee for Dandenong and the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA). Mayor Sean O’Reilly said the event showcased the role Greater Dandenong played in the manufacturing of vehicles for all uses. The impressive display of vehicles included train and tram carriages, an articulated bus destined for the streets of Japan, a garbage truck, cement mixer, caravans, camper trailers, vehicles with specialised access and even a tractor. The vehicles were all partly or wholly manufactured by local businesses. “The amazing collection of vehicles
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represents the significant pride we all have in our manufacturing industries, and highlights the drive that local companies and workers have,” Cr O’Reilly said. “Students from a number of local schools, including Chisholm TAFE, attended the event and were able to see the future career opportunities offered by the manufacturing sector. It takes a broad spectrum of education and skills to design and build these wonderful transport vehicles, and companies within our region are truly leading the world.” The tram and train carriages were transported to the site on the back of trucks, while the 18m articulated bus was driven carefully into the square. The impressive machines drew large crowds who enjoyed walking through the amazing array of vehicles, and even sitting behind the steering wheels of some. A free lunch was provided by Castricum Meats and Noisette Bakery, while Hilton manufacturing staff provided the barbecue and cooked the sausages.
WHO WAS THERE Volgren: established in 1977 it is the country’s leading bus body builder. The Scania bus is now imported to Japan. Jayco: celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, they are a locally owned family business making recreational vehicles. Bombardier: is a Canadian company which makes trains and trams for Australian cities from its Dandenong plant. Iveco: employs nearly 300 people and produces 1200 trucks from its Dandenong plant annually. Norden: established in 1959 the company specialises in vehicle access and customised body building, and helps convert vehicles for wheelchair access. Acto Pickering: make Pioneer camper trailers and service vehicles from their base in Quality Drive, Dandenong. Membrey’s Transport and Doolans: based in Dandenong the truck and crane hire businesses helped transport train and tram carriages to the civic square for the event. Wastech: provide innovative and customised solutions for the waste industry.
community NEWS The Sandown Cobras are hosting their annual all abilities sports day in July.
JOIN THE SOCIAL KNITWORK W
hether you are a dab hand with the knitting needles, or yearning to learn the Social Knitwork would love to have you. Every week knitters gather to share their love of the craft, and experienced wool warriors are always happy to share their knowledge with beginners. The informal meetings are held every Wednesday at 10.30am (except during school holidays) on level 2 of the Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale St. Anyone is welcome to join in. BYO wool, needles and projects.
Sports for all T
he Sandown Cobras and the City of Greater Dandenong is gearing up to host a sports fun day in July. The event aims to promote sport for people with disabilities, and invites students from special development schools and adults who are engaged in adult disability services in the southern metropolitan region. The fun day includes an AFL skills workshop, social football game and a barbecue lunch. Last year the event saw the launch of Access for All Abilities Play (AAA Play), a referral service run by Reclink Australia for people who want to get involved in sports. In promoting AAA Play other sporting bodies will also hold displays and come and try sessions throughout the day. For those who love football but don’t want to play, the day encourages fans to celebrate their favourite AFL team by wearing footy colours and singing along to their team songs.
Food Drive
has been providing care, services and material aid to families and individuals in the Springvale area for 53 years.
he Springvale Benevolent Society is calling for Greater Dandenong residents to dig deep and support its services on your next shopping trip.
Earlier this year the Department of Social Services rejected an application for funds through their emergency relief program, leaving the service short of funds.
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The society is holding a food drive to help feed needy families in the community, and is asking residents to add an extra grocery item to your shopping trolley for donation. The Springvale Benevolent Society
You can support the Springvale Benevolent Society Food Drive by buying non-perishable items to help those in need. Phone 9546 5558 to arrange pick up.
Sandown Cobras President Lew Short said the day had grown steadily over the past five years with more than 250 participants and 50 support volunteers taking part in the event. The Sandown Cobras has its own all abilities team, which competes in the Football Integration Development Association. The All Sports Fun Day will be held at Edinburgh Reserve, Springvale, on Tuesday 28 July, from 10am-2pm. For more information email lewatmel@ netspace.net or phone 0438 534 719.
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