September 2015 Noble Park Skate Park page 3
Children’s Festival page 8
Market Week page 9
Preserving history page 13
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Dandenong office 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong
Hello and welcome to the September edition of The City. It’s Spring and the City of Greater Dandenong is in full bloom, don’t miss the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Spring Festival (details on page 3).
Springvale customer service 397–405 Springvale Road Springvale
This month we celebrate the youngest members of our community during the two week Children’s Festival. Read about some of the festival highlights on page 8 or turn to page 9 to read about local youth supporting their mates who are suffering from mental health issues.
Keysborough customer service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre Keysborough Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 18–34 Buckley Street Noble Park All correspondence to: The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000
While we look to the future here in Greater Dandenong we are also taking steps to preserve our history. Read about plans for a new historical archive, which is a joint project between two local historical societies and Council, on page 13. There is always so much happening in Greater Dandenong, including the Dandenong & District Annual Orchid Show which will display some brilliant blooms at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre on Saturday 26 September. Turn to page 10 and 11 to see our calendar of events or visit www.greaterdandenong. com to see what else is on in this great city of ours. I hope you enjoy reading this magazine and have a great month.
Fax: 8571 5196 www.greaterdandenong.com
Mayor Sean O’Reilly
@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
my CITY
Hoon Hotline.................. 1800 333 000
A lifeguard patrols the 50m outdoor pool at Noble Park Aquatic Centre. The pool is heated, giving swimmers a chance to enjoy the facilities all year round. The indoor pool is used for swimming lessons and aquatic programs, while the iconic waterslide, considered to be Melbourne’s biggest, continues to draw crowds to the Memorial Drive facility.
Hard waste collection WM Waste Management Services......... 9721 1915
Cover photo: This beautiful wattle adds colour to one of Greater Dandenong’s most important pockets of vegetation – Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve. The flowering tree is not the only thing in bloom this Spring. See how beautiful this season can be at the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Spring Festival on Saturday 5 September. Picture: Kylie Grinham.
Traffic signal faults/ non-operational................... 8571 1000
Australian Animal Protection Society............... 9798 8415 RSPCA................................ 9224 2222 Nurse on Call.................. 1300 606 024
2 the CITY
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve is open to the public every Friday, from 9am-3pm, and the third Sunday of the month, from 10am-5pm. It is also available for bookings at other times free of charge. A ranger is present during opening hours and is happy to take guided tours, while barbecue and toilet facilities are also available for public use. Springvale Live Steamers run mini train rides on all open Sundays. To make a booking phone 8571 1702.
CELEBRATE SPRING S
celebrates the return of this colour with a family friendly Spring Festival.
The reserve is a beautiful area of remnant vegetation and is one of the last remaining examples within the City of Greater Dandenong of what the landscape was like prior to European settlement.
Held on Saturday 5 September, from 10am-2pm, the festival will feature indigenous seedling plantings, a live animal show, mini steam train rides, bush craft, face painting and guided walks. A free barbecue lunch will also be available.
pring has sprung, and Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve will reopen for public tours this month.
During spring the reserve is a colourful wonderland of wild flowers that attracts butterflies, blue-tongue lizards and many birds. At the beginning of spring, Council
Parking is available in Mackay Street and Harold Road (enter through Alex Nelson Reserve). Bookings required for catering purposes. For more information visit www.greaterdandenong.com or phone 8571 1702.
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT B
reastfeeding mothers can receive free support and advice at weekly drop-in sessions in Keysborough. The sessions, which started in July, are a partnership between City of Greater Dandenong and Monash Health, and aim to support new mums who need help breastfeeding. The new support service has two staff members who can supervise mums as they refine their breastfeeding technique in a comfortable and relaxed setting. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies to six months of age, and thereafter for breastfeeding to continue alongside suitable complementary foods for up to two years and beyond.
Statistics from a 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey show that 39 per cent of babies are still being exclusively breastfed at three months, with numbers dropping to 15 per cent for babies at five months. The drop-in sessions offer support, education and advice for mums who want to continue to breastfeed their babies. The sessions are currently offered for babies up to three months, but the service will be reassessed to see if the service needs to be extended.
Noble Park
Skate Park T
he fences at the Noble Park Skate Park have come down in time for the school holidays this month. Excitement has been building for the opening of the skate park which has been co-designed by skating legend and Noble Park resident Jon McGrath. As a teenager Jon won the Australian junior championships and went on to compete in the Pro Am series in the US. Some activities and workshops have been happening at the skate park over the past few weeks, but the facility will be officially opened at an event on Saturday 19 September. Daily events will be held over the school holidays. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information.
The sessions are held every Thursday, from 9am-11.30am, at Springside Maternal and Child Health Centre, at 1A Shearman Court, Keysborough. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information. the CITY 3
your COUNCILLORS
The September meetings will be held: • Monday 14 September • Monday 28 September. 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.
Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 5927 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au
WARD MAP
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Paperbark Ward
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Silverleaf Ward Cr Maria Sampey Ph: 9790 1291 Fax: 9790 6104 0438 800 027 maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au
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Silverleaf Ward Cr John Kelly Ph: 9793 1777 Fax: 9706 0186 0418 350 743 john.kelly@cgd.vic.gov.au
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Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti Ph: 9792 4683 Fax: 9792 4683 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au
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Red Gum Ward Cr Matthew Kirwan 0403 072 295 matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au
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Red Gum Ward Cr Angela Long Ph: 9795 6574 Fax: 9795 4412 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au
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Silverleaf Ward
Lightwood Ward
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Paperbark Ward Cr Heang Tak 0403 072 291 heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au
Police Ro ad
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Paperbark Ward Cr Peter Brown Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 0408 138 939 peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au
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Lightwood Ward Cr Loi Truong Ph: 0466 004 618 loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au
All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong.
East Link
Lightwood Ward – Mayor Cr Sean O’Reilly 0422 523 258 sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au
Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month.
Corrigan Road
Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea Ph: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 3586 0417 320 645 ychea@cgd.vic.gov.au
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Darren Rd
COUNCILLOR CONTACTS
Thompso ns
Road
Paperbark Ward
T
Cr Roz Blades AM
hree level crossings in Noble Park have been earmarked for removal by the State Government in a multi-billion dollar commitment to remove 50 of the worst crossings in Melbourne.
The Corrigan Road separation is easily as important in terms of the traffic snarls and the moveability of cars through the intersection. Drivers are sick and tired of the Chandler Road level crossing where gates can be down 20 minutes at a time.
crossings are removed the difference will be startling.
All in all, Greater Dandenong level crossing gates are down for over 40 minutes in EVERY hour. I know that this is ridiculous. When all three level
Council is strongly lobbying for the Springvale model (rail under road) which has been received well by public transport users.
A new bus stop is planned for Springvale Road and lighting will help keep public areas safe at night.
While the whole project will take several years to complete, it will create a wonderful public space that will be used by the whole community.
The project is due to be completed in 2018. Meanwhile the State Government is still considering the best way to remove the crossings, whether that is underground or as an overpass.
The removal of level crossings at Heatherton, Corrigan and Chandler roads will help ease congestion at peak travel times and give drivers a smoother run. The railway gates at Heatherton Road create nightly traffic bank ups in Buckley Street trying to turn left into Douglas Street because cars are bumper to bumper one way back to Heatherton/Corrigan roads, and the other side back to Briggs Crescent at the level crossing. Removing the level crossing will open up the Noble Park shopping centre, which along with the new skate park will bring people into the centre to shop.
Lightwood Ward
Cr Youhorn Chea The Springvale Civic Masterplan will see the biggest changes this suburb has seen for many years. Council has worked with the community to form a long-term vision for the area around the City Hall, Library and council offices, and with the demolition of the old council offices, the vision is beginning to take shape. The Masterplan provides direction for the site and includes: • New and improved library and community facilities • Increased open space • A range of spaces for all members of the community • Retention and refurbishment of the City Hall and Supper Room • Increased car parking • Safer public spaces.
The Springvale and District Historical Society have relocated their archives from the site, ahead of the opening of a joint archive facility in Hammond Road, Dandenong South later this year. Proceeds from the sale of the former Springvale Depot will be used to fund the Masterplan.
Although most staff moved to Dandenong’s new civic centre in 2014, a customer service centre has remained on site. The centre will remain open during the work and will eventually relocate to the new Library building, so if you have any questions or council business please drop in. the CITY 5
working FOR YOU
Rate capping
A refurbishment of the Dandenong Oasis may be put on hold until the effects of rate capping are fully known.
T
he City of Greater Dandenong continues to work with the Essential Services Commission on the topic of rate capping.
commission says the review has “attempted to remain focussed on the needs of councils and their communities”.
The proposed rate increase for 2016/17 is 3.05 per cent, which takes into account CPI and other cost factors affecting council’s.
Since the start of the year the commission has been running a review into the State Government’s plans to cap local government rates to a level similar to the consumer price index (CPI).
The report handed down a series of interim recommendations, and says a final recommendation will be presented to the State Government by the end of this month (September).
A breakdown of Council costs shows employees make up 53 per cent of expenditure, the second biggest expense is external contracts, which are made up of material and service costs and are influenced by a construction index.
The commission has consulted with hundreds of stakeholders, including ratepayers, council staff, councillors, other peak organisations and the City of Greater Dandenong. An interim report released by the
The commission believes one rate cap should be applied across all local governments, and would apply only to general rates and municipal charges. Revenue from special rates and charges, including the cost of garbage collection would not be covered.
The commission suggests that each year the cap could drop slightly to allow for cost efficiencies introduced by local council’s.
SCHOOL FOR KEYSBOROUGH SOUTH T he City of Greater Dandenong continues to advocate for a primary school in Keysborough South. Despite the rapid population growth taking place in the suburb, the State Government has not indicated it has any plans to build a school. Population figures show there are about 1150 school aged children currently living in Keysborough South, with that figure expected to reach more than 2800 by 2018. While planning for a community hub in the area, Council has also recognised the need for other infrastructure, including a school, to support the growth. 6 the CITY
Council staff have had several meetings with the Department of Education and Training on the matter over several years, and more recently Mayor Sean O’Reilly wrote to the Minister for Education seeking clarification on the Government’s plans.
Residents and members of the Keysborough South Action Group have also taken action, presenting a petition with more than 1000 signatures to the State Government. Council will continue its work to help build a better community for Keysborough South residents.
Avoid garden waste contamination C
ommunity efforts to reduce waste are being hampered by people placing the wrong items inside their garden waste bins. If you have received a pink contamination sticker on your bin then it is likely you have put contaminated waste out for collection. Garden waste is collected and taken to a processing facility where it is turned into high quality compost that is great for our gardens and environmentally friendly.
Items such as plastic bags, household garbage, tyres, car parts, chemicals, oil cans, gas cylinders and metals have been found in garden waste collected in Greater Dandenong. These items are not only incompatible with mulching, they can also cause major damage to machinery at the processing facility, halting production and leading to increased costs.
whole truck loads are rejected at the processing facility, wasting everyone’s recycling efforts. Items that can be placed in your greenlidded garden waste bin include grass clippings, flowers, small branches (less than 30cm), weeds and garden prunings. Things that can contaminate your garden waste bin include food, soil, bricks, recyclables, garbage, clothing and nappies. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information about avoiding cross-contamination of your waste and recycling.
In extreme cases of contamination
Do you still have an old brown garden waste bin? If so, Council will cease to empty these bins soon. Phone 8571 1000 to get a new green lid bin.
NEW TREES AT KEYSBOROUGH RESERVE T
hirty new trees are establishing roots at Keysborough Reserve following a decision to remove six declining Cypress trees earlier this year. Council removed the trees along the reserve’s Cheltenham Road frontage as it was decided they had reached the end of their lifecycle.
Dandenong and will establish fast and attract native birds. The Queensland bottle trees were chosen for their unique look and will help create a focal point in the reserve.
In 2014-15 Council planted more than 3000 street trees in streets, parks and kindergartens. During the same period more than 30,000 indigenous seedlings, including grasses were planted across the city.
After much consideration of the right plants for the site, Council has settled on three new species. • Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) • Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) • Queensland bottle trees (Brachychiton rupestris). Ten trees of each of the evergreen species have been planted across the site. The Blackwood and Coastal Banksias are both native to the City of Greater
Paperbark Ward councillors Peter Brown, Heang Tak and Roz Blades AM plant trees at Keysborough Reserve.
the CITY 7
N
ow in its fourth year the Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival promises to offer big fun for our littlest residents. This year’s festival will run over the September school holidays, and with the theme of dinosaurs it promises to educate and entertain. The two week festival will feature a range of activities, programs and performances for the whole family. The headline event will be the Little Day Out for BIG imaginations on Sunday 27 September at Noble Park’s Ross Reserve. The free event will run from 11am-4pm and will include free entry to the Noble Park Aquatic Centre from 1pm-4pm. Be ready for a fun filled roaring dinosaur wonderland with free family activities, entertainment, roving performers, storytelling, face painting, games and sports.
Puck the Dinosaur designed by Artist Felipe Reynolds and theatre-maker and director Ed Boyle.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information about the Little Day Out and for a full program of events for the Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival.
and a guided tour. The night will end with a sausage sizzle.
HIGHLIGHTS Discover Dandenong walk for children Tuesday 22 September, 10am-12pm
Free activity. Bookings: 8571 1702.
Secrets of the city – art discovery walk Monday 28 September, 10.45am11.45am
Meet at Harmony Square and discover the hidden secrets of Dandenong on a guided walk. Free Activity. Bookings: 8571 1568.
Jurassic plant discoveries at Heritage Hill gardens Wednesday 30 September, 10am11.30pm
The tour begins at Dandenong Market where resident chef Russell Bald will create some tasty snacks for the tour group. The next stop is Palm Plaza where the group will help plant some herbs and learn about waste and recycling. Then to Drum Theatre, for craft activities. The final destination is Harmony Square for a special viewing of Walking with Dinosaurs: The Movie.
Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong
Free activity. Bookings: 8571 1817.
Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong
Evening in the park Thursday 24 September, 5pm-7pm Pencil Park, Hidden Grove Boulevard, Keysborough Join us for a family friendly evening in the park, including a planting session 8 the CITY
The City of Greater Dandenong’s gardening team will take you through the Heritage Hill gardens. Cost $5. Bookings: 9793 4511.
Sleeping Beauty Thursday 1 October, 10.30am and 1.30pm
Promac Productions Australia has created its latest pantomime based on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. Tickets start at $13.75 for groups. Bookings: www.drumtheatre.com.au or 8571 1666.
CELEBRATE MARKET WEEK T
he Dandenong Market is a colourful place to visit all year round, but during Market Week celebrations (September 5-13) there is so much more happening. Celebrations will kick off with a noisy market staple – a battle of the spruikers. The Spruiker Challenge will pit 6 market stallholders against each other in a fast, furious and hilarious battle, from 12.30pm on Saturday 5 September. Put your dad to the test and celebrate Father’s Day with a tough food challenge. This three round competition starts with lemons, jumps to raw onions and finishes with a dose of hot chillis. Are you tough enough? Find out on Sunday 6 September at 12.30pm. A world’s best smoothie competition will give visitors the chance to vote for their favourite flavour created by stallholders, from 12.30pm on Saturday 12 September.
#HELPYOURMATE CAMPAIGN A
mental health campaign created by young people for their peers is encouraging people to look out for the wellbeing of their mates. The #helpyourmate campaign 2015 is a partnership between City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services and Chisholm TAFE’s multimedia department. Chisholm students have created a series of 30 second film advertisements and posters on the topics of
respectful relationships, mental health, discrimination and community safety. Research shows that young people are more likely to reach out to family and friends for support in the first instance. This campaign has two aims, the first is to encourage young people to reach out for help and the second is to increase the capacity of young people to support the wellbeing of their peers. The campaign will be launched at
Market icon Dandee Donuts will be in overdrive for the donut eating competition on Sunday 13 September at 12.30pm. Over five rounds market visitors can compete to eat as many donuts as they can in two minutes. Finally, two champions will face off to see who can eat 20 donuts the fastest. Cooking demonstrations at The Kitchen will also be held throughout the week, with menus including spicy delights, sensational seafood and baking basics. Free food discovery tours will also be held on Tuesday 8 September and Friday 11 September at 10am. Led by chef Russell Bald the one hour tours take you behind the scenes of Dandenong Market and visitors get a free sample bag. Visit www.dandenongmarket.com.au for more information about the week’s events or to book a tour.
CGD Talks, a Mental Health Week event, held in Harmony Square on Thursday 8 October. CGD Talks is a TED Talk style event focusing on building resilience in young people and will be open to local students, their teachers and youth health professionals. A pop-up gallery will feature the students’ posters, while the advertisements will play on the Big Screen. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information about the #helpyourmate campaign 2015. the CITY 9
community CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Game Development workshop Dandenong Library 4pm-6pm
Submit your community event online at www.greaterdandenong.com
7 Combined Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble 10am Ph: 9546 2346
Noble Park Country Women’s Association Craft Day Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 10am Ph: 9547 7261 Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm
16 Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch Public Forum General Meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 7.30pm Ph: 0407 325 030
Drivesmart Springvale Library 6.30pm-8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920
22
23
Live cooking demonstration Dandenong Market The Kitchen 12pm
Ballroom Dancing Burden Park Bowling Club 6.30pm (every Monday) Ph: 9547 1907
28
Springvale View Club Greyhounds 6.30pm, Ph: 9700 1976 Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm
17 Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 6pm Ph: 1300 630 920
Dandenong Food Lovers Tour 5.50pm, Ph: 8571 1377
24
The Wizard of Oz Drum Theatre 1pm
Discover Dandenong walk for children Dandenong Market 10am-12pm Ph: 8571 1817
Introduction to iPads – Go further Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8pm
10 Heritage Hill House and Garden Tour with Devonshire Tea 12pm Ph: 8571 1702
15
21
10 the CITY
9 Bilingual Storytime – Vietnamese and English Springvale Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920 Noble Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 6pm Ph: 9701 5821
Conversation Circle Springvale Library 10.30am Dandenong Library 6pm, Ph: 1300 630 920
Silverleaf Ward Community Forum Jan Wilson Community Centre 7pm, Ph: 8571 1000
29
30
Jurassic plant discovery Heritage Hill 10am Ph: 9793 4511
3
Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am, Ph: 1300 630 920
8
Art Series Dandenong Library 6.30pm
Flinders Christian Community College – Oliver Drum Theatre 7.30pm, Ph: 8571 1666
Burmese Women’s Friendship Group Noble Park Community Centre 10.30am, Ph: 0432 021 888
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Spring Opening Day 10am Ph: 8571 1702
Dandenong Evening View Club Dandenong RSL 7pm, Ph: 9560 9717
14
2 The Social Knitwork Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Wednesday)
Top Cat Dances Rock & Roll Edinburgh Hall 7.30pm, Ph: 0413 393 345
Introduction to iPads – Get started Dandenong Libraries 6.30pm-8pm
Art discovery walk Harmony Square, Dandenong 10.45am, Ph: 8571 1568
1
Paramnesia by Rachel Nelson Heritage Hill Ph: 9793 4511
Game Development workshop Dandenong Library 4pm-6pm
THURSDAY
www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar
2015 FRIDAY
SATURDAY 4
U3A Dandenong Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 1pm, Ph: 9546 2997 Houseplant by Elizabeth Barnett Heritage Hill Ph: 9793 4511
Robotics workshop Dandenong Library 10am, Ph: 1300 630 920
Lennon – Through a Glass Onion Drum Theatre 8pm Ph: 8571 1666
Tour of Dandenong with artist Peter Douglas Heritage Hill 11am
18
Spring Festival Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve 10am-2pm, Ph: 8571 1702
Dandenong Market – tough food challenge 12.30pm
12 Dandenong Market – best smoothie competition 12.30pm Me and My Dad – Plant, Sap and Guts Dandenong Library 2pm
Children’s Festival starts
6
13
Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511
20 Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279
Chilean Latin American Festival Sandown Racecourse 10am-10pm
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 8571 1436
Skate Park Official Opening Ross Reserve, Noble Park
25
Drum Theatre 8571 1666 Dandenong Library 1300 630 920
Dandenong Market – Dandee Donuts eating competition 12.30pm
19
✆ City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000
Springvale Rotary Market Springvale Railway Station 8am Ph: 0425 806 006
Robotics workshop Dandenong Library 10am, Ph: 1300 630 920
Octonauts Live Drum Theatre 4pm Ph: 8571 1666
Father’s Day
Dandenong Market – spruiker challenge 12.30pm
Chilean Latin American Festival Sandown Racecourse 10am-1am
Together by Shirley Innes Heritage Hill 10am
Reside – Youth Art Exhibition Heritage Hill 7pm PH: 9793 2155
5
Greater Dandenong Environment Group Dandenong Wetlands 9.30am Ph: 8571 1702
11 Dandenong and District Orchid Club Meeting Greaves Reserve 7pm Ph: 0412 188 263
SUNDAY
26
27 Little Day Out – for BIG imaginations Ross Reserve, Noble Park 11am-4pm
Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900 Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441 Dandenong Market 9701 3850 Cultural Tours 8571 1666
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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE:
DOMENICA VAVALA T
he beauty and mystery of the landscape of Domenica Vavala’s youth has nurtured and influenced the observational nature of her artwork.
Vavala is using her time at Laurel Lodge to work on a series that is based on her interests in pre-history and finishing some pieces that are in progress.
Vavala works primarily in drawing and watercolour, and has been set up in her own studio in Laurel Lodge (at Heritage Hill) as an artist in residence since July.
She finds herself inspired by her time in Dandenong.
She describes art as a solitary pursuit, and says fitting her family, work and study around her passion for art can be challenging.
“I haven’t had a studio for a while, I’ve been working from home so having a dedicated, beautiful, historic studio space surrounded by amazing gardens appeals to the part of me that is fascinated by historical memory,” she said.
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it and weren’t compelled to create the images,” Vavala said.
Visit thehivegreaterdandy.wordpress. com to read our full interview with Domenica Vavala. Artist in Residence Domenica Vavala is inspired by her studio at Laurel Lodge.
For more information on The Hive and all things creative visit greaterdandenong.com/arts
ART
of Origin
A
new project by the City of Greater Dandenong, in partnership with Art of origin, will explore art from culturally diverse backgrounds created by artists who identify as having disabilities. Art of Origin aims to use art to explore identity for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including indigenous Australians. It will give artists the chance to explore the connections between home of origin and their home in Australia, and one’s sense of belonging, identity and community. Greater Dandenong is a rich and culturally diverse community and Art of Origin aims to celebrate this diversity by encouraging the voices and art of people with disabilities to be heard and seen. Artists will experience working in a pop-up studio in a safe, supported and creative space. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information.
Laurel Lodge L
1930s garage was also turned into an artists’ studio while the whole property was repainted.
aurel Lodge has reopened after being restored to her former glory, and artists are taking inspiration from her beauty as they take up residency in her rooms.
Laurel Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Greater Dandenong and offers three studio spaces under Heritage Hill’s Artist in Residence program.
The grand old lady has been through a lot in nearly 150 years and over time water run-off and the roots of the imposing Moreton Bay Fig trees have caused large cracks in the building.
Artists working across all mediums, including visual artists, sculptors, painters, illustrators, writers, musicians, multimedia artists and performance artists can take up residency.
The lodge was closed for 18 months while works were undertaken to repair major cracks, upgrade drainage, and restore the cellar and verandah. The
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information about Laurel Lodge or to find out about the Artist in Residence program.
12 the CITY
Left: Chris Keys, Rhonda Diffey, Bruce McCoombe and Colin Robinson inside the Progress Hall. Below: Historical images donated to council by photographer Graham Southam in 1991.
Protecting our
heritage A
n exciting new partnership has been formed to preserve the history and heritage of Greater Dandenong. Council has joined with the Springvale and District Historical Society and the Dandenong and District Historical Society to create a joint archive facility for all three organisations’ historical collections. The three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise an ongoing relationship to preserve historical documents photos, negatives and artefacts. The new archive building will be located in the old progress hall in Hammond Road Dandenong South,
and will provide space for the collections of Council and the Historical Societies. Council has thousands of items in its civic collection, including items related to the previous Springvale and Dandenong councils. Other civic items include honour boards, artworks, items from the Enterprise Migrant Hostel collection and gifts from visiting dignitaries, as well as a collection of photographic negatives bequeathed to the city by local press photographer Graham Southam in 1991.
Mayor Sean O’Reilly with Chris Keys and Colin Robinson.
A digital storage system will also be introduced to the facility, where images of the assets stored in the collection will be recorded and made available through the internet for local history researchers. The archive will be updated regularly by both the historical societies and Council.
IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – SEPTEMBER 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
TIME
LOCATION
7 September
5pm–6.30pm
Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
8 September
10am–12pm
Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park
10 September
10am–11.30am
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
15 September
10am–11am
Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
16 September
4.30pm–6.30pm
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
22 September
10am–11am
Jan Wilson Community Centre, BJ Powell Reserve, Halton Road, Noble Park North
23 September
10am–12pm
Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale
26 September
10am–12pm
Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
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business NEWS
Shared value program prospers G
iving new settlers in the Dandenong area opportunities for training and employment might be thought of as a ‘nice’ thing for a business to do, but an ANZ Bank program shows how it is also good for business. The City of Greater Dandenong has been working with shared value expert Phil Preston to share stories of successful business strategies which address social issues. ANZ has linked up with the Given the Chance work placement program run by The Brotherhood of St. Laurence to provide former refugees and asylum seekers with the skills and experience needed to gain entry into the workforce.
Since April 2007 more than 100 participants have taken part in work placements across the company’s Melbourne based business units, and about 85 per cent have been employed by ANZ at the end of their placement. Apart from the training and employment outcomes, ANZ believes there are benefits associated with a workforce that reflects its customer base. “It really means a lot to many of our customers to see a teller in a branch who comes from the same cultural background, it makes the bank a more welcoming environment,” said ANZ’s senior manger retail change, engagement and inclusion Fiona Vines. These strategies are not just for big business – they have the potential
to deliver social value and generate financial returns and competitive advantage for businesses of all sizes. Other shared value partnerships include: • Patterson Cheney Toyota in Dandenong and Dandenong Valley Job Support • United Energy and Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau • Iveco and the Trans-Help Foundation • Dandenong Plaza and the Dandenong Proactive Policing Unit • Avocare and many small and large businesses throughout Greater Dandenong. Email business@cgd.vic.gov.au to find out more about the Shared Value Strategy Building program.
GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN T
he work of a Greater Dandenong linen service has helped Cabrini earn recognition as a Good Corporate Citizen at the Victoria Day Council Awards. Victoria Day Council chairman Norman Kennedy said Cabrini was a good corporate citizen because it supported and operated programs for disadvantaged people in the community, particularly through the Cabrini Linen Service (CLS) in Dandenong South.
14 the CITY
He said CLS provided employment opportunities for people who might otherwise struggle to find employment, including recently arrived migrants, long term unemployed, homeless, at-risk youth and people who have suffered mental illness or addiction. CLS currently employs 140 staff, representing 32 cultural groups. Since moving to Dandenong South two years ago, CLS has grown to further employ 41 local staff members, including 10 refugees from Catholic Care and 31 from Wise Employment and Hoban Agency.
CLS managing director Ralf Pelz said 80 per cent of the local employees had been unemployed for over a year, with 48 per cent having been out of work for more than two years. “When clients hear the story of CLS providing employment for the disenfranchised, our mission becomes their mission,” Mr Pelz said. “We are trying to balance mission and margin. Any surplus we make, we invest back into our company, our people and our community.”
community NEWS
Relay for Life
Relay for Life H
elp make a difference in the fight against cancer by putting together a team of walkers, runners or support people to take part in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life. Each year thousands of Australians take part in the overnight relay, and the Greater Dandenong event is looking for more teams to keep the tradition going. Cancer Council Victoria spokeswoman Elyce Carlyle said the Greater Dandenong relay had raised more than $330,000 since it started in 2009. Three years ago the event moved to Ross Reserve in Noble Park, and last year 14 teams took to the track to raise money for cancer research. Across Australia relay teams raised more than $23 million last year. That money was used to fund support programs for people battling cancer and research programs in the fight to find a cure. Ms Carlyle said compared to other
fundraising events, Relay for Life was non-competitive and had no minimal fundraising targets for teams. “The relay is as much about the experience as it is about raising funds,” she said. Teams can be made up of any number of people, and participants could walk, run or just cheer on others during the 18 hour event. Participants are also encouraged to set up camp and get into the spirit with costumes and campsite decorations. A moving candlelight ceremony will also be a chance to remember loved ones lost to cancer. The Relay for Life will be held at the Ross Reserve Athletics Track, Memorial Drive, Noble Park on Saturday 10 October and Sunday 11 October. Visit www.relayforlife.org.au for more information. To register contact Ms Carlyle at Elyce.carlyle@cancervic.org. au or phone 0409 153 254.
BUNURONG MEMORIAL PARK TRANSFORMATION W orks transforming Dandenong South’s Bunurong Memorial Park are well underway, with a range of new buildings and services taking shape.
The first burial happened on 8 February 1996, and since then more than 30,000 burials and cremations have taken place.
The works include an administration and customer service centre, cafe, florist, function centre and two new chapels. There will also be a children’s playground.
The park has been designed to anticipate burial and memorial needs across the range of faiths and cultures in our diverse community. There is also a multifaith area comprising beautiful gardens and the Solace Rooms for quiet prayer or reflection.
Bunurong Memorial Park is one of eight cemeteries under the care of the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. Established in 1995, it covers 100 hectares.
Due for completion in early 2016, the development will sit amidst stunning native parkland with more than 80,000
trees spanning land that is more than three times the size of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
This will be a regional multipurpose community asset providing open space for recreation for the local communities. The new buildings will aim to be carbon neutral, while a water swale and windmill project will save at least 500,000 litres of water per year. Visit www.bmp.smct.org.au for more information or to register your interest to receive regular updates and invitations to events. the CITY 15
19 September – 4 October 2015
Ev e n ts
es • Gam es c n a orm • Exhibitions • Activities • Perf Workshops
Headline event:
Little Day Out
Sunday 27 September, 11am-4pm, Ross Reserve, Noble Park
greaterdandenong.com/childrensfestival 8571 1000