The City - June 2016

June 2016 White Ribbon Workplace page 3

Refugee Week page 7

What’s on at The Drum pages 8&9

Emerging Writers’ Festival page 12

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong

Hello and welcome to the June edition of The City.

This month we celebrate National Refugee Week (June 19-25). As one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia, the City of Greater Dandenong proudly extends a warm welcome to everyone who comes here. See how we plan to celebrate our refugee and asylum seeker communities on page 7.

Springvale customer service 397–405 Springvale Road Springvale Keysborough customer service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre Keysborough Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 18–34 Buckley Street Noble Park All correspondence to: The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000

The arts are an important aspect of community life in Greater Dandenong, and the Drum Theatre is our iconic arts venue. If you feel like a great night out turn to pages 8 and 9 to see what is on at the Drum in the second half of the year.

Speaking of the arts, see page 12 for a preview of the Emerging Writers’ Festival events coming to our city, and turn to page 13 to read about Cultural Threads, an award winning program that is back for another year.

Council proudly advocates on behalf of our community all year round, and our push to see a school in Keysborough South takes another step forward. Turn to page 6 to read more about those efforts and our support of State Government plans to boost employment in Springvale.

I hope you enjoy this issue of The City and have a great month.

Fax: 8571 5196 www.greaterdandenong.com

Mayor Heang Tak

@greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TY: 133 677 T Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 Internet: www.iprelay.com.au TIS: 13 14 50 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 Heritage Hill is an oasis in central Dandenong, and while it is lush and green all year round, the historic gardens come into their own when they are in bloom.

Visit the grounds on your lunch break, or have a weekend picnic with the families. Picture: Kylie Grinham.

Front Cover: Walk Against Family Violence is one of a number of activities Council runs in its stand against Family Violence. Greater Dandenong is proud to be recognised as a White Ribbon Workplace

Australian Animal Protection Society............... 9798 8415 RSPCA................................ 9224 2222 Nurse on Call.................. 1300 606 024

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This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Revaluations TO IMPACT PROPERTY RATES C

hanges to legislation around local government rates will see Council tighten its belt this year to limit the rate rise to 2.5 per cent.

However, individual ratepayers may be surprised to see this figure will not appear on every single rate notice.

Every two years Council is required to revalue all of its rateable properties, meaning some properties will increase substantially in value, while others may increase by smaller amounts or stay the same.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Heang Tak said all properties had been revalued this year, so if your property value has increased by more than the average in Greater Dandenong, you will pay a higher amount in rates.

“However, if your property has increased by less than the average you will see a drop in your rates bill,” Mayor Tak said.

“While we strive to make our rates system fair and equitable, the truth is some properties will be hit by increases above the 2.5 per cent, and this comes down to how much your property is worth.”

Properties are valued by independent valuers and take into account total value of the land, buildings, swimming pools, garages and any other improvements. Valuers also analyse sales and rental data for each neighbourhood to determine their final valuation.

Another significant factor affecting rates collected by local councils are the two levies collected on behalf of the State Government, which are not within the 2.5 per cent cap.

“Money collected via the Fire Services Levy and Landfill Levy are passed directly to the State Government, and are not used by Council,” Mayor Tak said.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS: TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY C

ouncil elections are fast approaching (22 October) and residents are encouraged to have their say by voting.

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) will conduct these elections of behalf of Council. All people who are Australian citizens aged 18 and over and who have lived at their current address for at least one month must vote.

• Enrol to vote or update your details forms are available at Council’s customer service centres, any post office, online at www.vec.vic.gov. au or by phoning the VEC on 131 832. These application forms must be received by the VEC by 4pm on Friday 26 August.

• If you have voted before, check you are correctly enrolled for your current address, or to update your details phone VEC or visit their website.

All eligible voters must be enrolled to vote. If you fail to vote you may be fined. Voters aged over 70 will not be fined if they choose not to vote.

Other people who are not required to vote, but choose to, can apply to be included on the Chief Executive Officer’s List if they:

WHITE RIBBON

WORKPLACE O

ver the past 18 months the City of Greater Dandenong has been working on becoming an accredited White Ribbon Workplace.

In April Council was officially named a White Ribbon Workplace, an achievement described by Chief Executive Officer John Bennie as a step forward for the organisation and the community as a whole.

“We should all be very proud of this status, which formally recognises our combined efforts, commitment and achievements in relation to reducing the incidence of family violence against women and children,” Mr Bennie said.

“We are now officially recognised by White Ribbon Australia as a pioneer in contributing to national cultural change to prevent and respond to violence against women.

“White Ribbon accreditation not only makes a statement about the type of organisation we are, but sends a very strong message to our community the Council is committed to the wellbeing of both our staff and residents.”

Mayor Heang Tak said the honour was incredibly significant and an outstanding reflection on the integrity of Council as an organisation.

“I am very proud to be Mayor for this significant milestone and I am proud to be part of an organisation that is contributing to important cultural change.”

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ familyviolence to read more about White Ribbon Workplaces and what Council is doing to take a stand against family violence.

• are a non-Australian citizen who lives and pays rates in the municipality • do not live in Greater Dandenong but pay rates on a property in the city, either as a business owner or business occupier.

• are a director or company secretary of a corporation that pays Council rates in Greater Dandenong.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ election for more information. the CITY 3

your COUNCILLORS COUNCILLOR CONTACTS Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea Ph: 9547 5745 Fax: 9547 3586 0417 320 645 youhorn.chea@cgd.vic.gov.au Lightwood Ward 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

COUNCIL MEETINGS Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month.

All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre at 225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong.

The June meetings will be held: • Tuesday 14 June (Tuesday meeting due to public holiday on the Monday) • Monday 27 June Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our web-cast service?

You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community.

To view meetings online simply go to www.greaterdandenong.com/ councilmeetings

RECENT COUNCIL DECISIONS Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM Ph: 9701 5821 Fax: 9798 5927 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au Paperbark Ward Cr Peter Brown Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 0408 138 939 peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au

Councillors voted to conduct attendance voting for the Council Elections in October this year.

Councillors also voted to establish a pre-poll voting centre at the Springvale Customer Service Centre, 379 Springvale Road, Springvale, for two weeks prior to the election, which will be held on 22 October.

The existing payment system at number 8 car park in Balmoral Avenue Springvale will be replaced with ‘pay and display’ ticket machines to make it easier for customers and improve access.

Paperbark Ward Cr Heang Tak - Mayor 0403 072 291 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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Rhonda Garad, Helen Heath, Cr Roz Blades, Mayor Heang Tak and Cr Angela Long celebrate the City of Greater Dandenong’s White Ribbon Workplace accreditation.

Silverleaf Ward

Cr John Kelly I

want to use my column this month to talk about the strength of manufacturing in Greater Dandenong and congratulate the many businesses that are creating a prosperous future for our region.

I attended the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’ Premier Regional Business Awards recently and saw firsthand the amazing work of some of these businesses in our city.

There is such a wide array of businesses taking locally made products out to the rest of the world, we should be so proud of the work that is happening in our own city.

There were about 400 guests at the Awards night which showed that manufacturing is alive and well, but we all need to buy Australian and buy Dandenong products where possible. It’s important we support those around us who provide the jobs. Something like 50,000 people come to our city every day for work, not to mention those who live and work here.

I have been lucky over many years to see what this great city can produce. From a caravan to a boat, to yoghurt and electronic signs, to powdered milk and health foods, I could go on.

Greater Dandenong is growing in terms of manufacturing.

I would like to congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on running a wonderful evening that celebrated local industry and the strong position we are in.

Every year Council runs a business grants program to help local businesses get a leg up in their field. The grants are worth up to $8000, and can include an extra $2000 marketing package, to help start ups, growing businesses and those relocating to Greater Dandenong. Visit www. greaterdandenong.com/business for more information.

In the meantime if I can help you with anything please feel free to phone me on 0418 350 743.

Paperbark Ward

Cr Heang Tak R

oss Reserve Noble Park is one of the most popular precincts in the City of Greater Dandenong.

It is home to the Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC), the world-class Skate Park, the Noble Park Community Centre, an athletics track, several sports ovals and playgrounds.

In 2012 Council put together a Masterplan covering the future of the site, and many developments have already taken place, making the space a more vibrant community asset.

The $21 million upgrade to NPAC, which was completed in 2012, has given locals a fantastic recreation facility, which features one of the tallest waterslides in Melbourne.

In 2015 we launched the new Skate Park to much fanfare among the extreme sports community. Designed by world renowned skater and Noble Park resident Jon McGrath, the skate park is busy all day every day.

Earlier this year we extended our free Wi-Fi zone to include central Noble Park, with the service reaching to the skate park.

Recently the State Government also announced funding to help carry out works at Ross Reserve to make the space feel safer. Works include lighting upgrades, completion of a pedestrian path network, a public toilet and kiosk near the skate park, and small shelters across the grounds.

While there is an abundance of organised sporting groups and activities that take place at Ross Reserve every week,

the area is also popular for informal recreational uses, with joggers, dog walkers and families making the most of this green space in the middle of Noble Park.

I love to see how many people are looking after their health and wellbeing and taking advantage of this wonderful facility.

If you would like to get in touch with me about any issues please email heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0403 072 291. the CITY 5

working FOR YOU

GROWING EMPLOYMENT

IN SPRINGVALE C

ouncil is working with the State Government and two other local councils to help boost jobs in the Monash Employment Cluster.

SCHOOL FOR KEYSBOROUGH SOUTH T he City of Greater Dandenong continues to advocate for a primary and secondary school in Keysborough South.

Population figures show there are approximately 2,040 school aged children currently living in Keysborough South, with that figure expected to reach more than 2500 by 2018.

According to population estimations there may be a need for up to 1395 primary school places and 1109 secondary school places in 2018.

While planning for a community hub in the area, Council has also recognised the need for other infrastructure, including a school, to support the growth.

Council staff have had several meetings with the Department of Education and Training on the matter over several years, and Mayor Heang Tak has written to State Government representatives about Council’s support for the educational needs of Keysborough South.

Residents and members of the Keysborough South Action Group have also taken action, presenting a petition with more than 1000 signatures to the State Government.

The State Government has now committed funding to purchase land for a school in the May Budget. Council will continue to work with the State Government on future plans for a P-12 school and community hub.

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The cluster includes the business and industrial areas in Monash and Kingston, as well as Springvale.

The Monash Employment Cluster has the highest concentration of jobs outside the CBD, and has huge potential to be an even greater magnet for investment, jobs, services, businesses, culture and entertainment.

Council has been working closely with the Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) – the state government organisation charged with planning for Melbourne’s population growth – to develop more ideas to promote the area.

The MPA recently hosted a consultation process with business owners, workers and visitors to the precinct, to come up with ideas to improve the area and boost job opportunities.

While the results of this round of consultation is not yet known, previous ideas identified include better transport connections and improved amenities.

Key ideas include altering planning provisions to enable cafes, hotels, conference centres and recreational services to be close to industry, creating safe pedestrian and cycling environments, and encouraging private sector investment in modern buildings.

Mayor Heang Tak said Springvale business leaders were consulted on the project, “about how we can capitalise on the strengths of Springvale by encouraging the diversification of employment industries in and around the cultural hub of Springvale”.

News

T

REFUGEE WEEK

he Greater Dandenong community is invited to help welcome and celebrate refugees in our community during Refugee Week (19-25 June).

Refugee Week and World Refugee Day (20 June), commemorate the contributions of our refugee communities and promote Greater Dandenong as a safe and welcoming home for refugees.

refugees and acknowledge their contribution to our society.

“Each year more than 2200 recentlyarrived migrants settle in Greater Dandenong – the highest number in any Victorian municipality. A third of them are refugees, largely from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran and Pakistan,” Mayor Tak said.

The theme for the week this year is ‘With courage let us all combine’.

This line, from the Australian national anthem, commends the courage of refugees and those who speak out against persecution.

“We have approximately 3000 asylum seekers living in the community, the highest number in any Victorian local government. We have a long and proud history of supporting the settlement of new migrants, and we are proud to be an official Refugee Welcome Zone.”

Mayor Heang Tak said Refugee Week encouraged all Australians to welcome

Mayor Tak urged residents to take time during Refugee Week to

learn more about the journeys and experiences of refugee and asylum seekers in our community.

A range of public events will be held to mark the week and celebrate the contributions of residents from refugee backgrounds.

The City of Greater Dandenong is one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia, and proudly boasts representatives from 150 different countries.

Visit http://www.greaterdandenong. com/com/diversity to see more about the services and support programs Council offers asylum seekers and refugees.

Journey of Courage: Refugee Week Q&A Forum Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong on Tuesday 28 June. This special event intertwines theatre and discussion with an interactive theatre performance and Q&A panel featuring refugee and asylum seeker advocates and those with first hand experience.

Refugee Week Indoor Soccer Tournament At Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough, Saturday 9 July. Celebrate at this annual soccer tournament run by the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, in partnership with Monash Health, ERMHA and the City of Greater Dandenong. Featuring men’s, women’s and youth soccer competitions, childrens activities, food, music and live entertainment. To register email edem.edusei@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 9793 2155.

Young people will celebrate Refugee Week with an annual soccer tournament run by the Southern Migrant Refugee Centre, in partnership with Monash Health, ERMHA and the City of Greater Dandenong

Life Without Barriers Luncheon Level 2, Suite 1, 1 Langhorne Street, Dandenong, Wednesday 22 June, 1-3pm. Life Without Barriers will host a luncheon with local service providers. the CITY 7

WHAT’S

ON AT

THE

DRUM Big names, classic tales and local storytellers will all feature at Drum Theatre in the second half of 2016.

The Get Creative series of workshops will continue, while a Free for All Tuesdays event in July will offer free, top quality, after work entertainment for all.

Book Your Tickets Drum Theatre Box Office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and one hour prior to ticketed events.

You can book in person or over the phone during open hours, or online 24 hours a day.

JUNE

The Little Mermaid Friday 10 to Sunday 26 June This Windmill Theatre Company production is based on the Disney film of the Hans Christian Anderson classic. A hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs.

JULY Archè Thursday 2 June at 7.30pm Melbourne Ballet will enchant you with this powerful new piece, inspired by Swan Lake and choreographed by Simon Hoy.

Find Drum Theatre At the corner of Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong 8571 1666 drumtheatre@cgd.vic.gov.au www.drumtheatre.com.au

The Wiggles Wiggle Town Tour Sunday 3 July at 10am, 12.30pm, 3pm and 5pm Celebrating The Wiggles 25th birthday their Wiggle Town Tour will have you singing and dancing along with the latest hits and Wiggles classics. The fab four will be joined on stage by Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus.

Become a Drum Theatre ‘Friend’ Become a ‘Friend of Drum Theatre’ for as little as $20 per year and enjoy benefits, including special discounted ticket prices, exclusive invitations to events and offers, and regular newsletters. Call or visit the box office to become a friend today.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

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Short Cuts Film Festival

Educating Rita

Friday 3 June at 7.30pm FREE event

Wednesday 6 July 7.30pm

Celebrating and supporting the development of the dynamic local film industry, the festival will present films by an array of artists, providing a platform for local community members, emerging artists and accomplished industry professionals to showcase their talent and share their stories.

What happens when Rita, a naive hairdresser, meets Frank, a cynical, burnt-out English professor? She has a thirst for knowledge, but who ends up teaching who? Two very different worlds collide in Willy Russell’s charming and wonderfully entertaining comedy classic that has been loved by audiences for over 30 years.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST 5-6 Seussical The Musical 11-12 Annie 18 Choir of Hard Knocks

The Marriage of Figaro Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July at 7.30pm Drum Theatre is excited to host Opera Australia’s world premiere of Mozart’s brilliant opera The Marriage of Figaro. Following the adventures of a household over one single day. Masters are lusting over their servants, servants are outwitting their masters – Figaro is the Downton Abbey of opera. This brand new production features stunning costumes, a clever set, a talented chamber orchestra and a choir of local children who will accompany some of Opera Australia’s finest singers.

Free for all Tuesday: SWAY Jazz Tuesday 26 July at 5.30pm FREE event Unwind after work with the relaxed and effortless cool groove of SWAY Jazz. Drum Theatre foyer and bar will transform into a cool night spot where you will be able to hear classic, easy listening jazz that’s passionate and accomplished.

Cinderella

25-27 Legally Blonde The Musical

SEPTEMBER 23-25 Beauty and the Beast Jr

OCTOBER

Friday 22 and Saturday 23 July at 7.30pm The Victorian State Ballet brings this timeless fairytale classic to audiences in a magnificent full length production. Featuring internationally recognised artists in leading roles, this production promises to be an inspiring, entertaining and memorable experience for the whole family.

19 California Dreaming

Supergirly: Return of the Pop Princess Friday 29 July at 7.30pm A musical rollercoaster that will change the way you listen to pop music forever. This all-singing, all-glamour laughfest has strong language and adult themes.

6 A Night with Colleen Hewett 14-15 The Fantastic Toyshop by Victorian State Ballet

NOVEMBER 23-24 Christmas with Silvie Paladino

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community CALENDAR

JUNE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 1

Social Knitwork Dandenong Library 10am (every Wednesday) Get Creative: Life Drawing Heritage Hill 6.30pm-8.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

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Toddler Time Springvale and Dandenong libraries 10.30am (every Monday)

Interfaith Network Tour 8.30am-3pm Ph: 8774 7662

Combined Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble 10am Ph: 9546 2346

Top Cat Dancers Rock ‘n Roll and Swing classes Edinburgh Hall 7.30pm-10pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 0413 393 345

Noble Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 6pm Ph: 9701 5821

Art Series Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8pm Ph: 1300 630 920

14

Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm Dandenong and District Diabetic Support Group Meetings Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 2pm Ph: 9546 2346

Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday 20 Get Creative: Art Club for school children Drum Theatre 4.15pm-5.45pm Ph: 8571 1666

27

Springvale Evening View Club Greyhounds Entertainment, View Road, Springvale 6.30pm Special Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 6.30pm

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21

28 English in the Community and Workplace Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-12pm Ph: 9795 9279

9

Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 6pm (every Thursday)

15 Baby Bounce Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Wednesday)

16 Business seminar: Save Money at Tax Time Dandenong Civic Centre 9am-10.30am www.greaterdandenong. com/business events

Yoga Heritage Hill 5.10pm and 6.20pm (every Wednesday) Ph: 0405 427 183

22 Get Creative: Garden Melodies with Don McQueen Heritage Hill 10.30am-11.30am Ph: 8571 1666

Citizenship Session Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong libraries 10.30am (every Thursday)

7 Citizenship Session Dandenong Library 6.30pm-8.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

13

2 Archè Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

23 Playgroup Jan Wilson Community Centre 10am-12pm Ph: 9795 9279

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30 Adult Exercise Class Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-10.30am Ph: 9795 9279

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

2016 FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

3

4

Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Open Day Mackay Street, Springvale South 9am-3pm Ph: 8571 1702

Greater Dandenong Environment Group Dandenong Wetlands, Stud Road, Dandenong North 9.30am

Short Cuts Film Festival Drum Theatre 7.30pm Free event

The Little Mermaid 10 Drum Theatre 7.30pm (show runs until 26 June) Ph: 8571 1666

11 Robotics Workshop Springvale Library 10am-11.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

17

✆ City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000 Drum Theatre 8571 1666 Dandenong Library 1300 630 920 Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511

18

Emerging Writers Festival Springvale Library, Dandenong Library and Walker Street Gallery

24

Last day of School Term 2

12

Model Expo 2016 Sandown Racecourse 10am-5pm (Saturday to Monday)

Minecraft Modification Dandenong Library 10.30am-12.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Creators Exhibition Heritage Hill Until 21 June

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25

19 Alex WIlkie Nature Reserve Open Day Mackay Street, Springvale South 10am Ph: 8571 1702

Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279 Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 8571 1436

26

Me and My Dad: Craftpower power sailing Dandenong Library 2pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900

The Little Mermaid Drum Theatre 1.30pm and 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441

29

Dandenong Market 9701 3850 Cultural Tours 8571 1666

Submit your community event online at www.greaterdandenong.com

Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au the CITY 11

NO BUTTS ABOUT GREATER DANDENONG ‘Butt it then bin it’ is the message being sent to smokers with the installation of over 100 new posters aimed at reducing cigarette butt litter at known hotspots in Springvale, Noble Park and Dandenong.

“Cigarette butts may be small but put enough of them in one place and you very quickly have a significant litter problem,” Mayor Heang Tak said.

“In a period of just 4 hours, for example, over 5000 cigarette butts were collected from three locations in Dandenong and Springvale by the city’s street cleaners.”

Cigarette butt litter not only contributes to unsightly streetscapes but also adds potentially dangerous pollutants to our local environment.

When they make their way into our waterways the toxic chemicals contained in butts contaminate the water and threaten the survival of wildlife.

Dropping cigarette butts in the street or out of a vehicle is illegal and offenders can be fined.

To help smokers do the right thing, Council’s Springvale, Dandenong, Paddy O’Donoghue and Keysborough customer services centres are offering free personal butt bins.

For a limited time, #MSNOBUTTS and the Litter Prevention Officer will also be handing out free butt bins and educating visitors at Dandenong Market, Springvale Multicultural Hub, Halpin Way and Harmony Square.

This litter prevention initiative was funded through the Victorian Government’s Litter Hotspots Program in partnership with Butt Free Australia.

To report littering visit www.greaterdandenong.com/request or phone 8571 1000.

EMERGING WRITERS’ FESTIVAL

T

he Emerging Writers’ Festival is coming to the City of Greater Dandenong to inspire and motivate local storytellers.

For all comic book and graphic novel lovers, this workshop will provide you with the skills to create your own visual masterpiece.

Greater Dandenong and the Emerging Writers’ Festival have partnered to bring a day of special events on Saturday 18 June.

Podcasting workshop

From podcasting to comic books, you’ll have fun experimenting with storytelling in a series of workshops for anyone with an interest in writing or telling a story.

For those who prefer to watch or listen, an evening of stories, readings and live performances will cap off the day’s events at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre.

Emerging Writers Intensive Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 11am-2pm Want to get started as a writer but not quite sure how to go about it? This intensive introductory workshop will provide you with a range of creative skills and practical knowledge to kick start your writing journey.

Comic Books and Graphic Novels workshop Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale 12pm-1.30pm

DETOX

your home A

free service to help residents safely dispose of common toxic household chemicals will run in Greater Dandenong in June as part of the Victorian Government’s ‘Detox Your Home’ initiative.

‘Detox Your Home’ makes it easier for people to do the right thing with potentially dangerous chemical waste.

Keep your household safe and help your community divert waste from landfill by bringing your unwanted chemicals along to a designated collection point on Saturday 18 June where ‘Detox Your Home’ staff will be on hand to answer your questions.

To attend you’ll need to register by visiting sustainability.vic.gov.au/ detoxyourhome. You’ll then receive the location of the collection point via email or SMS.

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Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 3pm-5pm How can you tell stories through sound? Learn how to write, produce and record your very own podcast in this audio storytelling workshop.

Off the Map and Into the Stars A Night of Stories, Performances and Readings Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong 6.30pm-8.30pm From personal tales to poetry, join us to hear from some of the most exciting storytellers from the Greater Dandenong area and beyond in an entertaining night of performances.

All events are free but bookings are essential. All venues are wheelchair accessible and Auslan interpreters can be provided upon request. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/arts for more information.

What can I bring?

Common chemicals such as solvents, poisons, cleaning products, fertilizer and car-care products are just some of the substances that residents can bring along to recycle. Visit Sustainability Victoria’s website for a full list of accepted items, or phone Council on 8571 1000.

Please note: household paint, batteries and fluorescent lights cannot be accepted at this mobile collection point. Instead, these can be taken to permanent drop-off sites that operate all year round in the following locations: • Hampton Park Resource Recovery Precinct 274 Hallam Road, Hampton Park Ph: 9799 6277 • Monash Waste Transfer Station & Recycling Centre 380 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill Ph: 9518 3767 • Mornington Waste Disposal Centre 134 Watt Road, Mornington Ph: 1300 850 600

RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNERSHIP O

wning a pet can provide amazing benefits, including companionship, stress relief and unconditional love.

Cats are popular pets for residents in the City of Greater Dandenong, but when owners don’t take the right measures the feral cat population can soar.

While there are about 4000 cats registered in the city, the reality is that there are many more that are not registered.

Mayor Heang Tak said taking a responsible approach to pet ownership ensures your cat can live a long, safe and healthy life.

unidentifiable cats being picked up on the streets. Nuisance cats which are found on other people’s properties can also be picked up and taken to the pound.

Council offers cat traps for hire to residents who are concerned about cats on private property.

While Council does not impose a cat curfew, many residents choose to confine cats to their own properties with the help of cat enclosures.

Pet ownership in Greater Dandenong

He said microchipping your cat or dog was a requirement of registration in the City of Greater Dandenong.

• All new cats and dogs must be microchipped before they can be registered

“As long as your details are up to date on the microchip, this means we can immediately contact you if your pet is found on the street or has been injured,” Mayor Tak said.

• Failure to register your pet will incur a penalty

“The peace of mind this offers pet owners cannot be underestimated.”

• Visit www.greaterdandenong. com/animals for more information.

Council’s animal management team has seen a rise in the number of

• Desexed cats and dogs are eligible for discounted registration fees

Cultural Threads RETURNS

T

he City of Greater Dandenong will celebrate textile arts and cultural diversity through the return of Cultural Threads in August.

The exciting program was a finalist for Vic Health’s Building Health Through Art Award in 2015, and promises to deliver amazing art installations, creative programming and fun, interactive workshops across the City of Greater Dandenong.

Council recently put a call out for artists to get involved with the program, through facilitating workshops, delivering community-based projects or creating temporary installations. We have received so many interesting applications.

Through the medium of textiles, Cultural Threads will encourage people to connect, trade skills, share stories and interweave their cultures.

Events will be held at various venues across the municipality, including Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, the Drum Theatre, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Greater Dandenong Libraries and Harmony Square. In addition intricate and colourful installations will adorn our city for the duration of the event.

A full program of all public activities, workshops and events will be released soon. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ culturalthreads to keep up to date with announcements.

IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – June 2016 The Immunisation Timetable for the City of Greater Dandenong is available from Council’s customer service centres or Maternal and Child Health centres and online. Phone Council on 8571 1000 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com/immunisation for more information on the upcoming immunisation sessions:

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

1 June

10am-11.30am

McFees Road Maternal Child and Health Centre, 70A McFees Road, Dandenong North

14 June 15 June 21 June 22 June 25 June

10am-12pm 4.30pm-6.30pm 10am-10.45am 10am-12pm 10am-12pm

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong the CITY 13

business NEWS

NEW TASTY ENTERPRISE F

Michelle Johnson from Melbourne Ballet School.

riends of Refugees (FOR) in Dandenong has launched a catering social enterprise to provide employment and training for asylum seekers and refugees.

The service covers the Greater Melbourne area and offers authentic flavours from refugee-originating countries such as Afghanistan, Africa, Iran, Sri Lanka and Burma. Clients can choose from ready to-serve food delivered to their function, through to a fully-catered event including set-up, waiting and clean up.

“The feedback has been that the food is amazing,” said FOR Founder and CEO Sri Samy.

“We don’t ‘westernise’ the food – the only thing we change is we don’t add much chilli if that’s requested, but people seem to enjoy our cooking whether it’s hot or not.

“FOR Catering offers customers exciting, multicultural, healthy, fresh, homemade food and excellent service at competitive prices. We can also cater for all dietary requirements whether it’s corporate, boardroom or home events.”

Ms Samy said the social enterprise hadn’t undertaken marketing since it launched on World Refugee Day – 20 June 2015 – but had generated business through FOR’s networks and supporters.

“We do want to have regular work to provide more employment opportunities for migrants and refugees, so we encourage local businesses to contact us.

“We found that when migrants started getting work in Australia some were being taken advantage of and getting paid $2-$3 an hour, so we started this social enterprise utilising our participants’ existing skills. It provides practical work experience along with English language, interview skills and resume help.”

FOR also provides social enterprise services such as: garden maintenance; property management; removalist work and social support services including emergency relief, food aid, family literacy programs and children’s education support. www.for.org.au

14 the CITY

Ballet school finds right place in Noble Park M

ichelle Johnson’s Melbourne Ballet School has experienced phenomenal growth since she launched it five years ago to provide ballet, jazz and tap tuition.

In November 2015, the school moved to a permanent, dedicated studio in Noble Park, replacing the three community centres where Ms Johnson, a local to the area, had previously rented spaces.

“We seem to double student numbers each year. A lot of it is word-ofmouth, plus we do displays and stalls at the local festival and parents often sign up after that.

“Our students have had many achievements over the years with a top mark of 95 per cent in the classical ballet exam – which is graded externally – plus we have received numerous placings in Melbourne dance competitions.

“Finding the right place was difficult but students and parents love the new studio and location. The Mayor officially opened the new school and we ran free classes and a barbecue to celebrate.”

Melbourne Ballet School won a Business Grant through the City of Greater Dandenong Business Grants Program.

“The grant has allowed us to buy the tarquette dance surface which is what the professional schools and The Australian Ballet have. It’s perfect for slip versus grip.”

The school has added boys’ hip hop classes and singing this year and now runs 45 classes, six days a week with four teachers employed.

Ms Johnson herself has more than 18 years experience teaching dance, working with many different schools within Victoria before opening the Melbourne Ballet School. She has also taught dance internationally as a guest teacher in both Europe and Asia. www.melbourneballetschool.com.au

community NEWS

PLAY AT NOBLE PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

by Susan Vissenjoux, Assistant Principal

A

t Noble Park Primary School, we believe that the learning outside complements the learning inside. Play is one of the most important methods of learning for children. It provides the opportunity to explore, discover, solve problems, develop their oral language, negotiate, compromise and use imagination and creative thought.

We are embracing ‘old fashioned’ play in our school grounds.

We introduced a ‘Playworker’ approach and trained our staff to understand the importance of play. Our teachers are encouraged to join in and have fun, and to support and scaffold play. The traditional yard duty has become ‘Play Support and Relationship Building’ and is so named in all rosters and timetabled to embed the practice in our day to day language. The play is as free as possible and the notion of rules and out of bounds areas is almost non-existent.

We have redesigned our outdoor spaces to enhance the opportunity for a wide range of play experiences. We have a forest, a Play Pod, hills and mounds to roll down, vegetable gardens, chooks and a ‘picking garden’. In the immediate future we are embarking on an ambitious landscaping project to create a woodland and expansive dry creek river bed. Children play with sticks and water, and climb trees. We even have a fire pit where our community can enjoy the experience of fire safely.

The impact of this practice is a harmonious space, which visitors and new staff comment upon. Despite having many students who have experienced trauma and challenging circumstances many of those travails are dissipated by the opportunities children are presented with in the yard.

role in promoting peace, harmony and understanding in our community.

The next tour, hosted by Paperbark Ward Councillor, Roz Blades, will run on Wednesday 8 June.

This tour will take in visits to a Sikh Gurdwara in Keysborough, a Jewish synagogue in Bentleigh, a Hare Krishna Temple in Albert Park and a Buddhist Temple in Springvale South.

The tour will also include a vegetarian lunch provided by Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir, the Hare Krishna Temple.

June Places of Worship tour A

Tours fill quickly so be sure to book early.

re you curious about the beliefs, histories, traditions, or practices of the diverse faith communities found in Greater Dandenong?

prominent local faith leaders who will each share with you an introduction to the religious, spiritual and practical dimensions of their faith.

Join one of our regular Places of Worship tours and you’ll have a unique opportunity to listen and learn from

Tours are run by the Interfaith Network in partnership with The City of Greater Dandenong and play an important

For further information contact Helen Heath on 8774 7662, 0421 829 563 or interfaithofficer@interfaithnetwork.org.au

The cost is $25 and payment is required prior to the tour to confirm your booking.

Tours depart from the Interfaith Network Office, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong at 8.30am.

We accept submissions for the Community News page in The City every month. Email us at news@cgd.vic.gov.au to share your story. the CITY 15

“Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world with a tour of this vibrant area of Melbourne. There’s nowhere like it elsewhere in Melbourne, Dandenong is a multiethnic smorgasbord upon which to feast...”

TASTE, Herald Sun Dandenong, Dan Stock

“Melbourne has an absolute jewel in Greater Dandenong. I just love the diversity and every time I come out there’s something beautiful, different, exotic…”

GREAT BITES Maeve O’Meara, SBS Food Safari

There is so much more, right on your doorstep... greaterdandenong.com/visit

A city connected by food