The City - March 2016

March 2016 Twilight Fun page 3

Cultural Diversity Week page 8

What’s on at Drum Theatre page 9

Responsible pet ownership page 13

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong

W

elcome to the March edition of The City magazine.

Summer is done, but the weather is still fine and there is so much going on in Greater Dandenong at this time of year.

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

Cultural Diversity Week kicks off on March 20. Greater Dandenong is one of the most multicultural communities in Australia so we have much to celebrate. See what is planned on page 8.

Dandenong Market will host celebrations for the World Food Fare on 13 March, see page 8 for more details about this delicious annual event.

With more than 13,000 registered dogs in the city, responsible pet ownership is an important theme for Council. We explore this topic and look at dog off-leash areas on page 13.

There is so much happening across the city in March, so don’t forget to turn to our Community Calendar on pages 10 and 11, to plan some family outings.

The Drum Theatre calendar is also jam packed with entertainment, see page 9 for a rundown of upcoming shows.

Thanks for reading and have a fantastic 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 Journey was installed in the Dandenong Civic Centre last year. Created by artists Kris Coad and Julie Squires the public art work consists of three large canoe-shaped bone china sculptures representing the evolution of Dandenong and its surrounds.

Front Cover: Members of the Springvale Community Garden are preparing their grounds for an open day this month. Read more about the green thumbs on page 12.

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.

eSmart Libraries tackle cybersafety

G

reater Dandenong Libraries are celebrating their eSmart accreditation. eSmart Libraries is a program designed to connect library users with the skills they need for smart, safe and responsible use of technology.

Cinema and fun run A

Twilight fun run and cinema event is expected to draw crowds to Tirhatuan Park this month.

part in the event, including mums with prams, young families, and budding and experienced runners.

The City of Greater Dandenong and Dandenong Rotary Club have joined forces for the Twilight Fun Run and Cinema Under the Stars event on Saturday 19 March.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ twilightrun to pre-register for the event and the first 150 participants registered will receive a free t-shirt.

The Twilight Fun Run will cater for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels with three distances to choose from – 3km, 5km and 8km. The first starter’s gun will sound at 5.30pm, with staggered starts for each distance.

Last year more than 120 people took

The Cinema Under the Stars event will kick off with a barbecue and free family activities including a jumping castle, face painting, performing dog and animal farm from 5.30pm.

The family friendly movie this year is Australian-made Oddball, which will start at 8pm.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Telstra Foundation formed a partnership in 2012 to develop and implement eSmart Libraries - one of Australia’s most significant community cyber safety initiatives. eSmart Libraries is now in over 40 per cent of public libraries across the country.

Greater Dandenong library staff are now going through intensive eSmart cybersafety training to support the community in their digital journey and will soon offer programs to local families and individuals .

This year is the National Year of Digital Inclusion (NYDI) and this important year will help Australians to realise their online potential, raise awareness of digital inclusion at all levels of society and celebrate the benefits of digital literacy.

Find out how to keep your children safe online by attending a free cybersafety session at Springvale Library, on Friday 18 March, which is National Day Against Bullying and Violence.

For more information phone 1300 630 920.

FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE TO END After 10 years of operation the Greater Dandenong Free City Shuttle Bus service will cease on 8 March.

Over recent years patronage has fallen, while the cost of the service has increased significantly.

Records show that from 2007-2011 at the service’s peak 160 passengers used the bus daily. Between September 2014 and July 2015 those figures dropped to an average of 68 per day.

The cost of providing the service in 2012 was $2.25 per passenger trip.

This increased to $4.58 in 201415, and is expected to jump again significantly in the next 12 months if the service continues.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Heang Tak said the bus was introduced as a trial in 1995 to help local business and encourage shoppers to get around the Dandenong central activity district more easily.

“With the completion of Harmony

Square and Halpin Way, the centre of Dandenong has opened up into a more pedestrian-friendly environment, and many commuters find it easier to walk from the train station into the centre of Dandenong,” Mayor Tak said.

“There are also other public service bus routes that travel to all of the same places, so people can now get around Dandenong that way.”

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/visit to find alternative bus route 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.

Both March meetings will be held on Tuesdays due to public holidays: • Tuesday 15 March • Tuesday 29 March 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 Paperbark Ward Cr Peter Brown Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 0408 138 939 peter.brown@cgd.vic.gov.au 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

Sportsperson of the Year Aaliyah Corles has some fun with Mayor Heang Tak and her award. The Australia Day celebrations included live entertainment, family fun and the presentation of the Australia Day Awards.

Eleven inspiring Greater Dandenong residents were honoured for their work in the community.

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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Cr Sean O’Reilly, MP Clare O’Neil, Community Hall of Fame inductee Be Ha, MP Mark Dreyfus and Cr Roz Blades at Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day celebration in Dandenong Park.

Paperbark Ward

Cr Peter Brown H

arrisfield is high on Council priorities. Harrisfield is a residential gem of an area with its large residential allotments and mainly quiet streets.

Harrisfield Primary School continues to progress with excellent staff and facilities. Close by is the Noble Park Tennis Club, overseen by President Suzanne Lawrence.

Council very recently allocated $75,000 for various works to secure the Club’s future and attract the next generation of tennis players. Works will be immediately implemented for major maintenance to the courts, urgent drainage works and fencing renewal and repair. Additional funds have been provided for design work for a planned major rebuild or renovation of the club rooms.

The additional funds required to deliver the rebuild project are high on the Paperbark Ward Councillors’ priorities and will figure prominently in our 2016-17 Budget planning.

Funds have also been allocated to plan for the installation of synthetic grass courts if that is the wish of the club members. Thanks must be expressed to immediate past President, Bob Woodhouse who tirelessly served as President for many years and who still retains a close association with the club. Thank you, Bob, for all your work.

Parkfield Reserve will also feature in Council Budget planning for 2016-17. I would welcome feedback from residents on the improvements they would like to see.

Cr Peter Brown outside the Noble Park Tennis Club rooms which are marked for redevelopment.

Recently a number of traffic safety measures have been undertaken in the Harrisfield area. They include improved parking bay marking in the service road opposite Darvall Lodge nursing home, and targeted safety measures in Dunblane Road designed to reduce traffic speed. The roundabout has not been without its critics, but we do hope and believe that the safety interests of residents have been improved as a result of the roundabout.

Harrisfield is high on my priorities and everyone is encouraged to let me know what additional assistance Council can provide.

You can contact me on 0408 138 939.

Lightwood Ward

Cr Loi Truong I

n 2016, Lightwood Ward residents will continue to benefit from ongoing improvements that are both underway and planned for Springvale.

Building on the momentum that was created by the level crossing removal project, two key projects will improve the overall look and amenity of the central Springvale streetscape.

The first project will include a major upgrade of Springvale Rd between Virginia Street and St James Avenue.

This project will include new paving, landscaping, trees, street furniture and lighting. These improvements will not only reinforce the unique qualities of this popular retail shopping strip but also create a welcoming and contemporary precinct.

Cr Loi Truong at the Springvale Civic Centre demolition site.

Community consultation is running until May, and the public will be asked to share their ideas to develop a shared vision for Springvale Road.

open space; relocation of the war memorial to the intersection of key paths; improved car parking and a new learning and activity hub that will providing flexible spaces for community use.

A separate part of the Springvale Civic Precinct project, is the redevelopment of the land surrounding the Springvale Town Hall and the library.

With a number of private developments already underway in central Springvale, consultation with traders and the wider community will continue to ensure the success of this transformation.

A key aim of this project’s planning process is to ensure that the site remains an active community space and focus for civic activity.

It will include an upgraded and improved main hall in the Town Hall building; relocation of the library to a new purpose-built facility providing more space and improved services; increased public

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com to take part in the community consultation.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss issues that affect you in Lightwood Ward please contact me at loi. truong@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0466 004 618. the CITY 5

working FOR YOU

2015 EARLY YEARS AWARDS A

n innovative program linking Maternal Child Health nurses with local playgroups has been recognised for making a real difference in the Victorian State Government 2015 Early Years Awards.

discussions around parenting topics in a supportive environment.

The ‘Family Health in Playgroups’ program provides opportunities for families to access information and referrals and to participate in

‘Family Health in Playgroups’ is an initiative of The City of Greater Dandenong Maternal and Child Health and Children’s Services

The program won the category ‘Communities that are more child and family friendly’.

in partnership with South East Melbourne Medicare Local, Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Limited and Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) Mums and Bubs Group.

Council was awarded $15,000 to support the development of the program into the future.

INVITATION TO COMMUNITY FORUM C

ouncils – roads, rates, rubbish – or something more? Have your say now.

The State Government needs your input to build a new Local Government Act that creates strong, accountable and responsible local councils.

Greater Dandenong residents, ratepayers, councillors and council staff are invited to attend a community forum to hear about the Local Government Act Review and contribute ideas for reform.

The forum will be held at Drum Theatre,

corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong, on Wednesday 2 March, from 10am-12pm.

Visit www.yourcouncilyourcommunity. vic.gov.au to keep up with the latest news, check out reform ideas or make a suggestion.

Indian Precinct D

andenong has been named Melbourne’s first official Indian Cultural Precinct.

The City of Greater Dandenong lobbied for Dandenong to be recognised, and late last year was rewarded with the announcement of $500,000 from the State Government’s Cultural Precincts Fund.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott joined Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams to announce the transformation of Little India in Foster Street, Dandenong.

Mayor Heang Tak welcomed the funding.

“The recognition of our Little India precinct adds to our reputation as one

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of the most multicultural communities in Australia,” Mayor Tak said.

There are approximately 30 shops in Little India featuring speciality goods from India, Pakistan, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Shoppers come from far and wide to be dazzled by the fashion outlets with beaded saris, beautiful clothing and unique jewellery, experience Indian culture through Bollywood films and music or be tempted by the colourful array of Punjab sweets and authentic spices.

The precinct will host festivals and support local business, while becoming a drawcard for tourism.

SPRINGVALE TOWN HALL CLOSURE S pringvale Town Hall is about to get a makeover.

The popular venue will be closed from October this year until June 2017, as it undergoes a major refurbishment.

Community groups will not be able to book the hall during this time.

O

The works are part of the first stage of the Springvale Civic Space Masterplan, which saw the demolition of the old council offices late last year.

Community consultation revealed the public were keen to keep the much loved town hall, so plans to update

the interior are taking shape.

The hall will be out of action as a venue for hire, but will be reopened to the public once the internal renovations, which include new kitchen facilities, seating and flooring, are completed.

NEW YEAR’S EVE HALL HIRE

rganisations interested in ringing in the New Year in Council-managed halls will need to apply soon.

Applications for use of the following Council halls for New Year’s Eve 2016 (Saturday 31 December), will close on Thursday 24 March.

• Springvale Reserve (capacity 200) Prospective applicants will need to provide Council with the following information: • Times of use and proposed function • Procedure for sale of tickets

• Demonstrate a direct benefit to the City of Greater Dandenong community • Number of members of the organisation who reside within the city For more details or application forms email epbookings@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone Civic Facilities on 8571 1000.

• Menzies Hall, Dandenong North (capacity 300)

• Organisation’s location within the City of Greater Dandenong

• Edinburgh Hall, Springvale (capacity 100)

• How many of the organisation’s activities are held within the city

Rebecca Jones City of Greater Dandenong PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175

LIVE MUSIC AT WALKER STREET GALLERY W

music series and as part of the Get Creative sessions.

been described as haunting, uplifting and breathtaking.

Enjoy wandering through the gallery while you listen to the fresh sounds of Fine Blue Thread, featuring singer Ria Soemardjo, tabla player Sam Evans and cellist Helen Mountfort.

Hear them at the Walker Street Gallery, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong, on Sunday 6 March at 2.30pm. Entry is $10 per adult, $7 concession including afternoon tea.

alker Street Gallery and Arts Centre is hosting its first live music performance as part of its 2016

Trained in separate worlds (Indonesian, Indian and Western classical music) the trio creates original music that has

Applications should be addressed to:

See the full Get Creative program at www.greaterdandenong.com/arts the CITY 7

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK A

s one of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities, Greater Dandenong will celebrate Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day this month.

Cultural Diversity Week runs from 12-20 March and Harmony Day is on 21 March. Both are an opportunity to promote community harmony, awareness, understanding and mutual respect for all people.

To celebrate these themes the main event of the week is Harmony Festival: Step into Our World, held in Harmony Square on Wednesday 16 March, from 4pm-8pm.

The festival is open to the public and will feature an international dress parade, a multicultural concert and community stalls with interactive cultural activities.

WORLD FOOD FARE D

elight in market classics and exotic new tastes when Dandenong Market transforms into an outdoor pop-up food bazaar showcasing the best of our region’s delicious multicultural cuisine and street food.

The World Food Fare will be held on Sunday 13 March, from 10am4pm, and promises to tempt visitors with tastes from the far reaches of the globe.

Thirty world food traders have been handpicked for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival event, including: • Melbourne Paella

Mayor Heang Tak said events like this would give our city and residents a chance to showcase the rich range of cultures whose customs, histories, foods and faiths make Greater Dandenong such an interesting and vibrant place to be.

• El Chivi

“Almost two-thirds of Greater Dandenong residents were born overseas, representing more than 150 different countries,” Mayor Tak said.

• Tuan Minh Le (Vietnamese food)

“Our city is proud of the diversity we embody, and we love to celebrate, not only what makes us all different but all the wonderful things we have in common.”

The Festival has been organised

by Springvale Neighbourhood House in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong, Monash Health, Victoria Police, Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, South East Community Links and the Australian Government Department of Human Services.

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• Nepal Dining Room • Perla Tacos • Saccha Cane Juice • Senor BBQ • Zero Lamb (Japanese food)

The live music will keep visitors entertained all day, with performances from emerging artists and a focus on world music.

Performers include gypsy band Vardos, Brazilian musicians Tumbarumba, Bollywood dance troop the Bollydazzlers, world-music mix The Flamenca Fiesta Group and Lion Dancers.

The event has something for the whole family, including a children’s zone with fairground rides, free face painting and children’s craft.

Cooking demonstrations in The Kitchen will also inspire home cooks to transform fresh market produce into healthy and delicious meals.

A free courtesy bus will travel to and from the Dandenong Market on a loop from 9.45am-4.15pm on the day of the Fare. The bus will make stops at Dandenong Station and Langhorne Street.

Visit www.dandenongmarket.com.au for more information.

WHAT’S ON AT THE DRUM THEATRE T

MARCH

APRIL

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom live on stage

Kid’s Party Confidential

Free for All Tuesday presents Party Tricks

he Drum theatre is celebrating 10 years of entertaining audiences in Dandenong, and 2016 promises to be another year full of highlights.

Come and enjoy a post-work drink at The Drum and stay and enjoy a free comedy performance.

Tuesday 5 at 6pm

From family shows, to international comedy acts and world class musical performances, Drum Theatre has something for everyone.

Encore Morning Music presents Over There: Songs and Stories from recent wartime

Drum will also host workshops as part of the Get Creative series, including art for kids, circus skills and Bollywood dancing.

Become a Friend of Drum Theatre for as little as $20 and enjoy discounted tickets, exclusive invitations and many more benefits.

Tuesday 5 at 1.30pm

Saturday 19 at 10am and 12.30pm

Thursday 14 at 10.30am

Arj Barker Thursday 31 at 8pm

Drum Theatre is on the corner of Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong.

Phone 8571 1666 or visit www.drumtheatre.com.au for bookings.

Trash Test Dummies Wednesday 6 at 1.30pm and Thursday 7 at 10.30am

Naked: Diana Nguyen Thursday 21 at 7.30pm

Carole King: The Songbook of her Life CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Get Creative Sessions Drum Theatre will host a series of fun and creative sessions during the school term as part of the Get Creative arts program. Get Creative sessions at Drum Theatre include:

Saturday 30 at 7.30pm

MAY Is it Because I am Indian Friday 6 at 8pm

Move and Groove on Wednesdays 10am-11.15am and 11.30am-12.45pm

GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show presents Dancing Queen: The 40th Anniversary Tour

Bollywood for Beginners on Wednesdays 6pm-7pm

Saturday 14 at 8pm

Art Club on Mondays 4pm-5.30pm Circus Club on Tuesdays 4pm-5.30pm

Kiddyrock on Thursdays 10am-11am Cultural Creations on Saturdays at 10am Explore your creative side - see the full Get Creative program at www.greaterdandenong.com/arts

Get Back – The Lennon and McCartney Songbook Thursday 19 at 10.30am and 7.30pm the CITY 9

community CALENDAR

MARCH MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1

Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 6pm-7.30pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 1300 630 920 Live cooking demonstration: rice paper rolls Dandenong Market 12pm

14

Labour Day Public Holiday

Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

21

28

Easter Monday Public Holiday

29 Yoga Jan Wilson Community Centre 7pm-8.30pm Ph: 9795 9279 Live cooking demonstration: kids in the kitchen Dandenong Market 12pm Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

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

10 Burmese Women’s Friendship Group Noble Park Community Centre 10.30am Ph: 0432 021 888

Cafe and Kourabie Springvale Library 11am

16 Intro to iPads: getting started Springvale Library 9.30am-11.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

22 Organising Tips and Action Plan Workshop Jan Wilson Community Centre 11am-1pm Ph: 9795 9279

Makerspace: Have fun with Makey Makey Dandenong Library 4pm-5.30pm

9

15 English in the Community and Workplace Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-12.30pm Ph: 9795 9279

3 Library Storytime Springvale Library and Dandenong Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

8 Dandenong and District Diabetic Support Group Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 2pm Ph: 9546 2346

Ballroom Dancing Burden Park Bowling Club 6.30pm (every Monday) Ph: 9547 1907

2

Get Creative: Bollywood For Beginners Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 6pm Ph: 8571 1666 Intro to iPads: getting started Springvale Library 6.30pm-8.30pm

7 Makerspace: Create your own comic Dandenong Library 4pm-5.30pm

THURSDAY

17

Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 6pm (every Thursday)

23

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

Intro to iPads: learn more Springvale Library 9.30am-11.30am

30 Social Knitwork Dandenong Library 10.30am Zumba Gold Jan Wilson Community Centre 10.30am-11.30am Ph: 9795 9279

31

Arj Barker Drum Theatre 8pm Ph: 8571 1666

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

2016 FRIDAY

SATURDAY 4

Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Open Day Mackay Street, Springvale South Ph: 8571 1702

5

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

11

Get Creative Music Series: Fine Blue Thread Walker Street Gallery, Dandenong 2.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

12 Me and My Dad: Craftpower Bright Ideas Dandenong Library 2pm Ph: 1300 630 920

Sunset Cinema: Tomorrowland Harmony Square 7pm Live cooking demonstration: Asian slaw Dandenong Market 12pm

Dandenong West Community Festival Dandenong West Primary School, 32 Birdwood Avenue, Dandenong 2pm-6pm Ph: 9792 2868 Live cooking demonstration: Easter feast Dandenong Market 12pm

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

13 Springvale Rotary Market Springvale Railway Station 8am Ph: 0423 806 006

Springvale Community Garden Open Day 1-7 Morwell Parade, Springvale 10am-2pm

18

6 Clean Up Australia Day

Oasis Otters Community Swimming Carnival Noble Park Aquatic Centre 3pm-6pm oasisotters.swimming.org.au

Sunset Cinema: Shaun the Sheep Harmony Square 7pm

City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000 Drum Theatre 8571 1666

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511

19

20 Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Open Day Mackay Street, Springvale South Ph: 8571 1702

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

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom live on stage Drum Theatre 10am and 12.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

26

✆ Dandenong Library 1300 630 920

Dandenong World Fare Dandenong Market 10am-4pm

Twilight Fun Run and Cinema Under the Stars Tirhatuan Park, Dandenong North 5pm

25

Good Friday Public Holiday

SUNDAY

27

Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900

Dresden Calisthenics Jan Wilson Community Centre 9.30am-10.30am

Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441

Easter Sunday

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

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.

In extreme cases of contamination whole truck loads are rejected at the processing facility, wasting everyone’s recycling efforts.

Items that can be placed in your green-lidded garden waste bin include grass clippings, flowers, small branches (less than 30cm), weeds and garden prunings.

Keeping it green on bin night

Things that can contaminate your garden waste include food, soil, bricks, recyclables, garbage, clothing and nappies.

ouncil’s fortnightly garden waste collection helps keep our city clean and green, but recycling efforts can be hampered by people placing the wrong items inside their bins.

C

Council sends garden waste to a processing facility where it is turned into high quality compost that is great for our gardens and is environmentally friendly.

The bin with the green lid is for garden waste, but if you have ever received a pink contamination sticker it is likely you have put contaminated waste out for collection.

Items such as plastic bags, household garbage, tyres, car parts, chemicals, oil cans, gas cylinders and metals have been found in garden waste bins collected in Greater Dandenong.

If you have ever received a pink sticker on your garden waste bin then a contaminant has been found.

Council is committed to working with residents to make sure we all benefit from the garden waste service.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ wasteandrecycling for more information about avoiding cross-contamination of your waste and recycling.

THINKING ABOUT ART AS A BUSINESS? L

ocal artists can discover the secrets of a sustainable and fulfilling self-funded career in the arts through a new seminar held this month.

The City of Greater Dandenong’s Hive Business Network and Drum Theatre will present Arts Business Success a practical skills seminar for the creative sector.

In partnership with leading arts organisation Auspicious Arts Incubator, this highly-successful hands-on seminar will significantly help local and independent artists create a viable business from their creative passion.

Participants will learn the skills to guide them through business, marketing and audience development. Key learnings

include how to thrive in a competitive marketplace and applying knowledge and resources to develop long-term strategies for arts practice.

The seminar will be held at Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, on Saturday 19 March, 9am-5.30pm.

Tickets are $40.

Visit www.drumtheatre.com to book.

Community garden open day T

he Springvale Community Garden will host an open day with free activities for the whole family on Saturday 19 March, from 10am-2pm.

Learn how to start a home compost or worm farm, how to maintain it and use the by-products, at a free compost workshop, from 10.30am-11.30am.

Little ones can get their hands dirty during the free kids planting activity, from 10.30am-11.30am.

The Springvale Community Garden is at 1-7 Morwell Parade, Springvale. For more information contact Council on 8571 1702.

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Dog Off-Leash Areas

RESPONSIBLE

PET OWNERSHIP

P

ets are an integral part of our lives and important members of the family. They offer company, stress relief and unconditional love. There are more than 10,000 dogs and more than 3700 cats registered in Greater Dandenong. Pets bring much to our lives, but there are responsibilities we also owe to them to ensure they can live safe, long and healthy lives.

State laws require all pet owners to register cats and dogs over the age of 3 months with Council. This is not an arbitrary penalty for pet ownership but a way of ensuring their long term wellbeing. Registration ensures owners are given peace of mind that they can be reunited with their pets if they are lost or injured, and fees paid ensure Council is able to plan essential animal services.

One of the key components to maintaining a healthy and socially acceptable dog is good regular exercise. To assist residents in this important task, we have a number of areas within the municipality where dogs can be exercised off-leash. The City of Greater Dandenong has 8 Dog OffLeash areas, providing a great outlet for dogs to get regular exercise and increase their socialisation skills. These areas are very popular with dog owners, but their success relies on users being considerate to all other users of these areas. Follow the rules, maintain control of your dog at all times, and clean up and dispose properly of any droppings left by your dog.

Fast Facts:

Dogs must:

• All new cats and dogs must be microchipped before they can be registered • Pets under three months old can be registered free (for the remainder of the current year’s registration period) • Failure to register your pet will incur a penalty • Registration tags must be worn on the pet’s collar at all times • Cats and dogs that are desexed receive discounted registration fees.

• Only be off-leash in areas designated

by Council • Be no more than 50 metres from their owners and remain under effective control by voice command or hand signal • Be put back on leash when they leave the sign-posted off-leash area • Remain on-leash in all areas if organised sport is being played in the park or reserve • Not come within 20 metres of a playground • Wear a current registration tag at all times • Not be allowed to chase people or other animals

Current Off-Leash Areas Fotheringham Reserve, Dandenong Tirhatuan Park, Dandenong North Lois Twohig Reserve, Dandenong North Barry J. Powell Reserve, Noble Park North Spring Valley Reserve, Springvale Frederick Wachter Reserve, Keysborough Warner Reserve, Springvale Booth Reserve, Dandenong

Pet registrations and renewals are due 9 April. Council officers will conduct their annual registration renewal doorknock.

Fabian Reserve, Keysborough

IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – March 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 for more information on the upcoming immunisation sessions:

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

2 March

10am-11.30am

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

7 March

5pm-6.30pm 10am-12pm 10am-11.30am 10am-10.45am 4.30pm-6.30pm 10am-12pm

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

8 March 10 March 15 March 16 March 23 March

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business NEWS

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fashionable

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Dandenong social enterprise is keeping a part of the South Sudanese culture alive in Melbourne – and doing it with style.

The organisation participated in the School for Social Entrepreneurs’ Accelerator Program in 2014 to further develop the social enterprise.

TWICH women’s sewing collective creates and sells traditional African handmade products including clothing and jewellery at its shops in central Dandenong. It also offers accredited training in Certificate III Clothing Production delivered in partnership with RMIT University.

“In 2013 we did the Mentoring Program supported by the City of Greater Dandenong. It helped us with business planning and how to market our program and do finance – it was 10 months of really challenging training,” she said.

Administration officer Nyachoul John said the organisation was established in late 2012 to support migrant women by providing them with a safe meeting place and to reduce social isolation.

“It started with a group of Sudanese women sitting together, sewing, and they thought to make a business out of it.”

Ms John said the TWICH Collective now had 50 members and had evolved through participating in Council programs and working with the sister organisation The Social Studio.

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“We also participated in the City of Greater Dandenong’s Cultural Threads event in August 2014. It was a fashion show at the local market and we sold products. Marketing ourselves was most important to attract more people to our shop.

“The Social Studio in Collingwood has also assisted us in applying for funding grants and making contacts. We have received funding and donations from The Rali Foundation, Trudy Hairs, the Ryan Cooper Foundation and Igniting Change,” Ms John said.

TWICH held a community fundraising event last May which raised $14,000 for the Collective.

2016 BUSINESS SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP SERIES

T

he City of Greater Dandenong in partnership with the City of Kingston is helping home based, micro and small businesses through a series of business seminars and workshops.

Topics include: • Start up and business basics • Online and social media • Marketing and growing your business • Winning government business and exporting A range of experts will deliver the program, including the Australian Taxation Office, Cordells, Industry Capability Network (ICN), Pitcher Partners, Macpherson and Kelly Lawyers, Manex, RaRaPR, Social Traders and Small Business Victoria.

The program offers a great opportunity to access advice and knowledge from leading industry experts to assist you to grow and protect your business.

The program includes more than 30 sessions held across three venues, including Dandenong and Kingston civic centres, and the Dandenong Library.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ businessevents for more information and to book.

community NEWS

Community swimming carnival T

he Oasis Otters Swimming Club is encouraging youngsters to enjoy the competitive nature of swimming at their community swimming carnival.

The carnival is open to children aged 6-14, with all levels of experience welcome to race.

The Oasis Otters Community Swimming Carnival will be held at the Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park, on Saturday 5 March, from 3pm-6pm.

provides a structured training program for swimmers, from those who have just finished swimming school all the way to Age National Championship and Open State Championship levels.

The competitive swimming club is based at the Dandenong Oasis and

Visit www.oasisotters.swimming.org.au for more information.

Borrowing fun at the Toy Library F amilies who want to try new toys without the huge cost have hundreds at their fingertips at the Springvale Toy Library.

Toy Library manager Carolyn Schrier said the service started more than 25 years ago.

“We have about 140 families (as members) at the moment and more than 1700 toys in the collection. We have puzzles, trucks, bikes, games, construction blocks, and much more, everything is aimed at children under five or six years old,” Mrs Schrier said.

The Toy Library offers families a more affordable way to figure out what their children like to play with, it also offers an environmentally sustainable

alternative to buying toys that might not get played with much.

“If a child doesn’t like one of our toys you can return it and try something else.”

Families can borrow up to 10 toys for two weeks, and memberships start at $35 for six months for health care card holders or $60 for six months with no concessions.

The Toy Library is at the Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale, and is open Monday to Friday from 10am-1pm, and Saturdays from 10.30am-12.30pm.

For more information phone 8558 3800.

DANDENONG WEST CELEBRATES J

oin the Dandenong West Primary School community as they celebrate Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day with a festival for the whole family.

The Dandenong West Community Festival will be held at Dandenong

West Primary School, 32 Birdwood Avenue, Dandenong, on Friday 18 March, from 2pm-6pm.

The festival will include cultural performances, a jumping castle, face painting, farm animals and lots of

entertainment for the whole family.

Entry is free, and while most activities are free some will incur a small cost.

For more information contact Vikki on 9792 2868.

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