The City - May 2016

May 2016 Smart Manufacturing page 3

Volunteer Week page 7

Library and Information Week page 12

Business support page 14

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong

Hello and welcome to the May edition of The City.

This month we celebrate the lifeblood of the community during National Volunteer Week (9-15 May). In Greater Dandenong we have thousands of volunteers who give up their time regularly to support community organisations, support services and individuals. Read more about some of our treasured volunteers 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

May is also a time when we celebrate the role of our local libraries, during National Library and Information Week (23-29 May). Our libraries are more than just a place to borrow books, they are an amazing source of information and are also a community meeting space.

All correspondence to:

Protecting our environment is also important. You can read about our efforts to protect our waterways on page 13.

The City PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175

If you are looking for more ways to enjoy this great city of ours, have a look at what’s on in our Community Calendar on pages 10 and 11.

Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine and have a great month.

Phone: 8571 1000

Fax: 8571 5196

Mayor Heang Tak

www.greaterdandenong.com

@greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TY: 133 677 T Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 Internet: www.iprelay.com.au TIS: 13 14 50 council@cgd.vic.gov.au

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency calls Police/Fire/Ambulance.................... 000 Street lighting faults/ non-operational United Energy ........................ 13 20 99 Traffic signal faults/ non-operational................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline.................. 1800 333 000 Hard waste collection WM Waste Management Services......... 9721 1915

my CITY Dandenong Library has a fantastic children’s space that provides a great place to read, learn and play for our youngest residents. The space transforms for regular storytimes, performances and school holiday programs.

Visit greaterdandenonglibraries.com for more information.

Front Cover: City of Greater Dandenong volunteers (top to bottom) Jack Muir, Karen Huynh and Nejra Mandzic are celebrating Volunteer Week while they encourage other young people to volunteer in their local community.

Picture: Kylie Grinham.

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.

YOUR voice, YOUR choice A

re you passionate about your local community?

If you’d like to make a positive contribution to Greater Dandenong then putting your hand up for local Council is a great option.

All information sessions include: • eligibility requirements for running as a candidate in a Council election • how to nominate as a candidate • what’s involved in running a campaign

Council elections will be held on 22 October 2016 and this is your opportunity to play a key role in the decisions that will improve and enhance our city.

• voting.

Greater Dandenong City Council is hosting three events for potential candidates.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ elections for more information.

Nominations open no later than 17 September 2016 (yet to be confirmed by the VEC) and close at 12pm on Tuesday 20 September 2016.

GOWomenLG2016 is for prospective female candidates and is held on behalf of Local Government Victoria and the Victorian Local Governance Association.

This child-friendly event on Wednesday 18 May will be held at Council’s Civic Centre (corner Lonsdale and Walker streets) from 12pm-2pm. It provides a buffet lunch and RSVPs are essential.

Phone 8571 5216 or email lisa.roberts@ cgd.vic.gov.au to register.

Snap, Send Solve R

eporting something in your neighbourhood is easy with the SnapSendSolve smart phone app.

The simple program allows you to SNAP a photo and SEND a basic description of your problem, and it will then send the report to the relevant authority to SOLVE. From graffiti to broken playground equipment, dumped rubbish, traffic hazards or fallen trees, any safety concern, hazard or amenity issue can be reported through the app.

The app also solves the problem of who to report an issue to, by determining the responsible authority, whether it be a local council, utility company or a private property owner.

SnapSendSolve can be downloaded for free at the Apple App Store or the Android Google Play store.

You can continue to report incidents to Council via the phone on 8571 1000, or visit our website at www. greaterdandenong.com to make a report.

Two events in July/August will also be held on behalf of the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) who conduct and manage the Council elections.

SMART MANUFACTURING 2016

C

entral Dandenong will showcase the region’s manufacturing power during the Smart Manufacturing 2016 event on 17 May. The event will be a massive showcase of the economic strength, vibrancy and innovation in the manufacturing sector in Greater Dandenong and south east Melbourne.

Walker Street, and in Harmony Square.

The exhibition builds on last year’s Dandenong on Wheels event which included trains, trams and buses on show in Harmony Square. The impressive display drew large crowds and showed how companies based in this region are leading the world in manufacturing.

A symposia held at the Drum Theatre from 10am-5pm, will feature key note speakers and interactive workshops for investment ready projects.

Dubbed the `Manufacturing Zone’ the south east Melbourne region produces more than half of Victoria’s manufactured products, providing in excess of 90,000 manufacturing jobs.

Meanwhile an exhibition of local manufacturers will feature along Lonsdale Street, Thomas Street and

Visit www.smartmanufacturing.com.au for more information about the event and manufacturers who will display on the day. 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 May meetings will be held: • Monday 9 May • Monday 23 May Did you know you can watch Council meetings live online via our webcast 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

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

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Cr Matthew Kirwan, Cr Angela Long, Mayor Heang Tak and Cr John Kelly celebrated the official opening of the refurbished Alan Carter Pavilion. The pavilion, at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, is home to many sporting clubs who will benefit from the upgrade.

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

4 the CITY

Mayor Heang Tak took part in the Take a Swing for Charity Golf Day Event which celebrated its seventh year. Generous golfers have helped raise almost $300,000 for local charities since the event began.

Lightwood Ward

Cr Youhorn Chea W

hen the Council offices relocated to Dandenong in March 2014, it made room at the site of the previous Springvale office for new community facilities. Planning for this site has been in progress since November 2013 when Council adopted the Springvale Civic Master Plan.

The Master Plan details the community’s long term vision for the site, and has the key aim of ensuring the site remains an active community space.

There is no doubt the site will change, but some things will stay the same. For example the Town Hall and Supper Room will be retained, but will close from October this year for upgrades.

A new library and community hub is planned for the site, and it is important to Council to make sure the community gets to have a say about their expectations for those buildings.

Recently Council held a series of community feedback sessions asking for input on a design brief for the new Springvale Library and Community Hub. We took on board many suggestions and ideas that were raised in these sessions and the completed design brief will soon be sent to architects who have been selected for a design competition for the project.

The design brief can be read in conjunction with the Springvale Civic Master Plan, which contains the aspirational vision Council and the community have set out for this site.

We are confident at least one of the architects will capture the spirit of the vision perfectly and will design an amazing facility that will serve the community for many years to come.

You can keep up to date on this project via council’s website www.greaterdandenong.com/springvaleprecinct In the meantime if you have any issues you wish to discuss please email me at ychea@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0417 320 645.

Red Gum Ward

Cr Angela Long T

he Alan Carter Pavilion in Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, was named after a former councillor and Mayor of the former City of Dandenong. Alan served as a councillor from 1973-1981 and was Mayor in 1977-78.

The pavilion has just been refurbished. This was done in two stages, the first stage was to extend the existing building so that two new change rooms, and toilet and shower amenities could be constructed. The State Government contributed $90,000, while the Council contributed $400,000 to this first stage, which was finished in 2014.

The second stage saw the extension and refurbishment of the existing building, including improved change rooms, shower and toilet amenities, and canteen. A new multipurpose space, commercial kitchen, store room, first aid room and umpires rooms were also created. Stage two was fully funded by Council at a cost of $1.34 million and was opened on 6 February this year.

The sporting clubs that have made the Alan Carter Pavilion their home are the Dandenong Lions Women’s Cricket Club, the South East Titans Rugby Club and the White Stars Dandenong Soccer Club. The redevelopment will help the clubs to attract new members and better cater to a variety of participants including juniors, women and people with disabilities. The redevelopment has provided a modern, quality fit out and an increased standard of community

facility. If you are interested in joining any of these clubs please get in contact with me and I will be able to assist you.

On a different note, Mother’s Day is not far away, how about buying some fresh, reasonably priced flowers from the Dandenong Market? The Market is open four days per week, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Please feel free to contact me on any Council-related issues on 9795 6574 or 0466 004 616. the CITY 5

working FOR YOU

New health and education hub at Springvale A

n integrated children’s service centre in Springvale brings together kindergarten, family and children’s health services under one roof.

The one-stop-shop, located at the Springvale Rise Primary Kindergarten, means better access for Springvale families who will be able to access a range of supportive services including three- and four-year-old kindergarten

programs, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services, playgroups and parents’ groups.

This project has come about through a partnership between the City of Greater Dandenong, Springvale Rise Primary School and the Department of Education and Training.

The relocation of the Sandown Park Kindergarten to the new site provides

Mayor Heang Tak, Families Children and Youth Affairs Minister Jenny Mikakos, Premier Daniel Andrews, Cr Angela Long, Cr Matthew Kirwan and Cr Sean O’Reilly.

the opportunity for 15 hours of kindergarten each week for up to 132 children in the year prior to their entry to school.

A further 66 children will be able to enrol in 3-year-old kindergarten, while countless other younger children will be able to engage with Maternal and Child Health nurses and local playgroups before they attend kindergarten.

Take the challenge O

ne simple change during the month of May can help improve health, save money and build a better habit.

Take the H30 Challenge and make a small change for big rewards. For 30 days we are encouraging residents to swap sugary drinks, including soft drinks and juices for water.

Vic Health, who is running the challenge, say water is the winning choice. The organisation

TRAFFIC WATCH IN DANDENONG O

ptions for drivers in Dandenong’s CBD during peak hours could increase if Council is successful in its push to remove or modify time-based right turns at the intersection of Foster and Lonsdale streets.

During the morning and afternoon peak, drivers from the Stud Road approach are currently not able to turn right from Foster Street into 6 the CITY

Lonsdale Street while drivers from the Cheltenham Road approach are banned during the afternoon peak.

In a bid to modify the time-based turning bans, Council is working with VicRoads to identify how these proposed changes may impact on other traffic movements around central Dandenong.

With VicRoads’ traffic signal specialists currently reviewing

recommends drinking tap water over bottled water as it is practically free and has fluoride for healthy teeth.

Tap water has no added sugar, so no empty kilojoules and is not fizzy, so you avoid high acid levels that can damage your teeth. You should aim to drink at least 2 litres of water each day.

Visit h30challenge.com.au to sign up for the challenge or to find out more about the benefits of switching to water. alteration options, Council has also contacted Luke Donnellan MP, Minister for Roads, Road Safety and Ports, for assistance with a speedy implementation of improvements.

Council is also pushing for improvements to pedestrian safety and traffic flow along Foster Street (between Lonsdale and McCrae streets) and has requested VicRoads to consider appropriate options in regard to any changes at the Foster Street / Lonsdale Street intersection.

Young volunteers share

happy vibe

V

olunteers live ‘happier, healthier lives’ according to national research and three Greater Dandenong students who regularly volunteer their time agree that’s true.

working with young people and feeling proud of their achievements.”

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we met Karen Huynh, Jack Muir, and Nejra Mandzic, to find out why they make themselves available to help others in Greater Dandenong.

“I get to meet new people and I enjoy helping people,” the arts and commerce student said.

All three say volunteering has much to offer, including new friendships and a sense of personal satisfaction that comes from helping others.

Ms Huynh, of Springvale, volunteers about two hours a week as a reading buddy with the City of Greater Dandenong.

“My role is supporting young students from migrant backgrounds and local schools with literacy skills,” the science and education student said. “I love

Mr Muir, of Dandenong, has been volunteering as a Council ambassador for 12 months.

Ms Mandzic, of Noble Park, described her role as a council ambassador as ‘fulfilling’.

“It makes me feel like I’m doing something that has a tangible effect,” the commerce/law student said. “It’s a really lovely feeling.”

National Volunteer Week runs from 9-15 May. It is the largest celebration of volunteers in Australia. The theme ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’ celebrates research that shows volunteers live happier and healthier lives.

VOLUNTEER RESOURCE SERVICE. T

he City of Greater Dandenong has teamed up with South East Volunteers to create a volunteer resource service called the Greater Dandenong Volunteer Resource Service.

KAREN HUYNH, 23, is a volunteer reading buddy with the City of Greater Dandenong.

A university student, she spends two hours a week working with primary school children providing English language and literacy support.

JACK MUIR, 21, is a university student and a volunteer council ambassador with the City of Greater Dandenong.

He represents Council at local festivals and events, providing Council information.

NEJRA MANDZIC, 20, enjoys helping in the community and seeing the positive effects of helping others. She is a university student and volunteers as a council ambassador with the City of Greater Dandenong.

The service helps match local organisations with local volunteers.

Visit gdvrs.org.au for more information.

Council also has a host of interesting volunteer roles available including museum tour guides, reading buddies, assisting at festivals and events, meals on wheels deliveries and much more.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ volunteer to find out more.

the CITY 7

CHILDREN’S FORUM T

he City of Greater Dandenong wants to hear from some of our youngest residents at the upcoming Children’s Forum.

Primary school aged children will be invited to take part in the forum where they will be asked to express their views about the city and what their priorities are.

Children will participate in engaging and creative activities which will capture their voice on local playgrounds, children’s programs and events and outdoor neighbourhoods.

Their important voices will help shape Council’s planning and programming to provide a Child Friendly City and community.

The forum will take place in central Dandenong on Tuesday 24 May. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information about the forum.

SHORT CUTS FILM FESTIVAL G

reater Dandenong’s inaugural Short Cuts Film Festival is set to be a highlight of the arts calendar in the city.

The short film festival offers new and experienced filmmakers an opportunity to share their stories.

A lot of high quality films were submitted across Short Cuts’ three categories, Emerging, Community/Student and Open.

Short Cuts will screen at a gala event at Drum Theatre on Friday 3 June. Tickets to the event are free and the audience will have a chance to vote on their favourite film for the $500 People’s Choice Award.

Curator Richard Moore brings a wealth of experience to the festival, having worked on many successful film festivals in the past including the Melbourne International Film Festival (2006-2010).

Interpretive sign LAUNCH AT SPRINGVALE

T

he latest chapter in Springvale’s Enterprise Trail story has been told with the launch of the Springvale Neighbourhood House interpretive sign.

The Enterprise Trail evolved out of a project that began when a small group of interested community members started recording the history of the Enterprise Migrant Hostel in Springvale.

With community asking for more ongoing tangible expressions of the stories, a decision was then made to establish a ‘trail’ of significant sites showcasing their importance to the residents, migrants and refugees who had settled in the area.

Built in 1984, the Springvale Neighbourhood House is one of these sites as it established itself as a safe and supportive meeting place for a growing and culturally-diverse community.

Today it continues to play a key role in the community by providing services, support

As well as prizes for each category winner, there is a $2000 Mayoral Prize and $500 runner up prize, as well as the People’s Choice Award.

Visit shortcutsfilmfestival.com.au to book tickets.

8 the CITY

MP Clare O’Neal amd Mayor Heang Tak with former residents of the Enterprise Miigrant Hostel.

and connections for individuals, newlyarrived migrants and a diverse range of cultural groups. It plays a vital role in the community and is part of an extensive and unique network of settlement and support services in Springvale.

Within the building is a unique ‘tree trunk’ that symbolises growth, protection and the Australian landscape. It was harvested from the property of a local Councillor by the young people who were involved in the construction of the House.

The Enterprise Trail begins at the Tribute Garden at the old Enterprise site which is now the Lexington Gardens Retirement Village. Telling the important stories of people and place, markers on the ‘trail’ will eventually incorporate: Springvale Rise Primary School, Centrelink, Springvale Community Health Centre, Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau, Springvale Road Shopping Centre, and the redeveloped Springvale Civic Centre.

REPORT RECORDS

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

HIGHLIGHTS

D

There are about 155,000 residents in Greater Dandenong. This figure will rise to 190,000 by 2030.

Or that two-thirds of our residents work outside of our city, and just two per cent of those workers walk to work each day?

Greater Dandenong is the most culturally diverse community in Victoria. Major birthplaces of our residents include Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China, United Kingdom and New Zealand.

id you know 80 per cent of families with young children living in Greater Dandenong have one or both parents born overseas?

This information comes from a report about the people of Greater Dandenong and their health and wellbeing.

The report Profile of Health and Wellbeing in Greater Dandenong 2016 summarises the latest available information about the health and social conditions of the residents in this community.

The profile reviews health conditions in the community, such as nutrition, obesity, diabetes, sporting and physical activity, mental health, smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use and more.

It also provides information about births and children, families, older residents, people with disabilities and our diverse cultures.

While the profile is designed to assist local service providers, government agencies and community groups provide support, it is also interesting reading for residents who want to learn more about the community they live in.

Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/ wellbeing to view a copy of the report, or phone 8571 1000 for get a hard copy of the profile.

Each year our community welcomes 2300 people from overseas.

One in 10 residents volunteer for sporting, charitable or other organisations at some time during the year.

The most popular fitness activities include walking and jogging, cycling, aerobic activities, basketball, soccer, dancing and tennis.

Each year 50 per cent of our residents participate in an art activity or event, while 20 per cent actually create art or craft.

HELPING OUR YOUTH SKILL UP C

ity of Greater Dandenong youth are being given the tools they need to join the workforce thanks to the Skilled Up program.

Presented by the City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services in partnership with Dandenong South East Rotary Club and Dandenong

Library the work readiness program is running during Term 2.

The free program is open to people aged 14 to 25 and helps cover a range of work-related topics in a fun way.

Learn about goal setting, courses, training, resume writing, job

interviews and communication skills. Visit businesses of interest and find out about youth employment services.

To find out more about the program and register your interest phone Ystop on 9793 2155. the CITY 9

community CALENDAR

MAY MONDAY

TUESDAY 30

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

31 Live Cooking Demonstration Dandenong Market 12pm-1pm

Submit your community event online at www.greaterdandenong.com

2

3

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

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

Library Toddler Time Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am

Conversation Circle Dandenong Library 6pm-7.30pm (every Tuesday) Ph: 1300 630 920

9 Noble Park Country Women’s Association Craft Day Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 10am Ph: 9547 7261 Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm

Planning for Your Business workshop Dandenong Civic Centre 10am-1.30pm Ph: 8571 1000

Composting Workshop Alex Wilkie Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South 10am-12pm Ph: 8571 1702

10

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

17

18 Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch meeting Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 7.30pm Ph: 0407 325 030

Talking Faith? Forum Dandenong Library 7pm-8pm Ph: 1300 630 920

12 Nightstalk – Alex Wilkie Guided Walk Mackay Street, Springvale South 5.30pm-7pm Ph: 8571 1702

Introduction to emails Springvale Library 9.30am-11.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

Smart Manufacturing 2016 Central Dandenong 9am-5pm

5 Library Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Thursday) Ph: 1300 630 920

The Social Knitwork Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Wednesday)

Greater Dandenong Volunteer Recognition Event Dandenong Club, 1579 Heatherton Road, Dandenong 8.15am-10am

16

4

Introduction to Computers Springvale Library 9.30am-11.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

GOWomenLG 2016 Dandenong Civic Centre 12pm-2pm Ph: 8571 5216

19 Get Back – The Lennon & McCartney Songbook Drum Theatre 10.30am and 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

Is it because I’m Indian? at the Drum Theatre

Noble Park Country Women’s Association General Meeting 23 Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 10am Ph: 9547 7261 Council Meeting 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 7pm Springvale Evening View Club Greyhounds Entertainment Sandown 6.30pm Ph: 8511 4701

10 the CITY

24

Live Cooking Demonstration Dandenong Market 12pm-1pm

Baby Bounce Dandenong Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

25

Dandenong Food Lovers Tour 10am-1pm Ph: 8571 1377 National Simultaneous Storytime Dandenong and Springvale libraries 11am

26 Protecting Your Idea – Intellectual Property workshop Dandenong Civic Centre 6pm-7.30pm Ph: 8571 1000

www.greaterdandenong.com/Calendar

2016 FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY 1 Greater Dandenong Environment Group Dandenong Wetlands 9.30am Ph: 8571 1702

I See Exhibition Heritage Hill, Dandenong Until 6 May

6

City of Greater Dandenong 8571 1000

7

8

Mother’s Day 13

14 GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show presents Dancing Queen Drum Theatre 8pm Ph: 8571 1666

20

15

Dandenong Market Cleeland Street, Dandenong 10am-3pm (every Sunday)

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

21 Me and My Dad: create-a-clock Dandenong Library 2pm-3.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

22

Baby Bounce Dandenong and Springvale Libraries 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

28

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

Jan Wilson Community Centre 9795 9279

Springvale Library 1300 630 920 Springers Leisure Centre 9701 5900 Walker Street Gallery 9706 8441

Get Back - The Lennon and McCartney Songbook

27

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens 9793 4511

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre 8571 1436

Friends of Fotheringham Reserve Environmental Awareness Day Pyke Street, Dandenong 10am

Is it because I’m Indian?

Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

Drum Theatre 8571 1666 Dandenong Library 1300 630 920

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

✆

29

Dandenong Market 9701 3850 Cultural Tours 8571 1666 Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au the CITY 11

LIBRARIES SUPPORT BUSINESS NEEDS

R

unning a business just got a whole lot easier thanks to free support from the Greater Dandenong Libraries.

As well as running regular business information sessions, the libraries hold a comprehensive business collection in different formats, such as books, e-books, magazines and online resources.

IBIS World, lynda.com and Informit are just three of the comprehensive online resources available to users free of charge when they become a member of the Springvale and Dandenong libraries.

IBIS World can provide valuable insight on Australia’s 500 industries and its top 2000 companies to support your business needs.

Users of lynda.com can find a variety of video courses, including business skills. Learn with tutorials taught by industry experts covering topics such as leadership, management, project management and starting a business.

Informit works with a collection of over 100 databases that provide access to a range of peer reviewed and specialist journals, monographs, reports, conference papers and bibliographical indexes. Subjects include health, engineering, education, law, humanities, social sciences and business.

Whether you are a business student researching for assignments, a business owner needing to know who your competitors are, or starting a small/home-based business and need to explore the market to create a business plan, these resources will be valuable for you.

Visit greaterdandenonglibraries.com for more information.

Library and Information Week I

n celebration of Library and Information Week 2016 (23-29 May) Council is encouraging residents to Discover More at their local library.

The week is an opportunity to promote the amazing resources housed in local libraries and with this year’s theme Discover More we hope visitors can find out more about the programs on offer at Dandenong and Springvale libraries.

With programs for babies, children, teenagers and adults all you need is your library card to access educational, social and personal growth programs.

Adult programming throughout May includes digital literacy, website creation, business programs and

our newest program Introduction to Photoshop. You can learn to create anything you can imagine with the world’s leading imaging and design software, which is now available free of charge on computers within Greater Dandenong Libraries.

Children can learn robotics at Springvale Library, or take part in Me and My Dad learning sessions or Animated GIF workshops at Dandenong Library.

There has never been more access to programs and resources, and there has never been a better time to join your local library. Visit greaterdandenonglibraries.com for more information.

TALKING FAITH IN DANDENONG T he Greater Dandenong Libraries will work in collaboration with the Dandenong Interfaith Network for the latest Talking Faith? Forum.

There will be a panel of speakers representing the Jewish community and other faiths, who will take questions and lead a discussion during the forum.

The forum will explore Judaism and will be held at Dandenong Library on Tuesday 17 May, at 7pm.

If you have questions you can submit them before the forum, via an information sheet that can be collected from the Springvale or Dandenong library.

Talking Faith? Forums aim to build interfaith bridges of trust, understanding and friendship through dialogue.

The session is free and open to all.

Visitgreaterdandenonglibraries.com for more information.

Simultaneous Storytime C

children took part in reading sessions across Australia.

Now in its 16th year National Simultaneous Storytime helps encourage children to enjoy reading.

This year the book I Got This Hat will be read at more than 3000 locations around Australia, including at Dandenong Library and Springvale Library at 11am on Wednesday 25 May.

Last year more than 500,000

Visit greaterdandenonglibraries.com

hildren across the country, including those at Dandenong and Springvale libraries, will share a special storytime this month.

12 the CITY

NO BUTTS ABOUT IT T

he City of Greater Dandenong would like to introduce you to #MSNOBUTTS.

She is here to help the community understand the impacts of cigarette butt litter on the waterways that lead to Dandenong Creek, Port Phillip Bay and beyond.

In an effort to educate residents about binning cigarettes, #MSNOBUTTS will be travelling around the municipality as part of Greater Dandenong’s Hotspots program.

This project was funded through the Victorian Government’s Litter Hotspots Program and aims to show that the

whole community can play a role in keeping our stormwater drains clean of butts.

If you see #MSNOBUTTS out and about take a photo and collect your free personal cigarette butt bin. Help boost #MSNOBUTTS ego by sharing her picture on social media and remember to hash tag her in your posts.

Fines for dropping cigarettes are high, but doing the right thing is free.

Together we can create a cleaner, greener Greater Dandenong for everyone to enjoy.

Compare energy costs and save

G

reater Dandenong residents can save money on power bills with the recent launch of an independent online comparison tool Victorian Energy Compare.

Launched by Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosia, the tool allows residents to find the best offers available in 10 minutes.

You can enter information from a recent bill or smart meter reading and some basic information about household energy usage to find the best deal.

The tool has access to every generally available deal for households in Victoria.

Reviews of the tool show that 90 per cent of users have found electricity offers that could save them money, with half of all users finding offers that could save them more than $700 per year on gas and electricity costs.

Figures show that the average Victorian household spends about $2800 on energy bills every year, which accounts for up to seven per cent of annual income for lower income households.

Visit www.vic.gov.au/ victorianenergycompare to compare, switch and save.

LIVING RIVERS IN GREATER DANDENONG E veryone is responsible for the health of our waterways.

Your house, school, factory, shop, work, street or laneway are all near drains that help stormwater flow out of our streets and into surrounding creeks. This is why we need everyone to do what they can to improve the stormwater quality coming from the Greater Dandenong community.

In partnership with Melbourne Water’s Living Rivers program, Council will be running a two year program working with the community in a variety of ways to help reduce litter and pollutants entering our stormwater drains.

One innovative way Council helps address stormwater pollution from Central Dandenong is throgh the construction of raingardens and tree pits, which have been integrated into the streetscape.

Although there are more than 100 of these throughout Greater Dandenong, there are still many ways that litter and other pollutants can enter our stormwater drains.

So remember that walking to a bin with your litter is harmless, while litter entering our waterways can harm both the environment and animal habitats.

It’s in your hands to do the right thing and protect our waterways.

IMMUNISATION TIMETABLE – May 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

2 May

5pm-6.30pm

Springvale Service for Children, 23-28 Lightwood Road, Springvale

4 May 10 May 12 May 17 May 18 May 25 May 28 May

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

McFees Road Maternal Child and Health Centre, 70A McFees Road, Dandenong North 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 Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong the CITY 13

business NEWS Pitcher Partners Executive Directors David Knowles, Ben Powers and Vicki Macdermid.

Kelly Lawyers, Manex, raraPR, Social Traders and Small Business Victoria) to deliver a comprehensive range of programs aimed at boosting the growth of the local small business sector.

Three sessions will be held this month, including: • Marketing/Growing Your Business presented by Pitcher Partners. Held on Tuesday 10 May, 10am-1.30pm at Dandenong Civic Centre. Take a close look at business and strategic planning. Cost $20.

Business workshops and seminars T

he City of Greater Dandenong has formed a partnership with neighbouring Kingston City Council to present a series of small business workshops and seminars for homebased, micro and small business in 2016.

The series, which runs until October, covers core business basics along

with the key focus areas of marketing, tenders, exporting, resources, online marketing and social media.

Council’s Economic Development Unit has teamed up with a diverse range of stakeholders (Australian Taxation Office, Dandenong Library, Industry Capability Network (ICN), Kingston City Council, Pitcher Partners, Macpherson and

• Winning Government Business/ Exporting presented by Small Business Victoria. Held on Tuesday 17 May, 6.30pm-9.30pm at Kingston City Council. Unravel complexities, highlight the differences between each level of government and explore how proposals are evaluated.

Cost $30.

• Start Up/Business Basics presented

by Macpherson and Kelley Lawyers.

Held on Thursday 26 May, 6pm7.30pm at Dandenong Civic Centre.

Learn more about the intellectual property (IP) process for concept developers, product producers and manufacturers. Cost $20.

Visit greaterdandenong.com/ businessevents for more information and bookings. gender equity. Visit www.whise.org.au for more information.

HEALTHY WOMEN make for a HEALTHY WORKPLACE A

ddressing women’s health issues in the workplace can help create a more industrious, healthy and happy workforce across the board.

Celebrity GP Dr Sally Cockburn (aka Dr Feelgood), will focus on women’s health issues at the next South East Business Network (SEBN) Showcasing Women Breakfast.

The event will be held on Thursday 2 June, and local businesses are encouraged to send male and female staff members to the special event, 14 the CITY

which will cover topics relevant to all.

As a television and radio presenter, and advocate for health policy and education, Dr Cockburn specialises in demystifying medicine.

According to WHISE, a regional women’s health service, the two priority areas for females are mental health, including the prevention of violence against women, and sexual and reproductive health.

The Dandenong-based service can partner with organisations to provide workplace training in areas such as

The Jean Hailes for Women’s Health organisation also provides workplace wellness programs to help women. The organisation recognises that mental health stress triggers are varied, and identifies bowel, bone, breast and heart health as important areas of focus for women. Visit www.jeanhailes.org.au to find out more.

The Healthy Together Victoria Achievement Program provides easy to use tools and templates to promote and improve health and wellbeing in workplaces. Visit www.healthytogether. vic.gov.au to find out more about their programs and benefits.

SEBN Showcasing Women Breakfast Thursday 2 June, 7am-9am Highways Tabaret, corner Princes Highway and Corrigan Road, Springvale Details: phone 8571 1576 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com/sebn

community NEWS

Calling all junior

s ccer players O

ne of Greater Dandenong’s oldest soccer clubs is on the lookout for younger players with the re-launch of its junior program.

Established in 1977, the Lyndale United Soccer Club is now boasting junior teams for its 2016 season and is keen to grow player numbers.

Club president John Whiteside said the club was looking forward to new era of growth.

“When I took over the presidency, we placed enormous importance on building the junior program again and started this again last year. After five years without any junior teams, we’re keen to grow this in coming years. We’ve also appointed new coach Tommy Balogh who has brought fresh faces and ideas to the club.”

Greater Dandenong Cr John Kelly said the relaunch of the junior program was a positive boost to both individuals and the community in Dandenong North.

“This is a terrific local club with a long history and I congratulate them for encouraging our young kids to be involved. A lot of young people in Greater Dandenong have gone on to achieve some of the highest levels in sport and Council encourages every opportunity for our local kids to play more sport.”

On the eve of its 40th anniversary the club’s senior and reserve teams are currently competing in State League 4 after taking out league success in 2010.

Currently looking for junior players of all ages (and coaches), the Lyndale United Soccer Club is located behind Lyndale High School in Halton Road, Dandenong North and the juniors’ training session is each Tuesday from 5.30pm.

For more information please contact: John Ventura 0408 554 586.

Cr John Kelly with new juniors at the Lyndale United Soccer Club.

Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch

N

eighbourhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention and community safety group working to improve your safety and security, and that of your homes, businesses and community.

The Neighbourhood Watch program is alive and well in Greater Dandenong, and in 2016 the group have a renewed focus on educating people on ways they can contribute to reducing risk and preventing crime from occurring in their neighbourhoods.

All residents of Greater Dandenong are welcome to come along to the group’s friendly, informal public forums and information nights The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 18 May at 7.30pm at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park.

The strength of Greater Dandenong’s Neighbourhood Watch lies in its members having strong local connections and a genuine interest in maintaining a safe community, said President Dawn Vernon.

Like herself, members live, socialise, shop, work or run businesses in Greater Dandenong and know what a great place it is, as well as how much can be achieved when people work together for a common good.

Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are an active bunch – you’ll find them out in the community running activities throughout the year.

If you’d like to get more involved, new volunteers are always welcome to help the group stay vibrant, active and involved in the local community.

For information contact President Dawn Vernon on 0407 325 030.

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

Ramzan Jafri, Remains (detail), 2015 26cm x 21cm, mixed media on wasli paper

The Politics of the Imagination Asad Ali Changezi, Ramzan Jafri, Rubaba Haider, J. Mones Curated by Barat Ali Batoor Thursday 5 May - Saturday 28 May An exhibition featuring works by Hazara artists based in Pakistan, Austria and Australia.

Creative Music Duo Agogo and Noriko Tadano Sunday 8 May, 2.30pm Enjoy traditional Brazilian music on guitar with Duo Agogo and then music by Noriko Tadano playing the shamisen. Tickets from $7.

Walker Street Gallery & Arts Centre Cnr Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong | Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-3pm 9706 8441 | greaterdandenong.com/arts