The City March 2018

THE

CITY

Greater Dandenong’s Monthly Magazine

MARCH 2018

Greening Greater Dandenong PAGE 3

Dandenong World Fare

Explore our parks

Responsible pet owners

►► PAGE 7

►► PAGE 8 & 9

►► PAGE 13

2

THE CITY

Customer Service Centres Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 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

Mayor ’s message Welcome to the March edition of The City.

As summer ends and autumn begins, our city really does start to shine.

If you are looking for a free, outdoor activity why not visit Greater Dandenong’s fantastic parks and reserves. Turn to pages 8 and 9 to see some of the highlights.

As you would have seen on the cover, we have some majestic and historically significant Moreton Bay fig trees in our Heritage Hill precinct. We also have more than 55,000 street trees across our city and you can read more about Council’s plans to keep our streets green on page 3.

Mayor Cr Youhorn Chea

Dandenong Market will once again host an event as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival this month. Taste the world on a plate at the Dandenong World Fare. Read more on page 7.

Fax: 8571 5196

For many people pets become a part of the family, and it is important that cats and dogs are registered with the Council, especially in the event of a pet going missing.

Turn to page 13 to read more about pet registration and why it is so important.

www.greaterdandenong.com

I thank you all for reading this magazine and hope you have a great month.

@greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong

My City

TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 relayservice.gov.au

While the inside of Springvale City Hall had a major revamp last year, the grounds outside are also looking great. Seasonal plantings will keep the garden beds in full bloom, giving the area a bright and colourful appearance. Picture: Hilton Stone.

TIS: 131 450 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 Australian Animal Protection Society.............................. 9798 8415 RSPCA....................................................... 9224 2222 Nurse on Call................................ 1300 606 024

www.greaterdandenong.com

Front Cover: Council’s Senior Arborist Cameron MacLeod with two of Greater Dandenong’s oldest trees. These Moreton Bay figs sit in front of Laurel Lodge in Dandenong’s Heritage Hill precinct.

Picture: Hilton Stone.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

News

Greening our city

THE CITY

3

Valuable assets Council has calculated the true value of Greater Dandenong’s trees to the community under an innovative program called iTree Eco. The program is used internationally by tree managers to measure the structure of tree populations and the environmental benefits, and helps make effective tree management decisions.

While Council has valued our 55,000 street trees at more than $182 million, we have also calculated that these trees save $122,800 each year in environmental benefits.

CO

Council’s Parks and Gardens team looks after our street trees.

The City of Greater Dandenong is proud of its green urban environment and wants to maintain a healthy, green and resilient city that continues to provide benefits to the community.

Council manages 55,000 street trees and a significant number of trees planted across our parks and reserves.

These trees form part of a rich urban forest that provides shade, beautifies our streetscape, reduces air pollution and creates habitat for wildlife.

Council has recently reviewed and updated its street tree strategy with a 10 year plan for managing our street trees, called Greening Our City: Urban Tree Strategy 2018–2028.

This sets out a series of actions to help increase the tree canopy cover across our city.

In 2016 data was collected for every street tree in Greater Dandenong and found: city is home to 55,276 street trees ► Together they are worth about $182 million ► They provide an environmental benefit of $122,800 each year

This figure includes air pollution removal, avoided stormwater runoff and 2 carbon sequestration (the removal of carbon REMOVE dioxide from the 11 TONNES atmosphere).

AIR POLLUTION

► There

are 240 different species

► 76

per cent of street trees are in good health.

The data also revealed that there were 10,249 identified vacant planting sites within our streets.

By 2028 Council wants to have planted trees at many of the vacant sites, and wants to increase the tree canopy from 9.9 per cent to 15 per cent.

An ongoing planting program will help Council achieve its Urban Tree Strategy vision. Objectives include: ► Filling

prioritised vacant tree sites

► Renew

► The

trees produce 1,361 tonnes of oxygen each year

► They

remove 11 tonnes of air pollution annually

PRODUCE 1,361 TONNES OXYGEN

► The

tree canopies and root systems help avoid 19,108 cubic metres of storm water runoff every year, which is equivalent to nine Olympic-sized swimming pools.

poor quality streetscapes

► Plant

shade trees in parks most in need

► Develop

significant avenues throughout the city.

Some unsuitable tree species have been identified and will be gradually transitioned out of the tree population.

► The

The Strategy will soon be available for public comment.

Visit greaterdandenong.com to have your say.

…these trees save $122,800 each year in environmental benefits www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Mayor You inducte horn Chea w ith Com e m Australi Colin Robinso n, at th unity Hall of F a Day A e Greate am wards. r Dande e nong

Councillor Contacts Lightwood Ward Cr Youhorn Chea – Mayor Ph/Fax: 9584 5149 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 0466 004 618 loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au

Cr Sean O’Reilly and Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams at the Australia Day Festival on 26 January.

Paperbark Ward Cr Roz Blades AM Ph/Fax: 9701 5821 0417 053 612 roz.blades@cgd.vic.gov.au

Paperbark Ward Cr Tim Dark 0466 403 914 tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au

Paperbark Ward Cr Heang Tak Ph: 9548 2340 0403 072 291 heang.tak@cgd.vic.gov.au

Red Gum Ward Cr Matthew Kirwan 0403 072 295 matthew.kirwan@cgd.vic.gov.au

Council Meetings

THU RSDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

TH URSDAY

Red Gum Ward Cr Angela Long MARCH Ph/Fax: 9795 6574 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au NOVEMBER

13

26

10

10

Red Gum Ward Cr Jim Memeti Ph/Fax: 9792 4683 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au

Silverleaf Ward Cr Zaynoun Melhem 0466 518 082 zaynoun.melhem@cgd.vic.gov.au

Silverleaf Ward Cr Maria Sampey Ph/Fax: 9790 1291 0438 800 027 maria.sampey@cgd.vic.gov.au

www.greaterdandenong.com

MARCH

MARCH

Council meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month, at 7pm.

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

The March meetings will be held: Tuesday 13 March (due to a public holiday on the Monday) Monday 26 March

MARCH

NOVEMBER

TU ESDAY

14 MARCH

The general public is always welcome to attend meetings, but 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 greaterdandenong.com/ councilmeetings

MON

27

MARC

THE CITY

Cr Roz Blades AM

► Paperbark Ward

February, but soon the train services will be running as normal, and commuters should see an improvement in traffic conditions across Noble Park.

Council will continue to monitor the traffic in and around the three crossing removal sites to determine how the traffic flows and if any other works are needed.

By the time you read this column the new, elevated Noble Park Train Station will be open. While I am writing this the State Government has announced the station will be operational by mid-February.

Following an intense period of works last year and early this year, the Level Crossing Removal project is getting closer to completion. Buses replaced trains frequently in January and

► Lightwood Ward I am looking forward to seeing the transformation of Springvale’s main thoroughfare this year as the Springvale Boulevard progresses.

This project will help create a signature boulevard, and stamp this suburb as one of Melbourne’s leading cultural destinations. And while all this is yet to happen, Springvale’s transformation began several years ago.

The 2014 removal of the Springvale Road level crossing was a $159 million project that really launched the changes we are seeing in Springvale. Last year the old council offices at 397-405 Springvale Road were demolished to make way for the new community precinct, with construction due to start this year.

The first stage of the Springvale Boulevard project is now in the final stages of design and work will commence later this year.

Many residents in Noble Park would be familiar with the wonderful community facilities at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre. Located at 18-34 Buckley Street, the centre is a hub of community activity.

Council has a customer service centre located there, a Maternal and Child Health Service, childcare and kindergarten services also operate out of the centre.

meet here on a regular basis, including the Country Women’s Association, Dandenong Sings Choir, a diabetes support group, Noble Park Chess Club, Springvale Christian Community Centre Soup Kitchen and the U3A, just to name a few.

The Noble Park Community Action Forum also meets here monthly, providing a forum for local residents to raise concerns and consider actions to improve our community. Keep an eye on the community calendar in this magazine for meeting dates each month.

If you would like to contact me about any local issues you can email me at roz.blades@ cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0417 053 612.

There is also a number of function rooms and meeting rooms available for the community to hire and many social, support and community groups

Cr Youhorn Chea Our Parks and Gardens team are working with the design team to choose trees and plants which will best fit in this space, while designers are looking at paving designs unique to Springvale that will help create beautiful areas for pedestrians.

The final designs for street furniture and lighting are also being considered in a bid to help make the area more welcoming during day and night.

When furniture and lighting designs are finalised they will be made available through Council’s website and local traders will be consulted before crews start work on transforming this space.

I am pleased to note that local residents, shoppers and traders have been well consulted throughout this process, and we will continue to keep everybody in the loop as we progress.

It is anticipated that the major works on Stage 1 will be completed in time for the busy Christmas shopping period, with minor works completed early in 2019.

You can contact me about any local issues via email at youhorn.chea@cgd.vic. gov.au or phone me on 0417 320 645.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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6

THE CITY

Working for You

She An exhibition of established and up-and-coming female artists will be on show at Walker Street Gallery this month to mark International Women’s Day. The annual She exhibition forms part of a long history of the City of Greater Dandenong recognising the talent and contribution of women in our community and across society in general.

Now in its 20th year, She will feature the work of six emerging female artists as they transition from art school to the art world.

Photographer Talia Carroll and digital artist Julia Burke recently graduated from RMIT. Yvonne Jemmeson, who works in print collage and sculpture studies at local art school Chisholm College of TAFE.

Two Monash Design graduates will also exhibit. Susan Pover makes sculptures that are a form of prosthesis, while Bertha Putri makes intricate, labour intensive large scale drawings influenced by Dutch motifs.

The sixth artist is painter Madeline Nibali who graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts. Madeline will also take part in the Dandenong Art Series at Dandenong Library, hosting a free painting workshop on Tuesday 13 March, from 6.30pm–8pm.

Well known artist Kate Rhode will help launch the exhibition and welcome the artists into the Australia art community at the exhibition opening on Thursday 1 March at 6.30pm.

The exhibition is at Walker Street Art Gallery until Friday 29 March. Visit greaterdandenong.com for more information.

Application for use of Council Halls for New Year’s Eve 2018

9. LATHAM CRESCENT SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE (capacity 70)

1. SPRINGVALE CITY HALL & SUPPER ROOM (Capacity 800)

The City of Greater Dandenong invites applications from interested organisations wishing to be considered for use of the above facilities on Monday 31 December 2018 (New Year’s Eve).

2. MENZIES HALL (capacity 300) 3. SPRINGVALE RESERVE (capacity 200) 4. TATTERSON PAVILION (capacity 200) 5. THE CASTLE (capacity 300) 6. JAN WILSON CENTRE (capacity 160) 7. SPRINGVALE SENIOR CITIZEN CENTRE (capacity 120) 8. DANDENONG NORTH SENIOR CITIZENS (capacity 140)

www.greaterdandenong.com

10. DANDENONG CENTRAL SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE (capacity 80)

Prospective applicants will need to provide Council with the following information: ► Times

of use and proposed function

► Procedure

for sale of tickets

► Organisation’s

location within the City of Greater Dandenong

► How

many of the organisation’s activities are held within the municipality

Sustainability Festival Now in its fifth year the Greater Dandenong Sustainability Festival will promote environmental sustainability in an entertaining way.

Learn how to do more with less, and see how being environmentally friendly can save you money and change your life.

T he festival will be held at Dandenong Market on Sunday 4 March, from 10am– 3pm. Visit greaterdandenong. com/sustainability for more information.

► Demonstrate

a direct benefit to the City of Greater Dandenong community

► Number

of members of the organisation who reside within the municipality

► Tendered

price for the hire fee.

For more information and application forms contact Civic and Community Facilities at epbookings@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone 8571 1000.

Applications will be accepted until Friday 27 April 2018 and should be addressed: Rebecca Jones – Civic and Community Facilities City of Greater Dandenong PO Box 200 DANDENONG VIC 3175

Community Calendar News

THE CITY

E R A F D L R O W G N DANDENO Experience Greater Dandenong’s delicious mix of cultures and Melbourne’s largest celebration of world street food at the Dandenong World Fare.

The annual event will be held at Dandenong Market and feature traditional and modern dishes representing all corners of the world.

More than 50 food trucks and stalls will take you on an exotic journey that will tantalise your tastebuds and awaken the senses. Indulge in the Market’s pick of Melbourne’s best multicultural foods.

The Dandenong World Fare will also dish up some fun entertainment, including live music, dancing, free face painting and free henna hand painting.

Join us for the Dandenong World Fare on Sunday 25 March from 10am–4pm.

Visit dandenongmarket.com.au for more information.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Greater Dandenong is known as a foodie’s paradise, so it’s only natural that local producers are involved in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

A Regional World’s Longest Lunch will be held this month alongside the Goulburn River in Acheron, and Greater Dandenong’s own Craft and Co, and Kaiju Beer will provide beverages for the event.

More than 100 guests will sample renowned chef Marian Rennie’s delicious menu. Other local businesses involved include From Granny, Rob’s British Butcher, A1 Bakery, Punjab Sweets, Uncles Smallgoods and Moondarra Cheese.

Visit melbournefoodandwine. com.au for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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8

THE CITY

Explore Greater Dandenong’s parks and reserves

Alex Wilkie Rese

rve

The City of Greater Dandenong has many beautiful parks and reserves just waiting to be discovered.

Whether you want to walk your dog, have a picnic, play sport, enjoy the diverse flora, or just take a relaxing stroll, there is a park to meet your every need.

Natural beauty: Fotheringham Reserve runs along the bike path and Yarraman Creek in Alexander Avenue, Dandenong. It is one of our largest areas of remnant bushland and has two natural billabongs. If you visit take time to look up into the trees and see if you can spot the nesting boxes that have been installed for possums, owls, bats, parrots and kookaburras.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Wild blooms: Coomoora Flora and Fauna Woodland Reserve, in Serpentine Road, Keysborough, is part of the sandbelt and showcases open Eucalyptus woodland and seasonal wildflowers and orchids.

Wetland wonder: Falkiner Reserve, in Falkiner Crescent, Dandenong North, runs along the bike path and has wetlands full of birds and frogs. It is also home to an endangered Plains Grassy Wetland plant community.

Mindful meander: National Drive Reserve, on National Drive, Dandenong South, is a large area with open Eucalyptus woodland and wetlands and is a place where you can forget you are in bustling Dandenong. There is extensive birdlife and open space, and many local workers use this reserve in their lunch breaks to wander and enjoy nature.

Travel the countryside: Roth Hetherington Botanic Gardens, in Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough, is a unique park which allows visitors to see flora from all states of Australia.

Established in the 1970s, the grounds were recently revamped by a group of Asylum Seekers volunteering their time to learn new skills.

Blast from the past: The Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, in Mackay Street, Springvale South, is one of the last remaining examples of how this area looked before European settlement. This park is closed during winter, but regular open days on Fridays and every third Sunday allow visitors to take rangerguided bushwalks. There is a barbecue, picnic tables, shelters and public toilets.

Community Calendar

Pirate playground Keysborough Something for everyone: Another park that is on a bike path, Tirhatuan Park, on Kriegel Way, Dandenong North, is a beautiful open space catering for all users. Pack a picnic, cook a barbecue, fly a kite, use the playground, or walk your dog off-leash. This 20 hectare park also includes a wetland and a boardwalk.

Off-leash dog parks: Greater Dandenong is home to 14 off-leash areas. Some are fenced, but all require owners to be in control of their dogs.

Off-leash areas are at: ► Fotheringham

Reserve, Dalimore Court, Dandenong ► Greaves Reserve, 18 Bennet Street, Dandenong ► Robert Booth Reserve, 117 Clow Street, Dandenong ► Tirhatuan Park, Outlook Drive, Dandenong North

► Lois

Twohig Reserve, McFees Road, Dandenong North ► Barry J. Powell Reserve, Halton Road, Noble Park North ► Birkley Reserve, Birkley Court, Noble Park North ► Spring Valley Reserve, Clarke Road, Springvale ► Springvale Reserve, Newcomen Road, Springvale ► Warner Reserve, Flynn and Short streets, Springvale ► Fabian Reserve, Fabian Court, Keysborough ► Frederick Wachter Reserve, Bloomfield Road, Keysborough ► Tatterson Park, 62 Chapel Road, Keysborough ► Roth Hetherington Botanic Gardens, Kingsclere Avenue, Keysborough

THE CITY

Playground fun: The fort like wooden playground at Burden Park, sheltered picnic areas and large open spaces, make this a great place to bring the family. On the corner of Heatherton and Springvale roads, Springvale, this park has a strong community history and is named after George Burden who was a City of Springvale councillor for 34 years.

Hidden Gem: This pirate playground, off Somerfield Drive (near the corner of Newbury Street) in Keysborough is a super fun park for families. Gather your pirates and landlubbers alike, pack a picnic and enjoy the barbecue facilities for a fun day out.

…see if you can spot the nesting boxes that have been installed for possums, owls, bats, parrots and kookaburras.

…extensive birdlife and open space

Tatterson Park Wetlands

www.greaterdandenong.com

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10

THE CITY

Community Calendar

Event Calendar / March 2018 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

1

► High

Tea Elegance Exhibition Talk Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 2pm–3pm Ph: 8571 1666

March

► She

Exhibition launch Walker Street Gallery, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong 6.30pm

5

► Library

Tech Assist Dandenong Library 10am–12pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Combined

Probus Club of Noble Park Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park 10am Ph: 9546 2346

6

► Little

Craft for Little Hands (2–4 years) Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10.30am–11.30am Ph: 8571 1666

7

► Baby

Bounce Dandenong Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

8

► Conversation

Circle – Beginner Dandenong Library 6pm–7.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Heritage

Hill Precinct and Garden Tours 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10.30am–12.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

12 13 14 15 LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY ► Combined

Probus Club of Sandown Club Noble, Moodemere Street, Noble Park, 10am Ph: 9791 6807

► Dandenong

and District Diabetic Support Group Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 9546 2346

► Social

► Council

► Noble

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

Knitwork Dandenong Library 10.30am (every Wednesday) Ph: 1300 630 920 Park Community Action Forum Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 7pm Ph: 9701 5821

► Ballroom

Dancing Keysborough Senior Citizen’s Hall, 352 Cheltenham Road 8pm–11pm (every Thursday) Ph: 0428 549 995

► Country

Women’s Association Exhibition Talk Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 2pm–3pm Ph: 8571 1666

19 20 21 22 ► Peer 2 Peer Homework Club Dandenong Library 4pm–6pm (every Monday) Ph: 1300 630 920

► Little

Craft for Little Hands Heritage Hill 10.30am–11.30am Ph: 8571 1666

► Conversation

Circle – Advanced Dandenong Library 6pm–7.30pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Gambling

Forum Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 6pm–7.30pm Ph: 8571 1000

► Learning

Help for Adults Dandenong Library 2pm–5pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Life

Drawing Heritage Hill 6.30pm–8.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

26 27 28 29 ► Council

Meeting Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street 7pm

www.greaterdandenong.com

► Learning

Help for Adults Dandenong Library 1pm–3pm Ph: 1300 630 920

► Keysborough

St Andrews Daylight Masonic Lodge Meeting South Eastern Masonic Centre, corner Greens and Perry roads, Keysborough 10am Ph: 0488 782 392

► Library

Storytime Springvale and Dandenong Libraries 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

Community Calendar

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2

► Baby

Bounce Springvale Library 10.30am Ph: 1300 630 920

► Creative

Class – Contemporary Ink Illustration Workshop Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 1pm–4pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Sunset

Cinema – Moana (PG) Harmony Square, Dandenong 7pm

Contact:

SUNDAY

3

THE CITY

4

► Clean

Up Australia Day Cleanupaustraliaday.org.au Ph: 1800 282 329 Dandenong Sustainability Festival Dandenong Market 10am–3pm

City of Greater Dandenong Ph: 8571 1000

► Greater

Drum Theatre Ph: 8571 1666 Dandenong Library Ph: 1300 630 920

9

► Open

Art Studio for adults Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 10.30am–12.30pm

10

► Family

Fun at the Library Springvale Library 11am Ph: 1300 630 920

11

► Springvale

Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm Ph: 0438 303 939

► Sunset

Cinema – Red Dog True Blue (PG) Harmony Square, Dandenong 7pm

16

17

► Sunset

► Creative

► Celtic

Cinema – The Goonies (PG) Harmony Square, Dandenong 7pm

Class – Vertical Gardens Heritage Hill, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong 2pm–4pm Ph: 8571 1666

► Sunset

Cinema – The King King: A Fistful of Quarters (PG) Harmony Square, Dandenong 9pm

► L anguage

Playgroup for Families Seeking Asylum Dandenong Library 11am (every Friday) Ph: 1300 630 920

24

► Art

Club for Children Heritage Hill 10.30am–12pm Ph: 8571 1666

18 Illusion Drum Theatre 7.30pm Ph: 8571 1666

Paddy O’Donoghue Centre Ph: 8571 1436 Springvale Library Ph: 1300 630 920

25 Rotary Sunday Market Springvale Railway Station 8am–2pm Ph: 0438 303 939

Cinema – The BFG (PG) Harmony Square, Dandenong 7pm

30

► Springvale

► Sunset

GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Jan Wilson Community Centre Ph: 9795 9279

Springers Leisure Centre Ph: 9701 5900

23

Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Ph: 9793 4511

World Fare Dandenong Market 10am–4pm

Walker Street Gallery Ph: 9706 8441 Dandenong Market Ph: 9701 3850

► Dandenong

31

Cultural Tours Ph: 8571 1666

Send your event listings to news@cgd.vic.gov.au List your community event online at greaterdandenong.com/ eventlistings

www.greaterdandenong.com

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12

THE CITY

Mayor Youhorn Chea tries out the new furniture at Multicultural Place in Springvale.

…escape the hustle and bustle

The City of Greater Dandenong recognises the importance of playgroups in supporting the community and was recently named the 2017 Playgroup Agency of the Year.

What’s new at Multicultural Place New furniture and even a free library have been installed at Springvale’s Multicultural Place to encourage visitors to stay longer.

Multicultural Place, found between Buckingham Avenue and the Number 8 Car Park at Balmoral Avenue, is one of Springvale’s busiest public spaces.

Under Council’s Placemaking Program, some simple, bright and funky furniture has been set up in the space, giving shoppers a chance to take some time out and escape the hustle and bustle of Springvale. Trees in pots and umbrellas provide shade and make the space more welcoming.

If you’re looking to entertain the young ones, there are some interactive features including a small pop-up library. The Free Little Library contains pre-loved books and visitors are encouraged to take a book, return a book or donate a book to share with the community.

Holiday program Council’s Youth and Family Services run popular holiday programs each school break with a list of fun activities.

Activities cost from $5-$25 and include visits to Gumbuya World, paintball, Clip ‘n Climb, Trees Adventure, Gravity Zone and mini golf.

There will also be a hip hop and breakdancing workshop, a skate workshop at the Noble Park Skate Park, a soccer tournament and an urban dance competition at Dandenong Market.

Join us for some holiday fun by registering for these activities.

For more information visit youth.greaterdandenong.com or phone 9793 2155.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Playgroups are more than fun and games

The award, presented by Playgroup Victoria, recognises the hard work of Council’s Supported and Community Playgroup Program.

The program supports vulnerable and disadvantaged community members through an integrated referral program that connects families with local community, education and health resources.

The Playgroups team receives referrals from many local bodies, and assists newly arrived families and parents from culturally diverse backgrounds to access playgroups.

Playgroups provide an opportunity for families with children ages 0-5 years a chance to meet, play and learn while socialising in a fun, friendly environment.

There are two main types of playgroups which operate in the City of Greater Dandenong. ► Community

by parents

playgroups are run

► Supported

playgroups are facilitated by an early years’ worker, but parents can become involved in the process.

Families across Australia will celebrate the importance of playgroups and the people who run them during National Playgroup Week from 25 March to 1 April.

Visit greaterdandenong. com/playgroups for more information or phone a Playgroup Development Officer on 8571 1826.

Community Calendar

THE CITY

Under the law all cats and dogs aged over three months must be registered with Council

Register to reunite with lost pets One of the most important roles of a Council Ranger is to reunite lost pets with their owners. This is why it is so important to register your pets and keep your details up to date.

If Council has a current address, mobile phone number and even an email address on file, Rangers have a much better chance of getting your pet home as quickly as possible.

Pet registration fees help deliver Council’s Animal Management Services, which include the investigation of complaints (almost 2000 each year), the patrolling of parks and reserves, as well as the inspection of domestic animal businesses and properties housing declared dangerous and restricted breed dogs.

A small State Government levy is also collected via each registration to fund responsible pet ownership education programs across Victoria.

Under the law all cats and dogs aged over three months must be registered with Council. Pet registrations must be renewed by 9 April each year, and penalties can apply for owners who do not meet this deadline.

HOW MANY PETS CAN I HAVE? There are some rules and regulations that Council sets to help pet owners be responsible and give animals the best chance at a long, safe and healthy life.

Did you know there is a limit on the number of dogs and cats you can

own on a residential property that is less than half a hectare in size? The maximum number of dogs allowed without a permit is two, and the maximum number of cats allowed without a permit is two.

To apply for a permit you need consent of adjoining neighbours. A fee also applies. Visit greaterdandenong.com/ animals for more information.

FAST FACTS ► 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)

► Registration

tags must be worn on the pet’s collar at all times

► Cats

and dogs that are desexed receive discounted registration fees.

Immunisation Timetable – March 2018 Date

Time

Location

Monday 5 March

4pm–6.30pm

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

Tuesday 13 March

10am–11.30am Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18–34 Buckley Street, Noble Park

Wednesday 14 March 4pm–6.30pm

Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (enter via Harmony Square)

Monday 19 March

1pm–1.45pm

Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North (BJ Powell Reserve)

Monday 19 March

4.30pm–6pm

Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

Saturday 24 March

10am–11.45am Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (enter via Harmony Square)

Wednesday 28 March 10am–12pm

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

www.greaterdandenong.com

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THE CITY

Business News

…an energetic and positive identity…

Street art at the Market Renowned street artist Scottie ‘Bonsai’ Neoh has created a grand artwork as part of Dandenong Market’s ambitious new street art program.

The ‘Rising Phoenix’ sits 8m high and 14m wide on the prominent external Bazaar wall facing Cleeland Street, and represents the resilience, strong work ethic and tenacity of the Dandenong Market community.

The bright mural has already had a huge impact on crowds at the market and gives a modern look to the 150-year-old market.

www.greaterdandenong.com

Small business support The City of Greater Dandenong’s Economic Development Unit is focussed on helping small businesses thrive.

The street art program aims to install up to 15 modern large scale artworks at the Market over the next two years.

Dandenong Market’s General Manager Jennifer Hibbs said the program will enhance the streetscape and market interior, and contribute to Greater Dandenong’s already vibrant arts scene.

“As one of the largest retail and tourism hubs in Melbourne’s south east, Dandenong Market aims to continue its positioning as a vibrant and modern attraction, with a long and proud history,” Ms Hibbs said.

Scottie ‘Bonsai’ Neoh said he hoped the artwork would create an energetic and positive identity for the public space.

“The powerful and elegant phoenix embodies regeneration and power – a positive and powerful symbol of tenacity and resilience.”

Every year the unit runs free or low cost events and workshops to support small business owners.

March events include: ► The

Business of Food Expo on Monday 5 March

► How

to drive your digital marketing further on Wednesday 7 March

► Reinvent,

Refresh, Realign – tools to take your business to the next level on Thursday 22 March

Future workshops include Tax Essentials for Small Business, Facebook for your Business and How to Employ the Right People.

Visit greaterdandenong. com/businessevents or phone 8571 1550 for bookings and more information.

Community Community Calendar News

THE CITY

Top ballers grace Dandenong courts CLEAN UP YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Keep Greater Dandenong beautiful by joining the nation’s biggest clean up event this month.

There are many local clean-up sites registered as part of the Clean Up Australia Day campaign, which will be held across the nation on Sunday 4 March.

Local sites include: ► Springvale

Cambodian Community, 52 Queens Ave, Springvale, from 8.30am– 1.30pm

► Springvale

McDonalds, corner Springvale and Heatherton roads, from 9am–5pm

► Parkmore

Shopping Centre McDonalds, 317 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough, from 9am–5pm

Top ranked basketballers will be on show in Dandenong from this month when the SEABL season launches.

The South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) is Australia’s pre-eminent semiprofessional basketball league. Featuring teams from NSW, Tasmania, ACT and Victoria, our own Dandenong Rangers field teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The season kicks off on Friday 6 April, with the Rangers Women hosting their first home game on Sunday 8 April against a team from the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, based out of the Australian Institute of Sport in ACT. The 15-round season will culminate in finals playoffs in August.

Visit dandenongstadium.com. au to see the full fixture and buy tickets.

► WJ

Turner Reserve, Jacksons Road, Noble Park North, from 11.30am–3.15pm

► Dandenong

McDonalds, 97–99 Cheltenham Road, from 9am–5pm

► Robert

Booth Reserve, Falkiner Crescent, Dandenong, from 9am–11.45am To join a clean-up visit cleanupaustraliaday.org.au and find your nearest location to register.

www.greaterdandenong.com

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Corner Clow and Cleeland Streets. dandenongmarket.com.au